Everyday explorations in Atlanta: cultural capital of the South

Unlike most cities, Atlanta’s claim to fame doesn’t just fall under one category. The city, in all of its glory, is known for a plethora of things including delicious food, substantial history and – though unknown to many – uncharted territory waiting to be uncovered by visitors. From museums filled with culture to wondrous walkways, adventure awaits you in Atlanta.

Palpable palates

For most who travel to Atlanta, one of the initial draws is usually the amazing food found throughout the city. Home to soothing southern comfort foods such as fried chicken and cornbread, there are many delicious morsels to try.

From the homegrown tastings of Q Time to the more contemporary Mission + Market, you won’t leave Atlanta feeling hungry. Other restaurants with a southern approach to dining include Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Tom, Dick & Hank, Richards’ Southern Fried and Le Petit Marche.

Although everything about the cuisine in Atlanta screams culture, there are plenty of restaurants that will take your tastebuds on a flavorful journey. For Jamaican cuisine, try Mangos Caribbean Restaurant, while those who want a true taste of Cuba can stop by Papi’s Cuban Grill and experience some of the best traditional meals on this side of the Mason-Dixon.

To really expand your palate, stop by the Dekalb Farmers Market and stroll the large isles of drinks, snacks, spices, meats, and more. The 140,000-square-foot space serves over 100,000 customers each week and hosts 184 flags from countries that proudly hang from the ceiling. Not able to purchase anything to bring back home? Stop by the deli or cafe to eat a meal right there and experience the culture.

Show-stopping street art

No matter where you are, nothing beats amazing scenery; and in Atlanta, the scenery is enhanced by show-stopping street art and gracious graffiti.

Although you can pretty much walk the streets at any given time and see the work of many talented artists that may never be named, there are certain areas of the city that are more notable than others. Krog Street Tunnel – a tunnel that links the neighboring areas of Cabbagetown and Inman Park – is one of those places. Featuring vibrant colors, indigenous imagination and plenty of photographic opportunities, Krog Street Tunnel is an art lovers’ dream. Additionally, areas like Little Five Points, Peters Street, Edgewood and The Beltline offer up artistic scenes, too.

Captivating culture

It’s no secret that Atlanta is known as a purveyor of culture. From the music that it birthed to the dope style exuded by its eccentric inhabitants, Atlanta is truly an influential city at its core. There are more than enough opportunities to unearth the culture that stems from within the city's radius.

Though opened just last year, the Trap Music Museum — which is the brainchild of rapper and actor Clifford “T.I.” Harris — has become one of Atlanta’s hottest attractions. It delivers many points of interest from the musical culture that has so dominantly affected the way music has been created over the last decade. It also pulls inspiration from the real Atlanta (the non-gentrified areas) and gives visitors a chance to experience the less sparkly version of what Atlanta embodies.

The Center for Civil and Human Rights is another place that delivers rich history and connects the past with the present in one melting pot of information. From interactive exhibits to powerful stories of courage and breakthrough, this memorial provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover more about a city that is overflowing with antiquity.

Likewise, the Atlanta History Center is filled with everything you need to know about the city. Discover in depth information about the Civil War, view and learn about exotic plants, see a myriad of Olympic Gold Medals, and more while perusing the 33 acres of information.

Hideaway hikings

No matter what brings you to Atlanta, you’ll leave knowing that the adventures at your disposal extend beyond cultural and culinary. While mountainous trails like those at Stone Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain are usually the first place travelers wander off to, you don’t have to go far to enjoy the great outdoors.

The BeltLine, which previously served as a railway corridor around Atlanta, consists of six trails that will span 33 miles once completed. The sixth trail, known as the interim trails, are unpaved but are gems in their own right, especially for those looking for rough terrain. The remaining five trails – the Eastside, Westside, Northside, Southwest, and West End Trails – promote a pedestrian-friendly environment enabling joggers, walkers and bikers to explore the city in a wondrous outdoor realm.

Read more

Everyday explorations in Los Angeles: city of ceaseless dreams
Everyday explorations in Boston: city of innovation
Everyday explorations in Brooklyn: New York City’s trendsetter
Everyday explorations in Manhattan: New York’s resonant heartbeat

Produced by Lonely Planet for Ford Motor Company. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.