Atlanta is a Really Fun City – Earth Shiners Travel Guide
Written by: Rashawn Merchant
Landing in Atlanta in the middle of a Friday afternoon gave me the freedom of spontaneity. Fortunately, its airport — the busiest in the world — is located less than 30 minutes from the heart of downtown.
Whilst grounding myself and thinking of ways to enjoy southern culture, my first thought was food. Therefore, it was an easy decision to head to Tassili’s Raw Reality Café located in the West End neighborhood. I was made aware of this local eatery, as it has gained notable attention and received a special feature on Google Maps. The South of the Border kale wrap was delicious and enough to hold me over until the evening.
Downtown Atlanta
Rashawn Khamari Merchant / Earth Shiners
Afterward, I wanted to go sightseeing. One thing that stands out in Atlanta is its growing skyline. Atlanta was always known for its central location in the Southeastern United States; however, post-COVID, it became a popular destination for young professionals. The tech and entertainment industry is booming, and the city’s glistening new buildings are a reflection of this growth, visible from multiple vantage points.
At the center of the city’s growing economy is its strong educational foundation. I visited the 44th and 3rd Bookseller, which is ideally situated across the street from the Atlanta University Center (AUC). The AUC comprises Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. These three campuses have a rich history and are home to beautiful red-brick walking paths and enlightened college students.
Since it’s fall, I wanted to take advantage of the breezy evening air and visit the Fernbank Science Center Observatory. Along the way, I traveled through the Druid Hills neighborhood, where large older homes displayed signs of intentional upkeep and renovation. Upon arrival at Fernbank, it was too early for the observatory to open, so I scouted the main exhibition hall to tour. It was a treat because the science center has an outdoor garden and an feature on space exploration. Furthermore, on Fridays, Fernbank is open until 10pm, so an influx of adult friends and couples came to enjoy the planetarium show.
View of Saturn and its Moons
Rashawn Khamari Merchant / Earth Shiners
When the time arrived, I went to the rooftop deck, where a team of scientists and volunteers was using a computer system to set the telescope’s direction. I was amazed when a few minutes later, I was staring at Saturn’s beautiful rings on full display. I’ve never seen something so far away look so stunning. I spoke with the staff for a while before heading to the hotel. On the way, since I wasn’t hungry for real food, I stepped into Perimeter Mall for a dessert. You’ll always find a tasty treat in the city.
I then checked into my hotel, which in Atlanta I’ve always considered inexpensive compared to hotels in other major U.S. cities.
The next day, I had a comforting breakfast at Flying Biscuit Café. Even though I was only visiting for three days, I brought my laptop with me to get some work done. I headed downtown to the Auburn Avenue Research Library in Fulton County. I appreciated the ease of access and the staff’s courtesy, as they offered for me to watch the new movie ‘Sinners’ that was playing in their performance theatre. If I had time, I would’ve, but I wanted to keep traveling.
The sun was bright, so I went for a walk on Atlanta’s famous Beltline. I parked my car at Ponce City Market and headed in the direction of Piedmont Park. On the Beltline, I heard many international languages as visitors from all over partook in the cultural hub. There are many local and large-chain stores and restaurants along the trail, so if you are hungry or want to shop, there is an option for everyone. Another appeal of the Beltline is the development of the neighborhood parallel to the path. Condos and luxury townhomes get built in abundance as neighborhood aesthetics grow. I sat in Piedmont Park’s meadow before returning to Ponce City Market for ice cream. An interesting fact is that Ponce City Market and many of the adjacent buildings along the Beltline were once industrial sites where Atlanta’s railroads serviced the diverse industries. It is definitely a sign that cities across the world could benefit from efforts toward sustainable development. I ended the day with my homies at Papadeaux Seafood Restaurant and slept peacefully.
On my final day in Atlanta, I woke at a modest time for brunch in the Kirkwood neighborhood. I met my friends at Le Petite Marché. At this quaint Afro-French-inspired restaurant, the French toast is a must-have and pairs well with their popular Apple Pie Matcha drink. The restaurant was very accommodating, and all customers had smiles on their faces.
To end my trip, I wanted to pay homage to the city’s greatest historical figure, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What’s fascinating about MLK is that there is little to say about his legacy. I state little because his achievements exist on full display throughout the cityscape. Whether at the International Chapel at Morehouse College or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Dr. King’s advocacy for nonviolence will stand the test of time. In Atlanta, you can visit the MLK National Historic Park, and I encourage all to walk the trail from Ebenezer Baptist Church, Freedom Hall, and to Dr. King’s Birth Home.
View from Jackson Street Bridge
Rashawn Khamari Merchant / Earth Shiners
In a city as deeply rooted as Atlanta, there is no shortage of activities. You will certainly want to plan a trip.
