Sippin Gypsy Quick Tips for Playin': Atlanta

Cheers Sippin Gypsy Team Gin! This post comes to you while enjoying my Gin Sorbet Sparkler flavored with peach sorbet inspired the Old Forth Distillery Gin and the beautiful state of Georgia! Check out all my tips about Atlanta HERE.
Atlanta is a diverse city that exudes a passion for her people through so many facets.   Sports fans flock to Atlanta, some of musics greatest artists grew up out of Atlanta.  Appreciation of the arts is evident on almost every street corner.  Atlanta is packed of amazing things to do and try.
A lot of what Atlanta offers may require transportation other than your two feet.  Be prepared with the Park Mobile APP if you're going to drive around yourself.  This great APP allows you to pay from your phone at most of the parking lots and spaces through Atlanta and notifies you via text when your time is almost up so you can add more time without leaving your adventure.
When packing for Atlanta, be prepared for temperature swings.  Layering options are ideal since the weather can change quickly.  Atlanta also offers swanky and posh activities... bring at least one option to dress to impress just in case.

1. Atlanta Belt Line
​Atlanta has taken the beautiful parks, charming neighborhoods and talented street artists and pulled the community together with a beltway that connects the city.  Give yourself time to get out and walk the belt line and enjoy seeing the eclectic variety between the neighborhoods.  Atlanta is an evolving showroom for Street Art.  Talented artists with a passionate platform have used the concrete walls as a canvas to transform the city.   Check out my Quick Tips for Sippin' and enjoy a bite or cocktail along your trek!

2. 18.21 Bitters Tasting at Ponce City Market
Take your cocktails to the next level with bitters and syrups from the 18.21 family.  Their store is also their production kitchen and you can try a variety of combinations to take home to play!  While you're already at Ponce City Market, stay and sip a while.  There are a variety of great restaurants and shops and this one of the places in Atlanta you can 'sip and stroll'.

3.  Centennial Olympic Park
​Atlanta was home to Olympics in 1996.  This park has become a pulsing community center to downtown Atlanta and her surrounding neighborhoods.  This can easily be a full afternoon between lounging on the grass with a picnic lunch,  giving the kids time to play in fountains and riding Sky View Atlanta (especially at sunset!)  Check out the site linked above for live music and other festivals the park may be hosting while you're in town!

4. Georgia Aquarium
I love this Aquarium.  They have carefully plotted out thoughtful exhibits that make you feel like you've stepped into the depths of the oceans or experiencing the marshes of the south.  There are animal encounters for a separate price.  My bucket list is to dive with a whale shark!

5. College Football Hall of Fame
To traveling sport fans, this is a popular exhibit to celebrate the young talent that has shaped the future of football.  Ideal for kids or as a date this is a great way to dodge the raindrops or take a break from the southern sun and enjoy a journey through some of College Footballs greatest moments.

6. Local Farmers Markets
I know I also referenced this in my Quick Tips for Sippin' but I am a huge fan of supporting local when traveling to any town.  If your visit to Atlanta has you available over the weekends, various neighborhoods host different markets.  These are local farmers and vendors with quality crafts and goods to take home and enjoy.  I plan out which neighborhood I want to spend the morning in, and plan on breakfast from the Market to start my day.  The 365 Atlanta Page was really helpful when planing my visits to take advantage to what was going on in different communities adjacent to downtown Atlanta.

​7. Stone Mountain Park
While I strongly suggested taking time of some of the parks you'll encounter along the Atlanta Belt Line trek, Stone Mountain Park is out of the city but a full day experience all on its own.  Hiking, ropes courses and other activities make this a great getaway solo or with the family.  I would plan on venturing to Stone Mountain on one of the nicest weather days of your stay.  Atlanta can get very muggy in the summer and quite bitter in the winter.

8. Sun Dial Restaurant
I know I referenced the Sun Dial Restaurant atop the Westin Hotel in my Quick Tips for Sippin, however this really offers a stunning view of the city and is something to plan to do even if not for dinner.  Have a glass of wine or a cocktail to toast in the evening and watch the city come alive at night from 72 floors above the city.  This would also be a great spot to enjoy while dressed up before seeing a show or performance while downtown.

9. Catch a show or concert
Atlanta loves to support her performing arts.  There are so many theaters that offer a cornucopia of options during your visit to Atlanta.  Popular musicals and shows come through the Cobb Energy Center  but no trip to Atlanta would be complete without enjoying something at the iconic Fox Theater. Just a reminder there are several festivals and concerts held in the parks through out Atlanta too, check out the agenda on Atlanta.net for more information during your travel.