There are hip to-do guides for city locals and there are traditional travel guides for tourists, but what if you and your family want to experience a little bit of both? Our “Two Days, Two Ways” series will give you a little taste of the day in the life of a tourist AND a local.

 

 

Hi! My name is Courtney (@mrscourtneycooper). I’m a mama to two little ones, Bailey, 6, and Maxwell, 20 months. I’ve lived in Atlanta, GA for 14 years. I moved here with my family when I was in high school! I love that GA has to offer city life and the country life all within an hours drive! We get to experience seasons and it’s just so beautiful in the fall time! I’ve listed my top favorite places to eat and see with my family and I hope you enjoy my tour around our city!

 

DAY ONE: LIKE A TOURIST

 

BREAKFAST AT GENERAL MUIR

This place has the best breakfast and brunch. General Muir is a modern American restaurant inspired by classic New York Jewish deli. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and offers an espresso bar serving locally-roasted Batdorf & Bronson coffee as well as a full bar of wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails.

 

 VISIT TO ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN

We love that this attraction has a huge children’s garden to play in! This is the best place to get some fresh air. Depending on the day or month you are visiting, there are different activities like storybook time or a children’s rid-on train. Find a calendar for family activities here.

 

LUNCH AT FOX BROTHERS BBQ

Okay –  if you come to Atlanta, this is a MUST! Hello fried ribs  it can be a little packed at times but man- it’s worth the wait!

 

SWEET TREAT AT JENI’S ICE CREAMS

 

ADVENTURING AT MARIETTA SQUARE

There is tons of exploring to do, coffee, donuts, and a playground for the kids. This is my favorite place to come when I need to get out of the house with the kids! We also ice skate here at the outdoor skating rink every winter!

 

DINNER AT ANTICO’S PIZZA

 This place is BYOD (bring your own drinks) and all seating is family style- not to mention they have the best pizzas in town!

 

DAY 2: LIKE A LOCAL

BREAKFAST AT BREAD AND BUTTERFLY

This place has a great brunch and cute photo ops!

 

A VISIT TO SOUTHERN BELLE FARMS 

This is the perfect place for berry picking in the spring, peach picking and farm animals in the summer, and pumpkin patches in the fall! The also make the best homemade peach and strawberry ice cream 

 

LUNCH AT SHAKE SHACK

I know Shake Shack isn’t only available in Atlanta, but Shake Shack is an easy go-to for families. It’s causal, laid back, and has great burgers and milkshakes!

 

AFTERNOON AT SWEET WATER PARK

This is hands down Bailey’s favorite place. Hiking, swimming in the creek, and tons of history here! Sweetwater Creek State Park has a wooded trail trail that leads to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War.  You can also have park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year.

 

PICK-ME-UP AT CAFE ITERMEZZO

The white hot chocolate – “OMG”

 

DINNER AT BARTACO

 I’ve tried all the Mexican places around!  I love that this has roomy booths as well as patio seating!

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OTHER NOTABLE FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Fern Bank Museum

Ponce City Market

Eliijay Apple Orchards

North Ga State Fair