I wrote a post about being left alone in Atlanta not too long ago when MrsMJ was on a business trip. In that, I touched on a lot of things to sample around town, but barely scratched the surface of things to do in and around Atlanta. However, as a busy business traveler, you are not likely to have the time to sample everything. So here are three of my favorite things in Atlanta, in no particular order, and all within walking distance, reasonable taxi/Uber, or a short train ride from the major downtown hotels.

The Sundial (210 Peachtree St NE) – Perched atop The Westin Peachtree Plaza, I usually skip the restaurant and head to the 73rd floor lounge. This is a good spot for relaxing after work, or enjoying some casual cocktail conversation. What makes this better than any other bar? The view. Notice I said it’s on the 73rd floor. And the floor rotates – one full revolution every 35 minutes or so.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room (224 Ponce de Leon Ave NE) – What can I say? As a child of the south, who had a grandmother that knew how to fry chicken and cook turnips, Mary Mac’s is worth a stop. The pictures on the wall are very telling. You’ll recognize many of the faces, and I can only imagine what kind of political deals have been cut here. If you’ve never had real southern cooking, Mary Mac’s should be high on your list of places to visit.

Downtown Decatur (Decatur, GA) – Decatur is a close-in suburb of Atlanta with a character all its own. Easily accessible via Marta Rail, the downtown area is packed with restaurants, neighborhood bars, and character. Walkability is second to none, and while I’m no foodie, your average person will be quite pleased with the restaurants and pubs around. My personal favorites – Sapori di Napoli (314 Church St). These folks are the real deal, complete with pizza oven straight from Naples. Best pizza I’ve had in the southeast. Parker’s on Ponce (116 E. Ponce de Leon Ave). Decatur’s first non-chain steakhouse. Steak = good. Twain’s (211 E. Trinity). Great beer. Great burgers. Enough said.

Of course, there are other things to do on your next business or personal trip to Atlanta, but these three are at the top of my list. What would you add? Here’s my honorable mention if you’re here on the right days…. Sweetwater Beer Tasting.

Coming soon – Three of my favorite things in Raleigh, North Carolina.

MJ, September 14, 2013