INN & OUT: ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Host of the 1988 Olympic games and so many lost bags on Delta flights…
here are the places I recommend after several visits.
HOTELS:
Belyard Hotel: I don’t work for Marriott in any capacity, but I choose them because of their many types of options in different cities. I you like earning Marriott Bonvoy points, this Tribute Portfolio is def on the nicer end. It has a rooftop terrace with pretty views, a solid bar crew and stock, fine rooms and its own cafe. For context, I’ve stayed at an Autograph Collection in town that was mostly garbage and won’t even include it in this blog.
RESTAURANTS:
The Optimist: Got this recommendation from a friend when staying downtown. He told me ‘I’ve never had anything there that wasn’t great.’ When I told him I’m not the biggest seafood lover… he repeated, ‘I’ve never had anything there that wasn’t great.’ LOL, I had the cheeseburger and it was truly GREAT. Sold cocktails, staff and vibes with an oyster bar ‘shucked’ full of options!
Tip: After dinner, walk around the block to After Eight, a small cocktail bar connected to a sushi restaurant.
‘The Wilde’ was one of most unique mezcal & absinth cocktails I’ve ever had. That’s saying a lot.
Marcel: Just the area ‘Westside Provisions District’ where you’ll find Marcel is COOL. I’d hang here. Inside the dimly lit and well designed European styled steakhouse you’ll find all the classics, but I insist you order the Pommes Aligot if you like your mashed potatoes cheesy (yum). Steaks & cocktails were solid… wine list was strong!
ACTIVITIES:
Little Five Points: Familiar with Brooklyn, NY? Wynwood, Miami? 12 South, Nashville? Very hipster, it has some of the best vintage shopping I know! Check out Rag-O-Rama, Outpost Goods, Drug Store, A List Vintage and Vintage Mama as I found gems from things like a WW2 parachuters jacket, 1986 Mets Bomber and a full outfit’s haul. Yacht Club (dive bar) and Rainy Day Revival were also a vibe… as was the whole area and its murals.
Ponce City Market: Retail, restaurants and residences… this converted 1920’s era Sears Building is just cool. Rest assured you will find something unique aside from its history as it dons many local coffee and merchants alongside Atlanta’s infamous Beltline.
Goergia State Capitol: The rotunda does allow for some pretty cool photos and selfies.
Cheers, gents!
By, Brian McAleer
CEO & Co-Founder
Gent Life
