Atlanta

slyeabby
Mar 14, 2025
2 min read

Before this trip, I couldn't have said I'd spent any significant time in or really known anything about Georgia. I'm happy to say that's not the case anymore. After my week in Boone, Monster and I hit the road for the suburbs of Atlanta, my first Georgia stop.

The best part was that I got to experience Atlanta with someone who grew up there-- Emma. She and her family made me feel right at home for the few days we spent there, but they also encouraged experiencing ATL as a tourist. I was sure to see the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the Beltline & Stone Mountain in addition to more niche family favorites.

I'll be the first to admit it-- I didn't even want to go to the aquarium. They've never really been my thing and I tend to get a little seasick in those water tunnels for some real reason. Emma said it was a must-see... and I'm so happy she did because wow. Whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, beluga whales, manta rays. I felt like a little kid. It was so cool. And I barely even got sea sick. If anyone is heading to Atlanta anytime soon, I'll now be the first to recommend it.

All of the food I had there was delicious... including Emma's parent's home cooking. H er dad grilled some damn good chicken for the Alabama basketball game and her mom's curry on our last night was great. One of my favorite restaurants was Dim Sum at Canton House which was something I'd never tried before. The staff walked around the dining area with rolling trays of small plates and you ordered by simply pointing at what you wanted to try as they passed by.

Honorable mention: Ponce City Market. It reminded me of Milwaukee's Public Market (a favorite spot back home).

Also, the hiking was great. We ended up hiking nearby along the Chattahoochee River instead of journeying farther north (our original plan). Back home, that would mean the difference between a "real hike" and a walk. But I'd say our river hike was actually just that, complete with a few good climbs and some wildlife sightings. Stone Mountain was cool, too. Aside from the confederate monument on one side, it was a hard, scramble-like climb to a rewarding lookout at the city.

In general, I was really impressed by Atlanta. The driving was a bit overwhelming at times, but I'd happily go back and explore more of the city, especially if Emma was by my side again.