Atlanta

March 25-28, 2019 + February 7, 2020

TL;DR: Two trips to Atlanta, both for concerts. Muse is what drew us the first time (to say Hilary is a big fan is an understatement), and the Eagles were the second (Craig was the big fan this time). We could have stayed much longer both times to soak in more of the city. It’s easy to get around, has great restaurants, church bars, and wonderful people.

The sights

Muse

It feels like we have an especially insightful take on this, since Hil has been to at least six or seven Muse concerts. This one did not disappoint, complete with insane lasers and larger-than-life props. The only thing we wanted was more volume, if you can believe it. But 10/10 would see again.

The Beltline

The Beltline was created as part of a master’s thesis by a Georgia Tech student (thank you, Mr. Ryan Gravel), and though we only got to enjoy a few of its 22 miles, it was pretty great. It connects all sorts of neighborhoods and grants walkers, cyclists, and scootists (?) instant access to lovely things, like badminton courts, bottles of rose, rooftop bars, and pimento cheese balls.

The Eagles

Craig is a huge fan of the Eagles, and Hil got him tickets to their show in Atlanta. We tagged along since its on the way to Cashiers and ended up getting tickets last minute. It was incredible. Every song a hit. And they played for 4 hours! All the original members of the band were there except for Glenn Frey, but his son was playing in his place and he was so wonderful.

Details, details, details

Luisa’s Church bar is a fantastically decorated bar that is somehow both divey and expansive. Plenty to look at should you need an icebreaker.

La Fonda is very near West Egg (see Roadfood) and a great little spot to sit outside and enjoy a margarita or two.

Shout out to Erica for her Blind Willie’s recommendation (hi Spike!), a fantastic spot for live music and freshly-fried chips.

Amalfi Pizza in Atlanta is a nice spot for pizza before a concert at State Farm. They have fresh burrata and ricotta-stuffed crust.

Most of The Eagles fans were astounded that Bri and I were there. One even asked how we knew about The Eagles… Uh. Because they’re legends?

Woke up to huge, fluffy snowflakes the morning after the Eagles concert.

And then this happened…

Hil is likely one of Muse’s biggest fans, and dresses accordingly. Jess joined the party, but they were surprisingly two of the most unique outfits we saw.

Now we know

Muse knows how to put on a show.

There aren’t a ton of late-night food spots in Atlanta.

Church bars are excellent.

Seeing a city by scooter is also excellent.

Road food

Bon Ton is the place to go for a Louisiana-meets-Vietnam menu that includes everything from frozen Vietnamese Irish coffee with Jameson to five-spice shrimp.

Don’t call the $4 sandwiches at Victory sliders. They’re so much more, served in a gorgeous open-air spot with magical popcorn & ramen, fresh salads & spiked soda.