10 Can’t Miss Events in the Atlanta Area

One of the main perks of living in Atlanta is you’ll never run out of fun things to do.

There are literally hundreds of great events to choose from in the Atlanta area each year, and many are located just a short drive or public transportation ride away from our Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Marietta apartments.

The Best Events Near Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Marietta

Picking between the city’s must-do events can be a challenge, especially if you are new to the area.
Here are 10 events you should try to hit each year.

1. Atlanta United Soccer – March – September

Coming off its successful inaugural MLS season, Atlanta United soccer matches remain the hot ticket in town. The team plays in the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta – just a short MARTA ride away from our 1660 Peachtree and 3833 Peachtree locations – and can draw up to 72,000 fans for its games. The season runs from March through September.

2. Dogwood Festival – April

The Dogwood Festival is an annual Spring tradition that all Atlantans must experience at least once. The art festival has been held for more than 80 years and features something for every taste. It happens every year in April in Piedmont Park.

3. Taste of Marietta – April

Located about 15 miles north of downtown Atlanta and just a short drive from the Parkside at Town Center apartments, the Taste of Marietta festival is one of the suburban city’s most popular events. Happening in late April in Marietta Square, this event is the perfect opportunity to sample some of the Atlanta area’s best restaurants without spending an arm and a leg for dinner.

4. Shaky Knees/Shaky Beats – May

The Shaky Knees and Shaky Beats music festivals are held on consecutive weekends in early May in Atlanta’s Central Park – just a few miles from 1660 Peachtree. The Shaky Knees festival features an eclectic mix of rock, pop, and hip hop, while the Shaky Beats festival caters to electronic and EDM fans.

5. Peachtree Road Race – July

Atlanta’s largest 4th of July event has nothing to do with fireworks. Each year, roughly 60,000 runners pound the pavement during the Peachtree Road Race. The 10K-course runs from Buckhead’s Lenox Mall – just up the road from our Brookhaven apartments – to Piedmont Park in Midtown. Both the start and finish lines are conveniently located near MARTA stations, so they are easily accessible to residents at 1660 Peachtree and 3833 Peachtree.

6. Centennial Olympic Park 4th of July Celebration – July

After the race, head to the largest Independence Day fireworks celebration in the Southeast at downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. The park was originally designed for the 1996 Summer Olympics and is located close to MARTA and major highways, making it an easy destination to celebrate our nation’s independence.

7. Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival – August

The South is known for great BBQ, and the Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival in Kennesaw is a great place to sample some of the best pulled pork, ribs, and brisket from across the region. The festival is a professionally sanctioned contest and Georgia State Championship event, so you’ll have the opportunity to sample food from local favorites and independent teams from across the country. The festival is held in August in Kennesaw’s Adams Park.

8. Music Midtown – September

Another weekend music festival that’s become one of the most popular concert events in the Southeast, Music Midtown is held every September in Piedmont Park. The exact dates and lineup for this year’s event have not yet been announced, but artists such as Bruno Mars, Blink 182, Eminem, and Beck have headlined the show.

9. North Georgia Fair – September

The Georgia State Fair is held in Perry – about 100 miles south of Atlanta – so most Atlantans opt to attend the North Georgia State Fair in Marietta. The fair is held in late September at the Jim R. Miller park, which is an easy drive for residents of 1660 Peachtree, 3833 Peachtree, and the Parkside at Town Center. The event includes rides, animals, and some of the best fair food in the area.

10. Peach Drop – New Year’s Eve

New York may get all of the New Year’s Eve attention with its ball drop in Times Square, but Atlanta rings in the new year with a uniquely southern tradition. The Peach Drop attracts nearly 100,000 revelers into downtown Atlanta each year. The celebration features fun, games, music from Atlanta artists, and the dropping of a giant peach at midnight. The event is now held at the city’s Woodruff Park after moving from Underground Atlanta in 2017.

Don’t Miss the Best Events Atlanta Has to Offer

Put yourself in the center of all of the excitement. Our Atlanta apartments in Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Marietta make it easy for you to enjoy everything in your city.

The Best Shopping Hot Spots in the Atlanta Area

It’s easy to spend money in Atlanta. From hip neighborhoods to downtown shopping centers, Georgia’s capital city has something for all shopping tastes (and budgets).

Shop Till You Drop in These Popular Locations
Each neighborhood in the Atlanta area has its own unique shopping centers. We’ve highlighted the locations you need to hit up in Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Marietta, and Kennesaw.

1. Downtown Atlanta Shopping
Atlanta has some of the best shopping in the Southeast. From its Midtown boutiques to chic neighborhoods on the city’s eastside, you’ll be able to find whatever you’re looking for.

Check out these unique Atlanta shopping locations:

Ponce City Market – Located in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood just a few miles from 1660 Peachtree and 3833 Peachtree, Ponce City Market was built in the renovated site of the Sears, Roebuck & Company building and features popular shops like J. Crew, Anthropologie, and Lululemon.

Atlantic Station – One of the first true outdoor shopping malls in the Atlanta area, Atlantic Station remains a popular destination for shoppers around the region. The center features your typical mall stores like Old Navy, Gap, and H&M and is conveniently located right off the highway, making it easily accessible from all of our Atlanta-area apartments.

2. Buckhead Shopping
If you’re looking for more upscale shopping options, Buckhead is your answer. This posh neighborhood features the chain stores you’d expect in populated areas, plus a few high-end malls.

Consider maxing out your credit card and window shopping at these locations:

Lenox Square Mall – Featured in movies, TV shows, and rap songs, Lenox Square Mall is at the heart of Buckhead’s shopping scene. Be sure to visit Louis Vuitton, FENDI, and Burberry for your designer needs.

Phipps Plaza – Located right across the street from Lenox Square Mall, Phipps Plaza features additional designer shops, such as Gucci, Prada, Tiffany & Co., and Valentino.

The Shops Buckhead Atlanta – This six-block shopping center features more than 60 designer stores, including Dior, Warby Parker, and Jimmy Choo.

3. Brookhaven Shopping
Located just up the road from Buckhead, Brookhaven features more chain and big-box stores than its upscale neighbor.

Spend an afternoon at this popular shopping location:

Town Brookhaven – An urban mixed-use complex right in the heart of Brookhaven, Town Brookhaven features an eclectic blend of shops and restaurants. This shopping center is located about a mile away from our 3833 Peachtree apartments and just a short MARTA ride away from 1660 Peachtree.

4. Marietta Shopping
Not all of the best shopping in Atlanta is located in the city. The suburbs also have a number of unique locations for your buying needs.

Hit up these suburb shopping locations:

Marietta Square – Historic Marietta Square has a mix of restaurant and boutique shops. Be sure to visit Eddie’s Trick Shop, which features costumes and magic tricks, and is rumored to be haunted.

The Avenues at West Cobb – Located just a few miles west of Marietta Square, you’ll find the Avenues at West Cobb, an outdoor shopping mall which includes everything from boutique clothing stores to chains, such as Banana Republic and Fab’rik.

5. Kennesaw Shopping
Just north of Marietta, you’ll find the small city of Kennesaw. This community has a small, quiet downtown, but larger shopping areas within a few miles.

Try these unique locations for your shopping needs:

Wildman’s Civil War Surplus – Part general store, part southern heritage museum, this controversial store has been a fixture in downtown Kennesaw for decades. You’ll likely do a few double-takes at some of the items inside.

Whole Foods Market – You might not think of Whole Foods as a shopping destination, but the Kennesaw location is less than a year old and is only about a half-mile from the Parkside at Town Center apartments. Get your health fix at the Northwestern suburb’s only Whole Foods location.

The Cure for Your Shopping Bug
The great thing about the shopping centers in Atlanta is that most of them are easily accessible by major highways or public transportation. If shopping is your thing (and we’re not here to judge), simply consider your fashion tastes to find the neighborhood that meets your shopping needs.

8 Atlanta Restaurants You Absolutely Need to Try

Atlanta is a foodie’s paradise. Over the past decade, celebrity and local chefs have developed new culinary favorites all over the metro area, with many of the best in Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Marietta.

Satisfy Your Stomach at These Atlanta Food Favorites
Let’s face it, even with the luxurious kitchens at 1660 Peachtree, 3833 Peachtree, and Parkside at Town Center, you’re not going to eat in every night.

Here are eight restaurants you need to try around the Atlanta area.

1. Gunshow
Any list of Atlanta restaurants needs to start with Gunshow. Former Top Chef contestant Kevin Gillespie’s restaurant combines Brazilian- and Chinese-style dining into a fun and unique culinary experience. Tables can be tough to get, so make your reservations early. Gunshow is just a short drive from our Buckhead and Brookhaven apartment locations. The menu changes nightly, so be prepared to improvise if the dish you’ve been eying online isn’t available.

2. The Optimist
Another staple of the Atlanta food scene, The Optimist is known for its selection of fine and fresh seafood. Located in the West Midtown area, this is the place to go if you want to see and be seen on a weekend night. You might even spot a celebrity at the restaurant’s famous oyster bar.

3. Bone’s
Buckhead has its share of great steakhouses, but Bone’s stands above the rest. The meat is some of the best you’ll find in the city, and the restaurant has a unique Rat Pack vibe. You can’t go wrong with the Filet, but if you want something a bit larger, try the 24-oz. Porterhouse.

4. Aria
Another one of the Buckhead’s most well-known restaurants and right around the block from Bone’s, you’ll find Aria. This Atlanta hot spot has won a number of awards for its service and food. The menu changes with the season and is updated every night. Consider the six-course tasting menu in order to sample the most dishes.

5. Mary Mac’s Tea Room
You haven’t lived in Atlanta until you’ve dined at Mary Mac’s Tea Room. This local favorite has been around for 70 years and has been recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives as Atlanta’s Dining Room. Here you’ll find traditional Southern homestyle fare like fried okra, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken served in a no-frills atmosphere.

6. Spring
Not all of the Atlanta’s best restaurants are located in the city. Just a few miles from Parkside at Town Center in Marietta Square, you’ll find Spring. The restaurant supports local and sustainable farms, so the menu here is constantly changing based on what’s in season. Spring was recently honored by Bon Appetit magazine as one of the best new restaurants in America. If you go, be sure to try the fresh sourdough bread and chicken liver pâté.

7. Taqueria Tsunami
Also in Marietta Square, you’ll find Taqueria Tsunami, a restaurant serving a unique fusion of Latin and Asian favorites. The dining room fills up quickly at this local hot spot, so go early. You can’t go wrong with the Asian Nachos and Shrimp Tempura Tacos.

8. Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria
Tucked away in a Kennesaw grocery store shopping center, you’ll find Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria. Famous for its massive portions (an extra-large pizza is 30 inches), this neighborhood favorite is just a short drive from Parkside at Town Center. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Big Pie’s famous Carnivore Challenge, which was featured on Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food.”

Is Your Mouth Watering Yet?
With all these great dining spots just a short distance away, you’ll never run out of options when looking for a place to eat out in Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Marietta, or Kennesaw.

5 Places to Enjoy the Nightlife in Atlanta

Atlanta has a thriving nightlife scene that rivals any major city in the U.S. Whether it’s bars, nightclubs, restaurants, or whatever your taste, you’ll find it among the city’s diverse and eclectic neighborhoods.

Time to Paint the Town Red
Where are the best places in the city to go and be seen? Here are five hot spots we suggest for anyone from Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Marietta, and Kennesaw.

1. Ponce City Market
A great place to bring a date, Ponce City Market in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood has become one of the most popular hangouts since it opened just a few years ago.

Mainly a food hall with some boutique restaurants, it’s a great place to grab dinner and a drink. But once the sun goes down, head up to Skyline Park on the roof for a boardwalk-style setup including games, food, mini golf, drinks, and a slide. And just like the name suggests, you’ll see why this is one of the best places to view the Atlanta skyline.

2. Krog Street Market
Travel about a mile down the BeltLine trail from Ponce City Market, and you’ll find Krog Street Market. This food hall is located in the trendy and hip Inman Park neighborhood and can be your one-stop-shop for dinner and drinks in the city. If you get tired of the crowds, you’re just a few blocks away from more bars and restaurants in the center of Inman Park.

A word to the wise: It can get crowded, and parking can be a challenge. If it’s a nice evening, consider walking from the MARTA station about a mile away.

3. SkyLounge
Perched on top of the sophisticated Glenn Hotel in downtown Atlanta, you’ll find the SkyLounge, which was voted as one of the top 25 rooftop bars in America. This bar is a great place to take in the views and enjoy premium cocktails. Since it’s located right downtown, it’s fairly easy to get to from all of our Atlanta-area apartments.

4. Havana Club
Popular with a younger and wilder crowd, Buckhead has a thriving bar and club scene. Havana Club is one of the city’s most popular nightspots. Complete with VIP areas, exclusive DJ’s, and weekly themed events, Havana Club is the perfect Atlanta location to dance the night away.

5. Marietta Square
If the downtown scene isn’t your thing, consider Marietta Square. About 15 miles north of Atlanta, you’ll find a bustling few blocks of friendly restaurants and trendy bars. One of the more popular locations is Two Birds Taphouse, which features a lengthy list of local craft beers on tap.

The Night Is What You Make It
Ultimately, when searching for the ideal nightspot for your evening out on the town, you’re going to want to find a place that’s fun, entertaining, and safe. Fortunately, you have plenty of options in Atlanta.

5 Great Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Around Atlanta

Atlanta is the perfect city for people who love outdoor activities. The city’s climate means you’ll find mild winters, warm summers, and perfect weather in the spring and fall – ideal for someone who likes to get out and explore all 12 months of the year.

Get Out and Enjoy the City

The high number of available outdoor activities means you can literally walk out your door and find something to do. But if you’re new to the area or just need a few suggestions on popular outdoor options, we’ve got you covered.

Here are five outdoor activities around the Atlanta for you and your family.

1. Explore the BeltLine
One of the newest and most popular outdoor activities in Atlanta has to be the city’s BeltLine trail. Only the eastside and westside portions of the trail has been completed, but when the project is finished, the BeltLine will provide a continuous loop around downtown Atlanta.

The trails feature unique artwork and small green spaces along their paths, creating the perfect atmosphere for a bike ride, run, or casual stroll. In addition, chic and trendy shops and restaurants have begun opening along the trail route. The eastside portion of the BeltLine is just a few miles from 3833 Peachtree and 1660 Peachtree.

2. Stroll Through Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta has dozens of city parks, but its most famous and largest is Piedmont Park in Midtown – just a short drive or MARTA Ride from our Buckhead and Brookhaven locations. Piedmont Park is the perfect place for a picnic, intramural sport, or taking in one of Atlanta’s numerous festivals.

Located inside the park, you’ll also find the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Here you can tour rows of beautiful gardens and flowers. The Botanical Garden also offers art programs and events for children. Its Garden Lights, Holiday Nights display in December is also a must-see.

3. Hike Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Just a short drive from Parkside at Town Center, you’ll find Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The historic site played a major role in the Atlanta Campaign during the civil war, and you can tour some of the important battlefields.

The park features a number of trails, including a moderately difficult two-mile path that will take you to the top of Kennesaw Mountain. From the top, you’ll get a great view of North Georgia and the Atlanta skyline. See if you can spot your home from there!

4. Tubing on the Chattahoochee
During the hot and humid summer months, the perfect way to spend a weekend day is by riding a tube down the cool water of the Chattahoochee River – “shooting the hooch” as it’s known by locals.

A number of rafting companies organize kayak, canoe, and tubing trips. Depending on the tour you select, you might enter the river in different locations, but all of the points are an easy drive from Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Marietta.

5. Hit the Links
While not on the same level as Arizona or Florida, Georgia is known for its high-quality golf courses.

From city courses located just a few minutes from 1660 Peachtree and 3833 Peachtree, to more upscale neighborhood courses near Parkside at Town Center, you’ll never run out of options for places to improve your handicap or learn how the play the game.

And as an added bonus, the region’s mild climate means you can play pretty much year-round.

What are You Waiting For?

Of course, we couldn’t name all of the great outdoor activities in Atlanta – the list would be way too long.

So, after you try the five things on this list, which are all conveniently located within a short drive of our Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Marietta, and Kennesaw locations, keep exploring. You’ll be surprised at what you might find.

7 Museums to Visit in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta is one of the most sophisticated cities in the South. From historic landmarks to some of the world’s premiere exhibits, you and your family will have plentiful choices if you’re looking for a cultural activity.

Get Your Learn on at These Atlanta Museums
Each of Atlanta’s museums offers something different, and there is enough variety in the city to find a museum for every cultural taste.

Here are seven museums worth visiting in the Atlanta area.

1. High Museum of Art
Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is one of the biggest and best art museums in the Southeast. The museum has a number of permanent exhibits, plus partners with some of the world’s most famous art museums to share paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces.

The museum is just a few blocks away from 1660 Peachtree and is located right off public transportation and major highways.

2. Center for Puppetry Arts
Just up the road from the High Museum of Art, you’ll find the Center for Puppetry Arts. This museum includes puppets from various eras and cultures. Visit during the holidays and you can experience the museum’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer exhibit, featuring a showing of the movie and opportunity to make your own puppet.

3. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
History fans will love the Fembank Museum of Natural History. This museum features dinosaurs, cultural artifacts, and an interactive outdoor exhibit. Plus, it has an IMAX theater which plays documentaries and nature films.

While not located near a subway station or major highway, it’s still worth the drive to the museum in the upscale Druid Hills neighborhood to explore the natural wonders of our world.

4. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Located downtown, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is one of the more popular museums for kids in early elementary school or younger. The museum has exhibits focused on teaching children about their surroundings, tools, food, science, and more. The majority of the exhibits are interactive, so children have fun while learning.

5. Tellus Science Museum
Technically not located in Atlanta, but just a short drive from Marietta and Kennesaw, the Tellus Science Museum is another location that’s popular with families and school trips. The museum has exhibits that include dinosaur bones, fossils, gems, minerals, and solar power.

This museum is located in Cartersville, so it’s about an hour’s drive from 1660 Peachtree and 3833 Peachtree.

6. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Follow the footsteps of one of the country’s most famous civil rights activists at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. The site includes a number of attractions, including the King Center, his childhood home, and Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

7. Center for Civil and Human Rights
Another museum dedicated to civil rights, the Center for Civil and Human Rights includes exhibits about the American civil rights movement, as well as human rights movements around the world. The museum is located in downtown Atlanta, so it’s convenient via highway and public transportation for people living in all of our apartment locations.

Convenience and Culture
If you are the type of person that craves culture, you’ll find it nearby our Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Marietta, and Kennesaw apartment locations. While the majority of these museums are in the city, they are all easily accessible, making them perfect options for a sophisticated day out on the town.

6 Ways to Spend a Family Fun Day in Atlanta

One of the main draws of a new city – or a new location in a city where you’ve been living – is the accessibility to fun activities.

Sure, you can find bars in most neighborhoods for some adult fun, but what about those activities for the whole family?
Bring Your Family to These Atlanta Favorites

As more people move to the Atlanta area, they quickly discover the well-known, local hot spots to bring the kids.

Here are six places you can bring your family for a day of fun near our Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Marietta, and Kennesaw apartments.

1. Georgia Aquarium
Usually on the top of most lists of fun family activities in Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere, containing over 10 million gallons of water.
Don’t miss the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which features more than 80 marine species, such as whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
The Georgia Aquarium is conveniently located within walking distance of MARTA so it’s easily accessible to renters at 1660 Peachtree and 3833 Peachtree.

2. World of Coca-Cola
Right next door to the Aquarium, you’ll find the World of Coca-Cola. This interactive museum displays the Atlanta-based soda company’s history, including a glimpse at the vault that holds the top-secret soda recipe.
Kids will love the tasting area, where you can sample Coca-Cola products from around the world, many of which are not sold in the U.S.

3. The Escape Game
For the problem solving family that seeks an adrenaline filled adventure, we highly recommend The Escape Game. If you’ve never experienced an escape room challenge, you’re in for a treat. The goal is to navigate and solve a series of puzzles and riddles in 60 minutes or less. If you’re successful, you’ll escape and gain the greatest of bragging rights. If you aren’t able to make it to the end, you’ll be trapped inside forever! Each room has its own immersive theme, so be sure to pick the right room for your family. We highly recommend Gold Rush, but The Playground seems perfect for young adults and is next on our list to try.

4. National Football Hall of Fame
The sports fans in the family will love the College Fottball Hall of Fame. Located just around the block from CNN, this attraction features jerseys and equipment from some of the game’s most famous moments. Kids will also have the chance to show off their football skills, like kicking an extra point and running through an obstacle course. One of the Hall of Fame’s most famous rooms is the Quad, which features helmets from more than 760 schools lining a three-story wall.

5. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Just up the road from our Brookhaven apartments and a short MARTA ride from 1660 Peachtree, you’ll find Buckhead’s LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
The interactive Atlanta favorite features a dozen hands-on exhibits where children can build and learn using Legos. This attraction is also located inside the posh Phipps Plaza mall, so parents will also have the opportunity explore and shop after their children play.

6. Zoo Atlanta
Located right off the highway in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood, you’ll find Zoo Atlanta. The zoo features a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, reptiles, monkeys, and many more. In addition, Zoo Atlanta is one of only four zoos in the U.S. currently housing giant pandas.
The zoo also features a children’s area with a petting zoo, carousel, playground, and train. Once everyone gets tired of seeing the animals, you can explore or picnic in nearby Grant Park.

Endless Family Fun in Atlanta
The majority of things to do with the family in Atlanta are located right in the downtown area, making it very convenient to hit multiple attractions on the same day. The city even sells a CityPASS, granting admission to a handful of locations at discounted rates.