As summer finally comes to an end and fall officially begins, we’re all excited about the cooler weather that’s on the way. It’s time to emerge from our air conditioned havens and start kickin’ it with Mother Nature once again, and what better way to spend a day outside than on the Atlanta Beltline?! We’ve mapped out how to spend an ideal day, making sure to hit all the local favorites along the way.
There’s always something cool happening along the Atlanta Beltline, like the annual Lantern Parade! Image: Atlanta Beltline/Christopher T. Martin
Step 1: Visit Ponce City Market.
First things first as you start your day on the Beltline: Guzzle that caffeine. We recommend beginning your day at Dancing Goats Coffee at Ponce City Market (PCM) to get that extra spike of energy. Grab a cup of Joe and head to one of PCM’s newest spots on the roof, Skyline Park. Guaranteed to get your blood pumping, the 1.7-acre park includes miniature golf, food and drink options, a dunking booth, steeplechase game, giant slide and more. After all the fun, head inside and take a look around. There are plenty of stores to browse like Citizen Supply, Mountain High Outfitters and Anthropologie. On your way out to the trail, make sure to stop by King of Pops — the weather might grow cooler, but it’s always the perfect time for popsicle cocktails!
Ponce City Market has great food and shopping — and the Atlanta Beltline literally runs right through the place if you want to make a quick detour during your jog.
Step 2: Rent/ride a bike.
With so much ground to cover, why not rent a bike and make the trip a little smoother? Head somewhere like Atlanta Bicycle Barn, where you can rent a bike and travel easily along the Beltline. Or, if you’re a weekend cyclist, why not bring your own? Now that transportation’s covered, here’s what we’ll see along the way: neverending murals and sculptures! The same way the trees and flowers change with the seasons, so does the artwork along the Atlanta Beltline. Every year local and national artists are commissioned to install temporary works along the trail, encouraging creativity and exploration. Enjoy the view and see if you can find all the pieces hidden along the way!
Besides all the wonderful public art to see along the Beltline, Mother Nature paints a great picture herself.
Step 3: Join the festivities.
Any given weekend there’s bound to be some sort of fun along the trail. From bar crawls to fun runs, there’s always something to do. We suggest joining in on the upcoming Wine Stroll on September 24, a mile-long walk and wine tasting along the Eastside Trail stopping at some of Atlanta’s best restaurants and retail spots along the way. Can’t make it? Things are always happening, so check out the Beltline’s calendar and join in on weekly outdoor yoga sessions, sunset hikes and even skateboard lessons!
Besides all the scheduled festivals and events that happen on the Beltline, there are little impromptu happenings that just pop up, like this piano jam session that started on the Eastside Trail under Freedom Parkway Bridge. Image: Atlanta Beltline
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Step 4: Hit up the shops at Krog Street Market.
After you’ve made it down the trail, stop by Krog Street Market and do some much needed shopping at lots of great Atlanta boutiques. Head to The Merchant for a last-minute housewarming gift or something for your own home (or both). Grab a few hard-to-find craft beers from Hop City while you unwind after a long day of exploring. Restock your candy supply and stop by XOCOLATL for its vegan and gluten-free small-batch chocolate. Whatever you need, or don’t need, Krog Street Market is sure to have something that catches your eye.
The secret to a great day is chocolate. And good friends. (But really chocolate.)
Step 5: Finish up with dinner and dessert.
Once you’ve made your trek down the Beltline, it’s time to make the tough choice of where to refuel so you can make it home. With so many options, it can be hard, so here’s a short run down: Superica is Tex-Mex heaven guaranteed to have your taste buds singing, while Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall has a killer outdoor patio and backyard-style eats to match. The Cockentrice can satisfy your meat and cheese needs with its renowned charcuterie boards, and next door neighbor The Luminary wows with its raw bar and French-inspired dishes. Make sure to go to Jake’s Ice Cream to finish the day — it’s an Atlanta Beltline landmark that’s been around for more than 10 years.
When visiting Superica, make sure to order the fajitas (or anything else on the menu since it’s all delicious).
Who’s ready for a meaty plate of meat at The Cockentrice?!
There’s plenty to see and do (and eat!) along the Atlanta Beltline these days, so keep your eyes open and appetites ready because who knows what will pop up next!
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