WHERE TO STAY IN ATLANTA

If you are interested in where to stay in Atlanta, you may also be interested in where to stay in Savannah  and where to stay in New Orleans.

Midtown, the best area to stay in Atlanta

Developed in the 1870’s as a street car suburb; what was once just an additional residential space is now known as one of the thriving hearts of the city. Your first steps in your Mid Town walk should be along the, “Midtown Art Walking Tour”. Beginning at the famous Margaret Mitchell house on Peach Tree and then taking many historic twists and turns and wind up ending the walk at the Athlete’s Monument on 19th street which was Commissioned by Prince Charles of the United Kingdom during the 1996 Olympics that were held in Atlanta.

After being worn out on this trail, you may want to take a load off. For that we recommend the, “Gaslight Inn Bed and Breakfast”, this classy establishment built in 1913 has been showcased on CNN, The Discovery Channel, and various Travel shows, as well as an honorable mention on Jeopardy.

The Inn features many luxurious amenities such as a fireplace, a double whirl pool tub and a private garden. This hotel is within walking distance of all of the attractions in the shopping front of Virginia Higland. A very trendy and popular place to shop; Virginia Highland, a subsection of Midtown that derives its name from the intersection of Virginia and Highland Avenue is lined with shops, restaurants and all the night life you could ever ask for.

After you have had your fill of Virginia Highland head back to Peach Tree Street to check out some great music. On 728 West Peachtree you will find the Atlanta Opera House, these performers are always a crowd pleasing favorite.

Just down the street from the opera house you will find an even greater gem, “The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra”. At the still relatively young symphony age of 60 years, this symphony has already accomplished much under famous conductors such as Robert Shaw and Robert Spano. The Symphony performs a total of 250 times each year including their epic holiday performances and annual free concerts that are performed next door in the Chastain Park Amphitheatre in Buckhead during the summer months.

Downtown and Buckhead, the other areas to stay in Atlanta

Downtown

Atlanta was almost completely destroyed in the past, because of this most buildings date back from the early 1900’s and this architectural time loop is still visible in the district to this day. One area in particular that pays testament to this quality is that of the historic, “Grant Park” Built up around the late to the early 1900’s this park is lined with stunning two story mansions and is also surrounded by quaint one story cottages and craftsmen bungalows to the east with a remnant of the Civil War to the south east that of Fort Walker.

Another nearby historic site is that of Inman Park, this park has some stunning Victorian era architecture of its own. Dating back to 1889, this park is considered to be Atlanta’s very first Suburb. Interestingly enough many of the famous homes and structures here were built and financed by Asa Candler the founder of Coca Cola soft drinks.

Right next door to this is the, “Little Five Points” commercial shopping square. This is Atlanta’s shopping, dining and sight seeing Mecca. This place has a, “come as you are” kind of vibe. Shopping and business here is an eclectic mix and those who frequent this location are a diverse bunch as well; ranging from Hipsters, Rastafarians, cosmopolitan socialites and even those with a it of a punk rock vibe like to hangout at this location.

After the shopping is done, for those of you interested in history take a walk over to the, “Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War museum”. This museum not only documents the ferocious Civil War that ripped the United States asunder, but in its telling it employs a Cyclorama as its story telling device.

This is a very unique thing to see, Cyclorama’s were in vogue in the late 1800’s this one was installed in 1887. Predating the days of the motion picture, the Cyclorama employs huge panoramic, wrap around paintings that suck the viewer right into the battle field. This one depicts the, “Battle of Atlanta” that took place on July 22, 1864. There are very few of these kinds of story telling devices left in the world. So this remaining Cyclorama telling of the Civil War is a very rare attraction to see in Atlanta.

Buckhead

Next door to mid town, take in some concerts at the Chastain Park Ampitheatre. This is the outdoor venue and the sister home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra when it is not in Midtown. Created in 1939 as part of FDR’s New Deal, this is the place to be for summer concerts in Atlanta. From classical music to rock groups, many a good time has been held at these summer festivals in Buckhead.

The Nightlife in Buckhead is great too, check out, “Dante’s Down the Hatch”, a truly imaginative night club. This place is designed to look like an 18th century sailing ship! Why this pub is harbored in Atlanta no on is really sure, but it is a lot of fun! Immersed in the backdrop of an antique naval vessel eat the specialty fondue and jam out to some of the best Jazz music ever heard in Atlanta. Unique is definitely a good adjective for this Buckhead attraction.