Looking for a warm getaway this season? Here, Robert Zakem ’87 shares his insider’s guide to the perfect day in Atlanta, from the best of local eats to exploring neighborhoods and seeing the sights.
Looking for a warm getaway this season? Here, Robert Zakem ’87 shares his insider’s guide to the perfect day in Atlanta, from the best of local eats to exploring neighborhoods and seeing the sights.8 a.m.
Start strong: I generally start my day with a workout, either at Flywheel Atlanta for a spin or barre class, or at Blast for a plyometric workout. After that it’s off to Corso Coffee for a yogurt parfait with honey, berries, and granola, and a large coffee.
10 a.m.
Explore the great outdoors: take a short drive to Piedmont Park Conservancy. Atlanta’s central park is home to trails, a farmers’ market, a dog park, playgrounds, and much more. Afterward, take a short walk to 10th and Piedmont for its chicken salad on a delicious croissant roll.
1 p.m.
Retail therapy: Atlanta offers several shopping options with two high- end malls in Buckhead — Phipps Plaza or Lenox Square — and a new outdoor shopping venue, Buckhead Atlanta. All offer great stuff to look at (or better still, to splurge on).
3 p.m.
Dig in and discover: whatever your interests, Atlanta boasts new ways to discover anything from art to wildlife. Top stops include the High Museum of Art, World of Coke, Georgia Aquarium, or Botanical Garden. My personal favorite is our aquarium, one of the best in the country.
5 p.m.
Go micro: one of the best ways to explore Atlanta is at the micro level, by checking out some of our great neighborhoods, such as Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, or Decatur. Head to Buckhead to visit Chastain Park, an outdoor amphitheater, to take in a concert. On your way, stop by a local deli to stock up on a cooler of beer, wine, cheese, and snacks. Or, grab dinner before the concert at the nearby Horseradish Grill, and take its shuttle to the amphitheater.
9 p.m.
Wind down: the perfect way to wrap up a day of exploration in Atlanta is by having the perfect nightcap. Try the Ritz Carlton or St. Regis in Buckhead, or the W or Loews in Midtown.
class notes