Things to Do in Atlanta: A Love Story in Places

Atlanta isn’t just where we live—it’s where we fell in love. It’s the place where first dates turned into forever, where small moments became memories, and where every street corner, café, and hidden nook tells a piece of our story. If you find yourself with time to explore, here are the places that mean the most to us.

The Chastain

The place where it all began. Our first date, a table set beneath the stars, and the quiet thrill of something new. It’s where Lauren experienced her very first tasting menu, where we discovered that caviar tater tots belong in every love story, and where French onion soup somehow manages to taste like poetry. And a year later, in that very same place, it’s where I got down on one knee and asked Lauren to spend forever with me. If you go, we suggest the burger, a toast to love, and a long, lingering meal—you never know what magic might happen.

The Botanical Gardens

A garden of firsts: the first time we took a photo together (a rare feat for two camera-shy souls), the first time I planned a surprise for Lauren (and the first time she saw right through it). I had invited my good friend Yachin to stealthily capture the moment in a secret photoshoot, but Lauren—brilliant and perceptive as ever—spotted him in an instant. We laughed, we posed, and somehow, in the midst of it all, we felt the quiet certainty of something real. If you visit, pause for a picture—you never know what story it might tell one day.

Criminal Records

This one is sacred. It’s where I learned about Adam, Lauren’s brother. In their memory, we wandered through the aisles, flipping through records, discovering new music, and feeling the quiet hum of connection through the things they loved. Since that day, Lauren and I have continued collecting records, a tradition that now fills our home with music and memories. We encourage you to explore Little Five Points while you’re here—odd and wonderful, it’s a place where Atlanta’s heart beats loudest, filled with quirky shops, street art, and, of course, a love of music that runs deep.

Fellows Café

In our humble opinion, the best brunch spot in Atlanta. Nestled in the heart of Downtown Roswell, it’s quaint, romantic, and the kind of place that makes you want to linger. We try to visit at least once a month, indulging in warm coffee, homemade pastries, and the simple joy of slow mornings. If you go, stay a while—antiquing nearby is one of our greatest joys, and you never know what treasures you’ll uncover.

Braves Games

There’s no telling if the Braves will be battling it out in the playoffs while you're here, but if you have the chance, catching a game is a must. We are avid fans, and some of our best nights have been spent in the stands with good friends like Alli and Ben, watching Acuña Jr. steal bases and feeling the electric energy of Atlanta sports. Baseball, beer, and the buzz of a stadium alive with hope—what more could you ask for?

Staple House

A sun-drenched afternoon, a perfect slice, and a lesson in culinary exploration courtesy of my best man, Nick, and his lovely wife (and bridesmaid), Yulia. This spot quickly became a favorite, not just for its incredible food but for the way it brings people together. If you go, take your time—wander the nearby breweries and record shops, and soak in the easy charm of the neighborhood.

Atlanta Vintage Books

If you’re searching for a quiet corner to get lost in, this is the place. One of our favorite date spots, it’s a wonderland of stories, a treasure trove of history, and the kind of place where time slows down. It may not be the most glamorous stop, but it’s brimming with character, just waiting for you to stumble upon your next great read.

Piedmont Park & The Beltline

A no-brainer, really. If you want to experience Atlanta’s unique blend of city and nature, this is where you should go. Our city is the only one in the country officially designated as a forest, and nowhere is that more apparent than here, where towering trees meet skyline views. It’s where you might find Lauren and me on a warm spring day, walking hand in hand, music in our ears, soaking in the simple beauty of home.

Ponce City Market

Loud, electric, and always an adventure. One of Atlanta’s most iconic food halls, Ponce is where we’ve spent countless weekends wandering, shopping, and eating our way through the city. It’s even where we found most of the furniture that now fills our home, each piece a little memento of our time here. If you love energy, excitement, and endless good food, this is the place for you.

High Museum of Art

Some places hold a kind of magic that stays with you, and for us, the High Museum is one of them. It’s a space that connects us to our families, to the beautiful art we’ve collected, and to the creative spark that fuels so much of our lives. For me, it’s been a guiding force in my personal journey with art, a place that continually inspires. But beyond the awe and reverence, it’s also home to one of our favorite games—one that Nick, Yulia, Lauren, and I once played: a scavenger hunt to find the first cat, the first elephant, and, most importantly, the ugliest baby (because, let’s be honest, some artists have definitely never seen a baby before). If you go, we dare you to play—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a masterpiece hidden in laughter.

Flight Club

A game of darts, an evening of fun, and—unbeknownst to me at the time—the moment Lauren knew I was the one. Tucked in the heart of West Midtown, one of Atlanta’s most vibrant and up-and-coming areas, this bar is more than just a place for friendly competition. It’s where fate took aim, where Lauren hit a bullseye—both literally and metaphorically—and where forever quietly fell into place. If you go, take your shot—you never know what magic might be waiting on the other side.

Photos