8 Things to Do That Don’t Involve Eating or Drinking in Atlanta, GA

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How often do you find yourself looking for something to do that doesn’t only involve eating or drinking? If even one instance comes to mind, you know how tricky it can be to come up with something on a whim. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite activities that may pique your interest next time you need a rainy day outing, have a friend in town, are working your way through a dry January, or simply want to be a tourist in your own city.  And because our thing is food, after all, we’ve paired a must-try restaurant with each activity….just in case! 🙂

  1. High Museum of Art (Midtown)

The largest museum for visual art in the Southeast, the High is conveniently centered in Midtown and home to over 1,200 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. The High is also known for its many activities and events, spanning from the well-loved “Friday Nights” series for adults to First Saturday arts programming for the little future Piccasos.

Photo Credit: Explore Georgia

Whether you’re looking for a solid brunch before hitting the museum or want a hearty dinner nearby after leaving, South City Kitchen is the perfect place to round out your quintessential Atlanta day. An upscale yet vibrant setting that serves up genius twists on Southern classics, South City will likely land in your go-to rotation. At the top of our must-try list are the Fried Green Tomatoes and Springer Mountain Farms Fried Chicken.

Photo Credit: OpenTable

  1. Midtown Bowl (Midtown)

Midtown Bowl is as classic as classic gets. A staple that dates back to 1960, the alley is home to 30+ lanes, a full bar, and food that is worth staying for. In a day and age where a good ol’ bowling outing might feel like a throwback, Midtown Bowl is the place to revel in it. 

Photo Credit: Midtown Bowl

If you’d like to make a day or evening of it, just down the road on Piedmont Avenue sits Grana, a chic yet casual traditional Southern Italian eatery with a rooftop bar to boot. Go for the meatball flight (!), stay for the tiramisu. 

Photo Credit: Grana

  1. Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)

Did you know the largest indoor aquarium in the Western Hemisphere is in our backyard? That’s right, our very own Georgia Aquarium is home to more than 100,000 creatures including whale sharks, sea lions, belugas, penguins, and much, much more. For those looking to dip their toes in the water a bit extra, the Aquarium offers a “Journey with Gentle Giants”—the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to dive with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other fish. Suit up for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Photo Credit: Georgia Aquarium

Swimming with a whale shark will certainly have you working up an appetite….luckily, Rosie’s Cafe is just down the street. The specialty chicken & waffles (with choices such as red velvet, strawberry, cinnamon toast crunch….) will have you going back for more—but don’t blame us!

Photo Credit: Rosie’s Coffee Cafe

  1. The King Center (Downtown)

One of the most important cornerstones of Atlanta’s history and culture is the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Just a stone’s throw from the bustling Old Fourth Ward neighborhood sits The King Center, established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. A global destination, resource center, and community institution, over 1 million people visit The King Center each year to take in and reflect upon the many components of the grounds. 

Photo Credit: Hotels.com

Make the short trek down to Edgewood Avenue for a bite to eat at Marcus Bar & Grille, a recent addition to the area that has taken inspiration from the rich history of Atlanta by cultivating an ambiance that is designed to celebrate community, music, and of course, the joy of great food and drink. 

Photo Credit: OpenTable

  1. Bobby Jones Golf Course (Buckhead)

A premier in-town facility with two nine-hole courses, the re-designed Bobby Jones is historic and gorgeous. 

Photo Credit: GolfDigest

Overlooking the course along Tanyard Creek is Boone’s, the course’s very own restaurant with a “feels like home” atmosphere. High-quality service highlighting local, seasonal ingredients in an easy-going environment…Boone’s is the perfect complement to the beautiful grounds of Bobby Jones.

Photo Credit: @boonesatl

  1. Waldorf Astoria Spa Atlanta Buckhead (Buckhead)

An EWE favorite, the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta’s Spa is the ultimate destination for an exceptional wellness day. Awarded in Atlanta Magazine’s “Best of Atlanta” for 2023, the accolades speak for themselves. 

Photo Credit: Forbes Travel Guide

You don’t need to go far to satisfy your taste buds after a day well spent in the Spa—Waldorf Astoria’s sophisticated-ly dazzling eatery, Brassica, is waiting for you. Southern warmth meets French brasserie with a menu you’ll want to write home about.

Photo Credit: @brassicaatlanta

  1. The Splatter Studio (Virginia-Highland)

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like….a place to truly get your hands dirty and let loose, without a worry in the world about making a mess. Offering the best stress relief and creative outlet, the Splatter Studio—with locations in both Virginia-Highland and Sandy Springs—is definitely an experience you need to add to your list. 

Photo Credit: Mallory Brooks

Enjoy a bite to eat at Virginia-Highland’s Murphy’s, an Atlanta staple of 40+ years. Be it brunch, lunch, or dinner, you can’t go wrong. 

Photo Credit: Murphy’s

  1. Your 3rd Spot (West Midtown)

A destination quite literally built with the human experience in mind, Your 3rd Spot is chock-full of activities to hold your attention. With a “gaming menu” that boasts over 80 options—categorized by Low Tech, Pinball, Table Games, and Arcade Games—there is absolutely something for everyone.

Photo Credit: Your 3rd Spot

Good food (a plethora of it) is as close as can be thanks to the Chattahoochee Food Works food hall. You name it, they’ve got it. 

Photo Credit: The Works

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