Daniel_Williams

Hello

I'm looking at visiting Atlanta late December this year-- for the simple reason that I've never been before (except for Six Flags Over Georgia as a kid and airport), have a little bit of time and thought I'd like to be better informed about the city generally --plus I can indulge myself in an Amtrak sleeper train (my favorite way to travel) from Washington to get there. I know Atlanta is a notoriously sprawly place but people have been saying that it's getting better for the car-less visitor. I'll take buses, MARTA, bike weather-permitting, even taxis as necessary to see a recommended sight. I'm happy seeing public transit accessible Atlanta only-- I don't care if I see everything greater Atlanta has to offer; exploring neighborhoods and I'm happy-- I imagine myself seeing a few museums, a pleasant park or three, some restaurants/cafes, maybe the Peach Drop on New Year's Eve if that's not too much of a madhouse?

I've been reading and Midtown, Downtown and Buckhead seem the three neighborhoods people mention for visitors without a car. Midtown sounds more appealing from what I read as people say downtown clears out at night; Midtown has more restaurants, conveniences, bit more of a neighborhoody feel. Is this true? (People talk about Five Points as an interesting spot; this appears Downtown; does this clear out at night as well?) Are there other neighborhood options I should consider? Right now, I'm debating between putting a Priceline bid for "Midtown" or "Midtown" and "Downtown" (unless people think that could put me in an awkward area for a pedestrian).

Thanks in advance for your thoughts! Best wishes, Daniel

Kay2

Downtown will be dead at night except for special events such as Peach Drop. Few conventions; university closed. If you stay in Midtown, then you have access to symphony hall, High Art Museum, near Botanic Garden light display, etc. Lots of restaurants. MARTA to downtown museums and Peach Drop if you like (my nephew went once as college student, but did not go back again).

If you choose Buckhead, be sure to choose a hotel near a MARTA station or with a shuttle. It is a large neighborhood and you can end up at a hotel that is isolated with office buildings.

Although a car is needed for some of the more interesting sights such as Stone Mountain, I did have some friends from the UK who spent a pleasant 4-5 days in Atlanta using taxis and MARTA, though sometimes taxi drivers did not know where some museums were located.

The weather can be cool or cold, dry or rain or ice.

starrs

You want Midtown.

Buckhead is too far north and is car-centric.
Downtown is commercial and closes up at night. Think the financial districts of San Francisco and NYC.

You can move from one to the other via the MARTA train.

The Amtrak station is midway between Midtown and Buckhead. You could walk about a mile south to Midtown or take an Uber car.

Those are good hotel areas. The other GREAT option would be Decatur, IF you can get the Courtyard Marriott. It's steps away from the square of this little downtown in the middle of Atlanta and has fabulous restaurant options, neat shops and a MARTA station in the middle of everything.

There are two Five Points. 5P in downtown is not the cool one. Little 5P is the one you'd want to check out with an artsy, edgy vibe. There are a lot of intown neighborhoods that are very vibrant and the place to be. Jump on the new Beltine and walk/bike from one neighborhood to another. It's a foodie paradise there. To get from Midtown to L5P you can take a bus or Uber.

So much to do. Atlanta has really come into its own in the last few years. Tell us what you are interested in and we'll give you ideas. Pick Midtown or Decatur. Downtown will work if you are going to do bids - as long as you are okay with it being dead at night.

starrs

There are some really great walking tours offered by the Preservation Center of the different historical neighborhoods. Take a look -
http://www.atlantapreservationcenter.com/walking_tours

Daniel_Williams

Thanks starrs and Kay2!

I thought this post had sunk to oblivion, so I asked the same questions on TripAdvisor and the consensus seemed to be Midtown (or downtown Decatur). I'm pretty well decided on Midtown, so it's good to have confirmation of my decision here.

Best wishes, Daniel

starrs

Those are the two best pedestrian friendly areas with lots of restaurants, etc. to choose from.

If you are there in last December, there will be a lot of holiday events going on. The Atlanta Botanical Garden will be lit up at night and it's a great time to go to see the Holiday Lights.

palmettoprincess

I don't drive in ATL. I use Uber. A ride from Midtown to either downtown or Buckhead is about $7.

starrs

I dunno. An Uber ride from Gordon Biersch to the Ptree/ W Ptree split just south of Amtrak was $5. We waited for 3x surge pricing to drop during dinner. Taxis have set rates in the zones but I think Uber will be more than $7. That ride was more Midtown to Midtown. Back to 5th was $5.50.

But I do love Uber.

Daniel_Williams

Thanks so much starrs, palmettoprincess and Kay2!

I've booked my stay at the Artmore Hotel. It seems potentially walkable from the Amtrak Station (on Route 19; I'm hoping that there's sidewalk there!) which would be great--I'm quite happy the hotel is right next to the Arts Center MARTA Station. I'll have two days: Dec 30th and 31st. Too short I know!

I'm looking forward as I love exploring new cities! Now I have the fun of deciding what to prioritize: Margaret Mitchell House? Georgia Aquarium? Check out Little 5 Points?

Best wishes, Daniel

starrs

The Artmore is a good choice.

Not much to the Margaret Mitchell house. She REALLY didn't want "The Dump" saved. Yes, she lived in a basement apartment while she wrote GWTW but she hated the place.

The aquarium is really good. Little 5 Points has a funky vibe.

The botanical gardens will have their Lights in the Garden event and that's really nice. You really should go to the Swan House and the Atlanta History Center. You may have to Uber your way there. Definitely the High. Lots of good restaurants in the area. Stroll in Piedmont Park - in daylight. Look for special events that may be going on. The weather should be a lot milder than "home" for you. The Midtown location is the best place to stay.

sharona

My brother lives in the Atlanta area and we spent last Christmas with him. We went to the Aquarium a couple of days after Christmas. Never again over the holidays! We had advanced tickets so we were able to get in relatively quickly but it was so crowded you could not move. Forget about seeing the displays. It was impossible except for a quick glimpse as you were carried along by the crowds. I had been to the Aquarium before but my teenage niece and nephew had not so I was sorry for them. It's a great aquarium. I just wish we had been able to enjoy it.

If you do decide to visit the Aquarium I urge you to get your tickets in advance. The line for tickets for those without reservations was hours long.

Daniel_Williams

Thanks starrs, sharona!

Maybe I'll save the Georgia Aquarium for when I'm not in Atlanta during the Christmas-New Year's rush period. I've been to Baltimore's Aquarium; I imagine the two have similar offerings?

So far incorporating the different thoughts, beyond just the general fun of exploring Midtown, Botanical Gardens, High Art Museum/Piedmont Park, and checking out Little 5 Points are moving higher up my list of activities.

Best wishes, Daniel

Daniel_Williams

Thanks all for your suggestions!

I had a great time in Atlanta with the Artmore Hotel Midtown as a base. I even walked to & from the train station, rolling my luggage behind me, which saved me taxi fare. I thought the Botanical Gardens were beautiful and the High Museum of Art well-presented. Downtown surprised me for how vibrant it was around Centennial Olympic Park and the Skyview, although that may have been a December 31st thing. I absolutely loved the water spouts in the Five Olympic Rings in the park. People really seemed to enjoy themselves there!

I wrote a trip report if you're interested: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...a-by-train.cfm

Thanks again and happy new year! Daniel

starrs

Glad you had a good time. Yes, Centennial Park was busier at night due to 12/31 but the water fountains in the park are popular with kids during the day - especially in summer. I'll head off to read your TR.

starrs

BTW, the Uber fare would have been about $5 from the train station to the hotel.