I’ve been to Atlanta several times over the last few years, visiting two of my closest friends who have spent some time there doing their med school rotations. They are both heading off to residency soon, which meant one last girls trip in ATL (for now). I arrived to some rainy cold weather, and we had some surprise snow (yay!) on my first night. The reaction to the incoming weather was actually pretty crazy, at least coming from someone who grew up in New York blizzards and now lives through Florida thunderstorms and hurricane warnings. The local businesses started closing at 2pm in fear of black ice and dangerous weather. My friends and I laughed it off later when it was actually less offensive weather than our Florida storms – just some light snow and beautiful winter weather! We hit a few hot spots while I was in town and even spontaneously snuck in a last minute show of The Book of Mormon on Sunday night (after a bottomless brunch) at the Fox Theatre – it was their last night in Atlanta!
We even had a mini reunion with one of our high school/college friends at Ormsbys – the perfect spot for a snowy night. The upstairs is a restaurant, and the downstairs is a huge bar with several rooms and even some games. It almost had a cave-like feel, which was very fitting for the wintery weather.
The next day, we headed to Wild Heaven Brewery. For such a cold day, the place was packed! It’s a great scene if you’re looking to visit a brewery while in town. TIP: They don’t seem to have heat circulating inside (some of the locals must know this, as they are prepared with gloves). In the winter weather, it is definitely cold inside. We were wishing we brought our gloves and hats!
Ok, now for my ultimate favorite spot of the trip. I had looked into this place the last time I was in town. As a traveler, a foodie, and a planner, I Yelp my way through cities before even getting into town. The restaurant Barcelona came onto my radar last time, but we didn’t get a chance to make it over there. Let me tell you, I am SO glad we made it this time, and I will be going back the next time I am in Atlanta. It’s a tapas restaurant and wine bar with delicious food, great service, and a trendy young scene. If I were a local, it would absolutely be one of my go-to spots. It’s in the Inman Park area, which is loaded with several other adorable restaurants and boutiques. I am hoping to make it back to Barcelona during a warmer Atlanta visit, as they have the cutest patio area that also seems to get pretty hopping!
We shared the Hangar Steak with Truffle Vinaigrette, the Patatas Bravas with Salsa Brava and Garlic Aioli, and the Spinach-Chickpea Cazuela. We each got a different wine flight, my favorite wine of the bunch being the Luis Alegre Koden Tempranillo.
Sunday morning we headed to brunch at Kaleidoscope, where locals our age seem to gather to take advantage of bottomless brunch and people-watching. We had actually all been there before together, but after some research on bottomless brunches in Atlanta with the scene we wanted, this one seemed to be the best option. If you’re visiting Atlanta and looking for a Sunday Funday spot, this is it!
As for our spontaneous tickets to The Book of Mormon, I’m so glad we went! The show is hilarious (if you are easily offended, it may not be for you). It definitely has some touchy subjects and lines, but the jokes slide ride off of me, and I can enjoy the humor in them. I had to include the second photo below; I love the look on our photo bombers’ faces!
We chowed down at Grind House Burgers after the show. I could basically eat a turkey burger and sweet potato fries every day and be very happy.
I swear, we really didn’t eat as much as it seems, but after several recommendations, we had to go to Antico Pizza the next day for lunch before my afternoon flight. The pizza was so delicious and you can watch them make the pizzas and pop them in the oven in the back room of the restaurant.
It was such a great trip to Atlanta, and I know I’ll be back to explore even more! Be sure to see some of my other photos from the trip and follow my future travels on Instagram: @marissalynne.
