How to Spend a Weekend in Atlanta

Atlanta is my home city, and although I currently live in the suburbs, I love to drive into town on a weekend and enjoy the many fun events and unique places that Atlanta has to offer. If I had a friend visiting for a weekend, this is how I would show them around the city.

• First stop - Piedmont Park! This huge green space in the heart of the city offers amazing views and plenty of chances to people-watch the locals. There are many events that take place in Piedmont Park, such as the Atlanta Arts Festival. Piedmont Park is also a favorite for movie producers, and you may have already seen many views of the park in "What to Expect When You're Expecting?" In addition, Piedmont Park is connected to the Beltline, which is an amazing walking/biking path that circles around Atlanta and connects many of the most hipster places in the city.

• After throwing a frisbee in Piedmont Park or enjoying a local festival, a walk to Ponce City Market would be in order. This is a short stroll from Piedmont Park via the aforementioned Beltline. On the Beltline, we would stop and admire the local graffiti and art installations that show off the creative side of Atlanta. Ponce City Market (PCM) is one of the hippest places in Atlanta, with lots of unique shops, eateries, and photo opportunities. And don't forget King of Pops! The rainbow umbrellas can be spotted from far away, and these popular pops are a unique part of Atlanta. Inside of Ponce City Market is a King of Pops bar, and you can get your pops dipped in chocolate or served in a cocktail.

• After all the local scenery, it would be time to see some old and new art at the High Museum of Atlanta. This art museum has something for everyone, with extensive contemporary exhibits to permanent installations of Monet's work. In the past, the High has housed some of the Louvre's best pieces on temporary display, as well as the Teracotta Army and Concept Cars. Ticket deal: The first weekend of every month is a free museum weekend for Bank of America card holders.
• Want a little refreshment? Atlanta is home to the World of Coca Cola, a fantastic museum that takes you along the journey of a bottle of coke and lets you taste the flavors of Coke's best products all over the world.

Still have some time in the city? Here are my interest-specific recommendations for getting the most out of your time in Atlanta:

Love cheesecake? Visit Cafe Intermezzo. They have great cakes and drinks - this is where I spent my 21st birthday, and I don't regret it.

Enjoy extreme sports? Go rock-climbing at one of the many indoor rock-climbing gyms in Atlanta, such as Stone Summit. Rock-climbing is also a great way to meet locals and get more advice about places to visit in the city.

Fan of Shakespeare? Take a trip back in time at the Shakespeare Tavern.

Enjoy football/soccer? Check out Atlanta's new and very-talented soccer team, Atlanta United, at their new stadium (Mercedes Benz Stadium).

Want to visit one of the best international food markets in Georgia? Go to the Dekalb Farmer's Market! it is a huge warehouse full of food from around the world - and people too! You will hear many languages spoken as you shop beneath the waving international flags overhead. They also have a great hot-foods buffet/cafe where you can grab a delicious plate of food.

Even though I haven't hit all of my favorite things about Atlanta, this is at least a highlights list. Let me know in the comments about your favorite parts of this city.

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