Shopping, dining, hotels, arts and expansive heart-of-the-city green space all come together to create Midtown Atlanta. With all that it is known for, it still holds a few secrets to those not intimately connected. Here are a few reasons to become reacquainted with Midtown.
Go fishing
Although widely known for its festivals, places for Midtown lunch siestas or doggie play dates, visitors are still surprised to learn they can go fishing in Piedmont Park. Regularly stocked with fish, anglers can snag large mouth bass, crappie, catfish and bream while fishing from the bank, one of the three fishing piers, or from the dock on Lake Clara Meer. Anyone ages 16 or older will require a valid State of Georgia fishing license.
Go where no one has gone before
A cornerstone of Peachtree Street, the Fox Theatre is a family member to locals. From its elaborate birth as an intended home for the Atlanta Shriner's organization to its pivotal role in "Gone With the Wind" history, the Fox Theatre has stories that involve main characters such as Elvis, Lynard Skynyrd, Liberace and even its resident ghosts.
During June of 2015, the Fox Theatre will offer tours unlike ever before. Now participants can see the dressing rooms that greats such as The Rolling Stone used before performances. Backstage, underneath and on stage will be all be a part of this 90-minute, limited-time only, Behind the Scenes Tour.
Go off-menu
Hidden beneath the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel, Proof and Provision serves up a surprise alcoholic concoction each night known as Shuman's Punch. Savory and unlikely pairings grace the simple menu, such as pimento cheese and bacon french bread pizza. Not listed on the menu but eadily served if you know how to ask for it is "The Fat Girl." Take the chicken from their southern chicken biscuit, previously marinated in hot sauce and buttermilk, and add it to "The" Grilled Cheese to produce a sassy and completely satisfying star. Smeared with truffle butter and topped with a fried egg and bourbon barrel-aged bacon, tackle it alone or ease through it with a partner.
Go Uber for FREE
Make a reservation at this eclectic east-meets-west fusion playground of tastes, and take advantage of free Uber rides to and from Poor Calvins from any Midtown or Downtown location. Thai blends with Southern staples for unique yet surprisingly unassuming dishes such as lobster macaroni and cheese, hickory smoke bacon pineapple fried rice or meatloaf graced with curry.
Go roof-top exclusive
A prominent player of the Atlanta skyline, the Bank of America Plaza is the tallest building in the Southeast. While no public tours or observation deck is available, Bank of America Plaza has offered several contests for a chance to win the opportunity for rooftop access. In 2014 and 2015, contests have been offered and promoted via their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter social media channels.
Go to America's only Shakespeare Tavern
A little British pub and a lot Shakespeare, The New American Shakespeare Tavern is an evening of drinks, food and an "Original Practice" theatrical approach. Here patrons get to see and hear the works of Shakespeare, staged in the manner originally intended at its creation. Don't worry, the environment is casual and seats are claimed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Go early to eat and claim better seats for the roughly 2.5 hour performance with intermissions.
Other great Midtown experiences:
Food tour - Year round
Fox Theatre Block Party and Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival
Yearly events in Midtown:
- Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade - March
- Dogwood Festival - April
- Atlanta Food and Wine Festival - May
- Atlanta Jazz Festival - May
- Shaky Knees Music Festival - May
- Music Midtown - September
- Taste of Atlanta - September
- Atlanta Cheese Festival - October
