Atlanta is a city full of excitement and flair, with new additions and historic revelation happening every day. From art that heals our community to waters that heal our bodies, here are four special Atlanta gems that you might not know exist.
Dine with van Gogh at Atlas Restaurant. Chefs at Atlas Restaurant work tirelessly with a dozen or so local farms to serve fresh, delicious meals. Delivering a cozy patio and delightful bar, Atlas' sophisticated style makes it worthy in its own right. But let's forget the ambiance and cuisine for a moment, and focus on your dinner dates for the evening: van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso, just to name a few.
Atlas houses an astonishing collection of private art including works from Picasso, Freud, Bacon, Soutine and Chagall. Atlas' library features more than 300 books, each hand selected to reflect Atlanta's culture and history. Look closely for two historic Atlanta artifacts: a program from the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize dinner honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., the youngest person and first Georgian to receive the prize; and a letter from President John F. Kennedy to Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr., recognizing his leadership during the Civil Rights movement.
Jittery Joe's Coffee at 181 Sweets. Coffee drinkers know Jittery Joe's as the premium roaster out of Athens. What's not to love about locally micro roasted, fair trade organic beans? You no longer have to go to Athens for your caffeine fix; the first Atlanta-based Jittery Joe's home is at 181 Sweets, in the Ritz- Carlton, Atlanta.
Jittery Joe's crafted a specialty blend just for the hotel, dubbed Eighty-Four Pour, a tribute to the hotel's 1984 grand opening. Lucky patrons can't miss The Spicy Maple, a signature drink found only at this location. Imagine a latte, infused with pure maple syrup and a dash of cayenne – it's a sweet indulgence.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. Cascade Springs Nature Preserve remains one of the oldest undisturbed forests within the city limits, with an ever-changing history. The park resides on Cascade Road, which was once a Native American roadway. During the Civil War, the Union Army used the same roadway to approach Atlanta and fight the Battle of Utoy Creek. Earth mounds and trenches are visible from the trail even today.
Fast forward in time: Crumbling buildings sit on the boardwalk's edge, evidence of a small and exclusive hotel and restaurant from the 1900s. A dance pavilion sat under the falls, and visitors slept at the inn or in a canvas bungalow tent. The draw? The natural healing springs. Today the ornate springhouse still stands at the trailhead. Hike the two-mile route and dip your feet in the waters said to hold healing power.
Living Walls at W Atlanta – Buckhead. W Atlanta – Buckhead debuts their Living Walls mural this year at WET, the outdoor heated pool deck. The Living Walls program seeks to promote, educate and change perspectives about public space in the community via street art. The gorgeous graffiti art reflects the hip urban culture to which W Atlanta caters, and magnificently compliments the poolside views of Buckhead.
According to W Atlanta, this is the only Living Walls mural that the public can't view from the street, as the infinity pool sits on the fourth floor of the hotel. “W Atlanta – Buckhead was very excited to partner with Atlanta-based Living Walls artist, Trek Matthews. We were inspired by Trek’s unique style which fit perfectly with our iconic WET Deck and infinity edge pool overlooking Peachtree. The colorful and vibrant art adds a dynamic element that amplifies our guests’ experience,” said General Manager, Tim Dahlen. Summer's coming...what a great place for an art-minded staycation.
Editor's note: A previous version of this piece did not include a quote from Tim Dahlen, General Manager of W Atlanta - Buckhead.
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