Whether you’re aching to read a new bestseller, have some studying to get done or want to revisit an old favorite, we’ve come up with a list of the best places around Atlanta to get cozy with a good read.
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Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party
1645 McLendon Ave., Atlanta
This Candler Park coffee shop is a whimsical, homey getaway that's open Tuesday through Sunday. Not only will you find vibrant and comfortable sofas and chairs to curl up in, but the shop also offers free Wi-Fi. Like to snack or sip on something while reading? Dr. Bombay's sells everything from teas and coffees to ice cream and sandwiches. The best part is most of the funds collected from the shop go directly to its project in India that gives life scholarships to impoverished young women. So, grab a book and do some good!
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House
352 S. Atlanta St., Roswell
Nothing comes closer to feeling like home than this Roswell coffeehouse. The shop is designed in a house restored with the original hardwoods and fireplace. Cozy up in one of the several rooms filled with couches and go on a little staycation with your book in hand. When the weather's nice, have a seat on the large outdoor patio with a latte and croissant. Another do-gooder coffee shop, Land of a Thousand Hills sends its profits to invest in sustainable village projects in Rwanda.
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6640 Akers Mill Road SE, Atlanta.
The original location of Chattahoochee Coffee Co. is a hidden gem and might take you a few minutes to find, but once you see it for yourself, you'll never want to leave. The Riverside spot is tucked away inside a gated apartment complex called Walton on the Chattahoochee, which sits at an edge of the Chattahoochee River. Curl up in a hammock by the river or get comfortable on a cozy couch inside the shop while sipping on Counter Culture coffee and macarons. Public access is available weekdays only, but if you're a sucker for a killer landscape and the sweet sounds of nature while reading, you'll want to make your way down.
441 Freedom Pkwy, Atlanta
The gardens surrounding the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum are a beautiful place to escape to with your favorite book. The gardens' most popular feature is the rose garden, where you'll find more than 40 colorful varieties. Grab a seat at one of the picnic tables in the Japanese garden and read among two lakes, waterfalls and a natural forest. If you like peace and quiet when you're reading, this may be the spot for you.
1680 Spring Road SE, Smyrna
This joint in the 'burbs is a local favorite and might become yours, too, if you're the artistic type. REV's spacious eclectic and vibrant interior is decorated with local art. Yelp reviewers rave about the calm, cool and inspiring atmosphere — a wonderful place to enjoy a nice read.
Piedmont Park
You may know it as the place where some of the city's biggest festivals are held, but on the off-days, the park is a beautiful place to take your book out on a date. Find a tree to sit under, grab a seat on the swings overlooking the pond or bring a blanket to sit on as you escape into your favorite book. It doesn't hurt that the views are some of the best in the city.
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Dancing Goats Coffee Bar
650 North Ave., Atlanta
Lounge chairs, rocking chairs and even some porch swings. If you're looking for a relaxing vibe, this is the place for you. Dancing Goats is essentially a giant outdoor patio perfect for some one-on-one time with your novel. The great coffee, tasty goods and free Wi-Fi are just a plus.
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Things to do in Atlanta
Browse Atlanta literary and book events from the AJC Calendar
Your local library
Georgia is home to 61 library systems with more than 380 branches in 159 counties. Go book-hunting and hunker down in a quiet nook of your county library. Visit georgialibraries.org to find the closest location near you.
Do you have a favorite reading spot around town?
