Mixing Business and Pleasure: Quick Escapes in Atlanta

by  Darren Murph | Dec 4, 2012
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia / Sean Pavone Photo/iStock

Hot-lanta is actually pretty temperate in December, making it a premiere location for conferences, events, and even a personal trip down to enjoy the best of what Georgia's biggest peach has to offer. In an effort to get you outside of the boardroom and into the wilds of Atlanta, we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar that you can hit with just a few extra hours between meetings.

If your second home for the week is the Georgia World Congress Center, you may need a spot to take a client for a taste of what's local. If so, there's a spot called Glenn's Kitchen just a quick hop away. It's upscale local, with items like bread pudding and North Georgia Trout. As a bonus, those that can't get enough can return and ask for the wine menu – it's even bigger than the the grub menu, if you can believe it.

For an outstanding lunch (or dinner, to be fair) spot, the Peasant Bistro is an easily walkable solution. The major perk here is the southern flair added atop the fancy fare, so those who have never had the sheer pleasure of trying shrimp 'n grits can indulge right here.

As for activities? Oh, Atlanta has plenty of those. The GWCC is strategically located just steps away from both the Georgia Dome (home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, among other events) and Philips Arena. Between the two of these, you'll have to try mighty hard to find nothing that interests you. With sporting events, concerts, and theater productions, you won't have to walk far to find an enviable ticket.

If you're able to squeeze a bit of downtime into a morning, the Bobby Jones Golf Course is just a short drive north. It may be chilly, but you should have a plenty of the greens to yourself. For those who aren't much on swinging the irons, Atlanta's Botanical Gardens just so happens to be beside Lake Clara Meer, as well as the Piedmont Park Urban Garden. This whole area is a wonderfully walkable section of Atlanta, with terrific views of the downtown skyline and plenty of places to walk off whatever's been bothering you.

One last night in town? For a lovely mix of food, alcohol, and lively atmosphere, there's Thrive. You'll be able to walk back to your hotel, and even if you aren't much on having a drink, the appetizer menu is one that can keep even the choosiest tongue occupied.

This is a recurring feature exploring must-visit locales in a variety of cities. If you find yourself traveling to a place for business, why not venture out and enjoy your surroundings?

See our Atlanta destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights.

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