I've been to The Beacon Atlanta a few times now and I've enjoyed my visits each time. This is a…read morerelatively new development on the southern tip of Grant Park. Warehouses have been repurposed into retail, dining, offices, studios, and more. I'd call it mixed-use, but I don't believe there are technically any residences on The Beacon property. It's all commercial. There are, however, new condominiums located just across the street (Pratt Stacks by The Providence Group). Curbed described this place as "the adaptive-reuse district." In general, like any new development, The Beacon is nice. It's clean and modern with attractive storefronts and patios, good landscaping, sidewalks, and benches. There's free parking too. During peak times, the lots can get crowded, but it's not a problem because there's plenty of free parking on the neighborhood streets. What sets The Beacon apart from other developments in metro Atlanta is its tenants aren't cookie-cutter. Most of the businesses here, as far as I can tell, are local. No chains. The development fits in with the neighborhood. Trendy, eclectic, colorful, vibrant. The buildings, paint, artwork, murals, lights, and The Beacon's "B" tower all look cool and beautiful. I'm not exactly sure when The Beacon officially opened, but the project was first announced in 2016 and businesses were open by 2018. My first visit was in January 2019 for a Yelp event at Pin & Proper: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yee-the-yelpies-2018-pin-and-proper-atlanta. Pin & Proper is a bar that has a unique game called pinfall, a combination of bowling, cornhole, and football. It's fun. I met the owners, Lauren and Chaise Hughes, and they were really friendly and welcoming. I made subsequent visits to The Beacon in 2020 and 2021 for restaurants Hotto Hotto Ramen & Teppanyaki (https://www.yelp.com/biz/hotto-hotto-ramen-and-teppanyaki-atlanta) and Buteco (https://www.yelp.com/biz/buteco-atlanta) as well as for the Grant Park Farmers Market (https://www.yelp.com/biz/grant-park-farmers-market-atlanta). Hotto Hotto has a really large and inviting space with a neat indoor-outdoor bar. Buteco is a small bar and cafe that has a hip patio, live music, and a food truck that serves outstanding Brazilian street food. The renowned Grant Park Farmers Market, which has been around since 2011, currently operates every Sunday, 9am to 1pm, across Grant Street from The Beacon.

Very small shopping area with various small businesses and restaurants to enjoy. We browsed the…read morearea's shops and enjoyed the restaurant and bar we tried during our visit. This area is clean and welcoming, and free parking is plentiful here.

It was wonderful spending time in the Decatur Square this weekend, which is located in the heart…read moreof downtown Decatur. It is said to be one of the Top 10 Best Public Squares in the USA for three years in a row! I believe it too. Everytime I visit here I get the same laid back feel I always get. This square looks like a beautiful picture out of a book. There's plenty of space for kids to run around, nice shaded trees and picnic tables to enjoy a packed lunch or pick up a lunch from the quaint restaurants lined around the square. I was in the square years ago and they were filming a movie here. A lot of popular movies and shows have been filmed here throughout the years. I love that there are good quality places to eat, all in one area within walking distance and ice cream shops too. I also love how friendly strangers smile at each other and everyone is doing there own thing. Sometimes there's music playing throughout the square which makes it a double delight.

Decatur Square is just one of the many reasons I love the City of Decatur! Considered to be one of…read morethe best public squares in the U.S...if it looks recognizable, you're not imagining it. Decatur Square has made its way into plenty of magazines, movies and TV shows filmed around metro Atlanta. With its charming streets, vibrant energy, historic backdrop (like the Old Dekalb County Courthouse in the background) it's an easy pick for film crews, photographers, locals and visitors alike. The Square itself is lively and cute. I love that you can sit street side at restaurants, which gives major NYC or European cafe vibes, where sidewalk dining is where it's at! You're sure to find some of the best chef-driven restaurants in metro Atlanta. Whether you're looking for an upscale dinner, a quick bite, or coffee and people-watching, Decatur Square delivers. Also, there's plenty of local shops and usually something fun and Free happening at any given time, including outdoor concerts, movie nights in the square, art festivals, and other community events, so you'll want to check the calendar ahead of time and bring your lawn chairs. https://visitdecaturga.com/ Bonus fun fact: AJC Decatur Book Festival, one of the largest independent literary festivals in the country is hosted right here. An estimated 80,000 people converge for a celebratory weekend of literature. And, last August, Decatur Square became even more meaningful with the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring civil rights icon John Lewis. Hundreds gathered in front of the Old DeKalb County Courthouse for the ceremony, adding more impact to an already iconic space. Pro Tip: If you're into public transportation, MARTA literally drops you west of the square. Prefer to walk or bike? It's got that covered too. And for drivers: parking is usually manageable at one of the many decks or street parking. If it sounds like Decatur Square is my Fav, you're absolutely right LOL! This was my neighborhood for years (yes, I'm a little partial :-), but even objectively, whether you're a local or just passing through, Decatur Square has a perfect mix of small-town feel and intown access. I'll always have a soft spot for it and I think once you visit, hopefully you will too. Happy Exploring!

Terminal South is Atlanta's new social + commercial hub in historic Peoplestown, just 2 minutes…read morefrom Summerhill, 5 minutes from Grant Park, and about 10 minutes from Mercedes-Benz Stadium + State Farm Arena. Here's how to spend your day: Start at Brown Sugar Babe for luxury body + perfume oils, scent discovery, layering, and complimentary bubbly while you shop Browse Offbeat Books, the Southeast's first speculative-fiction-focused independent bookstore, filled with unconventional + wildly original reads Grab lunch at Gangster Ramen for bold flavors, Bulgogi bento boxes + grab-and-go sushi ‍ Explore Terminal South's locally owned restaurants, shops, patio gathering spaces + Switchman Hall Free parking + complimentary WiFi throughout Switchman Hall + the patio Check out programming like Makers Markets, Salsa Saturdays, ArtWell Farmers Market + the Atlanta Beltline Fitness Series I also love that Terminal South is investing directly in the Peoplestown community. Tenants contribute annually to a need-based scholarship fund for Peoplestown students, with the landlord matching contributions.

I was not familiar with Terminal South prior to discovering that the brick and mortar for Brown…read moreSugar Babe was located inside Terminal South. I was interested in checking out that store, but of course I had to check out the entire space. I parked near the nail salon (it appears this is the anchor of the space) . I was able to find a parking spot with no problem, however, I am not sure if there is additional parking for when this place is no longer a hidden gem. This mix use space is cute and such an amazing idea. I was surprised that there were not more patrons supporting this place! I did read that the original purpose of the space is to meet the needs of residents that reside in Southeast Atlanta. The long term goal is to become more accessible once the MARTA rapid line opens. Things that I appreciated about the space/ The covered patio area The bright colors The photo opps around the space The bathrooms The food hall Accessibility to coloring pages and crayons for kids Free parking Free WiFi Overall I think this space was well done. My hope is that over time more local established companies will call this home which will attract more patrons.

Last I lived in Atlanta, this was nothing. Now there are tons of concerts that take place and it…read morewas a great vibe walking in, it felt like going to a grime music concert in London. When we went, there were two concerts happening at once. When we left, we had a hard time finding the exit, but were able to walk around and see the space. Tons of people hanging out, very cool concept.

This is a vibe. Came here on a Wednesday night after a show at the Masquerade and it wasn't crowded…read morethe service and DJ set got the mood just right! Everyone was pleasant and attentive.

If your looking for choices of different types of food. Then this place is right for you. There…read moreis something for everyone in the family. The market is clean and plenty of seating. The staff throughout this market place are friendly and very helpful. Parking you have to pay for, but the food is worth it. The prices are good too. Some places are a little more pricey than others.

Tons of eating options from desserts to spicy to Cuban and everything in between…read more Parking is available and after you eat, u can rent a bike and go up and down the BeltLine and discover even more stores and restaurants as well as murals where you can pose and take photos. I saw two that had a piano so u could play something or use it as a prop for ur photo.

There's a variety of vintage shops and restaurants but not quite kid friendly. Hobos begging for…read moremoney around the area is a negative as well. We will come back definitely but not with our kids, it was a little scary experience for my little one

My favorite hangout place when I come visit Atlanta. It's walking distance from my brother's…read moreapartment, which means they have many great bars to choose from. If you do not like to drink, there are many shopping places to choose from. My favorite is Stefans Vintage and Cherry Bomb shoes. The only thing I do not like is that you have to pay for parking.

It's been a few years since I've visited New Black Wall Street. There have been a few changes…read more Parking is still the same good and plenty. Upon walking in every thing looked different. A few stores that I was looking for had gone. I did come across this oil bar and I love scented body oils. The owner was very helpful with asking me what was my scent preferences. He also sold incenses and a few other items. The oil scent stayed on me the entire day. I will definitely be returning for more oils! Until next time SYOY!

Hidden Gem on Blackwell Street!…read more Stopped by the new spot on Blackwell Street -- and wow, this place deserves way more foot traffic! Beautiful art on the walls, African clothing that's actually unique, and the smell of those natural oils and butters? Chef's kiss. They've also got blinged-out T-shirts, purses, and all the little things that make you wanna spoil yourself. It's giving culture, creativity, and community. It was pretty quiet when I visited, so let's change that! If you're in the area, stop by and show them some love -- and check out the Pink Lion Jazz Club while you're there. #SupportSmallBusiness #ShopLocal #BlackwellStreetVibes

Downtown Decatur is a great chill hangout spot. The city has alot of great eateries and shops…read more Everything is nestled in a square of downtown. Everything is walkable. I love when the city host the wine festival. I highly recommend coming here when your in Decatur.