10 Things Locals Miss When They Leave Atlanta

If you’re an Atlanta native, Waffle House is a tried-and-true staple. Whether you go for the eclectic employees, the pecan waffle, or stick to the old faithful of hashbrowns—scattered, smothered, and covered—there is no place like Waffle House. If you’re ravenous, the All-Star breakfast is the way to go.

The Dekalb Farmers Market is an Atlanta icon, housed in a 140,000-square-foot warehouse. The one-of-a-kind market serves over 100,000 customers each week and serves fresh bread, vegetables, meat, and cheese sourced locally and across the globe. Go hungry because their hot bar and bakery are not to be missed.

No city does lemon pepper wings like Atlanta. The cult classic is something that should be on everyone’s must-try list when they touch down in the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, order your wings with mild sauce and lemon pepper sprinkles.

Atlanta is known for being the epicenter of Southern hospitality, black excellence, and social justice. With the Atlanta History Center and the Civil and Human Rights Museum holding the city’s legacy, Atlantans will never forget their rich history.

Atlanta knows how to host a great festival. No matter your interest, there is something for everyone. The Dogwood Festival, Music Midtown, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival draw huge crowds of people from all walks of life.

The Atlanta BeltLine now connects 45 Atlanta neighborhoods, making the city more walkable and bikeable. With its beautiful views, one-of-a-kind artwork, and springtime King of Pop yoga classes, the BeltLine is no doubt something you’ll miss.

Named in honor of two Atlanta politicians, William B. Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is now the busiest airport in the world, accommodating over 100 million passengers each year. With upscale shops, free wifi, and a train that gets you to your gate without you having to run through the airport, Hartsfield-Jackson is one of the best airports around.

Taking up nearly three miles (4.8 kilometers), Buford Highway is the international mecca of Atlanta. The strip is home to the largest number of foreign-born residents in the country. If you’re exploring Atlanta and want to try authentic international Mexican, Korean, Ethiopian, and Chinese dishes, add Buford Highway to the top of your travel wish list.

Where can you go to fill up your gas tank, get your morning coffee or slurpy, and grab breakfast, and all with clean, fast, and efficient service? Welcome to QuickTrip, which is one of the best companies to set up shop in Atlanta. Not only are their stores and restrooms always clean, but you will also find a friendly face at the checkout counter.

Midtown Art Cinema’s dedication to showing indie films, old classics, and limited releases makes it the go-to theater for movie lovers in Atlanta. Though it doesn’t have premium plush seating like surrounding theaters, its cozy feel, inviting staff, and the beer and wine offerings make it a beloved Atlanta staple.