Weekend Visit

Question

My wife and I are looking into spending a weekend in the area for our 45th anniversary and would be staying in Buckheat at the Intercontinental Hotel. We would be arriving before noon on Friday and departing Monday morning. The only thing at the moment we have planned durning the day is to go to the Red Sox-Braves game on Sunday afternoon. We would like to go to dinner on Saturday night for a really nice dinner to celebrate. We would like an upscale/fine dining restaurant in the area. Seafood Tower, Great Steaks, interesting menu items and a nice wine list. Any ideas would be appreciated. We will Uber/taxi. Any guided tours, Hop on/hop off trolleys like in other large cities? Thanks for your help.

Answer

Congratulations on your 45th anniversary! Atlanta is a fantastic place to celebrate, and you’ll have a wonderful time exploring the city. Since you’ll be staying at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead, you’ll have access to some great upscale dining and attractions. Here’s a guide for your weekend, including a fine dining restaurant for your anniversary dinner and some activities for the weekend:

1. Upscale Dining for Saturday Night: For your special dinner, there are several excellent options in and around Buckhead that offer upscale dining with great wine lists, seafood towers, and excellent steaks. Here are a few top recommendations:

Bone’s Restaurant – This is one of Atlanta’s most renowned steakhouses. Bone’s is famous for its high-quality steaks, seafood, and exceptional service. They also offer a seafood tower, and the wine list is extensive, making it a perfect choice for an anniversary celebration.
Chops Lobster Bar – Located in Buckhead, Chops is an elegant steakhouse known for its prime cuts of meat and seafood. They offer a variety of seafood options, including a seafood tower, and their wine list is curated to complement their menu perfectly. It’s a great spot for a luxurious, celebratory dinner.
The Capital Grille – A classic option that consistently delivers. Known for its dry-aged steaks, seafood, and a superb wine selection, The Capital Grille is a wonderful place for a special occasion. It’s upscale but not overly stuffy, and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner.
Seafood & More – For something with a little more emphasis on seafood, you might consider Two Urban Licks (a contemporary American restaurant with a focus on seafood and an excellent wine list) or Atlanta Fish Market (offering a raw bar and seafood tower). Both are great options depending on your seafood preference.

2. Things to Do in Atlanta: Here are some suggestions for activities and guided tours to make the most of your weekend in the city:

Atlanta BeltLine – A fantastic way to see the city, the BeltLine is a 22-mile loop of former railway corridors, now transformed into walking and cycling paths, art installations, and public parks. You can rent bikes or take a leisurely stroll to enjoy local culture, food, and art.
Guided Tours – There are several companies offering hop-on-hop-off trolley tours in Atlanta, which can help you explore the city at your own pace. Atlanta Trolley Tour offers a convenient way to see the main sites, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
The Atlanta History Center – If you’re interested in history, this is a must-visit. The History Center includes several museums and historical homes, such as the Swan House and the Governor’s Mansion. It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in Atlanta’s past.
Ponce City Market – This is a great spot for shopping, dining, and enjoying local food. It's located in a renovated historic building and has a lively atmosphere. You can also walk up to the roof for beautiful views of Atlanta, and there’s a rooftop amusement park with games and mini-golf.
Atlanta Botanical Garden – If you love nature, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to explore. It’s especially stunning in the spring and summer, with themed gardens, fountains, and seasonal exhibits.

3. Sunday Afternoon Game: For your Red Sox-Braves game, make sure to check out the new Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. It’s a beautiful stadium with lots of great food and drink options. Arrive early to enjoy the surrounding Battery Atlanta, which has restaurants, shops, and entertainment. It’s a great spot to explore before or after the game.

4. Additional Tips:

If you're interested in exploring more dining options, consider South City Kitchen in Midtown, known for its Southern-inspired cuisine and an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
For a more laid-back afternoon, you could visit Piedmont Park, which is right near the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It’s a lovely place for a picnic, or just a nice stroll with views of the city skyline.
Make sure to check out the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola if you're looking to explore some of Atlanta's more iconic attractions.

Atlanta is a dynamic and diverse city with a lot to offer. I’m sure you and your wife will have a wonderful time celebrating your anniversary!