The Tennis Traveler: Top 5 things to do in Atlanta

It’s officially that time of year when the sun sets on Wimbledon green and tennis migrates to North America. After the grass-court Hall of Fame Open in Newport comes the hard-court swing—where the city of Atlanta, Georgia, is marking the bittersweet end of its 15-year run as an ATP 250-level tour stop.

As players and fans alike flock to the city for some much-needed tennis, there are plenty of off-court experiences worth making time for. Here’s our list of the Top 5 must-do activities during the Atlanta Open, plus a few insider tips from our very own Stephanie Livaudais.

1. World of Coca-Cola

Learn the secrets behind the beloved beverage at the World of Coca-Cola located just a ten-minute drive from the tournament site.

Explore the interactive exhibits, meet the iconic polar bear, take in ‘Moments of Happiness’ in the theater room, follow your nose through Scent Discovery, and, of course, taste everything.

Journey through the 135-year history of Coca-Cola like never before, and make sure to visit The Vault where the secret recipe of the beverage is reportedly housed.

As far as we know, Pepsi lovers are also welcome on the premises.

2. Peachfest

The tenth annual Peachfest has been celebrating the state’s beloved fruit for most of July, leading up to Sunday, July 21, where the culinary celebration ends with a bang. Just a day before the Atlanta Open main draw begins, celebrate Atlanta’s food artisans, pâtissiers, and barkeepers with peach-infused dishes, drinks, and wines.

Previous Peachfest activities included ‘Three Weeks to Go Countdown’ for peach season, a DIY peach old fashioned cocktail kit, and a Peach Puppy Contest where dogs are dressed up in peach-themed outfits for a chance to win $1000.

3. Patio Pop-Up

Atlanta is making the most out of their hot, hot summer with another month-long summer celebration. Introducing Patio Pop-Ups at Citizens Market Food Hall, where every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in July ‘going out’ means a social experience for everybody.

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Citizens Patio, enjoy a live DJ, sparkling drinks, and giveaways. Entry is free, so bring every travel buddy along and maybe a tennis player or two, to take in all the fun.

Sponsored by Veuve Clicuot, “a champagne house beyond the luxury brand”, this event guarantees an atmosphere just as bubbly as their drinks, not to mention the fitting décor for such an occasion.

4. Comedic Murder

The Murder Mystery Co. in Atlanta has found a way to combine the two unlikeliest of subjects: comedy and murder. In this two-and-a-half-hour long experience has you solving a murder mystery alongside professional actors while enjoying a three-course dinner.

“Good Riddance” follows the story of a 1990s mall opening gone wrong, where everyone is a suspect until proven innocent. Whether in a private event or a public showing, this experience is running for a limited time, until Friday, July 26.

Murder Mystery Co. has other themed showings, running mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.

5. Georgia Aquarium

The largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere is located just 15 minutes from the tournament site. From bottlenose dolphins to African penguins to tiger sharks, the Georgia Aquarium is packed with fish, amphibians, reptiles and more from all over the world, and has adjoining galleries for a deeper dive.

In the summertime, the aquarium has a limited-time weekday discount for entry after 5pm, which means you can get plenty of tennis in beforehand.

For the braver lot, there are immersive experiences also available with sharks, dolphins, sea lions, penguins and rays. Join the creatures in the water or above ground in proximity.

Your trip to Atlanta is now packed with summer happenings, but there is more to the city to be discovered and prepared for. Former resident and Baseline reporter Stephanie Livaudais has a few tips of her own to get the most out of the city:

Spend a day at Atlantic Station, the venue for the Atlanta Open

There’s a lot to do in this neighborhood that’s a blend of upscale commercial and luxury residential areas. In between matches, fans can refuel at Target or Publix, get some shopping done at mall staples like Dillards, Sephora and H&M, and then end the evening with a movie at Regal Cinemas or bowling at Bowlero.

Insider tip: Book dinner at Allora, an Italian restaurant inside the Twelve Midtown hotel and enjoy a bit of player spotting—and maybe even get a few selfies if the players are in the right mood.

Atlanta is not a walkable city, so plan accordingly

Don’t underestimate the late July heat, or the distance between the venue and the nearby MARTA stop. It might look close on a map, but you’ll feel every minute of that “quick 20-30 minute walk” as you slowly bake while crossing about 11 lanes of Atlanta traffic along the I-85 and I-95 interchange. Stay hydrated and find a ride.

Food, food, and more food

Just like any major city, there are food options of plenty ranging from food poisoning to dying happy. To help out Atlanta first-timers, here are a few local restaurant options for your trip.

• The Vortex (Little Five Points)
• Gu’s Kitchen (Buford Highway)
• Bacchanalia*
• Bomb Biscuit Co.*
• Fred’s Meat & Bread (Krog Market)*

* Featured in the first Atlanta Michelin guide in 2023.

Must-See Attractions in Downtown Atlanta

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights inspires visitors to tap into their own power to change the world. One of the museum’s featured exhibits follows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement in the U.S., and stories from around the world today.

Also at nearby Centennial Olympic Park, a slice of Olympics history. As the Summer Olympics heads to Paris in a few short weeks, sports lovers can reminisce here about the 1996 Games, where American athletes won 44 gold medals. Fun fact: Andre Agassi became a gold medalist in Atlanta.

A lowkey day well spent

Not all travel has to be go-go-go—especially in Atlanta, which is nicknamed a “city in a forest”. Make time for the tree-lined Atlanta BeltLine, walk up to Piedmont Park and you'll understand why it's earned the title. Fun fact: Piedmont Park was designed by the sons of the Central Park architects.

Also along the BeltLine, check out Ponce City Market, where shopping, restaurants, and office space are rolled into one. On Thursday, July 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the market is hosting a neighborhood kickback event with live music, food and fun.