Sample the Southside

Maybe your flight’s been delayed. Maybe you’ve checked out of your hotel in record time and you find yourself with a few hours on your hands. No matter how you got here, you’ve lucked out: there’s plenty to do in the District! Maximize your travel experience by exploring the area around the airport to quench your thirst, grab a bite, or even check out a museum.

Is it brunchtime?

The brunch scene here on the Southside of the A is not reserved for weekends. Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, Folk Art and Kiss My Grits are the top spots for brunch vibes any day of the week.

Hang out in Hapeville

Start with coffee at downtown Hapeville’s Coffee Man. Sip by the window and you can watch people and trains passing by.

From there, climb the Instagram-able stairs up to the footbridge (or cross the railroad tracks at street level when the track is clear) to reach the Hapeville Depot Museum. This restored train depot is one of the oldest in Georgia. It houses railroad, aviation, and Hapeville artifacts, and even includes an art gallery featuring local artists.

If you’re thirsty for something a bit stronger than caffeine, head down the street to woman-owned Beer Girl Growlers and Bottleshop. Enjoy a pint of something new and local from their 42 taps while perusing the more than 500 different beers and 200+ wines.

If you get hungry along the way, there are plenty of food options in downtown Hapeville. For pizza with a crust worth writing home about, order a pie from Hapeville Pizza Company to enjoy at the counter—or take it to go! You can chow down in neighboring Jess Lucas Y-Teen Park, or take it to Beer Girl Growlers and Bottle Shop to take advantage of seating and a beverage discount.

If you’re not in the mood for pizza, that’s fine. (Weird, but fine.) The Hapeville Corner Tavern is a popular local hangout with delicious pub fare, an impressive tap list, and pre- or post-food activities, such as pool, darts, or bocce ball.

Everything is within walking distance in downtown Hapeville, and there’s something to suit just about anybody’s taste. Other local favorites include Mami’s La Cubana, Fish Bowl Pokê, Island Vibes Grill, Paper Plane, Junior’s Pizza, and Sombrero’s Cantina - and the original Chick-fil-A Dwarf House.