On the Southside

Let’s get you outside! Everything is wonderfully green and blossomy and we wouldn’t want you to waste a minute of it stuck inside. Start the day with a little SPF and, if seasonal allergies are on the menu for you, antihistamines just in case. (It’ll be worth it.)

Begin your visit with a fashionable brunch any day of the week at The Real Milk & Honey. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown College Park, you can soak in the sun while sipping mimosas and indulging in their signature honey butter biscuits. Other exceptional spots serving all-day breakfast with outdoor seating in the area are The Breakfast Boys and Buttermilk Biscuit. 

Now that you’ve woken up and/or loosened up with your coffee and/or Bloody Mary, let’s get you moving! This particular area of the District offers several ways of enjoying the fresh morning air:

• Golf enthusiasts can enjoy nine holes of regulation length with no tee times over at the Historic College Park Golf Course, one of the toughest in the metro area.
• To get the blood pumping sans clubs ‘n balls, check out the Phoenix Trail. This nice, wide, tree-lined walking/running path goes on for two paved miles with impressive views of takeoffs and landings.
• A walk in the sunshine is nice, but if that “blood pumping” part sounds gnarly, you’re probably someone who appreciates the finer things. Grab our College Park Mural Map and take yourself on a little tour of this neighborhood’s colorful public art—at your own pace, of course.

As morning wears into early afternoon, you will find that although the clean Georgia air feels amazing, it lacks nutritive substance and you’re going to get hungry. What to do? This: across the street from the College Park MARTA station is Tom, Dick & Hank, a BBQ-fusion treat any day of the week. They’ve got all the flavors of seating, from indoor tables to a cheery enclosed patio to pet-positive al fresco dining, perfect for those lunching with canine companions as well as anyone who enjoys pup-spotting.

You can of course spend your afternoon doing whatever tickles your fancy, because there’s no shortage of shopping and activities in the District, and we recommend including a stop at the Chick-fil-A Backstage Tour. Explore the grounds, dive into the history of the chicken sandwich, and get a close-up look at the Cathy collection of classic automobiles.

And once you’ve had your fill of all this doing, let’s get back to eating! Grab a sidewalk table at Party of Five by Metrowest. This family-owned spot known for incredible food and service is worth the wait even at peak rush times. Weekday happy hour includes specials on drinks and appetizers, like their perfectly seasoned salmon bites and spinach and artichoke dip.

After dinner, head to popular neighborhood hangout Brake Pad to relax on the patio with a beer and reflect on a day spent largely out-of-doors. You’ll sleep well tonight.

If your visit coincides with one of our great spring events, plan on that. Otherwise, follow this guide to make the day into an event of your own.

First, wake up hungry, because today begins at one of Metro Atlanta’s favorite creative brunch spots, Folk Art. Kid-friendly, dog-friendly, with a patio and great service, this place offers well-executed breakfast staples alongside inventive plates (think cheddar jalapeno grit fritters, or roasted pork & chilis over eggs and queso). The hot new location here in Hapeville just opened last fall.

Depending on the makeup of your group, you’ve got your choice of exhilarating outdoor activities for this morning’s outing:

• If you’re with kids, check out the playground at Jess Lucas Park. Adults will also enjoy the art and green space at this peaceful and well-maintained city park.
• If you’re with dogs, they’ll love letting loose at the John Lewis dog park.
• If you’re with skaters, scooters or other rolling daredevils, take ‘em to the Hapeville Skate Park at Tom E. Morris Sports Complex, with ramps for a variety of skill levels. (This place has something for everyone year-round, including a splash pad when summer heat sets in.)

When you’re ready for lunch, there’s a hidden gem to try whether flying in or out of the area. Airport View Restaurant offers from-scratch comfort food served fast, but the real attraction is the view for which the restaurant is named. Airport View Restaurant is open 10am-3pm weekdays. Another choice: treat yourself to a meal at the ritzy Restaurant 356 located inside the Porsche Experience Center overlooking both the airport and the Porsche test track.

When you’ve had your fill of planes, it’s time for a lovely walk in the sunshine. Head up Atlanta Avenue to see the Mischief Managed mural at Jess Lucas Park (which you can of course skip if you were already there this morning). From here, we recommend extending your walk to take in the many Downtown Hapeville murals (don’t forget your Mural Map!). Then head back to the west along South Central Avenue. You’ll get an eyeful of the iconic Aviation Heritage mural when you reach the corner of Virginia—and boom, you’ve made it to dinner!

Scope out a spot on the dining patio at Paper Plane, an atmospheric Thai restaurant with an extensive whiskey list. If brown liquor isn't your thing, no worries - they also shake up an array of craft cocktails and pour local beers and wine. Enjoy the green space and challenge your companion to a game of corn-hole while you wait for your authentic Thai dish to arrive.

As your visit draws to a close, make your last drink in the District one to remember. Check out Café Belli, an elevated cocktail bar with light bites and cozy outdoor seating. And if your glamorous night goes longer than intended, don't worry; Cafê Belli reopens in the AM as a coffee bar to give you a boost.

Choose your own adventure:

• The District is host to seasonal events throughout spring, most of which are free and all of which are fun. Compare your travel dates against our spring event calendar.

• Aviation enthusiasts may prefer to customize their visit based on our Plane Spotting roundup.

• Make sure you’re hitting your personal culinary highlights by glancing at the list of all 30 nearby restaurants with outdoor seating.
   
• Our Mural Map is the key to public art throughout Hapeville, Union City and College Park.