Simply Having a Wonderful District Time

You’ll want to make the most of every festive day in the District during the holiday season. This weekend itinerary is peak seasonal Southside, showing you the ATL at its mild-but-so-delightful winter best.

DAY ONE – HAPEVILLE HOLIDAY

Put on your walking shoes and kick off the holidays with a delectable beverage from JPresso. The season’s early offerings include Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai, Pumpkin Sweet Cream Cold Brew, and Pumpkin Spice Latte. Watch for new featured beverages as the calendar marches on.

There’s something about trains that just screams “classic holiday,” don’t you think? And here you are in Hapeville, home of the Hapeville Depot Museum! Take a lazy morning trip through history along the tracks, right beside the beautiful Jess Lucas Y-Teen Park—a lovely place to visit any time of year.

As long as you’re enjoying an old-fashioned holiday, why not step back in time for some vintage diner grub from the Chick-fil-A Dwarf House? Sure, you can get regular old 21^st-century fast food here. Or you can grab a booth on the other side of the restaurant and experience the original Dwarf House diner’s authentic menu and table service.

You’ve just had a satisfying lunch, so you’ll need to work that off in preparation for an even better dinner. Why not set out on a self-guided tour of all the inspiring murals and other public art throughout Hapeville? Roam the quaint and festive downtown streets and snap selfies until your feet fall off.

For dinner, how does breakfast sound? Let’s head to Folk Art, a breakfast-lunch-and-brunch spot that’s open until 9 p.m. seven days a week. Warm up with their contemporary Southern menu, which includes adventurous desserts like “The Randy,” apple bacon deep-fried in sweet potato waffle batter. If you’re still not warm enough, top it all off with a hot drink or a cold Pumpkin White Russian from the bar.

It’s time to check the ol’ holiday calendar. Is a special holiday event taking place tonight? Then off you go! If not, we recommend copping tickets to Hapeville’s Academy Theatre. Their past can’t-miss productions have included Gift of the Magi and fun English- style pantomimes full of music, comedy and audience participation.

Every fond winter memory ends with a nightcap, so if you’ve got any steam left, head on over to Hapeville Corner Tavern for casual drinks and snacks. Their patio features heaters and big-screen sports, but the biergarten comes alive at night with a fire pit, corn hole and bocce ball. If you’re craving the flavors of the season, head to local favorite Beer Girl for a hot mulled cider—or keep the party going amid the über-festive décor at Cafe Belli’s after-hours bar.

DAY TWO – FESTIVE COLLEGE PARK

If you’re here for the weekend, there’s a pretty good chance today is Sunday, so don’t overlook the many, many trendy and delicious options throughout College Park’s happening brunch scene. But if you’d like to grab and go, we recommend an iced peppermint mocha from Drip-Thru, College Park’s drive-through coffee spot.

Between Thanksgiving and mid-December, your next stop is a walk along College Park’s Tinsel Trail, a glittering tour of beautifully decorated holiday trees created by Southside locals. A modest charitable donation lets you vote for your favorites!

Enjoy the sunshine on the short jaunt from the Tinsel Trail to The Breakfast Boys for a delectable brunch. You’ve never had Crispy Catfish Shrimp & Grits like this before!

The District is great for sports year-round. Hit some laid-back balls at the Historical College Park Golf Course and driving range or check the Gateway Center Arena schedule if you’re in more of a root-for-the-home-team mood. With 12 months of basketball on the schedule, there’s a good chance the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) or College Park Skyhawks (NBA G-League) will be playing. Otherwise, check for a concert or a LOVB volleyball event.

It’s a nice night for a Cajun-influenced meal at Corner Grille. This charming holiday spot even offers a private upstairs dining space for parties of up to 30, so you can gather and celebrate with family and friends.

After-dinner entertainment this evening follows the same rule as yesterday: if there’s a special event, don’t miss it! Otherwise, it’s worth the trek north to Midtown for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. If you haven’t yet experienced this Atlanta winter staple, you’ll be mesmerized by millions of twinkling lights and displays throughout the gardens, along with delightful winter-themed treats and music.