Atlanta

[gt6267a]

ATL ... I have been here but not been here for 1.5 yrs. The traveling is over and its time for me to see the town and ride a bike (I’d be thrilled to ride with you as long as we go slow. I went on my first bike ride in 2 years on Sat.). Looking for recommendations on where to live, get a bike tuned-up, go for a ride, get a drink, grab a bite … you get the idea.

Thanks,
Keith

Ps, I've not been to the Salon in a little while but am looking forward to catching up!

[JackStraw]

Send me a PM with your email and I can give you the scoop. Atlanta native - 45 years and counting...

[quickag]

eat at the imperial fez...

[sonny]

What to do in Atlanta?

atlanta likes to party atmo

[holliscx]

Bring back FREAKNIK!

LOL

[andrew]

Welcome to town! Atlanta is a great place to live (some parts at least), but can be a hard place to ride. Atlanta native here and I am very biased about areas to live, ride, eat, drink etc.

Where will you be working? Single, attached, kids? Who am I kidding, I am going to suggest Decatur no mater what you say. Yep, I have drunk the Kool-aide here. Intown living, great neighborhoods, some of the best eating in the southeast (maybe even nation), the best beer bar in the nation (Brick Store Pub), less traffic than the outer 'burbs.

That said, where you work really does determine where you will want to live. Atlanta is VERY spread out. And traffic can be a nightmare.

43 year Atlanta native here, 23 years worth of bike shop experience as well so I can point you in a good direction there as well.

[holliscx]

Eating:
Watershed has moved from Decatur to Peachtree (Brookwood Hills) - stop by on Wednesday for their famous fried chicken dinner

Saravanaa Bhavan in Decatur - Kick-ass vegentarian South Indian. Don't let the veggie tag scare you if you're a carnivore. Their thali plate is to-die-for and I also recommend their soups.

Flying Biscuit - Breakfast at the location in Candler Park is a classic. Dinner is one of the best "secrets" in town as the restaurant is known mainly for breakfast, but dinners can be even better. They used to do a 3-course dinner with wine pairings for $25 which was very nice, although this was a few years ago.

The Varsity - Hard to top a chili slaw dog and the greasiest onion rings this side of the Mason-Dixon line. Wash it down with a FO (Frosted Orange) and if you're hungry, have a lemon custard for dessert.

Mary Mac's Tea Room - A Southern institution. Probably has seen better days but this is a fine introduction to Southern food. Write your order down on a piece of paper with a pencil. Old school, yes ma'am.


Music:
Check Eddie's Attic in Decatur and Variety Playhouse in Little 5 Points for listings.


Bike Shops:
Atlanta Pro Bike - Chris (owner) has been on the scene forever. APB used to bleed Fat Cities back in the 1990s.


Miscellaneous:
Not really my style but have read a lot about the planned community Serenbe. Look it up, worth checking out.

[SamIAm]

I help organize several rides in Dunwoody, Ga., which is a great place to live and ride. As far as bike shops, I haven't found any that I really care for except for REI Perimeter and then only if you have Andrew or Eric work on it. Great guys.

Send me a PM and I can definitely help you get connected with some rides.

[JTC33]

I lived in Atlanta for 3 years and thought that if you try and ride in the city you should check out your disability and life insurance because you are definitely taking your life in your own hands. However, I second the recommendation of the Flying Biscuit as it was my favorite breakfast haunt and I am glad to see it is still around. If you are a carnivore, I would recommend Bones for steak if it is still in existence.

[mowens]

Gwinnett Touring Club - Bicycle Touring in Northeast Georgia, USA

For the most part, experienced riders/ex-racers/ex-brevet now riding two-abreast on quite roads for 3-4 hours. Always between 17.5-20 mph depending upon route and group size.
-Mike

[dgaddis]

"Atlanta: the city where all your dreams can come true, or you might get shot at a stop light"
--Katt Williams

I grew up in Buford, GA, one of the many suburbs. Don't plan on moving back.

[bikinchris]

You should also contact the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition.
Decatur is great, BTW.

[sonny]

if i were to move back, i'd seriously have a look at a place around the beltline project, somewhere southeast or west atmo
west end and bankhead comin up and i'm a gentrifying mofo

[TRuss]

I prefer gentrified over gentrifying. East Atlanta or Decatur for me. Virginia Highlands if I had money. I spent 33 of my little over 34 years in the middle of that state, and have spent plenty of time in Atlanta. I have a lot of pride for being from there but, I don't miss it.

[gt6267a]

Thanks for all the responses. SamIAm, I have a note heading your way about rides. I’ve briefly been to Decatur and it seemed nice. I will visit again and walk the streets. I’m still all ears to hear more about favorite restaurants. From my limited travels, I think Holman and Finch is my favorite.

[TRuss]

The Varsity is shit. Go there for the experience I guess but, the food is bland, boring shit.

[sonny]

lot of pride for being from there but, I don't miss it.

we on the same page atmo

[rowdyhillrambler]

Absolutely, make sure you visit the Clermont Lounge on wedneday night.. That is Atlanta!

[holliscx]

I spent 33 of my little over 34 years in the middle of that state, and have spent plenty of time in Atlanta. I have a lot of pride for being from there but, I don't miss it.

we on the same page atmo

Feel exactly the same way. I grew up in Vidalia (high school) then moved to Peachtree City (senior year); later lived in Atlanta which I call "home" but I don't miss it enough to move back.

Where are you guys living now?

[TRuss]

Portland, OR. I know. I know. We love it though.