After a long hiatus, I am back with the next blog. I’m keeping this one REAL short, so I can start on next week’s (which will be a guide to the MN State Fair).

So, without further ado, if you ever find yourself in Atlanta, be sure to check out these spots. Sans the last thing. Avoid that if possible.

PERC Coffee

Located in the cute little Grant Park neighborhood, PERC is a great place to stop for a morning coffee (it’s a Georgia chain). Super cute aesthetic and fun choice of drinks. BTW if you want PERC stickers, message me at [email protected].

Insider Tip: Steer clear of the Cold Fashion, unless you’re into drinking straight espresso with a hint of orange. I didn’t realize what it actually was, and I am NOT an espresso drinker (sorry, Sabrina).

Ponce City Market

Fun to walk through if you are looking for things to buy (or if you need a break from the heat, which you will). Most of the stores were ones you can find elsewhere across the U.S., but there were a few local gems.

W.H. Stiles Fish Camp (in Ponce City Market)

Rosie, feel free to skip this paragraph.

One of my to do items while down in ATL was to get oysters. You know, because Georgia is closer to the ocean than MN, so I figured there would be better oysters. Well, the oysters pictured here were from Canada. Still good, and I would recommend. Maybe don’t fly out to ATL for the oysters, though.

Pictured above are some other food stops: Krispy Kreme donuts (WHEN WILL THE MN LOCATION OPEN???) + Mary Mac’s chicken and grits.

Krog Street Market

Do be sure to walk the several miles from Ponce City Market to Krog Street along the BeltLine. Although it was hot and sunny and too humid, it was still pretty fun. My friend got her ear pierced in under 15 minutes there, and I purchased a Dubai chocolate truffle. And I found a few magnets from MN landmarks (Betty’s Pies and Mystic Lake). Wherever you go, MN will be there apparently.

Insider Tip: Wear your sunscreen and bring it along. Wear shoes that fit correctly.

The Thing You Can Avoid

A spider ☹️ There were tons of bugs in ATL (and rats at the pool???). More than the average amount. This being the case, there was bound to be a bug (or, more accurately, an arachnid) inside. I channeled my inner strength and decided to let it be free rather than killing it in cold blood. This picture is proof.

ATL, Can’t Say I Miss You (But I Do Miss Marina!)

Overall, ATL was too sunny, too rainy, too humid, and had too much traffic for my liking. Despite these things, I had a pretty fun time! I tried some Southern cuisine, and got to walk around some cute Suburban neighborhoods. I saw rats/opossums, but I also took a nice dip in the pool. And I got to see my friend who lives out there (the best part!).

Although it may seem like I’m trying to dissuade you from going, I’m not. I’d go back. But I’d bring bug spray and more sunscreen the next time around. Also, I’d bring my athleisure clothes. Everyone was wearing athleisure for some reason.

And best believe that the day in ATL felt like several days put together. Time was real slow (in a good way). We tried so many new things in under 24 hours, and that’s all it takes for time to become “slower.”

I’m taking my time there as a reminder to try new things, even if I’m not taking a flight to go anywhere. Taking the time to try a new cafe or go on new hike or talk to a friend can sometimes be all it takes to slow your day down and make you feel like you have more time.

That’s all for this week!

There will be a blog next week. MN State Fair. Stay tuned.