Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brookhaven, GA to Decatur, GA
Driving from Brookhaven to Decatur in Georgia is an excellent opportunity to see the hidden gems and experience some of Georgia's unique features. Taking about 20 minutes of driving time, the journey is relatively convenient, and there are several stops on the way to explore. Here, we have rounded up five surprising places to stop on a drive from Brookhaven, GA, to Decatur, GA.
Atlanta, GA - The Halfway Point
As intriguing as Brookhaven and Decatur are, the halfway point between both cities is equally, if not more, fascinating: Atlanta, GA. The state capital and most populous city in Georgia offer visitors an extensive array of attractions to explore. Atlanta has a vibrant arts and culture scene with awe-inspiring art galleries and museums like the High Museum of Art. Lovers of history will enjoy visiting iconic sites such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Atlanta History Center.
Atlanta is also renowned for its Southern comfort food, and the city's staple dish is the Peach Cobbler. Visitors should try it at Mary Mac's Tea Room, a Southern-inspired restaurant that has been around since 1945 in the Midtown area. The Peach cobbler served at the restaurant is by far, one of the best in the city.
1. Krog Street Market
Krog Street Market is a trendy food hall and retail destination located on the Beltline in Inman Park. Guests can explore the amply stocked shops, treat themselves to delicious delicacies, and sip crafted cocktails beneath the twinkling lights of the open-air courtyards. The market boasts an impressive number of vendors selling a diverse range of foods, including Superica's delectable Tex-Mex, Richards' Southern Fried's mouth-watering fried chicken, and Atlanta's famed ice cream shop, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.
A must-try at Krog street market is the Fried Chicken at Richards' Southern Fried. Their recipe has been passed down the Richards family for generations, resulting in chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
2. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Make sure to stop by the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, tucked neatly in Atlanta's Druid Hills neighborhood, near Emory University. Visitors can explore world-class exhibitions and discover artifacts from all over the world. Museum goers can even walk 75 million years back in time through the highlight exhibit, Giants of the Mesozoic, which features one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered, the Argentinosaurus.
At the museum's on-site cafe, visitors can enjoy fresh, locally sourced fair in a modern, relaxed setting. Their standout dish is the Southern Fried Chicken Biscuit - a buttermilk biscuit layered with boneless fried chicken breast, housemade pimento cheese, and spicy pepper jelly.
3. Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is home to a colossal Confederate memorial carving sculpted on the side of a mountain. Visitors can explore the mountain's surrounding park and take a hike on one of the trails, relax on a boat ride around the lake, or take in a laser show. In the fall, the park holds a pumpkin festival, and winter sees the park celebrating the holidays with festive light displays.
Just outside the park, it's worth it to stop at Taqueria Los Hermanos, a small restaurant serving up authentic Mexican flavors with a hint of Southern flair. Their standout dish is the chicken tinga tacos, which combine stewed chicken with chipotle and tomatoes for a taste experience that can't be beaten.
4. Your Dekalb Farmers Market
Don't let the name fool you; the Dekalb Farmers Market is more than just a market. It's a bustling indoor international market, home to over 300 fresh produce vendors and 60,000 square feet of international grocery items, including foods from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Visitors can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and explore the exotic food aisles and even make a stop at the eatery and bar located within the market itself.
It's challenging to pin down just one standout dish to try at the Your Dekalb Farmers Market. Between their fresh sushi and insanely juicy rotisserie chicken, nearly everything they serve up is mouth-watering.
5. Fox Theatre
One of the most significant landmarks in the midtown area of Atlanta is the Fox Theatre. The theater opened in 1929 and was one of five remarkable movie palaces in the city that played "talkies." Today, it's a live entertainment venue, often hosting Broadway productions, concerts, and shows. Visitors can marvel at the opulence of the theater's interior and enjoy an in-theater dining experience at one of the in-house restaurants.
Before any show, head over to Bar Margot, a chic cocktail bar located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta's renovated mid-century modern building. While at Bar Margot, try out their take on the classic Sazerac cocktail.
In Conclusion
Visiting the five unexpected places listed on your drive from Brookhaven to Decatur, GA, is undoubtedly a great way to spend a day in Georgia. Visitors can enjoy Southern comfort foods such as Peach Cobbler and Southern Fried Chicken while exploring unique museums and international markets. There's something for everyone: history buffs, nature lovers, and foodies alike. A day trip like this is the perfect way to break up the monotony of everyday life and see what Georgia has to offer.