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50 Fun Things to Do

50 Fun Things to Do

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Explore Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail

The Northeast Trail of the Atlanta Beltline benefited from major developments in 2024. The path near the Piedmont Dog Park has been completed and now connects to the Eastside Trail. The Northeast Trail picks up at Piedmont Park and eventually will extend 2.9 miles to Peachtree Creek.

1. Piedmont Park

Lake Clara Meer, Piedmont Park
Enjoy the skyline at sunset at Lake Clara Meer, Piedmont Park. (Photo by Gene Phillips, AtlantaPhotos.com)

Piedmont Park is one of the many reasons why Atlanta is known as the City in the Forest. The wide paths throughout are perfect for biking or walking. Right behind the Piedmont Dog Park, find the Northeast Trail. Bring the dog as you explore the greenery and calming energy of this stop on the Beltline.

Where: 400 Park Drive NE

2. Bangkok Thai Restaurant

Explore Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail
Grab a bite at Bangkok while on the Northeast Trail. (Photo by Taylor Boser)

Bangkok Restaurant has served Thai food to Atlanta since 1977, transporting diners to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Thai street food dishes include crispy chicken rice, Thai basil minced chicken and honey BBQ pork and rice. Enjoy a variety of curry dishes, fried rice options or entrees such as basil duck, choo chee salmon and pad prik king.

Where: 1492 Piedmont Ave. NE

3. Ansley Mall and Ansley Square

Explore Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail
There are popular stores, restaurants and bars at Ansley Mall and Ansley Square (Photo by Taylor Boser)

Located next to each other off the Northeast Trail, Ansley Mall and Ansley Square are open-air shopping centers with everything from drug stores to grocery stores to gay bars. Mixx features a glass-enclosed patio overlooking the Atlanta Beltline. Oscar’s is known for being Atlanta’s favorite martini bar. Themed-nights include Messy Monday Karaoke, Showtune Tuesday, Retro Night Wednesday, Temptation Thursday and Friday Night G.A.G. The staff at Felix’s Atlanta will guarantee a fun time, no matter what day you’re there.

Where: 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE

4. Atlanta Eagle

Explore Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail
This leather and queer bar always has something going on. (Photo by Taylor Boser)

Keep the night going by bar hopping LGBTQ+ bars. This iconic gay leather bar is a popular choice for dancing. The variety of karaoke, drag events, cabaret shows and trivia means there’s always a reason to come hang out.

Where: 1492 Piedmont Ave. NE

5. Smith’s Olde Bar

A short distance off the trail, Smith’s Old Bar is a go-to stop for live music. It’s been a mainstay since 1994 so the folks there know a thing or two about putting on a show. You can also come for open mic night, trivia or to play some pool.

Where: 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE

6. Armour Yards

Explore Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail
You never know what you’ll find when you explore Armour Yards. (Photo by Taylor Boser)

From restaurants to a nightclub to a “compeatery,” Armour Yards is a transformative creative office community. When traveling on the Northeast Trail, continue through the old railroad corridor for passage under I-85 and you’re a short walk away from Armour Yards. This area is part of the proposed Northside Beltline Trail extension.

Where: 251 Armour Drive NE

7. SweetWater Brewing Company

Hop on over to one of Atlanta's brewery patios
Pair a seasonal brew with your meal at SweetWater Brewing. (Photo courtesy of SweetWater Brewing Company)

Located in Armour Yards, this brewery has been an icon in the city for nearly 30 years. It’s hard to pass up year-round favorites like the 420 Extra Pale Ale, but don’t miss out on options that change every three to four months.

Where: 195 Ottley Drive NE

8. ASW Distillery at American Spirit Works

Not only is ASW Distillery at American Spirit Works a great place to visit, while there you also can educate yourself on the world of spirits. ASW offers tours, tastings and spirit classes. This is the original location. Find others on the West End and at the Battery. If you are 21 or older, try the Fiddler Wheated Bourbon, a double-oaked everyday bourbon.

Where: 199 Armour Drive NE

9. East Pole Coffee Co.

Explore Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail
On a nice day, sit on the patio enjoying a cup of coffee at East Pole Coffee Co. (Photo by Taylor Boser)

You can arrive at East Pole Coffee Co. off the Northeast Trail after taking in Beltline vibes. Yes, you may enjoy a cup of coffee; you also might be interested to know that East Pole’s wholesale coffee option provides businesses with comprehensive barista training, equipment consultation and maintenance, co-branding and promotion.

Where: 255 Ottley Drive NE

10. Painted Pickle

Explore Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail
Get ready to work up a sweat at this “compeatery.” (Photo by Aubree Dumas)

While walking along the Beltline is a fun activity, get ready for a little more intensity at Painted Pickle, which welcomes pickleball players of all levels. Also available are must-try foods like charcuterie boards, burgers and sushi. If pickleball isn’t your thing, you can show off your competitive side with other games there like Ping-Pong, shuffleboard, darts and corn hole.

Where: 279 Ottley Drive NE

The Northeast Trail connects to the Eastside Trail near Piedmont Park, one of the busiest stops on the Beltline. If you keep making your way along the Northeast Trail, you’ll hit the Northside Trail, which is filled with gorgeous views and a calmer vibe.

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