If you are lucky enough to find some free time while visiting Atlanta for business, get ready for some memorable experiences. Because we understand that business trips have to be paired with a little bit of pleasure, we searched some of the local hot spots in Atlanta that have a reputation for offering a good time, great eats and even greater memories to share among colleagues.
Each place listed below offers something unique and beyond the typical wine-and-dine experience. There is a lot to see when visiting the great city of Atlanta, but even more to experience first-hand. So, without further delay, here are our latest picks for your business trip getaways.
LOCKER CLUB
Because, who does not appreciate a speakeasy, especially in a new space after a long day of networking? Just hope that you find yourself in Atlanta on a Thursday-Saturday evening because this hidden gem has limited hours for tours. Located in the Old Fourth Distillery on Old Fourth Ward’s Edgewood Avenue, Locker Club offers patrons a Prohibition-style touring experience while serving up some high-quality spirits and the ideal environment for your next business trip adventure. Locker Club provides a journey through history in the region back to a time when alcohol was not so easy to come by. The Old Fourth Distillery is the first distillery to be opened in Atlanta since 1906 and takes pride in its environmentally friendly methods in creating authentic and high-quality spirits from gin and vodka to straight bourbon whiskey. A team of three (yes, three) people start from fermentation all the way down to packaging all of their vodka and gin with the help of a customized, handmade CARL copper still. It goes without saying that the small-but-mighty team here likes to do things a bit differently and has no problem sharing their unique process with the locals and visitors.
RAY’S BY THE RIVER
Part of the Ray’s Restaurants, LLC trio, Ray’s by the River not only offers award-winning eats but pairs them with scenery and an experience you are sure to remember once you unpack your suitcase back at home. Choose to sit at the newly renovated riverside pavilion and take in the matchless views of the Chattahoochee River or dine inside and experience the balmy ambiance and colorful outdoor views. While enjoying some tasty menu options such as their hand-cut steaks and surf-and-turf specialties, be sure to give one of their signature, hand-crafted cocktails a try. Missed happy hour? Not to worry because Ray’s has two for you to take advantage of. If you miss their 3:30-7 p.m. happy hour, they start it up again from 9 p.m. to closing time during the week.
WORLD OF COCA-COLA
Even if you are not a Coca-Cola drinker or are a die-hard Pepsi fan, there is something for you at the World of Coca-Cola that you can appreciate, enjoy and take with you. Beyond its fascinating history and more than 200 international artifacts throughout the Loft, your taste buds are in for a treat at the Taste It! exhibit experience offering samples of what Coca-Cola is like around the world. Curious about the history of the coveted Coca-Cola recipe? Now you can get a close-up look at the history, myths and legends, and even the origins of the recipe at the Vault. This interactive experience gives guests a hands-on experience to see exactly what it takes to create that perfect recipe and flavor with the Virtual Taste Maker. Once your taste buds have had enough, head on over to the 3-D theater and give other senses an experience with the film In Search of the Secret Formula. On your way out, stop by Bottle Works to get a peek behind the curtain of what Coca-Cola’s bottling process looks like from equipment to processing.
DELTA FLIGHT MUSEUM
The Delta Flight Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary this past May. Along with that milestone, Delta celebrated 90 years of services in the Atlanta region. Regardless of your profession, visiting the Delta Flight Museum should absolutely be on your list when visiting Atlanta. Visitors are given a tour through Delta’s rich history through the museum’s two original 1940s-era aircraft hangars and its 747 Plaza full of exhibits and factoids. When visiting the hangars, guests are given an up-close and personal view of Delta’s aircraft and history beginning in the 1920s. Interactive exhibits offer visitors more than Delta’s history, however, with its one-of-a-kind full-motion flight simulation training session. This is an experience that is sure to make your friends back home jealous as this is the only full-motion simulation available for public use in the country. If you prefer to stay in the exhibit areas, be sure to stop by the restored 1940 Douglas DC-3 and the Waco 125 biplane–it will probably be the only time you will ever see aircraft like these in person. The museum’s Waco 125 is the only one like it remaining. Trust us on this one, you do not want to miss the Delta Flight Museum.
POUR TAPROOM
Known for its “beer and wine festival every week” theme, Atlanta’s Pour Taproom is every beer and wine lover’s dream. This local hot spot is quite literally a taproom perfect for anyone seeking a unique (and delicious) experience with local craft beers and wine on tap. If you consider yourself a beer connoisseur, Pour Taproom is sure to have something you will want some more of. With regularly rotating selections and the ability to purchase by the ounce instead of the glass in a self-serve approach, your visit to the Taproom is sure to be an experience you will not find back home. Pick from a variety of craft beers ranging from IPAs, sours, darks, ciders, lights and wine while. Taking in the local scene on the relaxing and contemporary patio. Hungry? There are food options that pair nicely with whatever you choose to satisfy your beer or wine cravings. Oh, and did we mention the “Beer Me” button?
