If you haven’t been to ATL recently, you’re missing out on a ton of new hot spots.
We know. That six-hour drive to Atlanta down I-85—not so tempting—especially once you get to Spaghetti Junction (don’t even get us started on the traffic). Good news—you can leave the car at home and get to A-Town without breaking the bank via a round-trip Frontier or Delta flight for around $200.
If you think you already know A-Town, think again. Most of our picks weren’t even on the map five years ago, and new hot spots have really taken off—making the city a true destination for culture, food, beer and fun. Areas like West Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown and the BeltLine are walkable, bikeable or scootable (hey Bird, Spin and Gotcha!), allowing you to zip around to the city’s finest spots with ease.
While it’s impossible to narrow down an ATL guide to just these dozen, this list will at least get you started. And in the famous words of Usher… “Peace up. A-Town down.”
DO
Piedmont Park/Ponce City Market/BeltLine
So, yes, this is three things, but, like Friends’ Monica, Rachel and Phoebe, they just go together. Start with a walk around Piedmont Park; then stroll to Ponce City Market to refuel in the food hall (insider tip: Take your grub to the rooftop for amaze views of the ATL skyline!) and peruse the shops. Afterward, you’re gonna want to scoot over to the BeltLine to hit up the breweries, art, street music and more. piedmontpark.org; poncecitymarket.com; beltline.org
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Stop and smell the flowers at A-Town’s 30-acre botanical haven blooming with hydrangeas, magnolias, roses and a host of other flora and fauna. Also be sure to check out the latest exhibit, SUPERnatural: Aerial Art in Motion, Glass Art in Bloom, which features a custom-created “skynet” resembling a flock of birds. atlantabg.org
Shoot the Hooch
Modest Mouse said it best: “We’ll all float on, OK.” Grab the gang and rent kayaks or tubes for a fun and relaxing trip on the Chattahoochee River. “Falling” into the water on a hot summer day is crucial for keeping cool in HotLanta. shootthehooch.com
EAT
Buena Vida Tapas & Sol
Inspired by owners Juan Sebastian Calle and Adam Berlin’s trips to Spain, this chic restaurant and bar on the BeltLine serves up Ibiza vibes and inventive seasonal tapas (think gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas and crispy pimenton chicken) alongside a robust wine list. buenavidatapas.com
Yebo Beach Haus
Each summer, restaurateur Justin Anthony transforms Yebo into a coastal-inspired hideaway for enjoying South African comfort food like tuna tataki, frittura mista, peri-peri prawn tacos and more out on the minimalist interior courtyard, complete with gorgeous greenery and a large fountain. yebobeachhaus.com
Grana
Ciao, bella! This Piedmont Heights Italian eatery specializes in must-sup wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas and other Italian specialties inspired by the traditional “peasant cooking” of Southern Italy. The stracciatella, Meatball Flight (!), mortadella pie and agnolotti are just a few favorites that are best enjoyed on the rooftop patio with a glass of vino. Saluti! granaatl.com
DRINK
Dr. Scofflaw’s at The Works
All rule-breakers are welcome at Scofflaw Brewing Co.’s newest Upper Westside location at The Works, a mixed-use development highlighting local culture, food and beverage, and retail. The ultimate summer hangout destination serves up cold brews, natch, and 27 acres of patio and indoor/outdoor space, plus—wait for it—a beer park, with all the brewery’s popular brews and seltzers on offer. scofflawbeer.com
The Garden Room
Poppy-in to this Buckhead garden oasis for the most enchanting dining and drinking experience. Alice in Wonderland vibes set the stage for refreshing small plates and delicate cocktail creations that make any date night or girls’ night out pure magic. thegardenroomatlanta.com
The James Room
A trifecta of good music, great drinks and Southern hospitality await at this European-inspired cafe and speakeasy cocktail lounge, the latter of which is only accessible by a secret stairwell in the alley (how boujee!). Swing by during the day for coffee, pastries, salads and flatbreads; or slink in through the back at night for minimalist cocktails, beer and wine. thejamesroom.com
STAY
Hotel Clermont
Go for hip factor and storied views (that rooftop bar is next-level, literally—we dare you not to ’Gram it); stay for the nips (Tony Lou’s!), sips (Café Clermont!), accoutrements and location. The latter—within walking distance to Ponce City Market and a multitude of popular parks, restos and bars—makes it the perfect home base for your A-town vacay. hotelclermont.com
Hotel Colee
The party starts the moment you arrive at this whimsical hotel in Buckhead, glorifying the “dapper, dashing and delightful” energy, diversity and culture of ATL’s upscale neighborhood—with glam, colorful lobby areas and rooms, plus a rooftop bar and pool to boot. hotelcolee.com
Secluded Intown Treehouse
Serenity in the city, found. Skip the standard hotel stay and plant yourself in this one-of-a-kind Airbnb tucked into a quiet wooded area, featuring three separate rooms connected by rope swing bridges—perfect for those looking for something that’s out of the ordinary. And while you won’t feel like you’re in A-Town at all anymore, the treehouse is located just minutes from Downtown. May the forest be with you, indeed. airbnb.com/rooms/1415908
“Loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity.” And after the insanely stressful and all-around rough year-plus we’ve all just had, a little #selfcare isn’t just a want, it’s a need. (Can we get an amen?) So treat yo’self to a day (or weekend!) of rest and relaxation at one of these luxurious wellness spas around North Carolina—all of which are within a four-hour drive of Raleigh.
Westglow Blowing Rock Leave all your worries in the mountains at this breathtakingly beautiful 42-acre resort just outside of Blowing Rock. Westglow’s world-renowned spa and Life Enrichment Center offers self-care at its finest through revitalizing day spa packages that include access to facilities and amenities such as saunas, fitness classes, a fireside relaxation lounge and an indoor swimming pool; various wellness and salon services; and guided morning hikes of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains trails. By night, unwind in one of the six luxury lodging properties—one of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s utterly impossible to feel stressed after a stay here. westglowresortandspa.com
Sanderling Resort Duck It’s “shot girl (or boy!) summer” and what better way to reenter the post-pandemic world than a trip to Duck’s waterfront resort—well-deserved pampering included. The Spa at Sanderling promises both mental and physical rejuvenation through seasonally inspired massage, body and facial treatments influenced by natural resources from the Outer Banks (see: a custom-curated salt scrub made with Hatteras sea salt and a hydrating and detoxifying seaweed wrap). Oceanside yoga classes—complete with the gentle sounds of crashing waves in the background—are sure to calm you even further. sanderling-resort.com
The Ballantyne Charlotte Experience pure bliss at The Spa at Ballantyne, which offers a variety of nature-inspired spa treatments, services and experiences—think massages, facials, a eucalyptus steam room and sauna, detoxifying body therapies, and more—in a relaxing Zen environment. Abandon all of your responsibilities (maybe even ditch your phone so you won’t be bothered with email notifications) and make a weekend out of it with the overnight spa package that includes a full breakfast for two; late checkout; and a $100 resort credit toward spa, retail, afternoon tea or dining. Better set your out-of-office auto-reply message now… theballantynehotel.com
The Umstead Hotel and Spa Cary Pop on over to Cary’s sophisticated five-star lakefront hotel and spa for a “self-care and chill” kind of day that’s close to home. A serene haven for replenishing your body and mind, the opulent spa boasts calming treatment rooms that engage the senses with light, sound and smell; organic botanical treatments inspired by NC’s flora and fauna; and a personal spa concierge that guides guests throughout the whole experience. After hitting the spa, nourish yourself even further with an excellent dining experience at Umstead’s signature restaurant, Herons, from James Beard Award semifinalist chef Steven Greene. theumstead.com
Pinehurst Resort Pinehurst Experience the art of doing nothing at all… and getting full satisfaction from it at The Spa at Pinehurst. Tranquility is found through the indoor saline pool (sip on a complimentary smoothie in-between laps), body treatments, massage therapies, facials, cryotherapy and more. Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip or just teeing it up for the weekend with the guys (um, there’s absolutely no shame in a guys’ spa getaway), the Spa Escape Package makes for the perfect local vacay—two nights in a historic hotel, breakfast and dinner, and all-day access to the sauna, eucalyptus steam room, whirlpools and tranquility areas included. Do not disturb. pinehurst.com
Get hooked on these four summer recipes—utilizing four different types of seafood—from some top local seafood spots.
Summer and seafood are synonymous in North Carolina—especially here in Raleigh, where the coast is only a short two-hour drive away (#blessed). Some may find it daunting to make seafood at home, but we see it as a great oppor-tuna-ty to flex our cooking muscles (er, mussels?) and take advantage of all the fresh fish, clams, shrimp, crab and more that are so easily accessible to us. So, we tapped four local seafood spots for their best summer seafood recipes you can easily recreate at home. We know you’re gonna krill it.
ST. ROCH FINE OYSTERS + BAR
St. Roch Smoked Pimento Cheese
St. Roch chef-owner Sunny Gerhart adds a bomb of flavor to his famous smoked oysters with a housemade smoked pimento cheese—which also goes great on crackers (or, um, straight up with a spoon…).
Ingredients
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 6 cups smoked cheddar cheese or regular white cheddar, grated*
• 1/4 cup charred scallion, minced
• 3/4 cup rice wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup gochujang (Korean chile paste)
• 3/4 cup Sriracha hot sauce
• 3/4 cup Duke’s Mayo
• 1 Tbsp. roasted poblano peppers (or raw poblanos diced or pureed in food processor)
• 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp. ground black pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients until you reach desired consistency. Serve atop smoked oysters.
SALTBOX SEAFOOD JOINT
Core Sound Clams With Gold Tomato and Corn Broth
Chef-owner Ricky Moore got the inspiration for this dish while clamming on Shell Island with friend Steve Goodwin, a fourth-generation fisherman of Beaufort’s Salty Catch Seafood Company. After digging up the clams, they cooked this dish right there on the beach. Recipe from Saltbox Seafood Joint Cookbook by Ricky Moore
Ingredients (for 6-serving yield)
• 4 1/2 pounds fresh NC clams
• 1 cup dry white wine, such as pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, plus more for serving
• 1 small onion or 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 lbs. chopped gold tomatoes (be sure to collect the juice)
• 1 strip of orange zest
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
• Pinch of saffron (optional)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 4 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
1. Rinse the clams and scrub them with a small brush.
2. Bring the wine to a boil in a large saucepan; then lower the heat to a simmer and reduce the wine by half. Return the pan to high heat; add the clams; cover and cook until the clams open, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat; discard any clams that have not opened.
3. Drain the clams in a strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl and set the liquid and clams aside in separate bowls.
4. Place the saucepan back over medium heat, and add the olive oil. When the oil simmers, add the onions or shallots and cook, stirring until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper, and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the corn, tomatoes, orange zest, thyme, saffron and reserved clam liquid. Bring to a simmer; reduce the heat to low; and cook, stirring often, until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the clams to the sauce and stir to combine; add the parsley. To serve, top with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
LOCALS OYSTER BAR
Blue Crab and Cucumber Salad
During the spring and summer months, Locals executive chef Eric Montagne likes a lighter crab salad that subs olive oil and citrus for mayo—with the addition of marinated cucumbers.
Marinated Cucumbers
Ingredients
• 3 cucumbers
• 3 cups rice wine vinegar
• 2 cups katsuobushi
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
Directions
1. Peel the cucumbers and slice them roughly 1/6- to 1/8-inch thick using a mandolin or knife.
2. Coat the sliced cucumbers evenly with 1/4 cup salt.
3. Place salted cucumbers in a colander and allow them to drain for at least 6 hours.
4. Bring the vinegar, sugar and remaining salt to a low boil; then remove from heat. Add katsuobushi, and allow it to steep while the vinegar marinade cools down.
5. Once your vinegar has cooled off, pass it through a strainer to remove the katsuobushi.
6. After cucumbers have drained, add them to a container and cover with the vinegar marinade.
7. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
Crab Salad
Ingredients
• 8 oz. jumbo lump or lump blue crab
• 2 lemons, zest and juice
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. chives, sliced
• 1.5 oz. Castelvetrano olives, sliced (can substitute green olives)
• 2 oz. shallots, pickled or raw
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
Directions
1. Place all ingredients except olive oil and salt into a bowl and gently mix together; then add olive oil and salt and mix gently.
2. Serve with marinated cucumbers; garnish with fresh dill or tarragon and a little extra olive oil.
EARP’S SEAFOOD MARKET
Cured and Smoked Salmon
This recipe belongs to a longtime Earp’s customer who’s been shopping at the market for years. It’s a family recipe that Earp’s GM Nikki Bloch tried out herself and vouches is very delicious.
Ingredients
• 1 to 1-1/2 lbs. salmon filet, skinned and bones removed
• 1 shot (jigger) tequila
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. cracked black pepper
• 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
• Pecan or alder wood chips (or your favorite)
Directions
Curing:
1. Place the salmon filet in a shallow baking dish; pour the tequila over.
2. Mix salt, pepper and sugar together, and pat all over the salmon. Top with the lemon slices, then dill; gently pat down.
3. Cover the top of the salmon tightly with plastic wrap. Place another layer of wrap over the dish to seal it.
4. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
Smoking:
1. Remove the dish from the refrigerator. Discard the liquid. Rinse the filet under cold water to remove the seasonings, lemon and herbs. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Soak the wood chips in water (optional).
3. Brush smoker grill/grates with olive oil. Place the fish on the grate.
4. Preheat the smoker to approximately 160˚F. Watch for smoke. If there isn’t smoke, add more chips.
5. Place the fish inside the smoker and cook for 3 to 6 hours. For soft texture, check at 2.5 hours. For firmer texture, check at 3 to 6 hours. You want the internal temperature of the fish to be at least 130˚F.
Help raise funds for ALS research and treatments by joining Raleigh Magazine in the Triangle Walk on June 26.
Our staff has recently been rocked by three simultaneous Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis passings. Most people don’t know what ALS is or what it looks like until it touches their own family or friends.
Brenda Howsam, age 66
Chris Smith, age 57
Kim Blair, age 51
ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) is 100% fatal. It can happen to any of us without warning. Incurable and progressive, the neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness that leads to paralysis across all parts of the body. And the unfortunate fact is, chances are, someone you know or love will die from ALS.
In an effort to raise funds for research, treatments and family support services for those living with ALS, the North Carolina chapter of The ALS Association is hosting a Triangle Walk on Saturday, June 26. “Fundraising through the Walk drives bold and urgent innovation as we march together toward a treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS,” reads the association’s website.
For this year’s event, participants can choose to walk wherever they’d like across the Triangle, whether it be your own neighborhood or a favorite park—but we’d love for you to walk with us! Join us in our fight to stamp out ALS once and for all! webnc.alsa.org
WALK WITH US!
WHEN: June 26, 9:45am HOW: Register for our team on The ALS Association NC Chapter’s website (click “join a team” and search for team Raleigh Magazine.) Make a donation and join the team! WHERE: Meet us at Little City Brewing (400 W. North St.) to walk; then join us for a drink with us afterward and grab a free Raleigh Mag tee. And Little City Brewing will donate $1 for every beer sold from 11am–1pm.
ALS By the Numbers
ALS is 100% fatal.
80% of cases begin between the ages of 40 and 70.
5,000+ people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year.
30,000: The estimated number of Americans who may have the disease at any given time
2 to 5 years: The life expectancy an ALS patient averages from the time of diagnosis
$200,000 per year: The average cost of care for ALS
If music is the soundtrack of life, NC is the stage. Home to a plethora of famous singers, songwriters, band members and other music groups, NC is also a popular tour stop, and many renowned musicians have graced stages across the Old North State—from the Triangle to Greensboro, Charlotte and beyond. Here, we challenge you to feel the music and test your knowledge on NC’s tuneful scene—from local venues to rising stars. It shouldn’t be too much treble. See answers below.
Famed country music star Scotty McCreery—born and raised in Garner—won which popular music competition show in 2011 at the age of 17?
America’s Got Talent
The Masked Singer
American Idol
The Voice
This Raleigh chef and band member also co-owns Downtown Raleigh live music venue Kings.
Cheetie Kumar
Kim Hammer
Eric Montagne
Angela Salamanca
This Fayetteville-born Grammy-nominated rapper, singer, songwriter and producer held the popular Dreamville music and arts fest in 2019 at Dorothea Dix Park showcasing a number of renowned artists such as Big Sean, SZA, Nelly, to name a few.
Snoop Dogg
J. Cole
Kendrick Lamar
Drake
The Avett Brothers—you know, the nationally recognized American folk rock band made up of NC-raised brothers Scott and Seth Avett (born in Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Charlotte, respectively; and reared in Concord, NC)—have held concerts at which of the following local music venues?
Lincoln Theatre
Cat’s Cradle
The Ritz
All of the above
Lincoln Theatre originally served as a movie theatre catering primarily to the African-American community. What year did it open its doors?
1838
1945
1951
1960
North Carolina singer, actor, author, activist and politician Clay Aiken is from which NC town?
Raleigh
Wilmington
Clayton
Durham
Before evolving into the popular concert locale that it is now, The Ritz was what kind of venue?
Jazz hall
Techno club
Disco club
Opera house
Randy Jones, a disco and pop singer from Raleigh (best known as the cowboy from Village People), attended what North Carolina university?
East Carolina University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
NC State University
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
How many rotating draft beer selections does popular record shop/live music venue The Pour House Music Hall (which bowed in 1997) now have for concertgoers to sip on?
10
20
30
40
What Old Crow Medicine Show song’s final version, including lyrics “and if I died in Raleigh, at least I will die free,” is an anthem at NC State tailgates(!)? History bonus: The song was originally co-written by Bob Dylan and Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor in 1973, before the latter added verses 25 years later and the final version earned certified Platinum status in 2013. Hint: The fan fave has also been covered by country music singer Darius Rucker.
