Midtown Reflection (June 2024)
Atlanta is a major US city in the South that has deep roots in American history, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Although it has had a tumultuous past, it has seen tremendous growth and prosperity over the decades since, and today, it is a major hub for industries like aerospace, film and entertainment, and tourism. The city has so much to offer, and I would spend two full days seeing as much of Georgia’s state capital as possible.
I had spent the first full day exploring Atlanta with my partner, where we visited the World of Coca-Cola, got lunch at Five Little Points, and checked out Krog Street Market. My partner had to attend her summer classes the next day, so I spent my second full day visiting Atlanta by myself. I started the day by taking an Uber over to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, dedicated to the 39th president of the United States. I spent quite some time visiting the museum and presidential library ($12 USD admission fee), and I learned a lot about Carter and his life before, during, and after presidency.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Bust of Jimmy Carter
Growing up as a peanut farmer in rural Plains, Georgia (two hours from Atlanta), Jimmy Carter came from humble beginnings to become a US president, and later on a humanitarian. Carter served only one term as president from 1977 to 1981 and has been considered a “below-average” president in how he handled domestic and foreign affairs. However, he did great work as a humanitarian following his presidency, even being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Even more incredible is that he was the oldest former president at over 100 years old (just passed away last December).
Replica of Carter’s Oval Office
Presidential Library
I greatly enjoyed going from exhibit to exhibit showcasing Carter’s life, from childhood to presidency and beyond. Everything was so detailed and full of interesting information that I took my time reading and observing the artifacts. The presidential library was lovely to see, as well as a replica of Carter’s Oval Office. I also appreciated a small temporary exhibit (unrelated to Carter) about The Green Book, a travel guide for African Americans in the 1930s to 1960s that helped them locate hotels, restaurants, even gas stations that were safe and welcoming, especially during the Jim Crow era. Overall, I learned a lot at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and I had a great time!
The Green Book
Stepping out into the blistering summer heat, I headed on foot along The Beltline to my next destination. The Beltline is a 22-mile (35 kilometer) bike and pedestrian trail that loops around the city limits of Atlanta, and it was established in 2005 as a way to repurpose old railroad tracks leftover from the city’s industrial past. Its development parallels that with la Petite Ceinture in Paris, and today, the Beltline offers a nice green space that’s used by cyclists and pedestrians to get a breath of fresh air in the city. Although I didn’t walk all 22 miles of The Beltline, I perhaps walked one or two miles of it and enjoyed the changing scenery along the way.
Walking the Beltline
I reached Ponce City Market, a covered market with a massive food hall and plenty of shops to spend a whole day in. Atlanta is known for its covered markets, as they serve as great community hubs for locals and visitors to eat, shop, and otherwise hang out away from the hot, summer heat and harsh, cold winters. I got lunch here, where I ordered mazemen (Japanese mixed noodles) and a lemon icebox doughnut. The former was just-okay, but the latter was sweet and tasty, a nice little treat following my meal.
Ponce City Market
Mazemen
Lemon icebox doughnut
Next was a walk over to Piedmont Park, located in the northeast part of Atlanta. It is a massive park, offering a green sanctuary away from the urban noise and pollution. I didn’t visit the entire park, but rather headed over to see the Midtown Reflection– as the name suggests, it is a reflection of the Atlanta Skyline on Lake Clara Meer, and the mirror effect is especially prominent during sunset (a popular time for visitors). Although I was there at midday and the reflection was a bit hazy, I could still see the mirror effect, and it was really pretty!
Midtown Reflection at Piedmont Park
From Piedmont Park, I decided to call an Uber and head all the way east to Stone Mountain Park, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Atlanta. Even though it’s not part of the city of Atlanta, Stone Mountain makes up the larger Atlanta Metropolitan Area, and I was there to check out the park itself, a large area with train rides and activities to do with families and friends (especially with small children).
On top of Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Park is also known for its large rock relief depicting prominent Confederate leaders. Completed in 1972, it is not only dedicated to the notorious Confederacy, but it was also the meeting quarters of the Ku Klax Klan prior to its completion (and some members speculated to still meet there today). It is an eyesore amidst beautiful, untouched nature, and it is appalling that such a monument still exists today, and why the state (who owns Stone Mountain Park) wouldn’t just simply blast it off, or cover it up. Beats me, but from what I know, the state is at least choosing not to continue maintaining the rock relief, letting nature take its course to (hopefully) erode over time.
Confederate rock relief (boo…)
I wasn’t at Stone Mountain Park to visit the horrid Confederate rock relief, but rather to get panoramic views of Atlanta and its surroundings from the top of the mountain. I had purchased a day pass for $40 USD, which included admission for the funicular up the mountain, as well as a scenic train ride around it. To be honest, it was a rip-off, as the funicular only took two minutes and the 25-minute train ride was really gimmicky with really nothing to see around the mountain. The tourist attractions in the park were also kitschy, reminding me a bit of Knott’s Berry Farm in California, but without any historic or cultural substance to it. Not my cup of tea, and I honestly could’ve given it a pass.
Train ride
Any case, I took an Uber back towards Atlanta, back to our accommodation. I arrived back by 16h00 and waited for my partner to return after class, and we got dinner in town. We ate at a Peruvian restaurant that served some of the most-incredible fried chicken– and when you’re in the South, you need to have fried chicken! The fried chicken was moist, flavorful, and absolutely crackling. It would be my last meal in town, and I was more than content!
Peruvian fried chicken
After some ice cream and sweet tea post-dinner, my partner and I returned to our accommodation to rest for the remainder of the day. I would be heading to the airport the following morning, while my partner would stay on and continue her two-week summer classes. At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, I ordered lemon pepper wings (a specialty of Atlanta) for lunch and waited to board my plane at 14h00. It was a smooth, four-hour flight back to Los Angeles, and I arrived back at 15h30 local time.
Lemon pepper wings
Overall, it was a short, but fun time in Georgia. It was my first time visiting the US South, and it was five nights spent in Savannah and Atlanta eating, exploring, and enjoying the Southern charm and hospitality. Despite the hot and humid summer heat, my partner and I had a great time together, and I hope to continue going on more adventures with each other soon!
Thanks for reading. More summer adventures to come in due course!
— Rebecca
Rebecca Goes Rendezvous 
The Beltline hike sounds great. The Peruvian fried chicken looks delicious. Sad that places like Stone Mtn still exist. Perhaps it needs a museum there to treat it like a cautionary tale, like Auschwitz.
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It was a fun day in Atlanta! Honestly, the Peruvian fried chicken was a food highlight during our stay. It is a shame that places like Stone Mountain still exist, but at least the park isn’t trying to maintain the rock relief, and to let it erode over time– to erode like the Confederate history before it!
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The Beltline looks like a relaxing place to walk or ride a bike. I didn’t know about Stone Mountain Park. I guess it’s a good (but sad) reminder of the South’s history. I love your food pics, especially the fried chicken and doughnut. Thanks for sharing, Rebecca!
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Indeed! The Beltline was very peaceful and actually shady enough so that it wasn’t too hot! Stone Mountain is an unfortunate part of the US South’s history, but at least the park isn’t trying to maintain the rock relief and to let it erode over time…I appreciate you reading my Georgia series, Darlene: more summer travel posts to come!
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It’s pretty disgusting the Stone Mountain still exists; hopefully, it will erode sooner than later. I would love to see the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. He was a wonderful human being. Looks like you saw a lot of Atlanta and the surrounding area. Nice post, Rebecca!
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Absolutely! Stone Mountain is a shameful part of US history, but at least the park isn’t doing anything to maintain it, so the rock relief will probably erode in the next few years. Atlanta was a fun time, despite the summer heat; I appreciate you reading, Tricia!
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I wasn’t aware of Jimmy Carter’s connection with Georgia. The Presidential Library and Museum look neat. The covered market sounds fantastic! I would probably spend hours just exploring it. Despite the mediocre mazemen, I’m glad you had really nice fried chickens in the city. Those Peruvian fried chickens look really good!
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Yes, Jimmy Carter is a born-and-raised Georgian! The Ponce City Market is a pleasant, covered food hall with plenty of different cuisines to try. The Peruvian fried chicken was honestly a food highlight of my time in Atlanta, and I’d happily go back to have it again! Thanks for reading, Bama 🙂
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First Inca Cola, now Pollo a la Brasa……… you really must return to Peru!
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Yes, it’s a sign! One day, I hope to return!
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It is hard to believe that places like Stone Mountain’s Confederate carving still exist. You know, trees and plants grow easily from the mountain’s other cracks and crevices. They should just allow growth to overtake the sculpture’s many clefts and crinkles as they naturally collect organic material and allow moss and lichen to obscure its details. They could blast it with soil to encourage such growth and consider this new camouflage as a deliberate creative act, transforming the sculpture into a memorial to the end of the war, not to the traitors who led it. I have to say that the massive chunk of granite is quite impressive, the views from the top are amazing, and the train ride looks fun. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I believe the park (and even the state of Georgia) is allowing the growth to just take its course, so I figure the rock relief will erode and get covered up in the next decade or so. Horrid rock relief aside, Stone Mountain does serve up some decent views of the Atlanta metropolitan area, and overall it’s important to know and understand the not-so-good history behind it all, so as not to repeat it. Thanks for reading, Aiva, and have a wonderful day!
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🥰🥰🥰
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The Carter library seems definitely interesting to visit but Stone Mountain much less so. I’m surprised that Confederate relief dates from as recently as 1972 – I would have thought that by then it would already have been a period of history NOT to be celebrated!
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You’d be surprised there are still people who are Confederate sympathizers to this day. It’s the unfortunate state of our nation, but at least the park is acknowledging the not-so-great history and choosing not to maintain the rock relief. Hopefully in the next decade or so, it will erode and gradually disappear, like from history.
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Actually, on reflection sadly I wouldn’t be so surprised, given the current state of US politics 😦
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I really enjoyed reading your adventures in Atlanta, Rebecca. The good and the not so good! I’ve never been there but heard quite about it from my American friends. The Beltline sounds like a getaway into nature around the city, like a change of scenery as you said. Piedmont Park looks really nice too. It felt like you covered quite a bit during the entire day, and your few days there! Capping it off with Peruvian friend chicken and then lemon pepper wings that were really good. Great way to end a lovely trip 😊
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Thanks, Mabel! It was my first time in Georgia, and despite the intense summer heat, it was a lovely time. Atlanta was fun, surprisingly with a lot of green spaces in the middle of the city. The food (especially the coffee and pastries) were very good, and the Peruvian fried chicken was a great way to end my time in town!
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An amazing day in Atlanta Rebecca! I too found the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum really interesting and easily spent a few hours there. We didn’t go to Stone Mountain as we just didn’t want to go anywhere near that rock, but the views are beautiful 🙂 I hope you’re still having a wonderful time in Denmark!
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Thanks, Han! Honestly, you didn’t miss out on Stone Mountain; aside from some decent views of the Atlanta metropolitan area, there wasn’t too much to do there. I’ve since returned from Denmark, but thanks for the well wishes; I think you’ll be seeing posts on it in a year’s time (at this point)! 😅
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To me, the library looks like a prison in the thumbnail… and when embiggened.
I once had amazing sesame mazemen at the WholeFoods in Irvine and still crave it regularly. I can’t seem to get it right and I can’t find anywhere that delivers mazemen. But thanks for reminding me that I have some new instant yakisoba to try!!
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LOL! 😆
Mazemen is yummy, but I wasn’t impressed with the one I had in Atlanta. Can’t compare to that it LA (or Japan, of course)! Yakisoba sounds delicious; I hope you enjoy!
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Where do you get mazemen in LA? Sawtelle? Little Tokyo? Other? It might be worth the drive from the LBC!
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Sawtelle is a solid place for mazemen. I haven’t tried this place, but Mogu Mogu is well-known for its mazemen. I’d give it a try!
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THANK YOU!
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Just saw info about the Great Elephant Migration art installation in Beverly Park Jul 1-Aug1. I prob won’t be recovered enough to drive up there but it looks amazing!!! Thought I’d share since you’re closer.
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Sounds like fun! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Your second part on Atlanta is packed with fabulous sights, Rebecca. We’d be up for all of them (minus that confederate rock relief, boo indeed). The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum particularly appeals.
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Thanks, Leighton! Atlanta is a fun city– aside from Stone Mountain, I enjoyed everything else in town. Hope you can come to the US South to explore it!
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Interesting to visit the Presidential Library and Museum Rebecca and that Peruvian fried chicken looked very tasty.
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Thanks, Marion! It was a good time had in Atlanta (fried chicken included)!
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A walk (or cycling) along the Beltline sounds fun. I admire places who support building green arteries. I hope more cities embrace this.
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I agree! I appreciate Atlanta having green spaces in the middle of the city. A lovely respite from the crowds and smog!
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Carter has done amazing humanitarian work after his presidency. I’m glad he’s remembered well in his home state. (Not so, Stone Mountain.) Why do I always feel hungry after reading your posts?
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Haha, lots of good food to be had on vacation! Georgia is nothing short of rich and comforting eats, that’s for sure 😋
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I’m glad you made it to the Carter Center! No matter what people say about his presidency, he and his wife Rosalynn accomplished so much for the world and were beloved in Georgia. I cherished being able to meet them both (briefly) in January 2007 at a 30th anniversary celebration of Carter’s inauguration. It was held at the University of Georgia where my husband was on the faculty in political science at the time. Jimmy Carter had a great sense of humor 😊
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Wow, that’s incredible! So cool you got to meet Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Certainly an advantage to live in Georgia to be able to experience it! Thanks for sharing and for reading my Georgia series– we’re moving on to more adventures this month, this time back in California, my home state! 😊
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I’ve visited several presidential libraries and I’ve always been charmed by them: you get a better look at the man behind the president. I didn’t visit Jimmy Carter’s when I was in Atlanta, it probably didn’t exist, but I remember driving past his peanut farm.
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That’s awesome! We’d thought about visiting Carter’s peanut farm while in Georgia, but it would be several hours away by car, and we didn’t have time. Carter was a kind and generous person during his lifetime, and it’s great that Atlanta has a museum dedicated to him!
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