Atlanta is home to the busiest airport in the United States, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International, so it should be no surprise that millions of people visit Atlanta every year. Unfortunately many of them miss out on some of the coolest and quirkiest things that the city has to offer. Don’t make the same mistake!
The next time you are in Georgia make sure to check out a couple of these unique, offbeat Atlanta activities and attractions.
Catch An Indie Film
One of my favorite theatres in all of the United States and arguably the best independent theatre in Georgia, Landmark Midtown Art Cinema is known for showing amazing indie and foreign films. Of course they also show a few regular blockbusters too, if those genres are not your type of thing.
Friendly staff, clean cinemas, polite audiences and — best of all — cold beer! Popular with the locals but never too crowded, the Landmark is a perfect way to kill a couple hours.
Release Your Inner Child
Remember the good old days of arcade games? They are back thanks to Pac-Man Play Arcade. From the classic games we grew up with like Pac-Man to newer crazes such as Dance Dance Revolution, there is something here for everyone. Bring a few friends and challenge each other to see who can get the highest score.
See More Games Around The World
Adopt A Kid
What, you weren’t planning on coming back from Atlanta with a kid? Better think again! Located about an hour outside of the city is Babyland General Hospital, the birthplace of the famous Cabbage Patch Kids. First created in 1978, new Cabbage Patch Kids are still born every hour — but only during business hours, of course.
Adoptive parents get to pick their name and a birth certificate is drawn up right then. It’s a very interesting place and process, one that should definitely be on everyone’s Atlanta offbeat “to-do” list.
Get Your Dwarf On
The fast food chicken chain Chick-Fil-A actually got it’s start in the suburbs of Atlanta in the 1940’s as the Dwarf Grill (due to its small size) but was later renamed to the Dwarf House.
This original location is still going strong, serving thousands of local customers every day — as well as those few tourists looking for off the beaten path sights or the occasional road-tripper lured in by the sign on the I-75 that reads “Chick-Fil-A Dwarf House.” Here they serve much more than your modern Chick-fil-A, including burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese.
Food? I Like Food! Derek Eats That!
Wander Amongst Hippies And Punks
The Little Five Points district has been referred to as Atlanta‘s version of San Francisco‘s infamous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood or New York City‘s Greenwich Village.
See More Street Art Around The World
Here you will find a mixture of independent record label studios and stores, new-age shops selling crystals and other assorted goods, vintage clothing stores, novelty shops, tattoo parlors, coffee shops and other offbeat goodies. It is the best place in town for both shopping and people-watching, two often underrated pastimes.
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Great suggestions! I’d also suggest the bar Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium… you can probably guess from it’s name what a unique and offbeat place it is!
What?!?!? How have I never heard of such an awesome place? That is amazing. Definitely on my list for the next trip to Atlanta. Thanks so much for the tip Karisa, happy travels! 🙂