Nestled in the heart of historic Old Fourth Ward sits a beautiful, 17-acre area locals want all to themselves. Officially opened in 2011, the park’s centerpiece is a two-acre stormwater retention pond. Old Fourth Ward Park is off Atlanta Beltline, a former railway converted to a urban trailway and features a skate park, waterfalls, a playground and splash pad.

A hip cafe serving American fare during the week and an even more hip music venue on the weekends, 8 Arm is where locals go to sip on rosé and listen to music. This hidden gem sits across from Ponce City Market and features a patio with a walk-up bar created out of a converted shipping container.

Originally a local teen hangout just west of midtown, the Bellwood Quarry has been closed since 2007. The abandoned quarry was a filming location for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Netflix series Stranger Things and The Walking Dead. It is currently being transformed into the largest greenspace in Atlanta that will include a lake. The 280-acre greenspace was due to be completed 2020, but locals are excited about the playgrounds, fields, walking trails, and a direct connection

Founded in 1992 by Eddie Owen, Eddie’s Attic is a local live music venue where many successful musicians have launched their career. Located in Decatur, the venue’s famous lineup has included Shawn Mullins, Sugarland, John Mayer and Justin Bieber.

On the patio of a local Vietnamese restaurant, So Ba, sits a graffiti-walled ultra hip spot that boasts late night bites and cocktails such as the Hemingway Collins. The Octopus Bar doesn’t open until 10:30 pm, but the eclectic menu features Spanish octopus, oysters and lobster rolls.

Named after the founder of the Coca-Cola Company and former Atlanta Mayor, Asa Griggs Candler, Candler Park is a destination where Atlanta residents escape the touristy crowds. The 55-acre park features a nine-hole golf course, a swimming pool, a football, soccer field, a basketball and tennis courts. The greenspace boasts trails that wind past outdoor art installations and is adjacent to Freedom Park.

Located in the Castleberry Hill area of Atlanta, Elliott Street Pub is a neighborhood spot the locals want to keep secret as long as possible. Opened over 12 years ago, the neighborhood watering hole is a music venue and is known for having the “best sandwiches in the city."

Located in the hip East Atlanta Village, The Earl acts as both restaurant and an alternative music venue. Opened in 1999, the eclectic bar has been a local favorite for years. Their menu is Irish bar fare with a twist and their musical lineup features local stars including Mastodon.

Minutes from Atlanta, sits a beautiful series of cascading waterfalls and creeks in a park known as Sweetwater Creek State Park. The 215-acre reservoir is popular for fishing and provides a peaceful setting for feeding ducks and picnicking.