Coming off a huge come-from-behind victory on Wednesday, Philadelphia heads south to Atlanta, Georgia, to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on Atlanta United in a rematch from earlier this season—a match that saw the Union win 3-0 in Chester.
If you’re heading to the match on Saturday, make sure to check out today’s travel article featuring some great places to explore while you’re in town for the game.
As always, if you have any favorite spots you enjoy when you’re in Atlanta, feel free to share them with me so I can include them in a future article down the road.
About Atlanta
Atlanta really does have it all. From its iconic skyline to its rich cultural heritage, the city welcomes travelers to discover the charm and excitement of the South. You can immerse yourself in history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park or explore the natural beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. When hunger strikes, dive into a culinary adventure at the bustling Ponce City Market—or pay a visit to the largest aquarium in the United States.
Nearly 500,000 people live within Atlanta’s city limits, and the city welcomes about 50 million visitors annually. So with that said, let’s see what Atlanta has to offer!
World of Coca-Cola
Discover the history of this iconic beverage at a museum filled with Coca-Cola artifacts dating back more than 100 years. Since your visit will likely make you thirsty, take advantage of the chance to try over 100 drinks made by the Coca-Cola Company.
This is a recommendation from The Free Kick—and from me personally. It’s a fun, engaging experience with something for everyone. If this is your first time in Atlanta, it’s a must-see tourist spot!
Website: www.worldofcoca-cola.com
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s top attractions, housing tens of thousands of animals from species across the globe. Here, you can see beluga whales, great hammerhead sharks, and manta rays, among many others.
Another recommendation from The Free Kick and myself.
Website: www.georgiaaquarium.org
Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Centennial Park is now a public space for outdoor and recreational activities. Many of my friends and former athletes who live in Atlanta still frequent the park and rank it as one of their top destinations in the city. Definitely worth checking out!
Atlanta Botanical Garden
My mom visits here often to speak and absolutely loves the Atlanta Botanical Garden. As she says, “It’s my place to decompress after a long day.” The garden’s mission goes beyond displaying plants—it’s dedicated to promoting research, education, and conservation.
Website: www.atlantabg.org
Food and Drink
Chitlins, grits, and collard greens are staples in Atlanta, but the city’s food scene goes far beyond traditional Southern fare. With options ranging from upscale dining to cozy roadside diners, there’s something for every taste and budget. Here are just a few spots to check out this weekend:
Silver Skillet
Since 1956, the Silver Skillet has been serving up classic Southern comfort food. Enjoy local favorites like eggs, grits, and their legendary lemon icebox pie.
Website: www.thesilverskillet.com
Busy Bee Cafe
As the name suggests, it gets busy here—but the wait is worth it. The Busy Bee has been serving soul food since 1947, with a customer list that includes President Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If you’re after authentic, affordable Southern comfort food, this is your spot.
Website: www.thebusybeecafe.com
Ria’s Bluebird
Ria’s Bluebird serves breakfast all day and lunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The menu includes several delicious vegetarian and vegan options. You may need to wait in line for a table, but it’s worth every minute.
Website: www.riasbluebird.com
The Porter Beer Bar
Beer lovers, rejoice! This lively gastropub boasts a great atmosphere, delicious food, and a selection of over 800 beers. It’s a local favorite—and comes highly recommended.
Website: www.theporterbeerbar.com
That’s all for this week’s recommendations. Are there more spots to explore? Absolutely—but these are based on my experiences and suggestions from others. Got better ones? Send them our way!
Before you do, though, here’s our friend Todd Lewis to share a few more of his favorite Atlanta spots:
Safe travels and enjoy your time in Atlanta!
Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Unio
The One Team We Agree On 
Leave a comment