Here’s the perfect guide to an Atlanta Midtown staycation or girls weekend!
Hopping a plane to an exotic destination sure is nice, but can get expensive, not to mention the hassle of travel. Atlanta has so much to offer, yet many of us never take advantage of many of the cultural and entertainment events or delicious dining offerings in our neighborhoods throughout the city. I recently planned an Atlanta staycation in Midtown and had a blast with this boutique hotel as our base. This Midtown itinerary is perfect for a girls getaway weekend too!
I have nothing against big, five-star hotels, but it is nice to stay at a smaller, more intimate place from time to time. For this staycation, I chose the boutique Starling Hotel in Midtown. This artsy hotel has lovely nooks in the bar and restaurant for dining. And the rooms are comfortable, chic and cozy.
The Starling Hotel is located in walking distance to many fantastic restaurants. It is perfect if you are flying in to Atlanta for your girls weekend!
After getting checked in late Friday afternoon, get a cocktail and lounge in the courtyard at your Midtown boutique hotel before heading out to dinner. Whether you are having a romantic getaway or a girls weekend, kick-off to your at STK, about a half mile walk to the restaurant.
STK, is part restaurant / part club. Passing by the beautiful bar, you’ll head up the stairs to the comfy rounded booths where your exceptional evening begins. Cocktails are a must here like the Cucumber Stiletto. Some fantastic starters are the Beef or Tuna Tartare. For entrees, scallops don’t disappoint, but at least one must get a steak. I recommend the Sirloin, dripping with butter and served with eight, yes eight dipping sauces (see picture below).
Coffee is served in the lobby of the hotel, we didn’t have a pot in our room. If you are a coffee addict like me, make sure to get some as there are no complimentary coffee options in your room. Now it’s time to get your art on! The High Museum is less than a mile away. There is always a terrific exhibit going on, so go check it out. I mean, if you are in Atlanta for your girls trip or a couple coming in town for a staycation, why not get add a little culture to your trip, right?
You ate a light breakfast, right? Because you are about to get pretty stuffed at lunch. Head on over to Tabla, an Indian restaurant in the heart of Midtown. Order one of their unique sodas like the Kokum Spritzer. Start with the okra fries and veggie samosas. If you are unsure what to order, get the Thali – comes with your choice of curry but also the veggie side, naan, rice and dessert. You also can’t go wrong with the Tandoori Shrimp or Lamb Shank with their aromatic spices and one of a kind flavors. Atlanta has several fantastic Indian restaurants, and Tabla is one tourists visiting Atlanta may not know about. But you won’t have that problem because you are reading this and if you are the one planning your trip, you will be a hero (or heroine) of your staycation or fun girls weekend for choosing this spot.
From here, why not head to Piedmont Park or the Botanical Gardens? Or both? I’d recommend an Uber for this. After an afternoon full of activities head on over to Publico for a some tasty brews and a late dinner. The patio makes for great people watching. In the winter time they even have igloos to dine al fresco.
Before heading home, hit up one of the nearby spots for brunch if you are here on Sunday. An indulgent brunch would be Park 75 at the Four Seasons, but a fun, more budget friendly brunch is Publico. When the weather is nice, sit on their lovely patio.
Atlanta is a city full of pockets of neighborhoods uniquely their own. If you are visiting Atlanta, either as a couple, family or a naughty, fun girls getaway weekend, I hope it is the first of many trips. It is incredibly fun to be a tourist in your own city. What neighborhood will you plan your staycation?