Good Times in Mid Town Atlanta

Good Times in Mid Town Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling city known to most people because it has the busiest airport in the US, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport; or perhaps for the cable network TBS and a few nationally popular hip hop acts.

But the city does have its hip and happening aspects. A good example of Atlanta's cool and diverse side is Midtown. This district skirts the northern edges of downtown Atlanta and boasts everything from raucous nightlife spots to peaceful gardens. While the city is sprawling and there are some interesting outlying areas and suburbs, Midtown's central location earns it points amongst people visiting Atlanta on business and those who want to stay near the heart of the city.

Here are some of Midtown's best attractions:

1. Greenery. Piedmont Park is an urban park in the classic sense. There is plenty of greenery, as well as picnic tables, sports fields, a lake and paved pathways. Perhaps most important, it boasts views of Atlanta's downtown skyline, a must for any major city park. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are also located in Midtown (on Piedmont Street). Cost of entry is $12, $7 for children. The gardens are famous for their conservatory and collection of orchids.

2. Fine Art. The High Museum of Art is one of the foremost exhibit halls in the Southern US. It features famous works from the past two centuries, but also has a respectable collection of contemporary art. The Center for Puppetry Arts is decidedly less highbrow, but no less interesting that the High Museum. It has performances daily.

3. After Sunset. Crescent Avenue is the epicenter of the nightlife scene in Midtown. Some of the district's best clubs include Northside Tavern, considered the best blues clubs in the state of Georgia. Smithe's Olde Bar is another live music venue with a laid-back vibe. Shout offers rooftop views of the city, while the Sutra Lounge is a place to meet the city's hottest singles.