We asked local attorney and writer Courtney Marcelo Norton to tell us about her favorite things in Grant Park
Why I Love It
I love how Atlanta’s history and its present meld together in Grant Park. Turn-of-the-century bungalows have been lovingly restored and bejeweled with funky sunburst signs. Children zoom on bicycles and scooters beneath ancient oak trees. On a walk through my neighborhood, you might notice the grassy curve of an old Civil War trench or a portion of sidewalk where the cement gives way to the original cobblestone. Grant Park is a living museum of the city’s oldest neighborhood. It is a functioning homage, a place of sidewalk cafes, outdoor markets and art festivals. History is not merely on display here. It is celebrated.
What To Do
Wander the Grant Park neighborhood and check out its unique architecture. These are the kind of Victorian confections that Hansel and Gretel might have feasted on, with their lollipop-colored stained glass and porch railings swirled like licorice sticks. Walking tours can be organized through The Atlanta Preservation Center (atlantapreservationcenter.com) or the Grant Park Neighborhood Association (grantpark.org). Visit Oakland Cemetery (oaklandcemetery.com), acres of ornate statuary, winding trails, mausoleums twinkling with Tiffany stained glass, and look for the gravestones of some of Atlanta’s famous citizens, including Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones. Spend an afternoon in the park enjoying its playgrounds, sports fields, basketball courts, tennis courts and walking trails. Nestled in this island of green space is Zoo Atlanta (zooatlanta.org) and the Cyclorama (atlantacyclorama.org), a 15,030 square foot painting of the Battle of Atlanta. After brushing up on Civil War trivia at the Cyclorama, hike up to Fort Walker, on the southeast end of the park, to see the ruins of this former artillery bastion and some excellent views of the Atlanta skyline.
Where To Eat
Ria’s Bluebird Café (riasbluebird.com) has lighter-than-air pancakes topped with crispy caramelized bananas, and is a neighborhood favorite for breakfast. Or visit Stone Soup Kitchen (stonesoupkitchen.net) which features a long list of Georgia grown products, kicky huevos rancheros and creamy cheese grits. For a picnic in the park, grab a couple tacos to-go from Tin Lizzy’s Cantina (tinlizzyscantina.com). Try the Southern Comfort—grilled chicken, goat cheese, barbeque sauce, and fried pickles. Or pack a sandwich from Young Augustine’s (404-681-3344). Their hearty short rib grilled cheese or roasted mushroom panini will keep you warm when it’s cold outside. Six Feet Under (sixfeetunder.net), with its panoramic views of Oakland Cemetery, has been a longtime neighborhood landmark. Order their catfish tacos, topped with cucumber-wasabi sauce, or the Shrimp & Scallops baked in parchment (there is nothing like tearing open that opaque package to find the tender, lemon-spiked morsels inside).
Where To Shop
For hostess gifts, eschew the traditional bottle of wine in favor of a box of handmade treats from Little Tart Bakeshop (littletartatl.com). Their petite pear galettes, flaky pain au chocolat, and glistening salted-caramel nut tartlets will make you a favorite party guest this holiday season. While there, treat yourself to a silky latte from Octane Coffee (octanecoffee.com). Baby Love (babyloveatlanta.com) has a great selection of gifts for children and moms-to-be and they offer Baby & Me classes and prenatal yoga. Intown Healthy Hound (intownhealthyhound.com) is stocked with canine goodies, including natural food, and treats like deer antlers, pig ears and snouts – great stocking stuffers for the spoiled pooch in your life
Coming Up
The 2011 Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes runs Dec. 10-11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. both days. The tour features select homes decked out for the holidays. Visit with Santa, go on a caroling hayride, and shop the artist market and bake sale. The tour culminates with a Candlelight Christmas Concert Sunday at 5 p.m. For more information, or to purchase advance tickets, visit grantpark.org or call (404) 688-7501.
