Cool Stuff to Do on The BeltLine

With new things to see and do constantly springing up — from eateries and entertainment to art and recreation — the buzz around the Atlanta BeltLine just keeps growing.

This 22-mile loop pathway that encircles and connects more than 30 Atlanta intown neighborhoods — is a transformative project for reasons such as community building, access, and economic development. I’ve long been a BeltLine enthusiast, and with much of it now finished, there are so many ways to experience its offerings.

The BeltLine is a planned 22-mile loop encircling many intown Atlanta neighborhoods // Photos by Fran M. Putney

The first completed and one of the most developed sections is the Eastside Trail, a three-mile stretch from Piedmont Park in Midtown, through Poncey-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park, to the Reynoldstown neighborhood.

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However you get there, be sure to go hungry as this BeltLine section is home to a plethora of restaurants, breweries and casual eateries, either directly fronting the path or adjacent to it, many with outdoor seating. Ponce City Market (PCM), the renovated historic Sears & Roebuck building, is a popular destination featuring many restaurants and fast-food choices, shopping, and entertainment. For great city views, visit PCM’s rooftop.

Slightly south, the Krog Street District also has great options including the popular food hall, as well as trail-fronting restaurants, such as Bell Street Burrito, one of our favorites. Both PCM and Krog Street Market offer (paid) parking lots. But that just scratches the surface. Google “Best BeltLine restaurants” to get other ideas. There are always new places to try either right on the trail or very nearby. Breaker Breaker, for example, is a new, fun, and casual concept by Alex Brounstein that opened last summer on the Eastside Trail in Reynoldstown that received a great review in the new April issue of Atlanta Magazine.

The Krog District is filled with restaurants and casual eateries, as well as retail stores.

When it comes to entertainment, the Eastside Trail is home to Eclipso, a high-tech entertainment venue presenting shows that give the visitor a unique immersive sensory experience. Tickets are now available for the current show, “Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive VR Expedition to Ancient Egypt.” (eclipso-entertainment.com)

And don’t be surprised when traversing this busy section of the BeltLine if you run across a Jewish presence – maybe even a rabbi on a bike — as the thriving Chabad Intown is located here not far from PCM. The Chabad is a welcoming center offering a variety of programming and worship. (chabadintown.org)

For a truly festive experience, plan to participate in the 2024 BeltLine Lantern Parade on May 11. This annual community “light show” brings thousands of people together in what is always a colorful and joyful event. This year’s parade, with pre-parade activities and bands such as the Atlanta Drum Academy and Atlanta Freedom Band, will take place on the Westside Trail beginning at Adair Park. (art.beltline.org/events/lantern-parade)

Public art is also part of the lively BeltLine vibe, and each trail section features all types of sculptures, murals and even graffiti, as well as featured exhibitions that pop up throughout the year. According to its website (art.beltline.org/about), Art on the Atlanta BeltLine hosts the largest temporary art exhibit and linear gallery in the U.S.

This whimsical sculpture on loan from Mellow Mushroom Pizza is an example of the great variety of public art along all sections of the BeltLine.

Recreation is an important aspect of the path’s design plans, and throughout the loop, there are numerous access points to recreational areas and green spaces — from Piedmont Park to small community parks and even a skateboard park.

Bicycling is a great way to experience the BeltLine. For me, the idea of one day being able to hop on my bike and cycle through all these diverse neighborhoods and environments in one ride, is well, kind of exciting. Look up places to rent bikes if you don’t have one. Be watchful on weekends when there’s a lot of pedestrian traffic. BeltLine courtesy makes the path enjoyable for everyone.

BeltLine bike tours, offered on Saturday mornings, are a great way to explore the different trails. Sign up is required at beltline.org/events/category/health-and-fitness/biking/list/.

Less congested sections are great for a quieter stroll. For a lovely walk, visit the Northside Trail for a scenic one-mile section that offers beautiful views and runs through Tanyard Creek Park and connects Ardmore Park and Atlanta Memorial Park to the NW BeltLine Connector Trail.

When it comes to the BeltLine, there’s an almost endless array of experiences and areas to enjoy and explore. Beltline.org is an excellent source for what to do, how to get there, and for more in-depth information about BeltLine news, its history and impact.