From Black History Month to Valentine’s Day loving, here’s some of the best things to do in the ATL this February.
From Black History Month, to swooning your date this Valentine’s Day. February annually blooms the ATL into a month of love, hope and history. With an overwhelming list of possibilities, we’re here to break down the top things to do over the coming month.
1-3. Black History Month
In Atlanta, Black History Month is celebrated with a sense of pride that’s difficult to replicate. Home of Martin Luther King, Jr, Atlanta continues to be an epicenter for the civil rights movement. From recent stories about beloved political activist John Lewis, to Hamilton Holmes, the first African-American man to enroll at the University of Georgia. In the ATL, there are so many stories to learn about connected to a prominent part of America’s Black History.
The city has seen remarkable achievements from civil rights leaders, athletes, politicians, musicians and entrepreneurs who’ve called Atlanta home. There’s no better way to hear about as many as possible, than to take one of the city’s many guided tours, dedicated to Atlanta’s notable achievements in the civil rights movement. Or take a self-guided tour!
- Oakland Cemetery – The stunning but eerie centerpiece of Grant Park, are offering tours specific to Atlanta’s Black History, sharing tales of the city’s pioneering past. Make sure you reserve a spot as places run out fast.
- Eat Black-Owned – Here’s our list of the best Black-owned restaurants offering delicious take-out. We highly suggest going to Slutty Vegan, the best plant based burger joint that the ATL has to offer.
- BHM Art: Both the High Museum and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will have exhibitions and art installations dedicated to Black History Month, or the city’s achievements in the civil right’s movement. It’s also worth checking out the APEX Museum for exhibitions on history through a Black perspective.
4. The Ultimate Valentine’s Day date
Candlelight Valentine’s Special – A guaranteed night of romance with local musicians playing the likes of Mozart and Piazolla. Candlight host a wide range of nights dedicated to anything from Jazz & Soul, to Disney.
Experience stunning classical music as the gorgeous Ponce Church gets bathed in twinkling candlelight, especially for a perfect Valentine’s experience in Atlanta. You can also plan ahead for March, as Cadlelight bring us 20th Century Woman – nights dedicated to the likes of Nina Simone and Billie Holiday.
5-11. Impress your S.O. this Valentine’s Day
Love is in the air all year round in Atlanta. But there’s plenty of things to do for any lovebirds wanting the perfect Valentine’s Day date in the ATL. From candlelit classical concerts, to Atlanta’s selection of romantic restaurants.
- Canoe – The topspot on our list of Valentine’s Day romantic hotspots in the ATL. With a view of the Chattahoochee River from their beautiful terrace, an evening here is bound to impress. Fine dining at its finest.
- Botanical Gardens – Located right next to the perfect picnic spot Piedmont Park, a stroll through their gardens makes for the perfect Valentine’s date!
- The Garden Room – Similar to the Botanical Gardens, except there are cocktails and a delicious menu of tasty bites. Their floral arrangements will blow your mind and have crowned it a date-spot favorite in Atlanta.
- Take A Hike – Atlanta is renowned for its greenery, so soak it up and get outside.
You can also enjoy Valentine’s Day at home, to avoid the stress of finding the perfect meal, at the perfect restaurant. Here are some great alternatives you can do from home, and they also make for great Valentine’s Day gifts.
- Pleasure Island: Immersive Valentine’s Day Experience – 12th February (10pm)
- Paint with a Partner! Valentine’s Day Painting Party – 13th (7pm) & 14th February (3pm)
- Pasta Kit and Bottle of Wine for Two – offer delivery or pick-up
12. Experience Drag-n-Drive!
With concerts and events still put on hold, this drag show is changing the game. Premiering in Atlanta this month is a drive-in-drag show unlike any other. With its superhero theme, will these drag superstars save 2021? We discussed the tour with Atlanta’s hometown hero, and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7, Violet Chachki.
13-14. Check out new places to eat
Speaking of Slutty Vegan, the cult-followed burger artists are opening a brand new bar this February. Bar Vegan will be bringing some of their most-beloved snacks to a unique cocktail experience that’s bound to astonish. They’ll be incorporating what they’re calling ‘Bar Theatre’, so prepare for some stunts as they create your carefully blended cocktails.
Also, head to Kinship Butcher and Sundry for local produce and products. Cook up something delicious from their butcher, or grab a couple of delicious cheeses. Support this brand new venture for a local couple, to support other incredible Atlanta businesses, shaping the cuisine scene in Atlanta.
15. Learn about the American Icon, Coca-Cola
The ATL is home to some icons, including Coca-Cola. Check out their intimate experience in the birthplace of America’s most iconic beverage. The history, the marketing, everything you’d want to know about Coca-Cola. If you have kids, it’s worth checking out LEGOLAND’s Discovery Center, although it’s perfect for anyone with an imagination. Meet your favorite Lego stars, and ride family-friendly attractions like their mind-blowing 4D cinema.
16. A Day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
If you have kids, it’s worth checking out LEGOLAND’s Discovery Center, although it’s perfect for anyone with an imagination. Meet your favorite Lego stars, and ride family-friendly attractions like their mind-blowing 4D cinema. There’s even a replica of Atlanta made entirely of Lego!
17-20. Take in the Architecture
A tour of Atlanta’s finest architecture is the perfect way to take in the vast amount of buildings, styles and designs calling the ATL home. Check out our guide to Atlanta’s most iconic architecture, and some of these iconic buildings that stand proudly throughout the city.
- King and Queen Buildings – These royal twin towers beautifully light up the metro’s night sky. Officially called Concourse Corporate Center V and VI, the 34-story icons can be seen for miles.
- Bank of America – The tallest building in Atlanta, and it’s a gorgeous one at that.
- Flat Iron Building – Atlanta has its own take on the New York tourist haven, and ATL’s came first! Although it’s much smaller than NY, it’s definitely worth the visit and a snap.
- Swan House – If you’re looking for something more classic then check out Swan House! It was even featured in the Hunger Games!
Featured Image: @bywellcarvalho via Instagram