Atlanta, Georgia, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and Southern charm. It played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and is home to landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Atlanta boasts a thriving cultural scene, including museums, music venues, and sports teams. It is nicknamed the “City in a Forest” for its lush greenery. The city offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty, making it a dynamic destination for the whole family!
Recently, we spent a weekend in Atlanta to attend a concert at the historic Variety Playhouse. Let me share more about this unique space with you.
Variety Playhouse

The Variety Playhouse is a historic live music venue located in Atlanta’s vibrant Little Five Points neighborhood. Known for its diverse lineup and intimate setting, the venue has been a staple of Atlanta’s music scene since it opened in 1989.
Originally a 1940s-era movie theater, the Variety Playhouse retains much of its vintage charm. The venue has a capacity of approximately 1,000 people, offering a mix of seating and standing areas. Seating for our show was first come, first serve. We suggest getting in line as early as possible!
Over the years, the Variety Playhouse has hosted an impressive range of world music performers, from indie and folk acts to jazz and rock. It is particularly celebrated for its superb acoustics. Theater seating makes it possible to see the stage from anywhere in the room.
Beyond music, the venue has also been used for comedy shows, special events, and film screenings. Variety Playhouse has earned its reputation as a versatile cultural hub in Atlanta. Its location in Little Five Points makes it convenient for visitors to explore unique shops, restaurants, and bars before or after a show.
The Variety Playhouse continues to thrive as a beloved institution, blending history, character, and world-class performances for an unforgettable entertainment experience.
Also, while we were in HOTlanta…
We stayed at the Wylie Hotel.

You guys know how fond we are of sleeping in hotels. Big is nice and has its advantages, but cozy and unique always makes for a beautiful stay! Wylie Hotel in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward was certainly no exception. This 111 room boutique hotel first opened its doors in 1929 as the Garner-Wallace Hotel. The hotel suffered during the Great Depression and re-opened in 1933 as Hotel Ponce de Leon. The basement of the hotel became Mrs. P’s Restaurant in 1956. Mrs. P’s was one of Atlanta’s first LGBTQ+ friendly establishments and home to the city’s first drag show. A police raid forced the doors to close in the 1980s. The building served for a short time as affordable housing for Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Emory students.

Today, Wylie Hotel is a delightful combination of comfort and charm. Bought in 2019, the hotel has tried hard to incorporate touches of its century-long history. Conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta, Wylie serves travelers while striving to connect with the neighborhood and locals. Mrs. P’s Bar & Kitchen is described as “comforting as apple pie, as sophisticated as Scotch on the rocks.” The little “extras” is what makes Wylie stand out. Soft, white robes are among the first things you notice about the upscale room. There’s nothing quite as cozy as a hotel robe!
We ate at Terrapin Taproom in The Battery Atlanta.

Best food ever can be found at Terrapin Brewery & Taproom. Located in The Battery, this place serves Fox Brothers BBQ (Georgians understand the significance) and premium brew. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating, it also has a private dining room. Terrapin Brewery & Taproom functions as a research and development facility for Terrapin Beer Company’s main production brewery in Athens, Georgia.”
Our Top Picks:
- Smoked Chicken Salad (it has bacon and is delicious)
- Homemade Pimento Cheese
- Pulled Pork
- Fried Chicken Tenders (my son, who doesn’t eat anything, loves these)
- Sides: side salad, French Fries, Mac ‘N’ Cheese
We took in an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park.

Truist Park is the home stadium of the Atlanta Braves. Opened in 2017, this ballpark blends cutting-edge amenities with classic baseball charm. Nestled in The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use development, it offers fans a complete entertainment experience with dining, shopping, and live events. With a seating capacity of over 40,000, Truist Park offers an intimate atmosphere for baseball games and other events.
Whether you are a Braves fan or not, you need to take in a game. Truist Park is top notch and a great time for the whole family!