1. Eat at The Varsity
If you’ve been there once, you’ve been there plenty. The massive fast food restaurant is an iconic piece of the city’s history, but actually eating greasy diner food is cute for the retro aesthetic and not much else.
2. Go shopping at Lenox Square
There is no reason to be at this mall unless you know exactly what you’re going to buy. After 60 years of being an anchor shopping center to the metro Atlanta area, there are some issues that renovations cannot fix. Skip the drama and shop online (or go somewhere else); a possible robbery or gun fight is not worth the new Aritzia store or the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM.
3. Doing literally anything at Lake Lanier
The Lake Lanier Islands are less than an hour from the city and a big getaway destination for families. Ignore the hype. The ghost stories about this lake might be worth listening to, given that more than 150 people have died in its polluted waters since 1994.
4. Skyview Atlanta
Of all the places to see the Atlanta skyline, this should not top the list. While it is not that expensive, there are several free ways to watch the sun set on the city. A walk on the Atlanta Beltline or a trip to Jackson Street Bridge, for example, cost nothing and actually have a better view.
5. Hiking Stone Mountain
Tell your hiking friend to shut up about how the distance is not that long. Short or not, the hike up the famous granite mountain is so steep and more nerve-wracking than enjoyable. Be a kid for a day and walk around the park instead.
6. Visiting Dekalb Farmers Market on the weekend
If you are looking for a sure way to be frustrated, then go for it. Otherwise, schedule out some time on a Tuesday to do your weekly shopping trip. The Farmers Market is popular for its wide variety of fresh, international foods, therefore it is usually packed on the weekend. You and all your neighbors will have spent half of your Sunday just trying to leave the parking lot.
7. Not being prepared for brunch
Atlanta is big on brunch. Post church or hangover, people love a good stack of flapjacks. It’s a weekend ritual so be prepared for long wait times, be polite to the staff, and don’t be the jerk who expects to be seated immediately after bringing a party of nine to a tiny restaurant with no reservation, on a Sunday.
