14 minute read
Getting Around Atlanta Like a Native
By Muriel Vega
YOUR GUIDE TO COMMUTING LIKE A NATIVE
As a new resident, finding your way around Atlanta can be intimidating. It’s a big place, after all, with different neighborhoods and landmarks spread out across a metropolitan area that stretches across several counties. In addition, there are four different interstates crisscrossing the city to keep track of. And, of course, there are more than 70 streets with “Peachtree” in the name. To help you get your bearings, we’ve broken down some of the major streets, interstates and public transportation options you’ll need to know.
Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel
MAIN ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
It all starts on Peachtree Street. Atlanta’s Main Street begins in the Five Points area of downtown, passing such landmarks as the GeorgiaPacific Tower and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel before crossing northward into Midtown, where you’ll encounter the Margaret Mitchell House, the Woodruff Arts Center (home of the High Museum of Art) and the Fox Theatre. Just before passing Piedmont Hospital, it becomes Peachtree Road (specifically at Palisades Road) before continuing on to the Buckhead district and Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza malls. From there it’s on to Brookhaven, where it becomes Peachtree Boulevard before crossing I-285 to become Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
Other prominent roads to know are West Peachtree Street, which runs parallel to Peachtree in downtown and Midtown; Ponce de Leon Avenue, which begins in Midtown and travels eastward to Decatur; and Buford Highway, the area’s center of international culture and cuisine, which is located primarily in DeKalb County to the northeast.
The Downtown Connector is the unofficial name of the approximately 7.5-mile stretch of highway where Interstates 75 and 85 merge as they pass through downtown Atlanta. Also known as 75/85, the Connector begins near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at the Langford Parkway exit and runs north past the campuses of Georgia State University and later Georgia Tech. The Connector ends in Midtown, at an interchange known as the Brookwood Split.
The east side of the metro is served by Interstate 85, which is back to normal after a fire beneath an overpass caused a section to collapse in the spring of 2017. Heading south from the Connector, I-85 leads to East Point, College Park and the airport; its northward stretch passes Chamblee, Doraville, Duluth and Suwanee on its way to the Carolinas. Just past Suwanee, it branches off into Interstate 985, which leads to Buford, Flowery Branch and Gainesville.
After splitting with I-85, Interstate 75 heads northwest, climbing through Smyrna, Marietta and Kennesaw on its way toward Chattanooga, Tennessee. Its southern stretch heads southeast toward Macon and eventually to Florida. Interstate 20, meanwhile, passes Six Flags Over Georgia on its way from Alabama into Atlanta, crossing the Connector and Interstate 285 on its way east.
Approximately 64 miles long, Interstate 285 is also known as “the Perimeter” because it forms a circle around the city. From East Point in the south, it travels north toward Smyrna, arcing east past Sandy Springs in the north (radio traffic reports usually refer to this section as “the top end”), then south through Doraville, Tucker and Stone Mountain and then looping westward toward the airport and College Park. Two major landmarks along this route are the Cobb Cloverleaf, where 285 connects with I-75 northwest of the city, and the Tom Moreland Interchange, or Spaghetti Junction, where it intersects with I-85 near Tucker.
Georgia State Route 400, also known as Georgia 400, splits off from I-85 and cuts northward through Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta and Cumming, after which it becomes a surface road near the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville. The major landmark along this road is the Concourse at Landmark Center, known for a pair of distinctive office towers nicknamed the King and Queen buildings.
Fox Theatre in Midtown Georgia Institute of Technology
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) provides rail and bus service to the metro Atlanta area, with four rail lines operating primarily in Fulton and DeKalb counties. All four lines connect, offering transfers at the Five Points station located downtown off Peachtree Street. The one-way fare is $2.50 including transfers, and payment is easy with prepaid $2 MARTA Breeze cards, which can be purchased at the train stations.
The Gold and Red lines travel a north-south trajectory, while the Blue and Green lines take an east-west route that runs mostly through the city of Atlanta. The Gold line goes from the
line starts at Edgewood in the east and splits from the Blue line after the Vine City neighborhood, terminating in Bankhead to the west of the city. To complement the rail service, MARTA offers bus and shuttle service. Bus stops are located in three metro Atlanta counties with affordable fares and reliable schedules. MARTA also offers a free shuttle to Midtown’s Atlantic Station development and IKEA store, which departs from the Arts Center Centennial station on the Red and Gold lines. Olympic Park Other public transportation options include CobbLinc, providing airport through downtown and the business bus service throughout Cobb County and to district, past Lenox Square and Chamblee to downtown Atlanta; Gwinnett County Transit, end in Doraville. The Red line makes the same serving Gwinnett County with bus service to trek from the airport through the downtown downtown, and the State Road and Tollway area, but splits after the Lindbergh station and Authority, which operates the Xpress comheads toward Buckhead and Dunwoody, end- muter bus service, offering 27 routes across 12 ing near Sandy Springs. metro Atlanta counties. The ATL (Atlanta-Region
The Blue line is the longest route, covering Transit Link Authority) was established in 2018 Avondale, Decatur, Candler Park, Inman Park, to unite all the metro area’s transit agencies. Grant Park and Cabbagetown to the east. Now that you’re familiar with Atlanta’s To the west, it stops at several landmarks, major thoroughfares and transit options, you’re including CNN Center, Centennial Olympic well on your way to getting around like a native. Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Green Bon voyage!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) dot.ga.gov 511 (GDOT website and mobile app) 511ga.org MARTA 404-848-5000, itsmarta.com
CobbLinc 770-427-4444, cobblinc.com
Gwinnett County Transit 770-822-5010, gctransit.com Xpress 404-463-4782, xpressga.com
2829 Cherokee St. | Kennesaw, GA 30144 | 770.427.2117 SouthernMuseum.org
By Derek Prall
DISCOVER SOME OF ATLANTA’S BEST GOLF COMMUNITIES
Atlanta is known for
many things— its booming businesses, its thriving economy, its thrilling nightlife—but there’s another selling point that’s not as often discussed: the city’s incredible golf courses. The metro area has numerous courses of all skill levels available to players, and dozens of golf-centered communities have grown in popularity throughout the years.
While golf has built a reputation as an exclusive sport, Atlanta’s Southern hospitality has made it more inclusive. For the paid professionals to the hobbyist, there’s a course—and a community—here in the city to call home.
ST. MARLO, FORSYTH COUNTY
Located on the southern tip of Forsyth County—one of the fastest-growing in the United States—St. Marlo Country Club's luxury homes sprawl across 900 acres of lightly forested gently rolling hills. The gated community offers low property taxes, highly acclaimed public and private schools and easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment.
Of course, the community takes pride in its golf course, and many of St. Marlo’s homes are located adjacent to the award-winning, 200-acre gem, which is open to the public and members alike.
With 900 homes, St. Marlo is a sizable community, “But it doesn’t feel that way,” says Realtor Donna Luff Taylor, a resident for more than
20 years, who notes that the mix of homes and friendliness of the neighborhood give it an intimate feel.
Here, you’ll find European and traditional home styles, offering luxurious amenities like gourmet kitchens, keeping rooms with fireplaces, and spa baths with his-and-hers closets. Terrace-level recreation rooms are popular, with many featuring billiard rooms and theaters. Taylor notes that outdoor living is popular, with infinity pools and putting greens as coveted home features.
The championship 18-hole golf course was ranked in the Top 3 of Atlanta's best daily fee golf courses by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Georgia Golf News. It also made the Top 10 "Best New Courses" according to Golf Digest.
Designed by Denis Griffiths, who also designed Chateau Elan and Georgia National, the course is made for players of all ages and skill levels. Water comes into play on nine of the holes, and players will also enjoy distinctive stonework and beautiful hardwoods designed to fit perfectly into the natural, rolling terrain.
The semi-private club includes a long list of events, including amateur tournaments and outings. It also offers company rates and often host charity tournaments. No matter the need, the dedicated staff can help coordinate every event.
The St. Marlo Dining Room and Grille offers delicious casual and formal dining options coupled with spectacular views of the course. For more information, visit stmarlocountryclub.com.
TPC SUGARLOAF, GWINNETT COUNTY
Located about 45 minutes north of Atlanta in the Gwinnett County city of Duluth, this gated community is considered by many to be the epitome of luxury living in Georgia. Grand in scale, these established estate-style homes offer a pleasing mix of traditional Southern, Georgian and European architecture, set on lavishly landscaped lots of a half-acre and larger.
No detail is overlooked, from soaring atrium
LOCATED ON THE SOUTHERN TIP OF FORSYTH COUNTY— ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING IN THE UNITED STATES—ST. MARLO’S LUXURY HOMES SPRAWL ACROSS 900 ACRES OF LIGHTLY FORESTED GENTLY ROLLING HILLS.
TPC Sugarloaf is considered by many to be one of the best golf courses in Georgia.
Cross Creek—The best-kept secret in Buckhead
entrances, multiple fireplaces and expansive grilling patios perfect for watching the action on the fairways. Pools, saunas and home theaters are other popular amenities in the neighborhood. Prices range from the high $600s to more than $5 million, with many in the high-$1 millions.
But the community is best known for its spectacular course, the first U.S. course designed by the legendary Greg Norman and home of the Mitsubishi Electric Classic PGA Tournament. The two nine-hole courses—The Stables and The Meadows—are the crown jewels, renowned for challenging play and stunning landscaping. A third course, The Pines, is slightly shorter in length, but just as beautiful and challenging.
But golf isn’t Sugarloaf’s only world-class offering. The handsomely appointed clubhouse offers casual and formal dining rooms, private conference rooms and a full-service banquet facility, complete with an outdoor verandah with romantic panoramic views.
The sports center offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility and a nationally recognized tennis center with all-weather and hydro-clay courts. And they didn’t forget something for the little ones—the aquatics center features tree pools, waterfalls, slides and spouts to splash around in. An active women’s club hosts numerous welcome events year round.
Just outside the community, the brand-new Revel development offers more than 300,000 square feet of curated shopping, entertainment, and chef-driven dining. From there, it’s a short hop to I-85 to reach the city. For more information, visit tpc.com/sugarloaf.
CROSS CREEK, FULTON COUNTY
For a golf-centered lifestyle in the heart of the city, look no further than Cross Creek. Often referred to as “The best-kept secret in Buckhead,” Cross Creek is a gated condo and townhome community on 122 acres of mature landscaping in the northwest corner of Atlanta, with easy access to Buckhead, Midtown, downtown and I-75. Since the ‘70s, those in the know have recognized it as one of the best places in Atlanta for a little rest and relaxation—and, of course, golf.
Despite being in the city, Cross Creek combines a peaceful setting with an array of amenities and services for both residents and guests including tennis courts, fitness center and three swimming pools. The on-site Café offers casual dining for lunch and dinner with breathtaking views of the golf course, and the adjacent clubhouse offers pub fare, live music and a lively late-night crowd.
Cross Creek is perfect for those seeking a streamlined, low-maintenance lifestyle. The extensively renovated condos and townhomes seamlessly blend the expansive rooms and
“good bones” of the original units with modern style, including granite countertops, new appliances and hardwood floors. Charming patios and sunrooms replace expansive yards, so residents are free to enjoy the golf and tennis or enjoy Buckhead’s upscale shopping and dining or check out a concert or art exhibit at Midtown’s Woodruff Arts Center.
The 18-hole, par-three golf course has something to offer players of all ages and skill levels. The combination of gently rolling hills, ponds, grass mounds and woods makes this a challenging 2,000-yard, par-54 course. Specifically designed to sharpen a player’s short game, the course is particularly challenging for those who might rely a little too heavily on their driver. Residents enjoy discounted rates for greens fees and memberships.
The welcoming environment is perfect for those new to the sport, and due to the size of the course, the pace of play is quick enough that playing a round doesn’t need to be an all-day affair. For more information, visit crosscreekatlanta.org.
A foundation for a lifetime...
The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse
neighborhood SPOTLIGHT
Lawrenceville
By Christine Fonville
Nestled within 13 square miles in the heart of Gwinnett County, Lawrenceville is a city that celebrates history while embracing a forward-thinking attitude. Numerous ongoing projects include a performing arts center, downtown hotel and miles of mobility connecting Lawrenceville not only to its neighboring cities, but also to its past and future.
Ironshield Brewing Housing
Downtown Lawrenceville is brimming with new development, including homes ranging from the $200,000s and up. Blending residences and retail, SouthLawn Townhomes are charming in their craftsman-style, yet modern with open-concept designs. A townhome or singlefamily home with spa-quality baths and modern finishes in the City View subdivision will grant easy access to historic downtown Lawrenceville. Currently in development and starting in the $400,000s is The Winn, townhomes which will offer luxury and contemporary comfort steps away from the landmarks and boutiques on the town square.
Local Treasures
A recently completed amphitheater has enhanced the Lawrenceville Lawn, a city park that is home to community events such as Chill’n the Ville. Freeman Grist Mill is a historic focal point on the banks of the Alcovy River. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is a landmark worth visiting with a museum, monuments, exhibits and more. Rhodes Jordan Park is home to Harvest Gwinnett’s first community garden, an initiative to increase environmental education and improve access to healthy foods. Located a block off the square, The Lawrence will be a boutique hotel with 120 rooms. It is attached to a newly completed, 380-space public parking deck.
Culinary Treats
Nosh on elevated burgers, like the Celine Dijon featuring fried mozzarella, bacon jam, arugula and dijonnaise at Local Republic. Pull up a seat at the friendly and cute Peachtree Café to enjoy classic breakfast and brunch food or decadent crepes filled with fresh fruit and ingredients like warm sea salt caramel or house-made sweet cream cheese. True to its name, Strange Taco Bar offers fare not usually seen in a tortilla, like tasty Nashville Hot Chicken or Ginger Braised Duck. Located in a repurposed historic home, Boulder Creek Coffee is the place to caffeinate while unwinding on the wrap-around porch.
Arts and Entertainment
The new Lawrenceville Performing Arts Center includes plans for a state-of-the-art 500seat mainstage theatre, cabaret theatre, office suites and educational spaces for classes. Enjoy weekly concerts and live entertainment in the spacious outdoor beer garden at Lawrenceville’s new brewpub, Ironshield Brewing. N
The Lawrence Hotel
Rhodes Jordan Park
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Lawrenceville is the seat of Gwinnett County and is home to many historic structures and buildings that are still standing. The Lawrenceville Female Seminary building, constructed in 1855, now houses the Gwinnett History Museum.
