Welcome to Atlanta, Soccer Fans!
Atlanta isn’t a city you learn from a map — you learn it from living here.
Our team is made up entirely of native Georgians and long-time locals. Sara Lee has called Atlanta home for more than 35 years. Bee was born and raised in Atlanta with deep roots in the Decatur community. Jeremy grew up just outside the city in Winder, later spending many years in Cobb County before settling in Brookhaven. Brandon moved to Atlanta in 1992, spent eight years in San Diego, and ultimately chose Atlanta again when it was time to come home.
Anyone can search “things to do in Atlanta.” But Atlanta is truly a city of neighborhoods, and you only understand it by experiencing the places locals actually live, gather, and spend their weekends.
Below is our team’s personal guide to Atlanta — always evolving and rooted in real local experience. We hope it helps you explore metro Atlanta the way locals do.
Local Favorites from the Team
Sara Lee's
Favorites
BoccaLupo –
Delicious Italian, wine and craft cocktails, tucked into one of my favorite neighborhoods!
Ansley Mall –
Opened in 1964 this iconic open-air retail and dining complex has been a staple for the surrounding neighborhood over many years. Now accessible by the Beltline Trail, it continues to evolve and expand but a few of my long time, +25 year local favorites are the Cook’s Warehouse and Intaglia Home.
Inman Park –
Explore Inman Park anytime of year, Atlanta’s first “suburb” within the city. Inman Park Village, offer shopping/dining, and the neighborhood hosts the BEST spring festival of the year!
The Colonnade Restaurant –
Established in 1927 this iconic restaurant serves up some of the best Southern comfort food around but start with a martini and you are sure to enjoy!
Fernbank Museum of Natural History –
From Martinis and IMAX, to Wild Woods and its fascinating exhibits, put this on your list!
Bold Monk Brewing –
So many great local breweries in Atlanta, but this is my favorite on the upper west side, cool vibe, unique indoor and outdoor spaces, yummy food, and great beer!
Grant Park –
We love historic Grant Park anytime of the year, the annual Summer Shade festival is a highlight + weekend farmer’s market, gorgeous trails and green space! Bonus, check out the historic Oakland Cemetery nearby, as well!
DeKalb Farmer’s Market –
A true world market, part grocery store, part international food hall! Hint, visit during the week to avoid larger crowds. But it is a total experience!
Chastain Park Amphitheater –
Enjoying a concert under the stars in the Summer/Fall is a must at Chastain Park!
High Museum of Art / Friday Nights –
Art, music, cocktails and fun people. What more do you need? And all the other days of the week are great, too!
Jeremy's
Favorites
Industry Tavern –
An upscale sports bar in Buckhead, my go to is the Chopped Kale Salad with Grilled Salmon or the G’man Sandwich w/ a side of marinara. Great place to catch games, especially March Madness or NFL. Check out the Trivia Nights on Wednesdays at 8pm!
Round Trip –
My favorite brewery in the city! They have a nice twist on German beers and their Oktoberfest is award winning! 2nd would be their Dunkel. The West Midtown location is dog friendly & rotates pop ups / food trucks with some talented local chefs, while the East Cobb spot has a kitchen on site. Get the Double Smash Burger (East Cobb only)!
Highland Tap –
THE spot. Been around for decades in the heart of Va-Hi. Check out Mondays for ½ price Prime Rib Night or Steak Burger Night on Tuesdays. Always with vodka martinis – only with blue cheese olives.
Smyrna Market Village –
The heart of Smyrna with several spots to eat and hang at! Check out Atkins Park, Vintage Tavern, Corner Taqueria, and Zucca (great pizzas). SMV hosts tons of community events throughout the year and some developments are going in as we speak – easy parking!
Po Boy Shop –
This little spot in Decatur is off of the downtown area, but is one of the highlights in the area! Located in a little shopping center, don’t miss the downstairs bar and the Debris Po-Boy!
Steamhouse Lounge –
In the heart of Midtown, check out their Oyster Happy Hours and beach bar vibe!
Variety Playhouse –
Terrific venue in Little 5 Points to catch regional acts.
Live Band Karaoke @ Dark Horse / 10 High –
The “O.G” live band karaoke! Been doing it for decades in Va-Hi. Get there early – she gets crowded!
Fox Bro BBQ –
In Candler Park, the best Texas style brisket in the city! Try their Fritos “pie” as well.
Johnnys Hideaway –
Dance the night away and people watch in Buckhead! Weekends are slammed, so get there before 10 to avoid the line.
Brandon's
Favorites
Mary Mac’s Tea Room –
Southern fried chicken, mac and cheese, turnip greens & sweet tea
Kevin Rathburn Steak –
Jumbo shrimp cocktail, Ribeye steak & onion rings
Taqueria del Sol –
Any of their tacos, sala trio, cheese dip & a margarita
Delbar –
ALL of their Persian dishes are amazing!
Beltline Eastside Trail to Piedmont Park –
Stop at Ladybird for food/drinks; walk around Piedmont Park & stop by Park Tavern for a cocktail & skyline views
Atlanta Botanical Gardens – Checkout the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory for rare plants & endangered species of poisonous frogs
Stone Mountain Park –
Hike the trail up/down or take the tram. Wonderful 360 degree views of Atlanta & surrounding areas
Virginia Highland neighborhood –
Bar hop to favorites like Highland Tap, Moe’s & Joe’s, Atkins Park & stop for dinner at Murphy’s (reservations suggested).
Georgia Aquarium –
Take a guided tour or pick an “animal encounter” and do the “shark & ray encounter”
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Visitor Center –
Make a reservation for the “Birth Home Presentation” tour
Bee's
Favorites
Rose Finch Spa –
Love the small intimate atmosphere there. Facial is a favorite and always smells delish!
Golden Buddah Decatur –
A favorite since 1976-yes, that’s right! Must haves are Schezuan Chicken and the egg rolls! Tell Mr. Lee hello!
Fox Theater –
Ghost tour there is extra spooky and any back stage meet and greet.
Taqueria del Sol –
Skinny margarita, yes please and always a fish taco add cole slaw!
Allie’s Yoga –
Life saver for me! Zoom classes are not intimidating and Allie is so patient and personal.
Southern Sweets Bakery –
Delicious desserts and nothing beats the ham and pimento cheese sandwich on wheat!
Jazmin Spa –
Mai and Wendy are the best nail techs for SNS mani and pedi! Neck and foot massage included.
Eddie’s Attic –
Since the late 90s this intimate listening room has hosted some the best weekend nights for me-John Mayer, Indigo Girls, Jennifer Nettles, etc!
The Vineyard Wine Market –
Private tasting room is superb for private events! Great bubbles and charcuterie!
Staplehouse –
Had the best private dinner for my 50th-chef’s kiss ! The story of Staplehouse is unlike no other! Local farm to table while taking care of the those in need in the food industry.
Where to Go Downtown
About the Team
At Sara Lee Parker & Associates, you’ll find deep local expertise built on decades of living, working, and genuinely engaging in the Atlanta communities we serve. We are known for thoughtful guidance, honest counsel, and a hands-on approach that helps our clients make confident, informed decisions at every stage of the process.
Whether you’re relocating, selling a home, investing, or building new, our team brings trusted experience, strong relationships, and the resources needed to move seamlessly from start to finish. We’re ready to go to work for you.
Experience. Connections. Community.
- 50+ Years Combined Real Estate Experience
- Atlanta REALTORS® Top Producers – Life Member
- Top 1% of REALTORS® in Metro Atlanta – ARA Top 10 Team 2025
- RealTrends Best Teams in Georgia
- Atlanta Magazine All-Stars
- Thousands of Clients Served
- 90% Referral & Repeat Business
trusted referral partner for agents nationwide since 2005
how we serve
- Buyers & Sellers
- Local & National Relocation
- New Construction Development
- Luxury & Second Homes
- Investment & Renovation
Where we work
- Historic & Intown Atlanta
- Atlanta BeltLine Neighborhoods
- Decatur & Close-In Neighborhoods
- Metro Atlanta & North Georgia
NEW TO ATLANTA?
We can’t wait to meet you!
If you’re new to Atlanta, it’s time for a proper welcome. Whether you’re looking for a trendy loft for an active lifestyle or a backyard for a treehouse, our team can make it happen! Contact Sara Lee Parker and Associates right away for top notch real estate services in Atlanta, GA. 404.920.8600