48 Hours in LGBTQ Atlanta
I was recently thrilled to visit Atlanta for the NLGJA Convention, which brings together some of the nation’s best and brightest journalists. Despite a packed schedule, I carved out time to enjoy The ATL.
Atlanta is one of my favorite American cities. Just under 2.5 hours flying time from New York City—and sharing the same time zone—the capital of Georgia is a destination of both convenience and great contrast. With its massive forests, parks and preserves, as well as languid humidity and verve for living, the capital of the Southeast is a wonderful respite from the Northeast. Here is a place where you might just be called Sir or Ma’am as you order beer and tacos, and where people will look at you and smile when they pass you in the street. At first, especially if you’re from the tristate area, you might find this unnerving. Then you get used to it. And then you know you’re gonna miss it when you get back home.
It was serendipitous that I was in Hotlanta in September for a queer journalism bash, which saw sponsors as diverse as ESPN and Fox News, and veteran activist journalists rubbing shoulders and clinking drinks with bright new influencers and content creators. Atlanta is a significant hub for American journalism, and it is inextricably linked with the city’s powerful history.
Atlanta gradually became a center for media, solidifying its role in the late 19th century with the rise of the Atlanta Constitution and its emphasis on the “New South” economy. With the founding of the Atlanta Daily World in 1928, the presence of the influential Capital B national news organization, and daily newspaper The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta has been a leader in the press in this country. Journalists have been gathering at Manuel’s Tavern since 1956. When CNN came along in 1980, the city became a media hub. Which is to say, Atlanta might have less hustle than NYC, but it has buzz, smarts, style, taste, diversity, good eats, drinks, and arts—and an established gay nightlife.
While in town for a couple of days, it was my pleasure to branch out and explore A-Town. Here’s what I got up to, and what I recommend you try on your next visit.
Where to Stay
I stayed at the Moxy Midtown. It’s friendly, affordable, and comes with a significant perk: a pool and bar/lounge called High Note! Because it’s Hotlanta, remember? You need to cool off! The sun hits the pool at around lunchtime, and it’s gone by happy hour, so make the most of it. This is the perfect spot to unwind, order some wings and a drink, and enjoy a friendly conversation with your neighbor. My server called me “ma’am” and “baby” alternately, and I wasn’t mad at her. There’s also the open-plan Bar Moxy located off the foyer, which is a great place to work and check emails. Moxy Midtown offers complimentary Starbucks in the morning, free M&M’s, and a breakfast sandwich upon request. The rooms are both funky and functional, providing all you need for a fun stay. Quirky it may be, but it’s also convenient. The best aspect of staying here is that you are very close to many of the things you’ll want to see, and you can get there by foot.
Things to See and Do
World of Coca-Cola: This interactive museum will appeal to your inner teen as it takes you through the history of Coca-Cola, featuring exhibits, advertising memorabilia, and unlimited beverage samples. It’s worth going just for a taste of sodas from all over the world! Some are questionable, but it’s fascinating to sample international regional offerings, such as Africa’s Stoney Ginger Beer (my favorite) or Thailand’s Apple Kiwi Fanta.
Georgia Aquarium: This massive public aquarium attracts crowds for good reason: it exhibits hundreds of species and thousands of animals across its seven major galleries, all of which live in more than 11 million US gallons of water. It’s worth the human crush to watch the hypnotic tropical fish, various sharks, gliding manta rays, sea turtles, penguins, and more. From the giant whale shark to the tiniest seahorse, you’ll be mesmerized.
Margaret Mitchell Museum: The author of Gone With the Wind is a complicated figure, and her book is a problematic narrative. Having said that, I always think it’s better to confront the past rather than try to rewrite it, and this museum has done a wonderful job with its curation of Mitchell’s work and legacy, while interrogating the seminal fictional text about the South—all in the setting of the humble apartment (“the dump”) where she penned the novel that sold 30 million copies and inspired the highest-grossing film of all time.
Atlanta History Center: This is the place to delve into the profound history and legacy of the region, as well as the influential individuals who have shaped the city. This is a 15-minute drive in a rideshare from Midtown.
Atlanta Botanical Garden: A 20-minute walk from Moxy Midtown, this 30-acre garden is the city’s most curated and lush oasis, featuring everything from massive, majestic trees and sculptures to hothouses of orchids and tiny terrariums housing frogs from around the world. Wander and enjoy!
Piedmont Park: This is an incredible urban forest and park in the heart of the Midtown gayborhood. Central Park, eat your heart out! Lucky folks who live in Midtown count this as their backyard.
The High Museum: A 15-minute walk or just a few minutes on the train brings you to the South’s largest visual art museum, featuring strong offerings in folk art, African art, and contemporary art. This is a spacious, light-filled modern area that is accessible, inspiring, and inclusive. There are routinely special events and performances, and it’s the most kid-friendly museum I’ve ever been to.
The BeltLine: A 10-minute walk from Moxy Midtown, this 22-mile loop of walking and biking trails and parks offers an excellent mix of people-watching, culture, and nature, putting you in the heart of intown Atlanta’s LGBTQ community. Atlanta’s BeltLine is basically a multi-use trail network and a massive urban redevelopment program that repurposes an old railway corridor to connect neighborhoods, create public parks, and promote transit and economic opportunity. Around the loop, you will discover public art, restaurants, breweries, and shops. The project aims to build a more equitable and sustainable city by enhancing mobility, fostering culture, and improving access to jobs and services for all residents. New York High Line, eat your heart out!
Where to Eat & Drink
The short answer is anywhere! People here have taste and adventurous palates. They just require that whatever is served is good and generous. If you head to the Rainbow Crosswalk at 10th and Piedmont, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a choice of restaurants. Similarly, Buford Highway has a great mix of international eateries to choose from. Emilio’s is a great taco joint with a verandah that serves tasty platters of Mexican food and ice-cold cocktails and beer, just adjacent to Moxy Midtown. For LGBTQ-owned Mexican, though, Guac y Margys is the spot!
Where the Boys & Girls Are
Moxy is just a 10-minute walk to the iconic lesbian bar, My Sister’s Room. This historic, award-winning lesbian bar and LGBTQ+ community space offers nightly entertainment, including drag shows, burlesque, and karaoke, as well as dance parties and comedy nights. It’s a casual, safe, and welcoming environment in Midtown. $15 cover gets you access to the dance floor, performances, and the front garden, which is the best place to chill and make new friends. So grab a beer and a hot dog and meet some people.
Blake’s on the Park is a popular neighborhood spot renowned for its lively atmosphere, live entertainment, and diverse tastes, featuring everything from Latin nights to drag shows. Located in the heart of Midtown’s gayborhood, Blake’s is open seven days and is a 15-minute walk from Moxy Midtown. Blake’s is a scene, so you may need to wait on-line to get in, so plan accordingly.
Also: Bulldogs is the oldest gay bar in ATL, hip-hop is the vibe. Woofs is a gay sports bar with 27 TVs! Atlanta Eagle is for leather and dance music.
The 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival will be held on October 11–12, 2025. This annual event, featuring the South’s largest Pride parade, takes place at Piedmont Park and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, its history, and ongoing struggles, with the theme “Rooted in Resistance” for 2025. But really, no matter what time of year you visit, you will for sure encounter a little bit of Pride in Atlanta. And let’s not forget: The B-52s, the Indigo Girls, and Lil Nas X—all LGBTQ+ music trailblazers—are products of the region.
How to Get Around
Walk! Especially if you stay in Midtown. It’s safe, it’s easy, and there are many gems to discover on your wander. As a New Yorker, I was delighted by the public transit system, MARTA. It’s clean, reliable, and punctual. It’s definitely the way to get across town, and to and from the airport (for about $3). The MARTA Midtown station is just a few minutes from Moxy Midtown, making this an ideal home base during your visit.
