For those of you who are feeling adventurous and would like a truly unique experience, hop in a taxi or call an Uber and head to one of the many neighborhoods around Atlanta. Nearby Atlantic Station features a Publix grocery store, movie theater, BODIES the Exhibition, and many stores and restaurants. Downtown Decatur is a favorite of many Atlanta natives because of its many boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The family-friendly city of Decatur is featuring a fine arts exhibition at Agnes Scott College starting on May 24th. For a low key evening, you can attend the opening reception of the Fine Arts Exhibition. For dinner, sit down at the Zagat-rated Iberian Pig or Farm Burger, and sip a one of “Atlanta’s Best Cocktails” at Leon’s Full Service before strolling down the street to explore the area.
If you want to relax a little on the weekend, then you’re in luck! Atlanta is home to a huge variety of local craft brewers. Many Atlanta breweries offer beer tastings on Saturday afternoons. If this is up your alley, don’t miss out on touring Sweetwater, Red Brick, Red Hare, and Monday Night Brewing companies. After having a “Fu Man Brew” at Monday Night Brewing, or a Red Brick “Sacred Cow,” be sure to tell to tell your Uber driver to drop you off at Hankook Taqueria for authentic Korean barbeque tacos! If you can’t decide which brewery to try, head to one of the many Taco Mac locations around Atlanta. The restaurant features locally favorite chicken wings (their “TMI” sauce is only for the very brave of heart), and they have over 100 beers on draft and around 200 bottled varieties.
In your spare time, be sure to check out some of the many activities near the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The World of Coca Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and the National Center for Civil & Human Rights are all a brisk, half-mile walk from the conference hotel. For just a few dollars, a taxi or Uber driver can take you to Zoo Atlanta, the High Museum of Art, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the MLK House and Museum.
For the HAPSters who are avid baseball fans…you’re in luck! Historic Turner Field is just a two mile ride away (20 minutes in Atlanta traffic). The Atlanta Braves will be playing the Milwaukee Brewers on May 24th, 25th, and 26th, at 7:10 pm each day. Be sure to get your tickets early (link here) and get to the game in plenty of time to grab a pretzel and a cold can of Sweetwater 420.
For more information, please contact me directly at mlong@gwinnetttech.edu. Be sure to download the HAPS conference app closer to the time of the conference, and keep an eye out for our friendly HAPS Hospitality Volunteers!
See you in Atlanta!