With just three days in which to explore Atlanta I knew I wouldn’t even scratch the surface, but I had to try, and what better place to get an overview than the Atlanta Beltline. The addition of this mixed use redevelopment project, which takes advantage of the City’s existing railway corridors, is transforming and revitalizing the city of Atlanta in the best possible way. When complete The BeltLine’s 22 mile path will encircle and connect the city of Atlanta and its many diverse neighborhoods.
The multi-use pedestrian friendly pathways are perfect for cycling, running, and walking, but the BeltLine is much more then just an exercise path getting you from point A to point B. With a skate park, shopping, restaurants and the South’s largest temporary public art installation the BeltLine is a destination!
Did someone say the South’s largest temporary public art installation?
As soon as I knew I would be visiting Atlanta I immediately started researching what the city had to offer in the way of public art, and boy did I hit the jackpot!
Essentially The BeltLine is an outdoor art gallery featuring a revolving display of both local and international artists. Additionally, Atlanta is host to multiple mural and art festivals each year, including the Outer space Project, and Living Walls. What all this means, is that you’ll find murals, sculpture, and performance art just about everywhere, much of it located along the BeltLine, or nearby!
Because the BeltLine is so big, and we had limited time, we chose one area, the Eastside Trail, and focused on that. In hindsight I might have walked the trail as we got on and off our bikes countless times to explore all the amazing art we saw. Starting at Park Street and ending at Edgewood Road, here is just some of what we found as we rode the Eastside Trail.
Piedmont Park
We rode through and along the edge of Piedmont Park with lovely views of Midtown Atlanta before connecting to the BeltLine at 10th & Monroe.
Title: The Service Station
Artist: Wesley Forlines
Location: 10th and Monroe Area
Park Street Underpass
We found on-street parking and a Relay Bike rental station just off Park Street. This gravel path connected with the BeltLine’s paved path at 10th & Monroe.
Title: Purple Rain
Artists: Karl Addison & Jarus
Location: Piedmont Park at the Park Street Underpass
Virgina Parkway
Artist: Hense
Location: Virgina Parkway Underpass
Artist: Rising Red Lotus
Location: Virgina Parkway Underpass
Along the Trail
We loved these pinwheels, which were spinning in the breeze, and we stopped to explore some of the businesses along the trail, including Paris on Ponce a quirky collection of shops within a shop selling vintage and locally made items.
Title: Swirling Colors
Artist: Alex Rodriguez
Location: BeltLine at Dreary Street NE
Artist: OUIZI
Location: Paris on Ponce BeltLine side
Artist: James Bullough
Location: Paris on Ponce Street Side
Artist: Nate Frost
Location: Alley off of Paris on Ponce
Artist: Thomas Turner
Location: Alley off of Paris on Ponce
Title: 10:28
Artist: Chris Veal
Location: BeltLine between Spot for Dogs and Paris on Ponce
Artists: Big Teeff & Greg Mike
Location: Spot For Dogs
Artist: Olive 47
Location: Iceboxcoolstuff.com Irwin Street
Old Fourth Ward
While I wasn’t traveling with my kids I know they would love a visit to the Historic Fourth Ward park. The 17 acre park intersects with the BeltLine and includes Atlanta’s first public skatepark, a playground and athletic fields.
Just next to the park is the Freedom Parkway Underpass and, much like the Venice Art Walls in my hometown of Los Angeles, people come here to express themselves via spray paint art. If you’re wondering I didn’t have time to make any of my own… this time…
Artists:Unknown
Location: Freedom Parkway Underpass Old Fourth Ward
Ladybird Restaurant
While I admit I didn’t eat at Ladybird, if time had permitted I would have! Stopping here for a much needed drink, we encountered true Southern Hospitality either that, or I looked like I was desperate, because they wouldn’t let me pay for the soda I ordered. Located right on the BeltLine!
Edgewood
Towards the end of the day my desire to see a particular mural led us off the BeltLine and through the Sweet Auburn Historic District, the location of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birth Home. Unfortunately daylight was running out, and we didn’t have time to visit. its on my list for next time…
Artist: Nychos
Location: Corner of Edgewood Avenue and Boulevard SE
Artist: Tommy Bronx
Location: Corner of Edgewood Avenue and Krog Street
Artist: Ricky Watts
Location: Edgewood Avenue & Krog Street
Tiny Doors ATL
We were delighted to discover #tinydoorsatl (what is it about tiny things?) during our visit. Turns out there are a number of these adorable lilt doors throughout the city, but with limited time we only found the three located along the BeltLine. Adorable!
Location: Eastside Trail at Virginia Avenue
Location: Paris on Ponce
Location: Freedom Parkway Underpass Old Fourth Ward
Tips & Advice
- There are multiple access points to the BeltLine.
- Keep in mind that the BeltLine is a work in progress, and that you can complete as little or as much of the trail as you’d like. We chose the Eastside Trail and our route was 7. 25 miles roundtrip.
- We parked on the street just outside Piedmont Park, but parking is also available at the northern end of the trail in the paid lot beside Park Tavern and at the Piedmont Park. You can also find on street parking at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark.
- The Eastside Trail hours are 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- If you don’t have access to a bicycle you can rent the city’s public Relay Bikes. You’ll need to download the app first.
- Bring water!
Outer Space Project
If you’re interested in finding more of Atlanta’s amazing art, this map from the Outer Space Project should be helpful.
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Take Me With You!
Would you like directions to these fabulous places? Why not take me with you! You can download this and other fun hilarystyle articles using the GPSmyCity app!
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