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Breaking Down the BeltLine, Part 2: North-side Trail

Recently, I shared the liveliest, most popular trail of Atlanta’s BeltLine. But there’s a lot more to this new city path than most Atlantans know. In addition to the shops, eats and art that the Eastside trail boasts, the beltline also offers some quiet observation of the natural beauty that Atlanta has to offer. One of the most common first observations newcomers make of Atlanta is the vast amount of greenery and trees. We are a nature-loving group and this southern city is proud of what separates us from other US metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles; which is exactly why the Northside trail of the Atlanta BeltLine was created. The BeltLine’s most rugged open trail, the Northside trail is accessible from three points: Armore Road, Collier Road, and Goodson Lane. It runs along Tanyard Creek and through Tanyard Creek Park, connecting Ardmore Park, Collier Hills and Collier Hills North neighborhoods. As the first part of the BeltLine to open in North Atlanta, local residents have taken advantage of this glimpse into the nature of Atlanta. In fact, the Northside trail even holds its own annual 5k race, bringing Atlantans together to enjoy the BeltLine. Although the Northside trail can be considered rugged and more nature-centric than the Eastside Trail, it still provides a smooth concrete path for walking, jogging, running, bike riding, or skating—even the stretch through Tanyard Park. The goal while creating this trail was to “minimize the visual impact on the meadow,” according to Beltline.org. The official BeltLine website goes on to explain, “the trail was routed through existing naturalization areas.” This has proven to be a successful feat, as Tanyard Park remains aesthetically pleasing. In an effort to keep Atlanta green and naturally beautiful, the Northside trail was created in a way that not only lets nature continue to prosper on its own, but also to enhances the flow of nature. Along the trail, design features have been installed to preserve natural growth. These same design features, as well as a few more, provide an escape route for excess rainwater to prevent overflows of Tanyard Creek. The one-mile stretch that is the Northside trail of Atlanta’s BeltLine is a wonderful option for casual strolling, nature walks, or light cardio exercise. Since 2010, North Atlanta residents have made this area a favorite, especially those who reside in the neighborhoods in Collier Hills that are now linked together. It has made for much easier foot access both between neighborhoods and to the Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta Memorial Park. If you’re looking for a nice quiet, scenic route, check out the Northside trail of the BeltLine. You can read up on the Eastside trail in part one of the BeltLine series. Stay tuned for more info on the other trails, parks, public art and historic preservation that Atlanta’s BeltLine has to offer. Photo courtesy of AsianCajuns.

Small Plates to Share: Atlanta's Best Tapas

Nothing brings people together like sharing food, and tapas restaurants provide common ground for your whole party, as you compare your impressions of several selections from smaller plates. This Spanish tradition is a great way to get to know your friends, and it allows you to try several different flavors in an evening without feeling overly stuffed. It’s also a fun date idea, as you immediately have something to discuss as you are effectively sharing a meal. Thankfully, Atlanta has no shortage of tapas spots that are perfect for snacking away the evenings with someone special. Noche, with a few locations throughout the city, is one of the more laidback tapas restaurants in town. Expect friendly service, drink specials and a comfortable environment swathed in red and brown tones. It’s a great place to meet up with friends for a relaxed evening, catch up over a cocktail or two and then dive into some fried goat cheese fritters. There are plenty of seafood options as well, like the ever-present shrimp and grits, or you can go healthy with the fresh grilled asparagus. Just be sure to share the diminutive delights with everyone at the table. If you want a more upscale experience, consider The Iberian Pig on Decatur Square. You’ll need reservations for busier summer evenings, as this popular spot tends to fill up fast, and the patrons like to linger over several rounds of tapas. The dark interior makes it a romantic spot as well; it can be a bit pricey for anyone with a gaggle of small children, which means it’s perfect for date night, when mom and dad can find a babysitter and sneak away. The Iberian Pig is also a strong contender for best spot to take an out-of-towner, though you don’t need an excuse to snack on their delicate meat selections. Charcuterie is of course the main draw, but you don’t have to leave your vegetarian friends at home here, thanks to a separate menu full of meat-free options. While both Noche and The Iberian Pig offer small-meal options that are perfect for sharing, Atlanta has many more hidden gems throughout the city. With dim lighting, lingering courses and the perfect excuse to make conversation, local tapas restaurants offer some of the most romantic casual dining options around.

Boutiques That Take Local to a Whole New Level

Here in Atlanta, the creative community thrives on the support of each other. Not only do creative entrepreneurs and makers promote each other, but they also help each other make sales and long lasting customers. Atlanta is a unique city in that sense. It’s not a competition; it’s a community. And when it comes to shopping, what’s better than something that no one else will have? The following are three community-driven creative spaces open to the public for shopping and inspiration. The Beehive Located in Edgewood, The Beehive is unique in concept. The store opened in 2004 as the first ever co-op concept boutique in Atlanta. The idea is that designers and creators rent space in the store in exchange for a high commission on their sales. What I find extra special about The Beehive is that the designers/creators can work in the store for eight hours per month for a discounted rental rate, creating an even bigger sense of community. In addition to a wide selection of locally handcrafted goods, The Beehive also offers creative classes on site. The options include sewing, jewelry making, knitting and crochet, photography, screen-printing and more. And if you’d like to get your kiddos started in the crafting world young, they also offer kids craft classes. Young Blood Boutique and Gallery As the name reveals, Youngblood is more than just a boutique; it is a gallery of art and local beauty. A local establishment for 15 years, Young Blood boutique is very well known in Atlanta. In fact, in 2012 the original owners made the decision to close Young Blood. But local Atlantans Rebecca Hanna and Jessie White wouldn’t let that happen and bought the beloved Young Blood Boutique and Gallery in January 2013 “with the spirit of the founding principles in mind and the goal of presenting a curated collection of the country's most inspired and highly crafted art and goods.” The shop and gallery houses art and handcrafted goods from all over the country, but has a strong focus on the local Atlanta creative community. In addition to offering creative a space to sell their goods, Young Blood also regularly holds local events both on site and off, enriching the creative community that loves the well-known boutique and gallery. Pop Marché at Paris on Ponce Although it is more of a huge warehouse made up of boutiques, Paris on Ponce is certainly a great place to shop for locally made goods. The 46,000 square foot warehouse is a great place to spend the day perusing both handmade items and carefully curated vintage collectibles. With everything from clothing to furniture, Paris on Ponce is a go-to for many Atlanta locals. Within Paris on Ponce, you will find Pop Marché, “a chic and unique collection of boutiques, representing several dozen independent curators, collectors, and designers.” These Atlanta-based boutique owners work hard to curate—and sometimes create—the perfect collections for Pop Marché shoppers. An added plus: Paris on Ponce is located on the Beltline, making it the perfect stop on a leisurely Atlanta walk. They also welcome events and photo shoots to be held in their Moulin Rouge-esque Ballroom.

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Breaking Down the BeltLine, Part 2: North-side Trail

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