On location: Atlanta, your way
Park once. Have luxury shopping, fine dining and serene accommodations all within walking distance. Sounds great, but what if you need a spot to work (or workout) while you’re there – and what if it’s a family getaway with kids in tow? The completely transformed Phipps Plaza in the Buckhead area just north of Atlanta has it covered.
One square for many options
With a green space at the center of this mixed use square, one side leads to Phipps Plaza’s luxury shopping. Name an iconic luxury brand and you’ll likely find it here. Think Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, Atlanta’s only Saks Fifth Avenue, and coming in 2024, Hermès. (There are also more shopping options nearby at Lenox Square.) An AMC Theater is located here as well, along with kid-favorite Build-a-Bear Workshop. (Call ahead for sensory friendly times at Build-a-Bear if needed by your family.)
Across the way from shopping, Nobu Hotel Atlanta has a serene aesthetic and is ideal for a romantic getaway or a shopping and spa weekend with friends, but it also has extensive meeting space options if work is part of this adventure. Dine at Nobu Atlanta for elegant sushi and sashimi, as well as signature seafood dishes. And if you want to venture out just a bit, the hotel offers transportation in Porsche Taycan house cars within a three-mile radius. (Need more adventure? The nearby Porsche Driving Experience might be just what you’re looking for. Learn more at porschedriving.com/atlanta.)
In the building adjacent to the green space, find Citizens Market food hall spanning the first floor. There are kid-friendly options here, as well as healthy fare and indulgent treats. Let everyone grab their choices and then meet in the middle to dine together.
Upstairs from Citizens Market, day passes are available for Life Time Work and Life Time Athletic. Life Time Work is a coworking space uniquely situated to provide options for dining and play – once the meetings are done. Life Time Athletic (which also offers a dedicated child care facility that includes active play without screen time) has separate studios for Pilates and barre, a yoga retreat area, extensive workout spaces, cardio, weights, classes, dining, a spa and a rooftop beach club.
Find links to all the details at simon.com/mall/phipps-plaza.
If you build it…
LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta is located upstairs in Phipps Plaza. The sprawling center reopened this year after an extensive $5 million renovation and now offers hours of activities.
Key features for families here:
Start the visit by creating your own minifigure avatar that can be scanned for a digital version.
Experience DUPLO Park for little builders. It offers a contained area with soft play options and lots for little hands to do.
See some of your favorite LEGO sets in giant, real-life form, like a pirate ship, a spaceship “build and test” activity, and more.
Every 30 minutes, keep an eye out for surprise adventures and activities.
Meet the Master Model Builders. Children (and their adults) can engage with the builders as they create local iconic builders, seasonal sets and more. The builders also have workshop opportunities. (Ask them about the job interview process if you have a budding engineer at your house.)
The facility opened with a Certified Autism Center distinction, which means employees are trained to help guests with sensory needs have the best possible visit. Look for sensory guides posted throughout the center that detail what to consider at each attraction.
The bricks are cleaned every night. Yes, really. (Parents, we know this is crucial information.)
Get hours, details and ticket information at legodiscoverycenter.com/atlanta.
The details
Phipps Plaza, Nobu Hotel Atlanta, Life Time Work and Athletic, and Citizens Market are all located at Peachtree Road Northeast in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, near Interstate 85.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: On location: Atlanta, your way
