If you feel like…

Brunching: Ria’s Bluebird

Come early or be prepared to wait a bit. Either way, it’ll be worth it. The breakfast, brunch and lunch options at this Memorial Drive eatery are as fresh and inventive as they are tasty. (The Bionic Breakfast, a mishmash of skillet potatoes and sautéed veggies, is topped with spicy tofu sauce.) And did we mention Ria’s offers brunch options until close? We’re sold.

421 Memorial Dr. SE, 30312
404.521.3737
riasbluebird.com

Enjoying a rooftop view: Republic Social House

Scope a hard-to-beat view of the historic Oakland Cemetery while perched on this Grant Park restaurant’s expansive rooftop deck. Enjoy some good libations while watching the sun set, or start your weekend off right with a plate of jumbo shrimp and grits while soaking up some rays.

437-C Memorial Dr. SE, 30312
404.577.3997
therepublicsocialhouse.com

Taking in some history: Oakland Cemetery

One of Atlanta’s most history-rich sites, Oakland Cemetery encourages visitors to walk the grounds, have a picnic and take in all that the outdoor space it has to offer. Self-guided tours are offered, and concerts and other special events are held here regularly. Bonus points if you can spot the head stone for Margaret Mitchell, Atlanta native and author of the iconic novel Gone With the Wind.

248 Oakland Ave. SE, 30312
404.688.2107
oaklandcemetery.com

Wearing your art on your sleeve: Only You Tattoo

Whether you make an appointment or drop in on a whim with a good pal, the talented artists at this tattoo parlor will work with you on a new piece of ink you’re sure to be pleased with. Open 7 days a week, Only You’s roster of experienced male and female artists can whip up everything from traditional, classic styles to something modern, original and unique to you. Scroll through their work ahead of time on Instagram (@onlyyoutattoo), or pick a design that speaks to you from the pages of one of their portfolio books.

401 Memorial Dr. SE, 30312
404.659.4900
onlyyoutattoo.com

Getting wild: Zoo Atlanta

Go where the wild things are! Zoo Atlanta lets guests view a wide variety of exotic, international creatures, from red pandas and African elephants to lemurs, zebras and more. This month, you can snag a ticket to two special events—the Beastly Feast Gala (May 6) and Brew at the Zoo (May 27).

800 Cherokee Ave. SE, 30315
404.624.9453
zooatlanta.org

Shopping local: Grant Park Farmers Market

Droves of locals hightail it to this farmers market, open 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sundays from early April to mid-December. GPFM boasts local vendors selling bright veggies, fresh cheeses, homemade pastas, flower bouquets and everything in between. Grab an iced coffee and a blueberry donut, then shop ‘til you drop.

600 Cherokee Ave. SE, 30308
404.919.3619
cfmatl.org/grantpark

Getting cozy over coffee: Octane Coffee (pictured above)

Live here long enough, and you’re liable to run into a familiar face at Octane. That’s because ATLiens can’t get enough of the freshly brewed coffee and tea drinks served up at this sunny spot just across from Oakland Cemetery. Octane brews its own signature coffee—varieties include Super Regular, White Lightning espresso blend and the sweet yet intense Gravy. Coffees come in hand-brewed, pour-over or drip fashion. One great perk to this particular location (outposts are also located on the Westside, in Midtown by the High Museum and in Buckhead’s Atlanta Tech Village) is the fact that it shares a space with French-inspired pastry spot Little Tart bakeshop, meaning you can get your mocha latte with a side of cookie, croissant, tart or any other seasonal sweet it happens to be stocking that day. If it’s after-hours, you can sidle up to the bar with your sweetie and order from Octane’s beer and cocktails menu instead. Whether you’re looking to post up and work on that side hustle, enjoy a casual evening date over beers on the patio or engage in meaningful conversation over a pair of lattes, you came to the right place.

437 Memorial Dr. SE, Ste. A5, 30312
404.815.9886
octanecoffee.com

Photo: Jimmy Rowalt