9 reasons why Atlanta is the new Hollywood

In less than a decade, Atlanta has become one of the world’s top cities for film and television production. With Captain America: Civil War, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and The Walking Dead among the crop of productions filming here, it’s little wonder why Atlanta has been coined the Hollywood of the South. Even if you’re not in town shooting your next blockbuster, there are plenty of local gems worthy of a visit where you might catch a glimpse of your favorite star.

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Umi | Photo courtesy of Douglas Stratton

Umi

For a little taste of 90210 on the East Coast, look no further than posh Buckhead. Among the neighborhood’s many eateries is Umi, whose contemporary Japanese fare is so beloved, Jennifer Anistonstopped in for sushi while filming Mother’s Day.

Silver Skillet | Flickr CC: j_lai

The Silver Skillet

Opened in 1956, this classic diner has gotten plenty of screen time over the years, including features in Remember the Titans, Anchorman 2, and Diners Drive-ins and Dives. Come for the chicken fried steak but stay to take in the tapestryof photos of past celebrity guests adoring the walls.

Clermont Lounge | Flickr CC: Lee Coursey

Clermont Lounge

One part gentleman’s club and one part cabaret, Clermont Lounge is arguably the city’s greatest nightlife staple. Blondie, the dive bar’s longtime hype woman and ringleader, will keep you on your toes and dare you to look away as she crushes beer cans with her ample bosom. Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Liam Hemsworth are among the A-List revelers spotted atthe party.

May the odds be ever in your favor here | Wiki CC Public Domain

Georgia World Congress Center

Fans of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire may recognize this convention center’s imposing glass facade. Located in bustling downtown Atlanta, it’s also a hop and a skip away from the Marriott Marquis hotel; it’s tubular glass elevators were also used as interiors for the box office smash.

Chops Lobster Bar | Photo courtesy of Chops Lobster Bar

Chops Lobster Bar

What do Justin Bieber, Kate Bosworth and Ryan Gosling all have in common? (Besides being incredibly good looking, of course.) They’ve all flocked to this ultra-exclusive Buckhead eatery, where you can indulge in a heady mix of USDA-aged beef and some of the city’s most raved about seafood.

So much charcuterie at the Saltwood in the Loews Hotel | Photo courtesy of the Loews Hotel

Loews Hotel Atlanta

An awe-inspiring contemporary design welcomes you at this hi-rise retreat, which Hugh Jackman and Diana Ross have made their home away from home. Unwind with a Chill Yoga class and massage at the famed Exhale Spa, or dine on rustic small plates downstairs at Saltwood. Best yet, the midtown location offers quick access to popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.

Play ball against the Atlanta skyline at Piedmont Park | Flickr CC: terren in Virginia

Piedmont Park

On any gorgeous summer day, you’ll find both A-listers and locals sunning themselves at this sprawling midtown park. It’s sloping green hills give way to stellar views of the city’s majestic skyline. Just a short walk to Piedmont Road’s popular restaurants and bars, there’s plenty to do even after sundown.

Fantastic St. Regis | Photo courtesy of the St. Regis Hotel

St. Regis Buckhead

Just steps away from luxury shopping that would rival Rodeo Drive, this Buckhead outpost is also home to the impeccably appointed Empire Suite. At 2,800 square-feet, it boasts two bedrooms, separate dining areas, French doors and multiple Juliette windows, not to mention around-the-clock butler service. Michael B. Jordan and Kate Mara were spotted enjoying the hotel’s grand amenities while promoting their film, Fantastic Four.

Miller Union

Walk into this New American eatery on the right (or perhaps wrong) night and you may be in for a major spoiler. Miller Union is the Atlanta dining spot where cast members from The Walking Dead go to toast an actor whose character was recently killed off. It goes without saying that if we lived in Atlanta we’d be there everyday working our way through the menu’s sustainable Southern fare and hoping to spot the show’s stars.