10 great Atlanta sites for Super Bowl visitors
Football fans flocking to Atlanta for the Super Bowl will be wowed by the city’s new $1.6 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But Atlanta Hawk shooting guard Kent Bazemore says Atlanta offers much more than the glitz and glamour on display in the new arena. “It has its own pace. It’s a cool place to be.” Bazemore, a North Carolina native who started his career in California, says he now considers Atlanta his home. He shares some favorite spots with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Atlanta BeltLine
The best place to get a feel for the city is to walk the BeltLine, an urban walking trail reclaimed from former rail lines once circling the area. Today it fronts food halls, bars and new parks. Bazemore says he and his wife love to walk the path and people-watch. “We spend a couple hours out there and meet friends. You could be out there all day and night.” beltline.org
The One Sushi Plus, Brookhaven, Georgia
When Bazemore played for the Golden State Warriors, he and his girlfriend (now wife) used to have a regular sushi date in San Francisco. When they moved to Atlanta, the couple launched a sushi tour to find a new favorite spot. Then they discovered this restaurant. “That’s where our journey kind of stopped. It’s got great ambiance and is pretty laid back. In the summertime you get to sit out on the patio and get that warm Atlanta breeze at night.” theonesushiplus.com
Supply & Demand
This speakeasy-style bar in Bazemore’s Buckhead neighborhood has a classy vibe, with a chic, sexy dress code. “It has this old-school New York feel. Big beefy couches and a cool bar scene,” he says. supplydemandatl.com
Hawks Ridge Golf Club, Ball Ground, Georgia
Bazemore’s day job may be basketball, but for fun, he hits the links. This private club, located about 40 miles outside Atlanta, is popular with Hawks players and management. It’s one of the top courses in the state. “The greens and the course stay in great condition,” he says. For visitors who don’t know a member to get them on the course, the nearby Echelon Golf Club (echelongolf.com) is open to the public. hawksridge.com
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
When Bazemore joined the Hawks he quickly adopted the team practice of playing the card game Uno to pass the time on planes. “I fell in love with it. People saw us posting about it, and I thought I’d give them a taste of our play.” He sponsored a charity Uno tournament, first held in 2016 at the museum, which is noted for its dinosaurs, urban forest and hands-on exhibits. Bazemore says he’s grateful for the support. “It was a complete success.” fernbankmuseum.org
State Farm Arena
Sure, the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium is impressive, but Bazemore urges visitors to check out his home court, which recently underwent a $200 million face-lift. “We’re a fun team to watch. The energy’s been great all season,” he says. “It’s definitely dedicated to the fan experience, and you get to see the best league in the world.” statefarmarena.com
Fox Creek Driving Range, Smyrna, Georgia
When Bazemore wants to work on his golf swing, he heads to this range. “They’ve got a golf tech, so if you need your clubs tweaked while you’re in town, you can do that.” The range, which has been ranked among the top 50 in the country, also offers PGA instruction. There’s even an old car on the range, where golfers can aim their shots. “It’s a good time.” legacyfoxcreek.com
AMC Phipps Plaza 14
This upscale Buckhead theater with assigned recliner seats is Bazemore’s go-to choice when he and his wife head out for a movie. It features a bar with wine, craft beers and cocktails. And after the film, shoppers can explore three-level Phipps Plaza, one of the top malls in the Southeast, with Gucci, Tiffany and Co., and Nordstrom stores. amctheatres.com
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Located in Midtown, this 30-acre garden calls itself an urban oasis. “It’s a really nice place for a day date,” Bazemore says. “You can see all sorts of amazing plants. They’ve got a nice greenhouse that can put you in the Amazon.” atlantabg.org
Topgolf Atlanta Midtown
You don’t have to golf to have fun at this high-tech entertainment center with a bar, restaurant and rooftop fire pit. More than a driving range, visitors can compete in a variety of competitions using microchipped golf balls. “It’s just fun for everyone. There’s loud music and good food. You can go there without ever hitting a club,” Bazemore says. Locations in Atlanta and nearby Alpharetta. topgolf.com
