DragonCon 2022 is right around the corner and Atlanta welcomes another year of excited con-goers. Whether it’s your first year attending DragonCon or you’re a veteran looking for fresh recommendations, fill out your free days (leading up to or following the con) with these 10 spots. Here are our favorite things to do near DragonCon.
10 Places to Eat in Atlanta and Things to Do Near DragonCon
1. Time to Escape: the Escape Room Experience
DragonCon guests love Time to Escape for their immersive themed rooms and exciting playability, not to mention their convenient proximity to the con. Time to Escape is located in Peachtree Center (near the food court), connected to the Marriot Marquis Towers, Hyatt Regency, and Hilton Atlanta hotels via aerial walkways. There are four permanent rooms and an additional mobile room that’s exclusively open during DragonCon. Select rooms challenge ordinary escape rooms and feature an in-room actor, character roles, unique abilities, and side quests. So grab a group of friends and challenge yourselves the next time you want a break from the convention floor and are looking for things to do near DragonCon.
2. Möge Tee Atlanta Downtown
Fans of bubble tea shouldn’t miss this new tea shop, Möge Tee Atlanta Downtown. Their menu consists of unique and imaginative flavors like crème brûlée uji matcha, cheese foam teas, and fruit Yakult teas. Not to mention, the café space is aesthetically pleasing and refreshing. Stop by for your sweet fix and try a new tea flavor.
3. Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is well worth visiting – the grounds consist of outdoor gardens, indoor collections and art exhibitions. The park provides magnificent landscapes to walk through and enjoy fresh air. Their current traveling exhibit is Origami in the Garden which showcases 18 installations of over 70 larger than life sculptures inspired by origami. This exhibit is available from May 7th to October 16th, 2022. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is also hosting Cocktails in the Garden everyday through September 30th, 2022 from 5pm-9pm.
4. Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is popular stop in Atlanta to shop, browse, and eat. There’s a wide collection of brand name stores, as well as local boutiques. The food hall also contains a variety of interesting options so come hungry! At the top of PCM is the Skyline Park which has vintage amusements, games, mini golf and more. Ponce City Market is the most prominent stop on Atlanta’s Beltline, a walking and biking path that stretches 33 miles.
5. High Museum of Art
Enjoy historical and contemporary art at the High Museum of Art during your visit. The High provides excellent opportunities to explore thoughtful and culture-rich exhibits. Their current traveling exhibitions are Off the Grid (closing Sept. 4) and Bob Thompson: This House is Mine (closing Sept. 11). Their permanent collection focuses on French works from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
6. The Hub at Peachtree Center
The Hub is an essential stop for DragonCon goers – it’s the food court located in Peachtree Center, connected to the convention hotels via aerial walkways (so you never have to leave A/C). For convenience, The Hub is your one-stop shop – options range from national favorites (Chick-Fil-A, Dairy Queen, Firehouse Subs) to local gems too (Hsu’s Gourmet Chinese, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Tin Lizzy’s). Especially in a larger group, everyone can find options with the variety that The Hub has.
7. The Yard Milkshake Bar
Ever heard of a “freakshake”? That’s what The Yard Milkshake Bar specializes in. These enormous sweet monstrosities are every bit delicious, and likely necessary to share with someone else. The Yard is located next to Centennial Olympic Park and just a three-minute walk from the Georgia Aquarium. You can build your own shake or choose from a list of imaginative options. Fully prepare to food-coma after though.
8. Georgia Aquarium (DragonCon Night)
The annual tradition continues – DragonCon Night at the Georgia Aquarium is on September 3rd this year. Con-attendees can enjoy exclusive after-hours viewings, ambient music, and food and drinks for purchase with a General Admission ticket. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get an incredible backdrop for your cosplay shots while walking through the galleries.
9. Joystick Gamebar
Looking to go out for drinks? Joystick Gamebar is the closest barcade, located in Downtown Atlanta. Enjoy old-school cabinets/pinball for 25¢ or board games for free! Their menu consists of cocktails, draft beers, canned ciders/seltzers, and slushies.
10. Pacific Rim Bistro
Albeit on the pricier side, Pacific Rim Bistro is a fan-favorite amongst DragonCon guests. Located across from the Marriot Marquis Towers, Pacific Rim Bistro has a nice atmosphere and great dining selection. Treat yourself and enjoy a pleasant dinner nearby.