Last week, I did something I have never done before. I had a free morning and decided that instead of getting on the treadmill, I would go for a bike ride on the Atlanta Beltline.
I don’t know if it’s because spring is in the air or because our boys are finally an age where we can do this stuff but lately we have been on a major bike kick. Bike fever has kicked in for both date nights (yes- more on that below!) as well as cruising around as a family.
It was so nice to ride the Beltline early in the morning on a weekday- I practically had it to myself!
If you are not familiar with the Atlanta Beltline, it is a former railway around Atlanta that has/is being converted to a paved trail. The concept was born back in 1999 by a Georgia Tech graduate student who proposed the 22 mile trail weaving through the city incorporating various neighborhoods, parks, and art installations.
Brilliant.
And pretty much my latest obsession.
I am convinced there really is no better way to explore a city than on two wheels, so I thought it would be fun to share my “Southern Bike Ride Bucket List”with you.
Here are the top spots on my list:
one.
Date Night on the Atlanta Beltine- Wait, did I say date night?!?! YES! This really is SUCH a fun date night! The Eastside trail will take you from Piedmont Park, through Old Fourth Ward Park, Ponce City Market, and then all the way to Krog Street. We stop at Ponce City for a drink at Minero and a little window shopping. Then cruise to Krog Street and grab dinner (yes more Mexican) at Superica. BONUS- this trail is pretty flat (all things considered) and a very enjoyable ride!
TIP: We park at the Piedmont Park parking deck. Cruise through Piedmont Park and get on the Beltline right by 10th and Monroe (near Park Tavern). From there it is smooth sailing until you get to Krog Street. Be sure to bring your bike lock!
two.
three.
Hilton Head, SC- We will be there for a week in June and I LOVE getting around the Plantation on bikes. It’s such a fun activity for my crew and perfect at dusk when it cools off. Of course we like trying to spot gators. And I of course, am obsessed with the Spanish Moss trees here too.
four.
Bike the Greenway in Nashville- Well Nashville is on my general bucket list (HOW HAVE I NEVER DONE THIS CITY?!?!) so I would love to see it by bike when we go! This is a 10-15 mile trail around the city that looks absolutely beautiful! Any Nashvillians have any more insight on this trail?
five.
Charleston Bike Tour- This is one of my favorite cities, but I have never explored it by bike. We are hoping to get back there soon and I think it would be really fun to do the “See Food” tour exploring the Low Country cuisine. Clearly the only thing I like better than a bike ride is a bike ride that involves food. #getinmybelly
six.
30-A/Ft. Walton-Did you know there is actually a name for stretch of beaches along 30-A if traveling by bike? It is called the “Timpoochie Trail” and it’s 18 mile path connects each unique beach along 30-A. If you travel this path you will see the likes of Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove, Alys Beach and end up in Rosemary. So basically, this is like 18 miles of heaven on earth. I have traveled many miles of this path already but never the entire thing. Although I must say I also just like riding my bike through the streets of Seaside and Rosemary.
This looks fabulous.
Maybe we can find a bike trail in Boone NC when we go in a few days.
Ocracoke, NC is the best ride in the south. If you are a novice, Ocracoke is the Martha’s Vineyard of the South.
Cool! I will check it out!