18 Best Things to Do in Atlanta According to ‘Married to Real Estate’ Hosts Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

Husband-and-wife team Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson spend a good part of their days working — she as a real estate broker and designer and he as the owner of a construction business. But when they do have downtime, they head off to their favorite hangouts in their hometown of Atlanta, a city that declared August 23, 2022, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson Day in honor of their contributions to the community. Ahead, the Married to Real Estate dynamic duo reveals their go-to spots when they’re looking to relax and enjoy their time off.

Stay Overnight at Nobu Hotel Atlanta

Recently opened in 2022 and located in Buckhead, just footsteps away from some of Atlanta's best shopping, the light-filled Japanese-inspired Nobu Hotel Atlanta features a neutral palette and clean-lined decor, lush landscaping and gardens, a Nobu restaurant and lounge, and a spa where guests can custom-design facials while having access to a cutting-edge gym, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, café and rooftop saltwater pool. To create an even more memorable experience, the hotel offers a Porsche house car for guest use. “We stayed in the Yuhi suite for our anniversary and the views were breathtaking, as well as the room being stunning," says Egypt. "And we are hard to impress.”

Grab Brunch at Gocha’s Breakfast Bar

One of the best places to enjoy brunch in the city is at Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, known for its friendly service and mouthwatering entrees (including buttermilk pancakes, crunchy battered French toast, shrimp and grits, crab cake sliders and seafood omelets). “We love taking our guests from out of town and seeing their faces when they taste the salmon croquettes,” adds Mike.

Relax at Callaway Resort & Gardens

Home to the world’s largest azalea garden, Callaway Resort & Gardens is a 2,500-acre resort located in Pine Mountain, a short one-hour drive from Atlanta. It’s here where visitors can enjoy numerous activities, including bike and hiking trails, fishing, golf and water skiing on Robin Lake Beach (which features one of the world’s largest man-made white sand beaches). “We often take the girls for day trips during the summer. The butterfly gardens, small-top tent circus and old-school concessions remind us of days when life was simpler," says Egypt.

Discover the Georgia Aquarium

There aren’t many places where you can see beluga whales, white sharks, manta rays, dolphins, penguins and sea lions all under the same roof. With a staff at the ready to answer any questions, “the Georgia Aquarium is hands-down the best aquarium we've ever visited,” says Mike. “When Kendall was small, our habit was doing day trips once per month to the Children's Museum in the morning, and then walking across to the aquarium in the afternoon. She would press her face against the glass and try to kiss the fish that came up to the glass. So cute!"

Shop for Your Home at Westside Market

From antiques to lighting and jewelry to fabrics, Westside Market is a hodgepodge of vendors and artisans showcasing their wares in a variety of displays and booths. "We discovered some of our favorite artists and craftsmen here, as they often have their own displays or booths set up. We had the most gorgeous [84-inch round] tables made," says Egypt, "which are virtually impossible to find anywhere else."

Explore the High Museum of Art

Located in the heart of Atlanta in an architecturally stunning white building designed by Richard Meier, the High Museum of Art features 20,000 works of art, including three permanent collections comprised of African (featuring artists such as Nellie Mae Row and Winfred Rembert), American (with works by Georgia O’Keefe and Mark Rothko) and European (showcasing paintings by Henri Matisse, Auguste Renoir and Claude Monet) art. "We have attended many events and galas here and it's always been a class act," says Mike.

See a Broadway Show at the Fox Theatre

Designed to resemble an Arabian courtyard, the Fox Theatre is a performing arts venue that opened in 1929 and features beautiful stained-glass windows and a ceiling embedded with flickering crystal stars. The go-to venue for ballet theatre, Broadway national tours, musical performances and comedy shows, “it is historic and the aesthetic feels like an old-time movie theater. One of my favorite memories is taking the kids to see Lion King," says Mike.

Hike Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park spans almost 3,000 acres and includes three Civil War-era battlefields. With stunning views across grassy open fields and rolling forests, the grounds provide multiple loops for walking, hiking and bird watching. There’s also a visitor’s center that features a museum and theater where you can watch a movie about the park’s history, along with a gift shop that sells books, postcards and stamps. "It's close to home and a wonderful nature hike," says Egypt.

Scoop Up Some Ice Cream at Kilwins

Featuring ice cream flavors such as toasted coconut and Georgia peach, plus milkshakes, candy treats and caramel apples, Kilwins is the perfect spot if you’ve got a sweet tooth. “They have creative yummy flavors and the aesthetic is fun,” says Mike. "Date nights with the wife, and date days with the kiddos, it never disappoints."

Experience Lunch at Papi’s, Highland Bakery & Kitchen or Henry’s Louisiana Grill

“Atlanta as a whole has amazing restaurants and a ton of diverse places. It's very tough to choose just one," says Mike. "Papi's, Highland Bakery, Henry’s Louisiana Grill [and] The Interlock are several great restaurants in this upbeat meetup area in Midtown."

Sip a Cocktail at The Interlock

The Interlock is an all-in-one destination spot for dining, entertainment, and shopping and a great place to enjoy a drink with a friend or colleague. Egypt also recommends Vesper in Glenwood Park, The Garden Room in Buckhead and The James Room right off the Eastside Beltline, Atlanta's 22-mile walking trail. "I named many different locations because there are so many great places to grab a cocktail and experience amazing ambiance," she says. "It's always a good time and great conversations with good people."

Drink Some Coffee at Café Intermezzo

A European-style café with a cozy bistro atmosphere, Café Intermezzo features a wide range of coffees and teas, along with delicious desserts such as tortes, tiramisu and cheesecakes. It’s also a great spot for brunch, with popular menu offerings including avocado toast, Belgian waffles and eggs Benedict. “We are not big coffee drinkers, but we like the atmosphere and options on the menu,” says Mike. “It was one of the first places we stopped at when we arrived in Atlanta.”

Find Adventure at Historic Banning Mills

Located about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta in Whitesburg, Historic Banning Mills is a conservation and retreat center offering a wide range of adventurous activities. For added fun, you can even overnight in a treehouse or cabin. "There is so much to do! Zip-lining, nature walks, rock wall climbing, kayaking … you name it. Horseback riding trails with the kids is a great time!" says Egypt.

Book a Table for Dinner at Fish Thyme Restaurant & Bar

“Everything we have ever tasted at Fish Thyme Restaurant & Bar has been out-of-this-world delicious,” says Egypt. “We have taken the whole family here a few times for birthday celebrations, graduations and more. It's our spot.”

Stock Up at Your Dekalb Farmers Market

It began in 1977 as a small produce stand, and now the Your Dekalb Farmers Market has grown into a world market. Helmed by the original owners, Robert and Barbara Blaze, along with their son, Daniel, it’s here where you’ll find everything from baked goods to seafood and meat to produce. “They have a huge variety of international foods you cannot find at local supermarkets,” shares Egypt. "My mom loves this place. Whenever she [visits,] she makes me drive her clear across town so she hangs out there. She treats it like a mall hangout."

Swim at Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island

The winner of countless “best beaches” awards, Driftwood Beach is a five-hour-plus drive from Atlanta but, according to Mike, is well worth the trip. "It's a nice, calming drive away from Atlanta and a gorgeous, peaceful experience," he says. Visitors are amazed by the enormous pieces of weathered driftwood and uprooted trees found on the beach from decades of erosion. Given its otherworldly vibe, it's been the location for shows like The Walking Dead, as well as the movie The Menu.

Sample Vegan Food at Tassili's Raw Reality Café

“The wraps here are sooooo delicious and fresh,” writes Egypt of Tassili’s Raw Reality Café, located in the historic West End of Atlanta and founded by master raw food alchemist Tassili Maat. It’s here where diners can enjoy raw vegan entrees such as spicy kale salad, mango mushroom stew and carrot tuna. “Every time I visit, I have to stand in line for about an hour,” says Egypt. "And I ask myself why I am standing in line for a kale wrap … but ultimately stay right in line as long as I have to because I know it's gonna be worth it. And I don't usually stand in line for anything … except this."

Catch a Show at State Farm Arena

Located in the heart of the city, State Farm Arena is a great place to see a concert, sporting event, comedy show or circus. "All of our nieces and older daughters wanted to see Usher in concert. So, we surprised them with [tickets] and a girls' night. Except, of course, Mike was the chaperone!" says Egypt.

Follow Egypt and Mike on Instagram @egyptsherrod and @djfadelf.