Nomadic African

 Underground Atlanta is one of the city’s unique downtown shopping and entertainment districts.  Most of the storefronts in this “city beneath the streets” date from the Victorian era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Although they were abandoned for decades, the area was redeveloped and revitalized in the late 1960s.

After the Civil War, Atlanta began to rebuild its downtown around the railroad tracks that served the area.  During the 1920s viaducts were constructed to carry vehicles over the railroad tracks and relieve downtown traffic.  The city continued to expand and build above the viaducts.  The original street level was sealed off and forgotten for decades.  Underground Atlanta consists of the ground floors of buildings along original portions of Alabama, Pryor, and Peachtree streets.

The six city blocks of Underground Atlanta have been developed into a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment district.  A variety of specialty and gift shops are located there.  Shoppers can find clothing and accessories in stores such as Urban Outlet, She Boutique, Unica, Wall of Shoes, Bead Factory, Memories, Glitz & Glamour, and Silver Mine.  Artwork and gifts are available in African Pride, Aroma Paradise, Best of Atlanta, and Greek-O-Mania.  Services include hair and nail salons and a barbershop.  

More than 15 casual and full service eateries are located in Underground Atlanta.  The food court is a great choice for a quick downtown lunch.  American Deli, Johnny Rockets, Quiznos, and Subway offer sandwiches and salads.  Villa Fresh Italian, Kempani Hawaiian Grill, and Footprints Jamaican Restaurant and Lounge serve ethnic food.  Georgia Peach Restaurant and Lounge is the place to go for Southern cooking and peach themed foods like peach barbecue rotisserie chicken and peach cobbler. 

Kenny’s Alley is Underground Atlanta’s entertainment venue.  A variety of events are held at the Event Loft.  Patrons can enjoy live music during Feel Good Fridays at Footprints Jamaican Restaurant and Lounge.  Kenny’s Alley is a popular place to meet for drinks.  Seasonal celebrations and events are held at Underground Atlanta including Blues in the Alley, Fall into Arts, Boo Bash, Celebrate the Holidays, and the New Year’s Eve Peach Drop.  One of Underground Atlanta’s newest entertainment options is Pac-Man Play Arcade, a family friendly game place.

Underground Atlanta is accessed at 50 Upper Alabama Street.  Mall hours are Monday-Thursday from 10am-8pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am-9pm, and Sundays from noon-6pm.  Restaurants and club hours vary.  Parking is available in two garages on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.  The Five Points MARTA station is adjacent to Underground Atlanta. 

Pamela Haney is the Director of Sales for The Holiday Inn Express Perimeter Hotel & Suites. The Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Atlanta North-Perimeter/Dunwoody is directly off Georgia 400 and I-285. With the hotel’s courteous staff, reasonable rates, and terrific amenities, this Atlanta Perimeter hotel is the place to "Stay Smart" in the Perimeter Center area. For more information visit: www.PERIMETERHOTEL.com