So you think you know Atlanta? Buckhead, sure – Phipps Plaza, of course – Centennial Olympic Park and the new aquarium downtown – we’ve all been there.

But to find the beating heart at the center of this Georgia peach, one has to head to the center of the city: Midtown.Midtown Atlanta is artsy and funky, upscale and bohemian – a bit of a mix of everything. A decidedly urban atmosphere has been recreated in this part of town, and it is home to the city’s top arts and culture offerings – the High Museum of Art, the excellent Alliance Theatre and the historic Fox.  It’s also home to Piedmont Park, the 180-acre urban retreat designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, more famously known as the designer of Central Park in New York City. A few new shopping ventures round out the offerings in Midtown – and the combination of arts, shopping and dining is reason to explore a new side of Atlanta.

MUST DO: Wander in Atlantic Station. The work/shop/live development may be a bit manufactured, but it is also hard to resist as Atlantic Station is walk-able, attractive and entertaining. Hit IKEA simply because there isn’t one here in Memphis; the Swedish home retailing giant offers plenty to gawk at and lots to ship home. A pretty park with lake connects the main entertainment district with the retail district; in between there are plenty of vibrant restaurants and bars for day or night hopping. After Atlantic Station, check out the progress on the Midtown Mile project – a Chicago-esque shopping development which will encompass 14 city blocks when it’s complete. Some of Midtown’s best stores are already open on Peachtree and have been for ages, including Retromodern.com, Ligne Rosetis and Space.

MUST SEE: The Louvre exhibits at the High Museum. At the High, collaboration with Paris’ Louvre Museum is underway; treasures from the Louvre’s collections will be rotated for the next few years. Through September, an exhibit featuring the ancient treasures of the French museum is the highlighted exhibit; the newly-expanded museum is worth at least a half day of additional exploration – more if you can spend the time.  

MUST EAT: At ONE Midtown Kitchen. ONE  is a bar-ish, open kitchen restaurant featuring small plates, a nice wine list and scrumptious cocktails. Oh, and did I mention the view of Piedmont Park and the Atlanta skyline? To die for!

MUST SLEEP: When in Midtown, stay in Midtown. The swanky new TWELVE Hotel is all-suite and uptown chic, while the staid Four Seasons is the choice for a lush, indulgent weekend.