Atlanta Food and Cemetery Tour

Thinking about exploring Atlanta beyond the usual tourist spots? This Atlanta Food and Cemetery Tour offers a fascinating look into the city’s history, culture, and culinary scene—all in just 2.5 hours. Perfect for food lovers and history buffs alike, this guided experience combines a walk through Oakland Cemetery with tastings from some of the city’s most loved local restaurants.

What makes this tour stand out? We’re big fans of how it marries authentic Southern flavors with stories that help you understand Atlanta’s evolution—from humble railroad town to vibrant city. Plus, the small group format ensures a friendly, engaging atmosphere with plenty of chances to ask questions.

One potential consideration: the tour involves walking about 1.2 miles overall, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with some light strolling. It’s also a daytime experience, and rain or shine, so packing weather-appropriate gear is a smart move.

This tour is a hit for travelers who want to combine culinary delights with a taste of Atlanta’s history. If you appreciate good food, storytelling, and a relaxed pace, you’ll find this experience well worth the price.

Key Points

• Authentic Sampling: Enjoy 8 tastings from 3 local restaurants, including signature dishes like shrimp and grits and Southern pastries.
• Historical Context: Learn about Atlanta’s founding, name changes, and how food influenced its development.
• Cemetery Visit: Experience Oakland Cemetery’s Victorian charm while discovering the stories of notable figures buried there.
• Support Local: $5 of your ticket helps preserve Oakland’s history through the Historic Oakland Foundation.
• Small Group: The tour’s intimate size fosters a more personal experience and lively conversations.
• All-Inclusive Lunch: The tour provides enough food for a full lunch, with some to-go desserts in case you’re too full.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and operates rain or shine.
• Flexible Booking: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction and Overall Impression

From the start, this Atlanta Food and Cemetery Tour promises a well-rounded experience that balances history, local culture, and authentic cuisine. We’re impressed by how compact it is—just 2.5 hours—but packed with enough insights and tastings to satisfy a hungry, curious traveler.

One of the best parts? The guided narration is delivered by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, making each stop more meaningful. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Atlanta’s evolution, paired with bites that showcase Southern and Southern fusion cuisine at its best.

The tour’s format of walking through historic Oakland Cemetery and Grant Park adds a visual and atmospheric dimension, elevating the experience from simply eating to understanding the city’s story. However, be aware that the walk covers about 1.2 miles, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

This experience suits anyone who values local food, history, and small-group interactions. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Atlanta’s past and present without spending a full day on sightseeing.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Meeting Point and Initial Impressions

You’ll gather in front of Six Feet Under, a popular restaurant and bar at 437 Memorial Dr SE. Parking is straightforward if you avoid the lot behind the restaurant (which is limited and often towed). Instead, street parking or the secondary lot at 408 Woodward Ave. works well.

The group is small—usually just a handful of food and history enthusiasts—which immediately creates a relaxed, engaging atmosphere. Your guide will set the tone with friendly introductions and a quick overview of what’s to come.

Oakland Cemetery: A Historic Walk

The first part of the tour is a walk through Oakland Cemetery, one of Atlanta’s most iconic historic sites. Here, you’ll see Victorian-era gravestones and learn stories about notable people buried there, such as influential city founders, Civil War figures, and community leaders.

The cemetery isn’t just a somber site; it’s a lush, atmospheric park filled with moss-draped trees and historic sculptures. Your guide will share stories of Atlanta’s transformation, including the origins of the city’s name and how it earned its nickname as the “City in a Forest.”

Visitors often comment on how the cemetery provides a tangible connection to Atlanta’s past, making the subsequent food tastings even more meaningful. It’s a perfect introduction that sets the stage for understanding how history and food are intertwined here.

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Grant Park and the Food Tastings

Next, the tour moves into the lively Grant Park neighborhood, home to some of Atlanta’s most beloved local restaurants. You’ll visit three eateries, each offering a signature Southern or Southern fusion dish.

Expect to sample shrimp and grits at a seafood favorite—an Atlanta staple—and enjoy southern pastries from a James Beard-nominated bakery. The tastings are generous enough to constitute a full lunch, so come hungry. The guide provides background on each restaurant, often sharing fun stories about their origins and what makes their dishes special.

We loved the way the guide highlighted how food has shaped Atlanta’s identity—from its roots in Southern traditions to modern innovations. The tour isn’t just about eating; it’s about understanding what makes Atlanta’s cuisine distinctive and where it’s headed in the future.

Desserts and Souvenirs

If you’re too full for more, you’ll appreciate the to-go desserts offered at the end of the tour. These sweet treats give you a chance to savor a final taste of Atlanta’s culinary creativity without overindulging during the walk.

The guide often shares personal recommendations for where to explore further in Atlanta, making this experience a springboard for your trip plans.

The Value of This Tour

At $95 per person, the tour offers excellent value—especially considering the eight tastings included and the fact that they are enough to replace a lunch. The small-group format enhances the experience, allowing for personalized attention and conversation.

On top of that, supporting the Historic Oakland Foundation with a portion of your ticket adds a feel-good element, knowing your money helps preserve a vital piece of Atlanta’s heritage.

While it doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, the meeting point is accessible, and the walking distance is manageable for most visitors. The tour operates rain or shine, so dressing for the weather is advisable—an umbrella might come in handy if the forecast calls for rain.

What We Loved Most

• The expert guidance made history accessible and engaging, with stories that stuck with us long after the tour.
• The delicious, thoughtfully prepared tastings from local establishments showcased Atlanta’s evolving culinary scene.
• The beauty and atmosphere of Oakland Cemetery added a hauntingly beautiful backdrop that elevated the storytelling.
• The support for local businesses and preservation efforts aligns well with travelers who care about authentic, community-based experiences.

What Could Be Better

The main consideration is the walking distance—about 1.2 miles—so travelers with mobility issues should assess their comfort level. Also, the tour is weather-dependent, so packing suitable clothing is wise.

Though the tour covers plenty of ground, some may wish for a slightly longer experience to explore more restaurants or delve deeper into Atlanta’s history. However, as a compact, well-curated experience, it hits the right notes for most visitors.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour

This Atlanta Food and Cemetery Tour is perfect for foodies eager to sample authentic Southern cuisine, history enthusiasts interested in Atlanta’s past, and curious travelers who enjoy storytelling paired with good eats. It’s a lively, friendly way to get a taste of the city’s heart—both gastronomic and historical—in a short amount of time.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, engaging experience that combines local flavors with visual and narrative richness, this tour fits the bill. It offers a genuine insight into Atlanta’s identity, all wrapped in a friendly, small-group format that encourages conversation and discovery.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed for a broad audience, including families. Just note the walking distance and that the focus is on history and food, which can be enjoyed by most age groups.

Are there vegetarian options available?
The tour focuses on Southern and Southern fusion dishes, but since tastings are at local restaurants, you might find vegetarian options or request them in advance if possible.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and comfortable shoes for walking. The tour is operated rain or shine, so an umbrella might be handy.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

How much food is included?
You’ll enjoy 8 tastings from 3 restaurants, which are enough to replace a full lunch. Some desserts are offered to take away if you’re too full.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Where exactly do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is in front of Six Feet Under at 437 Memorial Dr SE. Parking can be found on the street or at the secondary lot at 408 Woodward Ave.

Is there a guide, and what language is spoken?
Yes, you’ll be guided by an English-speaking guide who keeps the experience engaging and informative.

To sum it up, the Atlanta Food and Cemetery Tour offers a delightful combination of history, local cuisine, and storytelling. It’s ideal for travelers who want a short but substantial insight into Atlanta’s past and culinary present. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple, or a family, this tour provides a meaningful, tasty, and memorable experience in the heart of the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby