Atlanta Food and Cemetery Tour

This 2.5-hour walking experience offers an immersive look into Atlanta’s culinary scene intertwined with its history—perfect for those curious about how food reflects a city’s identity. Managed by Unexpected Atlanta Tours & Stories, this tour combines tasty bites with historic insights, making it a well-rounded introduction to Atlanta’s past and present.

One of the standout aspects is the carefully curated tastings from local, independently owned restaurants—think shrimp and grits at a seafood hotspot or pastries from a James Beard-nominated bakery. Plus, the guided walk through Oakland Cemetery adds an emotional layer, showcasing the city’s notable figures and stories. The friendly, knowledgeable guides keep things lively, making the experience both educational and delicious.

A possible consideration is the tour’s duration and pace—at 2.5 hours, you’ll need to be comfortable with a walking schedule, including about 1.2 miles of strolling outside. Also, since it’s a food-focused tour, it’s best suited for those with hearty appetites, as the tastings are substantial enough to serve as lunch. Overall, it’s ideal for history buffs, food lovers, or travelers eager to explore Atlanta beyond the typical tourist spots.

Key Points

• Authentic local cuisine: Enjoy 8 tastings from 3 different restaurants, offering a genuine taste of Southern and Southern fusion dishes.
• Historic scenery: Explore Oakland Cemetery and Grant Park, gaining insights into Atlanta’s past while appreciating its scenic neighborhoods.
• Knowledgeable guides: Expect lively storytelling that combines food history, city development, and fun facts.
• Support for preservation: $5 of your ticket goes to the Oakland Foundation, helping maintain a historic Atlanta landmark.
• All-inclusive lunch: The tastings are enough for a hearty meal, including desserts, making it great value.
• Accessible experience: The tour is wheelchair accessible, with a manageable 1.2-mile walk, rain or shine.

A Close Look at the Experience

The tour kicks off in front of Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House in Grant Park, a neighborhood known for its vibrant community vibe and beautiful Victorian homes. The guide greets you here, setting a friendly tone for the next 2.5 hours. It’s wise to arrive on time and park on the street or at the secondary lot at 408 Woodward Ave., as the main lot behind Six Feet Under tends to have limited parking and towing.

First stop: food tasting — expect about 40 minutes of sampling at one of the local eateries. The guide, whose enthusiasm and local knowledge shine through, will introduce you to the restaurant’s history and what makes their dishes special. During this time, you might indulge in classic Southern comfort foods or modern Southern fusion dishes, tailored to showcase Atlanta’s evolving culinary landscape.

Next, the tour moves into Grant Park for a 15-minute guided walk. You’ll learn about the neighborhood’s history, its role in Atlanta’s growth, and how its diverse community influences local cuisine today. Expect stories about the city’s founding, including its earlier names, and how food has been part of the city’s fabric through different eras.

The highlight comes with the exploration of Oakland Cemetery—a peaceful, historic site where notable Atlantans, including Civil War figures and city founders, are buried. Over 40 minutes, the guide shares stories behind the graves, touching on Atlanta’s transformation from a tiny railroad town to a bustling metropolis. It’s a quiet moment of reflection amid the lively tour, and the perfect setting to understand how the city’s past influences its present.

Following the cemetery visit, you’ll enjoy two more tastings—one lasting about 30 minutes, and a final 15-minute stop. These include specialties like shrimp and grits and pastries, giving you a taste of Atlanta’s culinary diversity. Reviewers highlight the delicious food and expert guidance—one mentioned, “Great food and drink selection! I really enjoyed learning about the history of Atlanta and getting to sample local cuisine.”

Throughout, the tour remains intimate, with small groups that foster conversation and personalized attention. The dessert to-go option is handy in case you’re too full—another thoughtful touch that keeps the experience flexible.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of food and history makes this tour unique. Unlike typical food tours, the inclusion of Oakland Cemetery introduces a reflective element, turning a gourmand outing into an educational journey. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s urban development, cultural shifts, and how food traditions have evolved alongside.

The guides’ storytelling skills are frequently praised, with reviews noting their enthusiasm and knowledge. We loved the way the stories connect the city’s past with the present, enriching the tasting experience with context. For example, one reviewer said, “I enjoyed learning about the history of Atlanta and getting to sample local cuisine,” which encapsulates the tour’s charm.

Value-wise, at $95 per person, the experience offers enough food to serve as lunch, plus the added benefit of supporting local businesses and historic preservation. The inclusiveness (wheelchair accessibility, rain or shine operations, and flexible cancellation policy) makes it accessible and stress-free.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour begins at Six Feet Under and ends back there, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby. There’s no hotel pickup, so plan your transportation accordingly. The tour operates rain or shine—so come prepared with weather-appropriate clothes, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

The total walking distance is about 1.2 miles, manageable for most, but if you have mobility concerns, wheelchair access makes it feasible. The guide is English-speaking, and the experience is best suited for those interested in both local history and cuisine.

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, plus a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. It’s perfect for spontaneous plans or those wanting to lock in a memorable day in Atlanta.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a food enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the sampling from local eateries, especially since the portions are generous enough to satisfy lunch cravings. History buffs will enjoy the stories behind Oakland Cemetery and Grant Park, gaining knowledge about Atlanta’s origins. Travelers with an interest in Southern cuisine’s future and its roots will find the insights especially enriching.

It’s ideal for small groups or couples seeking an authentic, relaxed experience that combines history, culture, and culinary delights. Also, those who value supporting local businesses and historic preservation will feel good about their participation.

Final Thoughts

The Atlanta Food and Cemetery Tour blends delicious food, engaging stories, and scenic history into a well-paced 2.5-hour adventure. The guides’ enthusiasm and local expertise elevate the experience beyond just tasting. Expect a hearty lunch, meaningful insights into Atlanta’s past, and a chance to see one of the city’s most historic sites—Oakland Cemetery.

While it’s a walking tour, the manageable pace and inclusive features make it suitable for most visitors. It’s especially appealing to those who want a little bit of everything—tasty bites, intriguing history, and authentic Atlanta charm.

For food lovers, history buffs, or curious travelers, this experience offers a balanced mix of education and indulgence at a reasonable price point, making it a standout choice for exploring Atlanta in a meaningful and flavorful way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
The provided details don’t specify dietary accommodations, so it’s best to contact the tour provider directly. Given the focus on local, independent restaurants, there’s a good chance they can accommodate special diets, but confirm beforehand.

How much walking is involved?
The tour includes approximately 1.2 miles of walking, mostly on flat terrain. It’s doable for most people, but if mobility is a concern, the wheelchair accessibility makes it manageable.

Are children allowed on the tour?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour is family-friendly, especially since it’s a walking experience with food tastings. However, it’s best to check with the provider if you’re bringing young children or infants.

Can I join the tour if I have food allergies?
Since the tour features multiple tastings, it’s advisable to inform the guide of any allergies in advance to ensure safe options are available.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and comfortable shoes. The tour is outdoors most of the time, so prepare for sun or rain.

Is parking easy?
Parking is recommended on the street or at the secondary parking lot at 408 Woodward Ave. The lot behind Six Feet Under can be limited and subject to towing.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, it runs rain or shine. Be prepared with appropriate clothing and consider bringing an umbrella if rain is forecasted.

What is the price and what does it include?
At $95 per person, the tour includes 8 tastings from 3 local restaurants, enough for lunch, plus $5 supports Oakland Cemetery. It does not include hotel pickups, and tips are not specified but appreciated for guides.

This Atlanta Food and Cemetery Tour promises a flavorful journey through the city’s history and cuisine, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to experience Atlanta’s soul in a compact, engaging format.