The Sustainable Traveler’s Guide The Big Peach! 

A city loved for its southern charm and comfort food, Atlanta is on our list for US-based cities to visit this summer! While known for its famous attractions, like one of the largest aquariums in the world and the Coca-Cola museum, Atlanta is also rich in history, specifically history related to US civil rights and the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. 

When you are not learning about history or visiting one of Atlanta’s many attractions, here are a few of our favorite sustainable eateries and conscious shops in the city, as well as some unique and eco-friendly places to stay.


// Where To Stay //


Stonehurst Place

Why We Love It | A perfect example of southern living-meets-sustainability, the award-winning Stonehurst Place was built in 1896 and belonged to the same family for more than 100 years. It was then purchased by an Atlanta-based couple in 2007 before being sold again to Barb Shadomy, the current owner, and a professional designer. Undergoing an extensive renovation, Stonehurst Place was remodeled by Shadomy and her team of eco-friendly and historic home specialists; it won the prestigious EarthCraft Home and Southface 2008 Renovation Project of the Year award. Numerous sustainable elements, including solar panels, a grey water recycling system, use of low-VOC materials, solar-heated water, and icynene insulation have been incorporated, all while maintaining the original charm and historic character of the space.

Where To Find It | 923 Piedmont Avenue NE

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Urban Oasis Bed & Breakfast

Why We Love It | For a modern and funky accommodation option during your visit to Atlanta, we recommend checking out the Urban Oasis Bed and Breakfast, a restored building that was originally a cotton sorting mill during the 1950s. While it’s a small space (the hotel sleeps eight and the owners live on-site), the grounds include a relaxing garden (complete with peach trees), as well as a swimming pool and hot tub. Perfect for traveling groups, solo travelers, or couples, this eclectic, plant and dog-lover paradise (friendly pets live on the premise) is a wonderful example of turning something old into a restful and community-focused accommodation space. 

Where To Find It | 130 A Krog Street

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// Where To Eat //


Herban Fix

Why We Love It | A vegan kitchen founded by Taiwanese-chef, Wendy Chang, Herban Fix is located in the vibrant midtown area of Atlanta, just off North Avenue. The pan-Asian eatery offers diners a healthy, plant-based menu and focuses on delivering bold vegan variations of Southeast Asia’s most classic and loved dishes. We especially love the restaurant’s commitment to environmental sustainability and green living: Chef Wendy is passionate about creating quality food that is better for every person, as well as the environment. Dishes at Herban Fix are designed to be shared, so visit with your friends, family, or partner! 

Where To Find It | 565-A Peachtree Street NE

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Cakes + Ale 

Why We Love It | Situated just outside of Atlanta, Cakes + Ale has been serving sustainable and local cuisine since 2006. Headed by Chef Billy Allin, a San Francisco California Culinary Academy alumni, this farm-to-table restaurant is passionate about creating imaginative dishes made with seasonal and fresh ingredients, as well as tasty libations. Make sure to stop by the adjacent cafe after your dining experience for homemade pastries and a mug of single-sourced, ethical coffee. 

Where To Find It | 155 Sycamore Street, Decatur

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Taproom Coffee & Beer

Why We Love It | Whether you’re looking for a sustainable cup of coffee or a pint of local ale, Taproom Coffee & Beer is a must-visit during your trip to Atlanta. The hip and modern space in the South Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta serves East Pole Coffee Co. (their coffee bar on Ottley Drive is also worth a visit), and the draft list includes brews from some of the best breweries in the USA, as well as Atlanta. For food, be sure to try a homemade pastry or snack from H&F Bread Co. or Ratio Bakeshop—both local to Atlanta and on the Taproom Coffee & Beer menu. 

Where To Find It | 1963 Hosea L Williams Dr #R106

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// Where To Shop //


The Victorian Atlanta

Why We Love It | Located inside the Citizen Supply at Ponce City Market, The Victorian Atlanta is a creative houseplant shop recently opened by newlyweds, Libby and Cary. A dreamy space for anyone who loves houseplants, this Atlanta gem is perfect for shopping interesting plants, browsing the cacti collection, and learning plant care tips from the shop owners—like how to better care for and help your own plant collection thrive. 

Where To Find It | 675 Ponce De Leon Avenue

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EcoHome Atlanta

Why We Love It | For environmentally-conscious gifts and home decor, visit EcoHome Atlanta in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. The shop, founded in 2016, focuses on stocking unique, sustainable, and eco-friendly products, specifically those which are made in the USA. Find and shop a variety of products, including natural wood toys, organic hand-poured candles, and all-natural beard oil.

Where To Find It | Suite A1E, 2385 Peachtree Rd.

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HollyBeth Organics

Why We Love It | Using only the purest and simplest ingredients, HollyBeth Organics products are designed to have a positive impact on the world, and on your skin. Every product in her collection is USDA-certified organic, non-toxic, cruelty-free, fair-trade, and artisan manufactured. Moreover, all of the product packaging is earth-friendly. While HollyBeth Organics does not have a storefront, the collection is sold at Fig & Flower, an Atlanta-based beauty and wellness store selling natural, eco-friendly products. Stop by the shop during your visit to experience HollyBeth, as well as other conscious beauty product brands. 

Where To Find It | 636 N. Highland Ave.

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// Where To Explore //


Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Why We Love It | Arguably the most noteworthy fact about Atlanta is its role in the American Civil Rights movement. While in the city, make sure to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, where you can see Dr. King’s birth home, church, and gravesite, as well as many other notable landmarks renowned for his work. The International Civil Rights Walk of Fame and APEX Museum—a museum dedicated to sharing history through the African-American perspective—are also essential stops during your visit.

Where To Find It | 450 Auburn Ave. (Visitor Center & Starting Point)

More about this national historic site


Bicycle Tours of Atlanta

Why We Love It | Founded by Robyn Elliot, the Bicycle Tours of Atlanta are an excellent way to experience some of the city’s best kept hidden gems—all while staying active! Various tours are offered for tourists, including a fascinating three-hour civil rights bike tour, as well as a historic Atlanta ride and street art tour. Custom and private tours are also available if you are traveling with a larger group of friends or family. 

Where To Find It | 565-A Peachtree Street NE

More about Bicycle Tours of Atlanta


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Kayti Christian, a staff writer for The Good Trade, is a storyteller, creator, activist, and avid traveler hailing from Colorado, now living in London. With 30+ stamps in her passport, she is passionate about responsible tourism and is always looking for new ways to be a more conscious traveler. She is currently pursuing her MA in Creative Nonfiction Writing at City, University of London.