Awesome. 3 hours and totally worth it. It went very fast as I was so interested in all the sights we passed. Had a very enjoyable time with wifey and quite a few other Yelp Elites. Thanks Kathleen for setting it up! We went to MANY areas of Atlanta we've never seen. The quarry was totally cool -- almost expected to see zombies roaming freely there. If you're a Walking Dead fan, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout... just sayin'. read more

BeltLine Tour - Our gracious host for the Beltline Tour. - Local Flavor Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

The BeltLine Tour is a FREE 3-hour bus tour of the BeltLine which I learned is a 22-mile loop of historic rail lines that will eventually create parks, trails, transit, and new development for Atlanta. We took the tour last wknd, and enjoyed learning about the BeltLine project while driving through the Atlanta neighborhoods like Glenwood, Grant Park, Boulevard Crossing, Capital View, Peachtree Hills, etc. and some historic sites, too. Highlight of the tour was seeing the Bellwood Quarry which will be the centerpiece for the future Westside Reservoir Park - the largest park in Atlanta. I was amazed - not to the level like when I first saw the Grand Canyon - but almost, just b/c I never knew such a gem existed INSIDE Atlanta. In case you're wondering about the location, it's behind Marietta Blvd and right now it's fenced off to the public. They say the only way you can see it is taking this tour. Check out the photos - beautiful, right?! The BetlLine project is huge, and has the potential to transform Atlanta. They say it will ultimately connect 45 neighborhoods. I also learned that Atlanta is the one of the most underparked cities - we're at 3.8% whereas most cities are 10-15%. Check out the website to get more info on the project. The tour is a great way to spend your Friday or Saturday morning, and then grab some brunch afterwards :) They book fast and advanced reservations are required. Our tour guide was great and highly knowledgeable but she does talk non-stop. Three hrs is a long time and honestly, I did doze off a few times :) But seeing the Quarry was totally worth it, and I definitely learned a lot about Atlanta. read more

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Yes, the tour is a whole 3 hours. But if you have any interest in Atlanta, mass transit, and/or urban design, you will quickly get immersed in the tidbits that the tour guide feeds your group and the time will fly by. This was my case during the FYLA event that I attended. The shuttle that we boarded was comfortable and air-conditioned (for those worried about suffering through Atlanta summer temperatures or having to weather a rough ride). Our guide, Shanté (or Shauntay maybe?), was a doll, knew a lot about the project and the city as a whole. She seemed to be seasoned, as she spoke clearly and timed everything she said just right, as she stood with her back to the front, to face our group. I learned a lot and saw neighborhoods that I had never seen or heard of. The architecture of Atlanta is something to admire, as it is unique. I enjoyed seeing the Bellwood Quarry Reservoir (look at our photos, it is gorgeous) and the Old Fourth Ward Park. Now I am hoping that I can convince my landscape architect-in-training sister to join me for this tour. I was told to wait a couple months before going again, to get some new information. Keep in mind that the tours book to capacity at least a month in advance, to plan wisely (though our guide said that if you are really interested, show up and see if some people who have reserved dropped out the last minute--she said this happens quite frequently). If you want, take along some snacks. Just make sure to empty your bladder and any other organs that may need to be voided before arriving to the start point of the tour. The closest bathroom before taking off from the Inman Park MARTA station is at Dough Bakery and the staff restrict bathroom use to patrons. Don't judge me for getting a grapefruit scone so that I could relieve myself. You will make a stop a little bit before the halfway point of the tour at a Kroger (is this murder Kroger? I'm unsure), where you can pick up nourishment and use the facilities. But it can be an uncomfortable first hour or so, if you are thinking you can just hold it. Okay, let's move past the bathroom thing... You should learn more about the A, its history, its neighborhoods, and the progress of the BeltLine. This tour will help you do all those things in a span of just 180 minutes, give or take. read more

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I have to admit, I hadn't heard of the BeltLine until my friend from Arizona was asked to do a special art project. She came to Atlanta and "Yarn Bombed" some area's along the BeltLine. At first, I was a bit hesitant about taking her to that area, but after I learned more about the area, and what the city of Atlanta is doing to grow this area into a wonderful place that people want to be, I am excited to see how it continues to grow. And I can say my friend (Textile Tagger) Yarn Bombed the Atlanta BeltLine. read more

BeltLine Tour - Textile Tagger "Yarn Bomb" installation. - Local Flavor Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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After running a few 5K's and declaring my general support for the Beltline project, I decided to finally take this tour to truly get a better understanding of what this was all about. Plus my future in-laws were in town and had exhausted all the typical touristy things and I hoped this would be a good way to spend a saturday morning. Thankfully I was right, not only is this free but it was really interesting. When I originally heard 3 hours I was a bit concerned but our tour guide Lucy did such an amazing job that the time flew by. This tour highlights so much about the city and I was really impressed at the authenticity of the tour. We were given a honest and holistic peek into many different facets of the project as well as the city itself. I was worried the tour would only take us through the beautiful parts of the project and spin the rest and incomplete. This tour takes you through all 45 of the neighborhoods and you get to learn interesting tidbits about each one. I like to think of myself as a pretty educated local and I definitely felt like I learned just as much as my non-native in-laws. From the Quarry to Grant Park, this tour was absolutely wonderful. It's very smart of The Beltline to recruit support for their project in this manner. I am an even bigger supporter of the project and can't wait to see what the next stage of this project turns out to be! read more

Such an great in depth overview! It was absolutely worth the money! They took us all over and gave us a lot of history of what's happened and what's coming. I thought I was going to be bored halfway through, listening to my tour guide talk the whole time, but it was far from the case. Ted was great, full of so many gems of info. They did an excellent job making sure we were comfortable, informed and engaged. #DoingThingsWithExcellence read more

After hearing about the BeltLine tour from my boss and reading Addy C.'s awesome review, I wanted to check it out for myself. I booked my tour about a month in advance, as seats fill fast. Tourists catch the air-conditioned bus at the Kiss/Ride section of the Inman Park MARTA Station, beginning promptly at 9:30 a.m. Like Addy C. mentioned, a 3-hour tour is pretty lengthy, especially for a Saturday morning. While I didn't completely doze off, I spent a lot of time staring glaze-eyed out the window, just enjoying the ride through Atlanta. We drove through several neighborhoods of Atlanta that I've never heard of, and honestly have no business driving around, as they are impoverished, run-down--and in need of the revitalization that the BeltLine project would achieve. I never had heard of Peoplestown and Capitol View Manor, for example, but am excited about the possibilities for those 'hoods. When we got out for our potty break at the West End's Kroger, I couldn't help but ask, "Where the hell are we?" I concur with Addy C. that the most exciting element of the tour was discovering the Bellwood Quarry, located just 4 miles from Centennial Olympic Park. As part of the 25-year BeltLine plan, the Bellwood Quarry would be transformed into the largest park in Atlanta, as well as a reservoir. Plus, ground already has broken on a park in Old Fourth Ward! I also had no idea that the plot of land that now comprises the Whole Foods shopping center off Ponce used to be a baseball field. But I'm spoiling it for you. Take the tour--and you'll be amazed by the richness of our city. I also recommend you get a FULL night's rest beforehand. read more

After hearing so much about the Atlanta BeltLine, I thought that it was definitely time for me to sign up for the BeltLine Tour to see what all the hoopla was about. I am so glad that I did! Not only was it FREE, but it was very informative and I learned so much about the city of Atlanta and how it will be impacted by the BeltLine in the foreseeable future. Because the tour has become so popular, you are only able to sign up on the 15th of each month for a spot on the tour for the following month. After you register, they will send you an email with all of your registration information and where to meet, etc. They do allow people on the tour without previous registration on a walk-up basis--I think the day of my tour maybe about 5 or so people were able to get on the tour bus that way-- but you have to arrive by 9:25 am if you go that route. The tour bus was air conditioned so it's not a big deal if you decide to take the tour in the middle of summer. Our tour guide did provide water and we took a rest stop at a Kroger about an hour into the tour for people to use the restroom or buy snacks. Like previous reviewers, I was a little worried about the tour being too long, but our tour guide did an excellent job of explaining how the city of Atlanta had envisioned the BeltLine and answering all of the questions we had. I definitely felt like I had a much better perspective of how the BeltLine could work to benefit Atlanta and put us on par with cities like San Fransisco and Washington DC with regard to transportation. All in all, this was a great tour and I would be interested in doing it again as more of the BeltLine projects come to fruition. This tour is great for not only those visiting Atlanta, but also for long term residents like me who want to see the city thrive. read more

I took the bus tour yesterday and learned a LOT about the history and future of the BeltLine. Ted our guide spoke, with passion, for almost the entire 3 hours. His knowledge of the neighborhoods touched by this project was very impressive. I had wanted to take this tour for a while but could never find a trip that wasn't sold out. Now I know why. read more

Being the "green guy" for his office, my husband is all about activities like this. He signed us up for a rainy and cool morning tour on Saturday about a year ago. I was pretty excited, since it's fun to know about the up and coming things in town, particularly something that has such potential like the belt line. Then he told me that it would be 3 hours long. 3 hours! While our tour guide was very knowledgeable, I felt that it was almost too much information. Just like Addy, I dozed off a few times. There were lots of kids (middle-school aged) on our tour, and I felt a little sorry for them that they were giving up a Saturday morning. At least it was a rainy Saturday morning, so they probably would've just been cooped up inside anyway. The tour takes you mostly on the south end of the future Belt Line, since that's the part that's already moving along, with paths and art and more. It was neat to see what there is and fun to consider what there will be. Mostly, it was a neat way to see parts of Atlanta that I probably wouldn't have ventured to on my own and have a tour guide talking all about Atlanta history. Unluckily for us, we didn't get to see the quarry. There was some confusion over the key or access or something along those lines. I would consider going again, since Addy, Bobby, and Bobbin speak so highly of the quarry, but I don't think I could take another 3 hour tour, even when they did stop for us to get snacks at the Kroger in West End. #Yelp365 - 103/365 read more

Taking the Beltline tour when I first moved into Atlanta was one of the best things I did. Aside from the information on this unique economic development project, it provides a wonderful overview of one of the features that I believe best defines our city: its neighborhoods. Thanks to the Beltline, I visited and knew where Benteen Park and Reynoldstown were at a time when most new Atlanta residents are still struggling to get outside of Buckhead. The tour guides also infuse the tour with lots of Atlanta history that you're just not exposed to on a regular basis as a resident. And did I mention that this great experience is completely free? Just make a reservation online in advance. As for the actual tour itself, I followed Bobbin W.'s suggestion to make sure I was well rested before hopping on the tour bus, as it is very easy to be lulled to sleep as you ride along in the bus for three hours. Though they stop at the West End Kroger for a bathroom break and for snacks, I suggest you also take care of both of those items before you board, as they don't mind if you bring food and drink (coffee!) on board. Though my enthusiasm for the Beltline has somewhat waned since taking my first tour, I still believe this is a must-do experience for any Atlantan, and one I've been glad to repeat with newbies to the city. read more

I really enjoyed the beltline tour. It was informative, relaxing and definitively worth getting up for on a weekend. The biggest plus is that you get a tour of Atlanta and many of its diverse neighborhoods without having to drive! Other major plus, of course, is that it's totally free. I HIGHLY recommend it. read more

This was an AMAZING tour!!!! Our guide Sundiata was extremely knowledgeable, had a great demeanor and kept you interested and entertained through the whole tour. This will definitely be a "to do" for any of our out of town guests. We look forward to taking the tour again as more development occurs....BUT only if Sundiata is the guide! He is a valuable asset to the organization!!!! read more

BeltLine Tour - Local Flavor Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I really enjoyed this tour. I really learned a lot and I really liked being exposed to neighborhoods and areas I'd never been to before. Our bus was very comfortable, the driver and host were both very nice. The three hour tour was long, but as others have stated, it goes by quickly. It's necessary to see the whole of the beltline. It is exciting to look forward to its completion as it winds around Atlanta. The highlight of the tour was, indeed, the quarry. It was beautiful and I had no idea it existed in West Atlanta in its splendid beauty and size. This tour was a part of the FYLA series that the wonderful Kathleen put together. A winner for sure. Thanks Kathleen. read more

We went last Saturday - what a beautiful day for an awesome tour. We started behind Parish at around 10 AM; the docent was from Trees Atlanta. Walking down to the end near Monroe Drive, we got a nice overview of the trees that are on the trail as well as general history. Apparently the tours fill up quickly as the one for this day (June 8th) was filled up by mid-May. By the end of the walk, it was kind of warm; I think they are planning to start doing them at 9am for that reason. Good stuff - we got some popsicles at Trader Joe's and sat at the picnic table there to eat them. I look forward to them doing the next chunk of the trail! read more

If you are committed to the success of our ATL community--this is mandatory for you. Increase your awareness of the value of public spaces and transportation, and the commitment to urban revitalization. In the coming years--this plan is critical to long-term success. read more

From my understanding, the Beltline project is a multi-million dollar plan to implement a new functional transit that will loop around Atlanta and stimulate economic redevelopment. Interested in learning more, I reserved spots online when I first heard about the free tours, but put it in the back of my mind since the reservation was set for months away. Fast forward about 5 months later and I get an email that the tour I reserved is coming up. Reluctant to wake up on an early Saturday morning, we were still able to get up and get our butts to the Marta Station at Reynoldstown. We got there right on time and were seated in a very comfortable air-conditioned bus. Even if you don't have a reservation, I noticed that there were a good amount of people that were just walk-ons to replace those who didn't show up. But be sure to get there early because I noticed a couple people who were unable to make it. The tour guide was very informative and the tour is great for both Altanta natives and newbies. As we drove around what would be the new beltline, I was able to see familiar neighborhoods in a different light as well as discover neighborhoods I had never seen before. What I enjoyed the most was being able to see the juxtaposition of neighborhoods with such diverse characters. The non-profit organization that holds the tour obviously presented the new project in a positive manner, and the tour guide didn't go too much into how the project would effect those who live near the beltline. I sort of hope that he would explain some of the social consequences that would arise as a result of gentrification, etc. but I guess it's probably not part of their agenda. But regardless of your opinions about the Beltline, the tour was a great way to get yourself informed while seeing the beauty of Atlanta. read more

Another great yelp with local flavor tours. such a good time. great event....

I highly recommended the BeltLine tour for any metro Atlanta resident or anyone who is into Urban Development/Renewal. It is 3 hours on a bus listening to someone talk, but I LOVED it and want to do it again the next time I'm home in Atlanta. You get to see things in the city that you never knew existed, and you get to see all of the potential that the city of Atlanta has. I can't encourage people enough to take advantage of this! (And no, I don't work for the Beltline...) read more

Our tour guide Lucy was wonderfully informed and fun to listen. We learned a lot about Atlanta's history and economic development. We'll become members based on our guide's recommendation. read more

Just wanted to comment that the Bellwood Quarry is where the show 'The Walking Dead' on AMC was filmed. It's the location of the campsite just outside of Atlanta where the survivors are staying and the lake is often seen as well as the view of the Atlanta skyline from there. read more

Took this tour with some fellow Yelpers this past Saturday (thanks Kathleen!) and I must say I thought I knew everything about Atlanta, but this tour proved me wrong. It was full of history as well as future sites and plans for the Beltline. Living on the Beltine I was excited to see what their plans are, but now I am ecstatic about it and ready to volunteer, spread the news and go to the paintball spot that I found out about on the tour. TAKE THE BELTLINE TOUR! You will definitely enjoy it and it surely doesn't feel like 3 hours. read more

Great tour showing where the Beltline will go if it happens, but also just a great tour of Atlanta. This is one of those things that if you really want to see Atlanta, do it. Great "free" thing to do if you're visiting the city, but you have to make reservations. You can go on the tour and decide which neighborhoods you want to spend more time in. read more

I think it's interesting for us that live in Atlanta, have an interest in business around the Beltline or real estate etc... Our guide wasn't the best. She had too many personal opinions involved. I think my out of town guests would be bored. It definitely is not the most attractive part of our city at this point. I think a walk on the Eastside Trail would be nicer for a tourist especially now that the quarry is off limits. My husband and I were interested to see the future plans since we live on the Beltline. It is definitely informative for a resident of Atlanta read more