Something to know about me: If there is a place that gives European vibes in a 280-mile radius, I will sniff it out.

Granted, it’s a lot easier now living in the South than when I lived in the Midwest. Finding European-inspired places in the middle of what felt like nowhere was a challenge, but a challenge I enjoyed at times, nonetheless.

Now in the South, the challenge might not be as, er, challenging for lack of a better word, but I still find the same enjoyment.

Recently we took a day trip to Atlanta, Georgia. It was my first time there and certainly won’t be the last! I have a long checklist on my Notes app of everything I want to see there, and I feel pretty proud of the dent we made the first time. (I do not mess around.)

Let me share the highlights and the pieces of Europe I found!

Feels like… Paris

Someone said that Buckhead Village is the Paris of the South. I can not agree with that statement—as someone who’s been to Paris three times (ew, sorry, braggy)—but I can agree that there is one little slice that did remind me of Paris: St. Germain Bakery and Le Bilboquet.

Le Bilboquet has the same beautiful patio setup as many Parisian restaurants complete with umbrellas, bistro sets, and potted boxwood plants.

And across the street is a beautiful little bakery cafe quite literally called St. Germain, so that helps with feeling like you’re in Europe. (St. Germain is a historic neighborhood in Paris.)

Both beautiful places though!

While we’re talking about Buckhead Village, it’s worth mentioning Yeppa. It’s an Italian restaurant that doesn’t necessarily feel like the Italian ones I visited when I went on my 3 trips there (ew, Carolyn, stop it!), but it had its own beautiful upscale vibe, great pasta, and we all around loved it!

This is my husband. We’ve been married 12 years. I don’t know why it looks like we got set up on a blind date.

Next, you’ll do a little bit of walking.

{Inserting walking photos to drive the point home}

Then around this area you’ll find the St. Regis hotel. I popped in to use the restroom (I can’t be the only one who does it), but couldn’t resist admiring the architecture and gorgeous stone exterior that felt like a fancy European hotel.

Last but not least, Le Bon Nosh felt very upscale French to me. I only got refreshments (coffee and pastry, obvi), but it looked like you could get brunch, lunch, and more.

Let’s take a moment to admire that gorgeous marble bar counter.

Now let’s move to the countryside!

Feels like… Cotswolds

Very much not tucked into the countryside is the Atlanta History Center. But once you enter these gardens, it’s hard to forget you’re in the city and not transported to the Cotswolds.

A cool fun fact is that here you’ll find the Swan House—this is President Snow’s home in the Hunger Games films. If you’ve seen the films, it’s fun putting the characters in place (in your mind) in real life.