I grew up in Atlanta. Later, when I lived in Boston (and surroundings) for more than a decade, I acclimated to the cold, snow-packed winters. But beginning in March, my internal clock knew it was supposed to be warmer than it was. I longed for the lush afternoons spent lying on a patch of grass somewhere, the sun warming my face and shoulders. I craved the sight of trees and bushes bursting into white and pink blossoms. Spring in Boston, still below 60 degrees, sometimes snowy even as late as May, stirred an acute homesickness in me.
Back in Atlanta now for nearly 10 years, spring is still the sweetest time of year. This week, we're getting a taste of it with several days above 70 degrees. The trees are blooming pink and yellow. And there is no better place to enjoy this rebirth than the Atlanta BeltLine, as people recline on the Old Fourth Ward Skatepark lawn or toss a ball for their dog. As they lunch on patios with skyline views or set up laptops on the Kroger plaza. As they rollerblade, bike, skateboard, scooter, jog, stroll or otherwise make their way down the trail.
This spring in particular resembles a phoenix rising from the ashes (the municipal seal of Atlanta), as we begin to emerge from the yearlong oppression of COVID. We know that better times are near.
Here is a glimpse of spring on the BeltLine.
An Atlanta native, Nicole Gustin is the Founder & CEO of BiteLines, which offers walking food tours on the Atlanta BeltLine. She considers the BeltLine her backyard, and is excited to see how Atlanta is reinventing itself. The BiteLines blog features art, restaurants, happenings and weirdness on the Atlanta BeltLine. Share story ideas and pics at: contact@bitelines.com. Or follow on Instagram @bitelinesatl.
Note: We have paused our tours during the pandemic, but will ramp up again as soon as it’s safe.
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