Atlanta: Grant Park Food Tour & Oakland Cemetery Walk

Summary

Modern Southern flavors and stories in Atlanta’s Grant Park

You’ll wander Atlanta’s Grant Park with a local guide, tasting modern Southern dishes—from shrimp & grits to inventive pizza—and hear stories among Victorian houses and Oakland Cemetery. Includes all tastings, a cocktail sample, and desserts from a James Beard-nominated bakery. Expect laughter, new flavors, and moments that linger longer than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect when we met outside Six Feet Under, with the cemetery gates just across the street and the air already smelling like fried something (catfish, I guessed right later). Our guide—Jules, who grew up nearby—had this way of talking about Atlanta that made it feel like a living thing. We started off with shrimp and grits that were somehow both creamy and sharp, plus fried okra with this cucumber-wasabi sauce that I still think about. The patio overlooked both the city skyline and rows of old oaks in the cemetery. It was humid but breezy, which felt right for Atlanta in late afternoon.

Walking through Grant Park’s Victorian streets, Jules pointed out houses painted in colors I’d never put together—teal next to mustard yellow—and told stories about railroad workers and families who built the city. There was a moment when someone from our group tried to pronounce “Ponce de Leon” like a local; everyone laughed (including a guy walking his dog who corrected us). The walk wasn’t long—maybe a mile or so—but there were stops for water and shade under big magnolia trees. You could hear cicadas even over the traffic.

Oakland Cemetery was quieter than I expected. Not spooky, just… thoughtful? Jules shared how food shaped Atlanta’s past—who ate what, why it mattered—and suddenly even tombstones felt connected to what we’d tasted earlier. We left a small donation for preservation (included in the tour), which felt good. Afterward at Firepit Pizza Tavern, we tried two kinds of pizza: one classic, one topped with pickled peaches (don’t knock it till you try it) and sipped a cocktail from a local distillery. The last stop was this bakery where we picked up desserts to go; I ate mine on the curb outside because I couldn’t wait. The peach margarita hit different after all that walking.

I keep thinking about how food tours like this aren’t really about food—or not just food. It’s people telling you what matters here, letting you taste their version of home. If you’re curious about Atlanta’s story (and hungry), this is probably your kind of afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlanta food and history tour

• Meet guide outside Six Feet Under
• Enjoy shrimp, grits, catfish, and okra
• Walk past Victorian houses to Oakland Cemetery
• Take guided tour of Oakland Cemetery
• Sample modern and pizza dishes with cocktail
• Try two desserts from James Beard bakery

Top questions

How long is the Atlanta food & cemetery tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and covers just over 1 easy mile of walking.

Are vegetarian or dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes, but you must note any dietary restrictions at booking or contact the provider at least 24 hours before your tour.

Is Oakland Cemetery included in the tour?

Yes, there is a guided 40-minute walk through Oakland Cemetery included.

How many food tastings are included?

The tour includes 8 or 9 tastings from three locally owned restaurants and shops.

Is alcohol included on this food tour?

Yes, an alcoholic beverage (such as a peach margarita) is included along with other tastings.

Is the tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can join in strollers; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour operate if it rains?

The tour runs rain or shine; dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if needed.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is outside Six Feet Under restaurant across from Oakland Cemetery in Grant Park.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all 8 or 9 tastings—like shrimp & grits, inventive pizza slices, desserts from a James Beard-nominated bakery—a cocktail sample (often a peach margarita), entry donation to Oakland Cemetery’s preservation foundation, plus guiding from someone who knows Atlanta inside out. There are plenty of rest stops along an easy mile-long walk through historic streets before finishing up full (and maybe just slightly tipsy).