I’m on the verge of applying ED to Emory. I visited once a few months ago to visit my parent’s old college friends but I wasn’t able to get an official tour and I basically just walked around aimlessly for about 15 minutes before we had to leave. I remember it was a gorgeous campus but I really want to visit it one more time with an official tour guide before deciding to for sure apply ED.
Unfortunately, the only time we are really able to do college visits is during the Summer… Is there any advice I can have to make the best use of my summer visit? Any must-see places? I know I probably won’t get the perfect feel of the campus as the entire student body won’t be there…
Also, any advice for things to do/amazing food in Atlanta/Near Emory (with family) ? We’re only here for two days… I’ve heard the Vortex is great…
Check out the museum if you can, and of course some of the libraries we have (like Woodruff is technically 2 in on because it is connected to Candler-but damn, it would be nice if you could do a September visit or something because MARBLE is going to reopen and it will be beautiful…but oh well…check out the view from the windows on the 7th floor of the stacks-Also, definitely check out the Reading Room in Candler. You can only get there through the main lib. though). Cox Computing Center is a neat study place. Maybe wander into some of the academic buildings. I remember 4th floor of the Callaway building being surprisingly interesting. Tarbutton’s bottom floors are also very interesting (you would think they were hiding a CIA operation in there or something and I know the sociology, physics, and polisci department do have some weird past with government operations) and surprisingly modern for a building hosting several social sciences. Candler Theology Library and the chemistry building (mainly its addition) have neat modern architecture and nice areas to sit (The theology library was a hit with students when it opened, I am willing to bet the Chemistry Center will receive a very good reception as well once school starts as it will also have a restaurant).
When students are not there, it is mainly about getting a feel for the facilities and architecture which are unusually modern for a private school (it typically keeps furniture modern as well-I would say Emory is kind of Stanfordesque in this regard. It chooses an architectural theme or two, modernizes it and sticks to it. These two aren’t really known for big Gothic Castles or Red Brick heavens but are more so a well-done presentation of the future and have clean, strong facilities all around with not as many low notes as similar schools known for their older styles. Emory is perhaps also slightly more interesting in that its architectural theme is out of place. You expect it in maybe Florida, South Georgia, the West/Southwest, but certainly not in the foothills of a southern state), especially one in the south. Go check out Lullwater Park and its pond and walking trails (yes, main campus and the upperclassmen campus, Clairmont, is separated by a beautiful forest that we call a “park”! The president’s home is also in it and is probably the only Gothic like architecture on campus). For an older piece of architecture, maybe check out Carlos Hall if it is open. It has a spiral staircase and some of the hallways are very maze-like. It would also be nice if you could sneak into a freshman dorm or two. This could be possible as many events and camps are hosted on campus and if you’re coming late summer, athletes may be returning.
Restaurants: Check out anything in the highlands or little 5 points as these are the closest neighborhoods to Emory, though Downtown Decatur is a damned good option that may actually be equidistant to those when I think about it.
Here are some food places - I’ll keep the list to things that are unique to Atlanta:
Victory is in Decatur (very close to Emory) is a good light-lunch spot. Used to go there all the time when I was at Emory. My favorite thing there is the Hambo sandwich. Along with a jack and coke slushie (obviously, that's alcoholic). They have a ping pong table if you feel like playing.
Mary Mac's Tea Room (not very close to Emory, but worth the drive) is pretty unique. Definitely Atlanta - exclusive. You can try there chicken fried chicken.
Lots of burger places - Flip Burger, Farm Burger, Yeah Burger (in the Virginia Highlands, so pretty close to Emory), Kaleidoscope (obviously, get their award-winning Kaleidoscope Burger), Ann's Snack Bar (get the Ghetto Burger).
Antico Pizza
One Midtown Kitchen if you're looking for upscale dining.
One Sushi + (right next to Kaleidoscope) is pretty good
The Vortex is unique in the sense that it’s an Atlanta institution… The food, in my opinion, isn’t all that great, but that’s just me.
The Georgia aquarium is amazing, I think it’s the largest one in the world. A great place to spend a few hours and I believe it’s next to Centennial Park.
But please avoid the giant marketing and brainwashing campaign that is the World of Coca Cola lol. You may also want to check out CNN (didn’t you say you were interested in something like international studies). All of that stuff is in midtown and are in the same vicinity.