The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Unexpected Atlanta offers virtual tours — and real snacks
Q: A coworker of my husband took the virtual ghost stories and food tour through “Unexpected Atlanta” and loved it. Could you tell me more about this?
A: The tour was Unex- pected Atlanta’s ATL Ghost Stories + S’mores.
Owner and founder of Unexpected Atlanta Akila McConnell said this was the first virtual tour born as a result of the pandemic. It covered stories from the Oak- land Cemetery to the Grant Mansion with an optional (add-on) ATL treat box from a local entrepreneur along with a few other goodies.
McConnell’s background in law and global travel expe- riencing a wealth of exotic places and food led her to take a road less traveled back in 2015, resulting in her brainchild Atlanta Food Walks.
“My idea was to really tell the stories that people don’t tell,” she said. “Peo- ple thought I was crazy.”
Her history tours came three years later as a result of suggestions from past guests.
“2020 was our fifth anniversary, and we expected to do a lot more outreach. Of course, COVID-19 hit, throw- ing a wrench into everything,” McConnell said.
The team created a pack- age that shared food and stories of the city: ATL Food Tour Box. Feedback from those who had purchased the box stretc h ed t heir vision.
“People wanted something where they could feel that they were virtually traveling and with a small budgetary amount that anybody could do.
“We created a product that includes food and the history for under $25,” she said. “To each story we bring in the immersive element by adding the food and a hands-on activity. Cycled every two weeks, a new topic and treats from one of our local vendors are offered.”
McConnell is the historian that digs deep. A one- hour tour takes 40-80+ hours to research from direct resources many times going back hundreds of years in history. Her tour guides are the storytellers.
The company partners with small business entre- preneurs they feel are inclu- sive to Atlanta. Every virtual tour includes a short video from the food vendors sharing their story.
“We are seeing a lot of families gathered around the screen. We do these hands-on activities. You can interact with our guide. You’re not just sitting there watching a video,” McConnell added.
The virtual tour is taken through Zoom and costs $10 per screen plus an optional treat box. Upcoming virtual tours: Street Art & Sweet Tea (Thursday-July 11), followed by Atlanta Food & Biscuits, and Civil War & Hoe Cakes.
For more information, visit unexpectedatlanta.com
New to Atlanta or simply have a question about this place we call home? Email your request to atlactualfact@gmail.com