My driver met me at baggage claim with a wide grin and a sign bearing my name. “Welcome to Atlanta, Miss,” he said, with a syrupy drawl. As we pulled out onto the interstate and headed downtown, he let his window down to offer a wave to the driver behind for giving us space to weave into traffic. It was a gesture more genial than what can often be observed in D.C. or NYC, where drivers honk or swerve impatiently at any disruption.

Atlanta always feels like home, and not because of nomadic family’s brief tenancy here when I was younger. It’s because Atlanta is a proper city - possessing all of the sophisticated, metropolitan features that attracted me to the Northeast - while retaining a characteristic southern geniality that I often miss.

Luxury VIP Companion Priscilla Reiss spends time shopping at Phipps Plaza while visiting Atlanta for exclusive date travel

During the days I spent in the city while accompanying a long-time lover on business travel, the weather was mostly gloomy but spirits were still high. The Atlanta Braves were in the middle of another postseason run for the second year in a row. This time, though, they had emerged victorious in the rematch against the LA Dodgers for the National League Championship title. With the World Series underway against the Houston Astros, there was incredible optimism on display all around town - the digital billboard atop the Equitable Building read “#BattleATL” and MARTA buses added the rallying hashtag to their display marquee. When I sat down to enjoy lunch at Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante after a day of Buckhead shopping, the bartender was wearing an Ian Anderson jersey to salute the pitcher’s instrumental role in winning Game 3.

When we stepped into Bones for dinner, the atmosphere buzzed from all the deal-making, negotiation, and celebration taking place. An institution in its own right since 1979, a framed plaque from Zagat listed the restaurant as one of the highest rated steakhouses in the U.S. alongside New York’s Peter Luger and D.C.’s The Prime Rib. We promptly polished off an appetizer of crab and lobster napoleon with Chardonnay cream sauce, beautifully plated and delightfully decadent. I have no doubt it would have been the highlight of our dinner had the perfectly prepared steaks not stolen the show. The pecan pie with french vanilla ice cream served as an incredible closer.

The next morning started with a classic breakfast spread at Buttermilk Kitchen. Their biscuit quality rivals the yield from any of the best homemade recipes; I usually split them to enjoy one half with the pimento cheese spread and the other with warm butter and honey. Afterwards, to fight the lethargy from an indulgent meal, I stopped at East Pole Coffee Co. for an iced latte before heading over to Ponce City Market, my makeshift workspace for the day (I had a paper due that evening!)

Fine Dining VIP Companion Priscilla Reiss recommends dinner at Bacchanalia in Atlanta, one of her favorite restaurants

The next night led us down quiet, winding roads to an industrial glasshouse: Bacchanalia. This being my second visit, I think I can safely declare it as my favorite Atlanta fine-dining establishment. The restaurant is decidedly isolated and lightly embellished, for it seems all attention has been given to taking care of the small details: Frette linens for dinner napkins, eccentric glassware for the imbibes, and a brilliant eye for the aesthetics of plating. The environment was a contrast to what we had experienced the night before - the waitstaff doted upon us while dressed comfortably, in jeans - but the cuisine was an excellent embodiment of the restaurant’s name. Zooming back down the expressway to our hotel, I felt deeply satisfied and adventurous... with a healthy appetite for mischief. Our night thereafter embodied many elements of the worshipful debauchery Livy once attributed to the Bacchanalia. Venus would be beaming with pride.

Priscilla Reiss in workout attire to stay in shape during her visit to Atlanta, GA for exclusive date travel

I enjoy overnight, day-long, and multi-day travel engagements chiefly because they allow us to more opportunities for intimate exploration in multiple respects. The feeling of falling into one another at night and waking up in each others arms in the morning can’t be replicated any other way. It would be my pleasure to entertain you on your next business trip, or we can plan our own sensational escape from the rigors of daily life. Send an invitation, and I’m yours!