Hi there, I will be in Atlanta for just a couple of days in October. Because I'm there for business, I have very little time (Sunday and Monday evening) for sightseeing. I'd like to see or do things that can't be seen or done elsewhere. This will be my first time in a Southern city, so anything that is characteristic of Southern culture, architecture, landscape or food is of great interest. Thanks a lot in advance for your help!

The COKE Museum near Underground Atlanta is a fun and interesting place to go. We've visited a couple times on trips to Atlanta. Another unique experience is Stone Mountain. Atlanta is such a great city - have a wonderful trip!!!

I'd recommend the Atlanta History Center. It will give you perspective of the south as well as some Atlanta facts. You didn't mention where you will be staying--AHC is on W. Paces Ferry Rd. in Buckhead, just down from the Governor's Mansion. If you have a car, it's worth driving around there. You will a gorgeous area of stately homes.

BTW, while the World of Coke is uniquely Atlanta, if you aren't a real fan of Coca Cola memorabilia, you may want to consider other options since your time is so limited.

I'll be staying at the Courtyard Marriott (it's near the Medical Center stop of MARTA), and I won't be renting a car. Some of the places mentioned close fairly early (5 or 5:30). Perhaps I'll just have to focus on trying Southern food. Restaurant recommendations would be much appreciated.

Do you know the address of the hotel? I cant quite figure out where it is even with the tip on MARTA. I lived in ATL for 7 years and it would help to know exactly where you'll be.

I would highly recommend Emril's restaurant (high end) and if you want a REAL local experience for lunch, that would be to go to The Varsity....you have to have a "chili dog walking" (ie to go)and an orange (this is a frozen orange slush)"...for me plus onion rings too, it is an Atlanta tradition!

Hi chicagolori, the address of the hotel is 5601 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd.

Hello Everyone,
My husband and I along with our 10 year old grandson want to take a vacation during the week of Thankgiving.We live in the South and it doesn't get cold or snow. I would like to go someplace that will be decorated for Christmas, and be festive.I have considered Colorado, but am open to other ideas.
Thank you in advance for your help

Chamm

Maybe The Cyclorama at the Atlanta Zoo -- you don't have to go into the zoo --- it's a separate thing in the Grant Park area.......

Just barely east of Atlanta - off 20.

Chamm--Biltmore House would be a good choice for Xmas decorations...

Travelworm--Since you're staying over by 'Pill Hill' where the hospitals are, you won't find fine dining or sightseeing opportunities w/in walking distance. Your best bet would be to hop on MARTA and go into town. There are plenty of restaurants a short cab ride from the Courtyard Marriott in the Perimeter area--a bunch of chains around Perimeter Mall (Maggiano's is a fave of mine) and if you go into Dunwoody, you can find some smaller independents. Just check if you go out to eat at a smaller restaurant in Dunwoody on Sun. PM. Some are closed! The chains will be open but think High Cotton and Fins won't be--both are good locals hangouts.

Travelworm - Atlanta is beautiful and while its southern, it might not feel like the quintessential southern city. Its been built up and modernized and is a real hybrid. You have to look a little harder to find the true southern-ness and look beyond some of the areas that have chain restaurants and more modern look-like-every-other city areas.

Its hard without a car but ..

I suggest you take Marta to midtown around 14th street and Piedmont Park. The Atlanta Art Museum is there, Ansley Park a neighborhood with beautiful old southern historic homes, and funkier nice stand alone restaurants. If you can make it over to Virginia Highlands, a bit east of the park, (short cab ride) you will also see funkier older neighborhoods with cool older houses that have been renovated. Walk down Virginia Ave and you can stroll through the boutiques and interesting restaurants.

Less to my taste but...Buckhead, north of Midtown, around Perimeter Mall/Lenox Mall is the place to go for bar scene. Younger crowd - seen and be seen kind of thing.

The area where you are staying is really more a business area - not any different than another city.

DON'T go to underground Atlanta. Tourist trap and not that great.
You could do the CNN tour which is farther downtown but kind of fun. Not in an area with too much else to do though.

Hope that helps.

I love the Varsity and try to go when in Atlanta (frosted oranges, onion rings) but while it is a true Atlanta institution, it is after all chili dogs and fries. There are lots of great southern restaurants in Atlanta. Mary Macs is fun and very southern but ask at your hotel.

I lived in Atlanta for 3 years, near Virginia Highlands area (actually in Morningside). In that area is Murphy's, very good restaurant, as well as several others. Mid-town I would recommend The flying Biscuit--quasi-vegetarian (chicken and turkey on menu) but very eclectic and delicious with a southern touch. Downtown will not give you "that southern feel", it's a cosmopolitan city. Go to the Martin Luther King area--national historic site and birthplace. Perimeter area (where you're staying) is quite dull. Buckhead is upscale, lots of bars, some good restaurants. The world of coke is a HUGE advertisement for coca-cola but if you want to try their international products it's worth a visit (once is more than enough)--my son still makes a face about "Beverly" their italian(?) product. Have fun but get out of dunwoody for something more interesting!

East of town, not only is there Virginia Highlands area, but also downtown Decatur. This area has been really rejuvenated in the past several years, with funky shops and restaurants.
(I used to live in the ATL. This thread is makin' me homesick.)

Inman Park has some really good eating too--we really like Wisteria. It's kind of upscale modern Southern food, if that makes any kind of sense.

Go the the Carter Presidential Museum.

As far as food, there is a little place called Agnes and Muriel's that has delicious fried green tomotoes, buttermilk fried chicken and pumpkin cheesecake. YUM!