You can find the lively pedestrian street scene that's lacking downtown in Midtown Atlanta.

Check these, then get the local throwaway papers when you get there:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...T2009051202491

Decatur is a nice walkable town and has some great food. I recommend Iberian Pig. http://www.theiberianpigatl.com You would need reservations, but it is worth it. There is a MARTA station right in the center of everything, so it would be an easy destination for you to spend a half day.

Check out Stone Mountain's website. There are a ton of activities, and you can pay for individual ones or get various types of combos. Check out the website for options and see what appeals to you. http://www.stonemountainpark.com

The airport is south of the city, so when you drive, you don't have to enter the city. For example, to get to Stone Mountain, you can take I-285 around the city instead of taking I-85 North through the city. Does that make sense? It may or may not be longer, but sticking to 285 when driving to locations out of the city will be much simpler for you than going through town. For example, 285 is limited to 2 or rarely 3 lanes, while 85 through town can be up to 8.

Have fun!

I am not a huge fan of Stone Mountain. Red Top is nice and not too far from downtown Atlanta, you could also see Etowah Indian Mounds nearby and the Booth Western Art Museum, too. If you would like to see some lovely state parks, and don't mind driving, Tallulah Falls State Park is beautiful. And even farther away, but more amazing, is Cloudland Canyon State Park (nearer to Chattanooga).

Decatur is nice, and so is Athens--both have good restaurants. Litte Five Points area is interesting. Madison is adorable!