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13 Places for Strolling, Strollers, Spending, or Simply Sightseeing
1. Atlanta's high on the High Museum of Art, whose $130 million expansion debuted last November. Joining the original Richard Meier landmark on Peachtree Street are three new buildings and a public piazza designed by Renzo Piano of Genoa, Italy, whose work includes the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Kansai International Airport in Osaka. Doubling exhibit space for the High's more than 11,000-piece permanent collection, the long awaited result is a "village for the arts' complex with neighboring Woodruff Arts Center, which houses the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theater.
2. Sneak a smooch in the Overlook at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This urban oasis offers a smorgasbord of climates from tropical to desert, along with a fantastic children's garden and outstanding special exhibits. Don't miss the amazing orchid collection inside the Fuqua Orchard Center.
3. Say "Fernbank" to any Atlantan and many will think of the giant dinosaur skeleton that sits in the atrium of this museum of natural history. But their recollection might be a little bit hazy if it's someone who has enjoyed "Martini's and IMAX" - one of the most hip ways to enjoy this scientific scene. It's a fabulous way to spend a Friday night in Atlanta. Along with your booze, you're getting a shot of educational entertainment and a chance to mingle with a crowd much younger than the Mesozoic age. Note: This is not to be confused with the nearby Fernbank Science Center, which houses a planetarium and many other exhibits worth exploring.
4. Zoo Atlanta and Cyclorama - Remember the panorama in a shoebox you built during elementary school? Well this is a life-sized version, complete with large murals and sound effects so that you feel as if you're living through the 1864 Battle of Atlanta. And the zoo is a great place to take the family.
5. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park - For three days in June 1864 at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Confederate troops under General Joe Johnston desperately fought to keep General William T. Sherman's Union forces away from Atlanta. Sherman eventually outflanked Johnston and thousands of troops on both sides were killed or wounded. Today you can walk the more peaceful interpretive trails where the historic battles were fought. One trail leads to the top of Kennesaw Mountain and a beautiful 360-degree view of downtown Atlanta. Other trails lead along quiet creeks and to the remains of Confederate troop earthworks. The park also has a museum detailing the Atlanta campaign and a bookstore where visitors can continue their education. Check the schedule for Civil War reenactments.
6. Piedmont Park - It seems as if every really fun event in Atlanta has some connection to Piedmont Park. The Peachtree Road Race, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, The Atlanta Jazz Fest, etc. etc. etc. Take the dog, the Frisbee or the picnic basket and make your own fun in this green space near the city center.
7. Little 5 Points - Need your boyfriend's name tattooed on your ankle or want to align your charkas with some crystals? Or do you just want to people-watch, eat a great burger and then hear some music? Start at Junkman's Daughter, an "alternative" clothing store that will transport you to New York's East Village as soon as you are inside. Or if you're more in the mood for vintage shopping, try Stefan's down the street. Then make a night of it with a meal at the Vortex and live music at the Star Bar or Variety Playhouse. If you're not into the bar scene, there's Calcutta for great Italian food and Sweet Lime for great Thai. Or make your own meal with organic groceries from Sevananda!
8. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site - In the heart of Atlanta's historic black community, the worlds of the late Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. still pulsate through the King Memorial. Every year, more than 600,000 people come to the center to learn more about the man whose powerful words inspired millions worldwide. Dr. King's tomb sits in a reflecting pool, a symbol of peace and eternity. On the same street is his birthplace at 501 Auburn Ave. and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where MLK worked as co-pastor with his "Daddy" King.
9. One of the most technologically advanced ballparks in the world is Turner Field, the home of the Atlanta Braves. If you're a big fan of Hi-Definition television, this is where you can take in the action on the world's largest HDTV screen - it's more than 80 feet tall. travelgirl tip: You can tour Ted Turner's other legacy, CNN, at the network's global headquarters downtown. It's a whimsical way to see another side of the news, and the souvenir shop has something for everyone on your to-buy-for list.
10. Follow the Olympic brick road through Centennial Olympic Park for some family fun in downtown Atlanta. Summer concerts, winter ice skating and a smattering of festivals make this Olympic legacy something to see anytime of year. Even without an event happening, it's worth a visit just to let the kids play in the Fountain of the Rings. (Your first view of this is the giant photograph that greets you when you come up the escalator in the Atlanta airport.) Note: The Imagine It Museum nearby is another terrific spot for tykes, worthy of several hours of playtime.
11. Decatur Square - The city of Decatur is literally a stone's throw from downtown Atlanta. And if you need to lose some stones, take the bike path that cuts through this charming little village. From downtown, a straight shot down Ponce de Leon will lead you into the town's lovely main square, surrounded by several great restaurants, pubs and sidewalk cafes. Right outside Decatur's old Courthouse, built in 1898, stands a gazebo where live concerts often take place on weekends. Decatur's stores reflect its laid-back, cool but nevertheless affluent crowd. Check out Squash Blossom for some very chic urban wear and Eurasia for tasty Asian fusion dishes.
12. The World of Coca-Cola (and nearby Underground Atlanta) offer a bit of tasty tourism. In a city where Pepsi is almost a bad word, it's no surprise there's a three-storey celebration of the famous soft drink born here in 1886. You might imagine this is one big commercial, and in a sense, it is. But for more than 15 years, it's been an historic, fun and worthwhile way to spend a few hours during a visit to Atlanta, especially with the kids.
13. Virginia-Highlands area is the place to go when you just want to wander around, take in some boutique shops or enjoy some fare in a fun setting. We don't have enough room to tell you everything we love about the Highlands, but make sure you stop by Paolo's for a gelato, go shopping at Metropolitan Deluxe or if you have the time, enjoy spending your per diem on a meal at Surin, Dish, Harvest or Harry & Sons. Get the girls together for tapas at Noche and you won't be disappointed. Or meet the guy you met via e-mail at Osteria 182 for a casual yet romantic rendezvous. This is also a happening place for nighttime fun if you're still into the bar scene - or if you're in the mood for traditional blues, don't miss Blind Willy's.