Atlanta: Pride of the South

by Greg Petty
December 2008

One of America’s most vibrant cities is a relatively short seven-hour drive from the Triangle. Whether you are looking for an affordable week long vacation or a quick three-day weekend getaway, Atlanta, Georgia should be one city on your destination list.

Atlanta offers many of the city lights, attractions and cultural offerings that you find in the likes of New York City and Washington D.C. but combines them with its own unique brand of southern charm. Yes, the city bustles with activity, but life here is accomplished with patience and graciousness. The Atlanta Convention Bureau’s appropriate motto for the city is City Lights, Southern Nights.

Whale Shark at the Georgia Aquarium PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM.

Where to Stay
Atlanta offers a wide variety of lodging accommodations to fit most budgets. You can find unique downtown hotels, neighborhood bed & breakfast options and all the hotel chains from high-end to budget inns. I have stayed downtown and also in the Perimeter Center area (north) and both locations have been enjoyable. If you choose downtown, consider the new Hilton Garden Inn. It is situated adjacent to The Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Park. CNN world headquarters is only a few blocks away as are the major sporting venues. Plan the major attractions you wish to visit, and then pick your hotel while trying to stay near the MARTA line.

What do you want to do?
Atlanta is a destination you will want to visit more than once. Consequently, I am going to suggest major attractions that can be accomplished in a 3-day trip.

See the accompanying sidebar article on the two exhibits now in Atlanta: Terracotta to King Tut-Treasures Fit for Kings. Both exhibits are world-class, once-in-a-lifetime events that you should not miss.

Save yourself some money and purchase the Atlanta CityPass by visiting Atlanta.net/citypass. It is valid for nine days. You can also plan many of your tour activities from this site’s home page.

First stop is the Georgia Aquarium at Pemberton Place. This is the world’s largest aquarium and a visit here is a memorable experience in the heart of downtown Atlanta. The Ocean Voyager tank is the length of one football field and contains approximately 50,000 fish from over 50 species. The stars of the aquarium are the world’s largest fish, the whale sharks, each weighing 12,000 pounds or more. Other star attractions are the beluga whales and the coral reef exhibit. The aquarium is a marvel of engineering, chemistry and animal medicine that provides important educational and research activity for aquatic environments. For a truly unique experience consider the Swim with the Gentle Giants dive program. To help ensure that memory, you receive a DVD of your dive! Visit georgiaaquarium.org.

Other stops on your itinerary might include the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Botanical Gardens, the Margaret Mitchell House, Martin Luther King Historical Site and the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum.

Come face-to-face with the world’s largest dinosaurs, explore Georgia landscapes, connect with other cultures and view an IMAX film at Fernbank Museum. The adults in your party will enjoy the Friday evening Martini’s and IMAX at the museum. A fun way to enjoy the IMAX experience. Visit fernbankmuseum.org. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are truly beautiful and a walk around all the various gardens will open your eyes to the incredible plant species our earth is blessed with. My favorite stop at the gardens was the Fuqua Orchid Center.

Gone with the Wind fans should plan to visit the Margaret Mitchell House & Museum. I was fortunate to be guided on the tour by the effervescent and knowledgeable Ann Taylor Boutwell. If you have a group tour, you can contact her at the museum at 404.814.2058 or via email at annboutwell@bellsouth.net

Sports, Dining and Shopping
Atlanta is the only city to have five professional sports teams all located downtown. Depending on the season, you can visit one their modern venues to see your favorite sport. In December you can see the NFL Falcons, the NBA Hawks or the NHL Thrashers!

Dining in Atlanta is a special treat because of the wonderful mix of cultures in this international city. Your options are extensive but here are a few suggestions:

Breakfast or Dinner —Murphy’s— experience an Atlanta breakfast in the trendy Virginia Highlands neighborhood. Martini and wine bar in the evening. You must get here early for breakfast on Sunday. 997 Virginia Avenue NE, 404.872.0904

Lunch —South City Kitchen Midtown— a true southern experience with regional ingredients served in contemporary style. Start with fried green tomatoes or the she-crab soup. Try the seasonal fish dishes or my favorite, the fried chicken livers. 1144 Crescent Avenue, 404.873.7358

Dinner —Ecco— the best seasonal ingredients served with wood-fired seafood and steaks in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. 40 7th Street, Midtown, 404.347.9555.

Antica Posta Tuscan Restaurant—sister to Raleigh’s Posta Tuscan Grill at Marriott City Center. Serving original Tuscan fare in a warm environment in the heart of Buckhead. Recipes direct from their first restaurant in San Casciano, Italy. The real deal. 519 E. Paces Ferry Road, 404.262.7112.

Shoppers look out because your budget is in danger here. If you are an art and antiques lover you will want to visit three spots in Buckhead: Miami Circle, Bennett Street and the Galleries of Peachtree Hills. Midtown’s newest addition is Atlantic Station. It boasts 20 eateries and 30 retailers including Ann Taylor, Dillard’s Bath & Body Works, IKEA, Banana Republic and others.

Mall lovers have several excellent choices including Perimeter Mall right off the MARTA (Dunwoody) with Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. Buckhead upscale malls include Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza with retailers Neiman-Marcus, Barney’s, Tiffany, Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Jimmy Choo.

So here’s hoping you have an action-packed, fun-filled trip to Atlanta. Don’t worry—there will still be many new things to discover during your next trip.