South - ATL: What to do for 3 days?

I will be in ATL Jan 25-28 (pseudo MR), and was wondering what I should do to take up my time? I'm especially looking for ATL-only type culinary experiences (I'm hoping for great Southern and BBQ foods!), and some culture. Oh, and I'm a Coke drinker ;)

Also, anything around the area? I'm not opposed to driving to SC or even NC, just to see what's going on there.

Also, any FTers want to join in the fray? :D

Here's what United Airlines suggested for 3 Perfect Days in Atlanta (http://hemispheresmagazine.com/three/2001/atlanta.htm).

Here's what United Airlines suggested for 3 Perfect Days in Atlanta (http://hemispheresmagazine.com/three/2001/atlanta.htm).

... if you're rolling in Da Benjamins!
DAY ONE / There are many reasons to choose the Four Seasons Atlanta as your hotel. The service is flawless.

j/k... thanks for the link...I will bookmark it! I knew UAers would be good for something someday :D

Definitely go to the World of Coca-Cola if you have never been there. I had a friend write her senior policitcal science thesis on the welcome video. You can combine that with a walk around Underground Atlanta. The CNN tour is also downtown. If the weather is nice, I love the top of Stone Mountain - great view of the entire area - makes you realize how wooded Atlanta really is (or at least was in the late 90s). The MLK historic site and the Carter Center are worth visits if they are open. Some of the cultural places mentioned in the UA article (High museum, Fernbank, etc) are nice too if that is your thing.

The Atlanta History Center is great. Atlanta is a mix of its southern roots and culture, but also has a more recent history of continually rebuilding itself and not remembering its history. The AHC does a great job of capturing this.
http://www.atlhist.org/

There are also several good theater companies (i.e. the Alliance theater or plays at the Woodruff Arts center). I would suggest some google searches to see what is playing the days you are there.

My favorite Southern dining experience in Atlanta is Agnes and Muriels.
http://www.agnesandmuriels.com/

Lot's of great BBQ options - again, this was just my local favorite:
http://www.fatmattsribshack.com/

Late night, R. Thomas is quite an experience for healthy/organic choices:
http://www.rthomasdeluxegrill.com/

And for dessert I am still looking for an LA equivalent of Cafe Intermezzo (several ATL locations)
http://www.cafeintermezzo.com/

And of course you need to have at least one meal at Waffle House, preferrably at 2 AM after several adult beverages.

If you do want to drive out of Atlanta, there are several great drives... up north to Athens and Helen, east towards Savannah, northwest towards Tennessee, or west towards Alabama.

Feel free to PM/email me with specific questions as your plans come together. Especially the drives - I can suggest specific routes I have done. Most of knowledge goes back to living there for school in the 90s, but I still get to ATL 1-2 times per year and can get any other questions/updated information answered from friends.

Make a reservation to see the new aquarium - Georgia Aquarium (http://www.georgiaaquarium.org) - fabulous! There are still available times during your stay...

If you like good music, specifically jazz, Churchill Grounds next to the Fox Theatre is wonderful! Churchill Grounds (http://www.churchillgrounds.com) I have never eaten there, but they do serve food as well.

There is a completely new area in Atlanta called Atlantic Station - lots of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes as well. It's the new "City within a city" in Atlanta. Lots of hype around it. Atlantic Station (http://www.atlanticstation.com)

I love the Midtown area, as well as the Virginia-Highlands area - cool bars, restaurants, and shops everywhere. I don't know where you are staying, but I would suggest finding a place in Midtown, where you can catch Marta...

Good luck! Hope this helps! :cool:

I have two back to back trips to ATL at the end of the month, this is great info! Thanks.

lala

Excellent info everyone, thanks!

How would you all rate the public transit system? I see there's a MARTA line from ATL to Downtown. How's the connecting bus system?

lala Are you going to be there this weekend?

Any other FTers interested in meeting up? I definintely want to sample some favorite local cuisine.

EDIT: Is it true the last train leaves ATL on weekdays at 1:00am? I'm finding conflicting info (schedule says 9:20pm is last, but the Airport Station page says 1am) How's the bus service that late?

EDIT II: Uh oh.... can't find decent budget lodging (at least ones that don't involve roaches and other bad reviews)... I'm thinking I might abandon my MR, as the costs are now more than tripling of my initial airfare :eek: