South - Any Atlanta "must see" or "must eat" and nearby hotel??

Hi everyone. I will be spending 4 nights in Atlanta for a business trip (Sun-Thu) and would appreciate any recommendations. I have no idea where I should stay but I am leaning towards downtown/midtown or Buckhead? Last time I was in Atlanta was over 15 years ago. I remember going to the Underground shopping something-or-other, the Coca-Cola tour and walking around CNN, but my memory of everything is vague.

This time, I will be there for an audit (read: me in tiny room by myself for 8 hours a day and no after hours commitments – because everyone hates “The Auditor”) The office is next to I-75 and I-285 intersection. I know there are many hotels nearby but I am thinking I would be stuck in a generic industrial park? I like driving but I’d like to avoid sitting in traffic for an hour each way, if I can.

About me: Price is not a concern (i.e. expense account) but I love playing the Marriott point game so I do have a preference. Things I like to do? I am not a fan of museums but am a fan of historical and unusual places (e.g. MLK speech spot/memorial interests me, famous birthplaces of politicians/writers/musicians, famous movie and/or R&R music locations, notorious crime scenes - weird I know, etc.)

Food? I don’t care about fine dining, in the least. If there’s a “must have” southern food item or popular snack in a not-so-fancy diner or road-side shack, I would love it.

Thank you everyone for any insight.

For some "must have" old timey authentic Southern food, you have to go to The Colonnade Restaurant on Chain Bridge Rd.

OP: Have you gone there yet? What did you do? I'm going to Atlanta this weekend-last minute $300 off trip (thanks, FT! :D ) and I also was wondering what to do.
Did you go to the Aquarium? Was it worth the hefty admission fee?

OP: Have you gone there yet? What did you do? I'm going to Atlanta this weekend-last minute $300 off trip (thanks, FT! :D ) and I also was wondering what to do.
Did you go to the Aquarium? Was it worth the hefty admission fee?

I'm going this weekend on that deal also. I'll be visiting a friend who moved there last year who says the Aquarium is a "Must See", though I'm not sure what his experience is with aquariums elsewhere.

I'm not sure if it's still on, but the Atlanta Civic Center is/was having an exhibition of Titanic stuff - by that, I mean things that have been brought up from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. If you're at all into that bit of history, I highly recommend paying the $20 admission fee.

The obligatory gift shop was full of memorabilia, too.

The aquarium IS a must see, and I've seen a few. And a visit to the Varsity (world famous hot dawg joint) would be in order, as well.

I'm not sure if it's still on, but the Atlanta Civic Center is/was having an exhibition of Titanic stuff - by that, I mean things that have been brought up from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. If you're at all into that bit of history, I highly recommend paying the $20 admission fee. Now that's something I would like to see!

I'm not sure if it's still on, but the Atlanta Civic Center is/was having an exhibition of Titanic stuff - by that, I mean things that have been brought up from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. If you're at all into that bit of history, I highly recommend paying the $20 admission fee.

The obligatory gift shop was full of memorabilia, too.

Unfortunately, that exhibit ended a couple of weeks ago. But thanks anyway.

Given the high praise, it looks like I'll be taking a trip to the Aquarium, though. :)