South - At 48 I am Getting out thanks to Delta and the American Council of Sports Medicine

(sorry for the mess of spelling but it is sooo late)

I feel 13 asking help like this but here I go. i am heading for 2 weeks to a ACSM convention to get al my /CEUs for my licenses and staying a few days to play. I love fish, good food, CNN (to visit and see the semi anchors do their stuff.

I am staying at the Omni along with all 3900 other convention attendees (so the gym will be wall-to-wall with ladies in their tight gym clothes trying to be the next "trainer t the stars." No all kidding aside, this is a convention that will offer some of the most advanced and the latest of the latest in sports rehab, exercise physiology, post traumatic injuries, etc. so I love to learn but I m hoping someone can help me (since I will be al alone in my own room (in the tower where the CNN Team is suppose to do their broadcasting and you are able to see tis from one window in your rooms.

I am lost as far as should I rent a car? I do not do well with traffic. But I do not do well with knowing where I am going on subways like the Marta. I a open for suggestions on getting from the airport t the hotel, Places to eat that are healthy, good beer , I want to see the aquarium, take a CNN tour, and just do stuff that people who know this area suggest to me (as long as they are being honest).

I will have 5 days of classes and workout design all day and 4 of just playing all by myself. So please any people from this area around and wanting to share with a recluse Salt Lake City Returned LDS Missionary who is still celibate at 26 and waiting. hehe Sorry I had to throw that in. Are there plays there--like Broadway plays near the CNN Center?

OK, enough but please bombard m with factual info and pretend you are applying for the most prestigious host job for the top 50 Fortune company so g to it.

Thank you very much and remember I love Delta SkyMiles and Hilton Points.

If you're worried about getting lost on MARTA, you definitely don't want to try driving. Atlanta isn't that difficult to get around, but much of what you want to see if available via MARTA. Airport to hotel via MARTA. It's an easy walk to CNN & (I think) the Aquarium from the OMNI. Info. here (http://www.itsmarta.com/explore/destinations.htm). (I haven't made it to the Aquarium yet, so can only go by the map.)

Broadway style shows are often at Fox Theatre (http://www.foxtheatre.org/), but I don't know the schedule off the top of my head, nor do you say when you will be in ATL.

If you want to explore a bit further out (Stone Mountain, Six Flags, etc) on your four "free" days, you can pick up a rental car for just those days, but you definitely won't need one for the entire trip. I suggest you start by reading through the list of attractions (on the MARTA or another ATL visitor info. site) & decide what you want to see/do. Sports? Museums? Art? History? Atlanta has a bit of all of it.

Sorry, but I haven't spent enough time downtown recently to recommend any particular restaurants. (Unless you toss "healthy" out the window & stop by The Varsity (http://www.thevarsity.com/).)

For the days when you have your meetings (I assume your days/evenings will be pretty full) - you probably don't need a car. For the days on your own - I would definitely rent a car. It is possible to get around Atlanta by public transportation or taxi - but the city and metro area are very spread out - and I don't recommend it. As far as driving is concerned - it is not that difficult - except that half of the streets are called Peachtree and traffic in various places at various times is miserable. I recommend renting a car with a GPS. I don't have one in my car at home - but I wouldn't rent a car when I'm not home without one.

You didn't mention when your trip is. Bodies The Exhibition is in Atlanta until 3/1. If you are in town before then - it is a must see show (especially considering your profession). The CNN tour is worthwhile. I have not yet been to the aquarium. Depending when your trip is - the Botanical Gardens may be worthwhile (it's still too early for spring flowers - but when they're in bloom - the gardens - as well as a lot of the city - look fabulous).

The King Tut exhibit is in Atlanta now. You can buy a combo ticket with the aquarium. So is The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army (at the High Museum). These are both "blockbuster" shows. It might be a good idea to buy tickets in advance.

In terms of other things to do/see - including shows - took a look at this website:

http://www.atlanta.net/visitors/calendarevents.html

You didn't mention what your food budget is. There are quite a few excellent - but higher end - restaurants in Atlanta. I can recommend a few (I don't live in Atlanta - but - when I visit - I like to try out the better high end places) But if you're looking for lower or middle end - you should probably take a look at the restaurant reviews/recommendations on Chowhound.

For what it's worth - the Church of LDS has had a more pronounced presence in the southeast US in recent years. This seems to be the center of LDS activities in the Atlanta area:

http://www.lds.org/temples/main/0,11204,1912-1-57-0,00.html

Perhaps you can get in contact with some church members your age before you go - and they can help to show you around - tell you about restaurants they think you'd like - etc. For what it's worth - I am kind of confused about the "good beer" request for recommendations. I thought that Mormons didn't drink. Robyn

BTW - I am also confused whether you are 26 or 48. Robyn