Gone with the Wind - Atlanta

Quick Tips:

Atlanta''s main airport Hartsfield is one of the biggest in the world. As such it is south of the city. If you''re not being picked up by your hotel or renting a car (a car is needed to appreciate Atlanta), take the Marta (rail system - there is a north/south and east/west line) which will cost you about US.

Best Way To Get Around:

Due to the sprawling nature of Atlanta, you''ll need a car to truly appreciate the city, with the possible exception of downtown. If you''re headed downtown, use the MARTA (rail system), otherwise a car and a good map are musts.

Although the ambience, wood-paneled walls, and muted lighting make for pleasant surroundings, one goes to Garrison's for the steaks. Being a steak-loving family, we all indulged in a piece of red meat. Personally, I went for the center New York strip (an 8-ounce was about $12, while an 8-ounce filet mignon was about $22), which was cooked to medium perfection. It's one of the few places I've eaten steak at in America that knows what medium is.

Each steak comes with one side. The sides are so big that it's best to get a range and share; don't forget the sweet-potato mash, which apparently is topped with molasses, and the garlic mashed potatoes. There's a fairly extensive beer and wine list, including, I was delighted to see, Bulgarian beers.

As for dessert, you definitely need to share, as the chocolate mousse which we ordered was the size of a small mountain.

For seafood lovers, don't despair--there's plenty for you, and I'm sure it's as good as the meat dishes.

I have eaten here many times, it's a great location to just hang out. Very family friendly. If you want to miss most of the families, I suggest you arrive between 8 and 8:30pm.

It's not a great late night place as the kitchen normally closes about 10pm.

My favorite is the Laredo Steak, which at $13 is definitely one of the more expensive items on the menu. It comes with a baked potato and a tossed salad to start (you're therefore getting a salad and entree).

My family loves their burgers, which are the big sellers. A six-ounce burger is $7 and a ten-ounce burger is $8.

On the bar side you can either sit in a booth or at the bar and watch the sport that is inevitably on the TV.

It's really nice inside with high ceiling, lots of wood, glass, and behind the bar, brass. There are a couple of TVs around the bar area, for those who need to keep an eye on the latest sports.

This is not just a restaurant--they brew beer here and keep a wide array of beers specifically from Europe. If you're in the mood for the unusual this is the place to go.

I've eaten there on several occasions. The food is really different, American but with a big infusion of Japanese cooking. I heartily suggest starting off your meal with the cheese kari kari (crab and cheese dumplings) at $5 for six on a plate; they are delicious. Also I can well suggest the pair of Yakitori lamb chops (at $7 they are tiny, but very tender and tasty).

For the main meal, I was a little disappointed in the "Duck Both Ways" with spicy grape demi-glace and micro greens (at $16). The one time I had it, found the outside burnt, the duck a bit tough, and the sauce to spicy for me. However I was delighted with the pair of American lamb tenderloins with smashed potatoes ($18), and my partner swore by the Meyer Farms natural red angus filet au poivre with pommes frites ($20). Also, do try the multi-grain boule (homemade grain bread) on the side for $1. For desert I can suggest the warm flourless chocolate cake with French vanilla ice cream and berries ($6). I was not that impressed by their creme brulee ($5).

Pretty much the only downside is the waitstaff--they often leave much to be desired. The food is a little expensive for what you're getting, considering that this is a fairly relaxed place. It normally starts emptying out by about 11pm.

Pappadeaux servers up a combination of Cajun and Creole cooking from alligator meat to frog's legs.

My favourite appetizer is the blackened shrimp and crawfish fondue, which is served with garlic bread.

One of the biggest problems is the service, which often leaves much to be desired, and also they don't take reservations after 6:30p,m which can be a big problem.

I don't find the entrees that good; my suggestion is to go for the appetizers, desserts and the mixed drinks, which are quite fun, sweet, and potent.

If you are very hungry head elsewhere for your entree.

A performance at Chastain is something not to be missed. Combining the great outdoors with great music is always a winning combination, but the audience at Chastain also makes for great viewing. From families to people on their first dates, everyone comes in the summer months, from stay-at-home moms to people arriving straight from work.

Although up front with the tables is great, many people prefer the picnic-like grassy areas at the back. Myself, I prefer the auditorium seating.

Make sure you bring a cooler that can double as your table, and bring at least one bottle of wine and food. Alternatively, if you don't have time to make food, many restaurants or gourmet takeouts prepare special Chastain packages. So go prepared for a night of food, wine, music, and company, but don't forget the bug spray.

At certain times of year, Dawsonville can be shoppers' paradise. From Saks Fifth Avenue to Crate & Barrel, there are numerous brand-name shops at this outlet mall. The best times of year are the post-Christmas season and Memorial and Labor Day sales. If you're looking for jeans or haute couture, music or chocolate, shoes or luggage, Dawsonville has it all. So take your credit card and have fun. The one drawback is a car is needed to reach the mall from Atlanta, as it is over a half hour from the I-285 (Atlanta's ring road) on the 400. The plus side: you can't miss it, as it's huge and literally on the highway.

The tour starts with a journey up an eight-flight escalator and offers a history of CNN and its news events coverage, and a look at the studios where the news is recorded. The tour is between 45-minutes and 1-hour in length. PLEASE NOTE: Children under the age of six are not allowed on the tour.

The Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 12-stage theatre, a 15-acre arts and crafts festival, a jousting tournament, and a feast – all rolled into one!

The last time I was at the festival was in '99. You could buy crystal and silver jewelry, whimsical pottery, stained glass, leather clothing, and medieval apparel to get you in the swing of things.

I wasn't enthused by any of the food, so I suggest you only snack there, eat later.

The 2003 "Ren Fest" starts April 26th and runs through to June 8th. In following years you may want to check the following website for future dates (a ref="http://www.garenfest.com">garenfest.com) and to book tickets at a discount.

Parking is free.