Atlanta from an ex-Native's Perspective

Atlanta is a much cooler city than anyone outside the South gives it credit for. It has a fantastic restaurant scene (even when compared to NY), a great music scene (including my favorite music venue – Chastain Park in the Summer), several beautiful and eclectic neighborhoods, a wealth of outdoor activities including "golfable" weather 9+ months a year), and Southern hospitality that every visitor hopes to experience.

Atlanta is also unique in that it embodies much of the best of the New South (think antebellum South meets 21st century). You will find remembrances of the Old South (i.e. the home of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind), vestiges of the civil rights movement led by Atlanta native Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (including his chapel and the Sweet Auburn district of Atlanta), and reminders of our nations only Civil War (i.e. the Cyclorama, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw National Park).

Quick Tips:

- Mountain bike at the Olympic Mountain Biking Park (remember the Summer Olympics came to Atlanta in 1996)

- Run through some of Atlanta’s nicest neighborhoods and parks (see my favorite places to exercise in Atlanta)

- Eat at some great restaurants (see my favorite Atlanta restaurants)

- Go to a church service at one of the black Southern Baptist congregations in downtown Atlanta (see Ebenezer Church: Reverend King’s church)

- Drive by some of Atlanta’s oldest and most prestigious homes (my favorite neighborhood driving tour)

- Visit the World of Coca-Cola

- Hang-out in the Virginia-Highlands and Little Five Points

- Get a spa treatment at Key Lime Pie

- Don't go crazy trying to figure out all of the different Peachtree Streets and derivations of Peachtree Street. There is no logic to it.

Best Way To Get Around:

The MARTA (public transit train) is a great way to get to and from the airport, especially if you are staying in town (i.e. Buckhead / Brookhaven area). Some people complain it is a little scary, but it is perfectly safe.

There are now three locations, so it has gotten a little commercial. I prefer the location on Glenwood Ave. even though it is a little out of the way. The neighborhood still has an edgy feel to it and you can walk a couple of blocks to some cool bars after dinner.

Have a few margaritas as well. They have all of the best tequilas.

Best of all, the atmosphere is very relaxed and comfortable. This feels more like a neighborhood restaurant (which it is) and it is nicely tucked away in one of the nicer neighborhoods in Atlanta (right across from a golf course and horse stables). Try and get a table outside if the weather permits. And drive around the neighborhoods afterwards if you have time.

If you have to wait, the bar is very nice and you will be well taken care of.

Fortunately parking is provided in the parking garage right next to the restaurant.

Think traditional American food with an upscale twist. I usually get the wild mushroom meatloaf. Take advantage of one of the appetizers. I like the calamari and the homemade potato chips with Maytag blue cheese.

Best of all, the neighborhood is pretty funky and Krispy Kreme is just down the block. Watch for the red light in the window and get some hot dougnuts for dessert.

It is a little hard to find so call and ask for directions. It is next to the Ritz Carlton and the access roads are a little confusing.

The parking is terrible in this area so allow for some extra time if meeting people. Expect a long wait on prime date nights.

I am always amused by the descriptions in the menu and by the wait staff as it sounds as if they are describing art rather than my dinner. Ask for recommendations (if just to hear the descriptions) particularly from the awesome wine list. The chops and the fish are very nice. Save room for the dessert.

This is a great place to eat before going out in the Highlands. Arrive early to find parking and plan on spending some time at the bar while you wait for your seat. This is a perfect time to try the aforementioned Pinenut Popcorn.

The closing holes are also perfect if your group has a friendly wager riding on the round as each hole is a gut-check in its own way.

Check out their web-site at:
www.southernessgolf.com

As for the golf, the course is extremely well maintained. You will find some interesting holes (lots of water, lots of sand, lots of woods) and some slick greens. It is not my favorite track in Atlanta, nor the most challenging, but a very nice golf experience.

Check out their web-site at:
www.chateauelan.com

All-in-all a fun time and a great place to play with friends...especially if you wager. The fortunes of each golfer change many times on this course.

Check out their very nice web-site at:
www.townelakehills.com
You can see every hole and read up on the best strategy.

It is a nice mix of well-recognized names like Nike Town and Abercrombie and Fitch and Armani Exchange A/X, as well as some stores I had never heard of (and which I couldn't necessarily afford).

The atmosphere is very relaxed (even sedate) for a mall, but this is a welcome change from Lenox which is just across the street.

You can find several nice restaurants in Phipps Plaza as well as a food court and a very nice movie theater.

The big downside is that Lenox can get very, very crowded. It is located right next to a MARTA train station so people come from all over the city.

You can get a great meal (check out Tom Tom a Bistro or the Tavern), a good quick meal (check out California Pizza Kitchen), or just check out a movie at the theater in the mall.

As an added bonus, it is within walking distance of Phipps and Lenox malls if you want to make a day of shopping. For guys who get dragged out of Galyn's into the malls, check out the theater in the mall or sneak back to Galyn's.

The King Library and Archives is the world’s largest collection of materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement. There are significant records which document the social, cultural, economic, and political impact of the civil rights movement.

The experience is very moving and you will definitely learn a lot. Spend a little time on Auburn Avenue and learn as much as you can about our past civil rights struggles. Check out Olympic Centennial Park while in the area.

But most fun for me, was the IMAX theater. You can see several IMAX shows at any one time. And in the summer you can enjoy martinis at Fernbank. You will hear live music while you drink, mingle and wait for the next show.

The Atlanta Zoo is next door if you want to make it a full day of activities for your kids.

It tends to be a slightly younger and urban crowd and attracts a lot of visitors from all over the suburbs of Atlanta...a strange mix of hip-hop, redneck and polo. The bars are constantly changing names so just look at the crowd waiting to get in outside to see what type of establishment it is.

There is definitely something for everyone, it's just a matter of wandering from bar to bar to find your perfect fit.

If you're looking for some more upscale partying, head down Peachtree Road to Midtown. Here you'll find the bars have a swanky NYC feel and charge a cover to prove it. They aren't lined up one after another like they are in Buckhead so most people pick one and make it their evening destination.

Taxi's are available for the ride home if you don't have a designated driver. Georgia laws are strict so opt for a cab and don't risk it!

If you have a bad slice it will be a long day. Many of the holes drop off dramatically on a right handers slice side. Also bring your A-game on and around the greens. Finally, check your ego. Many of the holes try to tempt long hitters to go for the green, but the risk-reward factor usually calls for you to layup.

This is also a great course for some friendly wagers among friends. The final hole is very challenging and many a bet has been lost on 18.

Check out the official web-site at:
http://www.hamiltonmillgolf.com

A good round can turn ugly quick on this course and you will probably enjoy it most after you have played it a couple of times. But if you want a really great track, don't miss this course.

Check out the official web-site:
www.cherokeerun.com

The performers tend to be names you have heard of, but sometimes past their prime. Don't worry about the performer, just enjoy the night. I hate to admit my choice of performances (they were not my choice in some cases...my girlfriend made me do it), but here goes. I saw Alison Krauss (my choice), Barry Manilow (my girlfriend's choice), Indigo Girls (group choice), K.C. and the Sunshine Band (group choice) and a couple of others.

Barry Manilow was the most bizarre. Picture a bunch of 40+ women going crazy for this guy. I was slightly amused that I knew most of his songs. But most interesting, I mumbled 'I Love You' to my girlfriend for the first time as I lay half asleep in my bed. I think it was the music, the wine and the atmosphere, but the shock on her face (and probably mine too) was priceless.

Don't miss this activity if you have a chance to go.

A couple of points:
- I prefer to go before the big crowd hits and the music starts (it is very loud).
- If you tire of this bar, you can go to several others within a couple of blocks.
- Don't fight it, just pay to park.

A fun walk down memory lane took place in the "Toy Stories: A Playful History of Toys" exhibit. I got to play an old Atari game and saw toys from as far back as the early 20th Century.

The permanent collection also includes a folk art exhibit (which I felt was a little out of place). Walking from the Civil War to Toys to Bobby Jones to Folk Art was weird but it kept it interesting.

It was also fun to walk around the grounds on the nature trails and explore two historic southern buildings. I really love traditional southern architecture.

The museum is right next to the Governor's Mansion and on West Paces Ferry Rd. (one of the prettiest drives in Atlanta). If you have about 2-3 hours, this an excellent family activity. It is particulary fun if you are a history buff.

I especially enjoy riding and running through the following neighborhoods:
- Buckhead: The most prestigious neighborhood in Atlanta. You will find the Governor's Mansion and many of the most opulent and amazing homes in Atlanta. Tuxedo Dr. is a must see if you want to see the best of Atlanta (inside the Perimeter at least). The famous Buckhead bar scene is also worth checking out (but only if you like crowds and lots of young party goers.
- Brookhaven: Make sure you drive around the Capital City Club. If you enjoy running, the loop is about three miles and the scenery is very nice.
- Virginia Highlands: This neighborhood is a little more eclectic and is near some pretty good night life. A great place to shop, relax or grab a nice meal.
- Midtown: Another eclectic neighborhood with great restaurants and Piedmont Park as the highlights.
- Emory: One of the older neighborhoods in Atlanta. Lots of nice homes, big trees and peace & quiet.
- Little Five Points: The most eclectic area in Atlanta (modeled after the Haight-Ashbury area in San Francisco). I say this in endearing terms, lots of freaks, interesting shopping, and colorful homes. Interestingly, some of the oldest and most beautiful homes in Atlanta are in this neighborhood including the homes of some of the early founders of Coca-Cola.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as Atlanta goes. Pardon me if I forgot some nice areas and one of these days I will add some thoughts on the areas outside of the Perimeter (a.k.a. family central).