Favorite Atlanta experiences

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WHAT NOT TO MISS WHILE IN ATLANTA

Stepping Back in Time at the Atlanta History Center. A re-created farm (with original buildings from the 1840s) shows how rural Southern folks really lived before the Civil War, and the recently restored 1928 Swan House, an estate on the property, gives a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle enjoyed by upper-crust Atlantans in the early 20th century. Kids will love the hands-on discovery areas at the history museum. Explore the walking trails after you take in the exhibits. A great look at the rich tapestry of Atlanta's past and present.

Exploring The King Center. It's an inspiring experience to visit this living memorial to a true American hero, where you'll see lots of King memorabilia and a film on his life and works. Especially moving is Freedom Plaza, where Dr. King is buried. The tomb is inscribed with his words: "Free at Last. Free at Last. Thank God Almighty I'm Free at Last."

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Touring the CNN Studios. The network that started around-the-clock television news lets you take a peek behind the scenes to see how it's all done.

Spending a Day at the Ballpark. Pack up the kids and take them out to the old ball game. Even if there isn't a Braves game scheduled, you can take a tour of Turner Field, which was completed in 1996 and served as the Olympic Stadium for the Centennial Olympic Games before it was converted to a baseball park.

Trekking Through Virginia-Highland. Atlanta's version of New York's SoHo, this trendy neighborhood is full of coffee bars, galleries, cafes, and funky little shops. It all makes for a pleasant stroll on a sunny afternoon.

Frolicking in the Fountain. The biggest attraction at Centennial Olympic Park is the Fountain of Rings, where young and old can get delightfully soaked on warm days. The fountain is a simple but ingenious design on the plaza floor, consisting of 251 water jets in the shape of the 5 Olympic rings. Take a deep breath and zip in and around the 12-foot water bursts, or just sit and watch the timed light- and sound-effects show, when the water bursts 35 feet into the air.

Hanging Out at the Zoo. Ever since the giant pandas, Yang Yang and Lun Lun, arrived at Zoo Atlanta, this has been one of the hottest tickets in town. You don't have to be a kid to be fascinated by the adorable duo.

Shopping at Lenox Square. One of the most popular malls in the Southeast, Lenox Square is a mecca for upscale shoppers. It's hard to visit every store, even if you spend the whole day, but many visitors think it's a worthy goal. You'll find good restaurants and great people-watching, too.

Getting a Breath of Fresh Air in Piedmont Park. Atlanta's favorite public park is fun and funky and a terrific place to watch the world go by. Take your in-line skates or pack a lunch and find a shady spot for a picnic.

Bargain-Hunting at the Lakewood Antiques Market. Crammed with everything from precious antiques to objets-de-junque, this huge once-a-month flea market is not to be missed if you're lucky enough to be in town on the right weekend.

Taking in a Chastain Park Amphitheatre Concert. Big-name entertainers perform under the stars, and everyone brings elaborate picnic fare (some people even bring tablecloths and candelabrums for the picnic table). Even the entertainers seem dazzled by the setting.

Spending the Morning at the Market. Atlanta is home to two gigantic indoor farmers markets, both jammed with locals who are shopping in earnest and visitors who are having a hard time keeping their eyes from bugging out. Choose from the DeKalb Farmers Market, which has an international flavor, and Harry's, which is a little more upscale. Each has loads of gourmet goodies you can take home or consume on the spot.

Strolling Around Oakland Cemetery. This 88-acre cemetery is a peaceful place, and its Victorian graves are of aesthetic, historic, and symbolic interest. The guided tour is recommended. Bring a picnic lunch.

Discovering the Fox Theatre. This Moorish-Egyptian palace exemplifies the glamorous movie-theater architecture of the 1920s, complete with onion domes, minarets, and a twinkling starlit sky over the auditorium.

Touring the World of Coca-Cola. Atlanta is Coke's hometown, so it's only fitting that there's a museum dedicated to the world's most renowned beverage. There's a replica of a 1930s soda fountain, a gigantic collection of memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and Club Coca-Cola, where you can sample all the beverages Coke has to offer, including many not marketed in the United States. Now located near Underground, a new 75,000-square-foot facility is slated to open in downtown in late 2006.

Relaxing in Georgia's Stone Mountain Park. Take a hike to the top of the big granite rock or spend a leisurely day taking in the diverse attractions, from a paddlewheel cruise to a living museum of Southern history. You can also choose from an array of activities -- golf, tennis, swimming, hiking, boating, and more.

Time-Traveling at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Check out the 45-foot-long model of a Giganotosaurus, then travel back 15 billion years and experience the "Big Bang" that jump-started the formation of the universe. IMAX films are shown here, too. The museum's stunning architecture is notable.

Aquarium to Make Huge Splash -- With downtown revitalization at the top of the list for Atlanta leaders and developers, the proposal for a Georgia Aquarium was a big hit with Atlantans when announced in 2001. As the late 2005 opening nears, excitement is building about what is to be one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring more than 55,000 animals from 500 species. Located on 9 acres next to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium will be connected by a plaza to the soon-to-be-relocated World of Coca-Cola, opening in late 2006.

These two projects, along with Imagine It! Children's Museum, the CNN Center, Philips Arena, and the Tabernacle -- the latter two being popular entertainment venues -- should be a much-needed shot in the arm for the downtown residential and commercial markets. These developments will no doubt make the downtown area the place to be in this city, for visitors, residents, and convention-goers.

For more on what to see and do in Atlanta, visit our complete guide online at www.frommers.com/destinations/atlanta.

Frommer’s is America’s bestselling travel guide series. Visit Frommers.com to find great deals, get information on over 3,500 destinations, and book your trip. © 2006 Wiley Publishing, Inc. Republication or redistribution of Frommer's content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Wiley.

24-Hour Layover: Atlanta

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