If the only sightseeing you have done in Atlanta happened in a club… shame on you. Between Downtown and Midtown alone, Atlanta offers a plethora of culture, history, entertainment and great dining.
Atlanta is home for numerous museums, especially the renowned High Museum of Art. It has partnered with the Louvre Museum in Paris, to show over 100 pieces of art through the year 2009. This year's exhibit, "The Louvre and the Ancient World", showcases over 130 Egyptian, Near Eastern and Greco-Roman antiquities and examines the decipherment of hieroglyphics. The High Museum is located in Midtown on 1280 Peachtree St.
The African American Panoramic Experience Museum (APEX) is another museum that deserves a look at. The APEX chronicles the history of African Americans through the Diaspora and Civil Rights Movement. It keenly focuses on the lives of African Americans in Atlanta with a timeline of important people and events; many of them are famous AUC alumni.
Located in the Auburn area of Atlanta is the Martin Luther King Jr. Center National Historical Site. It is the homes of the MLK Center for Nonviolent Change, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and King's birth home. Martin Luther King Jr. and his beloved wife Coretta Scott King were both laid to rest in raised marble tombs surrounded by a reflecting pool. This site is extremely popular during Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month, but is open year round.
Known for its entertainment, Atlanta has something for everyone. People who want to experience something new do not have to go far. The Georgia Aquarium offers a dazzling glimpse at the treasures of the sea, housing over 100,000 fish in downtown Atlanta, Ga. Right now the main attractions are the four whale sharks that can grow up to school-bus size.
One thing that Atlanta does not lack is shopping malls. Lenox Square has over 250 retailers and includes major department stores such as Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus. Phipps Plaza is also a very luxurious shopping center with more than 100 upscale retailers. Word to the wise: bring your camera with your credit card because celebrity sightings are not uncommon in these malls. For a different shopping experience Little Five Points is a great place. Known for its diverse appeal, Little Five Points has a variety of trendy boutiques and a multitude of restaurants.
With Atlanta's nightlife, it's not hard to find something to do. Bowling ally 300 provides a fun alternative to conventional weekend plans. It combines the amenities of your favorite upscale restaurant, club and lounge to give you a fabulous bowling experience like no other. On "Xtreme" bowling day, 300 features loud music, amazing light shows and huge video monitors. This is a great place to go when you just don't want the night to end; most locations are open until 3:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Visit www.3hundred.com for directions and details.
One restaurant that is demands recognition in Atlanta is Gladys Knight and Ron Winans' Chicken and Waffles. Gladys and Ron's restaurant arguably serves the best soul food in the city. There are usually lines of people waiting to get in, but the food makes up for the wait.
The Varsity is the world's largest drive-in and deserves at least one visit before you graduate. For fun, try to order with The Varsity's special lingo off their menu. The Varsity is famous for their chili dogs, hamburgers and fried apple pies.
Most of these places are easily accessible by MARTA and the others are definitely worth the drive.
