FIVE THINGS YOU MUST DO Walk Up Stone Mountain Standing at the top of Stone Mountain offers an unparalleled view of not just the Atlanta skyline but the entire surrounding area. If you can’t handle hiking the incline, ride to the top in a cable car, but keep in mind that you won’t get those “I climbed Stone Mountain” bragging rights. www.stonemountainpark.com.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a gorgeous distraction from everyday life. Take in the small-town feel of downtown Decatur.
The food is even better than the decor at the Vortex in Little Five Points.
Catch a Braves Game at Turner Field Whether you’re in the sweet seats or the cheap seats, attending a Braves game in person makes a world of difference. You don’t even have to be a baseball fan to enjoy the experience: From the Chop House restaurant to batting cages and the family-friendly Fun Zone, there’s plenty to do. Bring your glove, because you never know when you might catch a ball. www.atlantabraves.com.
Learn Some Southern History In the grand scheme of things, Atlanta is still a relatively new city, but the region is quite rich in history. Find out more about one of the city’s most famous residents at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, operated by the U.S. National Park Service. (www.thekingcenter.org.) At the Atlanta History Center, located on 33 acres in Buckhead, check out exhibits highlighting life in the South and explore some historic homes. (www.atlantahistorycenter.com.) And discover more about the Civil War at the Atlanta Cyclorama, an attraction that features a panorama of the 1864 Battle of Atlanta. (www.atlantacyclorama.org.)
PHOTOS: Courtesy of (Top) The Atlanta Botanical Garden; (Left) The Decatur Downtown Development Authority; (Right and Bottom) © 2011, Kevin C. Rose/AtlantaPhotos.com
Explore the Outdoors
The sculpture on Stone Mountain is larger than two football fields.
Trade in the hustle and bustle of metro Atlanta for the pedestrian-friendly, small-town feel of downtown Decatur, with its beautiful square and independent boutiques. (www.decaturga. com.) Take in the remarkable displays of plant life at the Atlanta Botanical Garden (www. atlantabotanicalgarden.org) and stroll the lush fields of the city’s favorite green space, Piedmont Park (www.piedmontpark.org).
Enjoy the View at the Sun Dial Located at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel, the Sun Dial is a rotating restaurant that allows for a 360-degree view of the city. Savor the skyline as you ride up in a glass elevator to the three-story complex, complete with cocktail lounge and observatory level. It’s consistently voted one of the most romantic spots in town, making it the perfect pick for date night or special occasions. www.sundialrestaurant.com. X Newcomer Magazine | 29