# What to do, see in Atlanta? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 6, 2013, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234 "2013-03-06T22:25:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![johnspartan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a183cd/32.png) [@johnspartan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnspartan)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2013, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/1 "2013-03-06T22:25:08Z")
This worked really nicely when we went to Boston a few years ago, so I’ll try again for a potential upcoming trip… TheMrs.&I are (likely) headed to Atlanta in mid-May. I’ve never been, but we’ll be in Tallahassee for someone’s wedding and are taking the drive up as sort of an anniversary vacation trip. We’ll probably have maybe 4 days in town. We’re mid-30s, no kids… about what you’d expect of someone here, we really like history, politics, some sports, TheMrs. likes art galleries and I’m ok w/ them… there’s the obvious things, like Six Flags Over Georgia and the Coca-Cola thing… Any other suggestions? Great restaurants? What are the various neighborhoods? Any tips appreciated. Thanks 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Tara57](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@Tara57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tara57)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2013, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/2 "2013-03-06T23:42:45Z")
Stone Mountain – you can hike, picnic, and climb the mountain just for the price of parking. > **[Stone Mountain Park](https://stonemountainpark.com/)** > > Atlanta's favorite destination for family fun. Nestled in 3200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features family-friendly attractions, outdoor recreational activities and a variety of on-site lodging options so you can stay where you play! After a few hours at Stone Mountain, go feed and pet the animals at Yellow River Game Ranch. > **[Home - Best Casino Resorts In Atlanta](https://www.yellowrivergameranch.com/)** > > \[vc\_row full\_width=”stretch\_row” css=”.vc\_custom\_1653983525506{padding-top: 80px !important;padding-bottom: 80px !important;background-color: #f3f3f3 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat... ---
**Author:** ![Tara57](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@Tara57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tara57)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2013, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/3 "2013-03-06T23:59:29Z")
The Center for Puppetry Arts has the Muppets: [http://www.puppet.org/museum/specialexhibitions.shtml](http://www.puppet.org/museum/specialexhibitions.shtml) You might like the Atlanta History Center: > **[Home | Atlanta History Center](https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/)** > > 33 acres of historic houses, gardens, & award-winning exhibitions. Martin Luther King, Jr House and historic sights: > **[Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)](https://www.nps.gov/malu/index.htm)** > > Welcome page Some more ideas and good deals: > **[Atlanta on the Cheap](https://www.atlantaonthecheap.com/)** > > Have Fun. Be Cheap. Live the Good Life for Less in Atlanta. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/4 "2013-03-07T01:40:42Z")
Neighborhoods include: [Virgina Highland](http://virginiahighland.com/) [Little Five Points](http://www.atlanta-midtown.com/business/l5p/) [East Atlanta Village](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Atlanta) Downtown [Decatur](http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com/index.aspx?page=9) is also worth a visit. Nice walkable area with shops, restaurants, and bars. You can reach it on MARTA. For sports, a Braves game is always fun. Museums: [Atlanta History Center](http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/) probably has the best collection of Civil War relics, if that is your interest. [Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield](http://www.nps.gov/kemo/index.htm) and the [Cyclorama](http://www.atlantacyclorama.org/) might also be worth a visit if the Civil War is of particular interest to you. [High Museum of Art](http://www.high.org/) has a nice collection, if that’s your thing. If you like ancient history, the [Carlos Museum](http://carlos.emory.edu/) at Emory University has a surprisingly expansive collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and ancient American artifacts. Really nice museum. (I do not recommend the Fernbank Museum of natural history. Not a good collection, in my opinion.) If you like aquariums, the [Georgia Aquarium](http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/) is definitely worth a look. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/5 "2013-03-07T01:53:53Z")
> [@Spoke](#): > > If you like aquariums, the [Georgia Aquarium](http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/) is definitely worth a look. Since you said you don’t have kids, I’d recommend against the Aquarium. It’s ok, but definitely aimed at entertaining the youngsters. If I was downtown for touristy stuff, I’d go to World of Coke, which you mentioned, and maybe the CNN tour. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/6 "2013-03-07T01:57:25Z")
Other ideas: [Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site](http://www.nps.gov/malu/index.htm) [Starlight Drive-In](http://www.starlightdrivein.com/#/movies/) is a fun thing to do on a warm evening, and sort of a hipster hang-out. Pack a cooler of PBR, bring some grub, and a couple of camp chairs. If you’re looking for exercise, try a hike up either Stone Mountain or Kennesaw Mountain. [Piedmont Park](http://www.piedmontpark.org/visit/park_map.html) is a nice place to relax and enjoy the skyline view. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/7 "2013-03-07T02:02:40Z")
> [@Lsura](#): > > Since you said you don’t have kids, I’d recommend against the Aquarium. It’s ok, but definitely aimed at entertaining the youngsters. Well, I disagree. It is kid-friendly of course, but that’s probably true of any aquarium. This is the largest aquarium in the world. Some people like aquariums and some don’t, but if you do, you probably wouldn’t want to miss this one. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/8 "2013-03-07T02:04:09Z")
Cyclorama (mentioned above) is walking distance from/shares a parking lot with the Atlanta Zoo. (Even if you’re a huge fan of the movie, do _NOT_ go to the _Gone With the Wind_ museum, btw- one of the most overpriced collections of nothing you’ll ever see; not worth a trip if it was free.) I mention because diff’rent folks/diff’rent strokes and all- there’s a _Medieval Times_ there. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/9 "2013-03-07T08:32:04Z")
Tara and Spoke have everything we have here nailed down. There’s nothing else to see here! As for the YRGR, meh. It’s 10 minutes from me, and with 2 kids, it was a must-do one time per year, but for a couple of grown-ups? It’s a sad little place with some sad animals in too-small cages IMHO. YMMV 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/10 "2013-03-07T13:35:20Z")
You are probably too young to have grown up with the Br’er Rabbit stories, but we have a museum dedicated to those: [The Wren’s Nest](http://www.wrensnestonline.com/) (the home of Joel Chandler Harris). May be too kid-oriented for you, but I mention it for the sake of completeness. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/11 "2013-03-07T14:11:39Z")
A good restaurant is [Houston’s](http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_rn=5&gs_ri=psy-ab&cp=22&gs_id=1at&xhr=t&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.43287494,d.eWU&biw=1920&bih=992&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=houston%27s+restaurant+atlanta&fb=1&gl=us&hq=houston%27s+restaurant&hnear=0x88f5045d6993098d:0x66fede2f990b630b,Atlanta,+GA&sa=X&ei=Bp84UeqUAYb28gTEl4CQAg&sqi=2&ved=0CKsBELYD). Excellent food and atmosphere! The one where I’ve eaten is apparently closed/relocated, but I’ve enjoyed eating there every time. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/12 "2013-03-07T14:25:57Z")
[Buckhead Diner](http://www.buckheadrestaurants.com/buckhead-diner/) See what’s playing at [The Fox Theater](http://www.foxtheatre.org/), one of the most beautiful theaters in the country. Catch the Braves at [Turner Field.](http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ballpark/index.jsp) May is the perfect time to take in a game, not so stinking hot yet. I will second the recommendation of the High Museum, an excellent museum that I can see from my office window. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/13 "2013-03-07T20:09:06Z")
Yes, definately see something at the Fox - movie, concert, play - whatever is in town. The venue is worth it! Eat at [The Varsity](http://thevarsity.com), an Atlanta tradition located adjacent to the Georgia Tech campus. Best chili dogs and onion rings on planet Earth! Don’t forget to try a frosted orange while you’re there. Also, the original Krispy Kreme doughnut shop is downtown on Peachtree St. It’s worth a stop for a hot glazed doughnut or 12 and a cup of coffee. If you like old fashioned 24 hour diners, the Plaza Diner, also on Peachtree, has been around forever. Classic diner food with some twists and a very ecclectic clientele make this a favorite late night stop. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/14 "2013-03-07T20:25:22Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > Also, the original Krispy Kreme doughnut shop is downtown on Peachtree St. It’s worth a stop for a hot glazed doughnut or 12 and a cup of coffee. If you like old fashioned 24 hour diners, the Plaza Diner, also on Peachtree, has been around forever. Classic diner food with some twists and a very ecclectic clientele make this a favorite late night stop. I believe you are thinking of the [Majestic Diner](http://majesticdiner.com/), which is on Ponce de Leon Ave. I’d go there more for the people-watching at 2 a.m. than for the food. The [Krispy Kreme](http://locations.krispykreme.com/location/atlanta) is also on Ponce. It is an old one, but I think the original was in North Carolina. ---
**Author:** ![Sister\_Vigilante](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Sister\_Vigilante](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sister_Vigilante)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/15 "2013-03-07T20:30:53Z")
> [@Spoke](#): > > Other ideas: > > [Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site](http://www.nps.gov/malu/index.htm) > > [Starlight Drive-In](http://www.starlightdrivein.com/#/movies/) is a fun thing to do on a warm evening, and sort of a hipster hang-out. Pack a cooler of PBR, bring some grub, and a couple of camp chairs. > > If you’re looking for exercise, try a hike up either Stone Mountain or Kennesaw Mountain. > > [Piedmont Park](http://www.piedmontpark.org/visit/park_map.html) is a nice place to relax and enjoy the skyline view. When I was growing up, the Starlight Drive-in was definitely located in a part of town you didn’t want to go near; it was dangerous. (So was the Zoo.) Has that changed? I wouldn’t mind seeing a drive-in movie again. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/16 "2013-03-07T21:36:43Z")
One addition about Houston’s. The last time I went, the Hawaiian Ribeye was a special of the day. Looking at the menu, it looks like it’s a permanent item. I HIGHLY recommend! I loved it! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/17 "2013-03-07T21:41:55Z")
> [@Orionizer](#): > > One addition about Houston’s. The last time I went, the Hawaiian Ribeye was a special of the day. Looking at the menu, it looks like it’s a permanent item. > > I HIGHLY recommend! I loved it! 😃 The Hawaiian Ribeye used to be an “off-menu” item. Had to ask for it. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/18 "2013-03-07T22:14:11Z")
[This](http://www.hillstone.com/pdf_menus/houstons/Houstons_Peachtree.pdf) is where I found it (the Peachtree location). (PDF Menu) ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/19 "2013-03-07T22:29:52Z")
> [@Sister\_Vigilante](#): > > When I was growing up, the Starlight Drive-in was definitely located in a part of town you didn’t want to go near; it was dangerous. (So was the Zoo.) Has that changed? I wouldn’t mind seeing a drive-in movie again. Short answer: yes, that has changed. Grant Park, the neighborhood around the zoo, has gentrified. The Starlight is due south from East Atlanta, which has become a bit of a hipster neighborhood. So the hipsters drive south on Moreland Avenue to visit the Starlight Drive-In, and they have made it a fun place. It’s still in a somewhat dicey area, I guess, but I have never felt unsafe there. Then again, different people have different tolerances in defining “safe,” I imagine. If you want to see a drive-in movie, you should give it a shot. (Curious now. When did you grow up?) ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2013, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234/20 "2013-03-07T22:33:41Z")
> [@Spoke](#): > > I believe you are thinking of the [Majestic Diner](http://majesticdiner.com/), which is on Ponce de Leon Ave. I’d go there more for the people-watching at 2 a.m. than for the food. > > The [Krispy Kreme](http://locations.krispykreme.com/location/atlanta) is also on Ponce. It is an old one, but I think the original was in North Carolina. Yeah, I was scratching my head for a minute there, wondering if I had lost my mind! Met the Mrs. next door to the Majestic Diner long ago; after getting off duty at 7am, I’d grab a dozen hot donuts from KK on Ponce, and head to the roof of the Days Inn on P’tree to watch the sunrise. > [@Sister\_Vigilante](#): > > When I was growing up, the Starlight Drive-in was definitely located in a part of town you didn’t want to go near; it was dangerous. (So was the Zoo.) Has that changed? Sadly, [no](http://www.wsbradio.com/news/news/suspect-starlight-drive-murder-arrested-duluth/nN7s5/). Houston’s is a good choice for a chain. I used to bartend at the Lenox Road store, and every morning the chef had to make 1 each steak, chicken, ribs, etc. for the manager to taste test. One bite of each, and it was off to the kitchen trash. Us hungry vultures would wait by the dishwasher, and snag ribs and steak for breakfast, ignoring corporate policy of throwing away perfectly good food! We were rebels, man! Inman Park and Decatur have some nice small restaurants to try. [The Marlay House](http://themarlayhouse.com/) is a nice Irish pub with great food. Fritti in IP was nice. Use the [Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?q=inman+park+restaurants&ll=33.761738,-84.35307&spn=0.023333,0.045447&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&fb=1&gl=us&hq=restaurants&hnear=Inman+Park,+Atlanta,+Fulton,+Georgia&t=h&fll=33.761738,-84.35307&fspn=0.023333,0.045447&z=15)and read a bit to see what you might like. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-see-in-atlanta/652234.md?page=2)