Atlanta, GA

Inspired by the announcement yesterday that Atlanta has been voted the best city for singles, I have decided to go ahead with my city review for the capitol of the south.

Atlanta, is truly a world-class destination. It is now the 9th largest metropolitan area in the nation and it is growing faster than any of the metro areas that are larger, so it will continue to move up the list. Upon examination it is easy to see why Atlanta has grown so large so quickly. It is headquarters to iconic brands Coca-Cola and Home Depot, has a large regional bank in Suntrust, and most Fortune 500 companies have some presence in the area. Atlanta does have a vibrant and growing inner city, but the charm of this southern metropolis is really in the many small towns that make up the metro area from Marietta to Locust Grove and Social Circle to Douglasville.

Traffic can be brutal as this city of over 5,000,000 with roads for about 2,000,000 and water shortages have been an issue of late, but overall this city does many things well.

Things to do-- If variety is the spice of life then Atlanta is the spice rack. If you're a history buff the Margaret Mitchell house, Ebenezer Baptist Church (MLK), and the Cyclorama--next to the Zoo are all must see spots. With the family, it's tough to beat the Georgia Aquarium and other Centennial Olympic park attractions-The World of Coke and CNN Center, as well as Phillips Arena and the Tabernacle where LOTS of good concerts happen. In the 'burbs Gwinnett Center is home to Hockey and many performers and Stone Mountain has a great evening light show on the largest piece of exposed granite in the world(It's also the only place I know that has a memorial to the Confederacy and a statue of Tupac Shakur). Six Flags over Georgia is fun for all ages and nothing beats a summer day in Georgia like White Water adventure park in Marietta. For shopping there are lots of options from trendy in Buckhead and Atlantic Station in Midtown to the great suburban malls, the biggest of which is the Mall of Georgia in Buford. If you are a sports fan Atlanta has it all from participating in some great golf that Bobby Jones would envy to watching the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers, NASCAR, or even the Ramblin' Wreck of Georgia Tech.

Places to Eat--Atlanta has no shortage of quantity or quality in the restaurant scene. The world's largest drive in is right downtown near Georgia Tech, and has been visited by everyone from Neal Diamond to Bill Clinton, The Varsity is a must, though you may regret it later. For fine dining, choices include Ray's on the River and In the City as well as my personal favorite Two Urban Licks. Buckhead is the NYC/Beverly Hills of the south and has every trendy idea you could think of. If it's down home you're looking for Pitty Pats Porch is a reasonable choice right downtown, but Paschal's is a can't miss and was home to many meetings of the civil rights movement leaders in the sixties. This is also the home of Chick-Fil-A and if you're a fan, it's worth the drive to the original Dwarf House for the one of a kind southern Chicken sandwich. I'm not normally a big fan of hotel Restaurants, but Atlanta has several worth mentioning, the Sundial at the top of the Westin (which was once the tallest hotel in the world) is a great place for good food and a view that is unmatched as it rotates while you dine giving a great vista of the entire metro. On the other side of Peachtree st and back down on street level, the Atlanta Grill at the Ritz Carlton is a GREAT place for a great steak. We can't end our discussion of food in a southern city without mentioning some BBQ, my local favorite is Williamson Bros. with three locations in the metro, my favorite chain Jim'N'Nicks also has a healthy presence throughout the area and it makes my mouth water just thinking about their ridiculously good biscuits.

Where to stay--Being a HUGE metro area, there are lots of choices. Downtown the aforementioned Westin is iconic and convenient, you'll also get a great view from the room and be within walking distance of all the downtown sights. If money is no object its tough to beat the Ritz, of which there are two in Atlanta, Downtown and Buckhead. If you have an independent streak The Georgian Terrace is great as are the hip and new Twelve hotels in Atlantic Station and Centennial Park. For the family, it's tough to beat the Embassy Suites in Centennial Park. If its a romantic retreat you're looking for Chateau Elan in Braselton is great and offers golf, cooking, and spa packages as well.

So there you have it. A summary guide to a great southern city which has recovered nicely from Sherman's March to the Sea and the burning of Atlanta. Ya'll come back now...