dRfruitLOOP
Plymouth
mpgangle
Georgia
You’re going to have a blast, but what exactly you do depends a lot on the kind of vacation that you like to take. Do you want to see the touristy things, or do you want to visit “alternative” areas, like where there are lots of mohawks and/or same-gender couples, or are you into Civil War, or hiking? If you can answer that, I’d be happy to give suggestions. Also, how will you be getting around? By public transportation or by your own car? That makes a big difference, too. Oh, and what kind of food do you like to eat? Upscale? Down-home? Sushi? What about going out? Do you want places to see and be seen, or would you rather go to a movie or stay in? There’s SO much to do here!!!
dRfruitLOOP
Plymouth
I think a mix of touristy things and alternative areas would probably suit us pretty well. We certainly fall into the mohawked punkier group. Hiking wouldn’t be outside of our realm of activities. We’ll have our own car to use while we’re there. We’re pretty open in terms of food we’ll eat, with the exception of anything really fancy or something like pit-barbeque. We’re both really just looking for a break from our daily lives, so we’re open to everything and anything. Oh and we’re both 18. Thanks for all the tips so far.
mpgangle
Georgia
The aquarium is supposed to be amazing, but remember that the zoo is small. They are one of the few places in the country (3?) that have pandas, so that’s pretty cool. One touristy thing that we like to do is hike up Stone Mountain, because it’s a great view and really pretty cool even though there’s a big Confederate carving on the side of it, which can be a little odd to a Yankee. The main hike is neat, but there’s a Cherokee trail that is much harder but much more beautiful, so it depends on whether you want to be by other people or not. From your description of yourself, you HAVE to go to Little 5 Points and walk around. There are a bunch of cool stores, and the Variety Playhouse often has cool shows that are all ages. The Vortex has killer burgers, and there’s great vintage there, too. Also, the intersection of 10th and Piedmont in Midtown is a good place to be. It’s where Piedmont Park is (our version of Central Park) and Flying Biscuit, the best restaurant ever. Here’s sort of an “alternative” and surprisingly cool place to visit: Oakland Cemetary. You won’t understand until you get there, but you have to have trust that it’s really interesting. Some famous people (Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones) are buried there, but there are sections, like “Jewish”, which is unusual, and some great monuments. At this time of year, it’s really nice to walk around there, and I personally REALLY HATE cemetaries. There’s a great restaurant called Six Feet Under outside the cemetary. This is right near the zoo, by the way.
Hope this all helps!
bravenewgirl
Atlanta
I have to second TiffanybBrown’s response. The High Museum is really cool, and there’s an Andrew Wyeth exhibit going on until early next year.
It sounds cheesy, but if you are a news junkie, the CNN tour is kind of fun.
Skip Underground Atlanta. I don’t know why it’s even promoted, except the city owns the space … it’s a tacky tourist trap with crappy restaurants. You can do much better elsewhere.
Try to catch a view of the skyline at night. It’s really spectacular. There’s a good restaurant at Colony Square (corner of Peachtree and 14th) called Shout that has fabulous rooftop views.
There’s much more, but without knowing something more about you (age, likes, what you do for fun), I don’t want to go on and on.
KarmaKeys
Atlanta
If you like theater, I’m going to shamelessly plug my own place: The New American Shakespeare Tavern. http://www.shakespearetavern.com. We do classic – but not stuffy – theater in a pub atmosphere. You can get pub-style food (prepared by me!) and watch a great show. Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline” runs until Dec. 4, then we have “A Christmas Carol” up till Christmas.
Whole World Theater and Dad’s Garage both have great sketch comedy and improv going on. If you’re 18 and in the “punkier” group, you might like to hang out in Little Five Points for an afternoon – cool shops, interesting street scene, and good cheap food. East Atlanta Village – which close to the zoo – is a nice afternoon hangout as well.
Have a great trip!
Bruno Girin
London
I just had a look at the New American Shakespeare Tavern and it looks great! I’ll try to come see a play while I’m here.
Melissa
Atlanta
I guess I’m a day late and a dollar short. It seems like the previous answers cover pretty much all the bases. However, the length of time you stay may allow you to do other things. I definitely reccommend checking out Little Five Points. One restaurant I like to take visitors to is Fat Matts Rib Shack, but it’s a been awhile since I’ve explored the city. I’ve been on a hiatus.
TequilaMitch
Atlanta
Fat Matts Rib Shack is one of the best BBQ joints in the south. You must go!
If you’re into nightclubs, try Eleven50 or Compound. If you’re going to Buckhead, stay away from the college bars and try Aiko—sophisticated, excellent sushi, and dancing.
Go to Piedmont Park and rent skates or a bike. (http://www.skateescape.com/). Don’t forget to stop by the dog park and watch the puppies play.
Little 5 Points is great for shopping and restaurants.
Have fun!
