Top Destinations : Atlanta, GA

Show on a Map Hide the Map

Large malls, antique shops, specialty boutiques and department stores encompass Atlanta’s shopping scene. For high-end shopping, try Phipps Plaza or Lenox Square. For a unique find, visit Underground Atlanta, or for antiques, try Peachtree Road in Buckhead.

Lenox Square features hundreds of high-end shops, anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Rich’s, and also includes cinemas and restaurants. A complimentary shuttle service, the Shoppers’ Chauffeur, whisks guests between Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. For more information, call 404-233-6767. 3393 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta.

Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square’s smaller, quieter neighbor, features glitzy stores among crystal chandeliers, rotundas and grand staircases. Anchor stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, Parisian and Lord & Taylor. For more information, call 404-262-0992. 3500 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta.

When the city of Atlanta built viaducts over train tracks in 1929, merchants moved their storefronts to the new viaduct level, creating Underground Atlanta, which is anchored by the World of Coca-Cola. Today, the six-block district’s ornamental facades and brick streets house shopping emporiums, cafes, art galleries and clubs. For more information, call 404-523-2311. 50 Upper Alabama Street, Atlanta.

An edgy shopping alternative is the Little Five Points area, a northeast district filled with tattoo parlors, retro clothing stores, alternative nightclubs and a bohemian atmosphere.

Show on a Map Hide the Map

The world’s largest aquarium, the new Georgia Aquarium rests on more than nine acres next to Centennial Olympic Park. Holding more than 8 million gallons of water, the aquarium features 100,000 animals representing more than 500 species. A highlight: two white Beluga whales in an 800,000-gallon glass structure. For more information, call 404-581-4000. 225 Baker Street, Atlanta.

The famed Fox Theatre, constructed in 1929, features a sky- and star-adorned ceiling, grand staircase, Egyptian torches and the Mighty Mo organ. The prime venue showcases Broadway musicals, concerts, symphonies, dance performances and film festivals. For more information, call 404-881-2100. 660 Peachtree Street, Atlanta.

The impressive permanent collection at the High Museum of Art includes African decorative arts, French Impressionism, folk art and photography, while touring exhibits include Matisse's works or a Norman Rockwell show. An additional treat is live jazz on the third Friday of each month. For more information, call 404-733-4400. 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta.

The World of Coca-Cola offers tasting stations of 70 Coca-Cola Company products from all over the world as guests visit the corporate archives, observe the Coke-inspired artwork in the Pop Culture Gallery and wander through the museum with the 4-D theater. For more information, call 800-676-2653. 121 Baker Street, Atlanta.

Show on a Map Hide the Map

Atlanta's premier sports and recreation facilities are all conveniently located downtown, providing easy access from the city's MARTA light rail train.

Centennial Olympic Park, the central venue for the 1996 Summer Olympics, features 21 acres of manicured green lands, the Fountain of Rings and winter ice skating. A seasonal concert series and festivals take place during the warmer months. For more information, call the Park Administration Office at 404-222-7275. Marietta Street and Techwood Drive, Atlanta.

Football's Atlanta Falcons are featured at the 1.6 million-square-foot Georgia Dome, as well as other sporting events, conventions and trade shows. The cable-supported, domed stadium holds 71,250 spectators. For more information, call 404-223-8687. 1 Georgia Dome Drive, Atlanta.

Turner Field, home of baseball's Atlanta Braves, houses the Braves Museum and Scouts Alley. Tours are available year-round. For more information, call 404-522-7630. 755 Hank Aaron Drive S.W., Atlanta.

Show on a Map Hide the Map

Ethnic restaurants, gourmet eateries and classic southern barbecue all blend together in Atlanta. However, comfort food reigns here; try the sweet iced tea, crispy fried chicken or fried catfish at the myriad Southern establishments in this melting pot of dining tastes.

Order a walk-a-dog (hot dog) or bag of rags (fries) at the glorified drive-in, the Varsity. Founded in 1928, the Varsity features homemade chili, burgers and fried foods served on window trays. For more information, call 404-881-1706. 61 North Avenue N.W., Atlanta.

The ribs at Dreamland BBQ are a Southern legend in the Roswell area. The restaurant is a typical barbecue joint, with a barbecue pit in full view of patrons. For more information, call 678-352-7999. 10730 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell.

The international menu changes daily at Bacchanalia, where elegant gourmet fare is the norm. Celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a romantic night out at one of Atlanta's finest restaurants. For reservations, call 404-365-0410. 1198 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta.

Buckhead's 30-foot copper fish greets guests as they enter the popular Atlanta Fish Market restaurant, where more than 100 varieties of fresh seafood are prepared daily. Try the potato-crusted cod or shrimp pot stickers from the ever-changing, mouthwatering menu. For reservations, call 404-262-3165. 365 Pharr Road, Atlanta.