Fun things to do in Atlanta?

[Eaglesfan27]

I just had my boss confirm that the institution I work for is paying to send me to Atlanta for a leadership development conference October 5th-10th in conjuction with the Institute of Psychiatric Services. The cool thing is my Hotel, Airfare, and a generous per diem (that covers food, cabs, or other miscellaneous expenses) are all paid for me :) This should be a completely free trip or very close to completely free. Oddly, a rental car cannot be paid for with the per diem. I don't understand that stipulation. Now, I just have to decide what fun things to do during my free time there.

So, I come to this board looking for recommendations. My hotel will be the Atlanta Hilton. I expect to be in meetings/conferences for 6-8 hours each day which should leave a nice amount of free time with some of it being in the afternoon and some in the evenings.

Do people recommend I get a rental car even though I would have to pay for it out of my pocket or will public transportation and cabs be sufficient to get me to fun places?

I'm looking for recommendations for places to eat, things to do, and whatever else you can all think of :D

The only downside to this trip is that I'm a little worried because part of this conference is I have to fill out a 100 question form, the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator which analyzes what type of personality I have, within the next week.

The purpose of filling out that form is to "learn about your own personality tendencies and how to overcome them and use them to be a more effective leader." They are supposed to be confidential and not shared with any outside parties including my boss. However, I still wonder if he would discover the results of it. Then again, I don't think it is going to show anything horrible and my boss clearly likes me as I've been one of the fastest promoted doctors within the institution during the last 18 months.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your recommendations.

[Sun Tzu]

Maybe you can catch a Braves game?

[Buzzbee]

What are some of your dining preferences? Good hole in the wall eats? Unique dining experiences? Good steak houses? Mexican? Italian? Expensive? Moderate? Cheap?

That might help us give you some ideas.


For cheap, greasy, but very tasty (some would disagree) hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, try the Varsity. Their onion rings and Frosted Orange are especially tasty.

Unique experience, somewhat pricey, and very filling - The Melting Pot, but I think they have one of those in NOLA, so you may choose elsewhere.

Steaks - Bones.

Unique, pricey, great view, okay food - Sundial

I'm sure we can set you up.

[Radii]

I would highly recommend renting a car. Look into the locations you're going to be at to see what kind of parking they have(if you have to pay for parking that might affect your decision a little), but if you do much of anything outside of downtown atlanta cab fares get to be too much and it's just too damn inconvienant to not have a car.

http://www.stonemountainpark.com/newsite/schedule_laser.asp

October 9th they're doing the laser show at Stone Mountain, try to see that, it's the most fun thing I've done in Atlanta.

If the wild card round is going on and the Braves are hosting a game while you're in town, this is probably the cheapest city in the country to see playoff baseball. Keep an eye on the playoff schedule and check out ticketmaster when they clinch and you know they're going to be at home, etc, you can pick up tickets for a reasonable price for the wild card round.

World of Coca-Cola isn't the greatest thing in the world but it's reasonably entertaining, I'm not a big fan of Undreground Atlanta at all, but it is a big tourist trap, you may want to wander around there just to say you've been.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well, let's see here ...

Joe Satriani is at the Fox Theatre on 10/6
Third Day is at the Phillips on 10/7
The "GNC Show of Strength Women's Bodybuilding Fitness and Figure Finals" is at the Cobb Galleria on 10/8 :D
Falcons vs Lions at the Georgia Dome 10/10 (1pm kickoff)

Those things aside, odds are pretty good you'll need a car, but it depends mostly on where you're staying & what sort of stuff you want to do. If you want to sightsee (stuff like Stone Mountain Park for example), then a car is a must IMO. If you are more interested in "events", restaurants/bars, etc., then if you're at the Hilton downtown you could probably get by without one. Unless you want to hit the Buckhead area (our much quieter than it used to be "party zone", it's where ESPNZone is for example) then you'll be back to needing a car.

[JonInMiddleGA]

For cheap, greasy, but very tasty (some would disagree) hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, try the Varsity. Their onion rings and Frosted Orange are especially tasty.

No disagreement from me. The Varsity is pretty must a near-must for any guy visting (as long as he doesn't have cholesterol issues).

[Alf]

Following JIMGA advice, I would

1 - go to the Satrian concert
2 - go to the Falcons/Lions game
3 - try to arrange a diner with our Atlanta FOFC members

[Eaglesfan27]

Sun Tzu - A Braves game is definitely on my radar assuming the timing works out. Are they playing at home in October?

I love good Italian food, good steaks, really a wide variety of food types. New Orleans has a fairly nice variety, so I'd like to focus on unique restaurants in Atlanta. I'm overweight but my cholesterol is excellent so The Varsity sounds like a good recommendation from you guys.

I'm not too worried about the price range. This is going to be a "free trip" except for my rental car, so I can splurge for a good fun experience (whether that be food or other things)

Bones sounds like a good target. The Sundial also sounds intriguing.

So far the consensus sounds like I should get a car. I'll be flying out Sunday at 5:40 PM so that might make the football game a little too close to catch :(

However, that sounds like a good endorsement of the laser show at Stone Mountain from Radii.

Thanks for the feedback so far, and I look forward to hearing so more and trying to check into these things :)

[Glengoyne]

I heard Morten Andersen talk about a meatmarket ...errr.. club there called the "Tongue and Groove". Always thought that was a great name for a nightclub

[Eaglesfan27]

Following JIMGA advice, I would

1 - go to the Satrian concert
2 - go to the Falcons/Lions game
3 - try to arrange a diner with our Atlanta FOFC members

I'd definitely like to arrange a get together with those in the Atlanta region for dinner or something.

The Satrian concert sounds interesting.

As previously mentioned, I don't think my 5:40 flight time would allow me to see the Falcons game :( (or is the stadium really close to the airport) ;)

[Ben E Lou]

Agree 100% on renting a car. I can't imagine a city of similar size having a worse public transportation system.

Lots of good restaurant options. It just depends on what you like. If you want something a little different, and like, or are willing to try Thai, I'd recommend Tamarind, or the other place that the Tamarind owners run (can't remember the name, but a 'net search for Tamarind in Atlanta should also turn up their other restaurant).

Tucker vs. St. Pius is that weekend. Should be a matchup of Top 10's, and perhaps the two best team's in the state's toughest AAAA region, although it will be at Pius, so it'll be pretty much standing room only. Several D-1 prospects will be playing, of course.

I'll be in town that weekend, if any dinner with FOFC'ers should happen.

--Ben

[Sun Tzu]

Hmm, looks like the baseball season ends on OCT 3rd. Bummer, well if they make the playoffs (they doing any good this year?), that would definetely be an experience to remember. Although I'm sure seats would be a little pricey.

[Ben E Lou]

Hmm, looks like the baseball season ends on OCT 3rd. Bummer, well if they make the playoffs (they doing any good this year?), that would definetely be an experience to remember. Although I'm sure seats would be a little pricey.Games in the first round of the playoffs are rarely/never sell-outs here. If he wants to go to a playoff game, I'd recommend showing up at Turner Field a few minutes before game time. He shouldn't have to pay very much to get in, particuarly if he's alone or with only one other person.

[Eaglesfan27]

Agree 100% on renting a car. I can't imagine a city of similar size having a worse public transportation system.

Lots of good restaurant options. It just depends on what you like. If you want something a little different, and like, or are willing to try Thai, I'd recommend Tamarind, or the other place that the Tamarind owners run (can't remember the name, but a 'net search for Tamarind in Atlanta should also turn up their other restaurant).

Tucker vs. St. Pius is that weekend. Should be a matchup of Top 10's, and perhaps the two best team's in the state's toughest AAAA region, although it will be at Pius, so it'll be pretty much standing room only. Several D-1 prospects will be playing, of course.

I'll be in town that weekend, if any dinner with FOFC'ers should happen.

--Ben

Please excuse my ignorance of Georgia athletics. Would I need to buy tickets in advance to the game? (I'm assuming I do if it is standing room only) Also, how far is Pius from where I'll be staying (not that it really matters as it appears a rental car is a must)

I'm not a huge fan of Thai, but I like it at times (there was a good Thai restaurant in Philly which I can't remember the name of, but that place had Thai that I actually enjoyed)

[Buzzbee]

Yes, laser show is something to check out. You might want to visit the stone mountain website, as there are numerous activities. Although with you being in meetings during the day, that will limit it a great deal. I'd suggest stopping by Kentucky Fried, getting a bucket o' chicken, mashed taters, corn on the cob, buscuits, and sweet tea and having a little picnic on the green.

Also, there is a restaurant that several people recommended in a thread last year. If Mrs. Eaglesfan is coming along, a place that used to be called Ray's on the River is an excellent date restaurant. Can't remember the name now.

[Ben E Lou]

Please excuse my ignorance of Georgia athletics. Would I need to buy tickets in advance to the game? (I'm assuming I do if it is standing room only) Also, how far is Pius from where I'll be staying (not that it really matters as it appears a rental car is a must)

I'm not a huge fan of Thai, but I like it at times (there was a good Thai restaurant in Philly which I can't remember the name of, but that place had Thai that I actually enjoyed)Pius is RIGHT off of the interstate (I-85). I don't know exactly where the Hilton is located, but it is likely to be downtown near 75/85, and therefore probably no more than 15 minutes away. Tickets won't need to be bought in advance. It will likely be standing room only because they have a TINY on-campus stadium, although I did hear that they were adding seats on the visitors' side, which would greatly alleviate the problem. If they haven't upgraded, it still isn't bad, because it is one of those built-into-the-ground stadiums, and it therefore has a very large, flat concrete area behind the stands where people can set up chairs if a seat is unavailable. Finally, there probably will still be seats at around 7:10-7:15 (for a 7:30 start), so it really wouldn't be THAT bad.

My understanding is that if you like Thai even a little bit, these two places are top notch. I've never taken anyone to either of them without them becoming immediate fans.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes, laser show is something to check out. You might want to visit the stone mountain website, as there are numerous activities. Although with you being in meetings during the day, that will limit it a great deal. I'd suggest stopping by Kentucky Fried, getting a bucket o' chicken, mashed taters, corn on the cob, buscuits, and sweet tea and having a little picnic on the green.

Also, there is a restaurant that several people recommended in a thread last year. If Mrs. Eaglesfan is coming along, a place that used to be called Ray's on the River is an excellent date restaurant. Can't remember the name now.

Mrs. Eaglesfan will not be coming along due to work/school. This will be our first time apart for more than a night in over 5 years of marriage :eek:

The good part of that is I don't have to plan the activities around both of our interests and can focus on just mine :)

[VPI97]

The good part of that is I don't have to plan the activities around both of our interests and can focus on just mine :)Then it's agreed...FOFC field trip to the Cheetah!!

[Draft Dodger]

toilet paper Skydog's house?

[Axxon]

I don't know about atlanta but here's a good place to start if you're visiting farther west.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114660/

[Eaglesfan27]

I don't know about atlanta but here's a good place to start if you're visiting farther west.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114660/

:D

[Buzzbee]

Mrs. Eaglesfan will not be coming along due to work/school. This will be our first time apart for more than a night in over 5 years of marriage :eek:

The good part of that is I don't have to plan the activities around both of our interests and can focus on just mine :)

One word.


Cheetah. :cool:

[GrantDawg]

You can go to VPI's house for cards and burnt fries. :)

[Ben E Lou]

One word.


Cheetah. :cool:*REALLY* burnt fries.

[psychedelicate-girl]

Check out this place for a little intellectual stimulation:
http://www.shakespearetavern.com/
The food is traditional English pub fare (read: icky) but the shows are great!

[Eaglesfan27]

Check out this place for a little intellectual stimulation:
http://www.shakespearetavern.com/
The food is traditional English pub fare (read: icky) but the shows are great!

Thanks! That sounds like a great suggestion. I'm jotting down the contact info from the website now.

[psychedelicate-girl]

Ask for Jeanette, tell her Stevie sent you!

[Ragone]

Whats the name of that club that andruw jones got lesbian sex shows at? that might be a good spot to hit if its still even open :P

[Ben E Lou]

Whats the name of that club that andruw jones got lesbian sex shows at? that might be a good spot to hit if its still even open :PThat was the infamous Gold Club, which is now closed. I think a church bought the building. :eek:

[PilotMan]

I am going to assume that you are staying at the Hilton by the Airport, having said that you can get to most of the main areas in downtown or the buckhead or the college by the MARTA. You wouldn't get out to Stone Mountain however. Just take the hotel van back to the airport and hop on. It runs all the way downtown, and there is a connecting E-W line too. I personally have not done it but many, many of the crews have. I think it's like $1.75 each way. You should be able to pick up a visitors guide at the hotel, and it will have a ton of things to do and see. The hotel congierge(sp?) might know some things too. A local place near the airport that looks like a hole in the wall, that the hotel van might take you too would be Spondivits. It is a seafood joint in a casual/bar atmosphere. Good food, its usually very busy, and sometimes you can spot some famous people too. So depending and where you are staying you don't necessarily need a car to keep yourself busy for a couple of days. If you go this route I would advise to go with someone just to be safer.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I am going to assume that you are staying at the Hilton by the Airport, ...

It means nothing of course, but I assumed he meant the one downtown, on Courtland Street IIRC.

{only point being, I thought it was funny that we both made assumptions, just ones that were a good 15-20 miles apart}

[Eaglesfan27]

I don't know which one it is.. I know the rooms are quite nice and expensive per my boss.. let me see if I can find the address on some of my paperwork.


Nope, no address yet. I'm supposed to get a confirmation of my hotel room and information in a few days. I got my airplane info confirmation today in my email. All I know is that the convention is actually in this Hilton and it will most likely be one of the nicer hotels in the city as these conventions are usually in nice hotels.

[rkmsuf]

Jane Fonda?

[sachmo71]

If you find my exgirlfriend, do her. She was fun.

[VPI97]

*REALLY* burnt fries.My wife threw away the baking sheet and banned me from using the oven. :(

[oliegirl]

October 9th they're doing the laser show at Stone Mountain, try to see that, it's the most fun thing I've done in Atlanta.

Why do I find this comment so disturbing? The Laser Show is the MOST fun thing you have done in Atlanta??? Yes it's entertaining, but no where near the "most" fun thing I have done here.

On a side note, it's a shame you won't be here the following week instead, you could come attend the nuptuals of Radii and Oliegirl...hopefully this will eclipse Stone Mountain Laser Show on Radii's list of most fun things :)

[Radii]

Why do I find this comment so disturbing? The Laser Show is the MOST fun thing you have done in Atlanta??? Yes it's entertaining, but no where near the "most" fun thing I have done here.

From a touristy perspective, most definitely.

Any other wording would have implied that you're a tourist atrraction, so I thought I'd just leave that alone altogether :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

... hopefully this will eclipse Stone Mountain Laser Show on Radii's list of most fun things :)

Off-hand, I can't say I've ever really had a real blast at anybody's wedding.

Now the umm "after-party" ... that's a different story :D

[Buzzbee]

Why do I find this comment so disturbing? The Laser Show is the MOST fun thing you have done in Atlanta??? Yes it's entertaining, but no where near the "most" fun thing I have done here.


Yeah, but Radii doesn't count, since he is unavailable for EaglesFan due to the upcoming wedding.

[Raven Hawk]

Do I smell a Bachelor Party for Radii blossoming?

[cuervo72]

Ghosting Chubby is usually pretty fun.

[KWhit]

Then it's agreed...FOFC field trip to the Cheetah!!
I'm in.

[druez]

Agree 100% on renting a car. I can't imagine a city of similar size having a worse public transportation system.

--Ben

Houston

[oliegirl]

Do I smell a Bachelor Party for Radii blossoming?

Yes...his best man from NC is coming down with another good friend and they are planning something. I trust radii, but his best man...not so sure about him! :)

Side note - bachelorette party for oliegirl is also being planned, and we are in need of some entertainment...any volunteers??? ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

I just received the confirmation from the travel agency that my boss is using for this trip. The hotel is at the following address:

<!--StartFragment -->

255 Courtland Street, NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

I assume that is the downtown location?<!--StartFragment -->

[larrymcg421]

If you like BBQ, then Williamson Bros. is a MUST. Best ribs I've ever had. Pretty decent prices, too.

[GrantDawg]

I just received the confirmation from the travel agency that my boss is using for this trip. The hotel is at the following address:

<!--StartFragment -->

255 Courtland Street, NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

I assume that is the downtown location?<!--StartFragment -->



Yup, right downtown. That is the Atlanta Hilton. I was just in there like 3 hours ago. It is right in the heart of the city.

[Ben E Lou]

Pius is RIGHT off of the interstate (I-85). I don't know exactly where the Hilton is located, but it is likely to be downtown near 75/85, and therefore probably no more than 15 minutes away. Tickets won't need to be bought in advance. It will likely be standing room only because they have a TINY on-campus stadium, although I did hear that they were adding seats on the visitors' side, which would greatly alleviate the problem. If they haven't upgraded, it still isn't bad, because it is one of those built-into-the-ground stadiums, and it therefore has a very large, flat concrete area behind the stands where people can set up chairs if a seat is unavailable. Finally, there probably will still be seats at around 7:10-7:15 (for a 7:30 start), so it really wouldn't be THAT bad.Update on this:


Stadium renovations boost athletic facilities at St. Pius

Thursday, September 9, 2004 4:04 AM EDT
E-mail this story (http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/articles/2004/09/10/328/3301.eml) | Printable Version (http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/articles/2004/09/10/328/3301.prt)

<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="288"> <tbody><tr> <td class="photo-right">http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/content/articles/2004/09/10/328/3301.jpg</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="photo-right" align="center" width="288">
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> By Scott Blusiewicz

DeKalb Neighbor Sports Editor

A quick drive through the St. Pius campus requires visitors to navigate around construction trucks, a temporary chain-link fence and workers moving throughout the school's football stadium.

The construction workers progress at a hectic pace, as they enter the final phases of a major renovation to the Golden Lions' primary outdoor athletic facility. After years of usage by numerous athletic teams, George B. Maloof Field was in serious need of repair. Additionally, the school needed to add more seats to comply with Georgia High School Association standards for a Class AAAA athletic program.

"We've known for quite a while that we needed to upgrade our facilities," St. Pius athletic director Mark Kelly said. "Our stadium, in essence, has not been changed since it was built in 1964. We were not up to GHSA standards in terms of seating capacity for playoff football games. We were not in GHSA compliance in terms of playoff games in regards to press box area. So we obviously had to do some things." <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td class="photo-right" align="center">
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After making the decision to renovate the stadium several years ago, St. Pius launched a $6 million capital campaign to expand three separate facilities - the multi-sport stadium, the cafeteria and the school's fine arts wing. The school has raised $6.4 million in the campaign from a variety of groups including parents of current students, alumni, parents of alumni and private foundations. Construction on the new stadium began last April.

The installation of a new field is perhaps the most significant aspect of the stadium renovation, according to Kelly.

"Our single biggest problem here at St. Pius is we're land-locked," Kelly said. "We just don't have land. And because of that, we have to use that game field for all our practices [and] for all of our games and so forth. And we were putting a sizable amount of money into just trying to keep that field up.

"The reality was that we were fighting a losing battle. So we looked into the newest artificial turf - the same stuff the Falcons have - and realized that this was a viable alternative for us. That field will pay for itself over a 10-year period. And then from that point on, we'll cut our field costs in half. And we can use that field now 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, rain or shine."

In addition to the playing field, the seating capacity was expanded from 2,500 to 5,000 to comply with the GHSA-specified 4,000 seats for football playoff games in Class AAAA. St. Pius also has added a brand-new press box and new locker rooms.

"I think that we have now taken the step to take our athletic program to another level through the capital campaign by all of the improvements with the stadium, the press box [and] the field," St. Pius head football coach Paul Standard said. "We are certainly in competition for students with the other private schools [in Atlanta]. And by enhancing our physical plant that just puts us in a much better situation to compete for those students."

St. Pius has re-named the football stadium after legendary football coach George B. Maloof, who amassed an overall record of 168-85-12 with one state championship at the school from 1958 through 1983. The school has elected to name the press box after Tom Novack, who has spent the past 14 years as a volunteer game manager at St. Pius athletic events despite the fact that he has no official connection to the school beyond his volunteer work. Nevertheless, he remains a vital part of St. Pius athletics. <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width=""> <tbody><tr> <td class="photo-left">
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The school held a dinner to honor Maloof and Novack on Sept. 4, and will hold the official dedication ceremony for the new stadium during the Chamblee game Sept. 24.Bottom line, they've gone from 2,500 seats to 5,000 seats. Still, by then Pius should be 7-0, and Tucker should be either 5-1 or 6-0 (We've got Marist next weekend.) Both will be Top 10, and maybe Top 5, at that point. 5,000 seats will help things a ton, but it still could draw an overflow crowd.

[Crapshoot]

I think Patrick Ewing and co might reccomend the Gold Club.... :D

[rufusjonz]

Welcome to Atlanta mfer where we dont play
And out of towners get got like every day

[Eaglesfan27]

Just an update. I'm doing final preparations today in order to catch my flight tomorrow. I ended up getting a car with GPS and talking navigation so that should help some with getting around the city. Hopefully, I'll have internet access and be able to check in, and I'd still like to meet some FOFC'ers for dinner or whatever some time during the week (Friday night would likely be best.)

[Ben E Lou]

Just an update. I'm doing final preparations today in order to catch my flight tomorrow. I ended up getting a car with GPS and talking navigation so that should help some with getting around the city. Hopefully, I'll have internet access and be able to check in, and I'd still like to meet some FOFC'ers for dinner or whatever some time during the week (Friday night would likely be best.)I'm out Friday. As mentioned earlier, that's Tucker vs. St. Pius. Both teams are undefeated and ranked in virtually everyone's Top 5 in the state. I'm fairly open the rest of the week, though, although I have a basketball game Thursday night at 7pm, so I'd need to do something on the later side then. (It should be over at 8, and can shower/change on site if necessary.)

[Ben E Lou]

Man, it just hit me:

Tucker: 6-0
Georgia: 4-0
Atlanta: 4-0

It has been quite the football season so far! If I can just get my IHOF team rollin'...

[GrantDawg]

Man, it just hit me:

Tucker: 6-0
Georgia: 4-0
Atlanta: 4-0

It has been quite the football season so far! If I can just get my IHOF team rollin'...
I hope at least one of those three wins a championship.

[Gallifrey]

Agree 100% on renting a car. I can't imagine a city of similar size having a worse public transportation system.



--Ben

Seattle. There isn't one here at all.

[Gallifrey]

Man, it just hit me:

Tucker: 6-0
Georgia: 4-0
Atlanta: 4-0

It has been quite the football season so far! If I can just get my IHOF team rollin'...

Wow, that is something.

I am from Atlanta and went to Redan. Have been to many Tucker games. I lived there for years, down the street from the High School.

Good luck Friday!

[Ben E Lou]

Wow, that is something.

I am from Atlanta and went to Redan. Have been to many Tucker games. I lived there for years, down the street from the High School.

Good luck Friday!What year did you graduate from Redan?

[Gallifrey]

1981

I went to Henry County before my last year and a half at Redan.

[Ben E Lou]

1981

I went to Henry County before my last year and a half at Redan.Another over 40 FOFC, huh ya old fart? ;) I asked because I figured you were in the normal (for this board) mid-to-late 20's demographic. I know a few people that age from Redan, but no one in the Kevin Butler era. :p

[Gallifrey]

Yeah, Kevin Butler was there at that time.

I don't feel old :confused:

When I was in my mid to late 20's cool games like this were not out there, and I was rolling around the planet with my band playing loud rock'n'roll.

[Ben E Lou]

Yeah, Kevin Butler was there at that time.

I don't feel old :confused:

When I was in my mid to late 20's cool games like this were not out there, and I was rolling around the planet with my band playing loud rock'n'roll.No prob man. Just pickin' at ya!

[Eaglesfan27]

Well this hotel is very nice and does have high speed internet access for only 9.95 a day which is worth it to me.

Also, I can't believe I've never used the Neverlost system before in a rental car. I did miss a turn coming to the hotel, but that system immediately calculated a new route to the hotel for me. Great system.

Anyway, I'm stuck going to a business dinner tonight, but will be exploring the attractions of Atlanta the rest of the evenings of the week. Also, I will have some downtime to attend to the eNFL and other leagues I'm in.

[Buzzbee]

Just an update. I'm doing final preparations today in order to catch my flight tomorrow. I ended up getting a car with GPS and talking navigation so that should help some with getting around the city. Hopefully, I'll have internet access and be able to check in, and I'd still like to meet some FOFC'ers for dinner or whatever some time during the week (Friday night would likely be best.)

Missed this yesterday. Friday is out for me as well.

Glad you made it to the ATL safely and I hope you have a safe and fun visit while here. You'll have to keep us informed as to your exploits while here. Sorry I'm not able to meet up with you and others in the area. Perhaps you'll have another opportunity to make it back and several of us can get together.

[Eaglesfan27]

First update of exploits (well sort of): Any of you remember the Larry Miller (I think that is who it was - my powers of recollection are severly impaired today) routine about the devil on your shoulder at the bar. Well, last night I made it to at least stage 3. I don't usually drink more than 1 drink, but last night I caught up with a good buddy who I met 10 years ago in college who moved to Atlanta a few years ago. He kept convincing me to visit "one more" bar. Before I knew it, it was 5 AM, and I had to be up by 8:30 or so to make it to my first meeting at 9:00 AM today :(.

I don't remember all the places we went to during last night, but I remember we started at a good sportsbar somewhere near Snellville or Stone Mountain (he lives out that way) and we ended up in Bucktown as the last place. Anyway, I think I had a blast.

Oh yeah, I'm in meetings until 5:30 PM today with an optional reception from 5:30 to 7:00 PM tonight. This break of 15 minutes made me come up to my room for some more aspirin and I decided to get on here so I don't let myself fall into the temptation of taking a 10 minute nap. Anyway, tonight will be an early night, but I look forward to exploring the city tomorrow (and using some restraint so I can better remember what I've seen.)

[Buzzbee]

Glad to hear you are having a good time so far. Although it seems that if you got in at 5:30 you would have made it past stage 3.

We look forward to your next report.

[Honolulu_Blue]

May I recommend watching the Lions trash the previously undefeated Falcons this weekend. (This is really only going to happen in my living room (which is nowhere near Atlanta) if I decide to Madden this weekend)