Ping: Atlanta Area Residents

[EagleFan]

I'll be in Atlanta on the week of the 21st-25th and was wondering it there is anything that I absolutely should try to see, or get to, if I happen to have any free time. Any suggestions?

I am already looking into getting to their game against the Mets on the 24th (I have to look at it like a win/win situation since at least I get to watch one of those teams lose a game), it's a shame I leave on the afternoon of the 25th as the Phillies are in town starting that night. Something tells me that I'll actually be cheering for the Mets though; if the fans start doing that God-awful chop nonsense. ;)


Thanks in advance. :)

[miked]

If you like touristy things, you can't miss with the Aquarium...just buy your tickets ahead of time so you don't have to deal with the lines. Eat at Fat Matt's if you like BBQ.

[oliegirl]

What part of town are you going to be staying in?

[larrymcg421]

For BBQ, I don't really like Fat Matt's that much. They're not bad, but a bit overrated. Instead, I'd recommend Williamson Brothers BBQ. It's the best in Atlanta.

Just don't let Skydog talk you into going to Sonny's. Unless you like eating turd.

[EagleFan]

What part of town are you going to be staying in?

Kennesaw, I believe it's north of the city.

[miked]

Whoa. That changes things a bit, though I would still recommend the Aquarium.

Fat Matt's isn't really my fave, it's more of a fun place and yes, an attraction. I actually prefer Harold's BBQ near Turner. There are a lot of things to do, but I hope you have a car because Kennesaw is sort of out there. If you like garden stuff, my wife loves the Botanical gardens.

I believe that's also the weekend of Jazz fest in Midtown. Not sure if you're staying until the weekend, but Piedmont Park has free concerts and you can just chill and listen to some Jazz muzak.

[ctmason]

For BBQ, if you're on the north side you won't want to miss Williamson Brothers in Marietta. It's worth the drive. Well wait a minute...there's one in Canton too, wonder if that would be closer? I grew up on the south side what do I know.

Best BBQ in Atlanta is still Harold's in Jonesboro far as I'm concerned but again, I grew up on the south side and they don't let us up on the North side but two times a year. And don't even think about taking a Henry County tag on 400...they'll lay down the tack strips for that.

Also agree the Aquarium is great. The World of Coca-Cola...eh...maybe I just didn't get it because I grew up with a Coke bottle in my hand.

[ISiddiqui]

Forget all of you, go to Dreamland in Roswell. That's the best BBQ.

The Georgia Aquarium is a must see. The High Museum of Art is one of my favorite locations as well.

[ctmason]

And remember, no matter what you may have heard...we Atlantans DO ride on them things like everyday.

[miked]

Actually, if you like turkish food, a good friend of mine owns the Istanbul Cafe in Decatur. It's on Lawrenceville Highway and it truly is some amazing food and a great atmosphere. I don't get bonus points for sending you, but it truly is a great experience (beware, it is crowded on Th/Fr/Sa nights, but during the week is a true gem).

[larrymcg421]

In Kennesaw, I would recommend Texas Roadhouse as a very good steakhouse for low prices. They have cinnamon butter rolls that are more addictive than crack.

As for attractions, you're going to have to travel a bit to to do anything. Six Flags is fun if you're into that type of thing. I enjoy the World of Coca-Cola, High Museum of Art, and there's the Center for Puppetry Arts which puts on some really cool shows (some for children, some for adults).

If you don't feel like dealing with parking, which can be a pain, then I'd recommend parking at Cumberland Mall, and taking the CCT bus from there to the Marta Arts Center station. Then you can just take MARTA wherever you want to go.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've never been to the Atlanta area, but my dad moved to Doraville after Hurricane Katrina wiped out his home. Would you mind stopping over at his place and saying hi? Tell him Pumpy sent you. That'll throw him for a loop!!!

[Tigercat]

I'm actually in North Marietta/Kennesaw, but after moving I haven't had the money to actually go out anywhere, so I can't give much in terms of recommendations, sorry. :(

[oliegirl]

I can't believe we've missed the biggest Atlanta landmark, ever, in the history of the city...

Make sure you at least drive by the Big Chicken! :)

[larrymcg421]

I can't believe we've missed the biggest Atlanta landmark, ever, in the history of the city...

Make sure you at least drive by the Big Chicken! :)

Without a doubt! It's just down the road from Williamson Bros. so you can make it a twofer.

[oliegirl]

And don't forget Chick Fil A!!!!!

C'mon guys, we are failing as Atlanta residents - mentioning the stupid World of Coca Cola but not the Big Chicken and Chick Fil A????? Seriously!!!!

;)

[Tigercat]

Well I didn't think the Big Chicken even needed mention, since every road direction he gets around here will involve starting at or passing by the BC.

[EagleFan]

LONG day today. Arrived before 9, waited over an hour for our luggage (they put it on the wrong conveyor) and finally got to the office around noon without eating anything all day.

We ended up going to O'Charleys for lunch before being in the office for most of the day and then to Sidelines for a quick dinner (I had to try to get some sleep as I had to be back up around 11 to make some calls to our India offices). Now that I am done I need to get a little more sleep so I can get back to the office early to be on another call with our India office for their end of the day.

Something tells me that I am going to end up having ZERO free time to even get a taste of the area. :( :mad: