Atlanta Vacation - Suggestions wanted

[Coder]

So I'm going back to Atlanta for the second time in a year (Oct 1 to Oct 12). I will be staying in Decatur with some good friends. I don't have any specific plans, just hanging out, but I'd like to have one or two "things" to do, that I can do by myself (preferrably getting there by Marta).

I'm catching a Thrashers game, but there are no homegames for the Falcons to watch, instead I'm going to watch those at Taco Mac in Decatur.

Now, I've done CNN and Coca Cola (be it 15 years ago, but I'm not really interested in doing that again), but what else is there to do? Every few days or so I'd just be interesting in killing a few hours and "discover" Atlanta on my own while my hosts go about their own business.

I lived in South Georgia for two years but didn't see much of the big city so other than the two attractions mentioned above I haven't seen much.

Finally, I'm curious about if there are any good gaming stores (not console/pc gaming, but boardgames, rpgs etc) in the Atlanta area.

Any assistance would be most appreciated .

[ISiddiqui]

I'm glad you took my advice of going to Taco Mac to catch the game .

There is actually a NEW World of Coke. It's next to the Aquarium just north of Centennial Park. You should get to the Georgia Aquarium. It is the largest in the world and the only one outside Asia to have whale sharks. Then, if you want, you can see the new World of Coke (better than the old one, but not essential).

I haven't been, but I hear the Atlanta Zoo and Cyclorama in Grant Park are cool, but you can't easily get there from MARTA.

Also, you could go around in Piedmont Park in Midtown.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The major gaming shop in Atlanta for many years was The Sword & The Phoenix but it closed at least a couple of years ago. I'm not sure it's ever been replaced although you might find some info from somewhere like the DragonCon site or a gamer's forum, I'm just too far out of the loop these days to know the right answer. Odds are that Decatur probably has one.

edit to add: Depending upon your interests, the Atlanta History Center has some good stuff. Check out their exhibitions at http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com
(and the directions include MARTA bus line info to the site, IIRC the stop is right outside the parking deck)

[Coder]

Thank you both, some excellent advice here. Taco Mac is just excellent, it's only a 6 minute walk from where I'll be staying . I'll definitely look into the New Coke thingy!

And the history center was a great suggestion. I'm very much into history and was also contemplating borrowing a car for one day to head down to Andersonville, but it might be a bit depressing I guess.

[Radii]

The Aquarium is absolutely amazing, totally a must see.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Coder

And the history center was a great suggestion. I'm very much into history and was also contemplating borrowing a car for one day to head down to Andersonville, but it might be a bit depressing I guess.

Good deal then, several of the exhibits really are quite good IMO.

The Civil War exhibit is an above average collection and as you might imagine I've visited more than my fair share of those around the country.

If you enjoy golf & golf history, you'll like Down the Fairway With Bobby Jones, even I got a kick out of the 18th century clubs, St. Andrews rule book and the like as it covers both Jones' career and more generally the history of golf.

I haven't seen the porcelain/silver/furniture/rugs collection of renowned architect Phillip Trammell Shutze but I'm told it's pretty good, and there's 8 or 9 other permanent or temporary or traveling collections on display currently as well.

Also during your trip window, the annual Sweet Auburn Heritage Festival takes place 10/1 thru 10/3, in what's probably the heart of black history in Atlanta.

If you're a foodie, 10/10 & 10/11 are the dates for Taste of Atlanta, more than 80 restaurants join celebrity chefs, live music, etc. for an outdoor food festival covering more than 8 acres & 10 city blocks. If you're going, save $5 by buying your wristband online in advance ($25 vs $30 walk up)

[ISiddiqui]

Mmm, Taste of Atlanta. Thanks for reminding me of it, Jon!

[Karlifornia]

Be sure to check out the Fountains. They're beautiful. A different kind of beautiful than the Bellagio fountains, but still a sight to behold:

[rjolley]

I need to take my kids out to see the various sites. Things like the sign above are things they only read about (and, honestly, were things I only read about, growing up in the 70's in Gary, IN). I think it would be good for them to see.

Is the Taste of Atlanta late this year? I thought it was in August last year.

Thanks for the info in this thread. I moved here a little over 2 years ago and there are things I still need to see.

[CU Tiger]

3 words...bullet proof vest