Things to do in Atlanta
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Flying Biscuit Café
Sleep in if you want, the Flying Biscuit serves all-day breakfasts of omelets, organic oatmeal pancakes, fried green tomatoes and tasty grits, all accompanied by their justifiably famous fluffy biscuits. A diverse, happy crowd enjoys the rest of the vegetarian-friendly menu of black bean quesadillas and veggie burgers.
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Varsity
The world's largest drive-in restaurant and an Atlanta institution since 1928, the Varsity is a glorified fast-food joint, but it's always packed with folks ordering walk-a-dogs (hot dogs), gussied-up steaks (hamburgers) and bags of rags (fries).
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Fat Matt's Rib Shack
Fat Matt's is a shrine to two great Southern traditions: barbecue and the blues. Take special note of the Brunswick stew, a delicious side dish best described as barbecue soup.
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CNN Center
CNN Center is the headquarters of the cable-TV news service. You might be tempted to take the CNN tour, a behind-the-scenes glance at the 24-hour news organization, but don't be heartbroken if you miss it. Visitors don't get close enough to the action to feel connected. They do, however, get to ride on an enormous escalator that climbs above a food court and into the CNN facility.
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Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Fernbank Museum of Natural History makes other museums seem hopelessly dull. It covers the natural world from seashells to giant lizards, and it has an IMAX theater. A righteous night out is had on Martinis & IMAX Friday (5:30pm to 10pm January to November), when the lobby turns into a cocktail lounge and live jazz echoes through the bones of a 123ft dinosaur.
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Bone's Restaurant
Bone's is all about old money and the local Buckhead powerbrokers but also gets top votes as Atlanta's best steakhouse. With lots of wood and brass and eager-to-please staff this old-school restaurant oozes class and serves up mouth-watering steaks.
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World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola, a self-congratulatory museum that might prove entertaining to fans of the fizzy beverage and rash commercialization. The climactic moment comes when guests sample Coke products from around the world.
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Vortex Bar & Grill
Walk through the gaping jaws of a giant skull and enter the Vortex, a scrappy joint with a snarky menu boasting '140 styles of gourmet burgers, ' an ideal meal before hitting the L5P bar scene. Ages 18 and up only.
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Grant Park
A large oasis of green situated on the edge of the city center, Grant Park is home to Zoo Atlanta, which features flamingos, elephants, kangaroo and the odd tiger. But the zoo's pride and joy is baby Mei Lan, the giant panda cub whose every movement is a picture of adorability. Be prepared to wait if you want to see her.
Just south of downtown, Grant Park offers one of the most unique multimedia experiences anywhere: the Atlanta Cyclorama. Built in the 1880s, the Cyclorama features a big circular painting of the Battle of Atlanta that revolves around the audience, with sound and light effects and an informative commentary. There's also a diorama and a short movie on the c…
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Georgia Aquarium
The showstopper of the bunch is the Georgia Aquarium, a colossal facility billing itself as the world's largest aquarium. It's been massively successful among tourists, but animal rights activists have criticized the aquarium for displaying exotic whale sharks, two of which died not long after the attraction opened. Nevertheless, the Georgia Aquarium has other whale sharks still swimming, and it also boasts a tank of gorgeous beluga whales, among other marine creatures.
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Atlanta CityPass
Varies (Departs Atlanta, Georgia)
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Atlanta's most famous attractions at one amazing low price with plenty of time to take advantage of the savings!
CityPASS is the best deal in Atlanta containing …
Not LP reviewed
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Nam Chun Hong
Blessed with a thriving immigrant community, Atlanta has a plethora of Asian and Latin eateries, many of which can be found along this fascinating, sprawling stretch of strip malls. Adventurous diners can simply hop in the car and explore the drag, stopping at whatever looks interesting. But those who need a destination to get started should consider Nam Chun Hong the home to scrumptious pan-fried dumplings.
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Watershed
Simply outstanding (and outstandingly simple), this is the place for traditional Southern food done up with just a touch of class. Tuesday night is fried-chicken night; get there early or the birds will be gone. Any other night, order the veggie plate - you've never had a better one. The James Beard Award-winning chef Scott Peacock is nothing less than a local hero.
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Bill Hallman
Atlantans love to shop. Virginia-Highland has a unique selection of boutique shops, including the supremely fashionable Bill Hallman which clothes lads and lasses alike. Find vintage and secondhand threads in Little Five Points or at the smartly stocked Lucky Exchange. The teeny East Atlanta boutique Rare Footage sells limited edition sneakers.
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Atlanta Cyclorama
The Atlanta Cyclorama is one of the city's most famous attractions, a circular painting 109m(358ft) around and 12m(42ft) high depicting the 1864 Battle of Atlanta. Painted in 1886, it is the largest in the world and one of only three such Victorian-era circular paintings remaining in the USA. There's an accompanying Civil War museum on site.
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Carter Presidential Library & Museum
The Carter Presidential Library & Museum features exhibits highlighting Jimmy Carter's 1977-81 presidency, including a replica of the Oval Office. Carter's Nobel Prize is also on display. Don't miss the tranquil Japanese garden out back. The museum underwent a recent redesign, which was completed in October 2009.
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Centennial Olympic Park
The Centennial Olympic Park is a 21-acre legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games. Concerts and special events are held throughout the year. The fountain is a popular summertime spot for kids in bathing suits. This isn't the world's grandest or grassiest park, but there's plenty of room to toss a ball or have a picnic.
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MF Sushi Bar
A fresh rose on your table and a hot towel for your face are your preambles to sushi glory. The ultimate treat is to order omakase, an off-the-menu move that allows the chef total control over your meal. Yet, the standard rolls and fish pieces are above par as well. The MF, by the way, stands for Magic Fingers.
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Atlanta Botanical Garden
The stunning 30-acre Atlanta Botanical Garden has a Japanese garden, winding paths and the amazing Fuqua Orchid Center. On Thursdays the garden is open till 10pm for Cocktails in the Garden that pairs a drink with a particular flower and area of the garden. There is a DJ and snacks.
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Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant
In Buckhead, this is a comfortable Irish pub with a good selection of beers. There's a lunch, dinner and snack menu to weigh the Guinness down. Entertainment on offer includes regular live music performances, screenings of big football (round ball version) matches from Europe and, of course, Irish-American 'craic'.
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Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church was the preaching ground for King Jr, his father and grandfather, who were all pastors here. This is also where King Jr's mother was murdered in 1974. You can take a free tour of the original church, but Sunday services are now held at a new Ebenezer across the street.
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King Center for Non-Violent Social Change
The King Center for Non-Violent Social Change has more information on King's life and work, and a few of his personal effects, including his Nobel Peace Prize. His gravesite, between the church and center, is surrounded by a long, reflecting pool and can be viewed anytime.
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ENO
This Mediterranean-style wine bar has delectable, fine dishes, each paired with a suggested glass of wine. Better yet, proprietor Doug Strickland prioritizes local, sustainable and organic fare and libations. The interior boasts contemporary art exhibits and the exterior has a lovely sidewalk patio.
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Oakland Cemetery
Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell and golf great Bobby Jones are buried in the Oakland Cemetery. Many interesting Victorian and neoclassical monuments are scattered throughout the site, and - if it doesn't creep you out too much - there's a nice open greenspace for picnics.
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Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts
Atlanta has big-city nightlife, with lots of live music and cultural events. Check out the free Creative Loafing for weekly listings. Also check out Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts, which has info and links about the city's music, film, dance and theater scene.
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