Atlanta Area Restaurants/Malls/Museums, etc.

[Joshua_me]

heh...

Everyone must discover The Varsity on their own terms...

 

[jcb]

One other thing to know about Atlanta. The city has an extreme allergy to placing helpful signs to the interstate. When you find one you have no chance of making the turn. And they have improved since the olympics.

 

[DCTooTall]

That sounds about right - all the Atlanta 'natives' that we know (in quotes because I'm not sure anyone was actually born in this city ) are scandalized that we didn't like it. I'm not a big fan of greasy food, so it was no huge surprise for me, but for my husband not to like it either, well, it's gotta be really greasy.

In any case, they're certainly not hurting for business, so I'm sure we're in the minority. But I still feel compelled to mention it to other out-of-towners looking for stuff to do, since it gets recommended a lot and our experience wouldn't inspire me to tell people to go there.

Proud to Say I was Atlanta Born and raised. Actual Birth occured at Piedmont Hospital.


Of course, I know I was the true minority in the town. Every new-hire class I was ever in I was usually the only person who said they were from Atlanta. Everybody I knew what transplant at some point. And what's really scary... I don't even live in there anymore since I had to get away.

The Varisity is first an foremost, an Experience. The food itself is very hit or miss if most people would like it. With the massive amounts of grease, it really is a love it or hate it kind of place. (it's also probably no coincidence that's it's located about 1/2 way between Grady and Piedmont, with another hospital around the corner. I'm sure more than 1 heart attack has been triggered by eating there. )

 

[GaRain]

Copeland's is in Buckhead and is a nice place to have some Louisiana food. The have a great brunch on Sundays.
If you are going to travel to World of Coke or Aquarium, you should go to Atlantic Station. They have a lot of chain stores and nice places to eat. I wouldn't go down there at night, it can get packed.
Check out a show at The Fox Theater if you have the time. What a wonderful place. Mary Mac's tea room is right around the corner - great southern hospitality.
If you like greek food, Athen's Pizza is in the Emory area, as well as a great bar-b-q place called Community Q!
If you have time to travel outside of ATL a bit, Stone Mountain is a great place to visit. They are only doing the laser shows on the weekends now.

Most of all, have fun in Atlanta, beware of our traffic.....but enjoy!

 

[sbprincess]

I agree with what a lot of people have already said. I'm originally from just above Alpharetta. North Point Mall is pretty large but it may be a little further than you want to drive. Especially since it's the opposite direction of most everything else people have suggested. Mall of GA is definitely huge and a great mall but again, I don't think I would drive all that way just to go there if my time was limited.

I think the Georgia Aquarium is great. The set up is cool because you don't just start walking at one end and walk until you're all the way through. It's kind of set up like the Magic Kingdom where there's a central room and the different exhibits branch off of that. Make sure you look up the ticket system online though. I can't remember exactly but there's some sort of reservation system if they're busy. You buy your tickets for a specific time window. I think...but I may be thinking of somewhere else or it may have changed.

Stone Mountain and the Fox Treater are great suggestions. In all my years living there (from birth to 23) I never actually visited the World of Coca-Cola but I've always heard people say it's fun.

The Varsity is definitely an Atlanta thing. Greasy as all get out but something to experience. Their orange shake (think cream-cicle-ish) is very good!

I considered both Emory and Oglethorpe when I was in high school. I ended up applying to GA Tech, got accepted, and then changed my mind. I very much regret not going to college in the city. Either campus I'm sure you'll enjoy. Oglethorpe is very pretty. Good luck with your choice!

 

[francis6306]

Fancy or normal? Tijuana Joe's is in Alpharetta and has the BEST mexican.

Loca Luna on Miami Circle - Tapas
Ray's on the River - Variety (right on the Chatt)

ANYTHING in the Buckhead Life Group:

Veni Vidi Vici
Chops Lobster Bar
103 West
Atlanta Fish Market
Bistro Niko
Bluepointe
Buckhead Diner
Corner Cafe
Kyma
Nava
Pricci

 

[Sawx04]

Fox Brother BBQ on Decater St is fast becoming the best BBQ joint in the metro area.

Breakfast at Thumbs Up on Edgewood is a must (lock your car doors).

Legal Seafood across the street from Georgia Aquarium is great.

 

[GaRain]

Fox Brother BBQ on Decater St is fast becoming the best BBQ joint in the metro area.

Totally agree - love the Tomminator and The Lopez! Yummy!!