I'm going on vacation... in my OWN CITY!

[ead79]

That sounds like so much fun, Robin! Believe it or not, I've thought about doing the very same thing. I've always wanted to stay at the Westin Peachtree Plaza because I think the views would be incredible. Plus, riding the speed elevators is fun.

As far as Atlanta tourist sites go, I've seen most of them having grown up here and gone on many field trips. I've seen the zoo, but it's been years. I've been to the World of Coke a ton of times since out of town company always wants to go there. I haven't been to the aquarium yet (it's still too crowded for my taste), but I want to try it. Also, if you like history, the Cyclorama is pretty cool. Underground Atlanta is the only tourist site that I find a bit disappointing--it's really just a mall now with occasional historical markers here and there.

Have fun and tell us what you think of the things you do!

 

[doxdogy]

Have a great time relaxing. Not much to see in my city. Though I would love to go to a hotel by myself. No DH, no dogs just me. Order room service and RELAX.

 

[scrump]

I decided I wanted to get AWAY... but didn't want to spend a lot of money and gas. Michael's out of school and I'm just so tired of using my weekend to clean and organize and just plain never get any rest...

SO I got a hotel on Priceline and got some gcs from Restaurant.com and we're going to vacation right here and ATLANTA!

Mind you, I've never done this before. I've never been to the tourist traps here, never was interested in them.. but my son was born here and it's time he did more than just live here.

I got the Courtyard Marriott for $45 a night and we're gonna do a walking tour, do the Aquarium, Coca Cola, CNN... the works!

Has anyone ever done that within their own city? I think it'll be fun learning more about the town that 7,000 people come thru every week and I've never even tried it out!

I did this, too, when we lived in Atlanta. Oddly, I think it was also the Courtyard Marriott, for $35 a night. We only did it for a weekend, but it was a perfect "getaway" without having to spend a lot of money. Have fun!!!!!

 

[Robinrs]

Gosh, I just had to post when I saw this! I am meeting a new beau who is in the Atlanta area. We are staying there and he is going to give me a romantic tour of his city. I am so excited and am dying waiting for the day. I hope to show him a side of his city he hasn't seen!

What are the nice hotels in Atlanta, for a new couple to stay? What would be romantic places to eat and do?

I am sure he has it all planned out, but I would love to surprize him with something special with regards to his city.

Wow, Bliss that sounds like fun! Try the Westin Peachtree or the Grand Hyatt (formerly the Hotel Nikko). Both are 4 star hotels that are just MADE for couples. I also heard the Interconental has great jacuzzi suites... my kind of thing!

Hi, ead!! I did stay at the Westin some years ago with my ex before Michael was born. It was awesome! We had a special from my radio station for a Valentines weekend for $50! The views ARE incredible and the elevators ARE fun!

The Underground is a mall.. ugh... and a total waste of time. It was part of our tour last year and mostly all we did was walk around and crash at Johnny Rockets!

Well, I'm looking forward to this. Got a call from my job and I have to go in for about an hour today... no problem, they're only minutes from my hotel. This is a PLUS about vacaying here!

Hey Mary Jo, remember WE want to visit the MJ Hotel when we FINALLY get out there to the left coast!

 

[Robinrs]

I did this, too, when we lived in Atlanta. Oddly, I think it was also the Courtyard Marriott, for $35 a night. We only did it for a weekend, but it was a perfect "getaway" without having to spend a lot of money. Have fun!!!!!

Did you stay at the one downtown? How was it?

I originally tried for a $35 hotel but no good. I was lucky to get anything this close to a holiday weekend. The Jazz Festival is in town but I think mostly the locals are going. Usually Atlanta becomes a GHOST town on holidays. I'm about to find out!

 

[powellrj]

we try to do this on most holiday weekends! We will get a priceline room for downtown Indy and then do all the sites! I keep thinking about doing it this weekend and then I remember its race weekend so there isn't a room for a 100 miles around! We always eat at resturants we would usually never try so thats always fun!

 

[Chattyaholic]

DH and I love camping, and we have a very nice campground less than 5 miles from our house that we go to every year. We go a few other places too, but really like going to this campground since it's "so close to home." We don't waste a lot of gas, and "camping is camping" whether you're near home or a few hundred miles away. It's nice because we can come home daily to shower, get the mail, etc. but then go back and enjoy our evening campfire, and the amenities the campground has to offer.

 

[Bliss]

Wow, Bliss that sounds like fun! Try the Westin Peachtree or the Grand Hyatt (formerly the Hotel Nikko). Both are 4 star hotels that are just MADE for couples. I also heard the Interconental has great jacuzzi suites... my kind of thing!

Hey Robinrs! Thanks so much for the suggestions! I will check them all out. I really am so excited. I would love a sweet as I am sure we will spend alot of time in our room. so I will check out the Intercontintental.

How about restaurants? What are the great romantic places to go?

Would you let us know how it goes and give us a review of Atlanta? I would really be interested.

What a great idea! How fun.

 

[N.Bailey]

There really isn't much touristy in our area, but we do have the biggest manmade lake with the biggest marina in the state and we spend a lot of our summer on the lake skiing, tubing etc... and sometimes we go to the beach area, but that's becoming less and less each year. Hubby wants to get me to go camping out there, but, well...I'm not really that outdoorsy. We have rented a cabin for a week though and while we had a good time, we live 10-15 minutes from the nearest boat dock, so it's not something that we want to do all the time.

We did do the Lancaster area a few years ago. I grew up down that way and just wanted to take the kids. Someday (I keep putting it off) I'd like to take them to Gettysburg and Philly. There is a lot of history right here in our state and some day, we really should take advantage of that.

I'm sure you'll have a good time in Atlanta. There is so much to see and do right out your backdoor!

 

[Robinrs]

I'm actually at the Courtyard right now! Very nice hotel for the money! and FREE WIFI!

Michael and I went for a wasted car ride looking for a place to eat to no avail. Upon going back to the hotel we asked the guy at the parking lot and he told us there were LOADS of restaurants walking distance up the road we did NOT go up! Most of the roads in downtown Atlanta are ONE WAY... ugh... and I was just traveling in circles!

We walked up Andrew Young Intl Blvd and found the Hard Rock Cafe. I've never been a big fan but Michael really liked them so we walked in. It was across the street from Hooters so I guess it was the better deal... ... especially with a 13yo boy!

This time the food was EXCELLENT and we had a great time. The server we had was incredible! We walked around afterwards and just blended in with the very OBVIOUS tourists... is there a section in Macy's that says "Clothes you ONLY wear on Vacation...???

There was a welcome center on a corner and I asked the man about some places we plan to go to tomorrow. He gave me walking and driving directions. I told him I should be ashamed since I'd lived here for 18 years! He laughed out loud! After buying a wilted rose from a homeless man... my son says I'm such a wimp... we came back the hotel. Michael is napping now and I'm enjoying a weekend without stress or laundry... and I'm on the DIS, too!

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday!