Atlanta

Atlanta, the capital of the New South, is a city of seeming contradictions. It’s simultaneously young and historic, modern and old-fashioned—a celebration of regional and national history. Atlanta’s profile was on the rise long before it hosted the Olympic Games in 1996; since then, the city has continued to grow and prosper. With major companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and CNN calling Atlanta home, Georgia’s capital has established itself as an important urban metropolis that still retains the feel and charm of a small Southern town.

Activities and attractions in Atlanta are as diverse as its residents. Steeped in civil rights history, the King Center celebrates the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who is also buried in the city.

For a unique Civil War history experience, visit the Cyclorama in Grant Park. Next door to the Cyclorama, you’ll find Zoo Atlanta, home to numerous animals including Lun Lun and Yang Yang, Atlanta’s beloved giant pandas. The High Museum of Art is the best art museum in the Southeast, and features excellent collections of modern art, traditional southern folk art, and African art.

Shoppers will enjoy a trip to Underground Atlanta (yes, it’s actually underground) is a must; it’s right next to Centennial Olympic Park, built for the ’96 Summer Olympics. Visit the World of Coca-Cola, the most caffeinated museum you’re likely to find anywhere, while you’re in the area. Check out Little Five Points for an artier, more bohemian experience, or visit the Buckhead area for the best in upscale shopping.

Atlanta is also a sports town, and while a lot of excitement is generated by college sports (Georgia Tech is located downtown, and the University of Georgia is a mere 60 miles away in Athens), Atlanta’s professional teams are nothing to sneer at. The Atlanta Braves have won baseball’s National League East division every year since 1991, an all-time record. The NFL’s Atlanta Falcons are an exciting, up-and-coming young team that should only get better. The city is also home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, and while the South might be the last place you’d expect to find hockey, the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers have quickly become a hometown favorite.

Since Atlanta stays fairly warm year round, you’ll find dozens of excellent public golf courses in the metro area, including the Bobby Jones Golf Course and the Arnold Palmer-designed Cherokee Run Golf Course at the Georgia International Horse Park.