Centennial Olympic Park

No matter what time of year you decide to visit, there is always something to do at Centennial Olympic Park. Just two decades ago the park was one of the worst areas of town, run down and neglected and then the Olympics came to town. The multi-block region was transformed into a park celebrating the historic 1996 Olympic visit. To this day, the park sponsors a variety of free events so you should check the website before you go so you’re sure not to miss anything. And make sure to stop and see the Quilt of Remembrance, for those of us that remember, Centennial Olympic Park was the scene of a terrible bombing and the quilt is designed as a memorial to those who lost their lives.

Piedmont Park Conservancy

If you’re looking for a park that allows more activities (several are prohibited at Centennial Olympic Park), then Piedmont Park Conservancy is a great place to spend an afternoon. The list of things to do at Piedmont is almost staggering and can fill more than a day full of fun activities. Take your choice from fishing, grilling, picnicking, playground fun, skating and biking, soccer, softball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, walking or jogging and bird watching. If you are lucky enough to be there at the right time of year, the Green Market is a great way to spend a morning, and then you can take your purchases deeper into the park and have a lovely lunchtime picnic. If you’re interested in history, there are free Historic Park Tours every first and third Saturday of the month. These guided walking tours take about 60 to 90 minutes and cover all phases of the park’s development.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

For a deeper understanding of the history of Atlanta and America, schedule a visit to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site for an incredible look inside the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. If you’re interested in a tour of the birth home you’ll have to go with a park ranger on a tour. These tours are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis so register at the Visitor Center as soon as you arrive, only 15 people can go each hour. In addition to seeing the birth home there are several events that are sponsored throughout the year, check the website to see what’s going on during your visit.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Whether you’re a Civil War buff or not, there is something about Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park that draws everyone into the mystery of the past. Filled with history and lore, the Kennesaw Battlefield is a fascinating way to spend a day in Atlanta without spending a dime. The Battlefield encompasses 2,923 acres and seeks to preserve this important location of the Atlanta Campaign. From June 19^th to July 2^nd 1864 these now sparse grounds were packed with 100,000 soldiers in the Sherman army and 63,000 in Johnston’s. While the battle raged more than 67,000 men were killed, wounded or captured on the very land that is now occupied by the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. There are three battlefield areas, and 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails and a small Civil War museum.

Georgia Governor’s Mansion

The Georgia Governor’s Mansion is an architectural masterpiece that features a Greek revival façade with 30 stunning columns. On the inside you’ll find the mansion decorated with pieces from the Federalist Period. You’ll also see a signed first edition copy of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone With the Wind” and the torch Muhammad Ali used to light the Olympic Cauldron at the 1996 Summer Games. The self guided tour is totally free and lets you explore 10 different rooms on the first floor. Each room features a docent who is happy to point out the highlights of their area and answer any questions you may have.

Georgia State Capitol

If you enjoyed your visit to the Governor’s Mansion you may also enjoy a visit to Georgia’s State Capitol. Listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places, the Georgia State Capitol was built between 1884 and 1889. Along with many other state capitols, the architectural inspiration was the United States Capitol. You can wander around the capitol by yourself and visit the museum, but a guided tour will give you more information on Georgia law and the legal process. Tours are free and you may be able to get in a guided tour when you arrive, but calling ahead and making a reservation is recommended as there is only one tour per hour.

City Gallery East

If you’re looking for more culture and less history, give City Gallery East a try. This 8,000 square foot museum is dedicated to displaying the artistic pursuits of local talent. By keeping to artists from the area you get a unique blend of diversity and yet there’s still a sense of Atlanta that pervades the work. For true art lovers it’s easy to spend a day viewing the ever changing exhibits and all of it is free of charge.

TULA

TULA was the brainchild of Lil Friedlander who was simply looking for some art space for herself and friends. The 48,000 square foot manufacturing plant was turned into a studio, which in turn turned the area into an artist’s hot spot. You can literally get lost in TULA today, as you shop for antiques and one-of-a-kind artistic creations. And if you’re not into shopping, just explore the art galleries and studios. It’s remarkable how the vision of one artist inspired so many in this creative expression of talent.

Not your typical mainstream tourist activities, but the options suggested above are totally free and offer great variety to visitors and residents of Atlanta alike. Not all vacations need to cost a fortune, some of the best experiences in life are free.

Hotel rooms may not be free, but click here for the very best rates in Atlanta or anywhere.

(cc: photo credit: R.Duran)

Pura Vida (pure life) offers the most phenomenal tapas prepared by owner and Chef Hector Santiago.  He uses only fresh ingredients in his international style cuisine, but with a Latin flavor. Chef Santiago has created an atmosphere of good food, friends and fun.  Every Friday you’ll enjoy the Salsa, Merengue and Bachata music.  No need for a reservation, Hector will make room for you anytime.  Pura Vida offers catering and in-house parties, just ask for details.

Fire of Brazil serves nothing but the best Brazilian food marinated and roasted in the old Brazilian traditional way.  Choose from the 15 cuts of chicken, lamb or Angus beef.  Try their Cordeiro (sliced leg of lamb) or their Frango (tender chicken breasts wrapped in bacon).  Add to your main course a portobello  or chayote salad.

Chopstix serves award winning gourmet Chinese cuisine, the best in Atlanta.  This is a romantic location with services beyond great.  Try two of their classic favorites, pine nut chicken or sole in black bean pepper sauce – you won’t be sorry.  Entered into the Nation’s Restaurant Hall of Fame they serve both lunch and dinner.

Café Intermezzo for the feeling of being in 19th century Viena.  After sitting at your white table clothed table with a single flower in a vase you will want to order something from their delectable menu, but will be tempted to go straight to dessert as they bake their own pastries.  If you stop by for a break from work during the day, keep in touch with business or personal email their free wireless internet.

The Original Angelo’s Mediterranean offers both Italian and Greek cuisine that is family owned and operated – so you get the best service possible.  It’s located in the entry level of an old opera house with it’s original tin ceiling.  This classic bistro restaurant will delight you with their twist on original dishes as well as homemade soups and desserts.  They are open for both lunch and dinner for your convenience.

Imperial Fez serves authentic Moroccan food in an intimate atmosphere.  And for that something different and unique you will be entertained by belly dancers.  And if after you’ve enjoyed the dancing you decide it’s something you’d like to learn, they offer belly dancing classes as well.  Persian rugs cover the walls, billowed only by long white curtains.  The low red tables are surrounded by comfortable pillows for your seating.  If you want more privacy they have the Zeenah room which you can rent separately.  Their 5-course meals include your main entrée, Harrira Moroccan Bean Soup, your choice of Moroccan salad, appetizers and  delectable desserts.  They offer a full bar, but are open for dinner only and there is valet parking.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room feels like the inside of a 1930s ocean liner.  The seafood is ultra fresh.  While your waiting for your entrée, enjoy the fresh oyster bar or cocktails.  The menu changes daily according to the fresh fish, flown in daily.  It could be Alaskan halibut or Copper River Salmon.  The next day it could be Dover sole or bluefin tuna  They will prepare your dinner as you like it, broiled, baked, grilled or even fried.  If you have a large group, up to 50 people, they can seat you in their private dining room.

Blackstone offers top quality steaks and seafood.  This fine dining establishment doesn’t scrip of service.  They have a full bar and private banquet room for your larger parties.  You’ll enjoy the enormous wine list and nightly music venue.  Their specialty crab cakes are to die for, and then enjoy the best steak dinner you’ll ever find in Atlanta.

Antica Posta uses traditional Tuscan recipes made with the freshest ingredients.  The Italian delight cuisine is served on white table clothed tables.  In colder months enjoy their specialty Osso Buco and in summer order their Caprese Salad.  If the huge wine list is overwhelming, just ask for help from your server.  They are knowledgeable and will recommend just the right wine to accompany your meal.

Bluepoint offers the best spicy king crab salad and then go on to order a fresh seafood or steak dinner.  However, their specialty is the best sushi in Atlanta.  Don’t miss martini night on Tuesdays.  Tip, try their special apple martini.  On other nights try the 5-course tasting with wine pairing – delicious.  And, of course, their staff is always ready and willing to use their culinary and wine knowledge to help you with your dinner choices.

Atlanta Grill is the French Quarter meeting Art Deco.  The black and white city photos line the walls of the restaurant housed in the Ritz Carlton.  Ask for a seat on the wrought iron veranda where lighted lanterns glow down on you as you watch the active street below.  Jazz music wafts out of the lounge while you dine.  Every dish is a delightful recipe of award winning Chef Bruno Menard.  If you are looking for breakfast on Sunday, try their brunch which in include stations for omelets, French toast and waffles.

The Pecan personifies the true passion of Chef Tony Morrow.  It’s Cajun cuisine with a soul food twist.  You can’t miss with the curry carrot ginger soup or the Tybee Island crab cakes for starters.  Then for the main course you’ll love either the buttermilk pecan chicken or the pepper crusted New Zealand lamb chops.  For a cocktail go with their signature toasted pecan martini.

Atlanta’s Hottest Restaurants

There are more award winning restaurants in Atlanta than you can try in a year’s time.  The ones mentioned here are some of the best, rated so by patrons.  Each restaurant, although not all serving southern cuisine, serve and prepare their food with the southern hospitality visitors of Atlanta have come to associate with this city.

These are Atlanta’s hottest restaurants. Check out Hotels Cheap for the Atlanta’s hottest hotel deals.

Once arriving at its international airport, Atlanta has tourist attractions to suit everybody. Here are fifty things to start you off:

1. See the world’s largest painting ever at the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum
2. Explore the heart of news-making at the CNN Center – you can take a guided studio tour
3. Get a meal and a great view at the Sun Dial Restaurant Bar and View, 73 stories above Atlanta
4. Learn about the African American experience at the APEX Museum
5. See where sports history was made at the Centennial Olympic Park
6. Create your own puppet at the Center for Puppetry Arts
7. Help try to change the world at the Carter Center
8. Tour the house where Martin Luther King was born
9. Watch fish and other marine life in eight million gallons of water at the Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest
10. Take an Atlanta Preservation Center walking tour to discover the significant buildings around the city
11. Visit the Margaret Mitchell House & Museum where Gone With the Wind was born
12. Get arty at the historic Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
13. Explore the Atlanta History Center, one of the best history museums in the country
14. Follow the history of the famous soft drink at the World of Coca-Cola
15. Have a fun family day out at Stone Mountain Park
16. Consider your values at the National Museum of Patriotism
17. Visit The Wren’s Nest, the home of author Joel Chandler Harris
18. Spend a day amongst the animals at the Atlanta Zoo
19. Buy up a storm of fresh foods at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market
20. Stroll around the historic Oakland Cemetery
21. See the latest and best art exhibitions at the High Museum of Art
22. Go wild at the Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park
23. Visit the Philips Arena, home of the Atlanta Thrashers
24. Appreciate the struggle of Alonzo Herndon at the Herndon Home
25. Enjoy the African American arts of the Hammonds House
26. Check out the latest events at the Georgia World Congress Center
27. Walk around the park or watch a concert at the Piedmont Park
28. Get your dinosaur fix at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History
29. Watch the Atlanta Falcons play at the Georgia Dome
30. Check out what’s in bloom at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
31. See ancient art, artifacts and pottery at the Michael C. Carlos Museum
32. Catch a concert at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre
33. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum to get their imaginations flowing
34. See a show at the Fox Theatre
35. Visit one of the oldest homes in Georgia at the Root House Museum
36. Stop for a picnic in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
37. Learn about the history of paper at the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
38. See the development of Georgian art at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia – MOCA GA
39. Drive in to the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, The Varsity
40. Visit the home of the Atlanta Braves, Turner Field
41. See the deepest parts of the city in Underground Atlanta
42. Learn about the state of Georgia at the Georgia Capitol Museum
43. Explore the Woodruff Arts Center
44. Watch a performance at the south-east’s largest theatre, the Atlanta Civic Center
45. Explore the Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
46. Go shopping in Lenox Square, Little Five Points or Phipps Plaza
47. Visit the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
48. See nineteenth and twentieth century American art at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art
49. Learn at the Marietta Museum of History
50. Snap up a bargain at the Alpharetta Main Street Market on the third weekend of the month

Start your trip by finding hotels deals in Atlanta at Hotels Cheap.

(Photo via flickr cc)