Hotlanta, Day 1

We're back from our weekend jaunt and the official verdict is that I love, LUV, Luuuurve Atlanta. Many thanks to Andy's mom for making the whole trip possible. We saw tons and walked our little feet off, averaging 7 miles a day, despite taking the subway most places. I'm pretty sure I told Andy about five times that I could definitely move there. The weather was perfect (average winter high 50 degrees - need I say more??), the flowers were in bloom, and there was plenty to inspire, educate, and amuse. Here are some highlights of our adventure.

Best Place to Pay Homage to an Atlanta Native Son and National Hero
Our first big stop was the Martin Luther King Jr. birthplace and National Historic site. Did I mention that we have a crappy camera that has wierd shadows and a shutter that doesn't open all the way? Most of the picture you'll see were not taken by us. MLK's home was one of my favorite places because we learned about his highly refined and educated upbringing. The home was very large and well-decorated for the area and each day he and his siblings were expected to read the newspaper so they could be quizzed on the day's happenings by their father, as well as recite a bible verse before being allowed to eat.

The lovely National Park Service Visitor's center with tons of background on MLK as well as the civil rights movement in general. Interesting facts: He received his doctorate at Boston University since segregation was less prevalent in the North and he was basically thrown into the role of civil rights leader because he was a new minister in Montgomery, AL when the bus boycotts started and a clergyman was perfect to speak out against injustice because he wasn't beholden to the white population for his livelihood and could therefore be more vocal on sensitive issues.

Tomb of MLK and his wife surrounded by a peaceful reflecting pool.

The Ebenezer Baptist Church where MLK's grandfather and father both preached before him.

Best Place to see a Car Worth More than Your House

On Thursdays Atlanta's premier art museum offers half-off admission so we took advantage of the opportunity to see their exhibition: The Allure of the Automobile. I'm no car expert, but these old school luxury beauties were amazing and definitely qualified as art. They had Clark Gable's Pierce Arrow, Steve McQueen's Aston Martin, Dusenbergs, Packards, you name it.

Andy admiring the goods. We also loved the exhibit on John Portman, the world-renowned architecht who almost singlehandedly shaped the Atlanta skyline and worked on many other major projects around the world.

A Bugatti with ostrich skin interior.

The aforementioned Aston Martin.

Best Place to go when you Discover that your Boots Weren't Made for Walking

After a full day of tromping around I realized my flimsy sandals just wouldn't hack it. My feet were starting to hurt and with two more days to go, we needed an intervention. Enter Atlantic Station, Atlanta's newest entertainment/retail/business/residential destination. It was a nice outdoor mall and we enjoyed some amazing ice cream before heading to DSW Shoes for some kicks with more padding. We tried to find a movie to see at their big theater, but there was nothing good as far as maintstream offerings were concerned. We did find something the following night. More on that later...

Best Place to Rest Your Weary Head after a Long Day of Touring

We got a great deal online and stayed at the Georgian Terrace Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. It was one block away from a subway stop in the perfect location. I wanted somewhere in town within easy walking distrance to major attractions that wasn't just your cookie cutter hotel room. The history, lovely architechture, 600 s.f. suite with full kitchen, washer/dryer, walk-in closet, and gorgeous city views fit the bill. Our package included breakfast one morning in the posh hotel restaurant - one of my favorite meals. I tasted pain chocolate for the first time (basically a croissant filled with chocolate).

The airy, spacious hotel lobby.

The hotel restaurant's outdoor patio. A hopping place both day and night.

The hotel was right across the street from the historic "Fabulous" Fox Theater which was originally a Shriner's mosque and features a Moorish facade. The Fox is home to all of the area's major Broadway shows and touring attractions. We weren't interested in the show that was running last weekend, but I'm sad we missed Mary Poppins, which will be there in two weeks. Sigh...at least Wicked is coming to Columbus this summer.

Best Place for Southern Style Biscuits

Upon our arrival in Atlanta at 8 a.m. we took the subway into town and headed straight for the Flying Biscuit, suitcases and all. I'd done some research and read about this restaurant in numerous places. Their namesake offering were pillowy and moist and did not disappoint, especially when slathered with their homemade apple butter. Andy also got some authentic cheesy grits and I loved my omelet. Definitely a place we'd recommend.

Day Two: The Georgia State Capitol building (c'mon, are you really surprised?), CNN Studio Tour, and more.