Atlanta Travel Guide

"They get it" at this "exceptional" (but "expensive") Buckhead Northern Italian where "superb" "Tuscan classics" "with a creative flair" "melt in your mouth"; owner Marco Betti is a "real pro" who "makes you feel like family" in the "cozy" setting of a remodeled house, and while the tables may be "so tight you could marry your neighbor", you can always catch your breath in the "spacious" bar.

Gerry Klaskala's "destination restaurant" in Buckhead "never misses", offering "sublime", "slow-cooked" New American cuisine, "fabulous" desserts, "killer wines" and "splendid", "knowledgeable" service in a "refined", "minimalist" space with a "secret romantic table in the wine cellar"; critics complain of a "noisy" scene, a "slightly superior attitude" from the staff and "very, very high prices", but most agree it's "worth a splurge for that special occasion."

The Buckhead Life Group's "piscine standard bearer" "amazes" afishionados with what seems like a "zillion choices" of "freshly caught fish from around the world" that are "reliably well prepared"; service is "friendly" and "helpful", but it can be "uneven" and the "waits can be insane", and while some say the "cavernous" "bustling" dining room is "what a great fish house ought to look like", to others it "feels more like a Sam's Club"; N.B. a chef change in early 2009 is not reflected in the above Food score.

The "French Laundry of the South" is what devotees dub this Westside New American, Atlanta's perennial No. 1 for Food that "lives up to its amazing reputation" with prix fixe and à la carte menus of "superb" cuisine crafted from the "freshest local ingredients", "right-on" "wine pairings" and "excellent", "personalized" service; the "industrial" space is "elegant without being stuffy" (a few find it "drafty"), but be prepared for tabs so "steep" that cronies quip "taking a date here says 'you are the one – because I can't afford anyone else.'"

"Well-heeled" locals and "corporate" "bigwigs" "escape to a gourmet Appalachian getaway" "right in the heart of Buckhead" at this "trendy" "log cabin fantasy" with a "romantic" stone fireplace and "delightful" porch off the bar; "fantastic" "repeat-your-name" service and "divinely delicious" Southern cuisine make it a popular option for those "need-to-impress" occasions, and while some find it "pretentious" and "overpriced", regulars insist "you get what you pay for."

"Paris Hilton would fit right in" at this "slick", "see-and-be-seen" Buckhead Life New American where the "dramatic", high-ceilinged room with "beautiful humans draped over the bar" sipping "pool-size martinis" provides "lesser mortals" with something to "check out"; "superb" Pan-Asian–inspired flavors and "pristine" sushi highlight the "mouthwatering" menu, which is served by an "impeccable" staff, and while the tragically hip find it so "last year", it remains a "hit" with "expense-account" diners, "celebrities" and rich "old men" carrying on "affairs."

Voted Atlanta's Most Popular, this Buckhead "bastion of big beef and business" "knows how to do cow", offering "peerless", "melt-in-your-mouth" steaks as well as a "phenomenal" wine list and "service out the wazoo" to a local "who's who" that gravitates here for "deals or romantic meals"; you can dine at the "power bar" or in the warren of "comfy" rooms where an "old boys' club" atmosphere rules, and while the "check can cause a coronary", bullish backers snort "prices be damned."

Though it's "constantly reinventing itself", this "favorite" from the Buckhead Life Group is as "reliable" as "Old Yeller", delivering "terrific" "unique" "twists" on New American "comfort food" and "snappy" service from a "witty" staff in a "lively", "charmingly retro '50s" setting; the "wide-ranging clientele" makes for some "bizarre people-watching", but for an "upscale family gathering" or "late" "after-the-show" dining, "it works"; P.S. "no reservations means long waits", so it's best to "call ahead to get on the list."

"All grown up and going strong", this "solid performer" "nestled on the banks of the Chattahoochee" delivers "superb" New American cuisine (featuring "all sorts of mammals") that "hits all of your taste buds", including a "festive brunch" that's "well worth the trip"; the "stunning" riverside setting is "charming no matter what time of year", and combined with "your-wish-is-my-command" service, pros promise it'll "never fail" to "impress your clients, friends and paramours."

"You'll be pampered from beginning to end" at this "ritzy" Buckhead link in a "damn fine" chain of steakhouses, where "exceptional" steaks "with all the fixings" and "spectacular" "skyline views" make it a "solid choice" to "impress" a "date, spouse or business client"; a "happening bar scene" attracts plenty of "movers and shakers" as well as a "post-surgery see-and-be-seen crowd", and while wallet-watchers wince at "pork barrel price tags", those with sufficient "capital" cash in on "one of the best experiences in the city."

Escape Midtown's "hustle and bustle" at this "soothing" 32-acre "oasis" that's an "educational and entertaining" stop, whether you're there for a "relaxing stroll" in the woods or to explore the "truly awesome conservatory"; "numerous gardens, statuary and fountains" plus a "fun" interactive garden for kids and a "not-to-be-missed" orchid center put this "stunning" attraction on many surveyors' "must-see" lists; N.B. check out the open-air summer concert series.

"One of the most unusual ways" to learn about the Civil War is this "outstanding period piece" in Grant Park, a "huge circular painting" (viewed from a 360-degree rotating platform) that's been on exhibit since 1893 and depicts the Battle of Atlanta complete with music, narration and sound effects; there's also two floors of photographs and artifacts (most notably a Confederate locomotive), so although the "low-tech" effects have "zero appeal for small children", it remains an "old-school" stop for "kitsch" crusaders and "war buffs."

Get a "behind-the-scenes look" at "how the world gets its news" courtesy of this "fascinating" interactive studio tour at CNN headquarters Downtown; visitors can check out a re-creation of the cable giant's main control room, view video clips and even participate "in a (simulated) newscast", plus there's also an "enormous food court" and stores full of network-related merchandise; P.S. tours leave every 10 minutes or so, but "reservations are recommended", especially when bringing young children.

To some it's a "lovely reminder of the 1996 Olympics", to others "just a park", but either way it provides 21 acres of walking paths, water gardens and pavilions that are "ultraconvenient" to Downtown's central business district, offering a "refreshing change from the high-rise scenery"; kids love to "run through" the Fountain of Rings on hot days, while "free concerts" and fireworks in summer and ice skating in winter make it a generally popular "hangout."

Not far from Downtown in "historic" Poncey-Highland is this "beautiful" natural history museum, a "favorite for all ages" given its "delightful" "hands-on exhibits" geared for children (it's "a must for dinosaur-lovers") plus adult-friendly options like Friday "martinis & IMAX" nights that "rock"; there's also a "wonderful planetarium" at the nearby Science Center (on Heaton Park Drive), not to mention a 65-acre old-growth forest.

Not far from Downtown in "historic" Poncey-Highland is this "beautiful" natural history museum, a "favorite for all ages" given its "delightful" "hands-on exhibits" geared for children (it's "a must for dinosaur-lovers") plus adult-friendly options like Friday "martinis & IMAX" nights that "rock"; there's also a "wonderful planetarium" at the nearby Science Center (on Heaton Park Drive), not to mention a 65-acre old-growth forest.

A local "treasure", this "well-crafted" art museum in Midtown is deemed "one of the best" around thanks to its "diverse permanent collection" (ranging from European Impressionism to Southern folk art to photography), "worthwhile" visiting exhibits (don't miss the revolving Louvre treasures) and jazz Fridays that are a "blast"; plus, Richard Meier's "clean, modern" design makes a visit here "both an art and architectural experience", especially now that the addition by Renzo Piano – who dreamed up Paris' Pompidou Center – has opened.

Atlanta's "own mini–Central Park" (designed by scions of Frederick Law Olmsted) is a "beautiful oasis in Midtown" that's "great for pets, kids, families" and anyone looking for lakes, playgrounds, festivals, concerts and "lots of space to run", "throw a Frisbee", "people-watch", go fishing or picnic; significant improvements made over the past decade have "helped boost its stature" as one of the city's "favorite gathering points."

"If you like baseball", you'll love this Grant Park field that has an "old-time feel" but is nevertheless modern, offering "lots to do behind the scenes", including a museum, a "fabulous stadium tour" and "interactive games" (swingers say the "virtual reality" batting cage is "super-cool"); better yet, there's "not a bad seat in the house", the "grounds are always sparkling clean" and there are "ample" if "overpriced" concessions; N.B. limited hours off-season.

"Big enough to spend an afternoon" exploring but small enough to be "manageable", this "easy-to-navigate" attraction not far from Downtown appeals to fauna fans with "well-displayed" animals housed in "carefully crafted habitats" (the "pandas are a must" and the gorillas "second to none"); a "helpful staff" oversees the facilities, and there are "great shows" and "beer carts to boot", prompting some to wonder "who wouldn't want to go to the zoo?"

With over 120 wines by the glass, half-glass and bottle proferred by personable, knowledgeable pourers, this paean to the fruit of the vine in Vinings is the perfect rendezvous for those looking to increase their oenophilic knowledge in a chill setting; Mediterranean light bites accompany sips savored in the bar or out on the patio, there are weekly tastings and weekend live music, and you can grab grapes to go from their next-door retail store.

Downstairs in Midtown's historic Biltmore building lurks one of the city's long-running hot spots, but only if you can locate its unmarked door (psst: it's on Sixth Street); the high-style, minimalist interior and custom mood lighting rivals the beautiful crowd of well-dressed post-work partiers sipping on inventive cocktails; the vibe is laid-back until the night-owls and guest DJs arrive, bringing with them a bit more edge.

They've been singing the blues at this unassuming Westside dive dressed in images of famous musicians since 1965; an eclectic group of characters, including bikers, businessmen, college kids and aficionados gather for dirt-cheap sessions by local talents and legends the likes of Taj Mahal and Colonel Bruce Hampton.

This cozy bistro located in East Atlanta multitasks as a wine bar and specialty retail store carrying hard-to-find food and design books as well as 300-plus wines under $40; by day, busy entrepreneurs enjoy WiFi access and Eclectic snacks on the plush white couches, and at night, the lights dim, the wood-burning fireplace heats up and the music exudes a sexy lounge vibe.