The Atlanta of the '60s was the city too busy to hate. Today's Atlanta is still busy, but it channels all of its energy into being a mecca for entertainment, fine dining, professional and college sports, and shopping. It is also one of the largest convention cities in the country. There is always something new on the horizon -- from a new entertainment venue to a restaurant opened by an internationally recognized chef, Atlanta is home to an ever-changing, ever-improving list of places to explore and things to experience. Here's a smattering of some recent additions to Atlanta, as well as a rundown of upcoming changes.
Where to Stay & Dine -- Despite the huge decline in convention business following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, developers continue to construct and renovate hotels in Hotlanta as if the city were preparing to host another Olympic Games. InterContinental Hotels Group has unveiled InterContinental Buckhead, 3315 Peachtree Rd. (tel. 404/946-9000), an elegant new luxury hotel designed to cater to the most discriminating guests. Located in Buckhead, the hotel houses the fabulous 24-hour Au Pied de Cochon European brasserie, featuring an extensive raw seafood bar and sinful desserts.
The seductive Glenn Hotel, 110 Marietta St. NW (tel. 404/521-2250), is capable of lighting a spark in any relationship. Featuring glass showers open to the bedroom, erotic art, and even a pop-up book version of the sensual Kama Sutra, the Glenn is as sexy as it gets. The only thing sexier is the on-site restaurant, B.E.D. (tel. 404/222-7992), where diners can sip their trendy cocktails while relaxing in lushly appointed beds. Don't worry: Traditional seating exists for the less adventurous.
Attractions -- The new and improved World of Coca-Cola (tel. 404/676-5151), opening in 2007, will be a fantastic neighbor to the new Georgia Aquarium. The pair are expected to make the northwest section of downtown Atlanta -- already occupied by a half-dozen major attractions -- the ultimate tourist area. At 5 million gallons and 400,000 square feet, the Georgia Aquarium is among the most elaborate in the nation, with more than 100,000 freshwater and saltwater fish and mammals.
Adding to its reputation for family fun, Six Flags Over Georgia (tel. 770/948-9290) added the colossal Goliath roller coaster in 2006, much to the delight of amusement-park fans. Soaring over 200 feet above the park and covering an area 8 1/2 acres in size, this much-anticipated steel monster is just one of 10 coasters here. Fans of such rides should check out the new Flash Pass, which allows you to reserve your place in line and do the waiting while enjoying other aspects of the park.
Atlantic Station (tel. 404/733-5000), a modern mixed-use district with shops, town houses, office buildings, and ample park space, covers 138 acres and is as ambitious a development as any this country has seen. It includes 1 million square feet of open-air retail and entertainment venues, a two-story movie theater, and the Southeast's first IKEA -- the first in the world to serve grits and sweet tea in its restaurant. In addition, the development is home to Twelve Hotel, 361 17th St. (tel. 404/961-1212), featuring 102 suite-style hotel rooms and the Lobby at Twelve restaurant and bar.
Already named one of the top 10 art institutions in the country, the High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St. NE (tel. 404/733-HIGH), recently unveiled its $130-million expansion to the public. The added 177,000 square feet (which more than doubled the size of the facility) includes additional gallery space for the museum's expansive permanent collection, enlarged special-exhibit space, a coffee bar, and a new retail shop. The museum's restaurant, Table 1280, continues to receive rave reviews, and a special exhibit from the Louvre is on display through 2009.
