I've got a two week class in July (12-25) and will be bringing my wife and son for the first week.

Are there certain things I should make sure to do?

This is my first trip to the South (unless Lexington, KY would be considered) and I'm pretty excited. Thankfully my class will be getting out at around 3:30 each day which is a bonus.

-Coke Museum (Stay away from the Israel Coke sample.)
-Braves game
-The Underground

First things first. Me and you.......we're gonna fight...........you have dishonored my beloved Dawgs one too many times sir.

Afterward, I will buy you a beer and we will laugh.

good ol' fashioned glove slap comin' on

No to Underground. DO NOT GO THERE.

Maybe take in a Braves game, I guess. I guess World of Coke might be fun, but I've lived here for over 10 years, and I've never been.

I'd say research the good restaurants here and pick out some places you want to check out. Maybe go to the Botanical Gardens. The Aquarium's alright. Maybe go to Stone Mountain and hike around on the big rock. I dunno, I'm kinda drawing a blank.

Go to Little Five Points and eat at the Vortex and/or El Myr and do a little record shopping.

Spend a night bar-hopping in the East Atlanta Village and maybe see a show there.

Spend another night bar-hopping in downtown Decatur, or just spend the entire night in the Brick Store Pub.

Do you know where you're staying? Will you have a car? Atlanta's mass transit, MARTA, is pretty much a joke, but you can get around if you must use it.

with the wife and kid: coke museum and braves game, get that kid some good BBQ too.

without the kids: watch derris get pantsless, try crack, sweat your fucking face off.

WTF? Why not just have him tour the Federal Penitentiary?

Drinky had some pretty good suggestions and if you need any restaurant recommendations, I'd be happy to help (Derris also I'm sure)

How old is your kid? The Aquarium is really freaking cool IMHO for kids and adults. Also, the whole playing in the fountains at Centennial Park might be good for the kid.

well, that is near the stadium and harold's...so why not tour the pen?

True. Plus the prison is really cool looking and creepy.

But dont go to Underground.

well, that is near the stadium and harold's...so why not tour the pen?

I thought the underground was pretty interesting as an idea...an exterior space inside and below ground. I would at least stop by, but it doesn't need more than 10 minutes. It's better than your average mall.

this is gonna sound terrible but...are you black?

It was a little black when I was there 12 years ago, but I picked up the new Collective Soul at the record store, so it couldn't have been too black.

i really want to see their aquarium...but not badly enough to go to atlanta.

most of those stores have closed, including the sam goody, its basically a mall food court now.

I would at least buy you lunch and possibly punch you in the gut.

In all seriousness DHR, can you give a little more detail on your trip?

Where is your hotel? Will you have a car?

I have some ideas, some of which have already been mentioned, but they kind of depend on if you can get around or not.

Also, I'm assuming that for the first week you'll want to do more family oriented stuff and then get into the other side of things the week without the family.

How is your son?

Given it's history, it's really a shame what it's become. I still think the whole concept and area is really cool and worth checking out in the daytime if you were confined to downtown on business.

It could be one of the best entertainment places in the city but I think that dream died a long time ago. If the city allowing the bars there to stay open until 4am didn't bring people back then nothing will.

Sorry guys. I left for a number of hours. Thanks for all the tips.

My class is at this address:

1050 Crown Pointe Parkway, Atlanta GA 30338

and I'll probably stay at the Embassy Suites - Perimeter Center

My wife and son (he'll be almost 11 months by then) will more than likely fly down with me and then head out the following monday. She has an Aunt and Uncle that moved there a few years ago that'll we'll probably do things with a fe wof those nights.

I'm definitely down with getting together for a drink or twelve and I promise not to bad mouth UGA or the Falcons. By the way did anyone else see those Georgia vs. UW womens softball games yesterday? That UGA team had no fear.

Braves game will more than likely have to happen because it's rare for me to see a game in person now that i'm in idaho.

Thanks.

just let us know...I'd be down for a meet up.

are you gonna rent a car?

Yeah, i should have a rental car.

Yeah, same here.

And for your son, I think 11 months might be old enough to get a kick out of the aquarium. I'd definitely recommend that, anyway.

So you'll be up around the north perimeter, huh? Kind of a bummer, I guess, but check out 5 Seasons Brewery up there. It's actually a pretty nice restaurant with some really good beer.

have you been over there recently? 5 seasons is still there but they built up that whole prado area...ugh.

5 seasons is pretty good tho.

No, I've actually only been to 5 Seasons a couple of times, and it's been a few years since the last. I don't really know the Perimeter area that much, but I know I don't like it.

You know they're building another 5 Seasons on Marietta St, right? It's just a couple of blocks from my office. It's been under construction forever, but it's finally looking like it's pretty close to being done. I can't wait.