Seek out Atlanta’s best sites

By JUANITA COUSINS

Published: November 16, 2008

ATLANTA — Home to the world’s most famous soda and largest aquarium, Atlanta also is known for its rich Southern history. The sprawling city offers many attractions and museums, but the best of Atlanta is tucked away in neighborhoods that can be enjoyed for little or no cost.

→GETTING AROUND: The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is the best way to get around the city. The citywide bus and rail system and passes through the major tourist areas of downtown; the fare is $1.75 per person. MARTA also offers a $12 four-day visitors pass (www.itsmarta.com/howto/special/visitorfaq.htm) that must be ordered in advance. When traveling outside of the city’s 12-lane interstate perimeter to attractions such as Stone Mountain Park, car rental is best. Atlanta’s traffic is legendary, so avoid driving if you can.

→MUST-SEES: Stone Mountain Park, 20 miles east of the city, was voted the city’s best public playground. It features a 1,683-foot-high granite rock carved with images of Confederate leaders.

A One-Day Adventure Pass allows guests admission to many of the ticket-requiring attractions such as the Sky Ride to the top of the mountain and a scenic five-mile train ride. The pass costs $25 for adults and $20 for children (www.stonemountainpark.com).

Centennial Olympic Park is Atlanta’s lasting legacy from the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. The 21-acre park is on Marietta Street in the heart of downtown, sandwiched between the Phillips Arena and the Georgia Aquarium.

View the final resting place for Civil War soldiers and notable Atlantans such as golfer Bobby Jones, novelist Margaret Mitchell and former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson at the historic Oakland Cemetery at 248 Oakland Ave. SE.

→FOOD: What is a trip to the South without finger-licking soul food? Try Mae’s Soul Food at 34 Peachtree St. NW.

Dine at Six Feet Under at 437 Memorial Drive SE, a seafood restaurant and pub that overlooks the historic Oakland Cemetery (www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com).

Ru San’s, 1529 Piedmont Ave. NE, has a weekday lunchtime all-you-can eat sushi buffet, complete with miso soup, fried rice and stir fry, that is more than worth the price of $8 per person.

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