Originally created 07/22/04

One-tank trip: Locals' perspective of Atlanta turns up new activities

By Staff Writer

Because Atlanta is just a 2-hour drive away, many Augustans think they know all the capital city has to offer.

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But try this: Avoid the usual destinations (Six Flags, White Water, Lenox Square Mall, Phipps Plaza, Philips Arena, Underground Atlanta, the Georgia Dome, a Braves game, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Stone Mountain, Centennial Olympic Park, the Fox Theatre) and check out the city from the locals' perspective.

You'll find out there are things to do and places to go that make the crowded sidewalks and traffic jams worth your while.

Must dos and sees

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar and View (210 Peachtree St., atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel; (404) 589-7506; www.sundialrestaurant.com)

Take the glass bullet of an elevator that shoots up 723 feet to this restaurant, which rotates at a slow pace as you sit, eat and drink. You'll get a 360-degree view of Stone Mountain, the Georgia Dome and metro Atlanta. $5 for view; $8 minimum for bar.

High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St.; (404) 733-HIGH; www.high.org)

Locals suggest at least one visit to this museum, which features modern and contemporary art from America, Africa and Europe, in addition to photography.

CNN Center (corner of Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Marietta Street; www.cnn.com/studiotours)

Take a studio tour to see all the behind-the-scenes works of the news organization.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site (450 Auburn Ave. N.E.; (404) 331-5190; www.nps.gov/malu)

See the birth home and visit the tomb of the slain civil rights leader.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E.; (404) 876-5859; www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org)

Locals say this should be a bigger tourist attraction than it is because the grounds are breathtaking.

Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta (275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive N.W.; (404) 659.KIDS; www.childrensmuseumatl.org)

Totally dedicated to children. A local's pick for an alternative to theme parks.

Starlight Six Drive-In (2000 Moreland Ave S.E.; (404) 627-5786)

Staying overnight? Check out a flick at this drive-in, recommended by locals as an economic treat because it costs $6 for adults and is free for children under 10.

Eats

Gladys Knight and Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles (529 Peachtree St.; (404) 874-9393; www.gladysandron.com)

Owned by the stars, wait up to 40 minutes and eat such items as the Midnight Train (fried chicken wings and an original waffle), and fish and grits.

Ted's Montana Grill (133 Luckie St. and 1874 Peachtree Road; www.tedsmontanagrill. com)

Choose from a downtown or midtown location and eat at Ted Turner's restaurant where bison meat sandwiches are featured.

Sidebar (79-A Poplar St.; (404) 588-1850; www.sidebaratlanta.com)

With wireless controllers, play PlayStation on a 42-inch HDTV screen from any area in this sandwich shop and sports bar. Madden tournaments with two PlayStations on Tuesday nights.

Justin's Restaurant and Bar (2200 Peachtree Road N.W.; (404) 603-5353; www.justinsrestaurant. com)

Visit P. Diddy's fine-dining facility for Caribbean and Southern food; you just might see his face in the place.

Wing Zone (710 Marietta St.; (404) 525-9464; www.wingzone.com)

Even with more than 20 types of buffalo wings, this wing haven offers only a hint of what the city has to offer, because locals swear that Atlanta has the best buffalo wings in the world.

Reach C. Samantha McKevie at (706) 823-3552 or samantha.mckevie@augustachronicle.com.