Centennial Olympic Park

Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park is a remnant of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.  10 years after the games were held, this park has become the beginning of a 'revival' for the downtown area.  No longer are businesses and attractions leaving the downtown area, they're relocating here.

In the last few years, Centennial Olympic Park has seen the addition of attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium at over 8 million gallons.  Also in the area is the headquarters for CNN and Coca-Cola's The World of Coca-Cola.  Many high-rise condos and other residential properties have sprung up bringing a very young, energetic crowd to the downtown area.

Admission is FREE.  There really isn't a lot to actually 'do' here but it's a great place to meet up and relax.  Great place for concerts, even during the business day at lunch, and in the summer there's 'Screen on the Green'.  There's a memorial from the bombing that took place here as well as other features (fountains, etc).  It's a short walk from any of the downtown hotels.

GETTING THERE:  Take MARTA to the GA Dome/CNN Center Station (W1 on the West Line).

Every Atlantan knows about Chick Fil-a, it's become a staple like The Varsity across from GA Tech in midtown.  This location in Hapeville, GA, is on the site of the original Dwarf House Restaurant even though it doesn't looking anything like the original.  For those of you that are familiar with Chick Fil-a, this isn't your normal Chick Fil-a.  From the moment you walk in the door you know you've entered a new dimension.

On your way from the airport into the city, be sure to stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner as they're open 24 hours.  Both dine in 'full service' and 'to go' seating is available in different areas of the restaurant along with a long counter with stools overlooking the cooking area.  Waitresses are full of southern sass and attitude (be sure to ask for Teena or Rhonda for some extra spicy attitude in the mornings and at lunch) and they'll surely cut up with you if you'll let loose with them too.

Food isn't what you'd expect to find in a 'normal' Chick Fil-a either.  I recommend the Hot Brown (a hot, gooey white gravey and chicken concoction topped with cheddar cheese and two stips of bacon) or go for something a little more tame like the 1 pc plate with a side (i.e.:  A Chick Fil-a chicken sandwich with fries and a salad).  There are other combinations but you'll just have to visit and figure it out for yourself.  Also recommend an alka-seltzer and/or your selection of cholesterol medicine afterward.

One thing you'll here see is lots of 'blue hairs' walking around with name tags on.  Greet them.  They've been customers of Chick Fil-a since founder Truett Cathy was running the place back in 1946.  And the best part?  They can STILL order from the same menus back when they visited (if they still have one) and get the food at THOSE prices!!!

I don't know how anyone could ever screw up Mexican food and I hardly see the draw of all my co-workers to these places.  But anyway, Los Bravos was typical Mexican fare.  Good food at relatively cheap prices.  Lots of chips and salsa.  Good service.  Clean restaurant and bathrooms.  Easy access from South Cobb Dr in Smyrna, GA in the Publix shopping center on Cumberland Parkway.  Restaurant faces South Cobb Drive.