WHERE TO STAY: The Atlanta hotelscape is loaded with the usual selection of Hyatts, Hiltons, and Ritz-Carltons. But if you like your luxury with a splash of history, rest your head at the Georgian Terrace Hotel. Built in 1911, the recently restored Grande Dame of Peachtree Street still retains its early-20th-century Southern charm while offering up-to-date amenities. The gorgeous architecture and central location make this National Historic Landmark the perfect spot to recuperate after a long day of business deals (659 Peachtree St. NE, 800-651-2316, www.thegeorgianterrace.com). If you’re more on the contemporary side, the Glenn Hotel is as current as it comes. The new swanky boutique hotel is decked out in the coolest colors, fabrics, and furniture with amenities to match. The Jezebel Penthouse Suite, in particular, pulls out all the stops with a wet bar, projection television, and glass-encased bathroom. And though your pillow-top mattress will no doubt be comfortable, if you have trouble sleeping, head downstairs to BED restaurant and bar, the hip Miami import where guests share beds rather than tables (Glenn: 110 Marietta St. NW, 866-40GLENN, www.glennhotel.com; BED: 404-222-7992, www.bedrestaurants.com.)
WHERE TO EAT:
If you’ve been known to get carnivorous in the conference room, meet your match at TWO. urban licks. Vegetarians need not apply at this meat-heavy eatery featuring imaginative American chow roasted on an attention-grabbing, 14-foot-tall, wood-fire rotisserie (820 Ralph McGill Blvd., 404-522-4622, www.twourbanlicks.com). Let chefs Joseph Truex and wife Mihoko Obunai tempt you with treats like Sweetwater 420 mussels and bacon-wrapped dates at Repast. The flavorful menu and industrial-chic décor has made this spot a hit with diners and critics alike (620 N Glen Iris Dr., 404-870-8707, www.repastrestaurant.com). Wear your biggest belt to Son’s Place, the family-owned breakfast and lunch joint that serves up what many locals say is the best soul food the city has to offer. You won’t—or at least, shouldn’t—even think about counting calories as you gorge on fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and cobbler (100 Hurt St. NE, 404-581-0530). And though it seems like sacrilege, some claim that Bone’s Restaurant serves the best steaks in the country. Impossible, you say? Bring your colleagues to conduct a taste test at this handsomely decorated man’s haven (3130 Piedmont Rd., 404-237-2663, www.bonesrestaurant.com).
WHAT TO DO:
For a show-stopping night on the town, catch one of the many Broadway plays, comedians, and musical acts that regularly stop in at the renowned Fox Theatre. But there’s more to see here than just the main event—the restored interior of this National Historic Landmark will take you back to the 1920s when the building was transformed from a mosque to the magnificent theater it is today (660 Peachtree St., 404-881-2100, www.foxtheatre.org). And you’re never too late—or too stingy—to snag a seat with two AtlanTIX same-day, half-price ticket booths located at Lenox Square and Underground Atlanta, a subterranean downtown shopping center (AtlanTIX: 678-318-1400; Underground: www.underground-atlanta.com). The Spotted Dog is the perfect place to grab a pint before a show. Just a few blocks from the theater, this English pub makes its home in a century-old fire station and offers both conventional and nontraditional British fare (30 North Ave. NW, 404-347-7337). And since a trip to Atlanta wouldn’t be right without a little jazz, end your evening by treating your ears to some of the best musicians in the biz and your taste buds to a slice of chocolate midnight cake at Churchill Grounds. The dessert at this nearby bar is guaranteed to be as rich and smooth as the entertainment (660 Peachtree St. NE, 404-876-3030, www.churchillgrounds.com)
Convention Center:
Georgia International Convention Center
2000 Convention
Center Concourse
College Park, Georgia 30337
Phone: (770) 997-3566
www.gicc.com
