Stepping Back in Time at the Atlanta History Center. A re-created farm (with original buildings from the 1840s) shows how rural Southern folks really lived before the Civil War, and the 1928 Swan House, an estate on the property, gives a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle enjoyed by upper-crust Atlantans in the early 20th century. Kids can explore the walking trails after they take in the exhibits, which include hands-on discovery areas at the history museum. A great look at the rich tapestry of Atlanta's past and present.

Exploring the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. It's an inspiring experience to visit this living memorial to a true American hero, where you'll see lots of King memorabilia and a video display on his life and works. Especially moving is Freedom Plaza, where Dr. King is buried. The tomb is inscribed with his words: "Free at Last. Free at Last. Thank God Almighty I'm Free at Last."

Touring the CNN Studios. The network that started around-the-clock television news lets you take a peek behind the scenes to see how it's all done.

Spending a Day at the Ballpark. Pack up the kids and take them out to the old ball game. Even if there isn't a Braves game scheduled, you can take a tour of Turner Field, which was completed in 1996 and served as the Olympic Stadium for the Centennial Olympic Games before it was converted to a baseball park.

Trekking Through Virginia-Highland. Atlanta's version of SoHo, this trendy neighborhood is full of coffee bars, galleries, cafes, and funky little shops. It all makes for a pleasant stroll on a sunny afternoon.

Frolicking in the Fountain. The biggest attraction at Centennial Olympic Park is the Fountain of Rings, where young and old can get delightfully soaked on warm days. The fountain is a simple but ingenious design on the plaza floor that consists of 251 water jets in the shape of the 5 Olympic rings. Take a deep breath and zip in and around the 12-foot water bursts or just sit and watch the timed light- and sound-effects show, when the water bursts 35 feet into the air.

Hanging Out at the Zoo. Ever since the giant pandas, Yang Yang and Lun Lun, arrived at Zoo Atlanta in late 1999, this has been one of the hottest tickets in town. You don't have to be a kid to be fascinated by the adorable duo.

Shopping at Lenox Square. One of the most popular malls in the Southeast, Lenox Square is a mecca for upscale shoppers. It's hard to visit every store, even if you spend the whole day, but many visitors think it's a worthy goal. You'll find good restaurants and great people-watching, too.

Getting a Breath of Fresh Air in Piedmont Park. Atlanta's favorite public park is fun and funky and a terrific place to watch the world go by. Take your in-line skates or pack a lunch and find a shady spot for a picnic.

Bargain-Hunting at the Lakewood Antiques Market. Crammed with everything from precious antiques to objets-de-junque, this huge once-a-month flea market is not to be missed if you're lucky enough to be in town on the right weekend.

Taking in a Chastain Park Amphitheatre Concert. Big-name entertainers perform under the stars, and everyone brings elaborate picnic fare, complete with tablecloth and a candelabrum, for the picnic table. Even the entertainers seem dazzled by the setting.

Spending the Morning at the Market. Atlanta is home to two gigantic indoor farmers markets, both jammed with locals who are shopping in earnest and visitors who are having a hard time keeping their eyes from bugging out. Choose from the DeKalb Farmers Market, which has an international flavor, and Harry's, which is a little more upscale. Each has loads of gourmet goodies you can take home or consume on the spot.

Aquarium for the Future.With downtown revitalization at the top of the list for Atlanta leaders and developers, the proposal for a Georgia Aquarium was a big hit with Atlantans when announced in 2001. Governor Roy Barnes projects that the new aquarium will be "the single biggest attraction in the state of Georgia."

Planned for construction on 9 acres donated by the Coca Cola Co., next to Centennial Olympic Park, the proposed $200 million facility will be connected by a plaza to the soon-to-be-relocated World of Coca-Cola, and the two attractions will open simultaneously in 2005.

These two projects, along with a planned children's museum and the existing CNN Center, Philips Arena, and the Tabernacle--the latter two being popular entertainment venues--should be a much-needed shot in the arm for the downtown residential and commercial markets. These developments will no doubt make the downtown area the place to be in this city, for tourists, residents, and convention-goers.

Strolling Around Oakland Cemetery. This 88-acre cemetery is a peaceful place, and its Victorian graves are of aesthetic, historic, and symbolic interest. The guided tour is recommended. Bring a picnic lunch.

Discovering the Fox Theatre. This Moorish-Egyptian palace exemplifies the glamorous movie-theater architecture of the 1920s, complete with onion domes, minarets, and a twinkling starlit sky over the auditorium.

Touring the World of Coca-Cola. Atlanta is Coke's hometown, so it's only fitting that there's a monument here to the world's most renowned beverage. There's a replica of a 1930s soda fountain, a gigantic collection of memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and Club Coca-Cola, where you can sample all the beverages Coke has to offer, including many not marketed in the United States. It might seem pretty commercial, but it's also fascinating.

Relaxing in Georgia's Stone Mountain Park. Take a hike to the top of the big granite rock or spend a leisurely day seeing the sights. You can also choose from an array of activities--golf, tennis, swimming, hiking, boating, and more.

Time-Traveling at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Check out the 45-foot-long model of a Giganotosaurus, then travel back 15 billion years and experience the "Big Bang" that jump-started the formation of the universe. The museum's stunning architecture is notable. IMAX films are shown here, too.