Things to do in Atlanta
Hunt out a bargain in Chamblee’s Antique Row
Chamblee's Antique Row (tel: +1 770 458 6316; www.antiquerow.com) offers some of the finest antique shopping in the South. It is home to over a dozen antique shops, catering for every collector's dusty whim and desire. Retro and space age aficionados shouldn't miss The Antique Factory (tel: +1 770 455 7570; www.antiquefactory.net).
Kayak the Chattahoochee River
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a short drive north of Atlanta. Whilst most visit the park to hike or walk, the more adventurous should seek out Chattahoochee Outfitters (tel: +1 770 650 1008; www.shootthehooch.com) to kayak, tube, paddleboard or follow canoe routes that cover anything from 2.5 km (1.5 miles) to a full 10km (6 miles) schlep.
Take in the view from Sweetwater Creek
About 32km (20 miles) west of Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park has several scenic trails. Northwest of the city is 551m–high (1,808ft) Kennesaw Mountain. The peak's most popular trek is a paved trail that is open daily to hikers and to vehicles on weekdays. A bus transports hikers from the top of the mountain back to the visitors centre.
Wine tasting? Yes please.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards (tel: +1 706 867 9862; www.wolfmountainvineyards.com) is the best of several vineyards in the foothills of the Appalachians in North Georgia. Known for its award-winning plonk, it's set in beautiful grounds just over an hour north of Atlanta. You can take a tour, then hang out on the patio overlooking stunning scenery - a great spot to enjoy their Sunday brunch, with accompanying live music and some lovely vino.
Zip-line over the ruins of Banning Mills
Speed through the air on the longest and largest zip-line canopy tour in the world, which flies over a hidden gorge and the ruins of Banning Mills (tel: +1 770 834 9149; www.historicbanningmills.com), an hour's drive west of Atlanta. The site has over 16km (10 miles) of line and includes the Amazing Flight of the Falcon: a 1,036m (3,400ft) headfirst Superman-style flight above the trees.
