Things to see and do in Atlanta

When not participating in the 2015 NSC Congress & Expo, take some time to explore the vibrant host city of Atlanta. Whether you are looking to soak in some culture, explore the outdoors or sample local cuisine, you won’t lack options for fun.

Can’t-miss

Built to help celebrate the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is a sprawling public park that receives roughly 3 million visitors every year. Pack a picnic lunch, head over to the park’s visitor center for ideas, or simply soak in some sunshine and people watch.]
265 Park Ave. W NW
(404) 223-4412
www.centennialpark.com

Looking for the best view of downtown Atlanta to snap a selfie? Head over to the Jackson Street Bridge and admire the city’s amazing skyline.
201, 211 Jackson St. NE

Take a trip through history by visiting the King Center, the world’s largest repository of primary source materials on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement. The archives include more than 200 oral history interviews with Dr. King’s teachers, friends, family and associates. Admission and parking are free.
449 Auburn Ave. NE
(404) 526-8900
www.thekingcenter.org

Want to see a whale shark? Check out the Georgia Aquarium. While you’re there, catch a dolphin show, go on behind-the-scenes tours, and get up close and personal with a variety of marine life – including tropical fish and jellyfish.
225 Baker St. NW
(404) 581-4000
www.georgiaaquarium.org

Explore outdoors

If you’re looking to get in some exercise on your visit, don’t pass up exploring the Atlanta BeltLine. The beltline’s 22 miles of unused railroad track trails and walkways circle the city’s in-town neighborhoods. You also can rent a bike at Atlanta Beltline Bicycle, located on the Eastside Trail. Visit http://beltline.org for more information.

If a relaxing day at the park is what you’re after, look no further than Piedmont Park. Full of picturesque views, walking paths, tennis courts and picnic facilities, the park offers tranquility within a bustling city.
400 Park Drive New
(404) 875-7275 x230
www.piedmontpark.org

Book a tee time for a nice round of golf at Charlie Yates Golf Course, located 4 miles east of downtown. This 9-hole, par-30 course features Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens.
10 Lakeside Village Drive SE
(404) 373-4655
www.charlieyatesgolfcourse.com

For a colorful burst of nature, visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The garden features 30 acres of outdoor gardens, a children’s garden, an organic biosphere home to tropical plants and an amphibian display.
1345 Piedmont Ave. NE
(404) 876-5859
http://atlantabg.org

Dining

If the thought of brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken makes your stomach growl, give Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q a try. With fried pickles, jalapeño cornbread and ribs on the menu, what’s not to love?
1238 Dekalb Ave. NE
(404) 577-4030
www.foxbrosbbq.com

For a romantic seafood dinner, check out The Optimist, an open and breezy restaurant and oyster bar. From Spanish-charred octopus to duck fat-poached swordfish and smoked white fish chowder with bacon, you’ll be leaving this restaurant with a happy belly.
914 Howell Mill Road
(404) 477-6260
http://theoptimistrestaurant.com

Officially declared “Atlanta’s Dining Room” in 2011 by Georgia House of Representatives Resolution 477, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been serving Southern cooking for more than 70 years. From fried green tomatoes to crawfish, fried chicken and Georgia peach cobbler, no wonder people can’t help but rave about it. Thirsty? Try a refreshing glass of their famous sweet tea.
224 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
(404) 876-1800
www.marymacs.com

Information gathered at www.atlanta.net and www.tripadvisor.com.