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.

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Featured Hotels

Westin Peachtree Plaza

This 73-storey, glass cylinder skyscraper hotel defines Atlanta's skyline. A five-storey lobby atrium and a thin glass elevator that inches up the building's exterior are just as sleek. Pie-shaped rooms are outfitted in natural hues and dark woods. On the 73rd floor is the multi-levelled, revolving Sun Dial Restaurant and Bar.

The Ellis

In a landmark building on Peachtree Street, this chic boutique hotel has elegant rooms and is a short walk from top attractions such as the CNN Studio Tours. Unique features include a private-access women's only floor, whose rooms come with luxury Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Enjoy organic farm-to-table dining at the Terrace Bistro.

Glenn Hotel

The Glenn's selling points are its proximity to downtown Atlanta's main attractions and Luckie Marietta District and the panoramic view from its SkyLounge rooftop bar. This stylish boutique hotel downtown has sleek, modern rooms and suites. The Glenn Kitchen restaurant serves local Southern favourites.

Hotel Indigo Downtown

Housed in a postmodern office building remodelled by architect John Portman, Hotel Indigo Downtown welcomes you with an airy lobby and striking glass-and-steel double staircase. Rooms are smart and sleek, and the hotel is within easy walking distance of major sights such as the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park.

Georgian Terrace Hotel

A part of Atlanta's history, the hotel's Grand Ballroom hostedGone With The Wind's movie premiere gala in 1939. Now, a tall glass atrium rises above the lobby where author Margaret Mitchell, in 1935, hesitantly handed over her original manuscript to her future editor. The hotel's terrace is a good spot for a cocktail overlooking the historic Fox Theatre.

Four Seasons Atlanta

A grand staircase in the soaring lobby underscores the opulence of this luxurious property that occupies part of a 50-storey skyscraper. This hotel has all the trappings of luxury: formal but elegantly appointed rooms, a spa with 10 treatment rooms, an indoor saline lap pool, a top-of-the-range fitness centre and a lounge and terrace overlooking the lobby's dramatic atrium.

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