Home Voyage: Atlanta Staycation

3377 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (map)

There isn't a lot of LA-style in Atlanta but the one place where you see the big 4 lane iconic roads, (Piedmont and Peachtree) high-end shopping complete with celeb-sightings, (Phipps) and big houses on big lots (Peachtree Battle) is Buckhead. Fittingly, the W Buckhead has a bright modern design, an expensive deco'd rooftop bar in Whiskey Blue and a big-name chef and designer restaurant in Market. It's a one stop socialite spot.

1140 Crescent Ave, Atlanta, GA 30309 (map)

Not a lot of tropical-themed restaurants or bars opening the A-T-L, but leave it to Ace, (MTV Real World) the former bar owner in the muggy, almost-to-the-beach climate of Statesboro to bring a beach bar to Midtown. Lodged in a brightly painted 2-story Southern-style house, this Margaritaville pad has 9 frozen daiquiri machines, tiki huts and palm trees that feel like anything but Atlantan.

467 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (map)

Nothing says "not Atlanta" like a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant that's known for its disco dancing and excitable, tambourine-playing owners. Go on the weekdays for an authentic meal that could have come out of Little Italy in NY, but weekends are when the place takes on a life of its own. Expect to get an instrument of some type and there could potentially be dancing on tables once the disco ball starts spinning. Seriously.

12 West Peachtree Place, Atlanta, GA 30308 (map)

Tucked away on a sleepy, shaded side street of Downtown (yes, if you look hard enough you can find trees Downtown) sits Social, a European cafe who's heavy-accented staff, excellent small plates and good wines make you feel you're closer Barcelona than Baker Street. Look for interesting imported beers and delish sandwiches served on crusty French bread for lunch.

660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (map)

The Fox Theatre is quintessentially Atlanta--but it's old-school Atlanta--built in the time when trolleys were still buzzing up and down Peachtree Street. Not the suburban sprawl that engulfed our city for years later. This iconic slice of the hometown still has a majestic feeling to it and is far and away the most classic place to see a play, band or movie.

2000 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (map)

Since Atlanta is a relatively new and very transient city (compared to Boston, Philly etc.), there aren't many places that seem old-school or traditional. So we have to enjoy our retro pleasures through new things. Enter the Starlight Six Drive In: Located in East Atlanta, this theater lets you catch a double feature for $7, bring in your own food and drink and re-live an American delight from back in the day.