American lawyer and businessman. Former chairman of Augusta National Golf Club. Managing Director…read moreof Gleacher & Company. Vice Chairman of Bank of America. Vice Chairman of Premiere Global Services. Vice Chairman of WebMD. Member of the board of directors of Lincoln National Corporation and Cousins Properties. Chairman of Centennial Holding Company. Sounds like an impressive resume, doesn't it? But the reason that William "Billy" Porter Payne Statue sits in Centennial Olympic Park is because Billy was a pushing force in Atlanta winning the bid for the Olympic Games. Advocating for the city to host in 1996. Becoming the Chief Officer of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. The plan for the games started in 1987. Formed a team to get the ball rolling. Convincing private support to push Atlanta ahead of other cities and ultimately land the '96 games. Billy was passionate about the games and was the first person to serve as the Chief Administrator to organize the Olympics and stay on as the lead the Games. Receiving the Olympic Order in Gold at the closing ceremonies of the Atlanta Olympic Games. The statue depicts Billy holding the Olympic Torch looking toward the logo for the Games on a pedestal. Giving you the feeling that although it was a long process, mission was accomplished. A fitting tribute to a man that had a vision and made it happen not only for Atlanta, but the world. When it comes to the Olympic Games.

Statue of William Porter Payne that is located in the famous centennial Olympic park In downtown…read moreAtlanta. Bring an out of towner on a weekend getaway I was not familiar with mr Porter Payne or his ties to the 1996 Olympics. After a quick google search it appears he was the president and ceo of the Atlanta committee for the Olympic Games. So it would make sense he has a presence and a statue in this park. Overall a pretty basic statue but Engulfed in a cool garden like area and shares a park with all kinds of cool other statues.

We visited the Birth Home on the second day it reopened and were glad the timing worked out! The…read moreRanger tour was so well done, providing such insight into the childhood and life of Martin Luther King in a way that was engaging, interactive, and made the time fly by. Our ranger found a way to bring everyone - from the oldest to the youngest participants - into the discussion and clearly was passionate about the subject!

While in the area we visited the Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home which was a memorable and…read moreinspiring experience. It was closed that day for tours however, being able to stand outside of the home where Dr. King spent his early years provided a deeper appreciation for his life, legacy, and impact on history. The site is well preserved, and the surrounding historic district adds to the experience.

If you want to get iconic views the Atlanta city skyline or make out after prom away from your…read moreparents: this is the place. I'd highly recommend visiting at night, with a tripod and a lens somewhere in the 24-50mm range. Apparently some iconic scenes from the Walking Dead were filmed here. I've only seen the first episode though.

If you are looking for fabulous views of the Atlanta skyline, you must check out Jackson St bridge!…read moreIt's located slightly east of downtown Atlanta. My friend and I went around sunset, and it was stunning! There's technically no parking allowed on the bridge, but tons of people park there anyway. There's also street parking available near by, but spots can be hard to find. Overall rating: 10/10

During my trip to Atlanta I decided to detour and see the Capitol…read more The grounds were nicely maintained and filled with statues and memorials. Remember to bring your ID (drivers license or passport) to be able to gain entrance. You will not be admitted without one. All bags were scanned and I went through a metal detector. The guard pointed me to the self guided tour brochure and away I went. Visitors had full access to the public areas. In the center was a huge Christmas tree. It was quite popular as it seemed there was some type of swearing in ceremony for a large group that day. There were a couple of student class tours going on as well. They were able to go in the senate chambers and others seemed to be on some type of scavenger hunt. Quite a busy day but did not see many capitol employees. There were quite a number of exhibit cases that covered a wide range of subjects. Agriculture, minerals, movie industry, wildlife, segregation, Jimmy Carter and other historical figures were just some examples. I thought they did a good job in putting them together. Worth a stop if you have time.

I try to visit every capitol of the state I visit. Georgia State Capitol is open to the public on…read moreweekdays from 8-5. You must bring an ID. In the neoclassical Renaissance revival style, it has 4 floors, housing government offices and legislative chambers. The first floor is for security and other offices. On the second floor, executive offices and the rotunda can be found. It has an open rotunda that has marble staircases on each side. Busts of statesmen are also on this floor. The third floor houses the legislative chambers. The Georgia State Museum is on the fourth floor. Two dioramas that were shown in the World's Fair in early 1900s held in New York were preserved and shown there. Overall, it was underwhelming. There was really not much to see and it was not as grand compared to other state capitols. Homelessness is also evident in the surrounding area. You can skip this and spend your time on other places like the aquarium and Coke museum.

We had never really spent time in the city of Atlanta in the past. I had been to two conferences…read morethere, one in the early 2000s and another in the mid 2010s. But those did not provide enough time to truly get acquainted with the city. This year, we had the chance to visit Atlanta twice. One time was with our 7-yo grandson. He likes cities and we were in Florida already. Atlanta seemed like a good place to finish our time away with a visit to Coca-Cola World and the Aquarium. It was also when the World Cup was taking place, so it was a unique time in the city. The second excursion was just three weeks prior to the time of this writing. This was a different visit as it was just my wife and me. We were in town to attend a book launch at The Carter Center. We had a chance to see the city in a different light. While the scope of each visit was different, we had a great time on both occasions. People do not necessarily think of Atlanta as a vacation destination. While it does not have the glitz and glamor of high profile spots like Vegas or New York or Orlando, it offers a low-key ambiance that creates its own appeal. Maybe the more subdued tone fosters an allure of its own that makes it different. It certainly makes any visit a more down-to-earth, real-life experience. The first thing I'll note is that we met some of the nicest and most genuine people that we've ever encountered anywhere. From the hotel employee who gave us a ride to the train station that was off his route and refused a tip, to the woman at the table beside us in the restaurant who engaged us in a very pleasant conversation that included tips for our visit, to the homeless guy who offered directions without being asked and wanted nothing in return (try finding that in NY or Chicago!), the people presented a different mindset than you'd find elsewhere. Meandering downtown is a great experience. Attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the College Football Hall of Fame and SkyView (Ferris Wheel) make downtown a place full of things to do. While the Braves play outside of downtown, the Hawks, the Dream and the Falcons play in city center. In the bigger picture, the general urbanity of the core city presents an interesting atmosphere in which to explore. Outside of downtown, the King National Historic Park and the seemingly-integrated-but-privately-run King Center perhaps top the list. This tribute to the lives of MLK and Coretta Scott King is very well done between the two sites. The King home tour is particularly enlightening, and the placement of the Kings' tombs on a mount in the middle of the beautifully constructed fountain is quite fitting. Some of the hidden or lesser known gems in the city include the Municipal Market, where you'll find ready-to-eat treats and other food items as well as a few craft pieces in a vintage facility. Piedmont Park is a terrific place to take a stroll in a significant green space. It is one of the nicer parks you'll find anywhere, and it hosts a few fun events such as an art fair. Just north of and adjacent to the Park is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It's a little pricey but it affords a peaceful experience in the midst of lovely garden arrangements. For those more inclined toward indoor recreation, Ponce City Market presents a cool shopping and dining adventure in a 100-year-old former Sears building. Like most cities, Atlanta has some remarkable neighborhoods worth exploring. Midtown is just north of downtown and is one of Atlanta's most pleasant to roam. There are some good restaurants and terrific shops. Virginia - Highland also is upscale and offers shops and restaurants worth visiting. As far as wandering to places further afield if you're based downtown, Atlanta's public transportation is not bad by American standards. There is a subway system that is easy to use and is fairly convenient. It gets you from the airport to downtown as well as a few other places of interest. Buses are decent options for some trips and there is a tram that will get you from downtown to the King NHP, for example. But to get to many attractions such as Stone Mountain and the Atlanta History Center, you really need a vehicle. Like any city, you have to take precautions. Homelessness is a huge problem in the US and Atlanta is no different. Crime can be an issue at times. And the heat in summer can be oppressive. If you do drive, traffic can also be oppressive. Atlanta is indeed worth a visit. It is not high on most vacation lists, but it's still a great place to hang out nonetheless. The attractions are interesting, the people are lovely and, while I didn't elaborate on it, there are some great food options, especially for soul food and southern fare.

My Atlanta wasn't the same city as today. As those familiar with its history know, Atlanta was…read moreburned by Sherman during the Civil War, Today its landmarks fall prey to "progress". My move to Atlanta was in the earliest 70's after I graduated from college. Two of my college friends and I rented an apartment that eventually was razed for an early widening of the I-75/I-85 split. It was a glorious time to be young and single in Atlanta. We lived close to great restaurants, shopping, a popular dance club & the General Apartments Town Club, a popular spot for those of us who lived in one of their properties. We partied at night and got up early to be at work the next morning. Weekends in the summer were amazing. Rafting down the Chattahoochee River was fun anytime. But the weekend of the Great American Raft Race was a 9 mile floating party that some called "Woodstock on the Water". We saw First National Tours such as "Hair" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" in the Atlanta Civic Center and concerts such as "Three Dog Night" at Atlanta Stadium. The Atlanta Braves were a popular nighttime event during an era where we never won but had the sport's most popular and well known superstar, Hank Aaron. Ted Turner was the media mogul and eventual sports team owner. He began CNN & built CNN Center near the new & innovative Omni (now razed), an arena for the Atlanta Hawks NBA team & the Atlanta (now Calgary) Flames NHL teams. We loved to go to the games. A MARTA rail station was conveniently located at the arena. But I'm getting ahead of myself, Our second apartment complex was brand new and beautiful, located on Piedmont Road across from what was then Lindbergh Shopping Center. My first bank (C&S) was located there, in addition to grocery, a great dress shop and so many businesses that I loved. The shopping center site is now a mixed use development. Our apartment complex was demolished to build the Lindbergh MARTA Station. Shopping was wonderful. Nearby Lenox Square was my "go to" Mall, anchored by storied Atlanta department store chain Rich's. Davison's was another anchor that was acquired by Macy's during my time in Atlanta. Rich's had wonderful merchandise and furniture. I still use and love the quality end tables, coffee table, lamps and more that I bought there over 50 years ago. Eventually a new wing was added, anchored by Neiman Marcus. How I loved their dresses! Rich's was acquired by Macy's after I had moved to Coastal Virginia. It still makes me sad. Atlanta Falcons games, PGA Tournaments, Georgia Tech games and playing golf on all the Atlanta courses were all enjoyable. Of course anytime Mississippi State played Georgia, a trip to Athens was required. During those early days I-20 ended in Douglasville. I-75 ended at the "Big Chicken" in Marietta. Speaking of Cobb County, restaurants there weren't allowed to serve mixed drinks. Diners could buy the mixers but had to bring their own liquor. Jimmy Carter was Governor & started his early Presidential run from an office on Peachtree near where I lived. I walked in one day to donate and was given a T-Shirt. During his college days my son wore that vintage shirt until it disintegrated. Atlanta Stadium is no more. The football stadium built to replace it is now used by Georgia State University and another has taken its place. The Braves now play in Cobb County. It is unrecognizable. Georgia State, where I got my MBA had no dorms or sports programs. My employer paid for my degree, which I obtained by going downtown after work for classes for three years. We carpooled and managed to get in some fun time at Underground Atlanta with classmates and on weekends with my friends. The only thing that hasn't changed is the traffic. My son had a recent business trip to Atlanta and stayed in Buckhead, where I lived the majority of my 15 years in Atlanta. He rented a car so he could drive to our East Cobb house, where he spent most of his preschool years. He drove by the hospital where he was born. When he was ready to go to the airport I asked if he was going through the middle of town or around I-285. When he said through town I couldn't wait to hear what my NYC driver son thought of Atlanta driving habits on that stretch of I-75/85. Everyone goes at least 85mph on a zillion lanes bumper to bumper. If you don't know the correct lane to be in you'll never get to your exit. A few weeks later I asked him what he thought of it. He stated "They go fast (hesitation).....REAL FAST. I just chuckled. When we moved to Coastal Virginia I tell people that my fingernails were gripping the asphalt on I-85 as I was holding the kudzu on the side of the road driving north. I cried every time I heard "Georgia on my Mind" on the radio. Would I go back? No. That was a different time and age. That Atlanta no longer exists except in my memory.

Interesting take on an information kiosk. More like an Oldennburg & van Bruggen installation…read more Taking an every day item(s) and turning them into head turning public art. Located outside World of Coca-Cola you will come across this gem. An information kiosk that is made up of two parts. The supporting structure is made to look like a bottle opener and the roof is the metal bottle cap from the classic Coke bottle. It is striking to see and quite the photo op spot. I did not notice anyone manning this while walking through the area, but I don't think it would be manned when it is not busy. That's all I got to say about this.

This massive old school Coca Cola bottle cap is located at the entrance of Atlanta popular world of…read moreCoca Cola in Atlanta. Fun and nostalgic photo op of the old twist caps that Calloused the palms for years of the ones without bottle openers. Pretty large statue and pretty cool and unique. Overall a memorable piece of public art to discover when in the downtown Atlanta area.

Vinings is a tiny unincorporated town in south Cobb / NW Fulton. It's nearly 200 years old founded…read moreby Hardy Pace who owned a ferry service across Chattahoochee to Atlanta and Buckhead from Vinings. It's rich in civil war history and railroad. You'll see historic markers throughout the area. Today, it's a charming southern town with a downtown, upscale shops and restaurants. The downtown area has historic Paces House for events, Old Vinings Inn, fire station, library and Orient Express (railcar resto) and Vinings Jubilee shopping center. Farther out, there's Canoe and Crispena restaurants that I enjoy. Traffic can be rough on week days as the main road is a 2 lane Paces Ferry (get it?) and there's a CSX rail crossing. On weekends, though it's nice to walk around the Jubilee, pick up new balsamic vinegars or EVOOs at Oli & Ve, grab a cup of coffee from Read Shop or people watch at one of many restos.

If you're new in town or just in town for a visit...here are a few things to know about the area…read more It is of course headquarter for Home Depot and if you're in town for business most likely you're staying near a hotel by the Cobb Galleria where traffic can be quite congested-most of the time...sorry you can't fix bad city planning.... If you want to go shopping head on down to Lenox https://www.yelp.com/biz/lenox-square-atlanta-3?uid=FdPioXvctMq8lhBtd_NnTg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) or the Shoppes at Buckhead https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-shops-buckhead-atlanta-atlanta?uid=FdPioXvctMq8lhBtd_NnTg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Stay away from Cumberland mall unless you're like 15 and listen to Taylor Swift. Here are some of the top 5 places to eat according to Yelp 1. Canoe (4.5 star with 1366 reviews) Its one of Atlanta's original fine dining places. https://www.yelp.com/biz/canoe-atlanta-2?uid=FdPioXvctMq8lhBtd_NnTg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) 2. Muss & Turner's (4 star with 512 reviews) Breakfast and brunch. They're known for their great burgers and not too expensive. https://www.yelp.com/biz/muss-and-turners-smyrna-smyrna-3?uid=FdPioXvctMq8lhBtd_NnTg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) 3. Local Three (4 Star with 533 reviews) great place to bring food snobs or super picky eaters https://www.yelp.com/biz/local-three-atlanta?uid=FdPioXvctMq8lhBtd_NnTg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) 4. Buen Provecho (4 star with 93 reviews) Puerto Rican-for those looking to venture out. https://www.yelp.com/biz/buen-provecho-marietta?uid=FdPioXvctMq8lhBtd_NnTg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) 5. Rodney's Jamaican Soul food (3.5 stars with 215 reviews) A bit of a hole in the wall with authentic Jamaican flavor. https://www.yelp.com/biz/rodneys-jamaican-soul-food-smyrna?uid=FdPioXvctMq8lhBtd_NnTg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) 1202nd review 2/6/2018 122nd for 2018

Was out in Atlanta for a few days and this help me fill my time and exposed me to more of Atlanta…read more The great thing is there's a bunch of them typically close by to each other so you can hit more than one as you take a nice little leisurely stroll. The only downside is that one is inside the Atlantic Aquarium, good reason to visit, another is in the Botanical Garden, worth the visit. And if you don't read the map correctly, you may go to one that's out of service and being repaired.

This is one of Atlanta's great 'secrets' there are quite a few artists that have a hide and seek…read morequality and Tiny Doors is a great one. Really intricately crafted entrances. This is a great thing for children, it sparks the imagination in such a beautiful and positive way.