Art Business News: Discover Atlanta: big-city attractions served up with a healthy helping of Southe

After long days of shopping the Artexpo Atlanta showfloor, the city offers something for every taste, whether you want to relax at a cozy coffee shop or wine bar, enjoy world-class dining in one of the many fine restaurants or spend the night dancing at a Buckhead nightclub. Here are 12 experiences that are unique to Atlanta and not to be missed during your weekend stay in the city.

The Varsity

61 North Ave.

404-881-1706

As the world's largest drive-in restaurant, The Varsity serves more than 2,000 hamburgers, over two miles of hotdogs, a ton of onion rings and more Coca-Cola than any restaurant in the world--everyday. The Varsity has long been the hangout for the young and young at heart, who come to enjoy the classic hamburgers and onion rings and, of course, the curbside service of this classic drive-in.

The Cyclorama

800 Cherokee Ave.

404-658-7625

Located in Grant Park, The Cyclorama was originally commissioned by Civil War General John "Blackjack" Logan to further his postwar political agenda. The Cyclorama gives a vivid depiction of the Battle of Atlanta. Although it has lost popularity because of the rise of modern media, The Cyclorama provides unique insight into a historic time in American history. Adults $6.

Dantanna's

3400 Around Lenox Dr.

404-760-8873

Dantanna's combines culinary excellence with sports entertainment to create a unique, upscale restaurant experience. Dantanna's is not a sports bar--it's Atlanta's only upscale sports restaurant that offers the sophistication and elegance of a five-star restaurant, and the excitement and entertainment of having a private box at your favorite game.

World of Coca-Cola

55 Martin Luther King Dr.

404-676-5151

Beneath downtown's huge, spinning Coca-Cola sign, don't miss this exhibition of memorabilia that tells the story of the legendary American beverage. As you learn about the development of the company, the advertisements that have become part of international culture and Coke's plans for the future, you'll likely work up a thirst. If so, head for the sampling room, where you can try 38 soft drinks from around the world. World of Coca-Cola is an entertaining and visually stimulating attraction that is unique to Atlanta.

Underground Atlanta

50 Upper Alabama St. SW

404-523-2311

The Underground is one of Atlanta's most popular destinations for locals and visitors alike. Tucked below ground, the complex offers hundreds of shops, restaurants and clubs. National chains and local stores help comprise the 100+ businesses that occupy this area where the city was born. The Underground is the perfect place to find a souvenir in one of the unique specialty gift shops. Underground Atlanta is in a great location near Centennial Olympic Park.

Jimmy Carter Library and Museum

441 Freedom Pkwy.

404-865-7100

The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum offers a unique look into the life of the former president and world humanitarian. The museum includes two screening rooms, a restaurant and a full-scale replica of President Carter's Oval Office. The Japanese Garden on the grounds provides a perfect view of the downtown skyline. Adults $7.

Centennial Olympic Park

265 Park Ave. West

404-222-7275

As host of the 1996 Olympic Games, the city of Atlanta took with it the greatest souvenir of the international event--the Centennial Olympic Park. The park features great places to picnic, play or listen to a free concert. The Fountain of Rings is a popular attraction amongst park-goers, who marvel in the shooting streams of water.

Canoe

4199 Paces Ferry Rd.

770-432-2663

Located along the banks of the

Chattahoochee River, Canoe is the ultimate outdoor dining experience in Atlanta. With the river flowing quietly beside the finely manicured landscape, enjoy the delicious cuisine of Canoe.

Eleven50

1150B Peachtree St.

404-874-0428

Eleven50 offers a unique mixture of atmospheres, starting with a multilevel, 13,000-square-foot lounge. This space was originally a theater used in the 1920s and has since been redecorated and transformed into a fixture of Atlanta nightlife. It features a multilevel dance area, as well as a mezzanine bar that overlooks the action down below.

Piedmont Park

10th and Piedmont

404-875-7275

Piedmont Park is a peaceful, popular oasis inside busy Atlanta. Enjoy a picnic with an inspiring view of the skyline or try out the wealth of leisure opportunities, including swimming, tennis, cycling, in-line skating, soccer and football. Learn about history while you enjoy the great outdoors by reading the plaques commemorating Civil War battles and other historic events that occurred here. Piedmont Park is also the site of numerous concerts and festivals.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site

450 Auburn Ave. NE

404-331-6922

The burial site of civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., a museum and visitor's center, tells the story of King's activities in the civil rights struggle and his tactics for peace. The headquarters for the King Center for Non-Violent Change is located here, and guests can visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King preached, and view his birthplace. The church is now a museum that celebrates King's life.

Shout

1197 Peachtree St. NE

404-364-9360

Designed by Johnson Studios, the massive 18,000-square-foot restaurant has seating for 600, divided into three distinct areas: a main dining room with semiprivate booths and views of the kitchen and Peachtree St.; a sushi bar that also does carry-out; and a section upstairs called "Shout Out," which has a second kitchen and a covered outdoor patio with a bar and private cabanas. The menu, designed by Executive Chef Ian Winslade, is equally eclectic, offering up a diverse range of tastes to suit almost any appetite.

For more information on Artexpo Atlanta 2005, visit www.artexpos.com.