Power Walking in Virginia-Highland
Admit it. Not all strolls have to be through the prettiest historical neighborhoods or full of artistic touches. Sometimes we simply want to power walk while we power shop. Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood fills this need. You can stop to eat, then shop, then walk till you're content. Amble alongside Virginia Avenue or North Highland Avenue to Ponce de Leon to view cozy 1920s bungalows next to diverse retail spaces. You'll find trendsetting boutiques, small galleries, antiques shops, day spas, salons, coffeehouses, and even a fun pub. Parking is at a premium here--don't pass up any metered space.

Once you leave your car behind, revel in the springtime strolls that Atlanta has to offer.

The Details on Atlanta
For Atlanta information: Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, (404) 577-2148, 1-800-285-2682, or www.atlanta.net

Atlanta Preservation Center: (404) 688-3350 or www.preserveatlanta.com

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum: (404) 331-0296 or www.jimmycarterlibrary.org

Neighborhood Web sites: www.ansleypark.org, www.inmanpark.org, www.virginiahighland.com

Festivals: Atlanta Dogwood Festival, April 11-13, (404) 329-0501 or www.dogwood.org; Inman Park Spring Festival, April 25-27, (770) 242-4895 or www.inmanpark.org

Turner's First Thursdays: (404) 658-1877 or www.atlantadowntown.com (Go to the "Having Fun" section and click on "First Thursdays.")

Where to stay: For lodging, the AmeriSuites Atlanta-Downtown has excellent rates from $89 (330 Peachtree Street NE., [404] 577-1980). We like the Residence Inn Historic Midtown, just four blocks from Piedmont Park; rates start at $124 for suites (1041 West Peachtree Street, [404] 872-8885). If Inman Park is your destination, try the colorful 1890 King-Keith House bed-and-breakfast; rates start at $90 (889 Edgewood Avenue NE., [404] 688-7330).

Where to dine: In Midtown, the newest and best-deserved dinner sensation is One Midtown Kitchen, where the small plates add up to an affordable big meal. The menu changes nightly, but be sure to order the blue crab fritters ($9) if they're available (open for dinner and Sunday brunch only; 559 Dutch Valley Road, [404] 892-4111). For lunch, try some of Atlanta's best burgers and beers at The Vortex Bar & Grill (open for lunch and dinner; 878 Peachtree Street, [404] 875-1667). For a dressier meal, the quaint South City Kitchen puts fun twists on favorites such as shrimp and grits ($17.25) and fried chicken (open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch; 1144 Crescent Avenue, [404] 873-7358).

In the Virginia-Highland and Inman Park neighborhoods, reserve a table at La Tavola Trattoria for upscale Italian (open for dinner and Sunday brunch only; 992 Virginia Avenue NE., [404] 873-5430). We love their homemade ravioli ($13.95). When all you want is a good sandwich, pull into Woody's on the corner of Monroe and Virginia Avenue (open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; [404] 876-1939). Try their messy but wonderful cheese steak sandwich ($4.55).

(For another Georgia garden, read "Barnsley in Bloom" on pages 40-42 of the March 2003 issue of Southern Living)

This article is from the March 2003 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.