It’s always more fun to get the inside scoop from some locals before heading into a new city.  Since so many of you are headed into Atlanta for our User’s Conference this month, we all got together to recommend a few places that might not be in your guide book.  To make it easier for you, all suggestions that are are MARTA train accessible are marked with a single asterisk (*).  All suggestions that are within walking distance of Hannon Hill and our host hotel, Sheraton Buckhead, are marked with a double asterisk (**).  (Most other locations within the perimeter are accessible via MARTA busses.  Schedules are available on itsmarta.com)

If you're planning to arrive in the city early on Saturday or Sunday, Tim and Kevin W. recommend that you take advantage of the great opportunity to catch a Braves game at Turner Field.  Our home team will play against the Milwaukee Brewers in both of these action-packed games.  Six Flags Over Georgia is another great place to spend your weekend here.  Artur recommends this theme park, which packs in lots of thrill rides and entertainment.

Plenty of good eats await you in Atlanta.  For distinctive Bangladeshi cuisine, Emily suggests Panahar. Amy advocates Roy's Restaurant* for excellent Hawaiian fusion cuisine.  For an upscale dining experience, try the Sun Dial*, located atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza.  Joel D. recommends this revolving restaurant, which features a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.  For the best barbeque in the city, Brock suggests Fat Matt's Rib Shack, which features live blues performances daily.  Morgan advises a trip to Atlanta Fish Market in Buckhead, one of the best places to find fresh fish in this inland city.  Atlanta is home to a number of fantastic sushi restaurants, including Genki, which is close to our headquarters in Buckhead.  Blaine commends their outstanding Cheese Kari Kari.  Joel B. recommends Twist** for your sushi needs, which is also located in Buckhead at Phipps Plaza.  In addition to sushi, this restaurant offers creative satays, tapas, and wraps and half-price bottles of wine on Mondays.  Harry & Sons is Collin's top pick for sushi.  This restaurant also offers Thai food and is located in the charming Virginia Highland neighborhood.  Dekalb Farmers Market is quite popular among Atlantans, offering a huge selection of produce, baked goods, and other foods at great prices.  Sean suggests a visit here for an inexpensive but delicious meal at the hot bar and to pick up some unique snacks for the trip home.  Finally, Beth recommends Cafe Intermezzo, a European coffeehouse, for dozens of desserts and coffee drinks.

After dinner, it's time for drinks, and Atlanta offers plenty of options.  Zach urges you to check out Brick Store Pub* in historic Decatur.  MJQ Concourse, suggested by Bradley, is a distinctive late-night hangout located in an old Midtown parking garage.  Enjoy your drinks while taking in the Atlanta music scene with live bands at Brett's favorite bar, Lenny's*, or at Michael's recommendation, Blind Willie's, a blues and Cajun bar.  If you prefer DJs, Sadiq suggests Opera*.  Finally, Midtown Bowl, recommended by Kevin G., offers a full bar along with 24-hour bowling.  Don't forget to try Atlanta's favorite microbrew, Sweetwater, while you're out.

For some culture, try the High Museum of Art* in Midtown.  Nedko recommends this fantastic museum, which was recently remodled and features an expansive permanent collection of art from all periods.  The Atlanta History Center, recommended by David C., showcases Atlanta's Southern roots.  Currently, the center hosts several historic houses and an exhibit on Benjamin Franklin.  Kirsten suggests taking a stroll through historic Piedmont Park*, which offers park tours, Green Market, and great place to exercise or relax in the heart of the city.  While you're in the neighborhood, discover Atlanta Botanical Garden, only a few steps away from the park.  The facility, advocated by Martin, is currently hosting David Rogers' Big Bugs & Killer Plants, featuring sculptures and "the world's largest public collection of carnivorous plants."  Stone Mountain Park is another great spot to walk and explore.  The park, recommended by Mike, includes a skyride, train ride, paddlewheel riverboat cruise, and laser light show.  Dean urges you to check out the new Georgia Aquarium* during your visit to observe and experience amazing underwater life.  The Fox Theatre* is a great place to catch a show, suggests Andrew.  "STOMP" and "The Rat Pack - Live at the Sands" will be playing during the conference and the weekend preceeding.  Syl advises a visit to the CNN Center*, which offers popular behind-the-scenes tours of your favorite CNN shows. Jeff proposes a trip to the brand new World of Coca-Cola*, which is now open and showcases the history of America's favorite soft drink in its hometown.  One of my personal favorite places to go in Atlanta is the Center for Puppetry Arts*.  This soon-to-be host of Jim Henson's definitive collection features a museum with famous puppets.  Their current performances include "La Cucarachita Martina" and "Winnie-the-Pooh."

We hope this list provides you with a few ideas on how to spend your free time while visiting Atlanta.  For information on attractions that are not listed here such as Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Underground Atlanta*, and Zoo Atlanta, check out Atlanta.net.  A CityPass can also be purchased to explore six attractions at a discount.  Recommendations on additional local restaurants and bars can be found on Citysearch.

We hope you enjoy your stay during our User's Conference, and we look forward to having you as a guest in our great city.