So Sherman burned it down in 1864 - its destruction might even be what saved the city from stagnation: the focus on rebuilding and growth. This growth did not slow as the years passed; in the last twenty years, Atlanta has seen an unprecedented economic and physical expansion, so much so that it has the dubious distinction of having the worst suburban sprawl in the country.

As headquarters for such companies as BellSouth, Coca-Cola, CNN, Delta Airlines, The Home Depot and UPS, it is not surprising there has been a huge migration of people from all over the world who want to work and live here. This influx of relocators has given Atlanta a sophistication and ethnic diversity that makes it an extremely exciting place to be.

A dining experience in Atlanta could just as easily be at a Moroccan or Thai restaurant as at a BBQ shack. Sports fanatics could not live in a better location; Atlanta has played host to the Summer Olympics, the Super Bowl, the World Series and the Final Four. History aficionados have much to see in Atlanta. The Confederate Memorial and several Civil War museums at Stone Mountain Park and the Cyclorama in Grant Park remember those who died trying to preserve their way of life.

The African-American Panoramic Experience and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change memorialize those who fought and died to better theirs. The Atlanta History Center, among other things, exhibits what happened when the two collided. For the nature lover, the Botanical Gardens, Lake Lanier, the Chattahoochee Nature Center and the woods of Stone Mountain Park offer a firsthand experience with Georgia’s red clay, piney woods. Museums such as the High, the Michael C. Carlos Museum, the International Museum of Art and Design, the American Museum of Papermaking and the Center for Puppetry Arts, offer a broad range of exhibits featuring visual arts. Many different performing arts companies, such as Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Symphony, the Alliance Theatre Company and 14th Street Playhouse showcase their productions in attractive venues like the Woodruff Arts Center and the Fox Theatre.

For shopping, you can go to the popular tourist attraction of The Underground, or the upscale stores at Lenox Square. For contemporary, funky finds try the colorful shops of Little Five Points; window-shop for antiques and decorator items in Miami Circle; hunt for bargains at the Chattahoochee Avenue Warehouse District.

Also, check the Le Moulin Rouge room, an intimate venue designed to have a “beaux-arts” Paris/New Orleans feel, where you can host your next party or special event.

The package includes a complimentary VIP Coupon Book ($5.00 value) filled with added savings at select stores, and a WineMakers Educational Tour and Tasting in the cask room at Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery with a complimentary Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery Souvenir Wine Tasting Glass. The package is only $10.00 per person, and can be purchased by appointment only with confirmation for groups of 4 or more. Call 706-867-9862 for reservations.

After dark, enjoy our clubs and restaurants in Kenny’s Alley for a night of pure entertainment. Experience It All on the original streets of Atlanta. Over six blocks of shopping, dining, history and entertainment!

The shopping segment of Atlantic Station officially opened in late October 2005, and more restaurants and nightlife spots continue to open. Atlantic Station signed a deal with the Dolce Group to bring their signature restaurants (Dolce, The Geisha House) and an upscale bowling alley/lounge concept (Ten Pin) to Atlantic Station.

The Atlantic Station development features condos, lofts, and townhomes, a park and bike/pedestrian paths, office space, and a slew of retail businesses, including shops and restaurants. A multiplex movie theatre is one of the major features of Atlantic Station. Shopping includes big-name department stores like Dillard’s and furniture discount superstores like IKEA. Restaurants include popular chains like California Pizza Kitchen, Mama Fu’s Noodle House, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Marble Slab Creamery. In addition, there is a colorful, gourmet Mexican restaurant called Rosa Mexicano, which is a legend in New York City. Lobby, owned by Bob Amick and the Concentrics Restaurant Group, anchors the condo/hotel hybrid TWELVE.

What is special about Ullio’s restaurants is that while they may have that “see-and-be-seen” vibe, they also deliver the goods when it comes to the food. Sotto Sotto helped raise the bar for Italian cuisine in Atlanta by introducing the diverse specialties from the many regions of Italy with simply but expertly prepared dishes. Beleza seeks to do the same with a much more radical menu concept, bringing elements of Brazilian cuisine with a dedication to healthy, organic ingredients.

The chef, a young and talented woman named Michelle McKenzie, started her studies in biochemistry before going to culinary school, and it’s clear she understands the intricate relationship of diverse and unique flavor and texture pairings. She’s also very personable, working the floor by chatting with guests and delivering dishes. She was eager to receive feedback about the menu, and clearly is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the ingredients in her creations. Equally as enthusiastic and hard-working is Riccardo Ullio, who socializes with guests while delivering dishes and helping clean up tables. Ullio is always charming and charismatic, but he also is quite serious about his new projects and it is clear he has put a great deal of time, thought and effort into making them successful.

Chef Carvel Grant Gould briefly left Canoe to head up Che, the now defunct rum and tapas bar in Buckhead. She’s since returned to Canoe, and seems happy to be back at home and still makes delicious food. You may get a chance to see her circling through the crowd at chatting with her regulars.

Chef Olivier De Busschere serves innovative cuisine utilizing the freshest of ingredients from around the globe. Wine pairings are available with the service of our own sommelier, Herve Pennequin, ranked the number three sommelier in the world.

Diners can enjoy several different dining experiences at Apres Diem by simply choosing where they will sit, and yes, you do seat yourself. Patio dining will involve a lot of people watching, as the movie theatre is adacent to the restaurant. The main dining area is usually buzzing with activity, as is the bar. For a quieter, more romantic dinner, consider one of the nooks that winds around the perimeter of the bistro, almost like a secret passageway. Or for a more relaxed environment, try the lounge with its plush pillows and sofas.

Apres Diem’s wine list is simple, good, and well priced, which could also be said about the food menu. All wines are available by the glass, most in the $4 range, and the most expensive bottle of wine is a Bordeaux at $24.

The restaurant towers 73 stories above Atlanta, atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza. Through an ingenious design, the restaurant actually slowly rotates to provide diners with an impressive view of the city. Long a tourist favorite, Atlanta residents should check out the fresh, seasonal menus as well.

Ample portions, and a focus on seasonal ingredients make for a memorable meal. Service is well educated and professional, while making guests comfortable and at ease. The wine list is also exceptional, and a reserve list is available for special occasions. Start the meal off right with one of the Sun Dial’s specialty cocktails. The Ultimat ($13) is a perfect example of the classic martini.