Great Escapes

Atlanta, Georgia
“The Mecca of the New South”
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg

Like its symbol, the legendary phoenix of Egyptian mythology, Atlanta rose from the ashes following its destruction during the Civil War. After Sherman's infamous March to the Sea, Atlanta lay in ruins, until the late 1920's when a downtown business sector, ringed by residential districts, took shape. Today the international city of Atlanta is the Mecca of the alluring new South.

Just beyond the striking skyline and bright lights of Atlanta are the neighborhoods and pockets in and around the city that define its Southern heritage. Downtown, the city's business district is livable, walk-able, and entertaining, while Midtown is the center of Atlanta's thriving cultural scene. Castle-berry Hill's hip new restaurants and loft houses are popular with locals and visitors alike. Buckhead "the Beverly Hills of the East," is a semi-urban sprawl and Atlanta's epicenter of world-class shopping. Little Five Points is funky, bohemian and eclectic, while Inman Park, Atlanta's first suburb with authentic Victorian style houses, has been brought back to life. Sweet Auburn is the center of

Atlanta's African-American history, and birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Sites to see

Along with several of the city's sports facilities, a multitude of attractions surround Centennial Olympic Park. The Georgia Aquarium, the largest in the world, is a one of a kind aquatic experience. Five unique galleries span 500 different species including loggerhead sea turtles, red piranha, clown anemone fish, tarpon, whale sharks, beluga whales, otters and penguins.
www.georgiaaquarium.org

"This is CNN" lets you watch live broadcasts from behind the scenes during the guided studio tour at the global headquarters for Turner Broadcasting System. Learn about special effects, and get to view the exhibit area with interactive kiosks, and the control room
www.cnn.com/tour/Atlanta

New World of Coca-Cola is a multi-sensory experience that tells the story of Coca-Cola past, present and future through exhibits, a thrilling Secret-Formula 4-D cinematic adventure, memorabilia, classic radio and televisions ads, a bottling process and futuristic soda fountain
www.woccatlanta.com

Atlanta's exciting rich history creates cultural offerings unmat-ched in the South. Atlanta History Center captures the South through award winning exhibitions and artifacts from the Civil War and Civil Rights eras
www.atlantahistorycenter.com

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site has a permanent exhibit in the Visitor Center that takes you on a journey through King's life in artifacts, photos, film, and sculpture
www.thekingcenter.org

Adjacent to the center is the new Ebenezer Baptist Church where you can sit in a pew and hear one of Dr. King's recorded sermons in the historic sanctuary where he and his father preached and is located at 407 Auburn Avenue NE. The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum portrays his life and the office of the presidency through films, videos and displays.
www.jimmycarterlibrary.org

There's much enjoyment in the arts and museums located throughout the city. Shaped like a concrete bunker, the Woodruff Arts Center is home to the highly acclaimed Alliance Theater, the Atlanta Symphony and the starkly modern High Museum of Art. The "High" showcases hundreds of works of art on loan from Paris high.org The Margaret Mitchell House and Museum showcases a movie museum, memorabilia and exhibit galleries. Tour the furnished apartment where Margaret Mitchell wrote her classic novel, "Gone with the Wind," that became a legendary film staring Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh
www.gwtw.org

Where to stay
You'll find a warm welcome to the Peach state at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, where the Sweet Sleeper Bed is featured in all the spacious rooms and suites. There's an exercise room with state of the art equipment, a swimming pool, and all day dining available at the hotel's Fandango Restaurant. Conveniently located, a stroll out the front door will put you in the heart of the city. Located at 165 Courtland Street NE. For reservations phone (888)625-5144 or (404) 659-6500.
www.sheratonatlantahotel.com

Atlanta steps up to the plate
A great blend of creative cuisines with something to satisfy every craving is served along with Atlanta's signature Southern hospitality. The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View atop the Westin Peachtree hotel is a tri-level dining complex featuring a revolving upscale restaurant, and a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Atlanta skyline. Located at 210 Peachtree Street (404) 589-7506.
peach-sundial@westin.com

The Grape is the ultimate urbane gathering place with one side retail and the other a chic Wine Bar with fabulous wine and gourmet fare. On arrival you're handed a customized wine classification system, of more than 120 unique wines that are available by the bottle, glass and Grapes by the Bunch ® tasting flight. Check locations at yourgrape.com The Oceanaire Seafood Room as sleek as a 1930s ocean liner is where you can kick back in a horseshoe booth before diving into a sea of ultra-fresh seafood featuring Point Judith squid, Jonah crab claws, and New England blue cod. Succulent steakhouse offerings include an "1885" Angus New York strip. Located at 100 Peachtree Street, phone (404) 475-2277 or
www.theoceanaire.com

Park 75 at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta lends a new distinction to traditional Southern hospitality. Gourmet dining and casual fare is offered in this Mobil Four Star restaurant where Executive Chef Robert Gerstenecker creates his fresh flavorful options and seasonally-influenced meals, cooked and prepared with passion. In addition to breakfast lunch and dinner, the 'Artful Taste' brunch is presented on Sundays. The elegant Four Seasons Hotel is set in the heart of midtown at 75 Fourteenth Street, phone (404)881-9898;
www.fourseasons.com/atlanta

How to get there
All major airlines are serviced by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intern-ational Airport, just 10 miles south of downtown. The regularly scheduled LINK Shuttle right outside the airport goes to all the area hotels. (866)545-0633
www.theatlantalink.com

For further information, contact the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
www.atlanta.net

Santa Fe and Taos New Mexico
By Rita Cook

Looking for a drive destination that's just the next state over? New Mexico has more to offer than most places with a truly laid back atmosphere and a one of a kind charm. While most people will begin their trip in Albuquerque, it's Santa Fe and Taos where the visitor can really get that laid back New Mexico experience.

Taos

Who hasn't heard of Taos with its list of famous names visiting or living in the area? For example, it's where Julia Roberts and even Donald Rumsfeld call home. When you're visiting, the best place to spend a few nights or longer is at El Monte Sagrado. Recently opening a new wing in this Taos jewel, you might even run into the likes of Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart who also stay there when in the Taos area. Indeed, there are many reasons to choose El Monte Sagrado beginning with the Sacred Circle located in the middle of the property and the spa with a must signature treatment called the High Desert Body Treatment and a scalp massage added. Lots of artists call Taos home as well and beginning at El Monte Sagrado's upstairs gallery you can get a good idea of what to expect. Further out there is the artist Thom Wheeler who offers everything from painting to sculpture and Randall LaGro who pierces the soul with his archetype pieces.

For dinner try Sabraso, a wood-fired grill that serves both American and International cuisine and is opened daily. The owner loves his job and it shows so go for the sample menu or test the fresh gulf oysters or fried calamari.

Also in Taos, depending on the season you will find in addition to the fabulous art shows going on all the time, a Hot Air Balloon Rally, Storytelling Festivals and even a Wool Festival. Get ready to relax and just enjoy some "me" time.

El Monte Sagrado
317 Kit Carson Road
800-828-TAOS
www.elmontesagrado.com
Sabraso
470 State Highway 150
Arroyo Seco, NM 87514
575-776-3333

Santa Fe

A bit down the road from Santa Fe in Espanola, the best place to stay in the area is Rancho de San Juan, which is just far enough out of town to be off the beaten path. With a guest list like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Robert Redford, Cate Blanchett, Tommy Lee Jones and Julia Roberts, this Relais & Chateaux property is literally an oasis in the desert with a Spanish hacienda courtyard and public rooms reminiscent of small European chateaus. Rich in the history of the Hispanic culture, the area was first lived on by the pueblo Indian tribes. This is a great place to both hunt and fish and enjoy the natural healing mineral springs of Ojo Caliente. Rooms offer marble showers and baths, plantation shutters, wood burning fireplaces and local art. The area is also full of old sandstone formations and in the Black Mesa there are ancient petroglyphs created by the early pueblo Indians. The award-winning restaurant touts the name John Johnson as chef and owner and the experience is truly rewarding.

In Santa Fe there is always something going on as well, more art of course, but shopping, history and you might even be able to get involved in New Mexico's reintroduction of the Mexican Gray Wolf program with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. Truly a part of the culture of this state, living at one with the outdoors is what New Mexico is all about.

One very special place to have a meal is The Pink Adobe. Established in 1944 by Rosalea Murphy, locals know this place as simply "The Pink." It has grown into a national landmark since it began way back when it was only serving French onion soup and apple pie. Located in the center of the historic Barrio de Analco and just across from the San Miguel Mission, it's conveniently located too. For a unique flavor, décor and personality this is what Santa Fe is all about.

Rancho de San Juan
P.O.Box 4140
Española, New Mexico 87533
505-753-6818
*On US Highway 285 between
Española and Ojo Caliente
www.ranchodesanjuan.com
The Pink Adobe
406 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87501-2770
505-983-7712