Hartman-Imbriale

Explore the history of the city at the Atlanta History Center. The museum features rotating and traveling exhibits, and houses six permanent exhibits that showcase relevant points in Atlanta history. Events and time periods spotlighted include the city's expansion from a rural area to a metropolis, the Civil Rights Movement in the city, and the city during the Civil War. The Atlanta History Center boasts one of the largest collections of Civil War artifacts in the world. This museum and attraction also has historic homes and gardens on its grounds, and has been teaching the public about Atlanta's history since 1926.

Satisfy your need for speed with a visit to the Atlanta Motor Speedway. This southern speedway is host to NASCAR's famous Sprint Cup race, held every year on Labor Day weekend. If you're not one to watch laps and laps of a NASCAR race, the track hosts "Friday Night Drags" from spring until fall. The cars competing in the drag races hit top speeds, flying down a 1/8 mile stretch.

Take time to pay tribute to one of the main leaders of the Civil Rights Movement by visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. The 35-acre site features a number of buildings and memorial sites, including Dr. King's childhood home, the original Ebenezer Baptist Church, Fire Station No. 6, the "I Have a Dream" International World Peace Rose Garden, the "International Civil Rights Walk of Fame," and a memorial to Mohandas K. Gandhi. While you're visiting the site, be sure to walk through the visitor center for a detailed chronology of the American Civil Rights Movement.

"Sidebar is for drinkers," so if you're in downtown Atlanta and you fit the description, head to Sidebar to satisfy your beer craving. This nightlife watering hole features 10 beers on tap and even more in bottle - along with several liquors if you're needing something with more of a kick. Before you leave Sidebar, take a look at the menu and dine on some Cuban-inspired cuisine.