In its earliest days, Atlanta was known as "The City In A Forest." While that moniker may no longer be true in a technical sense, from on top of Stone Mountain you can see green spreading out in all directions, pockmarked by pockets of development and skyscrapers in the distance. Atlanta is still a city of trees, but it's also a massive metropolitan area now, the hip and cosmopolitan capital of the New South. And it's a place more than suitable for a memorable anniversary getaway.
Atlanta has an abundance of legendary fine dining establishments, but if you'd like a great view along with your meal, a few places stand out ... and above. At Canoe, you'll feel far away from the din of the city as you dine on the shady banks of the Chattahoochee River a few miles from downtown. In the heart of downtown, the Sun Dial, a revolving restaurant perched atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza -- one of Atlanta's tallest buildings -- provides the best closeup view of the city, even at night. Nikolai's Roof, a mainstay of upscale romantic dining in Atlanta since the mid-1970s, offers similar views of downtown from on high at the Hilton.
Whether it's a movie, play, concert or improv theater, Atlanta has a classic venue with seats waiting. The Fox Theatre, on the city's famous Peachtree Street, is Atlanta's grandest showplace where movies are screened, concerts performed and plays staged. Chastain Park Amphitheater is a romantic setting for an outdoor concert; you're allowed to bring your own drinks and food inside the venue. Whole World Theatre, Atlanta's own version of "Saturday Night Live," stages high-caliber improv sketch comedy shows weekly.
Even though Atlanta is a major metropolitan area often clogged with traffic, it still contains a treasure trove of parks, green spaces and natural attractions. These places are ideal for a morning or afternoon stroll, hike or bike ride. Piedmont Park is where Atlanta goes to relax. It's the city's major urban green space, but the Beltline -- a linear park and pathway built along an old rail corridor -- is a close second. Outside of the Perimeter and within view of the city skyline, Stone Mountain is a famous natural attraction of the area. Take the 1.2-mile trail or aerial tramway to the summit to catch a sunset view, complete with the silhouetted city skyline in the distance.
In Midtown, the Artmore Hotel is a good choice for couples interested in experiencing the best of Atlanta's arts and culture. It's within easy walking distance to many theaters and museums, including the High Museum of Art and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Downtown, the Ellis Hotel is a stylish property in the historic Winecoff Hotel building and within walking distance to major downtown attractions, such as Centennial Olympic Park. And in Buckhead, the St. Regis Atlanta may be too large to be considered a boutique property, but it's similar to a full-fledged resort that knows how to cater specifically to lovebirds in one of the city's more historic and trendy neighborhoods.
