Looks like I might have a long layover on one of my upcoming trips through Atlanta. For the time between flights, can anyone recommend something out of the airport? I'd prefer to see something other than the airport lounges and stretch my legs a bit.

I arrive at 2pm on a Sunday and depart again 7pm.
I'd be relying on public transit.

If there are no recommendations, I'd be up for meeting anyone for happy hour.

http://www.webguide.com/cyclorama.html

Hi Dave, here's your chance to see the world's largest painting and it is about 10 miles from ATL and I believe that MARTA or public transport is available.

There's not that much near the airport that you can reach with ease that you wuold really want to see. Best bets are to take the marta train from the airport station, some recommendations would be to go to the Arts Center station and visit the High Museum. That's also a nice neighborhood to walk around and see the city. Other options would be to continue north to the Lenox station, it lets out near Lenox Mall and Phipps Mall, the south's premier shopping destinations.

You can also take the marta to Peachtree Center or the Civic Center (slightly closer) and walk to the Georgia Acquarium and World of Coke or CNN center. You should be able to visit at least one of these in the time provided. All are near the Olympic park, a nice park in the city.

Event calendar on Atlanta.net might help you find something. Atlanta Station has an Antique Market scheduled for 9/7/08 www.atlanticstation.com - Take MARTA to the Art Center Station and transfer to the free Atlantic Station Shuttle.

5 hours is not alot of time to get in and out of hartsfeild airport. MARTA is as slow as christmas and goes NOWHERE. By the time you got to Lenox, you'd have to turn around and head back. Don't waste your time at the world of coke, CNN center and especially cyclorama. If you need to get out of the airport and want to grab a drink somewhere, take a cab to a place called noche on the corner of virginia and highland - traditionally a local sunday afternoon hangout where you should find plenty of people to have a beer with. If the weather is nice, you could try park tavern at 10th and monroe - another sunday hot spot with huge outdoor area on the park, live music, etc. again, taxi is probably your best bet or you could take MARTA to 10th st station and walk a mile along the park but you'll be stretched for time.

Thanks to all for your replies. My plans are in a bit of flux, but I've noted the suggestions!

What is the date you are going to be in town? My sundays are generally open and I live literally about 5-10 minutes away from the airport. There's no sense in VT'ers being stuck for long layovers at the airport if I'm not otherwise occupied!

Again, thanks for all your input! Schedules have changed and routings too. I'm now a week later than planned and have a way-too-short transfer between JFK and LGA...
Will make it back to Atlanta eventually!

Keep us posted on your Atlanta layovers! It's always nice to meet VT'ers!