The first thing that I would do is check with the hotel's concierge about a bus pass for the day or week. I always do that, saves time and money in the long run. The next thing is sight seeing. I would take in the birthplace of Dr. Martin L. King. Go to subway and head to Five-points (not Little-5-points, will explain later) Find Alabama St., (ask anyone at the information booth) wait for the bus on the opposite side of the street. Take the #3 bus, Auburn St. Tell the driver that you want to go to the King Center. You will arrive at the King Center, now go across the street to the Fire Station Museum. This is where the tours of Dr. King's birthplace start, unless it has changed since I was there in 1997. The tour involves climbing stairs, tell the ranger if you can't do stairs, and he will let you out on the 1st floor, as the tour progresses. You can't stay on the 1st floor - you have to exit the tour, so don't ask! The ranger goes up the stairs and to the actual room where Dr. King was born. The stairs are too bad, but if you can't take them, as the ranger to let you out. (There is no place to sit down on the tour either). Most of the furnishing in the home are original. It's a very good tour. From the tour, which takes about an hour, I would go to the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Both Dr. King's maternal grandfather and his father were Sr. Pastors here at this church. His mother was also murdered in the sanctuary. It is very interesting. (Check with the park rangers about whether or not Ebenezer Baptist Church is open. They were renovating, and may not be opened). Next, across the street, check out the NPS Visitor's Center. The exhibit, "Freedom Road" is a "MUST SEE" before you leave the area. It's about lunch time. Try out "The Beautiful" cafe. It's across the street from the church. Try the oxtail if you want the flavor of the neigborhood (it is greasy, though). A little further down in that block, is Churches Fried Chicken. If you want to stay in the area, ask the rangers about restaurants around the park.
Little 5 Points
If you have several days in Atlanta, I go later. I would go and see the Carter Presidental Library, first. I think it is more interesting. (You can take your car, but the bus is easier, and you see a little bit of "regular Atlanta") Go to Five Points and take the 15 Noble St. Bus. You'll catch it in the same place you the #3 Auburn Ave. bus, on Alabama St. It will take you directly to the library, ask the driver to let you off at the Carter Libary. (Be sure to see the exhibit on the dresses of the 1st Ladies, if they still have it. I found it most interesting). Another place I would visit in Atlanta is the Cyclorama. It's a Civil War museum and more. It's in Grant Park. I would save this to day two, the Atlanta Zoo is also in Grant Park. The cost is $5.00 for the Cyclorama. Ask about the zoo. You can take a bus there too!
