Planning your trip to Atlanta, Georgia

THE BEST WAY

From LAX, Delta and Air Tran have nonstop flights to Atlanta. Delta, American, U.S. Airways, Northwest, Continental, Frontier and United have connecting flights. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $356.

WHERE TO STAY

The Grand Hyatt Atlanta, 3300 Peachtree Road N.E.; (404) 237-1234, www.grandatlanta.hyatt.com. The 438-room hotel offers luxury in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood. Friendly, welcoming staff adds a touch of Southern hospitality. Doubles from about $275.

Hotel Indigo, 683 Peachtree Street N.E.; (404) 874-9200, www.hotelindigo.com.

The 140-room hotel, a division of Intercontinental, is in the centrally located, very happening Midtown area. The brand is casually chic, with wood floors in the rooms and Aveda amenities. The Midtown Indigo offers a small, fun bar, outdoor seating on main artery Peachtree and is dog-friendly. Ask for a room on the 12th (and top) floor. Rates from about $100.

WHERE TO EAT

Atlanta is a foodie town. You’ll find trendy restaurants side by side with down-home Southern cooking.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe,www.flyingbiscuit.com. An Atlanta favorite (now becoming a franchised chain). With three locations, you’re never too far from its famous homemade biscuits and great coffee.

Thrive, 101 Marietta St.; (404) 389-1000, www.thriveatl.com. In the Centennial Tower, a block from the CNN Center. This hip hangout turns into a groovy lounge scene at night. The sushi bar serves dishes such as a cornmeal- crusted grouper sandwich with fried green tomatoes ($12). Sandwiches and entrees from $12.

R. Thomas’ Deluxe Grill, 1812 Peachtree Road N.W.; (404) 872-2942, www.rthomasdeluxegrill.com. A one-of-a-kind place that looks like it belongs in Berkeley in the ‘60s. You can get your organic on from breakfast through dinner. Entrees from $10.

Six Feet Under, 684 11th St.; (404) 810-0040, www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com. Across from Oakland Cemetery, this place is an ideal respite after a couple hours of tomb hunting. Seafood entrees around $10.

Ronnie & Folami’s Home Cooking, corner of Irwin and Howell streets, around the corner from the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site; (404) 454-8061. A local find featuring “deluxe chicken and ribs, yams and greens” (from $8.50).