Things to do in Atlanta

Kayak the Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a short drive north of Atlanta. Whilst most visit the park to hike or walk, the more adventurous should seek out Chattahoochee Outfitters (tel: +1 770 650 1008; www.shootthehooch.com) to kayak, tube, paddleboard or follow canoe routes that cover anything from 2.5 km (1.5 miles) to a full 10km (6 miles) schlep.

Hunt out a bargain in Chamblee’s Antique Row

Chamblee’s Antique Row (tel: +1 770 458 6316; www.antiquerow.com) offers some of the finest antique shopping in the South. It is home to over a dozen antique shops, catering for every collector’s dusty whim and desire. Retro and space age aficionados shouldn’t miss The Antique Factory (tel: +1 770 455 7570; www.antiquefactory.net).

Take in the view from Sweetwater Creek

About 32km (20 miles) west of Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park has several scenic trails. Northwest of the city is 551m–high (1,808ft) Kennesaw Mountain. The peak’s most popular trek is a paved trail that is open daily to hikers and to vehicles on weekdays. A bus transports hikers from the top of the mountain back to the visitors centre.

Zip-line over the ruins of Banning Mills

Speed through the air on the longest and largest zip-line canopy tour in the world, which flies over a hidden gorge and the ruins of Banning Mills (tel: +1 770 834 9149; www.historicbanningmills.com), an hour’s drive west of Atlanta. The site has over 16km (10 miles) of line and includes the Amazing Flight of the Falcon: a 1,036m (3,400ft) headfirst Superman-style flight above the trees.

Wine tasting? Yes please.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards (tel: +1 706 867 9862; www.wolfmountainvineyards.com) is the best of several vineyards in the foothills of the Appalachians in North Georgia. Known for its award-winning plonk, it’s set in beautiful grounds just over an hour north of Atlanta. You can take a tour, then hang out on the patio overlooking stunning scenery - a great spot to enjoy their Sunday brunch, with accompanying live music and some lovely vino.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.