Travel Log: Atlanta

Atlanta is rich with history, particularly that of the mid-1800s when wartime was prevalent in the South and manners meant more than simply "please" and "thank you."

Scarlett was a fictitious character from a novel (and later a movie), but she defined Southern charm. Her birthplace can literally be visited, as well as the resting place of her creator, one of Atlanta's most well-known authors.

Spirits can be captured in Atlanta this weekend. Experience a taste of the South as it was in the 1800s. Then see if you can tap into those spirits that were actually alive then. They're waiting at the old Oakland Cemetery and throughout downtown Atlanta.

MAP OF ATLANTA, GA.
Click here for directions and an aerial map.

DID YOU KNOW?
Atlanta was originally named Terminus and later became Marthaville before switching to its current name. The Atlanta name is a shortened version of Atlantica-Pacifica due to the area being a hub for railroad activity in the mid-1800s.

WHAT THE AREA OFFERS
Gone With the Wind -- Welcome to the Old South. At least that's what folks would have said back in the setting Margaret Mitchell chose for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone With the Wind. Much like a place called Oz, fans of this story consider it a lifestyle. Visitors to Atlanta can experience that lifestyle first-hand by visiting Mitchell's former home, where she wrote the novel. Then take the dusty road from Midtown Atlanta all the way to Scarlett O'Hara's arms with this unique trail.
• Margaret Mitchell House & Museum
• Gone With the Wind Museum
• Road to Tara Museum

Capture the Spirit of Oakland -- Here lies Bobby Jones, one of the greatest golfers to ever compete. Here lies Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind. Here lies more than 3,900 Confederate soldiers, six Georgia governors and 25 Atlanta mayors. Whether they are in peace or not, find out for yourself on this walking tour of Oakland Cemetery, where Atlanta's rich and famous are buried. Bring a flashlight (with some good batteries), and leave your fears at home.
• For more information, click here

Ghosts and Legends Tour -- It's not all smiles and great memories when you leave Atlanta. At least for some, whose spirits still remain. Mix old stories that haunt the city with a new transportation method of the Segway for this creepy crawl. Is Atlanta's downtown campus haunted? Who exactly is dwelling in Centennial Olympic Park when the sun goes down? You'll never view Peachtree Street the same again.
• For more information, click here

MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
Brick Store Pub -- This Atlanta original came highly suggested by a reader, and wisely so. Three college friends decide to ditch their earned degrees and open a pub of their own -- sound like a familiar plan concocted in a dorm room or frat party? Well these entrepreneurs made it work. With typical bar food served in a vintage setting, this spot offers no television, no annoying music and no major domestic drinks. Try local brews, German and English specialties and a unique bottled list.
• For more information, click here

WEEKEND FORECAST
Friday looks to be slightly cloudy, but Saturday and Sunday should be clear and sunny with highs in the low- to mid-70s. Complete forecast

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
Let NASCAR.COM help book your last-minute travel. Click here