[ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 2002]

FOR THE FANS

Arts, attractions, gardening and nature

Arts

Five fabulous art museums
City's music scene pulses with energy
Arts onstage -- music, opera, theater
Major concert/performing arts venues

Attractions

ajc.com dining guide
Reviews of more than 650 metro-area restaurants
ajc.com movie locator
Reviews of dozens of films; search for when and where a movie is playing
Places not to miss
Venues for the fans
Shopping: metro malls and beyond
Some shopping tips
A selection of bars and nightclubs
Television and radio stations
Newspapers and magazines
Learning about local history
Walking tours offer galleries, sculptures
Take a tour

Gardening, nature

Area conditions offer challenges, rewards
Some garden plants for the area
State parks are found in three regions
Learning about, experiencing nature

Ultimate Guide
Index to the full Ultimate Guide to Atlanta

If simply watching sports isn't enough for you, visit these places to learn more about your favorite athletes:

Atlanta Motor Speedway. Tour the Winston Cup Garage and ride the 1.5-mile quad-oval racetrack. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 1-4:30 p.m. Sundays. $5; $2 ages 7-18; 6 and under, free. I-75 to U.S. 19/41 (Tara Boulevard). 1776 Speedway Blvd., Hampton. 770-707-7970, www.gospeedway.com

Augusta Golf & Gardens, Home of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. Eight-acre gardens with bronze statues of golfing greats. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. $5.50; $4.50 seniors, students, military; $3.50 children; under 3 free. 12th at Reynolds Street, Augusta. 1-888-874-4443, www.gghf.org

Braves Museum & Turner Field Tours. Behind-the-scenes look at Turner Field and the Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum & Hall of Fame. Atlanta Braves clubhouse and dugout, broadcast booth, press box, luxury suites and Braves memorabilia museum, with items from 1871 to the present. Tours on the hour; call for schedule. $8 at gate; $4 under 14; under 3 free. During season: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 1-3 p.m. Sundays. Home game days: 9 a.m.-noon on days with evening games; closed on days with afternoon home games and on Sunday game days. 755 Hank Aaron Drive S.E. 404-614-2311, www.atlantabraves.com

Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. Tennis exhibits, memorabilia and the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Free. 2125 Northside Drive N.W. 404-609-7193, www.bitsygranttennisacademy.com

Georgia Dome. 45-minute tours of the largest cable-supported domed stadium in the world, showing locker rooms, press box, suites and seating for 71,200; group tours only. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $2; $1 seniors, students, military; under 3 free. 1 Georgia Dome Drive N.W. 404-223-8687, www.georgiadome.com

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Official state museum honors Georgia's sports stars, including Hank Aaron, Bobby Jones and Ty Cobb. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. $6; $5 senior citizens; $3.50 ages 6-16; 5 and under free; $15 family. 301 Cherry St., Macon. 478-752-1585, www.gshf.org

Philips Arena. Home of the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers offers "the Philips Experience" during games and events. A 10,000-square-foot showcase with five hands-on activities. Free at ticketed events. 1 Philips Drive N.W. 404-878-3000, www.philipsarena.com

Thunder Road USA. New museum pays tribute to NASCAR legends and history. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. $8.50; $7.50 seniors; $6.50 ages 6-12; 5 and under free. 415 Ga. 53 East, Dawsonville. 706-216-7223, www.thunderroadusa.com

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