About Town: Atlanta

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The final event of the 2008 PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup is finally here. Sure, the Tiffany trophy (and the $10 million) already has an owner just waiting to make his claim, but Vijay Singh does not have a lock on THE TOUR Championship. As the top 30 battle for one of the TOUR's most prestigious titles this week, you'll need to have a plan of action for what to do when you're not at the course.

Lecka/Getty Images

The Atlanta skyline

HOT HOTELS

The Mansion on Peachtree
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
Sheraton Atlanta Downtown

HUNGRY?

Taco Cabana
Agave Restaurant
The Village Corner
Fogo de Chão

SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE

Elite tournament, elite accommodations: If you don't mind a slight drive to the tournament (around 20 minutes without traffic, but be aware that there's never no traffic in Atlanta), then you can get a fabulous deal on a five-star hotel in Buckhead this week. The Mansion on Peachtree has plenty of rooms available with all the trappings of a luxury hotel, and rates start as low as $210 a night.

Other options

• Ritz-Carlton: Less is more with this hotel. It's less money, a mere half star less rated and less time from the course than The Mansion. Rates start around $180 a night, and the course is just under 15 minutes away.
• Sheraton Atlanta Downtown: Another good deal this week, this three-and-a-half-star hotel is about 10 minutes from East Lake Golf Club. Rates start at $135 a night.

SOMETHING TO SNACK ON

Well for those of you who have read these travel guides before -- specifically the ones from Texas tournaments -- you know this PGATOUR.COM writer has a special place in her heart for a little placed called Taco Cabana. Humor me as I point you toward it again. It's rare to find this tasty Mexican treat outside of the Lone Star State, but Atlanta has one. I've found it's not quite the same caliber as what you'll find in Texas, but it's still far superior to any other place like it.

Other options
• If you like Mexican, but you want something a little more upscale than the Cabana, try Agave. A Southwestern style restaurant with a stocked tequila bar, Agave might just be the best of its kind in Atlanta.
• Mexican not your thing? Try some German cuisine. The Village Corner is a little bit of a drive outside the city, but it's well worth it if you're a fan of schnitzel and sauerkraut.
• And to add one more nation to our menu this week, how about some Brazilian? Fogo de Chão Churrascaria is a Brazilian steakhouse where they bring your meat out to you on a sword. Cool, no?

SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT

Don't be disheartened that the Falcons and the Braves are out of town this week, there's plenty of golf to keep the sport lover in you occupied. As for other things to do, read on...

Mobley/PGA TOUR

Sanford Stadium, home of the Georgia Bulldogs football team

GET BUSY

Georgia Aquarium
O.A.R. concert
Lenox Square Mall
UGA vs. Alabama

• Georgia Aquarium: One of the few tourist favorites that Atlanta does not offer is the ocean. But that shouldn't stop you from going into the deep. The Georgia Aquarium boasts the title of largest aquarium in America, so if you can't go to the ocean -- bring it to you. From little-bitty fishies to big ol' beluga whales, you can see all you've heard about and more.
• O.A.R. in concert: On Saturday night at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, those Crazy-game-of-poker singers will be performing as part of the "All Sides Tour." Lawn tickets are only $35. Don't miss it.
• Lenox Square Mall: If it's been awhile since you've hit the stores, here's your chance. This classy Buckhead shopping mall has hundreds of stores including favorites such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier. It's accessible by MARTA, too, in case you don't feel like fighting the traffic.
• UGA vs. 'Bama: The pro sports teams are on the road this week, but one of the best SEC matchups of the season is taking place just an hour outside of Atlanta this weekend in Athens, Ga. ESPN's College Gameday will be there as the undefeated No. 3 Bulldogs get ready for a Blackout at Sanford Stadium.

STICKING AROUND?

If you have some time before or after the tournament, here's a few ideas for staying busy.

• Six Flags over Georgia: The park is about 20 minutes outside of downtown Atlanta, and since the kids already returned to school, lines shouldn't take any longer than the drive out there. Keep your cool on the family rides or test your nerves with the thrill seekers.
• Savannah: About three-and-a-half hours southeast of the ATL sits Georgia's oldest city. It's a perfect place for a short getaway or even a day trip, especially at this time of year.