Six hours in ... Buckhead

No trip to the elite shopping mecca of Atlanta would be complete without some retail therapy, but don't fall prey to Lenox Square’s shiny facade. While Buckhead doesn't have much of a downscale side, there are plenty of quirky and oft-overlooked attractions.

3 p.m.: A different shopping experience

Spend an hour walking along Bennett Street’s upscale galleries and boutiques. While most of us have to enjoy from afar thanks to some hefty price tags, springtime window shopping at quaint spots such as Beaman Antiques is still a much more enjoyable alternative to fighting the mall crowd.

4 p.m.: Art stroll

Peruse the collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. MOCA GA features the work of born-and-raised Georgians, as well as artists who've created the majority of their work here. There are more than 500 pieces in the museum’s permanent collection.

5 p.m.: Homegrown crafts

Still craving a little shopping? Make your way to the quirky Beehive Co-op and drop some cash on its collection of one-of-a-kind products made by local and regional artists. While some of the items can get pricey, there are always plenty of unique finds for under $50. Standouts include the geometric jewelry from Freshie and Zero, and Poetique Couture’s earth-friendly fashions.

7 p.m.: Burgers and booze

As the sun sets, head over to Holeman and Finch — CL’s 2008 pick for Restaurant of the Year — to sip few tasty cocktails from Greg Best, the city’s most inventive mixologist (he employs an array of bitters, and such garnishes as shaved cinnamon). We suggest the Dastardly Deed or La Piña, but experimentation is key since you won't find a better mixed drink outpost in town. Although our itinerary only allots an hour here, be sure to soak up some of that alcohol with the restaurant’s notorious burger if you’re here a little longer; the burger only makes its appearance after 10 p.m.

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