Historically African-American neighborhoods witnessing a revival

Word to the wise: It is true that racially motivated policies once pitted these neighborhoods for trouble, so know that parts still look quite dilapidated.

Understanding African-American history is crucial to understanding the culture in Atlanta and the South. So one of your first stops should be the Sweet Auburn District, which is best known for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and the King Center. It's a historically African-American neighborhood that in the mid-20th century became a center of black business and culture.

It has since suffered from poverty and neglect, but is a dedicated National Historic District with a host of interesting sights, including MLK's boyhood home. There you'll also find the APEX Museum of black history and the fabulous Sweet Auburn Curb Market.

To the south and east of Sweet Auburn is the Old Fourth Ward, likewise in transition from decay, but now host to some of the city's hippest dining and nightlife. Hit up Edgewood Avenue for a hipster haven at the quirky bar Sister Louisa's or for Italian and cocktails at Noni's.