Atlanta , General info:
8/10

The capital of Georgia state. Atlanta grew up from regional commerce city to global. Atlanta Metropolitan area has grown 20.5% in a period 2000-2006. During the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta stood apart from southern cities that supported segregation, calling itself as "The City Too Busy to Hate.". Along with St. Louis and Los Angeles, Atlanta is one of three cities in the United States to have hosted the Summer Olympic Games.

Atlanta , Cheap stuff:
6/10

Bargains, Factory Outlets, ... bargain hunters show you the way to the best stuff at the lowest prices at every venue

Also, try CityPass in Atlanta to save 50% off of attraction admission tickets to 6 of Atlanta's top attractions including Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.

Atlanta , Different stuff:
7/10

French-Language Theater, Indian cuisine, Vinnings,..

Atlanta , Don't miss:
9/10

New World of Coca-Cola, Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tours, Centennial Olympic Park and Stone Mountain Park.

Atlanta , Food:
8/10

Many choices for a good eat, for example:

Patio Promenade:

When visiting Atlanta this spring, relax on the patios of the city's top restaurants. Take in the sights and scenes of Atlanta at diverse restaurants that range in cuisine, style and atmosphere.

Atlanta Fish Market:

On the patio of Atlanta Fish Market, enjoy a wide variety of seafood fare such as the raw oysters, baby lobster tail or smoked mango-glazed salmon.

Kyma:

Stop by Kyma for Greek wine and fresh and healthy appetizers while sitting on the welcoming patio, complete with plush and comfortable furniture.

La Grotta Ristorante Italiano

Relax on the patio overlooking a beautiful garden in either the Buckhead or Perimeter location of this fine Italian restaurant. La Grotta's specialties include veal cutlet, breaded and sauteed, topped with prosciutto, roasted peppers and mozzarella.

Atlanta , Hotels:
9/10

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, Americas Best Value Inn & Suites, Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel, Marriott Perimeter Center, and much more...

Atlanta , Safety:
9/10

Many people feel comfortable riding MARTA (the mass transit system) at night, and by most accounts is safe (others avoid it). Solo female travelers might want to select an alternate form of transportation in the evenings, but daytime travel is very safe and has lots of passengers who use it to travel to/from the airport.

Interstate driving is safe, but can tend to be harrying for those not accustomed to driving in large cities.

Outside the Perimeter (areas outside 285, particularly on the North side) are considered to be very safe

Portland , General info:
9/10

Portland is a city located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Approximately two million people live in Portland metropolitan area, the 23rd most populous in the United States as of July 2006.

Portland , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Most things are pretty affordable in Portland! Apartments are pretty cheap for a city, public transit is very cheap and dining out is just as affordable!

Portland , Different stuff:
10/10

Portland's climate is ideal for growing roses, and for more than a century Portland has been known as "The City of Roses," with many rose gardens – most prominently the International Rose Test Garden.

Portland , Don't miss:
10/10

Pedalpalooza, an annual month long bike centered festival involving many group bike rides, including some like the burrito ride or the midnight mystery ride. POWELLS BOOKS is the LARGEST book store in north america. Yup, thats right the biggest one! Its in downtown on Burnside st. Set aside a few hours, if you come with friends make a meeting place cause this multi-floor 'city of books' is amazing for all! Queer folk come to Portland as there is a thriving queer community and really its a great place for people of all walks of life to come find a community of some kind.

Portland , Food:
10/10

During most months of spring summer and fall there is plentiful berry and fruits to be picked on Sauvie Island a short drive or healthy bike ride from downtown. Take your basket and go out to pick (and eat) as many blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, plums etc as you can. Also, Portland has famously delicious micro-brewed beer. Check out the Portland based brewery/restaurant/theatre spots of McMenimans. Youll find them around the city and nestled in historic buildings and old saloons. Most offer great food and delicious beers while a few of McMenimans even offer a heated pool, movies and live music. But really, any bar will have a local brew, just ask whats on tap. Portland is also voted the country's most "Vegan Friendly Town". Most restaurants have vegan and certainly vegetarian options in this town.

Portland , Hotels:
8/10

Check out the Jupiter Hotel for a wild take on hospitality, its adjoining restaurant the Doug Fir has fabulous food day and night, a fully stocked bar and great live music in the evening. Downtown offers many of the same hotels found in most cities around the country and world.

Portland , Safety:
9/10

Portland is a city, like any other but people are generally quite friendly and crime is not quite that high. Downtown is safe and the east side of town is mostly neighborhood based shopping areas, with no threat of crime apparent at all. This town is also BIKE FRIENDLY. But please be advised that helmets and proper front and back lights are suggested to make this safe. Bike lanes can be found all around the city and you can make it from one end of town to the other in just over an hour.