A Southern-Style Sunset

Guest post by John Douglass of the Atlanta Chapter Most folks attending the Summit are rooming at the famed Hyatt Regency of Atlanta. This is a great hotel with lots of history and character. It’s not uncommon to see a Lamborghini or a Ferrari parked out front, and you stand a good chance to bump into someone of notoriety on any given day. Indeed, the Hyatt Regency is famous. True, there was a big to-do when Jim Morrison once stayed here, and let’s not forget the amazing free-fall stunt filmed here for Sharkey’s Machine, which starred Burt Reynolds. But it was architect John Portman’s revolving top-floor restaurant, the Polaris, that made the Hyatt an instant Atlanta landmark. Regrettably, with dozens of taller buildings blocking the once-pristine view and looming multimillion-dollar renovations needed, management closed the Polaris in 2004. But fear not! Gorgeous sunsets and spectacular city views await you! That’s because, in 1976, Portman built another famous hotel tower with a revolving restaurant that is a “must see” attraction. For Summit goers, you’re only a few minutes’ walk from an unforgettable experience and one of the grandest cityscape vistas you’ll ever witness. Grab a friend and head over to the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel on Peachtree Street. It’s an easy walk, just one block south of the Hyatt. Be sure to bring $6 cash with you because you’ll need it for the ride to the Observation Deck: an 85-second jaunt in the Westin’s exterior glass elevator as it transports you 73 stories above the pavement. You’re headed to the Sun Dial—a revolving restaurant atop the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere! From the Observation Deck, you can spend as much time as you like simply enjoying the impressive panorama. You’ll spot distant landmarks, like Stone Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain. You’ll look down on Peachtree Street at the tiny ant-like people below. It’s a breathtaking experience. If you’d like dinner, you should make reservations in advance, though they are not required. It’ll run you about $40-50 per plate, but the chef-prepared American cuisine is excellent. The white-tablecloth service is impeccable. And, of course, the atmosphere is relaxing. So, in the evening, after you’ve finished your business at the Summit, I recommend you take that ride to the top of Atlanta, order some cocktails, and decompress while kicking back in the Sun Dial’s unique revolving lounge. As you slowly rotate, the day will melt away, and beautiful city lights will unfold around you in 360° awesomeness. You’ll find there’s no better combination after a long day at the Summit than the sip of a cold mojito mixed with the sounds of soft jazz, accompanying a southern-style sunset. For more information, visit The Sun Dial Restaurant website at www.sundialrestaurant.com or call them at (404) 589-7506. The Sun Dial Restaurant is located at 210 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.