Atlanta

With a geometric skyline of shimmering steel and glass skyscrapers it's hard to believe that Atlanta was the setting for 'Gone With The Wind'.

Razed to the ground in the Civil War, Atlanta decided to ignore the rural rhythms of the Deep South and instead built a cosmopolitan city brimming with self-confidence and energy. Atlanta was re-born, and christened the 'Capital of the New South'.

Spend time in Atlanta and you quickly get the feeling that everybody's pulling in the same direction, a trait preached by the city's favourite son - Martin Luther King Jr.

His Civil Rights Movement was headed from the downtown district of Sweet Auburn (several blocks of which have been declared a National Historic Site, including the Center for Non-violent Change).

To really get under Atlanta's skin, first you've got to head Downtown, then underground - to a subterranean city of department stores, lively bars and restaurants.

For a taste of 'the real thing' the World of Coca-Cola is an impressive interactive testament to the famous soft drink, while across the street, media junkies can get their fix touring Ted Turner's monumental CNN Center.

Neighbouring Midtown brings together the city's greatest cultural treasures, including a sublime collection of 20th century works in the High Museum of Art and the landmark Woodruff Arts Center (home to the city's Symphony Orchestra).

As well as working hard, Atlanta likes to play hard. With the Appalachian Mountains on the doorstep there are plenty of ways to work up a sweat in the great American outdoors.

Probably best avoided during Spring Break, you can try the Atlanta 'Peachtree Shuffle' - working your way through an eclectic string of bars and clubs that stretches from Midtown to Buckhead.