Last spring, as the state Legislature crafted one of the nation’s most Draconian immigration bills, a new and surprising political force was born. Metro Latinos and other immigrants (presumably of both the legal and illegal variety) relied on Spanish-language radio to beat the drums for a series of protests. The culmination was the APRIL 10 RALLY. Some 50,000 protesters — yeah, that’s right, 50,000! — marched down Dresden Road to the parking lot of Plaza Fiesta and voiced their dissent. It was one of Georgia’s largest political rallies ever. Though Gov. Sonny Perdue signed the legislation into law weeks later, protesters made it clear that the politicians of Georgia’s future might be wise to learn how to appreciate diversity — instead of bashing it. And the immigrants proved that in at least one way they’re quintessentially American: When was the last time 50,000 citizens exercised their right to free assembly for anything? less...

In the 1880s, CABBAGETOWN was built to accommodate Fulton Bag & Cotton Mill workers. In the ensuing century, the neighborhood developed into an enclave of brightly colored bungalows and shotgun-style shanties — many with lopsided porches and junkyard art. Located east of Oakland Cemetery and north of Memorial Drive, Cabbagetown was home to folk artist Panorama Ray, who photographed the neighborhood’s barefoot and potbellied children, and avant-rocker Benjamin of the band Smoke, who dressed in drag and developed a beatnik mix of blues punk. Despite the recent razing of a historic building that housed the gallery and music venue Art Farm, Cabbagetown’s charm has survived infringing gentrification — and is still home to approximately 75 descendants of the original mill workers.
www.cabbagetown.org.

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Walking through the front door of HAROLD'S BARBECUE is like traveling back to an age before chain restaurants. For that matter, before central air and credit-card machines. Savor the cracklins Harold's uses to flavor its killer cornbread - or tempt a coronary with an order of Harold's Brunswick stew. For generations now, this no-frills barbecue joint has been serving up tasty chopped pork and meaty ribs at an unsightly bend in the road a mile or so from the federal pen. Harold's is always ripe for rediscovery or a virgin visit. It's always a good time to put some South in your mouth. "171 McDonough Blvd. 404-627-9268." less...

Even if you've lived in Atlanta for years, or - gasp! - were actually born here, STONE MOUNTAIN remains one of the metro area's most intriguing destinations. On the face of this massive monolith is, of course, the carved figures of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Not so apparent are reminders that this is where the Ku Klux Klan was reborn in 1915. As such, it was also the place famously invoked by Martin Luther King Jr. 40 years ago in his "I Have a Dream" speech. But even if you're not into history, the park is beautiful: The 3,200-acre park features many other attractions, and the vigorous hike to the top of Stone Mountain affords magnificent views of North Georgia. The Park is located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta off Highway 78. Entrance is $7 per vehicle at the park, or you can purchase an annual pass for $30. "1126 Stonewall Jackson Drive, 770-428-5600. www.stonemountainpark.com" less...

Contrary to popular belief, Bremen Democrat TOM MURPHY didn't watch from his crib as Sherman set fire to Atlanta. It just seems like it. First elected in 1961, Murphy's been around long enough to see the bad ol' days of poll taxes "and" preside (quietly) over the changing of the state flag. Age, though, hasn't blunted the power of the longest serving state House speaker in the nation or how he wields that power. Murphy, 79, has been able to hold on while balancing the demands of the chamber's black caucus and its good ol' boy network. Yet nothing gets done in the House without his blessing. That says something about the political shrewdness he's honed in his four decades in office, a shrewdness, House Democrats say, characterized by an ability to make you think he's building consensus. less...

375 14th St. 404-876-3872 Step inside this 14th Street restaurant and you'll swear you've been teleported outside the Perimeter. Surely a small-town Southern greasy spoon like this can't exist and even thrive in the middle of the city, across the street from the Georgia Center for Advanced Telecommunications Technology? Actually, Bobby and June Crowe have been slinging comfort food to packed breakfast and lunch crowds for more than 20 years now. This faux cabin (complete with rockers on the porch and antique farm equipment as decor) evokes old-school Atlanta more than most local landmarks. Besides, a little Formica never hurt anyone. less...