Will you be in a car or on foot?
Piedmont Park should definately be on your list.
Also- there are quite a few wonderful older neighborhoods in that area: Ansley Park, Virginia Highlands, etc. There has been a lot of work going on in these areas over the past few years. Some good, some not so good- but all worthy of evaluation and discussion- especially for an aspiring LA. If you are interested in more details- let me know- I live in the area. -Jason.