Many know Atlanta as the city so famously burned by General William Sherman in 1864 during the Civil War. Since then, the Big A has risen mightily from the ashes to become one of the nation’s most interesting and exciting tourist destinations.
ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER
Home to the largest collection of Civil War memorabilia in the Southeast, this venue gives you a chance to glimpse the full spectrum of Atlanta’s rise, fall and resurrection. After you tour the gardens, why not step on the actual floor where the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games basketball players shot hoops?
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN
You would hardly believe that this breathtaking display of trees and flowers is in the middle of the city. Don’t miss the orchid display house or the 600-foot canopy walk suspension bridge. Holiday lights turn the garden into a fairyland in December, and summer visitors are treated to many musical performances. Check to see if you’re lucky enough to come at a time when you can sip cocktails in this beautiful natural setting.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME AND CHICK FIL-A FAN EXPERIENCE
No doubt about it, you must stop at this destination if you are a lover of the college gridiron. What better way to see your favorite team than immortalized on the 52-foot touch screen or on the extensive helmet wall? You can even punt a few balls yourself. If you’re really lucky, you might even get a field goal.
CNN STUDIO TOUR
Have you ever wondered how the news is made? For decades, CNN has been at the epicenter of global reporting, and this tour gives you a chance to see it up close. Behind-the-scenes tours give you the opportunity to step into the control room, pretend to be a meteorologist and maybe even catch a glimpse of a famous CNN anchor.
MLK JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL SITE
This landmark gives you a way to pay homage to the beloved leader of the U.S. civil rights movement. Begin by seeing his birthplace; move on to the original Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached and finish in a theater where you can watch films that commemorate the Civil Rights movement from its inception to today.
STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
It’s no wonder that this is the top tourist destination in Georgia. No matter who you are, you will find something to love here. Options include hiking and biking trails, ropes courses, movies projected onto the mountain and awesome laser shows every evening.
WORLD OF COCA-COLA
Like it or not, Coca-Cola is one of America’s most popular exports. Atlanta is its international headquarters, and this museum is a monument to all things Coke. Take a tour to see how the soft drink is made, and sample over 60 flavors from around the world in the tasting room.
Whether you’re smelling Atlanta’s rich flowers, letting your inner sports fan come out or getting a taste of history, Atlanta has numerous ways to give you the trip of a lifetime. Because you won’t want to forget those special moments, consider hiring someone to capture your experiences digitally. Atlanta vacation photographers can give you lasting images that you can take home to share with family and friends and enjoy for yourself in the years to come.
