Travel Guide: Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, Georgia is staying relevant with new attractions. For starters, the Georgia Dome is out and will be replaced with a $1.2 billion dollar open-air stadium slated for 2017-, which could signal another Super Bowl in A-town’s future and maybe even a FIFA World Cup. And Turner Field is also looking at a new home in Cobb County, which is also projected to open in 2017. The Braves say they want a place that is closer to their fan base, is away from the heavy traffic and offers more parking. The open-air stadium is also becoming more intimate with 10,000 less seats.
Even though these state of the art stadiums aren’t open that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t gear up for a visit. Check out my story featuring The Atlanta You Haven’t Met. We talk about the College Football Hall of Fame where you can take your shot at a drill and kick a field goal on a replica field. Plus, visit a newer restaurant in town, Gunshow, which features 7 star chefs wowing you with their dish of the day. Empire State South is also new to the game and brings upscale comfort food to Midtown.
You also want to work in the classic stops, which starts with one of the cities most famous big ticket attractions.
Learn how a recipe from Atlanta turned into what is arguably the most recognized brand in the world at World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta. Inside, exhibits showcase nostalgic artifacts, the secret vault where the secret formula is kept, and a bottling line. The exhibit ends at tasting room with 60 different flavors from North America, Europe, Latin America and Europe. Dare you to try the Beverly!
The building is set up in Pemberton Place, a 20-acre site named for Jon Pemberton, the founder of the famous soda that includes the world of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human rights.
Price: General admission: between $12.00 and $16.00
Atlanta’s version of City Park can best be enjoyed at Lake Clara Meer for a view of the city. Before you go, grab a peach at the Green Market Farmer’s Market. Enter at the 12th Street entrance. The market is open March 2-December 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday’s.
Price: Just the cost of a peach!
Martin Luther Jr. National Historic Site
Not only can you visit the home Marin Luther King Jr. grew up in but you can also step inside the Ebenezer Baptist Church where his father and grandfather preached. Just down the street is Historic Fire Station No. 6, which was the second fire station to racially integrate firefighters. In the time he lead the American Civil Rights Movement, African American made more progress towards equality than the previous three centuries. Many say it was the nonviolent tactics learned from Mahatma Gandhi that spurred this.
Price: $10 Access Pass
Centennial Park & Skyview Ferris Wheel
First up, step inside an air-conditioned gondola that will take you nearly 200 feet into the air for an aerial view of Centennial Park on the Skyview Ferris Wheel. Once you are back on the ground, walk around Centennial Park-, which was the central venue for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Fountain of Rings is the world’s largest interactive fountain and there are sure to be tons if kids splashing around.
Price: General Admission starting at $12.15
Out of Atlanta:
Many argue that Georgia born Tyrus Cobb was one of greatest baseball players to take the field. A museum in Royston, GA showcases memorabilia, film, photographs and artifacts, including Cobb’s 1907 American League batting champion medal. It also goes deep with his history- including his fierce and aggressive playing style on the field and philanthropic nature off.
Ty Cobb’s final resting place is just down the road at the Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitors often leave baseballs on his grave.
(Price: between $3.00 – $5.00)
This park features the largest exposed granite outcropping in the world-, which showcases a Confederate Memorial that is 90 feet by 190 feet. One way to see the sculpture is via a cable car that drops you to the top of the mountain. A hiking trail (about 1 mile) is another popular option for those looking for a more challenging way to summit.
(Price: $29.95 per ticket )
It looks like the goose wants that peach. 🙂