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Atlanta has an answer for you. Whether you feel like spending an evening at the ballet or taking in a ballgame, enjoying a peaceful walk along some of the countrys most picturesque trails or riding roller coasters until youre dizzy. To get you started, heres a list of some of the citys most popular attractions and destinations:
Atlanta Icons
- CNN Center: One of the most popular attractions in Atlanta, the CNN Center houses the global headquarters of CNN and Turner Broadcasting. During the 50-minute studio tour, youll get a unique behind-the-scenes view of the 24-hour news giant, and if you leave feeling inspired, head over to the Turner Store and make a video of yourself reading the days top news stories.
- World of Coca Cola: Back in 1886, Atlanta pharmacist Dr. James Pemberton probably never imagined that the concoction that he had just invented would someday become the worlds most popular soft drink but it did. Today, Pembertons hometown has a museum dedicated to his invention, where you can awe at the worlds largest collection of Coke memorabiliaCoca Cola ceiling fan, anyone?and sample Coke products from around the world. Dont miss the apricot-flavored Vegita Beta from Japan, but beware of the unpleasant bite of Italys Beverly.
- The Varsity: This local classic started serving the town of Atlanta, population 255,000, way back in 1928. Today, the legendary drive-in is such an integral part of Atlanta culture that a book has been written to commemorate its history, and its a rare Atlantan who hasn't asked for an F.O. and a bag of rags (frosted orange drink and an order of fries) at this enduring establishment.
Art Appreciation
- Atlanta Ballet: Founded in 1929, the Atlanta Ballet, acclaimed for its artistic innovation and diversity, is the nations longest-running dance company. If you feel especially energetic after enjoying a performance, the ballet center offers flamenco and yoga classes and dance instruction for children.
- The Atlanta Opera: Opera lovers will be pleased to discover that Atlantas own nationally renowned opera company presents four main-stage productions every season at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center.
- The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: This world-class symphony orchestra has earned international praise and 14 Grammy Awards. Its regular season runs from September through May, but you can also catch free shows in Piedmont and other city parks during the summer months.
- Fox Theater: The citizens of Atlanta narrowly saved this grand theater from demolition in 1975. Today, the 4,678-seat Fabulous Fox is home to concerts, Broadway shows, and ballet performances, but the lavish and elaborate dcor alone is worth the admission. Attendees sit beneath a magical sky of twinkling stars and drifting clouds in an indoor Arabian courtyard. Tours are available.
- High Museum of Art: Boasting a permanent collection of more than 11,000 pieces, the High Museum is the Southeasts premier art museum. With its enticing blend of contemporary and classical paintings, African art, photography, and folk art, its easy to see why the museum plays host to more than half a million visitors every year.
Educational Excursions
- Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum: Aided by a powerful narrative and moving music, Atlantas Cyclorama transports viewers back to July 22, 1864, to experience the drama and heroism of the Battle of Atlanta. The exquisite, incredibly detailed oil painting in the round, the worlds largest at 9,334 pounds, has been on display in Atlanta since 1893 and is a must-see for history buffs. The connected Civil War Museum features photos, uniforms, videos, weapons, and other artifacts.
- Atlanta History Center: Nestled in the heart of Buckhead is an 83,000-square-foot museum that houses some of the Souths greatest treasures. The museums collection contains items from the Civil War to the Olympic games, and everything in between. Its archives and research library serve over 10,000 patrons each year, and its two historic houses convey more than a century of local history.
- Carter Presidential Center: The Carter Centers mission is to advance human rights and alleviate unnecessary human suffering, a goal that it has worked to achieve in more than 65 countries around the world. Members of the public can visit the Centers museum to learn more about the triumphs and trials of the Carter administration, and the library to explore more than 27 million pages of original documents and photos from the Carter White House.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change: The King Center is a memorial dedicated to advancing the philosophy and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an Atlanta native and leader of Americas civil rights movement. The centers library contains the largest collection of civil rights information in the world.
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