Atlanta is the capital of Georgia, and with a population of over 500 000 people its the largest city in the southern state. A sprawling andglitzy city, Atlanta is a place that truly represents the modern American south, without marring in any way the history of this fine region. Neighbourhoods of towering skyscrapers stand side by side with old historical homes and buildings that hark back to the civil war days. Centres of modern culture such as the CNN headquarters and the Coca Cola offices co-exist with historical icons like the birth home of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. This makes for an exciting blend of the old and the new which will keep tourists entertained for days, weeks... years even!
The cultural diversity of Atlantans is well represented in the city's cuisine, so food lovers will never be short of a fine restaurant to try out. There are also accommodation options to suit any taste or budget, and the climate is generally cooler than the rest of the south. All in all you cannot fault Atlanta for a holiday! Hire a rental car through Discovery Car Hire, and explore the city and the beautiful state of Georgia. Here's some ideas of things you could see:
1. The Georgia Aquarium
One of Atlanta's premier attractions, this is the worlds largest aquarium! It contains over 8 million gallons of fresh and salt water, and there is more underwater life here than in any other aquarium on the planet. From African Penguins to Beluga Whales, from Black-Tipped Reef Sharks to American Alligators, this amazing aquarium will keep you entranced for hours on end. Its dedicated to conservation and education, so you're guaranteed to learn something about the marine world and how we can preserve it.
2. The New World of Coca Cola
This is basically a museum dedicated to Coca-Cola and the history of the company, and the place it holds in popular culture today. It contains the worlds largest collection of Coke memorabilia, and the thrilling 3-d movie theatre with its mobile seats will have kids and adults screaming out in enjoyment! There is also a fully functioning bottling line, that produces commemorative bottles of Coke for visitors to take home. There is a popular culture gallery, and a tasting section where you get to sample different products.
3. The Birth Home of Martin Luther King Jr
While this is not exactly a 'fun' place to visit, its an important and educational place that pays homage to one of the most revered figures of the civil rights movement. You need to book a ranger-guided tour of the home, as visitors aren't allowed to explore the museum on their own. There are textual and photographic exhibits, and a couple of informative films playing. Anyone with an interest or a respect for civil rights or for Martin Luther King Jr is urged to visit this educational museum.
4. The Atlanta Botanical Garden
A world of magical serenity awaits you at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a secluded and enclosed garden that feels a million miles away from anywhere else in the world. Its hard to believe that the mid-town high rises are right next door! There's a children's garden which has mazes and water play features, so the little ones will be entertained while you enjoy the peace and quiet. Plant lovers will enjoy the atrium which contains a huge collection of orchids and tropical plants.
5. The Atlanta History Centre
This is definitely the most interesting way to delve into the history of the city and the state. Every time you visit this centre you'll find something new - it contains a museum, historical houses, beautiful gardens and a southern restaurant renowned for its tasty dishes. See what farming in Georgia is all about at the Tullie Smith Farm, and see how the rich and wealthy of the city live at Swan House Mansion. You wont regret visiting here, and quite possibly will be back the next day!
Gavin Wyatt
