Atlanta Places of Interest
Georgia Dome
The Georgia Dome, home of the Atlanta Falcons and host of Super Bowl XXVII and XXXII, opened in 1992, becoming the largest domed stadium, supported by cables in the world. It was constructed with a total of 8,300 tons of reinforced steel, the weight of which exceeds that used to build the Eiffel Tower. It covers mores than 8.9 acres and contains more than 1.6 million square feet of space on seven levels. With eight grand suites, 164 executive suites, a penthouse suite, 4,600 club seats and a maximum seating capacity of 71,250, it is no surprise that the Georgia Dome was chosen to host both the gymnastics and basketball events during the 1996 Olympic Games, as well as several NCAA Final Four basketball tournaments. The Dome is not only equipped to handle large sporting events, but it is also equipped to host trade shows, concerts and other unique events. For more information: 404-223-4636
Center for Puppetry Arts
Dating back to 1978, the Center for Puppetry Arts was the first puppetry center in the United States. As the largest organization in America solely dedicated to the art of puppet theater, the center has been recognized both nationally and internationally for its excellence. The Center for Puppetry Arts is an educational and cultural facility that provides enchanting performances for millions of children and adults.
In addition to performances, the Center offers curriculum-based workshops, an interactive museum and outreach programs. Its mission is to entertain and enlighten audiences, foster the world's society of artists, expand the puppetry art form and explore the past, present, and future of puppetry. For more information: 404-873-3089
Atlanta Entertainment
Atlanta is a hub of entertainment when it comes to music, sports and many other attractions. Whether it's shopping at Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza, attending concerts at Chastain Park's Amphitheatre or enjoying the ultimate dining experience at the Louvre Atlanta, visitors will never lack ways to enjoy the city by day or night.
The Fox Theatre
Originally designed as the headquarters for a 5,000 member Shriners organization in the 1920's, the Fox Theater represents the extravagant and extraordinary excess of the pre-depression era. Upon entrance to the theater, guests are ushered into and indoor Arabian courtyard and seated under a ultramarine blue canopy of glittering starlight and magical drifting clouds that provide an unmatched theatre experience, alluring nearly three-quarters of a million visitors a year. An estimated 750,000 people visit the Fox Theatre every year.
The 4,678 seat theatre is an impeccably preserved National Historic Landmark that has the only full time Restoration Department of any major theare in the country. The Fox is recognized as a Georgia Museum Building, the highest statewide ranking and is also listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Its ballrooms have hosted receptions and special events for ambassadors, noted U.S. politicians and international figures. For more information: 404-881-2100
Underground Atlanta
Designed to redefine the center of Atlanta as the focal point of community life, Underground Atlanta was opened in June of 1989. Original storefronts, hand-carved wood panels and granite archways allow visitors to experience some of the only surviving Atlanta architecture dating back to before General Sherman's siege and burning of the city.
Underground Atlanta spans six city blocks or twelve acres with a retail shopping center of 225,000 square feet. It serves as the host to many special events every year, including Atlanta's largest annual New Year's Eve party. Crowds as large as 150,000 people gather in the streets to see the peach fall from its perch atop Underground's 138-foot light tower.
With unique entertainment, speciality stores, gifts shops and fine restaurants, Underground Atlanta has something to offer the whole family. For more information: 404-523-2311
Atlanta Restaurants
As Atlanta has become more prosperous and cosmopolitan, its restaurant selection has continued to increase in quality and diversity. The city now offers a variety of international foods, along with standard southern "soul" food such as fried chicken, black-eyed peas, cornbread and sweet potato pie. Cajun and Creole food is also extremely popular and widely available in Atlanta.
The Varsity
The Varsity is the world's largest drive-in restaurant and has been serving Atlanta customers since 1928. It has hosted famed people from all over the world including many well-known entertainers, athletes and politicians.
Set on more than two acres in downtown Atlanta, the location can accommodate 600 cars and over 800 people. On Georgia Tech game days alone over 30,000 people visit the Atlanta hot spot. While two miles of hot dogs, a ton of onions, 2,500 pounds of potatoes and 300 gallons of chili sounds like a massive amount of food to most, the Varisty produces this from scratch in a single day.
For those desiring to bring The Varsity experience to their next party or event,six fully equipped mobile kitchens are available. The Varsity has supplied food for groups ranging from 100 people to over 26,000 people. For more information: 404-881-1706
Blue Ridge Grill
A large stacked-stone fireplace, exposed-beam ceilings and deep red leather booths create an inviting yet sophisticated ambience that plays tribute to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The rustic Southern-style Grill serves popular family-style sides like collard greens, grits and buttermilk mashed potatoes. Signature dishes include Georgia Trout and Grilled Pork Chop with Fried Green Tomatoes. With a wide selection of wines and a private dining room that offers seating for up to 45, the Blue Ridge Grill has become a favorite spot for many corporate gatherings. For more information: 404-233-5030
Atlanta Nightlife
Atlanta offers visitors a plethora of entertaining nightlife options with a unique Southern charm. Many generations of rockers have either grown up in Atlanta or adopted it as their home, making the Atlanta club scene the place to be.
CosmoLava
Located in Midtown, CosmoLava is one of Atlanta's trendiest and most upscale night life establishments. Reaching an impressive three levels with five bars, VIP accommodations, and world class DJ's, it is not surprising that CosmoLava has been referred to as the "Ultimate Midtown Experience." Sip on a wide variety of tasty cocktails while mingling on the tropical deck overlooking the midtown skyline. CosmoLava is also available for corporate and private events. For more information: 404-873-6189
Blind Willie's
More than 6,500 nights of live music over the past decade have earned this historical club its reputation as one of the best entertainment venues in Atlanta. Named for Georgia's own legendary "Blind" Willie McTell who wrote familiar blues tunes like "Broke Down Engine Blues" and "Statesboro Blues," this club has hosted names like Luther "Houserocker" Johnson, Billy Wright and Sandra Hall. Many other well-known local and national acts stop in for a set at Blind Willie's as well, including established blues performers Taj Mahal, Rufus Thomas and Charles Brown. The club is open Monday through Saturday from 7pm until the early hours of the morning. For more information: 404-873-2583
Family Activities in Atlanta
Atlanta has compelling opportunities for the whole family including theme parks, zoos, museums, festivals and much more. Explore the Georgia Aquarium, catch a performance at the Center for Puppetry Arts or taste sodas from every continent at the World of Coca Cola. Spend an afternoon getting in touch with nature by taking a trip to Stone Mountain Park or hiking the Appalachian trails. Regardless of age or interests, Atlanta promises to offer engaging and unique experiences.
Georgia Aquarium
Named by the Georgia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International as "Venue of the Year," the Georgia Aquarium has attracted more than four million visitors since its opening in the Fall of 2005. The Georgia Aquarium features more than 55,000 fish and contains more than eight million gallons of water, making it the largest aquarium in the world. A range of interactive experiences are offered to engage visitors including a 4D Theater and Behind the Scenes Tour.
The "4D" Theater features an animated 3D film with live acting and special effects that are sure to leave visitors on the edge of their seats. Combining digital projection with high definition film, the 4D Theater utilizes the most advanced technology in the world. Behind the Scenes Tours give visitors the opportunity to view the top of the beluga whale exhibit, observe the world's largest whale shark and participate in interactive games that help to reveal the mystery behind the aquarium's amazing aquatic animals. Visit the box office to purchase tickets and schedule a show or tour time. For more information: 404-581-4000
High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is located in Atlanta's Midtown Arts and Business District and is the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States. While the original High Museum opened in 1905, the New High opened in November 2005 with a 177,000-square-foot expansion designed by Renzo Piano. The expansion has more than doubled the Museum's size, allowing the High to display much more of its growing collection of over 11,000 works of art.
The High's membership program is amongst the top ten in the US with more than 41,000 households in Atlanta holding memberships. On average, 450,000 visitors explore the museum a year. The Museum offers multiple weekly drop-in art programs for families, as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the year. Most of the programs are free of charge with museum admission. On Saturdays and Sundays, the museum offers free family tours. For more information: 404-733-4400
Recreation and Outdoors in Atlanta
Mild temperatures allow visitors to enjoy the Atlanta outdoors all year round. Atlanta is known for its lush greenery and trees. In fact, this is something that visitors most often remark upon when arriving in the city. With many nearby parks and trails, there are many places for visitors to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and retreat to nature.
The Appalachian Trail
Completed in 1937, this 250,000-acre greenway reaches from Maine to Georgia, offering trails that can be enjoyed by novice and veteran hikers alike. The trail is home to over 2,000 endangered, threatened and rare, plant and animal species. Ranging in elevation from 2,510 to 4,461 feet, the Appalachian Trail offers long stretches of wilderness and beautiful vistas.
Hikers desiring to hike the whole trail usually start in early spring and end in late fall, but short day hikes can be enjoyed year round. The Appalachian Trail is composed of many steep climbs in nearby North Carolina and Tennessee, but the Georgia trail is more moderate in elevation. For more information: 404-634-6495
Stone Mountain Park
Located 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta on US Highway 78, Stone Mountain is a historic Atlanta landmark. The mountain covers 583 acres and towers 825 feet above the city of Atlanta. A memorial carving depicting President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee and Lt. General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson has been etched into the façade to honor these Civil War heroes. Visitors desiring to get a better view of the carving can take a ride to the top of the mountain on the Summit Skyride, Stone Mountain Park's Swiss Cable Car. The mountain top offers breathtaking views of the Atlanta skyline.
From mid-spring through early fall, thousands of visitors flock to the park to watch the world's largest laser show spectacular, an Atlanta tradition. The show combines multicolored lasers, surround-sound and unusual effects into a 40-minute light show. The show concludes with a fantastic firework finale. The Lasershow is free with your $8.00 vehicle entrance fee to the park.
The 3,200 acre park also offers river boat cruises, pedal boats, scenic train rides, duck tours and much more. The Antique Car & Treasure Museum, Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard and The Great Barn are just a few of the Park's other major attractions. Whether looking to unwind on the lawn after a long work week or seeking a day full of adventure, Stone Mountain Park is full of opportunities for the entire family. For more information: 770-498-5690
Atlanta Tours
Atlanta has been called everything from the "capital of the new South" to "the next international city" and "the best place to do business." It's also a grand place to visit, fueled by the affluence of local companies headquartered there like Coca-Cola and Holiday Inn.
Studio Tour at CNN Center
Visitors can experience newsrooms live and sit behind the anchor desk in their own television newscast. This tour also provides an in-depth look at the history of the CNN News Group networks. Tours are 50 minutes in length and operate 7 days a week between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, departing every 10 minutes. After a tour, guests can enjoy shopping or a meal in the CNN Center's 100,000 square foot of retail and restaurant space.For more information: 404-827-2300
| Adult (ages 19+) | $12 |
| Youth (ages 4-18) | $9 |
| Senior (ages 65+) | $11 |
| Group (20+ persons) | $10/person (ages 19+) $8/person (ages 4-18) |
World of Coca-Cola Factory Tours
Located in a three-story exhibition area adjoining Underground Atlanta, the World of Coca-Cola factory encompasses the affluent history of the inspirational infusion. While Coca-Cola was first served at a small pharmacy soda fountain near Underground Atlanta, this soft drink can now be purchased in over 200 countries across the globe.
See a bottling line, taste over 70 different products, watch shows in a thrilling 4-D theater, and view art by Andy Warhol and Steve Penley. Tours are open Monday through Sunday year-round, excluding national holidays. Admission is free for small children and $6 for adults. Photography and video for personal use are permitted. For more information: 770-578-4325
