I have been blessed to have the opportunity to visit Atlanta a few times this year. My corporate offices are in Atlanta’s Buckhead area. With each business trip we work hard, but I’ve also had some free time to explore this dynamic southern cities.
Atlanta offers fun for everyone whether you are looking to enjoy nightlife or a family friendly vacation – all roads lead to Atlanta!
I wanted to share a few of my favorite spots in Atlanta:
On my last work trip we were able to enjoy dinner at super-food hall meets mini-Coney Island – Ponce City Market. Ponce City Market is a nexus for fun for your entire family.
Adults can enjoy delicious libations from cocktails to local brews, but there is also a ton of family good eats from Mexican to Chinese.
What makes Ponce so unique is it’s rooftoop play space – a mini-fair environment with games, putt-putt and amazing views of the Atlanta skyline.
If you are a history buff like me – the unique architecture of Ponce is worth a visit and a testimony to the spirit of Atlanta’s resilience.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes Ponce City Market as “History in the Making,” and part of a plan “to move Atlanta forward while maintaining and emphasizing the city’s unique history and culture.”
Named for Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León’s mythical search for the Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon Springs attracts Atlantans seeking rest and rejuvenation in the 1860s. By 1874, the horse-drawn Atlanta Street Railway begins bringing visitors to the area, with more arriving by the Nine-Mile Circle streetcar line in the 1890s.
In the early 1900s the area the area was converted into the Ponce de Leon amusement park, which was resurrected in the current rooftop mini-amusement park.
The Ponce building is a renovated old Sears Roebuck fulfillment center from the 1920s with cool art decoesque details parred with rugged warehouse feel.
You will want to reserve a spot for the ‘Coney-Atlanta’ rooftop fun.
Located in the heart of downtown, The Georgia Aquarium is Atlanta’s jewel…it is the largest aquarium in the world. This amazing aquarium features over 100,000 sea creatures – providing visitors to learn about waterlife from all other the world. The aquarium helps to raise awareness and protect sealife.
The highlight on my last visit was the ability to see the Beluga whales. Check out the webcam here.
This is the only aquarium outside of Asia that houses whale sharks.
(Located within walking distance of Georgia Aquarium in the heart of downtown)
Journey through the world’s most iconic brand. Atlanta birthed the always delicious Coca Cola…it remains the world headquarters. The museum combines the best of interactive history exhibits as well as a tasting room that allows you to sample unique Coke products from all over the world. Stop by the gift shop for some official Coke swag.
CNN Center: Great way to get an inside view into the origins of CNN
High Museum of Art: I blogged about my adventures at the High in May – it is a must visit for art lovers – from Monet to Matisse – they have a top collection.
Fernbank Science Center – from Jurassic to modern science this is a wonderful museum for the entire family! It is located in an historic neighborhood not far from academic powerhouse Emory University.
Zoo Atlanta: I blogged about this renowned zoo in May…Zoo Atlanta is one of the only zoos in the US that is home to pandas. To learn more…click here.
Martin Luther King Center: Commemorate and engage in life and impact of MLK – we are called to be lights in the darkness and the fight for respecting those who don’t share our skin color and background is more important than ever.
Sports: Whether you want to take in a home run at a Braves game, pass a touchdown with The Falcons or slam dunk with the Hawks – Atlanta is a sports lovers paradise! Add in local college sports like GA Tech and who needs ESPN when you have Atlanta Sports Live!
I’ve only scratched the surface on what Atlanta has to offer from history museums, art galleries – top restaurants and shopping – you’ll have a hot time in Atlanta!
For a comprehensive list of museums/attractions click here.
