Only in Atlanta can you….

…see the largest fish through the largest window in the largest aquarium in the world.

Head to the Georgia Aquarium, where you can see tens of thousands of animals in more than 8 million gallons of water. The world’s largest aquarium houses whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea and only whale sharks in an aquarium in North America, along with beluga whales, otters, penguins and much more. Visitors can now swim or dive with the world’s largest fish in the world’s largest aquarium. In late 2010, the Georgia Aquarium is scheduled to open a state-of-the-art dolphin exhibit that will include dolphin encounters, viewing windows and dolphin shows.

…stroll through the collections of art from around the world without leaving Atlanta.

The High Museum of Art, the premier art museum in the South, is in the midst of a multi-year partnership with The Museum of Modern Art. Through 2013, the partnership will bring many exhibitions to Atlanta, including four masterpieces by Claude Monet that will be on display through August 2009. In October 2009, the High Museum of Art will feature the first exhibition to explore Leonardo de Vinci’s profound interest in and influence on sculpture. The exhibit will feature 50 works, including more than 25 sketches and studies by Leonardo, some of which will be on display for the first time in the U.S.

…try a “Coke and a smile.”  
Taste the variations of Coke from around the world at the World of Coca-Cola, which opened in May 2007 beside the Georgia Aquarium. The tasting lounge features 70 beverages arranged by continent and includes a rotating selection of teas, water and new beverages. Inside the 75,000-square-foot attraction, visitors will learn about the famous soft drink’s story through fascinating exhibits, classic ads and an imaginative replica of the bottling process. The Pop Culture gallery displays artwork from renowned artists such as Steve Pendley, Howard Finster and Haddon Sundblom. The gallery also gives visitors the opportunity to create their own pop culture by using Coke iconography.

…find out why the greatest American novel was written in “The Dump.”
Peachtree Street is home to the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, featuring the furnished apartment nicknamed “The Dump” by Mitchell herself which is where she wrote “Gone With the Wind.” The Museum also contains exhibit galleries, a museum shop and a movie museum showcasing memorabilia including the authentic entrance to ‘Tara.’

…race the gold shoes for a gold medal.  
As host of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, Atlanta continues to commemorate the Olympic legacy. Centennial Olympic Park was the world’s gathering place during the Games and includes the Fountain of Rings, the world’s largest fountain utilizing the Olympic Symbol of five interconnecting rings. In 2006, the Atlanta History Center opened a $10 million wing celebrating the Centennial Olympic Games that includes interactive exhibits allowing visitors to compete against Olympic legends such as Michael Johnson and his gold track shoes.

…be a weatherman and news anchor, all in the same day.
Visit CNN Center , the global headquarters of Turner Broadcasting System, plus the studios and newsrooms for CNN’s international networks. Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tour provides a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into the studios of the global news network. Visitors can see a dramatic 48-foot diameter globe with 10 touch-screen interactive kiosks showing significant broadcasts from CNN’s history while getting an eagle’s-eye view of the CNN main newsroom. Every Thursday morning at 8:30, CNN provides an exclusive look inside the Morning Express with Robin Meade where visitors get the chance to watch the live broadcast and meet Robin Meade. CNN also offers a kids tour for kids 12 and under.

…fly to the world’s most accessible airport.
As the principal airport of the southeastern United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serves as a major origin destination and connecting point between America and the world. With 80 percent of the country within a two-hour flight and more than 100,000 international seats available each week, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport exceeds more than 90 million passengers every year, making it the world’s busiest and most accessible passenger airport. In April 2012, a new international terminal will be completed at HJAIA, allowing passengers to access the landside without having to use an automated people mover.  

…find out what it takes to earn a Nobel Peace Prize, or two.
Among Atlanta’s historic leaders are Martin Luther King Jr. and former President Jimmy Carter, both recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. Visitors can travel to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site or the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, where the medals are on display. In 2012, the Center for Civil and Human Rights is scheduled to open in Downtown near these two historic establishments. The Center will include a mix of historic materials such as the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection and interactive exhibits.

…order a F.O. and a naked dog walking.
Only the folks at The Varsity will know that you’re really asking for a frosted orange and plain hot dog to-go. The world’s largest drive-in, established in Atlanta in 1928, relies on a throwback menu of fresh, greasy favorites that won’t break the bank.

…get lost on Peachtree Street and end up on Peachtree Street.
Atlanta is home to more than 100 streets that include the name “Peachtree,” including the world-famous Peachtree Street. Every Fourth of July, 55,000 runners gather on Peachtree Street to partake in the world’s largest 10K race, the Peachtree Road Race. The scenic 6.2 mile course finishes at Piedmont Park where runners receive the coveted Peachtree Road Race finisher’s shirt.

...take bird watching to a whole new level.
Atlanta is home to not only the NFL Falcons, NBA Hawks and NHL Thrashers, but also to the MLB Braves, AFL Georgia Force, USL Silverbacks and WNBA Dream. With seven professional sports teams, it’s always game time in Atlanta.  

….watch a three-course meal go full-circle atop the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere.   
Atop the 73-story Westin Peachtree Plaza, the rotating Sun Dial Restaurant Bar and View offers visitors a first-class meal, scenic glass elevator ride, panoramic view of the city and a walking tour.

…hike the world’s largest exposed mass of granite.
Make the 1.3 mile trek or ride the sky lift up Stone Mountain. With more than 3,300 acres of natural beauty, a variety of outdoor attractions, entertainment and recreation, Stone Mountain is the most visited attraction in Georgia. Visitors can now climb to new heights on Sky Hike, a quarter of a mile course that allows visitors to trek through the treetops by mastering wooden bridges, balancing on a single rope suspended in the air and climbing to the top of vertical net bridges. 

…follow the footsteps of the country’s civil rights leaders.
In 2004, the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame was unveiled at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Using genuine shoes from each of the honorees to create the footsteps, the Walk of Fame inducted 17 inaugural members, including Jimmy Carter, Jesse L. Jackson Sr., Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks and Andrew Young. Each year, more foot soldiers are added to the Walk of Fame. There are hundreds of additional spaces designated for future placements of worthy footsteps.

…see puppets that are much more than socks.
The Center for Puppetry Arts, the nation’s largest puppetry center, hosts famous puppets and presents both family and adult shows throughout the year. The Center is planning an expansion that will double the museum's current size and will allow for the museum to bring many of its collectibles out of storage. The expansion will also make room for the Jim Henson Wing, scheduled to open in 2012, which will include 500-700 puppets, props, videos and much more.

Established in 1913, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit organization created to favorably impact the Atlanta economy through conventions and tourism. www.atlanta.net.

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