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<\/p>\nHeading down to Hotlanta? If so, you might be surprised at just how many things there are to see, do, and experience in town. Atlanta is more than just the home of the world\u2019s busiest airport (Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport). It\u2019s a truly international city with an amazing wealth of experiences just waiting for you to enjoy them. Whether you\u2019re into history, food, culture, or something completely different, you\u2019ll find plenty to love inside the perimeter (ITP to the locals).<\/p>\n
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Zoo Atlanta<\/a> has been attracting adults and children for over a century. It was founded back in 1889 and has remained a vibrant part of Atlanta\u2019s culture since that time. You can spend time viewing the park\u2019s pandas<\/a>, get up close and personal with African elephants and big cats, play with the monkeys, and so much more. Whether you love birds, amphibians, reptiles, exotic animals, endangered animals or something else, you\u2019ll find it here. There are even volunteer opportunities that let adults and children learn more about animals, work with keepers, and even interact with many of the animals within the zoo.<\/p>\n Are you a Civil War history buff? If so, then the Atlanta Cyclorama<\/a> and the Atlanta History Center<\/a> are ideal options to add to your itinerary. Today, the Cyclorama has a new home \u2013 a 23,000-square-foot building at the History Center itself. The massive cyclorama painting (and moving viewing area) give you a unique perspective on the entire Civil War, as well as the Battle of Atlanta. Note that the Cyclorama is currently being restored, and is expected to be complete by fall 2018. However, there is a great deal to enjoy here \u2013 art, science, entertainment and a lot more. Explore the Cyclorama, and then visit the rest of the Atlanta History Center, where you\u2019ll find the stunning Goizueta Gardens and countless exhibits, including one honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.<\/p>\n Love the creatures of the deep? Want to get up close and personal with octopi, fish, and even aquatic birds? Then make it a point to visit the Georgia Aquarium<\/a>. More than just another aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium is actually both a nonprofit organization and a scientific institution. It holds 10 million gallons of water and is home to an incredible diversity of ocean life, including whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. In addition to their animal exhibits, you\u2019ll find a range of web cams<\/a> available, plus ongoing events throughout the year.<\/p>\n More interested in culture and entertainment than exploring history or the natural world? If so, then The Fox Theatre<\/a> is the place for you! It was a movie palace once upon a time, but today it is a performing arts venue located in the heart of Atlanta. The Fox Theatre regularly hosts plays, musical performances and other performing arts presentations, including hit Broadway shows and top-name talent. A sampling of the venue\u2019s upcoming shows and events for 2018 includes:<\/p>\n Coca-Cola was born in the South, and the World of Coca-Cola<\/a> is its showroom where you can go to get a look at the iconic soft drink\u2019s origins, history and future. The World of Coca-Cola is technically a museum, but it differs from others you might have visited. It includes a beverage lounge where you can sample standard Coke formulations, as well as versions sold around the world and not available in retail stores here in the US.<\/p>\n The Varsity<\/a> has been a hallmark of Atlanta since it opened back in 1928. Billed as the world\u2019s largest drive-in restaurant, The Varsity serves up hamburgers, hotdogs, chili dogs, chili burgers, slaw dogs and more. Feeling particularly famished? Check out the triple stack bacon cheese burger. Want a real taste of the south? Go for a pimento cheese sandwich. Whether you\u2019re a carnivore or a vegetarian, there\u2019s something delectable to tempt your palate here.<\/p>\n CNN is the world\u2019s largest news network, and it\u2019s headquartered right here in Atlanta. You can actually tour the CNN Center<\/a> and get a behind the scenes look at how everything comes together, from news and reporting to sports coverage. The CNN Center is more than just a news production facility, though. You can actually dine in the in-center food court, or shop with a number of retailers. Of course, touring the center is the most popular activity. You can take a self-guided tour, or you can take advantage of an organized tour through the area.<\/p>\n Atlanta was the host city for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. While you can\u2019t revisit those days, you can still visit Centennial Olympic Park. It covers a full 21 acres in downtown Atlanta, and plays host to a number of exciting events throughout the year. In addition to viewing historic icons, like the actual Olympic Rings and Olympic Torch, you can also visit world-class retailers nearby, dine with a range of restaurants, running the gamut from fast casual to fine dining, and even find luxurious hotel accommodations. Be sure to make time to see a show at the Fountain of Rings, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Georgia. Visit the Fountain of Rings<\/a> website for more information and a full schedule.<\/p>\n The Fernbank Museum of Natural History<\/a> is one of the most popular spots in Atlanta for a number of reasons. One of those is that it is home to Atlanta\u2019s biggest film screen within the onsite 3D theater. There\u2019s also a lot to love going on at the museum throughout the year. Many exhibits are permanent, but the museum has a rotating list of visiting exhibits that run the gamut from dinosaurs to internal human anatomy to ancient Roman history. For grownups, the museum offers Fernbank After Dark, which includes history, education and libations to enjoy as well.<\/p>\nCyclorama<\/h2>\n
Georgia Aquarium<\/h2>\n
The Fox Theatre<\/h2>\n
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World of Coca-Cola<\/h2>\n
The Varsity Atlanta<\/h2>\n
CNN Center<\/h2>\n
Centennial Olympic Park<\/h2>\n
Fernbank Museum of Natural History<\/h2>\n
Stone Mountain Park<\/h2>\n