AtlantaItinerary for Atlanta--History Meets Hospitality

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  • Destination: Atlanta, GA
    Description: From the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement, Atlanta is steeped in American history. Stop by the Atlanta History Center for a good introduction to the area's Civil War roots. Or visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site and learn more about the life of the Atlanta civil rights leader. If you're a fan of Gone with the Wind, take visit to the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, where the author penned her classic novel. And when you get hungry during your stay, there's no shortage of Southern cooking to satisfy your cravings. Whether your visit includes history or fiction, fried chicken or peach cobbler, you'll fall in love with Atlanta's Southern charms and hospitality.

  • Day 1 (7 schedule items)
    • Shellmont Inn - Atlanta, Georgia - BBOnline.com / Introducti Save this
    • A Piedmont Park, Atlanta Save this
      • Piedmont Park

        The most expansive and popular of Atlanta's city parks was originally laid out for the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895, and it now attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Dog owners, sun seekers and sports enthusiasts flock to the park to enjoy the fair weather, largely unaware that this was the spot of the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Civil War. The 189-acre facility is home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and scenic Lake Clara Meer, and plays host to many of Atlanta's favorite concerts and festivals.
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    • B Atlanta Botanical Gardens Save this
      • Atlanta Botanical Gardens

        Founded in 1976, this 15-acre (six-hectare) expanse of natural wonder is located adjacent to Piedmont Park. A hardwood forest intertwined with walking trails surrounds the Fuqua Conservatory, which houses a Japanese garden, rock garden, and displays of flora from all over the globe. In addition to the Southeast's most comprehensive showing of indigenous plants, the conservatory maintains an amazing collection of carnivorous specimens and roses. Moonlight garden walks and seasonal shows are also sponsored.
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    • C Mary Mac's Tea Room, Atlanta Save this
      • Mary Mac's Tea Room

        For real Southern food with real Southern atmosphere, Mary Mac's is the place. Stop by for everything from country fried steak to green beans that have been cooking for hours. The rambling restaurant on Ponce de Leon has remained unchanged since 1945, and is as much a cultural as a culinary experience. Be sure to bring your church program to Sunday brunch for a 15 percent discount. Regular favorites include the fried trout, baked or fried chicken, collard greens and sweet potato soufflé. Full bar and banquet facilities available.
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    • D Margaret Mitchell House & Museum, Atlanta Save this
      • Margaret Mitchell House & Museum

        This modest turn-of-the-century home is an architectural find in itself, but most notable because it houses the apartment where Margaret Mitchell penned most of the world's most popular novel, "Gone with the Wind." Having survived arson and many seasons of decay, the house has been completely restored. Guided tours feature a wealth of historical and anecdotal information on Mitchell, the house and Atlanta in general. A museum shop is also on site.
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    • E Atlanta History Center Save this
      • Atlanta History Center

        This comprehensive museum of Atlanta's past is located a few blocks from the Governor's Mansion in residential Buckhead. Exhibits cover the gamut of the region's history, including special sections on the Civil War, Southern folk crafts, African-American history, and the Civil Rights movement. The museum is surrounded by 33 acres (13.5 hectares) of gardens that feature the historic Swan House, the fully-restored Tullie Smith Farm, a library and archive, and several restaurants. Visitor maps are available in five languages.
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    • Holeman & Finch Public House - Atlanta, GA - 2277 Peacht Save this
  • Day 2 (5 schedule items)
    • F CNN Center, Atlanta Save this
      • CNN Center

        This downtown complex features not only the global headquarters of CNN and Turner Broadcasting, but an Omni hotel, several fine restaurants and a nice selection of boutiques and shops. Take a tour of the CNN studios for a behind-the-scenes look at news in the making, grab a meal at Bugatti's, and stick around for a taping of one of the popular shows telecast daily. In order to guarantee a place in a show's audience, be sure to reserve a seat in advance.
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    • G World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta Save this
      • World of Coca-Cola

        Atlanta's most famous invention is also the world's most popular soft drink and nowhere is this more clear than at this unique downtown museum. The new 20-acre (eight-hectare) complex features a 4D cinematic experience, and the largest collection of Coke® memorabilia ever assembled, including a pop-culture gallery. The museum draws many visitors, and features an exhaustive look at the history, manufacture and distribution of Coca-Cola. Perhaps the most popular phase of the tour is the final stop, where guests are invited to sample vast and various recipes of Coke as it is marketed throughout the world. Tickets may be purchased through their website.
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    • Varasano's Pizzeria Save this
    • H Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Save this
      • Georgia Aquarium

        The Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 as one of the largest aquariums in the world. Located in downtown Atlanta, it is undoubtedly a breathtaking experience for all its visitors. A generous endowment from Bernard Marcus, the co-founder of Home Depot, makes this dynamic aquarium possible. It showcases exotic sea creatures such as giant groupers, beluga whales, and whale sharks (which have never been seen outside of Asia). With 500 species, you will see something new and different no matter when you visit. In addition, the Georgia Aquarium offers an expansive educational program for students of all ages. Check their website for tours, special events, extended hours notices, and group discounts.
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    • I TWO. urban licks, Atlanta Save this
      • TWO. urban licks

        All exotic with its murals and red lanterns, TWO. urban licks is a trendy place that is a cut above other restaurants in Atlanta. Offering a picturesque view of the mid-town, this eatery attracts office goers, tourists and even locals. Enrich your dining experience with an array of dishes that Executive Chef Scott Serpas prepares in the open kitchen, right in the heart of the restaurant. Accompany your meal with wine, which flows freely from 42 huge barrels on display. Go with the Lamb Lollipops, Lemon Crab Fritters or Smoked Beef Brisket - all come highly recommended. The Chocolate Cream Pie makes a great end to the meal. There's live blues acts in the evenings from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
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  • Day 3 (5 schedule items)
    • J Atlanta Cyclorama Save this
      • Atlanta Cyclorama

        Outside the gates of Zoo Atlanta on the grounds of Grant Park stands a stark, white marble structure housing the world's largest oil painting, the Atlanta Cyclorama. Painted in 1885-1886, the Cyclorama is a 365° mural depicting the Battle of Atlanta, which in 1864 helped doom the South's fate during the American Civil War. A collection of artifacts and historical documents rounds out the museum, but the focus is on the one-of-a-kind centerpiece. Guided tours are available daily.
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    • K Six Feet Under, Atlanta Save this
      • Six Feet Under

        Six Feet Under is one place to get your hands on some decidedly delightful dishes that offer the Southern zest. The food primarily incorporates a lot of seafood that add a delicious twist to the typical American meal menu. The food is fresh, ambience indulging and the service good. Try the Crab Cake Po Boy, Fried Green Tomatoes, Blackened Catfish and Cajun Shrimp or Salmon Salad for a hearty meal. Socialize with the locals over drinks and get updated on the latest gossip and happenings around town.
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    • L Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta Save this
      • Oakland Cemetery

        In the shadow of downtown, this bucolic expanse is a constant reminder of the city's history. Dating from the 1850s, the cemetery was the final destination for all Atlantans until 1884, when private burial grounds began appearing throughout the city. The oldest section is near the main entrance, where legendary golfer Bobby Jones and author Margaret Mitchell are interred, although locating Mitchell's plain headstone can be a challenge. A brochure from the cemetery office will help you find famous graves and interesting sections. Tours are offered March through October.
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    • M Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Atlanta Save this
      • Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site

        A few blocks to the east of downtown, the Sweet Auburn neighborhood is home to the birthplace of America's most influential Civil Rights leader. Operated by the National Park Service, this historic site contains Dr. King's boyhood home, his crypt and the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Tours are conducted daily on the hour beginning at 10a. During the summer, tours are on the half-hour, starting at 9:30a. Since the historic site covers several city blocks, visitors are advised to stop at the Visitor Center upon arrival for a map and touring advice. Free admission.
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    • N Krog Bar, Atlanta Save this
      • Krog Bar

        Krog Bar is a great place for a casual meal or an after dinner glass of wine. The beautiful ambience complete with amber lighting and a chic log-cabin feel and patio seating provides an ideal spot for a romantic twosome. There are 40 different wines from Italy, Spain to choose from. Small plates of cured hams and tramezzini (finger sandwiches) taste great with sparkling wines. Simple and high quality foods like velvety chicken liver plate, nutty manchengo cheese make fine accompaniments. So put up your feet and enjoy the good taste as the friendly and warm staff ensure you are well looked after! This restaurant opens from Monday to Saturday at 4pm.
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