This trip to Atlanta satisfied several goals - visiting my 35th state and 23rd MLB ballpark - but I have always wanted to complete my tour of the South. After visiting the coast and Alabama, I settled into Atlanta for several days of fun experiences. Atlanta is a unique metropolitan combination of old South and modern America with lots of crazy drivers!
My first stop was the Delta Heritage Museum which has a limited, but excellent, collection of historic commercial aircraft. The Douglas DC-3 was on display showing its fully restored exterior and interior. It was a treat to walk around the aircraft, although the realistic pitch of the plane was a bit of a climb. The Boeing 767 was being renovated, but I could still walk around.
Next up was the Atlanta History Center which houses a lot of the region's history. They have a special section covering the 1996 Olympics, replica of a historic farm, and other interesting exhibits. The above picture is from the Swan House on site built in the early 20th century for a wealthy owner. They show tours of the beautifully restored interior. The grounds also include a forest walking tour typical of the regional forests.
This is CNN. Really, this is the main newsroom for CNN. They give tours of their downtown Atlanta facility which are informative and air conditioned! I saw the on air talent reporting on the morning's news and even had a green screen demonstration. For an extra charge, they will even let you create your own news story to air live - just kidding (or am I?).
They never let you forget that Coca-Cola is based in Atlanta. Everything is Coke down there. The World of Coca-Cola is a main attraction drawing in people from all around to gaze at the wonder of colored sugar water - I mean dyed HFCS water. Nevertheless, the history is pretty interesting, and they have the secret recipe on site locked in a vault. The star attraction of course is tasting the different beverages from around the world, most of which are exotic fruit-flavored drinks that would sell well here too. All visitors receive a fresh glass souvenir bottle of Coke.
After a quick MARTA ride to the State Capitol and an afternoon with my old friend's parents, it was time to tackle Stone Mountain. This giant granite outcropping is a unique attraction even without the carvings of Confederate icons. It is a regular theme park with amusements, a train, and a cable car ride to the top. It is a little over the top with regard to the Confederacy, but was fun to take the train and ride to the summit.
Atlanta is also home to the Carter Presidential Library. President Jimmy Carter was not only a peanut farmer, but a submarine officer and an interesting diplomat. The museum discusses his achievements with China and Egypt during his career. The grounds are also very nice.
Coming back to Earth was a stop to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site which includes his birthplace (above), the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and his grave. The area also includes several "shotgun" houses typical of the poor residents and a nice memorial.
The Atlanta Braves hosted the San Francisco Giants on June 14, 2013. The Atlanta Braves lost to the San Francisco Giants on June 14, 2013 with a score of 6-0. This Giants fan experienced the win at his 23rd MLB ballpark. Turner Field was part of the 1996 Olympics and is showing its age. The field is nice, but is old by modern standards and could use replacement. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my last night in Atlanta with a win and fireworks!
On my way out, I stopped by the Georgia Aquarium for some fishy business. The place is a gem with lots of great exhibits and very happy children. Finally, back to the horrible Atlanta Airport to wait almost an hour in security for a cross-country flight back home with lots of memories and pictures to share with all of you.
Enjoy the rest of the pictures below:
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