I recently visited Atlanta, Georgia with UM-Flint for our Alternative Summer Break program. Throughout the day, I volunteered with Open Hand Atlanta, giving away free meals to those in need and afterwards had the rest of the night to site see and do whatever I want. THIS is what you need to do to experience Atlanta to its fullest!
1. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world!! From dolphins to whales to jellyfish...they have it all. My favorite exhibit was the beluga whales (they were so cute ah)!
I asked a volunteer at the aquarium if they could take me "behind the scenes" and they let me!! I kid you not, somehow they allowed me to go behind the exhibits to see the area they feed the animals. I saw the beluga whale exhibit as well as whale shark exhibit. I was in tears from excitement. This was the exact spot where Miley Cyrus acted in the movie The Last Song and the tour guide had actually met her when she came to film the scene. Fun fact: the whale sharks are trained to spot their designated bucket color in order to eat their food. It was amazing how they trained them to do this.
You're also able to touch some of the creatures like shrimp and starfish with your barehands.
If you only had time to do ONE thing in Atlanta, it needs to be this. The aquarium is the perfect spot for anyone young and old.
2. World of Coca-Cola
Honestly, I was not super excited to visit the museum. I went in with little expectations but it was SO FUN! The moment you walk in, the workers are handing you coke to drink. It was unexpected but a really nice touch.
The museum has multiple areas to explore and an awesome gift shop! I was presently surprised. This was another thing to do that is geared towards family and would be fun for anyone. My favorite part was trying the different pops from all around the world. One of them tasted like toothpaste and another tasted like barbecue sauce (so gross) but at least I tried it.
You get to see the vault containing the secret Coca Cola recipe dun dun dun!
World of Coca-Cola is right across from the aquarium so it's in a great location.
3. The skyline from the Walking Dead
The directer of the volunteering program at UM-Flint wanted to get a group photo overlooking the skyline. When we got to the bridge overlooking the city, it looked familiar. That's when I realized it's the skyline from the Walking Dead! I couldn't believe it and I thought it was so funny that I knew where we were just by looking at the skyline. Definitely worth visiting.
4. Visit the Cat Cafe
Two of my favorite things in the whole world is cats and coffee so when you combine both of them, I'm practically in heaven. My friends and I stumbled upon the cafe while casually walking. I LOVED it! All the cats they have are up for adoption. The cafe is also separated from where the cats are so if you still want coffee but don't want cat hair around, it's still a perfect place to visit or should I say puuuurrrrfect *wink.
5. Botanical Gardens
My group and I volunteered here together for a day, and afterwards we were able to walk around the property and enjoy the gardens. This was definitely a place I knew my entire family would love if they could have come. The whole time I was there, I kept thinking "ugh I wish my parents and sisters were here". It was so incredibly beautiful and great for picture taking.
They had an Alice in Wonderland exhibit which was my favorite area of the gardens! If I ever go back to Atlanta, this would be the place I visit again.
6. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park
Visiting the historic park was very touching. Dr. King and his wife are buried side by side while his famous "I have a Dream" speech played in the background. I took a deep breath in and took in the moment of being there. Exploring this historic park was another must on the list of things to do in Atlanta. It was touching and emotional remembering what he did for our country.
7. Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is an awesome place to walk around. It seemed like it was the hub of the city. There was a Ferris wheel, light shows, and a lot of people gathered to walk and enjoy the area.
The park is close to the CNN tower, the aquarium, and the World of Coca Cola.
8. Catch a ride on a bird.
A bird? You probably think I'm crazy, but Atlanta has multiple scooters called birds. You have to ride them in the street. It seemed that the traffic watched out for people on the birds. Two things to be weary of is they go FAST and I mean FAST. My group was so upset at me because I was going so slow but I was to nervous to go any faster. There are no helmets so if you're a very cautious person like me, be careful. They were so fun and honestly I think every city should have them because it was such a thrilling way to get around town especially after eating a big meal. There was also a lot of them around where 10 of us could ride at a time.
9. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
I attended mass at this Basilica and it was gorgeous. I always love visiting beautiful churches (and can we please start building more like this one). It was a wonderful service. Even if you're not religious, it is a beautiful church to stop in and see.
10. Visit Mary Mac's Tea Room and Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
These restaurants were so GOOD!!! This was the type of meal you can't stop gulfing your food down because it's delicious. After, I couldn't move from being in a food coma.
Mary Mac's Tea Room was cozy, comfortable, and cute. It had a perfect atmosphere and even better food. Our service was great too! They give you a piece of paper and you circle everything you want ordered. I've never ordered that way before but it was fun. You received an appetizer, main dish, multiple side dishes, and dessert. Thinking about it makes my stomach growl.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q was some of the best barbecue I've had in my entire life. I loved everything I ordered. If you like anything barbecue related this is the place you need to go.
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