The modern Olympics began in 1896. Why does that matter? Because if we fast forward exactly 100 years to 1996, we find me at a very young age sitting in front of a TV at school watching an over-caffeinated presenter describe in detail how the Centennial Olympic games are coming to Atlanta. In the video, Atlanta was made to look something like a cross between a futuristic sky city with trees and grass and judo and archery. From that moment, visiting Atlanta secretly became my entire bucket list. But what’s actually there, you know, now that the Olympics have well and truly packed up and left town? We’re going to take a look. But first…
Travelling means being out of your comfort zone, and that’s when accidents can happen. If you were to fall and hurt yourself for example, speak to Atlanta based slip and fall attorneys. Now, let’s move on to some of the reasons that Atlanta should find its way onto your list of destinations to visit.
Georgia Aquarium
Seen one aquarium, seen them all, right? Think again. Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 as the biggest aquarium in the world, and was only overtaken in 2014 by the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China. Still, for anyone who’s ever been dragged around a dreary aquarium with nothing to look at but empty tanks and scholes of pet shop style fish just hanging out and looking bored over by the side of the tank where they get fed, Atlanta’s watery efforts are worth shouting about. Think whale sharks. Yes, whale sharks. Think manta rays. Throw in some beluga whales, California sea lions, African penguins, and bottlenose dolphins and you’ll begin to see why Georgia Aquarium’s 24 million litre main tank is the kind of thing that lives long in the memory.
Art lovers should visit “The High”
Atlanta’s High Museum of Art (known locally as “The High”) was founded in 1905 and has become distinguished as supporting folk and self-taught art – the exhibitions typically blend modern art and Southern life, meaning there’s lots to learn about the area through more than 11,000 pieces of art. There’s also a main gallery housing Rembrandts, Picassos, Monet, and Ernst, to name but a few. There’s also a restaurant, live jazz on Fridays (although, always double check before you plan your visit), and a gift shop. You’ll need around 2 – 3 hours to get around the Museum of High Art, and you’ll be glad you spent the time.
Enjoy life in Atlanta’s famed neighbourhoods & patios
There’s so much to see and do in Atlanta’s cultural visitor-friendly streets that it’s hard to know where to begin. Little Five Points, for example, is a neighbourhood known for clothes, music, and record stores. Swing by East Atlanta Village for the street art café scene. Then, there’s Ponce City Market, which isn’t a neighbourhood or patio, but a multistorey building that used to be a Sears catalogue facility, but is now packed with boutiques, restaurants, a food hall, and other retail space (people also live here!). Wander Atlanta and soak it all in.
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