Exploring Atlanta, GA
When people are trying to work hard at their marriage and family, they take a vacation. And for us it was way WAY over do. I wanted to go to a sunny, beach covered, music playing, and food I had never tasted -type place. But, vacation for my husband looked very different. He needed a getaway, a jump start, because he has been working so hard. We decided to visit our amazing friends in South Carolina. We visited a few cities in two weeks, so I'll just start with each city as I post.
Atlanta was our first stop. We had a difficult red eye flight, in particular with the one year old. I thought I was prepared and wanted to do a post with tips to travel with a toddler. But, no go. I did everything and nothing worked. I didn't sleep, he didn't sleep. Upon arrival, at baggage claim we noticed my stroller was completely broken! The airlines broke the frame! I was in tears! I filed a claim and was told that I was not going to get anything out of it, that the airlines aren't liable for the damage! (guys, you should see the frame, it's beyond repair) What airline you ask? AMERICAN AIRLINES! sigh. (there, I got that out, now I can write about the fun).
Well, everyone knows that food makes everything better, and coffee, especially good coffee. We found a café that was open early and had the best shrimp and grits. So, let me tell you, grits are all over the menus in the south, we had it with most of our meals, just to be southern.
Breakfast recommendation Egg Harbor Cafe , Highland Bakery
Before going anywhere I researched, Googled, Pinterest researched, and ask locals for advise. Everything pointed to getting a City Pass . It includes all the popular touristy attractions to help us explore the city and save a lot of money. Especially if traveling with kids! And its places that I actually wanted to explore. AND, you guys, the Georgia Aquarium had been on my "USA bucket list" for a long time. Yes, I have a bucket list of places I want to see and experience in the US with my kids. Our country is beautiful and has so much to see.
Georgia Aquarium
Maybe other people don't get too excited about life underwater, but it takes my breath away. I can spend hours watching the fish. sigh, I miss scuba diving. This was an amazing aquarium, they have whale sharks and beluga whales and every color fish imaginable. Isn't our creator amazing!
CNN Studio Tour
"This 55-minute guided walking tour of CNN Worldwide offers behind-the-scenes views of Atlanta's CNN studios and an exclusive glimpse of worldwide news and broadcasting in action." -CityPass This was pretty cool. I wouldn't tour it if I didn't get the City Pass , so I'm glad it was included.
World of Coca-Cola
"Experience the intriguing World of Coca-Cola featuring a multisensory 4-D theater, an extraordinary 1880s soda fountain, the smallest bottling line in the world, plus an opportunity to sample nearly 70 different beverages from around the globe." This was pretty awesome. The vibe in the place is magical. I know, it's a beverage attraction, but there is something about it. The "coke" perhaps. Just kidding, I asked one of the guides if that was actual "cocaine" in the original recipe, and they said it was the coco leaf not the drug that was in the original recipe. My husband is convinced they are lying. I dunno, the original hand written recipe is in a vault, so we will never know the truth.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History or
COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME AND CHICK-FIL-A FAN EXPERIENCE
Fernbank Museum of Natural History brings the world's largest dinosaurs to life and explores global cultures through hands-on exhibits! Explore fossil records, catch a show at the IMAX Theater, or take in the view overlooking the hardwood forest. We chose to go here and absolutely loved it. Spent an entire day here. The boys were so hungry, but wouldn't want to leave or take a break for food. So fun!
Zoo Atlanta OR CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS
"Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta features more than 200 species of animals from the African plains and Asian forests. See the nation's largest gorilla habitat or visit the playful pandas and adorable reptiles and amphibians!" - Atlanta Zoo
"Cutting-edge technology and engaging interactive exhibits combine to make the Center for Civil and Human Rights a must-see cultural attraction. Visitors of all ages will be inspired while learning about civil and global human rights issues and history in the Center, ranked a top-five Atlanta attraction by TripAdvisor."- CityPass
We stayed at the Westin Peachtree Plaza . This Hotel is absolutely beautiful. Most important for my boys was the indoor pool on the 12th floor. The staff is what amazed me the most. We had a heater issue, they fixed it, and then gave us a credit for breakfast the next day. After our stressful flight and stroller situation, it felt good to be treated like a human.
Lunch and Dinner recommendations - MaryMacs , SouthCityKitchen , GusFriedChicken .
