ATLANTA ZOO
If you’ re an animal lover, then this is the city for you! The Atlanta Zoo prides itself in its preservation programs and building natural habitats for the animals, especially those who are endangered species. Their giant pandas from China are paws down the most popular attractions and are easiest to spot during the cooler months when they venture outside, or you can always spy on them with the Panda Cam. Other popular exhibits are the African elephants, lions and cheeky gorillas who are separated into social groups by moats. There are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals, ranging from feeding time and safari camps to sleepovers and twilight treks.
COCA-COLA MUSEUM
With soaring temperatures and humidity in the summer, you’ ll welcome an ice-cold Coke when visiting Atlanta— and where better to grab one than at the World of Coca-Cola Museum? In fact, the famous soda’ s prototype recipe was originally founded in a Columbus, Georgia, drug store( initially as a coca wine). Visitors to the museum can travel back through soda history in the Milestones of Refreshment exhibit, or visit the vault to learn Coca-Cola’ s secret recipe. From the past, guests get catapulted to the present with a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process, before diving into the story of Coke in the fully immersive 4-D theater.
PONCE CITY MARKET
The historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building in the Old Fourth Ward has been taken over and transformed into a cool eat, play, shop location collectively known as Ponce City Market. The Central Food Hall captures authentic flavors from Atlanta— Hop’ s Fried Chicken, anyone? Or guests can get a caffeine fix at the adorably named Dancing Goats Coffee Bar. The Collier Candy Co. brings kids’ sweet dreams to life, while Honeysuckle Gelato offers servings of brain freeze. However, the coolest area is Skyline Park on the roof, which is overflowing with fun games and rides like Derby Race, Basketball, Skee Ball, Ring Toss, High Striker, Three-Story Slide and Heege Tower. There’ s even an 18-hole mini golf course and a breathtaking view up there, too!
PIEDMONT PARK
A favorite among local families for its connection to Mother Nature, Piedmont Park offers an easy escape from city life without having to venture too far. With 200 acres of green space and hundreds of events each year, there’ s a lot to love. Dating back to 1887 and the Piedmont Exposition, the former forest and farmland area is now home to Lake Clara Meer, Noguchi Playscape, Mayor’ s Grove Playground, Walker Woods, the Aquatic Center and Six Springs Wetland. Adults can play softball, soccer or bocce ball, and shop at the farmers’ market; kids can get rambunctious in the playgrounds or attend summer camps, and even the furry members of the family can kick back in the dog park. The summer calendar is packed with exciting events from Nature Detectives and Predator Prowl to Water Week.
Guest viewing fish and whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium
Credit: © 2014, Gene Phillips, Courtesy of ACVB & AtlantaPhotos. com
CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK
This 21-acre park serves not only as a permanent legacy to the 1996 Summer Olympics but also as an entertainment center for millions of visitors each year. While the Games themselves were marred by the fatal July 27 bomb attack, Centennial Olympic Park is all about the celebration of life. The highlight is the Fountain of Rings where computer-controlled lights and jets of water synchronize with music. Kids and revelers of all ages can leap onto the splash pad to cool off as 251 jets shoot high into the sky. Along with the ongoing attractions, Centennial is downtown’ s music hub with the“ Music at Noon” series offering free lunchtime concerts and Wednesday WindDown giving Hump Days an extra umph. The park is now boasts SkyView Atlanta, which literally gives you a bird’ s eye view of the city from a 200-foot tall Ferris Wheel as the gondolas gently rotate through the sky. Think of the London Eye complete with a colorful light show at night … and far less rain!
FLYWASHINGTON. COM 32 SUMMER 2018