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Academy of Medicine
Dating to 1941, this stunning structure is a fine local example of neo-classical architecture by perhaps the school's most renowned master, Philip T. Shutze. One of only a few non-residential buildings designed by Shutze in Atlanta, the Academy of Medicine is located on West Peachtree Street in the heart of Midtown. Six Tuscan columns support a dramatic portico, topped by a large caduceus symbolizing the medical profession. This building is a designated landmark, but is not open to the public.
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Agnes Scott College
Founded in 1889, and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, Agnes Scott College is an independent liberal arts college for women. It is considered one of the top-ten liberal arts colleges in the southeastern United States, and it is renowned for the beauty of its campus. Agnes Scott College is located less than a mile from historic downtown Decatur.
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Alfred Tup Holmes
This pleasant 18-hole, par 72 course is popular with mid-level players, and sits on the site of a Civil War battle. One of the area's most frequented public courses, weekends can get pretty busy, so reserved tee times are strongly recommended.
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Aliya Gallery
Exposed, white washed industrial piping along the ceiling lends a modern air to this fashionable art gallery in Morningside. Paintings by regional artists are on display, usually as collections, and are available for sale. While the changing exhibitions reflect a range of influences, most favor the contemporary side of today's art scene. The showroom is elegant and roomy but displays a limited number of works, so be sure to inquire about the availability of further collections. For the serious collector, personal viewings are available by appointment.
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Alliance Francaise
This cultural center provides classes, lectures, tours, art exhibits and a library for French-speaking people in the metro area. It also serves as a local point of contact for tourists, where French-speaking visitors can find information in an understandable format. The Alliance was founded in Atlanta in 1969 and functions under normal business hours, but closes for most French-observed holidays. Frequent events sponsored by the Alliance include French movies without subtitles, book club activities, dinners at local French restaurants and guest lecturers from-you guessed it-France.
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American Adventures
Located next door to White Water Atlanta aquatic park, this amusement facility is perfectly suited for families with small kids. The park features such exciting rides ad the Tilt-a-Whirl, the Scrambler, and miniature roller coasters, bumper cars, and swings just right for the youthful thrill-seeker. Other attractions include a go-cart track and a miniature golf course. The 40,000-square-foot Foam Factory is also located within the park for an additional fee. Admission is $15, $5 for kids three and under, and $14 for an adult and child. Call for seasonal hours.
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Amicalola Falls Park & Lodge
In the Cherokee tongue, Amicalola means, 'tumbling water,' which is appropriate, given the natural wonders at this remarkable state park. At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls stands as the highest waterfall in all of Georgia, and is the glorious centerpiece that draws crowds from across the Southeast. About 75 miles north of Atlanta, the park is within easy reach for day-trippers, but there are also fourteen cottages, 57 lodge rooms, and multiple camping sites for both tenters and RV-drivers to put you up.
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Andrews-Dunn House
This residence was built in 1910 for the Andrews family and is an architectural anchor of the affluent Peachtree Heights neighborhood. Although the name of the original architect has been lost, the famed architectural team of Ivey and Crook was responsible for the substantial expansion that took place in 1928, which was commissioned by the Dunn family. The Tudor Revival style of the home is reminiscent of old English manors, with half-timbering casement windows and a green shingled roof. This house is not open to the public.
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Anne Irwin Fine Art
Anne Irwin Fine Art is dedicated to bringing beautiful quality artwork to those who desire it. Some of the South's finest artists are represented here, and Ms. Irwin and company try to make it as affordable and friendly as possible by concentrating on very homey works. The gallery is located in Buckhead among a small group of quality antique shops, galleries, and cafes; it's unofficially called Bennett Street galleries, but officially know as TULA.
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APEX Museum
The African-American Panoramic Experience is a museum that catalogs the history of Atlanta's Sweet Auburn neighborhood. Located near the boyhood home of Martin Luther King, Jr., the APEX also serves as the nation's foremost center for the study of African-American history. There is a replica of a Sweet Auburn Avenue drugstore and barbershop, as well as a theater trolley car which shows an introductory video. This important cultural museum offers visitors a chance to explore a part of Atlanta and her history that is often overlooked.
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Archibald Smith Plantation
Built in the 1840s, the Archibald Smith Plantation is located in Historic Roswell. Three generations of the Smith family lived on this property before ownership was taken by the City of Roswell. Today, it retains its original furnishings, and the 12 outbuildings including barn, corncrib, kitchen, carriage house, and well will give you an excellent taste of what life in the South used to be like.
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ART Station
This multidisciplinary art center was chartered to explore, teach and share the arts with people throughout the Atlanta area. The facility includes classrooms, a dance studio, two private music rehearsal rooms and a pottery studio. Of special interest to out-of-towners is the center's annual storytelling festival, A Tour of Southern Ghosts. It is one of the most popular events of the fall season and attracts fun-loving kids of all ages. A nice gift and art shop is also on site amid the center's Art Station shops.
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Ashley Oaks Mansion
While not a plantation in the classic, antebellum sense, this landmark home has witnessed over 100 years of Atlanta-area history. Built in 1879, the construction made use of over a million bricks, and required almost a year to complete. Fully restored and refurbished, the mansion has been appointed with period antiques and decorated to reflect daily life of a bygone age. Stop by during the week for a tour, or call on weekends regarding special events.
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Atlanta Artists Center
This non-profit art organization was organized to promote the talents of many of Atlanta's rising artists to collectors and the general public. The artists' gallery is open for public viewing four days per week, and the Center frequently sponsors professional exhibits, which are also open to the public. More than 300 artists have work showcased in the exhibit halls, and offers are entertained on most displayed pieces. Membership helps support the Center and assists artists as they hone their skills. Sketch classes and other art events are scheduled monthly.
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Atlanta Beach
There's no need to make the long trip to the coast. Enjoy beach life at this 200-acre water park just a few miles south of the city. The spring-fed lake is fringed by acres of clean sand, a pair of water slides and a children's pool. Volleyball courts and softball fields are available, along with picnic tables, paddleboat rentals and a separate 15-acre fishing lake. The beach is open May through September; daily admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children ages 3-12.
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Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1976, this 15-acre expanse of natural wonder is located adjacent to Piedmont Park. A hardwood forest intertwined with walking trails surrounds the Fuqua Conservatory, which houses a Japanese garden, rock garden, and displays of flora from all over the globe. In addition to the Southeast's most comprehensive showing of indigenous plants, the conservatory maintains an amazing collection of carnivorous specimens and roses. Moonlight garden walks and seasonal shows are also sponsored. Admission is USD10 adults; USD7 seniors; USD5 children; children under 3 free.
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Atlanta City Hall
Constructed by architect G. Lloyd Preacher between 1928 and 1930, this hulking building serves as Atlanta's seat of civic operations. Standing 11 stories tall with dramatic Gothic-arched entryways, the building is surfaced with cream colored terra cotta tiles, contrasted by green terra cotta in vertical tiers above the windows. The balustrade and main entrance are constructed of locally-mined white Georgia marble, and provide a stunning facade on the Mitchell Street side. City Hall is open to the public, although tours are not provided.
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Atlanta College of Art Gallery
Atlanta's local source for great artists is also one of its best sources for great art. The gallery at the Atlanta College of Art in Buckhead consistently showcases the works of some of the finest craftsmen to come out of Georgia, as well as those of accomplished talents from around the globe. Past exhibits have included a complete retrospective on Michael Venezia, as well as showings of the work of alumnus Radcliffe Bailey. Call for special gallery hours and a comprehensive listing of upcoming exhibits.
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Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Formerly the Nexus Contemporary Art Center, this significant gallery is now best known by its popular nickname, "The Contemporary." As perhaps the city's most forward-looking source for art, the Contemporary plays host to an enviable roster of exhibits, and also maintains an exemplary collection of the most current and cutting-edge contemporary art. Special events are hosted on a fairly regular basis, so call for a schedule of special upcoming attractions.
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Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum
Nowhere can the true drama of the Civil War Battle of Atlanta be more appreciated than at the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum. This Civil War Museum features the world’s largest oil painting, the Battle of Atlanta. Guided tours of the "Cyclorama Experience" occur every hour on the half hour Tuesday through Sunday. A Cyclorama tour begins in the first floor auditorium with a short film (The Atlanta Campaign) that describes events leading up to the Battle of Atlanta. Visitors are then escorted into the Cyclorama to experience the battle in the Cyclorama. As the Cyclorama Theater rotates through history, guests are treated to surround sound with music, 3D effects and narration in 5 languages (Japanese, French, Spanish, French, and English). The museum also includes the Civil War locomotive "TEXAS" and two levels of Civil War memorabilia, period paintings, and photographs.
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Atlanta First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist was first organized in Atlanta 150 years ago, and the current church still features many of the ornate stained glass windows from its original buildings. The original pulpit and much of the original organ have survived as well, lending an authentic feel to the grand structure. Services are held on Sundays and Thursdays; also offered are weekly Bible study classes and a Sunday prayer meeting led by Pastor Wayne Johnson.
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Atlanta History Center
This comprehensive museum of Atlanta's past is located a few blocks from the Governor's Mansion in residential Buckhead. Exhibits cover the gamut of the region's history, including special sections on the Civil War, Southern folk crafts, African-American history, and the Civil Rights movement. The museum is surrounded by 33 acres of gardens that feature the historic Swan House, the fully-restored Tullie Smith Farm, a library and archive, and several restaurants. Visitor maps are available in five languages.
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Atlanta International Museum
Atlanta's diversity comes to life downtown at this cultural gem. Located in Peachtree Center, the museum focuses on bringing art and cultural artifacts from all over the world to the capital of the South, with a wide range of displays from various cultures around the globe. Exhibitions vary and change quite frequently, and occasionally command more than the standard $3 admission. The expansive gift shop carries a wide variety of international items that represent the cultural diversity so evident in the museum. The museum is closed on public holidays.
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Atlanta Motor Speedway
Located 30 miles south of the city at the intersection of Highways 19 and 41, Atlanta Motor Speedway plays host to some of NASCAR's most exciting racing events. The moderate climate means that the local racing season stretches from early spring to late fall. General admission seats for most races run around USD30 for adults and USD10 for kids, but there are many suite and VIP packages available for large groups and corporate events. Visit the Web site or call for details.
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Atlanta Photography Group Gallery
This downtown gallery puts its focus on the work of the lens, displaying the creative expressions of some of the Southeast's most accomplished and promising photographers. The work of many local craftsmen is on permanent display, offering a spectacular artistic glimpse of the city. Many historical and panoramic views of Atlanta are featured in the collections. Exhibitions change regularly, so call ahead for a current schedule and list of upcoming events.
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Atlanta Preservation Center
You can't get much more local than seeing the town in the company of a resident, and such intimate guides are the specialty of this group. These knowledgeable volunteers are available to share their love of Atlanta with visitors for a small fee, which helps fund the work of the Preservation Center. The Center also organizes walking tours of ten city neighborhoods, which are offered February through November. Call to arrange your own personal tour of the city, and get to know Atlanta through the eyes of her warm people.
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Atlanta Rocks!
This Midtown specialty shop caters to the growing number of devotees of the extreme sports of rock climbing and rappelling. The facility is home to the largest climbing gym in the Southeast, which features an expansive 'bouldering' area and a rotating climbing wall. The challenging obstacle course provides safe trial runs in negotiating overhangs, buttresses and cracks for novices and experienced climbers alike. Reservations are suggested for the daily beginners' instruction sessions, and equipment rental is available.
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Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern
With its almost complete, "brand new," Elizabethan facade, and its wonderful period tavern interior, this is one of the most entertaining theatrical venues in Atlanta--and that's before the show begins!
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Atlanta Track Club
Since its founding in 1964, this collection of amateur and professional runners has grown into one of the largest track clubs in the United States. With a membership of 10,000 and a schedule of events that spans the calendar, this is a visitor's best source for information on walking and running in Atlanta. In addition to special events such as the annual Thanksgiving Atlanta Marathon and regular competitive meets, the club hosts casual, biweekly road races throughout the city.
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Augusta National Golf Club
This beautifully landscaped 365-acre 18-hole course is home to the annual Masters Tournament. The Augusta National Invitation Tournament began in 1934 and became known as the Masters five years later. The tournament is held every April. Interestingly, each hole at Augusta National is named after a plant or shrub that is found at the hole (Hole 1: Tea Olive, Hole 18: Holly).
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Autry Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center
Offering many educational nature programs, this site is also home to a number of historic buildings. Wooded trails lead visitors past such relics as the deBray Chapel and a farmhouse that dates to the 1880s. Stop at the welcome center for wildlife and historic information, and to inquire about such regularly-scheduled activities as owl prowls and animal track identification demonstrations. Take Highway 400 north to East Holcomb Bridge Road and turn right. Turn left at Old Alabama Road, then left again on Autry Mill Road.
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Babyland General Hospital
Babyland General is home to the once wildly popular Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. The "hospital" is housed in an actual turn-of-the-century medical clinic, and free tours are given to show how the Kids are "born." You can hold, cuddle and even adopt one of the Kids. This toy museum is an attraction for people of all ages, many of whom may remember the original hype over adopting the unique Cabbage Patch Kids. Admission is free. Adoption is optional.
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Back to Square One
This rustic shop in the Highlands displays some of the finest examples of primitive antiques and reproductions the South has to offer. You can also browse (and purchase) the works of well-known regional artists, mostly in the folk art style. Be sure to take a stroll through the store's garden department, where you're bound to find something that you simply must have, from birdhouses and fountains to angels, tire horse swings, whirly-gigs and lovely bunches of fresh flowers. At the very least, there's always the ice cream counter to peruse.
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Barnsley Inn & Golf
Once the home of British merchant Godfrey Barnsley, this regal estate was designed and landscaped in the mid-1800s by famed architect Andrew Jackson Downing. In addition to the comfortable rooms at the inn, several restored cottages with fireplaces are available. Guests enjoy deep discounts on area golf options, skin and body treatments at the full-service spa, and long walks through the gardens amid the ruins of the old manor house. While roaming, however, visitors are advised to watch out for the four bison that also make Barnsley Inn their home.
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Bennett Street Gallery
Located in perhaps the city's most respected district for high-end art, this notable gallery is dedicated to promoting promising Atlanta artists as well as established professionals from around the nation. The Bennett Gallery deals primarily in paintings, and stocks a beautiful selection of work in every medium and genre, from still lifes to portraiture to landscapes. The gallery sponsors frequent special showings and evening events, but call ahead if you want to mingle with the city's art elite.
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Big Bethel AME Church
Big Bethel was around even before Atlanta became a city. Founded in 1847 as Union Church, it was renamed Bethel Tabernacle in 1855 when its congregation was made up almost entirely of slaves. In 1868 it moved next door to its present building, which had served as the first school for black children in Atlanta. Today, the church is one of the largest AME churches in the city. The high steeple's "Jesus Saves" neon sign has lit the Atlanta skyline since 1918. Open during the day for visitors.
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Black Rock Mountain Park
All visitors to Atlanta should take at least one excursion to the scenic hills of North Georgia and Black Rock Mountain is a great choice for just such an adventure. With 10 cottages and four primitive, secluded backpacking sites, you'll have plenty of chances to take in the remote beauty. Picnic sites and a recreational lake are also available, plus day hiking trails for the less adventurous. The park is located 120 miles northeast of Atlanta. Take US 441 to Black Rock Mountain Parkway into Clayton, Georgia.
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Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad
This outfit offers romantic train journeys that run 26 miles through historic Murphy Junction along the Toccoa River in the North Georgia mountains. Each trip lasts about three hours, beginning and ending at the depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Trips include a stop in McCaysville where passengers disembark to explore the quaint community, and another in Copperhill, Tennessee. The railroad was constructed between 1877 and 1886, and has been carefully restored.
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Bobby Jones Golf Course
This par-71 public course is named for one of golf's greatest legends and one of Atlanta's favorite sons. Owned and operated by the city of Atlanta, the course's trademark Bermuda greens have welcomed golfers from around Georgia since 1934. This isn't the most extravagant or challenging course you've played, but the course features a pro shop, restaurant and putting green. Fulton County residents enjoy a $2 break on fees, but others should expect to pay $19 to walk Monday through Thursday, $22 Friday through Sunday. For carts, add $10.
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Bulloch Hall
In 1853, Mittie Bulloch married Theodore Roosevelt Sr. in this Greek Revival mansion, which was Mittie's childhood home. One result of that important marriage was the birth of president Theodore Roosevelt. Their other son fathered Eleanor, the wife of president Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The house was constructed in 1840 out of aged pine, and today is maintained as a museum. Tours are given on the hour. Throughout the year, reenactments of Mittie's wedding and of Civil War encampments are regularly scheduled.
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C and S National Bank Building
Showing a strong Chicago influence, this building dates to the 19th Century, and was designed by the architectural team of Morgan and Dillon. First known as the Empire Building, remnants of this naming can be found on some of the elaborate ornamentation in the building. In the 1920s, the building was used by and renamed for the Atlanta Trust Company. Purchased by the Citizens and Southern National Bank in 1929, the steel frame skyscraper was one of the first in the city, and contributed to the development of Atlanta's skyline.
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Cagle's Dairy Farm
Few area children's attractions can touch the sheer excitement offered by this working dairy farm. Guests ride along on a tractor-pulled hay wagon as it makes the daily rounds of this 19th Century farm, stopping at the farmhouse, outbuildings, cattle barns and grazing fields. Kids are given a chance to try their luck at milking and feed the animals by hand. The tour takes about 90 minutes, and covers the entire milk production process from cow to cereal bowl. Free milk is even provided at the end of the tour.
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Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Located on a deeply-wooded, twelve-acre estate, the Callanwolde Center is a nationally registered historic place that offers a wide variety of art classes, as well as exhibitions throughout the year. Courses and workshops of varying lengths are scheduled for both children and adults in such cultural subjects as music, photography, and dance. Art shows are also featured throughout the year, and the Christmas celebration of lights and historic decor has become an Atlanta tradition.
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Callaway Gardens
An hour south of Atlanta near the sleepy village of Pine Mountain, this 14,000-acre resort features gardens, a lake with a beach, a premier golf course, butterfly gardens, shops and restaurants. Canoe and bicycle rentals are available, or if you would like, you can also take a driving tour through the gardens. With facilities for meetings and plenty of diverse activities, Callaway Gardens is a great choice for families. The resort features three facilities for overnight accommodations as well as six restaurants. See the Web site for rates and information. Entrance fees vary by season.
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Candler Building
Built in 1904 by Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler, this 17-story masterpiece is a prominent fixture on the Atlanta skyline. The elaborate detail on the white marble facade is a fine example of the style of the period, when functional buildings were designed as much for their aesthetic appeal as for their practicality. The 3,000 tons of structural steel and iron used in construction is said to be twice the amount used in any other building in the Southeast. Today, the building houses private offices.
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Candler Park
A Civil War landmark as well as an expansive in-town green, Candler Park offers tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, and an outdoor pool. Perhaps the park's most unique feature is its nine-hole golf course that winds its scenic way through one of the East side's most pleasant residential neighborhoods. Often crowded, Candler Park is not the ideal place for a quiet jog, but sports are always being played and everyone is welcome.
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Cathedral of Christ the King
The Cathedral of Christ the King keeps company with several churches on a scenic stretch of Peachtree Road in Buckhead. Its aged, stone exterior and stained glass windows have positioned the stately church as a local landmark since 1936. Seat of the Atlanta Catholic Diocese, the cathedral offers Sunday services at 7:30a, 9a, 10:30a (choir), noon, 1:30p (Spanish), 5:30p (contemporary) and 7p (teen). Saturday services are held at 8a and 5:30p and weekday services are at 6:45a, 8a, and 12:10p.
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Cathedral of St. Phillip's
Established in 1847, this mammoth cathedral has served as the seat of Atlanta's Episcopalian diocese for more that 150 years. The most peculiar aspect of the church's design is the Hall of Bishops, a 40-foot hexagon that features 11 circular paths that form a sort of labyrinth, meant to represent the pilgrimages of the Middle Ages. Tours of the facility are offered on Sunday mornings, or by appointment during the week. Services are also held throughout the week, with a special Spanish service on Sundays at 1:30p.
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Centennial
Beautiful Cherokee County is the setting for Centennial, one of the Atlanta area's nicest municipal golf courses. Very popular among locals, this 18-hole beauty was designed by PGA pro Larry Nelson, and is widely considered one of the very best 72-par daily fee courses in the Southeast. A short 30-minute trip up I-75 from downtown delivers you to the winding creeks and challenging fairways of this scenic and affordable public course. Green fees run $40 on weekdays, $47 on Fridays, and $50 on weekends and holidays. Prices include cart rental.
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Centennial Olympic Park
This park, created for the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta, has 21 acres of green space, rock gardens and artwork. The nearly 500,000 commemorative bricks that make up its main walkway were part of fundraising efforts for the Games. During scorching Atlanta summers, children frolic in the ground-level Olympic Rings, which periodically shoot streaming arcs of water in time to the seven light and music concerts put on throughout the day. Flags honoring the nations that have played host to the Olympics in the past surround the fountain. Free admission.
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Center for Puppetry Arts
This is the largest organization in the United States devoted to the art of puppetry. In addition to three performance theaters, the center maintains the most comprehensive puppetry museum in the country, which features such famous characters as Punch and Judy, Jim Henson's Muppets, and Madame of Wayland and Madame fame. Tickets for Family Series performances are $8 for adults and $7 for kids and seniors, while tickets for the New Directions Adult Series go for $16 for adults, $12 for students and seniors.
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Central Presbyterian Church
Built on the ground of the original 1860 church, this Gothic Revival structure was erected by architect Edmund G. Lind in 1885. Set on a full acre that fronts the city's original town square, the church features a limestone facade, bell tower, and many original stained glass windows. Various smaller buildings have been constructed around the main church over the years, historically and architecturally significant in their own right. Today, Central Presbyterian is home to one of the largest Presbyterian congregations in Atlanta.
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Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Located in the lush green Chastain Park, this open-air theater is more of a socializing joint than a concert venue. People come to the park with candelabras, tablecloths, blankets, and four-course meals for a leisurely picnic. For music lovers, the amphitheater has set tables around the stage that can seat up to six. Moody Blues, Kenny Loggins, Rick Springfield, and James Taylor are some of the famous musicians who have enthralled audiences with their lively performances.
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Chateau Elan Golf Club
This privately owned golf course is open to the public, offering a true putter's challenge in a beautiful setting. The 18-hole, par-71 course was designed by Dennis Griffiths. Obstacles include three lakes and two creeks with water coming into play on 10 holes. Green fees run $65 per person weekdays and $77 per person on weekends, starting on Friday. The fee includes cart, course and tax. Chateau Elan is a spikeless course.
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Chattahoochee Nature Center
This nature center offers access to one of Atlanta's most splendid natural attractions. The visitors center offers maps of hiking trails as well as other resources to help you enjoy your day along the Chattahoochee River. The grounds include several ponds, a butterfly garden, and hundreds of acres of wetlands and forestland along the banks of the river. Special demonstrations teach guests how the center rehabilitates injured hawks, owls, and other wildlife, and canoe rentals are available.
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Chattahoochee River Park
Surrounded by the residential neighborhoods of Roswell, this popular spot is the site of many family picnics, quiet strolls, and dog outings. Trails are marked out throughout the park for hiking, running, and biking. Picnic sites are arranged along the banks of the slow-rolling Chattahoochee, the longest river in Georgia. Canoes and rafts are available for rent, and make for great summertime adventures. Take the Roswell Road off I-285, go north to Azalea Drive and turn left.
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Chief Vann House Historic Site
This two story mansion, built in 1804 by James Vann, the son of a Scottish trader and Cherokee mother, is representative of the wealth and power held by the "Cherokee Elite" in this region up to the time of the removal of the tribe along the infamous "Trail of Tears."
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Children's Arts Museum
The Children's Arts Museum is just what the name implies - a museum designed and operated with children in mind. Children are given more credit here than they are at most arts centers. Rather than acting as some kind of artistic daycare center, this museum offers exhibitions and artistic programs that allow children to explore their cultural interests and develop their personal talents. While the museum is only open to school groups during the week, the doors of the Museum are thrown open to the public weekdays 1p-5p, and on Saturday 10a-3p.at a $5 admission charge.
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City Gallery East
Housed in the old, megalithic City Hall East building right on the border between Midtown and the Virginia Highlands, the City Gallery East exists under the charge of the City of Atlanta's Bureau of Cultural Affairs. This non-profit fine art gallery exhibits a fine collection of works by local, national, and international artists, and is open to the public year-round. Because of its location as much as because of its collection, City Gallery East is a good place to start any tour of Atlanta art galleries.
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Clayton County International Park
This facility 20 minutes south of the city was constructed for the beach volleyball competition of the 1996 Olympic Games, and now serves as one of Atlanta's most complete water parks. In addition to a 6,200 capacity volleyball stadium and 13 courts, the park offers a beach on its six-acre lake, several water slides, and a pool for small children. Miniature golf, basketball, softball, hiking and fishing are also offered. The park is open from mid-May through Labor Day.
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Cloudland Canyon Park
Enjoy camping in the beautiful North Georgia mountains at this park located about 90 minutes north of Atlanta off Georgia Highway 136. The park offers 75 tent and trailer sites, 30 campsites, and 16 cottages. Although there's no lake, a swimming pool and tennis facilities are provided. Campsites rent for $13 per night, $15 for RVs. Cabins are available with two or three bedrooms, and rent for $70-90 per night. Linens, towels and kitchen utensils are included.
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CNN Center
Cable Network News is a twenty-four hour news giant, the first of its kind, broadcasting all over the world. This titan of the airwaves (along with many other cable channels and Turner Field) was owned by Ted Turner before he sold the bulk of this empire to the Time Warner Co. The headquarters of CNN is open for tours to the public.
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Cobblestone
Since 1994, this handsome, easy rolling course has been voted #1 among Atlanta public courses by the readers of Georgia Golf news nearly every single year. Designed by Ken Dye, Cobblestone presents a challenging barrage of water and sand hazards under a verdant canopy of swaying Georgia pines. Playable year-round, the course also features a golf shop and clubhouse. Nonresidents of Cobb County pay $52 with cart during the week, $59 on weekends. Prices drop by $10 without the cart. Cobblestone is about 25 minutes north of Atlanta off I-75.
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Confederate Cemetery
More than 3,000 Confederate soldiers are buried in this Marietta cemetery, which was established for the specific purpose in 1863. The soldiers here interred died defending Atlanta during the Civil War in the fighting that took place between Kennesaw and Marietta, most notably in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. While there are no maps or markers to help guide visitors, graves are grouped together according to the soldiers' home states. Access to the cemetery is free. Contact Marietta Welcome Center for more information.
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Crooked River Park
For camping deep down in Dixie, set your compass for Georgia's far southeast corner and Crooked River State Park. Plenty of camping for RVs and tenters alike, plus 11 cottages for those who prefer not to rough it. A beautiful river runs through the length of the park (you guess the name!), and on its banks sits a nice swimming pool, 75 picnic sites, and five picnic shelters. Just a few miles off I-95, this remote park is easy to access for all your outdoor adventures.
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Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site
This state historic site is located right on the charming, historic public square of Dahlonega, Georgia. The large museum offers displays of some of the ore and natural resources that inspired many Georgians over the years to take to the hills in pursuit of their fortunes. Just fifty miles northwest of Atlanta, the verdant rolling foothills of the North Georgia mountains offer a stunning backdrop for this day trip into state history.
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Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve
This nature preserve encompasses 498 acres of pristine forest, and features many dramatic rock outcroppings amid the rolling hills. The park's mountaintop terrain bears a fragile ecosystem, including several protected species of flora. Brochures are available to help visitors identify these rare, endangered plants. Charted hikes include 1-2 mile treks past the park's lakes, through the forests, and to the top of the mountain. Take Interstate 20 east to Evans Mill Road (exit 38) and turn right. Turn right again at Klondike Road and drive two miles to the park.
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Dixie Coca-Cola Bottling Plant
Designated a National Historic Landmark, this facility was the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in Georgia. Designed in the contrasting elements of the Queen Anne style, the convoluted building features a wide range of architectural influences, resulting in a truly unique and oddly beautiful industrial building. A restoration project is currently underway to restore the plant to its original working condition, and plans for a museum are certain to make this an appropriate Coca-Cola shrine in the years to come.
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Dixieland Fun Park
Located 30 minutes southwest of the city, this amusement park is open on weekends [F-Su]. Although there's plenty of fun for adults, the park is geared toward kids, with bumper boats, batting cages, laser tag, and three go-cart tracks. A miniature golf course, video arcade, and play maze are also available. Tickets range from USD1.50 to USD3.00 each and multiple tickets are needed. Bulk tickets can be purchased 200 at a time since they are the cheapest. There are also occasional 'armband specials' that offer unlimited access to certain rides for a certain price.
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Dunwoody Park
This beautiful park is just minutes away from heavily traveled Highway 400, but you won't hear anything over the rushing waters of Wild Cat Creek. A thickly wooded, 1.3-mile nature trail meanders along the edge of the creek and forested wetlands. A playground, two baseball fields and a picnic area are also on the premises. Detailed trail guides are available from the nature center to help guests identify indigenous birds and floral species. Pets on leashes are always welcome.
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Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church was founded in 1886, and has since stood as a high-profile center for African-American leadership and worship in Atlanta. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. began his ministry in this unassuming structure, and gained a national voice through his sermons from its pulpit. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference was also founded here. The church has recently expanded to a new sanctuary, but the original building continues to be a place of worship with services offered every Sunday at 7:45a and 10:45a.
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Emory University
One of the South's most respected institutions of higher learning, Emory is consistently ranked among the nation's top ten universities by U.S. News and World Report. With a broad range of undergraduate and advanced degree programs, the school draws students from throughout the United States and the world. The university's main campus is situated in the east of the city, in the Druid Hills neighborhood between the Virginia-Highlands and the neighboring town of Decatur. This sprawling, verdant campus includes most of the school's academic facilities, as well as the highly regarded Emory University Medical Center.
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Etowah Indian Mounds
This ancient site was the largest gathering place of Mississippian Indians between 1000 and 1550 AD. The largest mound is three acres in diameter and 63 feet tall, and is thought to have housed the chief's platform. The five other mounds are much smaller, and served primarily as burial sites. Archeological digs have excavated much of the remains, which are on display in a small museum, which also houses exhibits on the area's history. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children aged 6-18.
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Fay Gold Gallery
The Fay Gold Gallery is a long-standing favorite on the Buckhead art scene, and with good reason. This elegant showroom exhibits one of the city's most impressive collection of cutting edge contemporary works by prominent Southern and national artists. Such distinctive collections as the estates of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and Louise Nevelson are among the permanent displays, and patrons are always sure to find a taste of the latest emerging trends as well.
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Federal Reserve Bank Monetary Museum
This museum holds the answers to every question you have ever had about money. Learn the history of banking through interactive displays and see examples of how American money has evolved over the years. A collection of interesting financial artifacts is also on hand, including gold mined from nearby Dahlonega, Georgia, and a short film details the operation of the United States Federal Reserve in amazing detail. The museum is free and open daily to the public except on bank holidays. For groups of 10 or more, please call ahead.
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Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Atlanta's largest museum sits on 140 forested acres just east of downtown. The Great Hall soars 86 feet to a rooftop skylight, and gives way to a labyrinth of halls devoted to the miracle of nature. A 315-seat IMAX theater showcases the world's most dramatic films on its five-story screen, while a comprehensive planetarium makes the heavens easily accessible. Be sure to visit on Fridays for Martinis and IMAX, a trendy cocktail hour followed by a film. General admission is USD12 for adults; USD11 students and seniors; USD10 for children; children ages 2 and under are free.
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Fernbank Science Center
The DeKalb County schools own and run the Fernbank Science Center, which acts as more than just a museum. Many public programs are available, and the center is almost entirely free of charge, with the exception of the planetarium. The exhibits range from dinosaur specimens to spacecraft. It's a fun way to spend a day.
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First Congregational Church Historic Structure
Founded in 1867, this church has figured dramatically in the history of the African-American community in Atlanta. As spiritual center for a large congregation of African-Americans, the church advanced the black cause during some of the city's most trying times. A public drinking fountain near the entrance stands as a reminder of the church's defiance in the face of Jim Crow laws. The structure itself is designed in the Beaux-Arts Classical Revival style, and features a large stained glass window depicting Abraham Lincoln as the Great Emancipator. It is open daily for worship services.
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First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
Known for its inspiring music program and vibrant congregation, this landmark church has been a Midtown fixture since before the Civil War. Founded in 1848, the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is housed in a striking stone behemoth on Peachtree Street next door to the High Museum of Art. Today, the church supports a community of nearly 3,000. Sunday services are held at 9a and 11:15a, and a communion service is held in the Winship Chapel at 8:30a.
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Flat Creek Nature Area
This protected wetlands habitat is home to many species of birds (especially herons and ducks) as well as numerous rare floral species. The nature path is only a half-mile long, but there are plans to expand the boardwalk five miles and add an observation tower. Three miles of paved paths trace through the surrounding woods, as well. Picnic facilities, a playground, and a senior center are also provided. Take Highway 74 to Kelly Drive and turn left. Turn right at the park on McIntosh Trail.
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Flatiron Building
This 11-story triangular building was designed by Bradford Gilbert and is the finest local example of the Chicago style of urban architecture. Built in 1897, this is the oldest steel-framed high rise in the city and is credited with influencing the design of many of the skyscrapers that sprang up in Atlanta over the following two decades. The building's name was derived from its distinctive narrow shape, the base of which is supported by half columns separated by vast windows.
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Fort Mountain Park
When it's time to get away from the city, Fort Mountain Park has just what you need. This scenic state park provides fishing, boating, swimming on a mountain beach, and miles of nature trails. In addition to 15 cottages and 70 RV sites, industrious outdoorsmen will enjoy the challenge of three remote camping sites. Picnic folks have plenty of room, too, with over 100 sites available, 17 with shelters. Take GA-52 about 150 miles north of Atlanta to the city of Chatsworth. The park is 8 miles east of town.
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Fort Yargo Park
Just one mile south of Winder, Georgia on GA-81, you'll find this scenic state park. Fort Yargo is set in a hilly area about 40 miles northeast of Atlanta, and is an easy drive for a day trip or an overnight visit. Three cottages are located within the park, as well as 47 tent, trailer and RV sites, and plenty of room for pioneer camping, picnics, tennis and hiking. A nice lake features a boating ramp, canoe and paddleboat rentals, fishing, and plenty of beautiful scenes for bikers, hikers and lazy summer picnic-goers.
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Fountain Hall
Constructed in 1882 on the campus of Morris Brown College, this building is one of the oldest surviving structures on the original site of Atlanta University. Designed in the High Victorian style by architect G. L. Norrman, the three-story red brick hall has served various functions over the years, and now houses the university's administrative offices. The building is situated atop Diamond Hill, from which vantage point visitors are offered a nice view of the downtown area.
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Fox Theatre
This National Historic Landmark was built in 1929 as a Shriners temple, but through most of its storied history it has served as Atlanta's premier theatrical venue. A marvel of Middle Eastern Revival architecture that spans a full city block, it is one of the largest theaters built in America during the golden age of the movies. Today, the theater maintains a steady schedule of Broadway shows, operas, symphonic performances and rock concerts. Tours are available, but the best way to experience the Fox is through a night on the town.
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Fräbel Studio & Gallery
Founded in 1968, the world-famous Frabel gallery has become the premier local and international center for glass sculpture and blowing. At the gallery, visitors are invited to browse the collection of intricate sculpture, or simply watch as artists create in the studio. The State Gifts and Museum gallery, also located on the premises, showcases replicas of famous sculptures, museums, and celebrities. This active Buckhead studio is a special treat for kids and adults alike, as well as any museum or art enthusiast.
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Freedom Park
Although not the most glamorous of Atlanta parks, Freedom Park offers an In town escape for joggers, runners and cyclists. The wide recreation trail is part of the PATH program that leads from the Carter Center to Stone Mountain, and a recent expansion of the trail has added considerable lawn space and smooth concrete for roller bladers and bikers alike. For history lovers, the Carter Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Site both abut the park.
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Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 as one of the largest aquariums in the world. Located in downtown Atlanta, it is undoubtedly a breathtaking experience for all its visitors. A generous endowment from Bernard Marcus, the co-founder of Home Depot, makes this dynamic aquarium possible. It showcases exotic sea creatures such as giant groupers, beluga whales, and whale sharks (which have never been seen outside of Asia). With 500 species, you will see something new and different no matter when you visit. In addition, the Georgia Aquarium offers an expansive educational program for students of all ages. Check their website for tours and other special events.
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Georgia Department of Archives and History
The Georgia Archives contains Georgia's most valuable historical records, over 177,000 cubic feet of them. A small example of what is kept at the archives in paper microfilm, CD, and other forms is: Public Records (church, county, census, etc.), maps, records of land grants, Confederate pension records, Pre-Civil War records, historic photographs, and of course, marriage, birth, and death certificates.
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Georgia Dome
This venue is home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and is the largest cable-supported domed stadium in the world. The Dome was the site of many events during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, the annual SEC Championship Game, and Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX. With a seating capacity of 71,500 for football, it also provides arena and stadium configurations that can seat 20,000 to 80,000, theater-style (8,600) and classroom (6,000); small meeting room arrangements are also available.
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Georgia Music Hall of Fame
The Georgia Music Hall of Fame, the state's official music museum, is located in Macon, the city where artists like Little Richard, James Brown, Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers Band launched their careers. The 43,000 square foot facility features permanent and changing exhibits that include music, video, memorabilia, instruments, performance costumes and more. Over 450 artists are represented in the exhibits. The museum features an interactive children's wing, library, research facility, and music store. Educational programs include specialty tours, workshops, and lectures. The museum hosts frequent special events, concerts, and exhibit openings.
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Georgia State Capitol
Besides housing the governor's office and the state legislature, the Capitol preserves and represents Georgia's rich and diverse history both inside and out. Named a National Historic Landmark in 1977, the Capitol is made of Indiana limestone and Georgia marble, with a golden dome that rises more than 240 feet from the rotunda floor. Free guided tours are available on weekdays. The Georgia State Museum of Science and Industry is housed on the first and fourth floors.
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Georgia World Congress Center
In the heart of downtown Atlanta, The Georgia World Congress Center is the second largest exhibition facility in the United States, and host to a myriad of conventions, trade shows and corporate events each year. The multi-purpose facility hosted sporting events during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, when it also served as the International Broadcast Center. The building features over 950,000 square feet of exhibit space, as well as 76 meeting rooms, a 33,000-square-foot ballroom, and a 1,740-seat auditorium.
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Georgia's Governor Mansion
This 24,000-square-foot modern mansion has been home to the state's governors since 1968, when the mansion was rebuilt in the Greek Revival style. The two-story home features a library and a ballroom that comfortably seats 150 for dinner. Furnishings and paintings are neoclassical and feature many collections from Georgia artists. The second floor is the family's private residence and includes a large suite for visiting dignitaries. The free tour is self-guided, although hosts are available in each room to explain items of special significance. A virtual tour is available on the Web site.
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Georgia's Stone Mountain State Park
Just east of Atlanta, this 3,200-acre park centers on the world's largest exposed granite mountain. Skylift gondolas whisk visitors 825 feet to the top, where commanding views of the Georgia countryside await them. The north face's 90-by-100-foot bas-relief memorial to Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson is the world's largest. An antebellum plantation, a riverboat, an antique auto museum and a petting zoo are all located within the park, as are camping, dining and lodging accommodations. During the summer, there are evening laser light shows on the mountain.
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Georgian Terrace Hotel
This National Register hotel was built in 1911. Located on Peachtree Street, this building can boast about being the center of post-premiere events in 1939 when "Gone With the Wind" opened at the Fabulous Fox Theatre down the street. The Georgian is a grand bit of luxury in the heart of midtown. Eat, people watch, and luxuriate at the hotel restaurant, which in fact has the terrace and a view of Peachtree Street. The lobby also has more than enough grandeur to be the height of worldly elegance. It also has three ballrooms available for weddings and other functions. C'est magnifique!
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Glen-Ella Springs Inn
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 100-year-old mansion is home to 16 rustic rooms and draws families, couples and corporate guests in about equal measure. Outfitted in antiques, handmade furniture and pine walls throughout, this cozy inn sits on an 18-acre compound that includes a swimming pool, herb gardens and a nature trail that leads to the Chattahoochee National Forest. The inn's restaurant is a popular, if pricey, option, but as a guest, your full breakfast is complementary.
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Gone With the Wind Museum
This museum features much of the personal collection of Herb Bridges. Bridges began collecting Gone With the Wind artifacts more than 30 years ago, amassing a treasury of scripts, foreign posters and costumes for free that now fetch prices in the tens of thousands. Located within the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, this new exhibit extends beyond the writer's life and into the film that helped contribute to Atlanta's fame.
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Goodwin House (The)
This log cabin in the midst of the city is one of the oldest houses. Named for original owner Samuel Goodwin, the home is open for free tours every third Sunday. Goodwin came to the area from South Carolina in 1837 and built the house along the Echota Indian Trail on a 600-acre homestead. The family cemetery, home to five generations of Goodwins, is located nearby amid sprawling magnolias. Lynda Martin, the great-great-great-great granddaughter of Goodwin, currently lives in the house and leads the monthly tours.
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Grant Park
Grant Park is the oldest park in Atlanta and a major treasure. The park was founded when a local businessman and engineer, Lemuel Grant, donated one hundred acres in the newly formed suburb for the purpose of a park. In 1890, more land was acquired, and the Olmstead Brothers were hired to design the park. The 131-acre site contains Zoo Atlanta, the Cyclorama, which depicts the Battle of Atlanta, and the Fort Walker historic site, a preserved earthen fortification and battery from the Civil War.
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Gwinnett Historic Court House
The Old Gwinnett Court House in Lawrenceville is not to be confused with the ultra-modern courthouse and municipal structures nearby. The Old courthouse is a great piece of architecture with a deep history, including fire and complete reconstruction (from scratch). The Gwinnett Historical Society now keeps the structure, and it is used for cultural and educational events.
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Haas-Howell Building
Renowned local architect Neil Reid designed this Beaux-Arts classic in 1920 for the Hass-Howell Insurance Company. Although understated compared to the gaudy design often featured in this style, the ashlar stone building features an enormous, elaborately carved arched doorway that faces the more ornate U.S. Customs Building across the street. One of the oldest insurance companies in Atlanta, Haas-Howell still occupies eight floors of the building that bears its name.
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Hammonds House Gallery
The Hammonds House Gallery is the only museum in Georgia dedicated solely to African-American fine art. The museum preserves the work of local as well as national artists, along with traditional African art and other exhibits dealing with African-American history, culture, and current events. Classes in several areas are offered for adults as well as children, and celebrations are held to observe Kwanzaa, Juneteenth and other significant holidays. The museum is located in a Victorian house that serves as a beautiful backdrop for the works inside.
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Hard Labor Creek Park
Just a short hour's drive to the east takes Atlantans to one of their favorite country retreats in Hard Labor Creek Park. Despite the name, leisure is more the order of the day, with day-trippers and overnight guests taking advantage of the park's 50 picnic sites, 20 cottages, 51 trailer and RV sites, and miles of nature, hiking, and equestrian trails. A small boating lake is on hand for water sports and fishing, plus a fishing stream and golf course for more casual outdoor enthusiasts.
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Hart State Park
The North Georgia mountains provide refuge for Atlanta's adventurous souls throughout the year, and a favorite destination is Hart State Park. Three miles north of Hartwell off US-29, the park lies a convenient 80 miles northeast of Atlanta. Two cottages are available by reservation, as well as 78 trailer and RV camp sites and 85 picnic sites. The park's lake features a boating ramp and dock, and fishing and waterskiing are permitted. Canoes are available for rent, and a small beach offers bathers a chance to get their feet wet.
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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
In 1998, Atlanta's Hartsfield International overcame Chicago's O'Hare to win the distinction of the planet's busiest airport. World headquarters for Delta Airlines, the airport also serves as a major hub for most domestic and international carriers. Located about 10 miles south of downtown, the best way to access Hartsfield is through MARTA, which runs trains every 5 minutes between the terminal and the downtown (Five Points) station on weekdays, every 10-15 minutes on weekends. The 15-minute trip requires a $1.50 fare.
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Healey Building (The)
Completed toward the end of Atlanta's first high-rise era, the Healy Building opened to the public in 1914. Rising 16 floors above downtown, the building was not completely finished, as a second tower had been put on hold because of the outbreak of World War I. When owner William Healy died shortly after the war, plans for the second tower were abandoned. Nonetheless, the single-towered stone and terra cotta structure was a marvel of modern achievement and stood as a commanding landmark until the dawn of the skyscraper era.
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Heaven Blue Rose
This contemporary gallery is artist-owned and artist-operated, and features a creative, modern showing of original two- and three-dimensional work. As Roswell's first predominantly contemporary art gallery located in the heart of the downtown historic district, it seems a bit out of place, but the change is a welcome one. New exhibits of paintings, drawings, sculpture, and fine crafts arrive about every six weeks, so call for new showings and changing displays.
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Helen
Helen, located about two hours northeast of Atlanta, is a cute German-style village that showcases local artisans. The half-timbered cottages along the main drag sport German food, taffy, fudge, and toy stores among the more serious arts and crafts. There is a "small world after all" feel to this hilly village, which is cultivated to an extreme. This cozy town hosts thousands of travelers each year.
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Herndon Home
Nicknamed 'Old Glory' by the original owner, this stunning mansion was the home of one of America's most successful African-American entrepreneurs, the founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Set on a nine-acre estate, the house was designed in the Beaux Arts Classicist style, and the interior boasts an eclectic array of various style permutations from Rococo to Renaissance Revival. The home has been fully restored, and is now maintained as an archive and museum by the company whose success made the home possible. Guided tours are available by appointment only.
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High Falls State Park
Just 40 miles southeast of Atlanta, High Falls State Park is located 10 miles north of Forsyth off I-75, making it a perfect choice for quick weekend getaways. With 112 trailer and tent camp sites, plus a few more rustic sites for the adventurous, the park also features 50 picnic sites, some with shelters and some that can accommodate large groups. A large lake with a boatin