Centennial Olympic Park provides a starting point for exploring Atlanta, and it’s surrounded by attractions.  Begin your day visiting the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. See more than 100,000 animals from 500 species in more than 10 million gallons of water. 

Visit Giant Pandas with their twin cubs, the Giraffe Feeding Terrace and one of North America’s largest captive gorilla populations. Then head over to Fernbank Museum of Natural History. When you walk in the door of Fernbank, you are entering a world of dinosaurs, interactive science exhibits and wildlife. Unique exhibits such as A Walk in Time through Georgia, encourages visitors through their exploration of the earth’s history, the physical universe, the environment and human culture. Finish your day at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, where there is always something blooming in this urban oasis located in Midtown. Explore 30 acres of breathtaking gardens and conservatories including the world’s foremost orchid collection.

Through interactive exhibits, artifacts and strong imagery, the Center serves as a catalyst for civil and human rights conversation.  Then take the short ride on the Atlanta Streetcar to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Visit the Visitors Center’s exhibit on Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement, Dr. King’s birth home, tomb and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the King family has preached for three generations.  End your day of education at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, which features a replica of the Oval Office during Carter’s term and includes exhibits that chronicle his journey to the presidency, as well as the work of The Carter Center as it works globally to fight disease and promote democracy and human rights.

Begin the day at the Atlanta History Center which features 33 acres of gardens, the 1820’s Tullie Smith House and 1928 Swan House Mansion.  The museum offers exhibitions on the U.S. Civil War, African-American heritage and Southern folk art.  In 2018, the Atlanta Cyclorama will reopen in a custom-built annex at the History Center.  

Then, head to Midtown to learn about one of Atlanta’s most famous citizens, Margaret Mitchell. Visit the Margaret Mitchell House & Museum, featuring the furnished apartment, nicknamed “The Dump”, where Mitchell wrote the award-winning novel, “Gone with the Wind”.  For lunch, sample real southern fare (and southern hospitality) at Mary Mac’s Tea Room.  In the afternoon, head to Stone Mountain Park, a 3,200- acre attraction built around the world’s largest mass of exposed granite, and visit Crossroads, a recreated 1870’s Georgia town, which includes authentically costumed characters, music, shopping and restaurants. In the evening at Stone Mountain Park, grab a hotdog at the Big Rock Cafe, then check out the new 3D laser spectacular which has been taken to a new dimension. The laser show includes dazzling displays of neon laser lights, featuring characters, stories, graphics and fireworks choreographed to popular musical scores, transforming the park into a natural amphitheater.

When it comes to shopping, you’ll find plenty of options in Atlanta.  The Buckhead neighborhood houses two of the metro area’s most upscale malls and the city’s newest shopping district.  

Since 1959, Lenox Square has served as the Southeast’s premier shopping destination, anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s and features 250 specialty stores such as Louis Vuitton, Diesel, 7 for All Mankind and a two-story Nike flagship store.  The Shops Buckhead Atlanta is a shopping destination at the intersection of Peachtree and East Paces Ferry roads.  The development boasts approximately 140,000 square meters of luxury retail, including Dior, Brunello Cucinelli, Bonobos, Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo, restaurants and cafes and pedestrian friendly streets.  For savings of 25 percent to 65 percent every day, head up to the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville, GA, featuring Hugo Boss, Lucky Brand, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Kate Spade.