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Home , Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Hotel, Beverly (drink), Center for Puppetry Arts, FLIP Burger Boutique, Lenox Square

AUTHENTIC ITINERARY Atlanta’s Peachtree Corridor is packed with can’t-miss classics. Whether you’ve got a few hours or a few days, use these tips and treks to create an authentic Atlanta experience!

Centennial Olympic Park DAY 1 — DOWNTOWN

grab a complimentary glass bottle of clas- sic formula Coca-Cola. Inside CNN Studio Tour Just across the street, Imagine It! The Children’s of Atlanta Morning features hands-on exhibits and activities where kids ages 8 and younger can learn Start your morning off with a splash! and explore. Whether it’s building a Aquarium – the world’s largest sandcastle, painting on the walls or aquarium – is an underwater wonderland, exploring the latest special exhibit, home to more than 100,000 creatures children will discover why it’s a from 500 species. Swimming, diving and place to play. Courtesy of Target Free lurking among the 10 million gallons of Second Tuesdays, all visitors can enjoy water, you’ll find dolphins, penguins, free admission from 1 p.m. until closing Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta beluga whales, sea otters, piranhas and on the second Tuesday of each month. so much more. Other wow-worthy the world’s largest Fountain of Rings. Enjoy year-round, family-friendly activities include AT&T Dolphin Tales, The Park also offers seasonal activities in Centennial Olympic Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow, and such as Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days, Park. Right in the heart of downtown, the behind-the-scenes tours and lectures. free concerts April-September during home of the 1996 Olympic Games offers Next door, learn all about the world’s Wednesday WindDown and Music at concerts, festivals, seasonal activities and most beloved beverage at World of Noon every Tuesday and Thursday. Cozy Coca-Cola. Featuring a multisensory up for the holidays in December with ice 4-D theater where viewers can join the skating and whimsical sites during the “Search for the Secret Formula,” live- Holiday in Lights festival. action bottling line and opportunity to taste more than 60 beverages from all Lunch around the world, visitors of all ages will For casual cuisine, head to nearby find happiness in these bottles. When restaurants including Ted’s Montana exploring, be sure to book a VIP Guided Grill for famous bison burgers and Tour to fill you in on the many exhibits, for made-to-order including an extraordinary 1880s soda pizza. Cool off with a cold one at Max fountain and more than 1,200 never- Lager’s Woodfire Grill, a Georgia-based before-displayed artifacts. Before you brewery, or head to the Hard Rock Cafe leave, be sure to cuddle up with the Atlanta for delicious dishes with a side of 7-foot-tall Coca-Cola Polar Bear and memorabilia from fan faves such as Elvis,

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itineraries.indd 46 10/14/11 2:02:03 PM Madonna, Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, dishes. For steaks and an award-wining Justin Bieber and more. For fine dining, wine list, visit Ray’s In the City. Head to visit the Atlanta Grill at The Ritz Carlton the Sun Dial Restaurant, + View, for Southern-inspired cuisine located at the top of the Westin Peachtree in a lounge-like atmosphere. Plaza, for seasonal, new-American dishes and a panoramic view of the city. Ruth’s Afternoon Chris Steak House at Centennial Get behind the camera at CNN Park serves their Signature Steak with Center, the world headquarters of CNN, a lovely view of the park below. New to CNN International and HLN networks. historic , but filled with The Inside CNN Studio Tour offers three vintage conversation pieces and heirloom guided tours where visitors can sit at an recipes, Meehan’s Irish Pub and authentic news anchor’s desk, go behind- Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint are two the-scenes of their favorite daytime great spots to unwind, whether you’re in shows and just maybe meet one of their the mood for a pint or some delicious favorite on-air personalities. The CNN VIP barbecue. If hand-crafted beer is your Tour offers exclusive access behind-the- idea of the perfect dinner drink, head scenes and an expanded experience of over to Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill CNN Worldwide. & Brewery for great food and seasonal For even more family fun, head to beer made on-site. for gifts and souvenirs, fast food from the Old Alabama Evening OPTION #1 Eatery, public art and live entertainment. (Top to bottom) “In Their Words: on Don’t get caught on the sidelines. Auburn Avenue” audio tour through ; From April to October you can catch Seasonal activities include the New Year’s and Fernbank Museum of Natural History Eve Peach Drop and the St. Patrick’s line drives and maybe even a foul ball at Turner Field during an MLB Atlanta Festival & Parade. Visit the Jimmy Carter Library & Braves game. Don’t miss the action Explore Atlanta’s history-rich culture in Museum and explore an exact replica at Philips Arena during a NBA Atlanta the Sweet Auburn District. Walk the of the Oval Office. Discover interactive Hawks or a WNBA Atlanta Dream streets where Martin Luther King, Jr. grew exhibits telling the story of President basketball game. Beginning in September, up and where many of Atlanta’s prominent Carter’s heroic, global efforts filled with enjoy fierce gridiron battles at the black-owned businesses were founded. photos and historic memorabilia and get Georgia Dome during a NFL Atlanta The interactive podcast “In Their Words: a first-hand glimpse of his Nobel Peace Falcons game. Andrew Young on Auburn Prize. After taking a walk in the presi- Avenue” provides an audio-guided stroll dent’s shoes, stroll around the museum’s Evening OPTION #2 through this historically influential lush lawns. An urban , the grounds Head to the Luckie Marietta District feature a lake bustling with wildlife — blue and experience Atlanta’s newest dining heron, geese and a 35-pound turtle — and entertainment community. Featuring Insider’s Tip: and the Carter-King Peace Trail, a mile- Explore more things to see and do more than 20 casual and fine restaurants, around with and-a-half pedestrian and bike path with as well plenty of places to stay and play, City Segway Tours, an entertaining commemorative plaques throughout. the District is a must visit. You’ll find and unique way to get a lay of the land in More Atlanta adventures await around delicious dishes and cocktails around . downtown Atlanta. , home to every corner, including Der Biergarten Discover a new way to explore the city more than 1,300 animals, including giant and Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria for casual with ATL-Cruzers Electric Car Tours, pandas, Sumatran tigers and one of North cuisines or tap your own beer at STATS. Atlanta’s only electric car tour company. America’s largest captive gorilla popula- Having an elegant evening? Try Legal tions, is just two miles east of downtown Sea Foods, Peasant Bistro or in Grant Park. Here you can explore the McCormick & Schmick’s for fine community. Also in Sweet Auburn, African plains and Asian forests, visit mar- seasonal dining with a gorgeous view. you’ll find theMartin Luther King, Jr. velous mammals, adorable reptiles and National Historic Site, including an amphibians. The Fernbank Museum of Evening OPTION #3 interactive visitor’s center that explores Natural History, also a short drive away, Don’t miss the city’s top cultural Dr. King’s legacy in the Civil Rights brings history to life through a variety connections. The Rialto Center for Movement and displays one of the city’s of hands-on exhibits and exploration of the Arts amps up the night with national two Nobel Peace Prizes. The site also global cultures. Each Friday night, enjoy and international jazz, world music and features the restored King Birth Home, a classy mix of culture and cocktails with dance, as well as performances from the , the burial sites Martinis & IMAX™. Georgia State School of Music. Balzer of Dr. King and his wife, Corretta Scott Dinner Theatre at Herren’s spotlights standing King, and the International Walk of Fame Try a new twist on dinner and a show ovation-worthy independent plays from — a memorial made of shoe prints from at Agatha’s: A Taste of Mystery Theatrical Outfit, a local theatre company. influential Civil Rights activists. Take the Dinner Theatre where you’ll pair your Just east of the Peachtree Corridor, GPS Ranger Tour of the MLK Historic wine and entrée with a side of murder. Dad’s Garage Theater Co. performs Site for a guided walking tour at your At Pittypat’s Porch, relax in rocking side-splitting improv comedy and original, own pace. chairs and enjoy traditional Southern campy musicals.

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itineraries.indd 48 10/14/11 2:03:40 PM DAY 2 — midTOWN

Morning Need a bit of inspiration? Visit the Midtown Arts District and gaze at more than 12,000 works in the , a division of the . Here you can journey through time and across the globe with pieces from 19th century and 20th century American and decorative art, modern and contemporary art, photography, African art and folk art. Also at the Woodruff Arts Center, you’ll find the Grammy Award-winningAtlanta Symphony Orchestra and Tony Award- winning . Both venues perform original pieces and have hosted numerous world debuts. Just across the street, MODA (Museum green space features a picturesque lake, Dinner of Design Atlanta) presents unique, urban public swimming pool, scenic walking and Just steps from Piedmont Park, Park exhibitions that examine the effects of jogging paths, numerous playgrounds, Tavern serves generous portions of pub design in day-to-day life. This boutique athletic courts and an off-leash dog run. grub with a side of live, local music. For gallery is a work It’s also home to many artisan cocktails and regional, seasonal of art itself; the seasonal activities, dishes, visit Ecco. One of the city’s naturally-lit such as Atlanta favorite neighborhood hangouts, Shout exhibition space Dogwood Festival, is a two-tier restaurant with an expansive is on track to be Atlanta Jazz Festival, outdoor patio that serves an eclectic, a Platinum Gay Pride Festival and global fusion menu of the city’s favorite Design-certified Screen on the Green. foods. Just two streets over, South City building. Nestled adjacent to Kitchen is the go-to for sophisticated the park, the Atlanta Southern dishes. For fresh food concepts Lunch Botanical Garden and historic architecture, head to West For an is an urban oasis of Midtown. This newly revitalized district authentic Atlanta seasonal blooms and offers decadent dining and tons of treat, try a chili mesmerizing water walkable shopping. JCT Kitchen & Bar dog and Frosted features. Wander serves sumptuous Southern staples in Orange at through the treetops a lively bistro atmosphere. For some of , the on the Canopy the best burgers and milkshakes in town, world’s largest Walk, a 40-foot high head to FLIP Burger Boutique, owned drive-in. Grab suspension walkway by “Top Chef All-Stars” winner Richard a sandwich or offering a birds-eye Blais. At Miller Union the menu changes indulge in some- view of the city, or weekly based on the week’s harvest, thing sweet at find your new favorite Highland Bak- food at the Edible Center for Arts ery-Midtown or Chef Kevin Gillespie demonstrates cooking with Garden, featuring visit Straits ingredients from ’s Edible Garden. chef demonstrations (owned by Atlanta each weekend native and rapper Ludacris) for Asian May through October. fusion dishes served family-style. For Down the street, delight the kids beef and brews, head to The Vortex Bar (and the kid in you) at the Center for & Grill — serving Atlanta’s Best Burger Puppetry Arts. The Center is home to since 1992. the nation’s largest interactive museum devoted to puppetry. Visit “: The Afternoon Power of Wonder” to see a few of Jim Come play the Atlanta way in Henson’s most-beloved characters. The Piedmont Park. Boasting more than Center also offers weekly performances 200 acres of lush lawns, the city’s largest for kids.

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itineraries.indd 50 10/14/11 2:06:27 PM featuring simple ingredients in a rustic productions by Theatre of the Stars and spotlighting local playwrights and actors. preparation. the Atlanta Ballet’s annual presentation of For even more local talent, visit New “The Nutcracker.” The Alliance Theatre American . This Evening OPTION #1 is one of the largest regional theaters in intimate venue is home to the only theater Catch the local buzz with tasting tours the nation and has produced more than to have performed each of Shakespeare’s of SweetWater Brewing Company 50 world premieres, bringing the world’s 39 plays and serves authentic-inspired and Red Brick Brewery offered every best talents to Atlanta. It is also home to English dishes with each show. Wednesday through Saturday. Both the Hertz Stage, which is dedicated to microbrewery tours feature behind-the- Evening OPTION #3 scenes information and a chance to taste Insider’s Tip: Put on those dancing shoes and the latest local brews. , Atlanta’s premier check out Atlanta’s hottest nightlife! mixed-use community, has something for See and be seen at Opera Atlanta everyone (and you only have to park once). Evening OPTION #2 Shop boutiques and the open-air market , Compound, Halo and the Spend an evening among the stars. The for tons of chic finds, see the latest flicks in Koo Koo Room. For hot house beats offers live performances, IMAX 3-D and enjoy delicious dining from and delicious drinks, relax at Whiskey including Top 40 concerts, Broadway your favorite restaurants. Blue, Sutra Lounge and Door 44.

DAY 3 — Morning numerous homemade treats each day. Canvasing 33 acres in the heart of Souper Jenny — an Atlanta sensation Buckhead, the — serves, you guessed it, soups. Home- (AHC) features two historic houses, made daily from local, sustainable six signature exhibits and the largest ingredients and heirloom recipes, this collection of Civil War memorabilia in the cafeteria-style restaurant has some of world. Great for the entire family, the the tastiest soups, salads and sandwiches AHC also offers gorgeous gardens and in town. two delicious on-site dining options. Major Buckhead design and cultural Afternoon Known as “The Beverly Hills of the districts include Circle, Peachtree South,” Buckhead offers legendary Decorative Arts Plaza, Galleries of shopping. At , get the Peachtree Hills and Bennett Street. season’s hottest trends from Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Versace and more. Next door, houses more The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is home to than 200 stylish stores including Apple, the Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Opera. Kate Spade, Bulgari and Louis Vuitton. From luxury stores to unique boutiques, Restaurant Eugene helped spur the Buckhead shopping has everything for the city’s infatuation with farm-to-table chic, savvy and fabulous. freshness. Dinner Evening option #1 After a great shopping adventure, Sip and see in Buckhead’s lavish reward yourself with an expertly executed lounges and upscale clubs, such as Gold Upscale shopping at Phipps Plaza steak dinner at the Buckhead location Room. Amp up your night with hot beats The Swan Coach House Gallery, of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. For a and hotter locals at Havana Club and located on the campus of the Atlanta uniquedining experience, enjoy a mul- Tongue & Groove. Looking for a high- History Center, exclusively features both ticourse fondue menu and live jazz at energy evening but only want to valet established and upcoming Southern Dante’s Down the Hatch. Replicated once? Visit the Andrews Entertainment artists. The Museum of Contemporary to mimic the interior of an 18th century Complex, where you can enjoy tapas at Art of Georgia (MOCA-GA) permanently sailing ship, Dante’s features a moat with Cellar 56, grab a drink at , houses more than 600 works by local live crocodiles surrounding the ship’s hull. catch the latest score at Stout Irish artists in contemporary mediums. For even more sea-faring fancy, head to Sports Pub and show off your moves at Kyma for authentic Greek seafood and 8Traxx, all in one hot nightspot. Lunch dazzling Mediterranean decor or Atlanta The Swan Coach House Restaurant Fish Market for a menu of more than Evening option #2 located on the AHC campus serves 100 varieties of fresh fish flown in daily. The Cobb Energy Center is one of signature Southern staples in a country- Considered one of the most romantic Atlanta’s pre-eminent venues for a vast chic atmosphere. At the Buckhead spots in town, Anis Café and Bistro range of performing arts. Each month Diner, enjoy an array of “inventive takes its cuisine cues from Paris, serving offers a multitude of award-winning Americana” dishes, such as Homemade chic French dishes in a cozy atmosphere. performances presented by the Atlanta Potato Chips with Maytag Blue Cheese MF Buckhead serves top-grade sushi in Opera, Atlanta Ballet and Gas South and Veal Meatloaf. Be sure to save room a sophisticated, lounge-like atmosphere, Broadway Series, as well as concerts, for the dessert case, which boasts while the local, sustainable menus at comedians and more.

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itineraries.indd 52 10/14/11 2:09:53 PM