Panda Po, Photo Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta

If you are looking for things to do in Atlanta, don’t miss one of our guests favorite Atlanta attractions, Zoo Atlanta.  Zoo Atlanta was established in 1889 in Grant Park.  It consists of 39 spacious acres in a naturalistic setting with plenty of trees, shrubs and water features. The animals run free in their natural habitats.

One of Zoo Atlanta’s newest residents is Panda Po.  He was the only Giant Panda born in the United States last November.  Po is beginning to make morning appearances with his mother Lun Lun, between the hours of 9:30  and 10:30 a.m. at the Arthur Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center.  If you love pandas and can not make it to the Atlanta Zoo, you can catch him on the Zoo Atlanta PandaCam.  Zoo Atlanta is one of only four zoos in the United States with Giant Pandas.  They contribute 1.1 million per year to China’s Giant Panda Conservation.

This year has been declared the” Year of the Turtle”. There are over 8,200 species of turtles in the world, on every continent except Antarctica.  Presently there are  25 turtle species in danger with an extremely high rate for extension.  Zoo Atlanta houses three of these species, the McCord box turtle, Burmese star Tortoise and Sulawesi forest turtle. In addition, another six species housed at the Atlanta Zoo are on the very likely extension  list. It is surprising to learn that one of our own Georgia species is on the list. Bog turtles are most threatened by the loss of their habitat.  Their world-wide cousins are endangered from extreme over-harvesting for food.  Let’s learn what we can do to help preserve turtles in our own backyard and world-wide.

After spending the morning at the zoo, it is time to head over to the westside of Grant Park and see the Atlanta Cyclorama, the worlds largest oil painting.  It was painted in 1885-1886 by German artists and deplicts the Battle of Atlanta.  It has been a fixture in Grant Park since 1893.  Then it is back to our bed and breakfast in Atlanta to relax and enjoy our new gardens.

Georgia Aquarium:  Predator or Prey will educate you on Shark facts and fiction that has evolved over many decades.  There are full scale shark models, cast from real specimens.  View shark teeth, jaws and fossils dating back 350 million years.  Also, you will have the opportunity to see a real frozen 700 lb. Bluefin Tuna and its natural predator, an adult Mako shark, also frozen.  Hear stories of shark encounters told by survivors and shark experts.  Learn about the Great White Shark satellite tagging program and other conservation efforts.

Most of all, you will leave the Georgia Aquarium with a better understanding of the sharks role in our oceans and the worlds ecosystems.  

Before you return to our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast, be sure to visit The World of Coke and CNN Center which are just a stroll away from the Georgia Aquarium.

Lush greenspace at the New World of Coke

If you are an Atlanta native, there is only one soft drink, Coca Cola or Coke.  I have several Southern Recipes that include Coke as an ingredient, such as cakes, barbecue sauces and even salads.   On your next visit to our Atlanta bed and breakfast, be sure and make time to tour one of our Atlanta attractions, The New World of Coke.

The New World of Coke is located near Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium on Pemberton Place.  Pemberton Place was named for the pharmacists who invented Coca Cola, John S. Pemberton.  I find it amazing that the history of Coke began in a pharmacy in 1886.

The New World of Coke sits on five acreas of lush green space with serrene water gardens.  The water gardens show the relationship of water to the planet and Coke.  The World of Coke building has a gold rating by the U.S. Green Building Counsel and is LEED Certified.  During construction ninety percent of the construction waste was salvaged, reused or recycled.  The building uses 40% less water and is 30% more energy efficient.

As you enter the lobby, you will be mesmerized by the encased thirty foot Coke bottle. A dramatic water wall with portraits of people from all over the globe highlights the reach of  Coca Cola. There is also a collection of over sized Coca Cola “folk art” bottles from different countries.  Each bottle was hand-crafted with symbols and material relative to the country it represents. 

The Coca Cola Loft features a treasure chest of over 1,000 artifacts.  A few of my favorite are the 1931 original Norman Rockwell “Barefoot Boy” used in the Coca Cola Calendar and the 2007 NCAA Final Four Basketball Backboard. As you move thru the exhibit the Portrait Wall Gallery showcases larger than life portraits from around the world.  This interactive exhibit with an audio wand allows you to listen to their life stories and how Coke’s community programs have made a difference.

Next we move to the Milestone of Refreshment Gallery.  You will see an original 1880 marble and onyx soda fountain, a 1939 delivery truck from Argentina and the first prototype “Contour” bottle manufactured by Root Glass Company and served on the 1985 space shuttle mission.

A favorite of our guest is the Bottleworks, in this gallery you will experience a real bottling line and see Coke being made.  The Pop Culture Gallerys’ newest exhibit is “For the Love of Coke”.  This one of a kind exhibit looks at how celebrities and everyday people from around the world have interrupted the brand thru art.  You will see artwork from Andy Warhol, Howard Finster and Haddon Sundblom. 

Take a few moments to relax  and experience the Perfect Pauses Theater where you will take a trip down memory lane experiencing the magic of Coke’s advertising.  The Secret Formula Theater lets you be the detective and search for the secret Coke formula.

Coke saved the best for last,  the Taste It Gallery.  You will experience a contemporary lounge with tasting stations serving 60 beverages including teas, water and new beverages.  Be sure not to miss the Coca Cola Freestyle soda fountain where you can sample over 106 various Coke products from across the globe. Don’t forget to let us know which one is your favorite!

Looking towards Midtown, Atlanta

We are thrilled the very first Midtown Festival of the Arts is September 24th and 25th, 2010, sponsored by Audi and another in a string of fantastic Atlanta attractions.  Bustling Peachtree Street  will be closed for a unique celebration of Atlanta’s exciting Midtown Community.  It begins on Friday evening, September 23th with the Opening Party and Public Art Auction of 30 Signature Festival bar stools.  These Signature bar stools have been designed by judge selected artists.  You will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with new neighbors and old friends alike.

On Saturday the Midtown Festival of the Arts Peachtree will open with the Artist Market featuring over 100 artist showcasing a wide array of media from painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry fiber, ceramics and woodworking.  After a morning of shopping head over to Plates on Peachtree, sponsored by Fifth Group Restaurants.  This ticketed only Atlanta event will  highlight special dishes and speciality drinks from 14 of our finest Midtown restaurants for you to sample.  A few of my favorite dishes are Duck Rillettes by  Ecco Restaurant, Chilled Shrimp with saffron and poached apples by TAP Restaurant and Creamy Chocolate and Pistachio Flan from the Bakeshop. At the Culinary Stage you will have the opportunity to watch your favorite chef  prepare their featured  dish.  These cooking demonstrations are sponsored by Cooks Warehouse.   Tickets are $30 in Advance  and $40 the day of.

Experience new taste and the spirit of Midtown from the many food vendors along Peachtree Street.  A few of the vendors I am looking forward to are The Nook serving Crab Cakes,  South City Kitchen serving Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwiches and for desert don’t forget a handmade Popsicle from the King of Pops.  To quench your thirst be sure and visit the Beer Garden and have a Terrapin Beer.

A Kid Zone will feature family activities that include music, dance, crafts and storytelling.  Saturday plan on catching  Movie Night on Peachtree with the free outdoor showing of  Driving Miss Daisy, by Mr. Alfred Uhry.  This classic film was filmed in and around Atlanta.  The Main Stage  will showcase a wide variety of music from Rock-N-Roll to R & B, bringing back fond memories of the Midtown Music Festival.  Local Choirs will perform each afternoon at Peachtree and Fifth Street.

See you this weekend strolling down Peachtree Street, just two blocks from our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast!

Two additional behind the scene tours are also available. The Morning Express Tour is every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. You will have the opportunity to meet Robin Meade and go on the set of Headline News Morning Show. You must e-mail your name, address and birthdate for each member of your party before you arrive for security.

Inside the Conversation Tour is Monday at 4:10 p.m. This is CNN’s Newest Tour with Rick Sanchez. You will learn Ricks list and have the opportunity to watch from inside the studio. This tour is not suited for children under the age of 12.

The CNN Store is the perfect place to find that special holiday gift. Our nephew, Chris loves his new Superman Tee Shirt!

It is off to picnic at Olympic Park and watch the water show. Hopefully we can squeeze in a quick tour of the World of Coke before we head back to our Atlanta bed and breakfast.

The Atlanta CityPass is a real deal!

When planning your trip this summer to see our Atlanta attractions do not forget to buy your AtlantaCity Pass.  The pass allows you to see six of our favorite Atlanta attractions in nine days for only $74.00 per adult.  As a bonus you will save $78.11.  The pass may be purchased on-line or at any of the attractions listed below.  After you purchase your AtlantaCity Pass, most Atlanta attractions allow you to bypass the main ticket line, but not the security line.

The world’s largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, has over 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water.  There are five galleries for your viewing pleasure.  Also, included in the Atlanta CityPass ticket is the Quick Dip Tour and the 4-D theatre.  The Quick Dip Tour gives you the highlights of the aquarium in 20 minutes.

Located next to the Georgia Aquarium is the World of Coke.  Experience the impact of how a small glass Coke bottle played a part in shaping Atlanta and the world.  Sample over 60 beverages that Coca Cola markets.  Follow Coca Cola’s Company history displayed in ten galleries with exhibits.  The Coca Cola artifacts might remind you of your childhood.

Stroll through Centennial Park to CNN’s global headquarters.  As you enter, be sure and take in the world’s largest free-standing elevator.  CNN was started in 1980 by Atlanta Entrepreneur, Ted Turner.  It was the world’s first around-the-clock all news station.   CNN Networks are available to over 1 billion people in 212 countries and territories.  This tour allows you to experience the newsroom from the inside and see the advanced technology used in broadcasting the news at CNN. 

Atlanta Skyline

 Our tour moves to the Atlanta Zoo next with over 1,000 animals from around the world.  One of the main attractions is the Giant Pandas, Lun Lun and Yang Yang.  There are only four US zoos with Giant Pandas.  The lush habitats of the Rain Forest provide the perfect vantage point to see the nations largest collection of Western Lowland Gorillas and the endangered Drill Monkeys.  The Atlanta Zoo has the largest aviary in the Southeast with over 500 free-flying parakeets that will mesmerize you with thier bright colors.  Also, there is a diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians, many whom are endangered.

The Atlanta CityPass booklet allows you to select one of the following attractions from the following categorys, The Fernbank Museum of Natural History ; The Atlanta Botanical Gardens and The High Museum of Art; The Atlanta History Center.

One of Atlanta’s hidden gems is The Fernbank Museum of Natural History, set on 140 acres in Druid Hills.  As you enter the sun drenched six story arena a Argentinosaurus, the largest classified dinosaur will greet you.  Eighteen galleries with exhibits will entertain and educate you on how Georgia evolved.  After spending the afternoon wandering thru Georgia’s past, sit back and take in a breathtaking film in the Imax Theatre.

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is located on 15 acres in Midtown, just a stroll from our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast.  It has the country’s largest orchid collection, Japanese Gardens, and edible garden and a 600 Ft. Canopy walk among the native woodlands.

The High Museum of Art is also located in Midtown.  It was designed by Richard Meir and Renzo Piano.  The permanent collection has over 11,000 pieces.  The African Art Gallery features sculptures, mask, bead work, metalwork and ceramic arts from 1850 to 1950.  The American Art Gallery has amazing works from the 19th and 20th century.  The High Museum of Art is renowned for its unique and thought proviking special exhibits, such as the current exhibit ”Allure of the Automobile”.

The Atlanta History Centeris set on 33 lovely acres in the middle of Buckhead.  There are two house museums to tour, the Swan House and the Tullie Smith Farm House.  You can experience life as a Southerner in years past.

  The Atlanta History Center houses the largest and most comprehensive collection of Civil War artifacts.

After a day of touring Atlanta, you can look forward to relaxing on one of our verandas with a cold glass of peach tea and one of Debbie’s homemade treats.  See you this summer!