Getting the Most Out of Our Week in Atlanta, Georgia

Posted on January 12, 2013 by lesleycarter

We spent the last week in Atlanta, Georgia and found out how to make the most of it; we
picked up an Atlanta CityPASS and scored admissions to 5 of Atlanta’s must-see attractions: the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Inside CNN Studio Tour, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and Zoo Atlanta. With only one week to experience it all, the CityPASS was a perfect fit.

We explored Atlanta’s 10-million gallon playground, the Georgia Aquarium, filled with gentle giants, manta rays, and beluga whales. The world’s largest aquarium is nothing short of spectacular and I ventured into the waters for the journey of a lifetime. Journey with Gentle Giants is the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to swim or dive with whale sharks, manta rays, and more! (A word of caution: this experience is so unbelievable that I would plan an entire day around the event. Don’t downplay this magical experience by rushing through the rest of your day.)

We didn’t even have to leave the Georgia Aquarium lot to see the World of Coca-Cola. The World of Coca-Cola is the only place where you can experience the fascinating story of the world’s best-known beverage brand in a dynamic, multimedia attraction. We drank ourselves silly with 60 sodas from around the globe and learned about the legend of the secret formula for Coca-Cola. Admittedly, I’m a Pepsi drinker, but exploring the World of Coca-Cola was both entertaining and educational.

Journeying into the heart of CNN Worldwide, we got an up-close look at global news in the making. Inside CNN, we enjoyed a 55-minute guided walking tour with exclusive, behind-the-scenes views of Atlanta’s CNN studios and an exciting glimpse of news and broadcasting in action from the global headquarters of CNN, The Worldwide Leader in News. Darren acted as an anchorman for an interactive, hands-on experience. Athena and I were his cheering section as he read the news. Reading from a prompter and appearing on a television screen, it doesn’t get much more up-close!

Whisked back to a time where massive creatures roamed the land, we discovered ancient fossils, interactive science, and the world’s largest dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Our favorite exhibit, Sensing Nature, demonstrated the role of our senses in interpreting our environment. We witnessed a tornado forming right before our eyes, then tried to grasp the optical illusion coil spring that was always just out of reach. Fernbank Museum isn’t just another museum, it’s a journey to another time and place!

Finally, we enjoyed close encounters with more than 1,500 animals at Zoo Atlanta. With giant pandas, gorillas, and orangutans, I was a big kid again! I wanted to run from exhibit to exhibit, making sure I didn’t miss any of the animals.

From gentle giants to secret formulas, the adventures are endless in Atlanta. We left the planning up to CityPass and ventured to the 5 best attractions that Atlanta has to offer.

81 thoughts on “Getting the Most Out of Our Week in Atlanta, Georgia”

Smaktakula on January 12, 2013 at 3:42 pm said:

They have a whale shark? That is so awesome! I’d love to see one. A friend of mine took video of himself diving with one in (I believe) the Persian Gulf. Even knowing that they’re gentle creatures, it was still kinda terrifying because the shark is so unbelievably massive.

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- lesleycarter on January 12, 2013 at 4:10 pm said:
  
  They have 4 whale sharks and you swim with all of them! From what I know, their mouth doesn’t even open wide enough to eat people 😉
  
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Chatter Master on January 12, 2013 at 3:44 pm said:

Haha! I saw Darren at the desk and thought “who is that I’ve seen him before” thinking he was a news caster to know he is famous from your blog!

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Nicole on January 12, 2013 at 3:48 pm said:

Lesley!!!! Oh my word, I have been waiting on this post all week, thank you for sharing all the photos and experiences from one of my favorite Southern cities: HOT-LANTA!!!!!!! The whale sharks, ohmygoodness, they are so beautiful. You are living a blessed life. BIG HUGS!!!

Nicole @ Three 31

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- lesleycarter on January 12, 2013 at 4:11 pm said:
  
  I have 100s more photos; it hard to pick favorites for a post. Unfortunately, we weren’t feeling great last week so our Atlanta fun was cut short. We’ll return again soon 🙂
  
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Grandma Nancy on January 12, 2013 at 3:53 pm said:

Love your newest adventure and how the little Athena is now becoming part of them. Not sure what WP issues are but lately they won’t let me “Like” your posts?!?

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- lesleycarter on January 12, 2013 at 4:12 pm said:
  
  Someone else said that to me before. I’m not sure what’s happening but others are obviously able to “like” the post. I’m not even sure if it’s on my end or yours. Can you like other posts?
  
  Thanks for letting me know 🙂
  
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  - Grandma Nancy on January 12, 2013 at 4:17 pm said:
    
    Hi Lesley, I am just having issues on your blog. If I hit the “Like” button on the preview it takes the “Like.” If I hit “Like” on your actual post, it keeps resetting your site.
    
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    - chrisb-jwordsandimages on January 17, 2013 at 10:00 am said:
      
      I had the same problem last week, but today no problems.
      
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Da Lethal Tongue on January 12, 2013 at 3:54 pm said:

Atlanta is my city!
Did you get a chance to visit UnderGround Atlanta?
It’s pretty cool…Nice shops, bars, and a small theater…
I love Atlanta…
I keep saying I want to move, but with 72°F weather in January, I can’t see myself leaving anytime soon…

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- lesleycarter on January 12, 2013 at 4:08 pm said:
  
  I didn’t visit UnderGround Atlanta. I didn’t even know it existed. The next time I’m there I’ll look into it for sure. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
  
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  - Da Lethal Tongue on January 13, 2013 at 5:19 am said:
    
    You should…
    You’d really love it!
    Thanx for posting such a beautiful article about my city…
    🙂
    
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Jaz on January 12, 2013 at 4:21 pm said:

I love the pics! Especially the one of you and your baby 🙂

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Deb W. Trotter on January 12, 2013 at 4:25 pm said:

I’ve never been to Atlanta, but now I know some things I can do if I go!

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John on January 12, 2013 at 4:32 pm said:

What a beautiful place Lesley! Your daughter is soooo adorable!!

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likeitiz on January 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm said:

Lovely photos, especially of the baby. I still don’t have any desire to visit Atlanta. Sorry. But thanks for showing.

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Jacqueline on January 12, 2013 at 5:25 pm said:

Yay! So glad you had fun in my hometown! 🙂

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Marcia Clarke on January 12, 2013 at 5:28 pm said:

I visit Atlanta quite often and can never get tired of the Georgia Aquarium; there is a lot to see and do you are never bored, I’ve been meaning to visit the High Museum, and the Atlanta History Center, but each time I am there something else comes up.Oh well…next time!

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mkesling63 on January 12, 2013 at 5:36 pm said:

I was in Atlanta for about a month in half. Outside of making a really great friend, I saw the CCN building. They didn’t let me go past the first floor. I just got to wander around Atlanta. Restaurants I had visited years ago I didn’t find the last time like The Abby and The Mansion.

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simply Jyune on January 12, 2013 at 5:51 pm said:

Awesome, those are great places to spend family time, I use to visit them every season with my son, nieces & nephews. I know you all truly enjoyed the attractions!
Simply Jyune
xo

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Martin Davies on January 12, 2013 at 5:54 pm said:

Hi Lesley,
Thanks for the taster of Atlanta. It has my travel juices flowing and I can’t wait to be on the move again. I particularly enjoyed reading of your experience with the whale shark and other biggies. Darren looked to be having a blast in front of the camera. Best wishes. Martin

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Making the Most Blog on January 12, 2013 at 6:02 pm said:

Wow, what an experience! 🙂

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Lisa at fLVE on January 12, 2013 at 6:04 pm said:

I passed through Atlanta but always on way to elsewhere. Next time, I will have to stop by and savor the city. Lovely photos. 🙂

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donnajeanmcdunn on January 12, 2013 at 7:13 pm said:

How exciting. I loved the picture of the Panda. I have only one question for you–Where’s the Diet Coke?

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ufancy on January 12, 2013 at 7:33 pm said:

Sounds like a great time 🙂

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optimisticgladness on January 12, 2013 at 7:59 pm said:

Love this. We recently went to Atlanta…but didn’t have time to do the cool stuff you did. Glad you enjoyed it!

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alesiablogs on January 12, 2013 at 8:00 pm said:

I grew up two hours from Atlanta. You sure look like you had fun! I wish I could be in Atlanta tomorrow for the NFL playoff game with my Seattle Seahawks!

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Thia on January 12, 2013 at 8:03 pm said:

Its always so good to have an out of towner revist the places we take for granted because we live here. I was just thinking I have to submit two stories a week to a show I correspond with and couldn’t think of anything to send over. Well thanks for the inspiration!!

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Thia on January 12, 2013 at 8:04 pm said:

And after seeing you with Athena, I think I am going to start weekending my adventures so that my soon to be 8 year old can tag along. She loves adventure too lol

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Dee on January 12, 2013 at 8:21 pm said:

Great pics! Your little one is so adorable!!

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D. Bryant Simmons on January 12, 2013 at 8:49 pm said:

Wow. So glad you had some fun after the dizzy episode. I didn’t know Atlanta had all of that to offer. And I have to admit, I’m a pepsi girl myself. Never actually had coca-cola.

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Chéri Marie on January 12, 2013 at 8:56 pm said:

Love this! Your year is off to a great start;) …and Athena is just soooo cute!! xo

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bagley777 on January 12, 2013 at 10:41 pm said:

Wow!!! I didn’t know that there was an aquarium out there that was big enough for whale sharks, let alone actually had them. That is SO amazing!

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followingyourpassionsimona on January 13, 2013 at 2:32 am said:

All this is amazing!! Really a great experience
Simona (from Italy)

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teamoakley on January 13, 2013 at 5:56 am said:

You look like you have so many adventures! I’m excited to see more!!
Follow me also! I would love that!
http://teamoakley.wordpress.com/

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Warm Southern Breeze on January 13, 2013 at 6:01 am said:

Sweet! I’m looking forward to some time there in the days ahead! I’d also especially like to visit the Farmers’ Markets. Thanks!

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sarahlouisek on January 13, 2013 at 6:15 am said:

What a sweet adorable baby! And it looks like you had a fabulous time…love the photo of the panda.

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Wandering Woman on January 13, 2013 at 6:24 am said:

Such cool things in Atlanta. I missed all of them when I went two years ago. I got my big thrill from attending an Oprah event. No time for anything else and no tears, because I was so happy to be a part of it. Guess I need to return there.

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thriftykristy on January 13, 2013 at 6:30 am said:

We will be in Atlanta in August. Thanks so much for sharing. This is soooo helpful! xo Kristin

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travelrat on January 13, 2013 at 6:52 am said:

Like to have been there, but I’d probably have given the Coca-Cola Museum a miss; I can’t stand the stuff! I don’t suppose there’s a Ginger Beer Museum there, is there? 😀

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Chicago Blogger on January 13, 2013 at 7:07 am said:

Nice blog. I personally love Atlanta the city. I’ve only really gone there for concerts though. One of these days, I’ll go to see some of the other things Atlanta has to offer. If you ever go again, I suggest going to Ria’s Bluebird if you love breakfast. Best breakfast I have ever had.

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Elizabeth on January 13, 2013 at 7:15 am said:

I am from Atlanta and so proud to see my city showcased here on WP. Great Job! Glad you had fun. Atlanta has so much to offer!

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LucyJartz on January 13, 2013 at 7:27 am said:

About an hour northwest of Atlanta, is Cartersville. Near the beautiful city park are the ancient Etowah Indian Mounds. Downtown is the Booth Western Art Museum (and hall of Presidents). Nearby is the Tellus Science Museum and the Weinman Mineral Museum. Red Top Mountain State Park has iron casting pours, a blacksmith, live summer music nights, hiking-camping and fishing. If you want to visit Atlanta, but don’t want to stay in the heart of the city, Cartersville is a good location for vacationing that is a few easy day trips from Atlanta.

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mzsura on January 13, 2013 at 7:58 am said:

Next time you’re in town you should explore all the historical neighborhoods with their beautiful old homes and local shops and cafes 🙂

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Stephanie on January 13, 2013 at 9:16 am said:

Wow, that is SO cool! I never knew something like that existed here in here in the states. Definitely adding this to my bucket list 🙂 I’ve always wanted to do something like this! How much was admission?

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cravesadventure on January 13, 2013 at 9:37 am said:

What a Great Experience to Explore and Explore some more!

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ɭᴇх.ᴠʀ⁷ on January 13, 2013 at 9:42 am said:

by the way, cute kid! =)

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ironyisapoormaster on January 13, 2013 at 9:43 am said:

I live a couple hours from the city. I’ve done exactly one thing on the list (Fernbank). Time to rethink my life.

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[email protected] on January 13, 2013 at 11:49 am said:

I’ve been to the Georgia Aquarium, but had no idea about the CityPass. Definitely getting on next time I’m there. Thanks for the review!

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quirkybooks on January 13, 2013 at 11:57 am said:

Wow! It all looks awesome, I bet you didn’t want to leave.

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Wranglers on January 13, 2013 at 12:36 pm said:

Thank you. Makes me want to run right down to Atlanta. I will try to visit some of those places. Looks like fun and I didn’t know all that was in Atlanta. Cher’ley

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ridicuryder on January 13, 2013 at 5:43 pm said:

Hello Lesley,

I’m surprised I didn’t see you indoor rock climbing at Stone Summit (World’s largest indoor climbing facility). Maybe next time.

RidicuRyder

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christinacoffman3 on January 13, 2013 at 6:42 pm said:

This is amazing! I now want to plan a trip *JUST* to swim with gentle giants! Thank you for the info!

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ayatannur on January 13, 2013 at 7:18 pm said:

Awesome!!! Love all the pictures…looks so fun 😀

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eckids on January 13, 2013 at 8:04 pm said:

This is so great:) I’m headed to Atlanta this year, and I was looking up some of these activities and it totally looks like the City Pass is worth it! How fun!

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susanhho on January 13, 2013 at 8:28 pm said:

This is perfect! I am going to Atlanta for MLK weekend. Thanks for the suggestions!

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damianfuller on January 13, 2013 at 9:51 pm said:

Hi Lesley. Thanks for following my blog! 🙂 You sure packed a lot into one trip to Atlanta – super impressive. Any readers that want to dive/swim/snorkel with whale sharks in the wild I can recommend the Ningaloo reef in Western Australia. Its not as well known as the Great Barrier Reef but that just makes it better in my experience! No guarantees but they are developing a better understanding of the migration patterns of the guys and learning to predict where they are going to be, and when (April/May). Check out http://www.exmouthwa.com.au/pages/whale-sharks/ for more details.

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