Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, a trip to Atlanta is always a new experience as the city continues to evolve and offer visitors more to see each year. This section will provide you with essential information, helpful tips, and advice for creating the perfect itinerary for your upcoming trip to "the ATL."
Beat the Heat -- The Georgia heat can be relentless, but not to worry: If you can't take the heat, the city offers options for days of fun in air-conditioned facilities. The options range from museums and shopping to sea life and live entertainment. For a couple of days out of the elements, start with a trip to the world's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, featuring 100,000 animals from over 500 species in 80 million gallons of fresh and marine water. You'll be amazed at the massive whale sharks that swim overhead in the glass tunnel as you walk through or glide along on the moving sidewalk. These gentle beasts can grow to be as large as a school bus. Beluga whales, jelly fish, penguins -- they're all here in amazing habitats.
Next, make a visit to the new World of Coca-Cola to browse the world's largest collection of memorabilia celebrating this popular beverage, created right here in Atlanta in 1886. While Coca-Cola was first served at a small pharmacy soda fountain near Underground Atlanta, it is now served over 1 billion times a day and is enjoyed in more than 200 countries across the globe. Come discover the history of this global brand and sample Coca-Cola products from around the world. Some will leave you longing for another sip, while others are worse than castor oil. For big fans of Coke, the Everything Coca-Cola gift shop is an outstanding outlet for memorabilia and literally can't be missed, as you have to pass through it to exit the facility. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm most days, though it may open later or close earlier on certain Sundays.
Plan ahead and schedule a CNN Studio Tour, just across the street from the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. The 55-minute guided walking tour offers a look at one of the world's most trusted names in news as well as the inventor of 24-hour news. You'll get to journey into the heart of CNN Worldwide and enjoy an up-close, in-depth look at global news in the making. There are a number of behind-the-scenes demonstrations: In the special-effects room, you'll learn just how they make images -- like weather maps -- appear behind the anchors and correspondents. At the interactive-exhibit area, you can view video clips of the top 100 news stories that CNN has covered during the past 20 years, test your knowledge with the journalism ethics display, and trace the growth of CNN as it parallels world events. The gift shop features a faux newsroom setup where visitors can pay for a tape of themselves delivering the news from behind the anchor desk. Remember, kids under 4 are not allowed on the tour.
If you like to spend money while staying cool, Atlanta has no shortage of retail opportunities. Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza are two of the poshest, most exclusive malls in the city. And Atlanta's newest shopping destination is Atlantic Station, a mixed-use community being recognized as a national model for smart growth and sustainable development. Tenants here include the Southeast's first IKEA, a full day's adventure in itself -- and its restaurant is the company's first to serve grits and sweet tea. Or dine outside at one of the dozens of eateries in the complex. You'll also find a movie theater here if the weather warrants an afternoon in the dark watching one of the latest flicks. Shopping options include American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft, City Sports, Express, the Gap, Nine West, Old Navy, West Elm, and Z Gallerie.
