By Doc Lawrence
Responding to many requests from excited college football
fans coming to Atlanta, my hometown, I selected a few sites here that should
elevate the experience and save a bunch of money during the holiday football
weekend. These are all easily accessible, some are even free and all are
suitable for anyone.
More than anything, they represent a good measure of the
magic that makes Atlanta the South’s renaissance city, a center for the arts
and culture.
STONE MOUNTAIN
A stand-alone wonder and great urban park drawing over 7
million visitors annually, features a winter snow experience. Climbing the
mountain is worth the effort. The Historic Village of Stone Mountain showcases
Art Station, one of Georgia’s cultural gems. Don’t miss artist Olivia
Thomason’s spectacular exhibition “My Southern Memories.” www.artstation.org
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| "My Southern Memories" at Art Station |
KING CENTER
Dr. Martin Luther King’s grave and memorial is a short
distance from Ebenezer Baptist Church where the Nobel Laureate preached the
gospel of peace. www.thekingcenter.org
FERNBANK SCIENCE CENTER
The planetarium, a celestial theater in the round, is one of
the nations best. The museum displays the Apollo 6 Command Module. www.fernbank.edu
OAKLAND CEMETERY
Visit the grave of “Gone With The Wind” author Margaret
Mitchell and walk through the amazing sculpture lined walkways and impressive
grave monuments. Free. www.oaklandcemetery.com
THE FABULOUS FOX THEATRE
Elvis, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, countless Broadway
shows performed on this stage, the centerpiece of one of the finest movie
palaces and architectural achievements in North America. www.foxtheatre.org
HIGH MUSEUM OF ART
Each visit confirms why Atlanta is a national arts center. A
spectacular building with a Rodin sculpture out front facing fabled Peachtree
Street houses special collections and blockbuster exhibitions. www.high.org
COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Well, you’re in Atlanta for football and a tour here will
enrich the experience. Memories of everything from Pop Warner to Bear Bryant,
Jim Thorpe to Deion Sanders, brilliantly curated. www.cfbhall.com
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS
Atlanta, home of Dr. King, John Lewis, Andrew Young and many
others who paved the way for the Civil Rights movement, forging critical
alliances with leaders like Jimmy Carter and Atlanta’s Ivan Allen Jr. One of
the areas top attractions. www.civilandhumanrights.org
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN.
Combine this with a walk through adjacent Piedmont Park.
Esthetically stunning juxtaposition of natural beauty combined with amazing
sculpture. www.atlantabg.org
THE CARTER PRESIDENTIAL CENTER
A library, fabulous bookstore and gift shop with mementoes
connected to the nations 41st president and Georgia’s native son. It’s
sometimes possible to bump into Mr. Carter who, even at 92, remains very
active. www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov
Tip: If you visit here, go down the street and relax with
beer and hot dogs at landmark Manuel’s Tavern. A genuine Atlanta experience.
ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER
One of the country’s best. Collections, exhibitions, guided
tours and grounds that feature historic preservations like the Tullie Smith
Farm and a lovely architectural wonder, the Swan House. www.atlantahistorycenter.com
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