Atlanta, nestled in the seat of the Southeast, offers more than pecan pie, fried chicken and sweet tea. The Southern city has become a national business hub and continues to attract a growing number of young professionals, as well as Northerners in search of some sunshine and cheap housing prices. Atlanta also carries on a rich tradition of nourishing musical talents, and the city is home to a variety of production companies and entertainers. With Atlanta's rapid growth, it has developed into a cultural melting pot with a prolific history and promising future. Whether you want to tour CNN's headquarters, hit a history museum or enjoy the mild weather at a city park, Atlanta offers a unique blend of modern and traditional that has something for everyone.
Here are four must-see attractions to check out in Atlanta:
Piedmont Park, nestled in the vibrant Midtown neighborhood, is the lifeblood of the city, offering a scenic gathering place to play sports, hang out with friends and family or go for a run. The splendid Midtown skyline shines above Clara Meer, the park's peaceful lake.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is the perfect place for history buffs and anyone interested in the South's tumultuous past. Atlanta's heroic native son, Martin Luther King, Jr., was laid to rest in the tomb overlooking the reflecting pool at the historic site. Visitors can pay homage to King and his wife, Coretta, by visiting their tombs as well as exploring the free, interactive history museum inspired by King's pivotal role in the U.S. civil rights movement. The national historic site also offers tours of King's nearby childhood home.
Centennial Olympic Park, situated in bustling downtown Atlanta, includes tributes to the 1996 Olympic Games, which helped put Atlanta on the world map and spur rapid growth in the economy and population. The family-friendly park features an outdoor ice skating rink in winter, as well as scenic holiday lights, and children flock to play in the fountains in summer.
CNN Center, the 24-hour news station's global headquarters, sits across from Centennial Olympic Park. The center features a food court and gathering place as well as a plethora of large screens broadcasting the popular news station. Visitors can go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities and see newscasters in action as well as get a chance to try their own news casting skills in front of a green screen.
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