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Atlanta, Georgia is ripe and ready for discovery. Where else in the world can you swim with the whale sharks, pose as a CNN reporter, drown in coca cola and raft a lazy river all in one day. Old world south meets straight up pop culture head on everyday. Atlanta is the place where Dr. King began to dream and Ted Turner built an empire. Months of exploration will just touch on what's available. Here's just a few hair brained ideas to get you started.

Centennial Olympic Park acts as an anchor for downtown. Running through the ringed fountains is a great way to cool off on a hot summer's day(bikini not required). CNN Center across the street is where you can experience first hand how the news is put together with one of their studio tours. Across the park is the Georgia Aquarium, world's largest. Yes you really can scuba or snorkel with the whale sharks. Herds of stingrays will block out the sun as they swim above you. The World of Coca Cola is right next door if you're ready for something cool and refreshing after a day with the fishies. A full functioning bottling plant, the world's largest coke memorabilia collection, and works from pop culture icons such as Andy Warhol grace the space.

The King Memorial is only a few blocks down Auburn from downtown. Displays of Dr. Kings travels and work act as a foundation for the history of the Civil Rights movement in America. Tours are available of the magnificent church where he grew up and his childhood home. His breathtaking tomb is a soul wrenching climax. Just west of the King Memorial is the Apex museum offering a look at American History from an African American perspective. Only a few steps further is the Atlanta Research Library which displays the most complete photography collection from African American photographers anywhere.

If unique shopping and dining are on your list a visit to the historical Virginia Highlands area is a must. With every step there is yet another of Atlanta's delightful dining experiences, galleries or resident boutiques. At night the streets fill with music lovers, neighbors gathering and party goers celebrating. On the south end of the Highlands it folds into Little Five Points the creative heartbeat of the city. Eateries, live music and theatres are interwoven with small eclectic shops.

Plan to spend the whole day at Stone Mountain Park. This globe of granite was carved by the same guy who did the presidents on Rushmore. Run up to the mountaintop on forested trails or cheat with the sky lift. See the park on foot, bike, riverboat or rail. Almost every week brings a BBQ cook-off, arts festival or wine tasting to the Park so check their events calendar. Every night from April to October the day ends with one of the worlds most spectacular laser shows using the hunk of granite for a monstrous backdrop.

These are just the beginnings of an Atlanta adventure. Incredible international concerts and world class sporting events take place everyday of the year. Some of the world's top rated chefs and a few who remain undiscovered are sprinkled across the city just for your pleasure. Don't forget to ride the Marta back to the Airport. It's faster, better than driving and an adventure all of its own. Of course you could do what most of us have and come for a visit and never go home. If that happens to you, get a raft and join us on the Chattahoochee for our Friday after work Shoot the Hooch gathering.

Learn more about this author, Betsy Young.
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