Visit Atlanta

BE CHARMED.

Our host for the 2012 Annual Conference is beautiful Atlanta, Georgia, known throughout the world for its impressive hospitality, thriving business community and fascinating culture.   From exceptional dining to world-class shopping to some of the best attractions in the world, it ranks among the most exciting cities in America. Atlanta is a cosmopolitan city with an impressive legacy of leadership, progress and inspiration, and ranks fourth in the number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered within city boundaries.

There's literally something for everyone; history buffs can take in the Atlanta History Museum, which offers exhibitions on the Civil War, African-American heritage and Southern folk art, with a wing dedicated to the 1996 Olympic Games; sports fanatics can catch a Atlanta Braves baseball game at Turner Field; and EVERYONE can enjoy Atlanta's amazing Georgia Aquarium, the largest Aquarium in the world.

Make sure you take some time to enjoy this grand old southern city.  Below is just a partial list of some of the sites you may wish to see while you're in Altanta.

ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN
With more than 30 acres of gardens, forest, wildflower trails, and a 10,000 square-foot Fuqua Orchid Center, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of Atlanta’s most beautiful attractions. The Canopy Walk, a 40-foot high suspension bridge creating a treetop walking trail is the garden’s latest addition. Visitors will also enjoy the Edible Garden Outdoor Kitchen and soothing sanctuary of the Cascades Garden.

ATLANTA BRAVES AND TURNER FIELD
The Atlanta Braves play from April through September at Turner Field. The Braves Museum and Hall of Fame features more than 600 Braves artifacts and photographs that trace the team’s history from its 1871 beginnings in Boston to Atlanta.

ATLANTA HISTORY MUSEUM
The Atlanta History Center features 32 acres of gardens, wildlife trails and woodland areas. The complex includes the 1840s Tullie Smith Farm and the fully restored 1928 Swan House mansion. The museum offers exhibitions on the Civil War, African-American heritage and Southern folk art, with a wing dedicated to the 1996 Olympic Games.

ATLANTIC STATION
Great boutiques, sidewalk cafes and hip restaurants reign at Atlantic Station, designed to feel like a city within a city. Free shuttles are available from the Arts Center MARTA Station. The Millennium Gate showcases world-class architecture, art and history in an intimate gallery setting and beautiful grounds.

BUCKHEAD GALLERIES, SHOPPING AND NIGHTLIFE
Major Buckhead design and cultural districts include Miami Circle, Peachtree Decorative Arts Plaza, Galleries of Peachtree Hills and Bennett Street. The Swan Coach House Gallery, located on the campus of the Atlanta History Center, exclusively features both established and upcoming Southern artists. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA-GA) permanently houses over 600 works by local artists in contemporary mediums. The luxurious community of Buckhead boasts exquisite dining and top-tier accommodations. See and be seen in the fabulous lounges such as The Gold Room, and enjoy the city’s most talented musicians at Dante’s Down the Hatch and the Buckhead Theatre.

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK
Home of the 1996 Olympic Games and the world's largest Olympic Ring fountain, Centennial Olympic Park provides year-round entertainment including concerts, festivals and family activities. If you want to explore more things to see and do around the park, City Segway Tours are entertaining and unique options for family fun. This self-balancing personal transport device lets you glide through Atlanta with ease! Riders 12 years of age and older can experience tours of all kinds, including the Legends & Lore Tour, Evening Glide and more.

DECATUR SQUARE
The charming, quirky neighborhood of Decatur is found just six miles east of downtown. Friendly, walkable and right on the MARTA line, this community is home to more than 200 boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Eddie’s Attic is a must-see for live, local musicians. Year-round festivals include the Arts Festival in May, the Beach Party in June and the Book Festival on Labor Day weekend.

THE FOX THEATRE
Designed in the late 1920s, this opulent, historic landmark was originally the Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque. Today, The Fox Theatre presents shows by Broadway in Atlanta and Theater of the Stars, as well as a summer movie series. It is also home to the Atlanta Ballet’s premier, annual performance of “Nutcracker.”

GEORGIA AQUARIUM
Dive into a one-of-a-kind aquatic experience at the Georgia Aquarium, where imaginations go to play. At the world's largest aquarium, you’ll discover graceful beluga whales, spectacular whale sharks, playful penguins and aquatic animals from around the globe.

GRANT PARK
Atlanta’s oldest city park features lush lawns and stunning views. Framed by gorgeous Victorian homes and nestled against Zoo Atlanta, Grant Park is a haven for families. It also borders the famous Oakland Cemetery as well as the Atlanta Cyclorama, which immortalizes the 1864 Battle of Atlanta.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART
The High Museum of Art offers a diverse selection of art including 19th-20th century American works, European paintings, African and African-American, modern and contemporary art. The High is the leading art museum in the Southeast, and a part of the Woodruff Arts Center.

HISTORIC WEST END
The West End historic district is an urban neighborhood located just southwest of downtown Atlanta.  The community dates back to the 1830s and features restored period homes and Victorian cottages. The Wren’s Nest was the home of Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus Stories, and Hammonds House Museum features African-American art. The Atlanta University Center (AUC) is the country's largest concentration of African-American colleges. The AUC is comprised of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and the Morehouse School of Medicine.

IMAGINE IT! THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA
Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta features hands-on exhibits and activities where kids can discover, imagine and explore as they learn how things work in their world. Whether it’s building a sandcastle, painting on the walls, or exploring the latest exhibit, children will discover why it’s a smart place to play!

INSIDE CNN STUDIO TOUR
Tour the core of CNN Worldwide for an up-close look at global news in the making. This 55-minute guided walking tour offers behind-the-scenes views of Atlanta’s CNN studios and an exclusive glimpse of news and broadcasting in action.

MARGARET MITCHELL HOUSE
The three-story Tudor Revival mansion in Midtown was the home of author Margaret Mitchell, where she wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone With the Wind. The house offers tours, a museum and shop, as well as a literature series.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE & SWEET AUBURN DISTRICT
The area of Sweet Auburn served as the thriving center of Atlanta’s Black enterprise from the 1890s to the 1940s. At the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, explore his birth home, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The King Center, where Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize is displayed. The crypt and gravesite of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, are also located here.

OUTLET MALLS AND DISCOUNT SHOPPING
North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville is Georgia’s premium outlet center, offering 140 stores of current-season merchandise from designer labels. For retail, dining and entertainment options, stop into the shopping meccas of Discover Mills and the Tanger Outlet Center.

PIEDMONT PARK
Piedmont Park features lush woods, Lake Clara Meer, picnic spots, skating paths and many annual events. More than 180 acres, the park is situated between 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, where it joins the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
Home to the world’s largest piece of exposed granite rock and longest running lasershow, Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction. The Lasershow Spectacular is choreographed with your favorite tunes and breathtaking pyrotechnics. With more than 3,200 acres of natural beauty, you’ll find family-oriented recreational activities, special events, lodging and camping. Visit the 1870s town of Crossroads® for live shows, craft demos, shopping and dining, or enjoy the Great Locomotive Adventure, Scenic Railroad and Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard. Another family favorite is Sky Hike, the largest treetop adventure course.

UNDERGROUND ATLANTA
Six city blocks of Underground Atlanta have been transformed into a subterranean marketplace offering guided historic tours, more than 100 specialty stores, and Kenny's Alley music and nightlife district. You’ll also find street-cart merchants and annual events such as the Peach Drop New Year’s Eve Celebration and Heritage Arts Festival.

WORLD OF COCA-COLA
Experience the intriguing World of Coca-Cola! The museum features a multi-sensory 4-D theater, an extraordinary 1880s soda fountain, and unique live-action bottling line, plus an opportunity to sample nearly 70 different beverages from around the world.