July 30, 2010
ReZoom's 7 Picks for Culture
Certainly television and television news has now entered the pantheon of cultural studies. Photo courtesy of CNN.
The idea that Southern culture stops with Scarlett, Rhett and sweet iced tea is, well, gone with the wind. Atlanta is a large reason why. Spanning CNN, the world's largest aquarium and the birthplace of civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta's thriving cultural scene is a proud testament to its rich history and status as capital of the New South.
CNN Studio Tour
For a unique Atlanta experience and a behind-the-scenes look at the world's first 24-hour news network, the CNN Studio Tour hits the mark. Visitors make the rounds through the CNN, CNN International and Headline News studios and can even take their turn in front of the camera. CNN Center, Marietta St. at Techwood Dr. (404) 827-2300.
Woodruff Arts Center
Nestled in hip Midtown, the Woodruff Arts Center has helped skyrocket Atlanta's status as an arts destination. Don't miss the current Louvre Atlanta exhibition at the High Museum, an unprecedented partnership with the famed Musée du Louvre in Paris. Running through 2009, Louvre Atlanta features exquisite works, many of which are being displayed outside the Louvre for the first time. 1280 Peachtree St. (404) 733-4200.
Photo courtesty of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Robert Spano, conducting.
Nothing is more classically cultural than a night out at the symphony, and the ASO delivers on all fronts. The 95-member ASO has been in the music business for more than half a century and its classical concerts, popular pops and holiday performances consistently draw large audiences. In 2008, the ASO will get a snazzy new address a block away designed by Spanish-born architect Santiago Calatrava. 1280 Peachtree St. (404) 733-5000.
Oakland Cemetery
Established in 1850, Atlanta's largest public cemetery houses 70,000 permanent residents, including six governors, five Confederate generals, golfing legend Bobby Jones and novelist Margaret Mitchell. Tours are excellent. 248 Oakland Ave. (404) 688-2107.
Atlanta History Center
Encompassing 32 acres, the center chronicles the history of Atlanta and the South through an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, furnishings and newspaper accounts. A must-do for history buffs. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., (404) 814-4000.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic District
Visit the very house where the civil rights pioneer was born, in the historic district known as "Sweet Auburn." Also nearby are the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change (The King Center) and King's tomb. An essential for any trip to Atlanta. District occupies several blocks along Auburn Avenue. The King Center: (404) 526-8923. Birth house information: (404) 331-5190.
Photo of Centennial Park courtesy of Georgia World Congress Center
This 21-acre urban landscape is a delight for visitors of all ages. The Fountain of Rings, the world's largest using the Olympic Rings, and the court of 24 flags are symbolical and aesthetical treasures in the downtown area. Check the schedule for outdoor festivals, concerts and other seasonal events. (Ring fountain is being renovated and will re-open in spring of 2007.) Marietta St. and Techwood Dr. Recorded information: (404) 222-7275.
Restaurants to Round Out the Day
Six Feet Under
Right across from the historical Oakland Cemetery, this convivial seafood shack is a local favorite for overflowing baskets of fried shrimp, oysters and fish. For more intimacy and a great view of the cemetery, head upstairs to the outdoor deck. (Reasonable) 415 Memorial Dr. (404) 523-6664.
Buckhead Diner
It's a diner, all right, but it's a dandily dressed-up one that serves some of the tastiest comfort food around. Slide into a sleek booth and feast on signature dishes like scrumptious fried chicken and homemade potato chips with a tangy blue cheese dressing. (Reasonable-Luxury) 3073 Piedmont Rd. (404) 262-3336.
Hotels to Complete the Night
The Georgian Terrace
Now on the National Register of Historic Places, this regal hotel just across the street from The Fox Theatre has housed the rich and famous since it was opened in 1911. It also hosted the world premiere for Gone With the Wind in 1939. (Reasonable) 659 Peachtree St. (404) 897-1991.
Hilton Atlanta
Comfortable rooms, courteous service, and access to Atlanta's main thoroughfares make this downtown hotel a great value for the price. Ride the express elevator to the elegant rooftop restaurant, Nikolai's Roof, where sommelier Herve Pennequin – the third-ranked sommelier in the world – will pour you a fine selection from the extensive wine list.
255 Courtland St. (Reasonable-Luxury) (404) 659-2000.
EXTRA:
Georgia Aquarium
Since the world's largest aquarium opened in 2005, both locals and visitors have been awash in a sea of excitement. The aquarium's 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water are home to more than 100,000 animals that represent 500 species. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 225 Baker St. (404) 581-4000.
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