After taking you around the world the past few weeks with our Tennis Tournament Tourism series, this week we journey to Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta is a city built from the ruins of the civil war, a major transportation hub in the Southeast and the site of the 1996 Olympics. From July 19-27 the city will also host the BB&T Open where players including John Isner, Lleyton Hewitt, Jack Sock and Ivo Karlovic will compete for the title. Since this tournament is a bit easier for U.S. tennis fans to get to, we’re giving you a full list of things to do in Atlanta, besides take a tennis lesson of course, — 26 to be exact, from A to Z.
American Girl Feel pretty in pink with nearby Alpharetta, Georgia’s American Girl Doll hotel packages, which include pink room amenities, matching robes for girls and their dolls, and a bed for dolls, too!
Beltline Walk or bike the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile former railroad line that wraps around the center of the city. The recent development that is still in the works is meant to revitalize the neighborhood and be a beacon of green, open space in this southern metropolis.
Coca-Cola Get a taste of how your favorite soft drink is made at the Coca-Cola museum where you can snap a pic with the polar bear, sample coca-cola variations from around the world and enter the “vault” of the beverage’s secret formula.
Downtown Take a tour of historic downtown Atlanta’s landmarks, from Victorian to Art Deco era architecture.
Emory University Discover the ancient world at Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum, which houses the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast, including mummies and artifacts from Greece and Rome.
Fountain Frolic in the Fountain of Rings, site of the 1996 Olympic Games. Four times a day, a free show displays dancing fountains, lights and music.
Graffiti Find the perfect backdrop for your photos at the Krog Street Tunnel, where artists are continuously updating the walls with graffiti artwork. No museum fee necessary.
Hollywood See the sites where some of your favorite movies were filmed including, Driving Miss Daisy, Remember the Titans and Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Ice Cream Try a tasty treat at Morelli’s Ice Cream, voted “21 Best Ice Creams in America” by Thrilllist. The store’s “flavor library” includes, Coconut Jalapeño, Cream Cheese and Guava, Dark Chocolate Chili and Krispy Kreamier.
Jurassic Take a trip back in time at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, where you can see models of the largest dinosaurs in the world and walk across floors made from fossils dating back to the Jurassic period.
Kids Play along at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, where exhibits come to life with interactive functions, and kids can enjoy educational yet fun programs.
Legoland Center Build it! Legoland Discovery Center has 15 attractions for ages 3-10 including, rides and a 4-D cinema.
Margaret Mitchell Peak into Pulitzer-Prize winning author Margaret Mitchell’s three-story home, where she penned the great American classic Gone with the Wind.
News Investigate the Atlanta-based CNN studio where you can go up the world’s largest free-standing escalator and learn how a teleprompter and weather map work.
Oval Office Feel presidential at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, where you can view memorabilia from his political career and tour a replica of how the Oval Office appeared during Carter’s tenure.
Puppets Make memories with the Center for Puppetry Art’s magical marionettes. See a show or put on your own at a Create-a-Puppet workshop.
sQuare Take a detour to the town square in nearby Decatur, Georgia, where you can enjoy a small-town southern feel at restaurants and bars like Cakes & Ale for plates that vary from gnocchi to lamb.
Romance Watch a skyline sunset with your significant other at the Jackson Street Bridge.
Sharks Dive into danger at the Georgia Aquarium. Swims with whale sharks are 4:30 p.m. daily.
Thurgood Marshall Walk in Civil Rights leaders’ footsteps, including Thurgood Marshall and Rosa Parks, at the Martin Luther King National Historic Site.
Urban Farmer’s Market Fuel yourself with local food at Sweet Auburn Curb Market, which houses fresh produce from the city’s surrounding areas.
Varsity Have a hot dog or hamburger at The Varsity, the world’s largest drive-in, which can accommodate 600 cars.
Wren’s Nest Listen up! Hear storytellers 1 p.m. every Saturday at Wren’s Nest, home of Joel Chandler Harris, who recreated in print the oral tales of Brer Rabbit and friends.
FoX Theatre Catch a flick or show at Atlanta’s historic theater. Musician Beck just played on the 22nd!
Yum Grab a bite at some of Atlanta’s top restaurants including Bacchanalia for five-course fine dining or Restaurant Eugene for southern fare.
Zoo Go bananas at Zoo Atlanta featuring the largest exhibit of orangutans and gorillas and one in only four zoological panda conservatories. Say hi to Adorable Mei Lun and Mei Huan (below) when you go!
