Sights in Georgia
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Mercer-Williams House
Consider seeing the Mercer-Williams House. Although Jim Williams, the Savannah art dealer portrayed by Kevin Spacey in the film version of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, died back in 1990, his infamous mansion didn't become a museum until 2004. You're not allowed to see the upstairs, where Williams' family still lives, but the downstairs is an interior decorator's fantasy.
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B
CNN Center
CNN Center is the headquarters of the cable-TV news service. You might be tempted to take the CNN tour, a behind-the-scenes glance at the 24-hour news organization, but don't be heartbroken if you miss it. Visitors don't get close enough to the action to feel connected. They do, however, get to ride on an enormous escalator that climbs above a food court and into the CNN facility.
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Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Fernbank Museum of Natural History makes other museums seem hopelessly dull. It covers the natural world from seashells to giant lizards, and it has an IMAX theater. A righteous night out is had on Martinis & IMAX Friday (5:30pm to 10pm January to November), when the lobby turns into a cocktail lounge and live jazz echoes through the bones of a 123ft dinosaur.
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World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola, a self-congratulatory museum that might prove entertaining to fans of the fizzy beverage and rash commercialization. The climactic moment comes when guests sample Coke products from around the world.
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Grant Park
A large oasis of green situated on the edge of the city center, Grant Park is home to Zoo Atlanta, which features flamingos, elephants, kangaroo and the odd tiger. But the zoo's pride and joy is baby Mei Lan, the giant panda cub whose every movement is a picture of adorability. Be prepared to wait if you want to see her.
Just south of downtown, Grant Park offers one of the most unique multimedia experiences anywhere: the Atlanta Cyclorama. Built in the 1880s, the Cyclorama features a big circular painting of the Battle of Atlanta that revolves around the audience, with sound and light effects and an informative commentary. There's also a diorama and a short movie on the c…
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Georgia Aquarium
The showstopper of the bunch is the Georgia Aquarium, a colossal facility billing itself as the world's largest aquarium. It's been massively successful among tourists, but animal rights activists have criticized the aquarium for displaying exotic whale sharks, two of which died not long after the attraction opened. Nevertheless, the Georgia Aquarium has other whale sharks still swimming, and it also boasts a tank of gorgeous beluga whales, among other marine creatures.
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Telfair Museum of Art
Along with silver from the 1800s and a colossal oil painting depicting a scene from the Hundred Years War, Sylvia Shaw's famous 1936 Bird Girl sculpture - the one on the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - stands inside the Telfair Museum of Art. The $15 multi-venue ticket allows discounted admission to two affiliated museums, the Jepson and the Owens-Thomas House.
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Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
On the outskirts of the historic district is the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Leaving the larger history of the movement to the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Savannah's museum focuses on the local history of segregated schools, hotels, hospitals, jobs and lunch counters. It's definitely a must-see if you want a full understanding of the city.
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Atlanta Cyclorama
The Atlanta Cyclorama is one of the city's most famous attractions, a circular painting 109m(358ft) around and 12m(42ft) high depicting the 1864 Battle of Atlanta. Painted in 1886, it is the largest in the world and one of only three such Victorian-era circular paintings remaining in the USA. There's an accompanying Civil War museum on site.
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Carter Presidential Library & Museum
The Carter Presidential Library & Museum features exhibits highlighting Jimmy Carter's 1977-81 presidency, including a replica of the Oval Office. Carter's Nobel Prize is also on display. Don't miss the tranquil Japanese garden out back. The museum underwent a recent redesign, which was completed in October 2009.
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Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1937, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a national gem, encompassing 396,000 acres of bog in a giant saucer-shaped depression that was once part of the ocean floor. The swamp is home to an estimated 9000 to 15,000 alligators, 234 bird species, 49 types of mammal and 60 amphibian species.
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K
Atlanta Botanical Garden
The stunning 30-acre Atlanta Botanical Garden has a Japanese garden, winding paths and the amazing Fuqua Orchid Center. On Thursdays the garden is open till 10pm for Cocktails in the Garden that pairs a drink with a particular flower and area of the garden. There is a DJ and snacks.
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Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church was the preaching ground for King Jr, his father and grandfather, who were all pastors here. This is also where King Jr's mother was murdered in 1974. You can take a free tour of the original church, but Sunday services are now held at a new Ebenezer across the street.
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State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Truly gorgeous, with winding outdoor paths and a sociohistorical edge to boot, Athens' State Botanical Garden of Georgia rivals Atlanta's. Signs provide smart context for its amazing collection of plants, which runs the gamut from rare and threatened species to a tantalizing watermelon patch.
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Savannah History Museum
The History Museum is a good place to kick off a visit to Savannah's Historic District. The film and displays here give you a solid feel for the city's past. There's a replica of the park bench from the movie Forest Gump, parts of which were shot on location in Savannah, if such things thrill you.
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King Center for Non-Violent Social Change
The King Center for Non-Violent Social Change has more information on King's life and work, and a few of his personal effects, including his Nobel Peace Prize. His gravesite, between the church and center, is surrounded by a long, reflecting pool and can be viewed anytime.
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Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
The small but engaging Maritime Museum has attractive exhibits that focus on models of ships, particularly ones associated with the city, and nautical memorabilia. The SS Savannah was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean; much later, the NS Savannah was nuclear powered.
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Oakland Cemetery
Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell and golf great Bobby Jones are buried in the Oakland Cemetery. Many interesting Victorian and neoclassical monuments are scattered throughout the site, and - if it doesn't creep you out too much - there's a nice open greenspace for picnics.
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Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
Located on a hilltop overlooking downtown, the Carter Presidential Library & Museum features exhibits highlighting Jimmy Carter's 1977-81 presidency, including a replica of the Oval Office. Carter's Nobel Prize is also on display. Don't miss the tranquil Japanese garden out back.
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Cumberland Island National Seashore
An unspoiled paradise, a backpacker's fantasy, a site for day trips or extended stays - it's clear why the Carnegie family used Cumberland as a retreat long ago. Most of this southernmost barrier island is now occupied by the Cumberland Island National Seashore.
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Center for Puppetry Arts
Center for Puppetry Arts is a wonderland for visitors of all ages, and hands-down one of Atlanta's most unique attractions. The museum houses a treasury of puppets, some of which you get to operate yourself. Separate tickets are required for the performances.
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Piedmont Park
In the middle of midtown, Piedmont Park is a glorious, rambling urban park and the setting of many cultural and music festivals. The park has fantastic bike paths, a Saturday Green Market, a well-loved dog area and pleasant green spaces.
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Jepson Center for the Arts
The Jepson Center for the Arts looks pretty darn space-age by Savannah's standards. The JCA focuses on 20th- and 21st-century art. Its contents are modest in size, but intriguing. There's also a neat interactive area for kids.
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Zoo Atlanta
The Zoo Atlanta, which features flamingos, elephants, kangaroos and the odd tiger. But the zoo's pride and joy are the giant pandas. They tend to have cubs that slaughter you with cuteness. Be prepared to wait to see the cubs.
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Davenport House
Federal-style architecture isn't exactly scintillating, and the house has very little original furnishing, but the tour is sweet and the attention to detail is serious enough that fake bugs crawl on the fake food in the dining room.
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