Atlanta Attractions/Excursions
- Attractions Steps from the Host Hotel
- Other Notable Attractions in Downtown Atlanta
- Potential IGBO 2008 Committee-Hosted Excursions
Attractions Steps from the Host Hotel
Centennial Olympic Park -- Right outside the hotel is Centennial Olympic Park -- a 21 acre (85,000 m²) public park located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia made famous during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Learn more about Centennial Olympic Park >>
CNN Center -- Connected to the Omni Hotel Lobby is CNN Center with numerous shops, an extensive food court, restaurants, and of course the CNN Studio Tour >>
Georgia Aquarium -- Opened in 2005, the Georgia Aquarium is World’s Largest Aquarium and a major Atlanta attraction not to be missed. With over 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water, and 100,000 animals representing 500 species from around the globe, you’re sure to see things you’ve never seen before! It is just a five -minute walk from the hotel. Learn more about the Georgia Aquarium >>
New World of Coca Cola -- Opened in 2007, the New World of Coca Cola moved from its old location to Centennial Olympic Park with a new design, new exhibits and more modern facilities. A popular Atlanta attraction, this tribute to the world-famous soft drink, born a century ago in a local Atlanta pharmacy, fills three stories with everything you ever wanted to know about Coca-Cola. A spectacular collection of memorabilia, entertaining, hands-on exhibits and video presentations as well as unlimited samples in many flavors await you. Learn more about the New World of Coca Cola >>
Also, steps from the Omni Hotel is the Tabernacle ( formerly a House of Blues during the 1996 Olympics) music venue, Phillips arena, Georgia Dome, and numerous restaurants and shops. For the nearest shopping "district", go to Atlantic Station , 10 blocks north of Centennial Olympic Park (cab ride recommended).
Other Notable Attractions in Downtown Atlanta (All accessible by MARTA Rail and Bus System)
High Museum of Art -- Recently renovated and expanded, The High is the centerpiece of an overall upgrade to the Woodruff Arts Center campus. The expansion transforms the High into a lively, year-round destination for the arts. During IGBO 2008, the High will feature Louvre Atlanta. It's partnership with the Louvre Museum in Paris will bring hundreds of works of art from the Louvre’s collections to Atlanta through 2009. Learn more about the High Museum >>
Fernbank Museum of Natural History -- Embark on an adventure at Atlanta's home to dinosaurs! At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, come face to face with the world’s largest dinosaurs, explore the development of life on Earth through the landscapes of present-day Georgia, connect with cultures from around the globe, engage in a variety of hands-on exhibits and don't miss the incredible 5-story experience of an IMAX® film! Learn more about the Fenrbank Museum of Natural History >>
Atlanta Botanical Garden -- There’s always something blooming in Atlanta’s beautiful urban oasis in the heart of Midtown. Explore Atlanta Botanical Garden's thirty acres of breathtaking gardens and conservatories including the world’s foremost orchid collection and celebrated interactive children’s garden. Enjoy the beauty of the south's most beloved flowers while taking in the splendor of tropical plants in the Fuqua Conservatory. Learn more about the Atlanta Botanical Garden >>
Zoo Atlanta -- Known for its lush, naturalistic habitats, Zoo Atlanta offers an exciting collection of animals including one of the nation's largest collections of Western lowland gorillas, as well as Mei Lan, a rare and super-cute giant panda cub! New in 2007, warthogs and meerkats! Great food, a fun petting zoo and more make Zoo Atlanta the wildest destination in Georgia. Learn more about the Zoo Atlanta >>
Atlanta History Center -- Walk in wondering… walk out in wonder! Explore the history of the South through award-winning exhibitions, including one of the country's largest exhibitions on the Civil War. Tour the 1845 Tullie Smith Farm and 1928 Swan House mansion, stroll through 33 acres of beautiful gardens and trails and don't miss the Centennial Olympic Games Museum at the Atlanta History Center. Learn more about the Atlanta History Center >>
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and King Center -- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site consists of several buildings surrounding Martin Luther King, Jr.'s boyhood home on Auburn Avenue in the Sweet Auburn district of Atlanta, Georgia. Ebenezer Baptist Church, the church where King and his father Martin Luther King, Sr. pastored, is also part of the national historic site. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, a nonprofit agency dedicated to achieving the goals of Dr. King, housed in Freedom Hall, is located across Auburn Avenue from the NPS visitor center. The King Center was established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King. Martin Luther King Jr.'s gravesite and a reflecting pool are also located next to Freedom Hall. Mrs. King was interred with her husband on February 7, 2006. Learn more about the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and King Center >>
Margaret Mitchell House and Museum -- The docent-led tour is a 60 to 90-minute experience with exclusive photographs and archival exhibits that tell the story of Margaret Mitchell beyond Gone With the Wind. The tour starts in our Visitors Center with "Before Scarlett: Girlhood Writings of Margaret Mitchell, 1907-1918." The tour continues into the house, through her apartment where she wrote Gone With the Wind, and finally to the Gone With the Wind Movie Museum. The museum illuminates the making of the movie through original objects, correspondence, and artifacts such as the legendary doorway to Tara. Your experience at our historic site ends with an opportunity to enjoy the Museum Shop, complete with unique gifts, souvenirs, and Gone With the Wind collectibles and memorabilia. Learn more about the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum >>
Atlanta Braves and Turner Field -- Catch a game at the famous Turner Field. The 2008 Braves schedule is out and there ARE home games during the IGBO 2008 Tournament week. Braves play New York Mets at Atlanta: Tuesday, May 20; Wednesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 22. Then, they play Arizona Cardinas at Atlanta: Friday, May 23; Saturday, May 24; Sunday, May 25; and Monday, May 26. If you want to purchase your own tickets, please go to http://mlb.mlb.com/ticketing/index.jsp?c_id=atl We will not be able to provide transportation to Turner Field during IGBO 2008. But, you can take MARTA (our subway system) from CNN Center/Georgia Dome station (next to Hotel) to Georgia State University station and then a short stroll (less than a mile) to the stadium. Taxi trips will cost about $8 dollars each way. Brave games and Turner field experience are well worth the trip!
Potential IGBO 2008 Committee-Hosted Excursions
Important Note: If any of these excursions interests you, please contact directors@igbo2008.org as soon as possible. Most of these have a minimum participant requirement to get discounted admission and services. We will determine if these excursions should be scheduled in January 2008. Most will require pre-payment on your online registation forms once that determination is made. Everyone that contacts us about these exclusions will be notified when official signup will take place.
Women's Outing -- Currently still in planning stage. If you are interested in scheduling a IGBO-hosted Women's outing, please contact directors@igbo2008.org as soon as possible. Note: Women's social events will also be planned within hotel property and at some alternate locations. Details will be available on this Web site as soon as they become available.
If you want more information on Atlanta, refer to the Atlanta Conventions Bureau -- an incredible gateway to all that Atlanta has to offer including an extensive Gay and Lesbian section.
