The Inside CNN Center Studio Tour is a downtown Atlanta attraction that makes you feel like you're a journalist who is breaking news on set. It's a great indoor spot to visit once you have hit the other area attractions. Several tours are available based on what you are trying to get out of your visit. The Morning Express Tour and the VIP Tour are ages 12+.
Parking and public transportation at the CNN Center
Take the MARTA train to the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Station. There are multiple paid parking lots and parking decks in the area.
Best and worst time to go to the CNN Center
Weekends tend to be busy throughout the year and during holidays. Check Atlanta event calendars to see if there are sporting events/parades/other activities taking place as traffic will be heavy and parking will be more challenging.
Admission to the CNN Center
Tickets range from $13-$16 for the basic Inside CNN Studio Tour. For those guests who are 12+, the Morning Express with Robin Meade Tour (Thursdays at 8:30am) is $49 and the VIP Tour is $35. The VIP tours are offered Monday - Saturday at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Reservations for the specialty tours are strongly recommended. If you are visiting several of the downtown attractions, look into purchasing the Atlanta CityPASS. Hotels often offer discount tickets as well.
Must see/do at the CNN Center
If you have the time and are with a group without children under the age of 12, the VIP Tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into CNN's live broadcast news programs.
Other places to visit near the CNN Center
The CNN Center is conveniently located in Downtown Atlanta amidst other attractions such as Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. The Georgia Dome and Philips Arena are also nearby along with many restaurants and hotels.
Insider tip for visitors to the CNN Center
Don't forget your camera as you never know who you might run into! Try one of the restaurants in the CNN Center (Dantanna's, Prime Meridian, McCormick & Schmick's) or nearby to experience the Atlanta culinary scene.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, GA local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
Zoo Atlanta claims the title of Atlanta's oldest attraction. The zoo began in 1889 by chance when a traveling circus abandoned several cages of animals near downtown Atlanta. One hundred years later, it became recognized as a world-class operation with the new Ford African Rain Forest exhibit, and then with the Giant Panda exhibit in the late 1990s.
How to get to Zoo Atlanta
From Interstate 20, access exit 59A (Boulevard) and travel south approximately 0.5 miles. From Interstate 75/85,access exit 246 (Fulton Street) and go east. Make a right turn onto Capitol Avenue and then make a left onto Georgia Avenue. Travel along Georgia Avenue until it changes to Cherokee Avenue.
Best and worst time to go to Zoo Atlanta
Any sunny day is a good day at the zoo, but avoid mid-day times because many of the animals will be sleeping, and thus, hidden from sight.
Admission to Zoo Atlanta
Adult tickets are $22.99 and tickets for children ages 3-11 are $17.99. Children ages 2 and under are free and parking is free. Military, senior, and college students can get discounted tickets for $18.99.
Must see/do at Zoo Atlanta
Be sure to check the schedule for Giraffe feedings. Currently, the zoo does these feedings from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and then again from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the animals up close.
Other places to visit near Zoo Atlanta
Animal lovers are sure to enjoy a visit to the nearby Georgia Aquarium.
Insider tip for visitors to Zoo Atlanta
Did you know you can spend the night at the zoo? Family packages begin at just $65.00 per person. You will have special access (beginning at 6:00 p.m. through 10:30 a.m. the following morning) after the park normally closes. Keeper for a Day is another special program that allows guests to shadow a zookeeper for a day. Prices start at $265.00 per person.
Author's bio: Jamie Davis is a freelance writer and top-selling author with Llewellyn Worldwide. She lives on Wilmington Island, an area of Savannah, Georgia. She loves all things coastal Georgia and if pressed to describe herself in one word, she would choose "traveler." She can be found at http://jamiedaviswrites.com.
Amos Giles Rhodes, founder of Rhodes Furniture Company, had Rhodes Hall constructed on 114 acres between 1902 and 1904. The 9,000-square-foot house was built in the Romanesque Revival style and cost $50,000 to build at the time. Until 1928, the Rhodes family lived in the elegant residence, which features inlaid parquet flooring, silk walls and granite from Stone Mountain. In 1929, the home was donated to the state of Georgia for historical purposes. Rhodes Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. In 1983, it became the headquarters of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, the home sits on one acre and is used for weddings, receptions and other private events. Rhodes Hall is open to the public for tours Tuesday and Saturday.