The Millennium Gate serves as a transition, one you notice, between the lakeside row of residences and the boutiques and commercial offices in Atlantic Station. Made of Indiana limestone, the gate extends 100 feet in the air from the three-acre Lake Hylia, and 82 feet from 17th St. Outside, the Romanesque architecture and iron tables and chairs create the feeling of a European plaza. Inside the gate, is a 12,000-square-foot museum with three historically-decorated rooms. The museum features exhibits that highlight Georgia history, architecture, culture and philanthropy.
In 1965, a group of Atlanta arts patrons transformed Buckhead's historic Swan House estate into an art gallery, restaurant and gift shop. Swan House's restaurant is known as as go-to place for ladies' luncheons and its menu features signature chicken salad dishes, spinach quiche, homemade soup and tea. Daily entrees include salmon and crab cakes, grilled salmon fillets, chicken curry and chicken crisps.
The large Swan House gift shop includes a boutique, jewelry, home wares and items for babies and children. Swan House Art Gallery, an integral part of the Swan Coach House experience, features works by the South's most established talent, as well as the area's new and emerging artists.
Swan Coach House hosts events such as weddings, receptions, parties and afternoon teas. See the website for an exhibition schedule, restaurant menu and more information.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center commemorates Dr. King's life and contributions to America's Civil Rights movement. Located a few blocks east of downtown Atlanta, the facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except major U.S. holidays. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The outdoor memorial and the indoor facilities on the center's grounds attract adults and children.
Parking and public transportation at Martin Luther King Jr. Center
The National Park Service operates a free lot adjacent to its Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site across the street from the King Center. The entrance to this lot is on John Wesley Dobbs Ave, a block north of Auburn Avenue. No parking is permitted on Auburn Avenue in the block occupied by the center. The most convenient MARTA public transportation stop is the downtown Five Points train station. The Number 3 Auburn Avenue bus takes you from Five Points to the center in less than 10 minutes.
Best and worst time go to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Sunday morning services at Ebenezer Baptist Church and two other large congregations nearby on Auburn help to make Sundays the worst time to visit. The best times are weekday mornings between opening and lunch hour. Avoid school groups by arriving as soon as the center opens.
Admission to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
The King Center has no admission fees for any of its indoor or outdoor facilities.
Must see/do at Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Visit Freedom Hall which houses the center's gift shop and international art exhibits. Make a tour reservation at the National Park Service Information Desk (across the street from the King Center) to enjoy a glimpse into Dr. King's early life at his birth home nearby.
Other places to visit near Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Detailed and interactive exhibits at the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of civil rights activities in America. Foodies will enjoy the Municipal Market, an urban farmer's market and food court, also called the Sweet Auburn Curb Market by residents.
Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Don't overlook the small firehouse at the intersection of Auburn and Boulevard. It has additional displays related to race relations in American life. Volunteer docents are often available to explain the historical significance of every part of the firehouse's collection.
Author's bio: Carol Luther has lived in Atlanta for 35 years. She has published travel articles in "Diamond" magazine, Arizona Central, USA Today and other websites.
The Oglethorpe University Museum of Art features art pieces, both historical and modern, from around the world and strives to educate and inspire visitors with its diverse collection. In addition, it also serves as a valuable resource for Oglethorpe University students, giving them the opportunity to experience arts and culture from throughout the world. The 7,000-square-foot museum features regularly rotating exhibitions, featuring everything from spiritual art to landscape and portrait painting. In addition, the museum hosts various lecture and concert series. Special events and discounts are available to museum members.
The Hammonds House Museum was established in 1988 to increase awareness of creative works by people of African descent. According to museum officials, some 10,000 individuals visit the site annually.
Activities at the Hammonds House include lectures, workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions, youth programming and special art showings and events. In addition to regular events, the museum hosts four or five major exhibitions every year.
The museum is the former residence of the late Dr. Otis Hammonds, an Atlanta anesthesiologist and arts collector who died in the mid-1980s.
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, next door to the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, the architecturally-striking Center for Civil and Human Rights is a cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today's Global Human Rights Movements through a variety of visual and interactive exhibits. Its stated purpose is "to create a safe space for visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all human beings, so that they leave inspired and empowered to join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their communities."
Parking and public transportation to the Center for Civil and Human Rights
Parking for visitors to the Center for Civil and Human Rights is available at the nearby World of Coca-Cola or Georgia Aquarium garages. The Center is also an approximately 10-minute walk from the Georgia Dome/Georgia World Congress Center/Phillips Arena/CNN Center and Civic Center MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) light passenger-rail stations.
Best and worst time to go to the Center for Civil and Human Rights
Given the large number of nearby attractions (see below), traffic in the streets surrounding the Center for Civil and Human Rights can be very congested. Check ahead to determine if there are any events taking place in the area that are likely to cause additional congestion during times you wish to visit.
Admission to the Center for Civil and Human Rights
Individual admission to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights currently falls in the $5 to $15 range, with various discounts available based on age and military status. Discounts are available for groups of ten and larger; these tours must be scheduled through the Center's Group Sales Department. The Center is open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and on Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Must see/do at the Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Center for Civil and Human Rights features a continually rotating gallery of items from the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, where visitors can view the personal papers and items related to Dr. King. The Civil Rights Movement gallery, meanwhile, presents the fight for equality in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s through an immersive experience of sight, sounds and interactive displays.
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Other places to visit near the Center for Civil and Human Rights
Nearby attractions include the Georgia Aquarium; The World of Coca-Cola; the College Football Hall of Fame; CNN Center; and Centennial Olympic Park, whose features include the SkyView Ferris wheel.
Insider tip for visitors to the Center for Civil and Human Rights
Check out Atlanta CityPASS, a booklet of discounted admission tickets to 5 must-see tourist attractions (including the Center for Civil and Human Rights) in Atlanta. The booklet is available online and at all Atlanta CityPASS attractions.
Author's bio: Martin Sinderman is a freelance writer as well as owner/operator of Savannah Sidewalk Tours, a walking-tour company.
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are located in Midtown Atlanta adjacent to Piedmont Park. Visitors can enjoy weaving through the trails of seasonal flowers and blooming plants, taking educational courses and experiencing family friendly special events in this serene attraction.
Parking and public transportation at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Paid parking is available in the SAGE parking deck onsite and street parking can sometimes be found on nearby residential roads. MARTA Bus #27 drops off at the entrance and the red or gold line MARTA trains can be taken to the Midtown MARTA station which is a short roughly half mile walk to the park.
Best and worst time to go to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The Gardens are stunning during November through early January when over 1 million lights are on display. The Gardens are open rain or shine and are predominantly outside, so dress accordingly and be aware that refunds for inclement weather are not available. Check the Gardens calendar for exhibits, displays, classes and other events throughout the year. The Gardens can be enjoyed year round when dressed appropriately and get very busy during holiday season.
Admission to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
During regular business hours when there isn't a special event, children under 3 are free along with Garden members, adult admission is $18.95 and children ages 3-12 are $12.95. The Gardens are closed Mondays with the exception of special events and are open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Check the website for information on extended hours during events. Annual membership is also available.
Must see/do at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
For those visiting with small kids, the Children's Garden has a seasonal splash pad and many things to climb, touch and explore. Don't miss the Dale Chihuly's Parterre Fountain Installation, which is especially beautiful when lit up at night. The Lily Pond/reflecting pool is another beautiful sight to see.
Other places to visit near the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Piedmont Park is adjacent to the Gardens and offers miles of walking trails and the great restaurant for people watching and outdoor dining, Park Tavern. Midtown Atlanta has tons of restaurants and shopping as does nearby Virginia Highlands. Several museums are also located close by.
Insider tip for visitors to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
For those visiting the Garden Lights during the holidays, consider going Christmas Eve when lines are typically much shorter than other dates leading up to it.
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.
Operated by the Historic Oakland Foundation, Historic Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta's oldest cemetery, featuring a sculpture garden, a botanical garden, a wildlife habitat, a visitor's center and a museum shop. The cemetery is open to the public and the Historic Oakland Foundation offers tours and hosts a variety of special events including private parties, corporate functions and weddings.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home is at 501 Auburn Ave. in the MLK Jr. Historical Site. It is the place where King was born in 1929 and has a great legacy. The home is operated in partnership with the MLK National Historic Site, the National Park Service, and Ebenezer Baptist Church. You can go on a tour and learn about the life of MLK Jr. Tours are guided by a National Park Service ranger so call or visit www.nps.gov for full details.
The Vinings Historical District is an area in Vinings that has been preserved for 125 years. The Preservation Society was established in 1993 to continue the preservation and historical significance of the area. It is comprised of several shopping plazas and businesses, housed in their original structures. The Pace House is a venue for events such as birthdays and weddings. There is a also bank, doctor's office and several other shops that are all decked in white with picket fences, in keeping with the time.
The district is rich with heritage. The main office is called the Yarbrough house, where you can make reservations, find out information, and set up activities and tours.
The Fernbank Science Center is owned and run by the DeKalb County School System. It features permanent and visiting scientific exhibits about nature and habitat in Georgia, a rose garden, a rock and mineral walk, library, classrooms and laboratories for school groups, and an observatory with a telescope.
Fernbank is also known for its planetarium and the 65-acre Fernbank Forest.
The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), across the street from the High Museum of Art in the Midtown Arts Corridor, showcases the design work of emerging and well-known designers, and serves as a place for education, inspiration and more. All manner of design work is shown here, from skateboard art to graphic and furniture design, from vehicles to fashion. Various programs, demos and workshops are available for kids, teens and adults.
Built in 1883, Ivy Hall is a historic building that now houses the writing program for the Savannah College of Art and Design's Atlanta campus. The facility also serves as a retreat for distinguished scholars and visiting scholars. Ivy Hall is a resource for community and civic groups and hosts cultural events that include literary salons as well as chamber music and small ensemble performances.