For those heading to Atlanta, Georgia this weekend to watch the University of Alabama take on the University of Florida in the SEC Championship game, do not worry about sitting idle waiting for kick-off when, there is plenty to get in to.
Take a trip to the Georgia Aquarium, the largest in the western hemisphere and second largest aquarium in the world. Contained in 10 million gallons of marine and freshwater, there are many species of the sea located throughout the aquarium. Downtown Atlanta is home to thousands of animals, most notably whale sharks, beluga whales, bottle nose dolphins and manta rays. The animals are found in five different exhibits: Tropical Diver, Ocean Voyager, Cold Water Quest, River Scout and Dolphin Tales. Though this has become a staple of attraction, there are exhausting efforts being taken to advance the aquarium’s conservation and environmental mission. Tickets for the weekend will be $24.95 with options to buy food and parking ahead of arrival. To purchase, go online to their website georgiaaquarium.org.
It is the holiday season and every year it seems as if Christmas comes earlier and earlier. While you’re in Atlanta enjoy a showing of one of one of the more popular Christmas movies out, “Elf.” This is not your regular movie theatre showing, the story of Buddy is brought to life in a holiday musical held at the Fox Theatre. Showings are from Thursday, December 3rd to Sunday, December 6th. Tickets and times vary so head over to foxtheatre.org for more information.
For those interested in nature, venture down to the Atlanta Botanical Garden and see 30 acres of different types of plants. During regular hours, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy the many themed gardens available. With each containing specific types of plants, there are: formal gardens, woodland area, a garden for children, and the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory. The garden is in its fifth season of Garden Lights, where they present an “electrical extravaganza”. With plenty of new features, the lights are on from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tickets are $18.95 for regular hours and $26 during Garden Lights, go to atlantabg.org to learn more.
If you want to get out but avoid spending a lot of money, head over to the National Historic Site for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Travel through many different exhibits and experience everything King Jr. had to offer. Start at the Visitor Center to get information about times of tours and more information about the site. Places to visit include: Dr. King’s birth home, the “I Have a Dream” garden, Behold Monument, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and his final resting place at the King Center. Times vary depending on what sites you are trying to visit, but there is no fee.
With everyone going to Atlanta mainly for the game, there are events centered around SEC Championship weekend. On Saturday, there will be a Dr. Pepper SEC FanFare with team pep rallies at the Georgia World Congress Center: Florida at 1:30 – 2 p.m. and Alabama at 2 – 2:30 p.m.
