Walking Tour of Atlanta, Georgia
The most populous city of the Deep South sports a beautiful skyline and a number of important tourist attractions. This world-class destination has one of the busiest airports in the United States, and its traffic jams are legendary. However, the major city attractions are worthwhile and easily covered on foot.
My walk begins at Centennial Olympic Park, a remnant from the 1996 Summer Olympic Games which were hosted here. The park is across from the CNN Center and adjacent to the Georgia Aquarium. The park’s dramatic location, in the shadow of some of Atlanta’s skyscrapers, makes for a great photograph. Enjoy the fountains, walkways, and sculptures before proceeding. A new addition to the complex is the World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta, which moved here recently and is located at 121 Baker Street. A visit here allows a tourist to learn about the history of the world’s favorite beverage.
Next, walk across Marietta street to the CNN Center to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a television news studio functions (the VIP Tour is worth the extra money).
As you leave CNN, turn right on Marietta Street, walking past the H.W.Grady Monument, a statue dedicated to the noted writer and newspaper man. As you continue southeasterly, the street name changes to Decatur Street. Now turn right on Central Street and left on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to reach the entrance to Underground Atlanta, a large shopping complex which also contains numerous restaurants and nightclubs.
Exit the area and walk back to Central, then take a left and another left on Mitchell Street. Atlanta’s City Hall is ahead, on the right. Take a left onto Washington Street to pass the gold-domed Georgia State Capitol. From here, proceed to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and turn right, and then turn left onto Piedmont Avenue. Continue on Piedmont to Auburn Avenue and turn right. This road leads to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Wander the area to learn about the life and times of this great American and also about the history of the Civil Rights Movement in America, in which he was a prime-mover.
When finished, retrace your steps back to Piedmont Avenue and turn right. When you reach International, take a left. Shoppers will love the Peachtree Center, ahead on the right, but eventually continue on International, which leads Centennial Park, where the walking tour began.
