Atlanta Recs (Since we’re all planning fall vacations)

[cereal K]

The kids have a fall break at the end of October. We were trying to put together a short trip to LA, but the flight prices were more than I could stomach. 

We decided to go south/east instead, and will start by going to Clemson’s homecoming game (I’m so so so excited to share this with the kids!!!). We fly in and out of Atlanta, so we decided to spend Sunday afternoon/evening/night there to give the kids some “city” action. 

Using Hilton points for a hotel - looking at the fancy options for the experience. One downtown, one midtown. I prefer the one in Midtown, but will wait to decide until we make better plans. 

Trying to decide what to see while we’re there. I think we’ll have time to do one, good thing. I haven’t stayed in downtown ATL in almost 20 years, so I’m rusty. Is the World of Coke worth it (kids 12 and 8). 

Also - recs for a good restaurant for dinner? Nothing SUPER fancy, but not too casual or gimmicky. 

[rootbeerfloat]

Go to the aquarium. World of Coke is right there if you wanted to do both. But if doing only one thing, definitely the aquarium.

[devonpow]

We did one day in Atlanta a few years ago as a layover on a trip. The kids were about the same age as yours. The aquarium is wonderful - we weren’t too sure about going (my kids have gone to a lot of good aquariums - Monterey, Chicago, Boston, etc, so we figured we had seen it all) and this one was so impressive - I had no idea! World of Coke was super cheesy but the kids liked it.

[sadlebred]

Stay downtown, it will be much closer to the Aquarium and the World of Coke. You might be able to walk. Midtown is quieter on the weekend unless fancy restaurants and partying are your "things." Oh, and museums. The High Museum of Art is wonderful! (not sarcasm!) Downtown is kid friendlier. Other stuff they might like:
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Throw a field goal at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame.
SkyView Atlanta.
Georgia Aquarium.
Center for Puppetry Arts.
Bicycle Tours of Atlanta.
World of Coca-Cola.
Centennial Olympic Park
Hard Rock Cafe.

[xokell2]

I was there in November for a work trip. The aquarium was way more awesome than I was anticipating (and I’m from Chicago with the shedd which still always blows my hair back). We did not do the museum of coke but the gift shop was impressive in and of itself and I got a majority of my tchotchkes there. Mercedes Benz stadium (from the outside) and the Olympic Rings were nice to see in person. It was a great, easy trip with comfortable weather for that time of year (based on a midwesterners opinion).

I stayed at the Hyatt midtown and it was great.

[mofongo]

Whatever you do, don’t taste Beverly at the World of Coke. She is QUITE a bitch, very hard to get rid of! Lol

[sadlebred]

Your 12 year old would probably LOVE to eat at the Hard Rock!

[okla]

The National Civil Rights museum is right by the aquarium and World of Coke. I’m not sure what ages it would be best for, but there were definitely older elementary aged kids there on a field trip when we went a few years ago. It’s very well done and moving.

[mambo123]

We love Antico, easy with kids and BYOB.

[RockNVoll]

I thought the tour of the MLK house was really interesting and your kids would be old enough for it.

I don't understand the love of the aquarium and found it too cartoonish for my taste but clearly I'm in the minority. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, however, is one of my favorite places ever!