Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

FIRST Robotics Championship http://www.usfirst.org This is the “Final Four” of high-school robotics. Teams from all over the world bring their home-built robots to compete in April. The intensity is high, and the gracious professionalism is evident at every turn. The challenge is new every year. There are also regional competitions all over the world through February and March. April 2009
Atlanta Cyclorama 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E. Atlanta, GA 30315 404-624-1071 or 404-658-7625 http://www.atlantacyclorama.org/ This is a circular painting, more than 10 feet tall and 358 feet in diameter that tells the story of Union General Sherman’s conquest of Atlanta in the Civil War. Visitors sit on a platform that rotates inside the painting while narration tells the story. In addition to the painting, the hall includes artifacts from the Civil War era. Located next to Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park, this is an excellent historical stop. April 2009
Zoo Atlanta 800 Cherokee Avenue Atlanta, GA 30315 404.624.5600 http://www.zooatlanta.org/ Located in Grant Park, Atlanta’s Zoo features animals from around the world, set in a very walkable location. The Pandas are, of course, very popular, but we had no trouble getting close. It is impressive how close you can get to them (separated by glass, of course). April 2009
Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker St. NW Atlanta, GA 30313 (404) 581-4000 http://www.georgiaaquarium.org Some claim this is the largest aquarium in the United States. Certainly the main tank is in the top few, featuring its highlight walking tunnel beneath the water, where you will see a variety of creatures. Our favorite was the Whale Shark, the largest fish in the sea (whales are not fish, but mammals!). They do have a display showing how they got the whale sharks to landlocked Atlanta. We also appreciated the rivers exhibit. The splash zone at the Dolphin show was a hit with the more adventurous. April 2009 2019
CDC Museum, Atlanta, GA. Who would have thought a museum at the Centers for Disease Control was a good idea? We do! This is a free museum at the CDC that runs through the history of the CDC, along with spreads of the various diseases that have been tracked and addressed by the CDC. There is a large focus on some of the more high-profile diseases that the CDC has investigated, along with smoking, and food health which many may not have expected the CDC’s involvement in. At the time of visiting (end of February, 2020, literally the last days before COVID shut down the world), there was no information available regarding COVID-19, but deserves a return visit to see what updates have been made. 2/28-3/2 2020

Dawsonville, Georgia

Kangaroo Conservation Center 222 Bailey-Waters Rd. Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-6100 http://www.kangaroocenter.com/ Atlanta is in the South, but not that far south! Yet, the Kangaroo Conservation Center houses hundreds of kangaroos of many different species. Watch for the little Joeys peeking out of their mothers’ pouches. They include kangaroo and bird shows. Most of the animals are behind fences, but you can touch a couple of them at the shows. The Kangaroo Conservation Center is about 1 hour drive north of Atlanta. Food selection is limited and the Kangaroo Conservation Center is in a rather rural area. Plan to visit between meals. April 2009

Stone Mountain, Georgia

Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083 770.498.5690 or 800.401.2407 http://www.stonemountainpark.com/ Stone Mountain features an enormous relief sculpture, carved into the mountain. The sculpture celebrates the leaders of the Confederacy. Built around the base is a large amusement area, including a skyride, antebellum plantation, small train ride and 3-D movie. Each attraction is a separate fee, so if all you want to do is walk or bike, you can do so for the per-vehicle fee to enter the park. April 2009