If you don’t like romance, abhor aquariums or great art, don’t bother to travel to Atlanta. On the other hand…
Hotlanta is really hot the second full weekend of June. From 3-D dolphins to lost manuscripts to full-tilt laser light shows, the none-too-bashful capital of the ‘New South’ has something for everyone the weekend of June 10 through June 12.
Discover the lost Gone with the Wind manuscript at the Atlanta History Center. As part of the 75th anniversary celebration of the epic book, the center is displaying chapters from the original manuscript, chapters once thought destroyed. Four chapters went on display back on Saturday June 4. They’ll be there the weekend of June 10 through June 12, too. Some chapters feature handwritten changes by author Margaret Mitchell and her husband John Marsh. The exhibition also has first edition copies of Gone with the Wind, and the actual desk Mitchell used to write her masterpiece. Adult admission is $16.50. The Atlanta History Center is located at 130 West Paces Ferry Road.
Take in AT&T Dolphin Tales. The blockbuster show runs throughout the weekend at the Georgia Aquarium. The idea here is to create visceral connections between human beings and aquatic animals. The show at AT&T Dolphin Tales theater incorporates live human actors, dramatic costuming and extraordinary effects. A seafaring adventurer takes the audience on an interactive journey across the oceans in what proves to be one of those timeless tales of good and evil. A ‘Premium Combo’ ticket to the show runs $40.45 for adults. The Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker St. Northwest.
Behold the works of Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting at the High Museum of Art. This extraordinary assemblage of art is on display throughout the weekend. Twelve painting and 13 drawings comprise the show, and include a pair of the greatest paining from the Italian Renaissance: Titian’s Diana and Actaeon and Diana and Callisto. Both come from the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland and have never before traveled to the United States. Adult admission is $18. The High Museum of Art can be found at 1280 Peachtree St., Northeast.
Love the Lasershow Spectacular at Stone Mountain. Over the past 26 years, fireworks have lighted the skies over Stone Mountain and some 20 million folks have stood in awe, making this an Atlanta favorite. See the Laser Canopy come alive with color and movement, transforming the park into a natural amphitheater. The show is enhanced with digital projection techniques that render a 3-D effect, without the glasses. The Lasershow is included in the $10 vehicle entry fee to Stone Mountain Park. The show runs through Aug. 7.
The good news about getting to Atlanta is its airfares. Thanks to robust competition between Delta and discount airline AirTran, the rates are relatively low – especially if you catch one Delta’s frequent weekend deals.
If you’re in search of good value and a great location, consider staying at the Comfort Inn Downtown South, near Turner Field. It’s just south of city center, and a straight shot up the freeway from the airport. A non-smoking room with a pair of queen beds runs $89.99 per night. The rate does not include taxes. The great thing about this property is that you can just walk across the street and take in a Braves baseball game.
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Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: blairsmith66)
