Atlanta

Our sojourn into the South began and ended in Atlanta. My parents arrived a day earlier and saw a few extra sites, including the house of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind. This ended up being my mom's favorite spot on the entire trip.

Before moving to the highlights of Atlanta, I need to give a shout out to Delta airlines, which I flew direct from LAX to ATL. I have written off United and American Airlines as terrible domestic airlines, and now actively try to fly Delta when possible. The service is a step above American and United. I recently learned that Delta has a non-unionized workforce. I wonder if Delta employees are especially compensated on customer service. I recently flew Delta direct to JFK had a good experience as well.
 
Here are the highlights of Atlanta:

Margaret Mitchell House & Museum

I missed this attraction, so hopefully my mom will comment about this in the comments area. I have seen Gone with the Wind, but have not read the book. Maybe I will someday.


World of Coca-Cola

I am a soda fanatic, as you probably gathered a few blog articles ago. This is a fun attraction, even if over the top. Basically, the secret of Coca-Cola must stay a secret so that future generations can continue to the soda. The tasting room on the top floor is the real treat in the museum. Here, you can enjoy Coke flavors from all over the world, and even try some experimental flavors. As you leave, you're given a cold 8oz Coke bottle for the road. 

CNN Center

CNN is fun to visit if you are interested in media. The studio was fairly quiet when we went, but we did see a few news anchors getting ready for the Sunday news.

Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum

The Cyclorama, located in historic Grant Park, is interesting way of telling the story of the Battle for Atlanta (which the Yankees won). It is one of the largest of its kind. 

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center is amazing. Our time was cut short here since I had to fly back later that day. However, we had enough time to go through the Civil War exhibit. If you know nothing about the Civil War, or even if you have a solid understanding, this exhibit is worth it. It will fill in the gaps in your knowledge.

Silver Skillet

Only one of the most Southern breakfast joints you could dine at. The Silver Skillet has barely changed since 1956. The meals are cheap and good, and the waitstaff has been here for a long time. Make sure you have the grits and biscuits. 



Up next, Charleston....

Dixie

Over the July 4^th break, I took a road trip to the American South with my parents. When I tell people about my trip, the first question I get is – why there? Many people associate the South with poverty and backwardness. This is unfortunate because the South is one of the most culturally rich parts of the United States and is definitely worth a visit for history lovers. In fact, before the Civil War, the South was richer than the North, and was one of the most prosperous regions in the entire world. The power and influence of the region from that era is still visible today.

Our trip started in Atlanta. From there, we drove 5 hours to Charleston, then 2 hours south to Savannah, and then back to Atlanta. It was a manageable 5-6 day trip that provided us with a good overview of the South’s oldest and finest cities. In Atlanta we explored the World of Coke museum, the CNN Center, and several other museums relating to the Civil War. In Charleston, we visited 2 plantations – Magnolia and Boone Hall. In Savannah, we strolled through squares, climbed a lighthouse on Tybee Island, and dined at the Pink House. Through it all, I drank large amounts of sweet tea, which is thoroughly refreshing on hot, humid days.

So sit back and relax as I take you through sprawling oak trees, buzzing cicadae, warm buttered biscuits, and stately Georgian mansions as we explore the South’s most historic cities in the days to come.