Atlanta in December

When I heard that Cirque du Soleil's show Odysseo was coming to Atlanta in December, I began a wild search for air fares, hotels and a car. I got a super deal on air fare and dug deep to fill the other parts. I spent the big bucks and bought a Rendevoux ticket for Odysseo and attended opening night. Simply magnificent! No photos were allowed but look here for some shots provided by the show. http://www.cavalia.net/en/odysseo/photos. All I can say is you just gotta see this show!
I bought my Citypass the next day at the Georgia Aquarium. What a marvelous fantasy trip through the world of creatures of the seas and fresh water.
As soon as you enter you are indulged in an underwater experience with fish swimming all around you. I wandered from habitat to habitat and found each area held incredible creatures large and small. The Belugas put on quite a show gracefully sweeping through their beautiful aquarium and frequently coming to the windows to look back at the folks looking in. This is a must see place for everyone young and old!
My next adventure was to Zoo Atlanta. As a wildlife photographer I was in picture heaven! The habitats are so natural and welcoming. The animals seemed very relaxed and peaceful. I was thrilled to see the tigers - including two 5 month old youngsters that insisted on napping so I couldn't get a shot of them. Daddy cooperated though! Who could resist watching a mother Gorilla and her baby as they ranged and munched their way across their habitat.
Babies abounded at the zoo with a baby Giraffe, Gorilla, Meerkats and tigers - what a thrill!!
I didn't stop there - off to the Coca Cola HQ and to my surprise and delight they were heralding the opening of the new Coca Cola Recipe Vault and exhibit. I got one of the first day bottles that commemorates the opening. If you are a Coke memorablia fan this tour is for you!
I was off to Stone Mountain and a scary climb on the Skyride! The view from the top was spectacular. Since it was the Christmas season the park has two different areas that celebrate "Snow Mountain." You can rent an inner tube and zoom down a snow packed man made slope or for the youngsters there is a snow filled play area just itching for a snowball fight.
I ended my four day visit at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Lions and tigers and DINOSAURS! Oh my! I got completely lost in the history of the earth and travelled with Darwin on his exploration of all things wild. I then launched into space at the IMAX Theaters film 'Hubble' for a full afternoon of learning and fun.
I only had four days and managed to fill almost every minute with fabulous places to see - not to mention restaurants galour! Ted Montana's Delmonico steak was to die for. Loved the fresh made crispy dill pickel snacks.
While I didn't fill out my Citypass, it left me with a definite itch to return in the spring to see all those outdoor venues in bloom - and a few more!