ATL 2015
Another amazing week spent in ATL for a Primerica Convention! We had a blast and being at the convention is completely indescribable, in an incredible, life changing way, so I won't do that on here, but I have a couple of recordings of our fun for you to watch; and of course photos of all of our adventures from the 4 days.
We stayed a little further from the Dome this time, but within walking distance. We didn't have as great of a view, but I LOVED all the restaurants and the small businesses around us. Many were open after midnight and Dunkin Donuts sold some awesome water bottles right near out hotel, so we didn't have to stand in long lines at the GWCC - where everyone else and their dog was....
There happened to be a MARTA station super close to our hotel, but of course when we landed, we didn't know just HOW close it was, and we decided not to hike the entire block with our luggage, in the 100% humidity - like we did 2 years ago, so we skipped out on MARTA this time and took our first cab ride together, which dropped us off right by the door.
After a short while of walking around the area, we realized that the MARTA station was about 30 feet away and we could have saved on the cab, but it worked out nicely that way because our MARTA cards were pre-loaded for 4 days, so we would have ran out on Sunday anyway - which is the day when we actually used them to get around the city.
When we took our first walk from the hotel, the humidity hit full swing! It's so crazy how you forget that feeling, and after 4 days and gallons of sweat later (that would be Tony, not me), you have to wear a sweater back in Salt Lake. Showers don't help much either, mostly good for getting rid of the smell, but you don't dry off very well, ever...
Every day we got to walk past this beautiful theater, and we got lucky enough to try Indian food in ATL, of all places. The restaurant was super tiny and family owned, but that's where THE best, authentic food is made. We about died, it was so good.
It's called Aamar, on Luckie Street.
Besides attending the convention, we did some touristy things, so here are my recommendations for any of you adventurous out there!
Downtown and Centennial Park
First, stay downtown - everything is within walking distance and all the streets around the big hotels are beautiful and safe. You also, will have PLENTY of hotels in all kinds of price ranges to choose from, so you can be delighted, even on a small budget. Nightlife definitely picks up around 11 pm, and you will always have plenty of places to dine in. Centennial park is right in the midst of the Georgia Dome, the Georgia Aquarium, all the nice hotels and downtown restaurants. It's a beautiful park with a GIANT splash pad for the kids, many trees, tons of places to sit, a burger bar, plenty of grass space, pavilions, night time concerts, and it also serves as a great by-pass on the way to the area attractions, cutting your walking time.
Carriage Rides
While walking from our convention, we stopped to take a carriage ride around downtown. Of course we got extra time besides what we paid for (let me give you a tip - start conversing with your driver, and he will forget all about it), and I totally enjoyed petting their horses and taking a selfie. Besides, they have this Cinderella looking carriage and white Kleisdales, so it's totally romantic! Yeah!
I am a total sucker for any kind of a fun thing, so forgive me for the outrageous excitement over a horse and a carriage, but it was SO fun!
GWCC
The GWCC is where our workshops and the company store were held, along with food for purchase and just a giant spot for hanging out. If you are into walking for miles and miles through a building, this is definitely worth a visit. The first time we came, I was actually impressed by just how insanely giant this building is. I am not kidding - miles in all directions, and impressive high ceilings, even all the way in the basement!
Just to give you an idea, this was just one of our workshops, which held about 12,000 people, in one room. You can't tell from my picture, but there were literally that many people, plus all the ones who came late and had to stand out in the hall....it's crazy!
This is just a small part of our cute little team, as you can tell, we are over the top excited....
Skyview Atlanta
Across the street from the park, near Luckie street, you will also find a giant Ferris wheel called Skyview, Atlanta. If you are not completely terrified of heights, it's a must! I, however, am terrified of heights - mostly the holding still high in the air part, so we paid full price to go around once, and my husband thought it was the most hilarious thing, ever. I warned everybody that we're pushing the emergency button, and the staff was happy to get us out. I didn't look at any of the buildings around us for that same reason, but we did make a video and take gorgeous pics, so here you all go!
I still managed a smile for the camera, though...
Our first night in ATL, we found this wonderful place to dine called, Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint. We just had to try some southern cooking, as most of our other meals had to be fast due to time constraints. This is located right downtown and has a live band every single night. The atmosphere was incredible, everyone around us was singing their hearts out, dancing and having a total blast! We went with some traditional chicken and smoked BBQ wings. A-maze balls!
Coke World
Another great attraction is Coke World, or World of Coca Cola. We skipped it this time, but it's actually pretty interesting, you can see some great products of the past, present and the future, take some sweet pics and of course, do the Coke tasting - which is the best part of the whole thing. If it's your first time - you must try ALL of them! Some flavors, enjoyed by other countries, are incredibly nasty and hence, the experience! Don't forget to wash it down with the regular drink of Coke, or my favorite, Diet Coke!
Georgia Aquarium
In between our workshops, we headed to the Georgia Aquarium. Give yourself a good 3 hours because that place is totally worth it! It's claim is the best aquarium in the country and I think it is! We enjoyed floor to ceiling glass aquariums, the stunning species and the incredible dolphin show. We were actually sad that our kids weren't with us for this one.
My most favorite was the giant tank with whale sharks, manta rays and sting rays. You can see on the video just how enormous this tank is. It's something you can stand up against and dream for hours. On the other side of the tank is the tunnel that you can walk through, but this one has a moving path that you stand on and it will take you through to the end, so you can slowly focus on all the life around you.
The dolphin show was also incredible. Dolphins are such happy creatures and getting soaked with ice cold salt water was a bonus! Not really, but the show really was fun. I even snuck a picture.
ATL Cruzers
This company does electric car and Segway tours, and is located right down on Spring Street on the side of the Double Tree hotel. We didn't have time to do the Segway tour, but we did a 1.5 hours electric car tour and saw the sites in a different way. On this tour you don't get out of the car, but the tour guide is incredible and you see some stunning buildings, homes and neighborhoods that are SO worth visiting. We learned a lot about the history of Atlanta and saw incredible things. I am in love with Atlanta!
This is the area near the underground mall (apparently infamous), the gold on the tower comes from Georgia and the building with the yellow pole was the first Coca Cola museum; we also saw the impressive Coca Cola offices and the owners home (one of many), located within a 2 mile radius of downtown.
This is kind of an industrial area that is slowly reviving and there is a plethora of restaurants and little shops for us to try next time!
Here's the stunning palace of the owners of Coca Cola, or maybe their summer home or something of the sort....
These row houses were built way back in the day and are a huge part of Atlanta's history. They are narrow in stature, something about a bullet being able to pass through every single room when they were shot at. There are still occupants residing in them and the rent goes directly to upkeep the neighborhood and the area around.
This is a very nifty flat iron building. There are many restaurants in the area, a small park, a gorgeous waterfall like fountain and a "haunted" hotel, the Ellis, is right around the corner. The story behind that is, an architect designed the building without any ladders or a fire escape plan, claiming that the material was fire proof. When the building eventually caught on fire, many of its occupants died and the building has since been "haunted". The tour guide swore by this, even though it's a very tragic circumstance, we definitely have to book a room next time!
This is the Ebenezer Baptist church, and the home of Martin Luther King Jr. We later, went back to visit and it's an incredible place.
Georgia Dome
While we were there for Atlanta's biggest convention and the largest financial services distribution company in North America, you can visit the Dome just for fun! There are many sporting events, the Football Hall of Fame nearby and the new Atlanta Braves Stadium which is going to be impressively large when it's all done. We had an amazing time with our company and our teammates. Many big decisions were made, we met incredible people and got to hear from millionaires and the biggest winners in life! It was beyond incredible to once again experience that kind of a positive environment. We are so blessed.
This is just a small bit of 50,000 welcoming our new CEO Glenn Williams. What an incredible time, to be united with thousands of other people, fighting for the same cause. We also got to witness our incredible leaders being inducted into the Hall of Fame - SOOOO amazing, they have set the standards high for the rest of us!
MLK Historic Site
Since this was so close to our hotel, we couldn't pass this up. The MLK historic site is incredible and you can feel an amazing spirit just being there. We took ATL's newest, free, mobile home on wheels to the MLK square, but I will have to tell you, the Streetcar is not worth it - just walk. First, it really doesn't run every 15 minutes like it's supposed to, also, since the streets downtown are so narrow, the track just follows along with all the cars, so you stop at all the red lights, have to wait to turn left and have to break for all the cars in front of you. The track is only 2 miles long, so it's faster to just walk to the particular attraction, if you cut along the right street. However, the only delight from riding the Streetcar that we got were the crazy, hilarious locals! They made our trip enjoyable. On our walk back, my husband got checked out by some male prostitutes - that was exciting, but what can I say, he is a hunk!
First, we walked through and sat in the chapel of the Ebenezer church and then walked around the square to check out the rest of the site.
There is a stunning pool along with the entombment of MLK and Corretta Scott King. Also, a beautiful mural across the street and an amazing visitor center, along with a beautiful church, where music can be enjoyed on Sundays.
You get a small taste of the times, and it's truly incredible to see all the photos and the exhibits.
While we were visiting the MLK historic site, a sudden storm rolled in, and it was one of the craziest we've been in. Not just the insane amount of water, but the thunder right above us was deathly scary! I caught some rain for you to enjoy on video, sadly, didn't catch the thunder - but it was LOUD!
On our last day, while everyone was packing up and racing through the airport, we decided to stall in the gorgeous Atlanta. I'm telling you, it's a city you have to visit at least once. It's kind of a hub for everything and all kinds of people. I guess it's like that in most big cities, but I am sure, those who've lived there or otherwise locals would tell you it's the best place.
High Museum of Art
I am also a sucker for good art. Unfortunately, for now, all we can afford is a museum, but I swear - I will own an original piece of some kind one day! I am obsessed, mostly with European and American art. It's not just looking into the paintings, but in them. It feels like falling backwards in time. Love.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
We rode MARTA a little farther north, then walked about a mile through an amazing neighborhood, alongside a park. Of course on the way back, we found out that we could have come out of the MARTA station on the other side and saved ourselves about a quarter of the way, but you live and you learn.
Atlanta Botanical Garden was on my list of places to visit, and even amidst of the humidity, we had the best time! It's SOOOOOO gorgeous! Actually, all of the city, and I imagine most of the state (?) is as green as can be. The trees are mesmerizing, coming from the desert.
The garden is divided into several areas, or smaller gardens and each is more beautiful than the next.
This entire walkway is like a bridge and rests on a metal pipe that just winds down and around, it's pretty impressive from an architectural stand point.
The herb garden is one of the prettiest, we will have to return to partake in the cooking class right on the grounds, under shaded tables and to enjoy the herbs used in the salads at the Cafe.
We ate lunch right on the grounds, at The Cafe at Linton's. We were expecting just a fast, pick your food and pick a table type of a cafe, but when we walked in, we were surprised by a friendly staff and an elegant restaurant. We both ordered the same thing, called the Midtown. It was basically like a sandwich inside out, but DELICIOUS! Must. go. there. again.
After lunch we enjoyed some more of the garden before boarding our night time flight. Thank you, Atlanta for a wonderful visit!!!!
We stayed a little further from the Dome this time, but within walking distance. We didn't have as great of a view, but I LOVED all the restaurants and the small businesses around us. Many were open after midnight and Dunkin Donuts sold some awesome water bottles right near out hotel, so we didn't have to stand in long lines at the GWCC - where everyone else and their dog was....
There happened to be a MARTA station super close to our hotel, but of course when we landed, we didn't know just HOW close it was, and we decided not to hike the entire block with our luggage, in the 100% humidity - like we did 2 years ago, so we skipped out on MARTA this time and took our first cab ride together, which dropped us off right by the door.
After a short while of walking around the area, we realized that the MARTA station was about 30 feet away and we could have saved on the cab, but it worked out nicely that way because our MARTA cards were pre-loaded for 4 days, so we would have ran out on Sunday anyway - which is the day when we actually used them to get around the city.
When we took our first walk from the hotel, the humidity hit full swing! It's so crazy how you forget that feeling, and after 4 days and gallons of sweat later (that would be Tony, not me), you have to wear a sweater back in Salt Lake. Showers don't help much either, mostly good for getting rid of the smell, but you don't dry off very well, ever...
Every day we got to walk past this beautiful theater, and we got lucky enough to try Indian food in ATL, of all places. The restaurant was super tiny and family owned, but that's where THE best, authentic food is made. We about died, it was so good.
Besides attending the convention, we did some touristy things, so here are my recommendations for any of you adventurous out there!
Downtown and Centennial Park
First, stay downtown - everything is within walking distance and all the streets around the big hotels are beautiful and safe. You also, will have PLENTY of hotels in all kinds of price ranges to choose from, so you can be delighted, even on a small budget. Nightlife definitely picks up around 11 pm, and you will always have plenty of places to dine in. Centennial park is right in the midst of the Georgia Dome, the Georgia Aquarium, all the nice hotels and downtown restaurants. It's a beautiful park with a GIANT splash pad for the kids, many trees, tons of places to sit, a burger bar, plenty of grass space, pavilions, night time concerts, and it also serves as a great by-pass on the way to the area attractions, cutting your walking time.
While walking from our convention, we stopped to take a carriage ride around downtown. Of course we got extra time besides what we paid for (let me give you a tip - start conversing with your driver, and he will forget all about it), and I totally enjoyed petting their horses and taking a selfie. Besides, they have this Cinderella looking carriage and white Kleisdales, so it's totally romantic! Yeah!
GWCC
The GWCC is where our workshops and the company store were held, along with food for purchase and just a giant spot for hanging out. If you are into walking for miles and miles through a building, this is definitely worth a visit. The first time we came, I was actually impressed by just how insanely giant this building is. I am not kidding - miles in all directions, and impressive high ceilings, even all the way in the basement!
Just to give you an idea, this was just one of our workshops, which held about 12,000 people, in one room. You can't tell from my picture, but there were literally that many people, plus all the ones who came late and had to stand out in the hall....it's crazy!
Skyview Atlanta
Across the street from the park, near Luckie street, you will also find a giant Ferris wheel called Skyview, Atlanta. If you are not completely terrified of heights, it's a must! I, however, am terrified of heights - mostly the holding still high in the air part, so we paid full price to go around once, and my husband thought it was the most hilarious thing, ever. I warned everybody that we're pushing the emergency button, and the staff was happy to get us out. I didn't look at any of the buildings around us for that same reason, but we did make a video and take gorgeous pics, so here you all go!
I still managed a smile for the camera, though...
Our first night in ATL, we found this wonderful place to dine called, Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint. We just had to try some southern cooking, as most of our other meals had to be fast due to time constraints. This is located right downtown and has a live band every single night. The atmosphere was incredible, everyone around us was singing their hearts out, dancing and having a total blast! We went with some traditional chicken and smoked BBQ wings. A-maze balls!
Coke World
Another great attraction is Coke World, or World of Coca Cola. We skipped it this time, but it's actually pretty interesting, you can see some great products of the past, present and the future, take some sweet pics and of course, do the Coke tasting - which is the best part of the whole thing. If it's your first time - you must try ALL of them! Some flavors, enjoyed by other countries, are incredibly nasty and hence, the experience! Don't forget to wash it down with the regular drink of Coke, or my favorite, Diet Coke!
Georgia Aquarium
In between our workshops, we headed to the Georgia Aquarium. Give yourself a good 3 hours because that place is totally worth it! It's claim is the best aquarium in the country and I think it is! We enjoyed floor to ceiling glass aquariums, the stunning species and the incredible dolphin show. We were actually sad that our kids weren't with us for this one.
My most favorite was the giant tank with whale sharks, manta rays and sting rays. You can see on the video just how enormous this tank is. It's something you can stand up against and dream for hours. On the other side of the tank is the tunnel that you can walk through, but this one has a moving path that you stand on and it will take you through to the end, so you can slowly focus on all the life around you.
The dolphin show was also incredible. Dolphins are such happy creatures and getting soaked with ice cold salt water was a bonus! Not really, but the show really was fun. I even snuck a picture.
ATL Cruzers
This company does electric car and Segway tours, and is located right down on Spring Street on the side of the Double Tree hotel. We didn't have time to do the Segway tour, but we did a 1.5 hours electric car tour and saw the sites in a different way. On this tour you don't get out of the car, but the tour guide is incredible and you see some stunning buildings, homes and neighborhoods that are SO worth visiting. We learned a lot about the history of Atlanta and saw incredible things. I am in love with Atlanta!
Georgia Dome
While we were there for Atlanta's biggest convention and the largest financial services distribution company in North America, you can visit the Dome just for fun! There are many sporting events, the Football Hall of Fame nearby and the new Atlanta Braves Stadium which is going to be impressively large when it's all done. We had an amazing time with our company and our teammates. Many big decisions were made, we met incredible people and got to hear from millionaires and the biggest winners in life! It was beyond incredible to once again experience that kind of a positive environment. We are so blessed.
This is just a small bit of 50,000 welcoming our new CEO Glenn Williams. What an incredible time, to be united with thousands of other people, fighting for the same cause. We also got to witness our incredible leaders being inducted into the Hall of Fame - SOOOO amazing, they have set the standards high for the rest of us!
MLK Historic Site
Since this was so close to our hotel, we couldn't pass this up. The MLK historic site is incredible and you can feel an amazing spirit just being there. We took ATL's newest, free, mobile home on wheels to the MLK square, but I will have to tell you, the Streetcar is not worth it - just walk. First, it really doesn't run every 15 minutes like it's supposed to, also, since the streets downtown are so narrow, the track just follows along with all the cars, so you stop at all the red lights, have to wait to turn left and have to break for all the cars in front of you. The track is only 2 miles long, so it's faster to just walk to the particular attraction, if you cut along the right street. However, the only delight from riding the Streetcar that we got were the crazy, hilarious locals! They made our trip enjoyable. On our walk back, my husband got checked out by some male prostitutes - that was exciting, but what can I say, he is a hunk!
First, we walked through and sat in the chapel of the Ebenezer church and then walked around the square to check out the rest of the site.
There is a stunning pool along with the entombment of MLK and Corretta Scott King. Also, a beautiful mural across the street and an amazing visitor center, along with a beautiful church, where music can be enjoyed on Sundays.
While we were visiting the MLK historic site, a sudden storm rolled in, and it was one of the craziest we've been in. Not just the insane amount of water, but the thunder right above us was deathly scary! I caught some rain for you to enjoy on video, sadly, didn't catch the thunder - but it was LOUD!
On our last day, while everyone was packing up and racing through the airport, we decided to stall in the gorgeous Atlanta. I'm telling you, it's a city you have to visit at least once. It's kind of a hub for everything and all kinds of people. I guess it's like that in most big cities, but I am sure, those who've lived there or otherwise locals would tell you it's the best place.
High Museum of Art
I am also a sucker for good art. Unfortunately, for now, all we can afford is a museum, but I swear - I will own an original piece of some kind one day! I am obsessed, mostly with European and American art. It's not just looking into the paintings, but in them. It feels like falling backwards in time. Love.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
We rode MARTA a little farther north, then walked about a mile through an amazing neighborhood, alongside a park. Of course on the way back, we found out that we could have come out of the MARTA station on the other side and saved ourselves about a quarter of the way, but you live and you learn.
Atlanta Botanical Garden was on my list of places to visit, and even amidst of the humidity, we had the best time! It's SOOOOOO gorgeous! Actually, all of the city, and I imagine most of the state (?) is as green as can be. The trees are mesmerizing, coming from the desert.
The garden is divided into several areas, or smaller gardens and each is more beautiful than the next.
The herb garden is one of the prettiest, we will have to return to partake in the cooking class right on the grounds, under shaded tables and to enjoy the herbs used in the salads at the Cafe.
We ate lunch right on the grounds, at The Cafe at Linton's. We were expecting just a fast, pick your food and pick a table type of a cafe, but when we walked in, we were surprised by a friendly staff and an elegant restaurant. We both ordered the same thing, called the Midtown. It was basically like a sandwich inside out, but DELICIOUS! Must. go. there. again.
After lunch we enjoyed some more of the garden before boarding our night time flight. Thank you, Atlanta for a wonderful visit!!!!
