Atlanta
Thrills & Chills
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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Electrifying events at Atlanta Motor Speedway include the death-defying drama created when over 40 very fast cars "trade paint" on a 1.54-mile oval track. Competition at the speedway also extends beyond NASCAR races to encompass Friday night drag racing, auto-tech seminars, and even driving schools, including the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Plus, the original "extreme" sport is a great way to experience Southern culture. After all, NASCAR's roots run deep in the South.
DRUID HILLS. Some people may find their thrills and chills in more cerebral outings, which makes Fernbank Planetarium a terrific option for a virtual, mind-bending experience. The 500-seat theater is accessible for a minimal fee, and it delivers views of space through the 70-foot dome, along with the added bonus of over 100 special effects. Programs for the family include An Astronomer's Christmas Carol, Beyond the Pyramids, and Comet Crumbs.
GRANT PARK. Zoo Atlanta offers attractions for all ages, including pandas, lions, elephants, and alligators. The usual zoo menu is cast out of the window, however, when held up against Ford African Rain Forest. You can observe the animals in their habitats by looking over the fence into a manmade savanna, or you can go to the viewing theater to see gal and guy gorillas up close through a glass partition. Each creature has its own personality and name to match, making the whole group one big, hairy family!
DOWNTOWN. Georgia Aquarium offers the adventure of a lifetime, allowing visitors to view a whole cast of creatures from the oceans and rivers of the world. The premier attraction, Ocean Voyager, features over six million tons of saltwater occupied by hammerhead sharks, stingrays, giant grouper, and the world's largest fish species, whale sharks. The aquarium itself is also the largest in the world and provides a 100-foot, glass-enclosed walkway through its center and an enormous 23-foot by 61-foot viewing window in its own theater.
MIDTOWN. To some people, passing up a good value is tantamount to treason, which is one reason that going to IKEA is such a thrill. Another is the unique selection of European-designed furniture and home accessories, all at wholesale prices. Discover bedroom suites, dining room and office furniture, and DIY products like counter tops, lighting fixtures, kitchen cabinets, and free-standing wardrobes. Since these bargains can make anyone feel faint, don't forget to fortify yourself with Swedish meatballs and a scrumptious dessert in the store's cafeteria.
DOWNTOWN. Take a stimulating, behind-the-scenes tour of the world's leading news authority at CNN's headquarters in Atlanta. The tour includes visits to the 24-hour news channel's sets, information about the history of news reporting, and an excellent multimedia guide highlighting what goes into making broadcasts. The most thrilling moments, though, could be getting to meet personalities like Anderson Cooper and Lou Dobbs. A final point of interest is seeing artifacts that correspondents have brought back from the field, including old missile parts and the latest trial-of-the-century transcripts.
Advertised as one of the world's five largest antiques markets, Lakewood 400 leaves shoppers' heads spinning with the bargains and rare finds it offers. The 75,000-square-foot market incorporates furniture, carpets, knives, artwork, glassware, jewelry, and odds-and-ends of all varieties. Refreshments, including funnel cakes and burgers, round out what could be a rewarding search for a perfect piece to match your kitchen or bedroom.
AUSTELL. Six Flags Over Georgia excites visitors of all ages with a range of rides, games, and live shows. The Superman: Ultimate Flight and Ninja rides promise maximum thrills, while long-standing favorites like Georgia Cyclone and The Great American Scream Machine are more traditional roller coasters that still pack plenty of punch. Live shows at the park include an R&B retro tribute with songs from stars like Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, as well as the wildly entertaining Wild West Comedy Gunfight.
MARIETTA. A sister park to Six Flags Over Georgia, White Water is located in Marietta, just a few minutes' ride north of the main park. It's just as awesome as the original attraction, offering wet-'n-wild rides like The Cliffhanger, a nine-story freefall culminating in a big splash in the pool below. Plenty of fun for kids awaits at Tree House Island and Little Squirt's Island, and you shouldn't leave without going down The Rapids, a perennial favorite that mimics a raft ride down the Colorado River.
PONCEY-HIGHLAND. Edgy atmosphere and a norm-testing attitude perfectly define The Masquerade. Housed in a renovated turn-of-the-century mill, the club plays host to New Age, pop-funk, and explosive metal bands that keep patrons coming back for more, often three or four times a week. If live music isn't your flavor, come every Thursday for DJs and "Old Wave and Bootylicious" music. The club also features the occasional CD release party. N.B. Cash only at the box office. Big or small, these selections make a city exciting. They include stomach-churning rides at amusement parks, river action-packed rafting trips, and even festivals that titillate the senses. You might also find places that offer once-in-a-lifetime memories, breathtaking views, or unbeatable draws. We'll chime in to let you know what the city holds that you may not have considered at first glance.
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Big or small, these selections make a city exciting. They include stomach-churning rides at amusement parks, river action-packed rafting trips, and even festivals that titillate the senses. You might also find places that offer once-in-a-lifetime memories, breathtaking views, or unbeatable draws. We'll chime in to let you know what the city holds that you may not have considered at first glance.
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