Among the many developments the Olympics left Georgia is the Centennial Olympic Park. Not only was the edifice significant in its sense, but more importantly, the opportunities having the building opened to the city and the state. For one it has turned the city of Atlanta into a top tourist destination because of the activities held at the Park. For another, the Park gave the city a tremendous boost in terms of employment, economy and business. For that alone, the Park is a magnet for tourists, in- and out-state alike and is one of the top Georgia destinations.
The Centennial Olympic Park was developed more than 20 years ago, and opened everyday from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. including holidays except when a private event was being held. Entrance is free unless a special event requires fees or tickets. The park is also near the Coca-cola Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, the Children’s Museum and several others, all of which can be sidetrip destinations after visiting the park.
Among the events that will be held at the Centennial Olympic Park are the ING GA Marathon and Hal Marathon, on March 29. After that is the Wednesday WindDown in April 1 then Music@Noon the next day. Every fourth Saturday is Family Fun Day, which is regular, and so are the yearly Fourth of July celebrations, the Fountain of Rings, and the winter shows Holiday Lights and Skating on Ice. Any season is a good season to visit the Centennial Olympic Park.
For the unscheduled visitor, there are features in the Centennial Olympic Park that may be enjoyed everyday. These are the Fountain of Rings Visitor Center, the Water Gardens, Paralympic Legacy, Allen Family Tribute, Garden Pavilions, Children’s Gardens, Fountainside Café, Amphitheater, Gateway of Dreams, Centennial Plaza, Androgyne Planet, Quilt Plaza, Belvedere, and others. Each of them offers a distinct attraction probably not found elsewhere, one reason tourists come back to them every now and then.
Outside the Park in Atlanta are the CNN Studio, Underground Atlanta and the Dome Tour, which are likewise interesting places to go to on their own.
Georgia is a state filled with exciting places to visit on a tour or vacation. The Centennial Olympic Park is just one of them, although enjoying its offerings can mean more than one day. It can be reached via the Interstate Route 75/85 north to Andrew Young Boulevard then right to Marietta Street. From the north, exit I-75/85 to Williams Street then right to Baker Street. From the west, use I-20 then exit to Spring Street and left to Marietta.
Exploring Atlanta could use up another day at least, so if you are planning to take a vacation, plan on going to the Georgia Centennial Olympic Park and Atlanta, Georgia. In it you will many places and pleasures to discover, in even limit4ed number of days you may have. Exploring both will give you more than several days of tour pleasure and vacation, and let you understand why Atlanta, Georgia and Centennial Olympic Park remain to be top tourist destinations in the country today.
