Having lived in several places in the United States, I have become aware at how often we do not visit those sites in our own backyards. We have lived in our current location for about eight months, and I have visited only two or three historic or landmark sites. It is not because I am not interested in visiting any other sites. I have simply found that because they are there everyday, I do not consider them exciting.
You probably have this attitude, too, but you can change it. You can begin to visit your own local area as a tourist. It is best, of course, to pretend that you are a tourist. Do not speak to the other tourists as if you have lived here for 20 years. Remember that you are visiting places for the first time. Forget about what your friends and neighbors have said about their visit. See for yourself.
You can begin your local travel plans by checking out your local chamber of commerce. Most of them have websites, but you have the added benefit of being nearby. Stop in and pick up brochures of the local attractions you think may be interesting. Read the brochures, visit the places online, and then map out your plans. Do it as if you are planning an actual trip. You will be in the spirit of travel and will approach the weekend (or day) with more fervor.
Note the times and cost of everything you want to do. Then you will be able to plan where you want to go and when. Although you can start early, come home for lunch, and head back out, consider making a day of it. Leave your home early. If nothing opens before 10 (which is likely), then start with a walking tour. Most even moderately-sized towns have walking tours of historic districts. Go back and read the placards. Enjoy the morning air.
Once you start your visits, you should be curious. Ask as many questions as you want or need. Spend time checking everything out. Do not tell yourself that you can come back later for the special movie presentation at the museum. See it today! Have a good time being a tourist in your own town.
For lunch, you should go to a local restaurant. Although you certainly know the local flavor, you should think about a place that represents your town. If there is a diner that has been around for 75 years, then you may want to stop by. You could try the restaurant that serves only local cuisine. Avoid fast food or chain restaurants. Remember that you are trying to keep yourself in the spirit of being a tourist in your own town.
Spend the rest of the afternoon visiting another location or two. Walk downtown to visit local shops, perhaps get a head-start on gift shopping. If there is something you have always wanted to know about, now is the time to check it out. Once you are done for the day, you have the luxury of going home to your very own bed instead of checking into a hotel. You will be able to sit back and relax after a wonderful day of visiting your own local tourist attractions.
Do not forget to buy souvenirs and take photos. While you probably do not want to buy expensive souvenirs, at least pick up a few postcards. Your children will enjoy using them to make a scrapbook of the day or to send to Grandma. You can take pictures and create a little album so that you will have a record of the visits.
These little hometown tourism trips should be part of your family ritual. Instead of just vegging out every Saturday, take a few to visit local places. It will keep everyone entertained, and it will be inexpensive. For less than $50, you can take the whole family to a couple of museums and to see some outdoor (FREE!) exhibits and monuments. Take advantage of what is around you. Learning about your local area is a wonderful way to feel more a part of the community. Plus, your children will get a kick out of doing something fun, and you will know that it also was educational.
By Julia Mercer
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Basic Travel Tips to Make Vacation Less Stressful
Traveling is absolutely one of my favorite things to do. Every time I go on a trip, no matter whether it is a short or a longer excursion, I seem to come away with some tidbit of information that will be helpful in the future.
One of the most important things I have learned is that doing your homework ahead of time by researching your intended destination is imperative. It not only saves a lot of stress and time, but it can end up saving you some money as well.
So what will you need to research exactly? You will want to know the route you will use for one thing. This is a lot easier when you will be using a major highway or interstate. The best guide I have found that has a lot of great information is a guide for Interstate 95. The highway runs from Maine all the way to and through Florida, so having a guide is a definite asset.
The I95 guide lists all the exits in every state it passes through. If you take a little time to familiarize yourself with the guide, you will be able to chart your progress up or down the I95 corridor. The thing that I have found important about that is that I always know when the next rest stop will be coming up and at which exit it will be found. For a trip of any length more than a couple of hours, seasoned travelers know how important it is to know when those breaks are coming up!
In addition to knowing where the rest stops are located, guides such as the one for I95 also tell you which gas stations and restaurants are found at which exits. I have used this information every time I have gone to Florida and it is totally invaluable. All I need to do is choose a new restaurant and do a little poking around online to find their menu and web page. I also look for recommendations from other travelers for those restaurants. I have found some excellent meals by doing this.
Traveling guides will also tell you which hotels and motels you will find at each exit on the interstate. When you are doing your research, it is especially helpful if you have an idea about which part of the interstate you will be when it is nearly time to call it a night. Check to see which exits have your favorite chain of hotel. If you will be trying out a new hotel or motel, look for online reviews from other travelers. I have saved myself pretty much probable heartache and more than one horrid hotel night by taking the time to do this.
Another thing to "map out" is where the visitor centers are found in the towns or cities to which you are traveling. When I have gone into centers such as that, I am always glad I did. Not only are there often free newspapers, but very often local restaurants put discount coupons at the visitor centers. Sometimes hotels will place discount coupons at visitor centers, too, but most likely you will have already planned for your lodging by that time.
One of the best travel tips that anyone can and should follow is a contradiction of terms. You will be on vacation and you will be a tourist but it is important to not *look* like a tourist when you are out and about in strange locations. This could come in many forms, but pulling out wads of money or obvious travelers checks when other people in the area can see is a clear-cut no no.
Along the same line of thinking, unless you are at a place where you will be taking pictures, do not walk around with a camera around your neck. That reminds me of another great travel tip. When you leave the car to go into a restaurant for a meal, be sure to have things such as cameras, laptops, cd players and so on well covered and out of sight. It might be hard to accept that someone would break into a car in broad daylight especially, but that's what thousands of tourists who are robbed in that very way may have thought before it happened to them.
One of the most important things I have learned is that doing your homework ahead of time by researching your intended destination is imperative. It not only saves a lot of stress and time, but it can end up saving you some money as well.
So what will you need to research exactly? You will want to know the route you will use for one thing. This is a lot easier when you will be using a major highway or interstate. The best guide I have found that has a lot of great information is a guide for Interstate 95. The highway runs from Maine all the way to and through Florida, so having a guide is a definite asset.
The I95 guide lists all the exits in every state it passes through. If you take a little time to familiarize yourself with the guide, you will be able to chart your progress up or down the I95 corridor. The thing that I have found important about that is that I always know when the next rest stop will be coming up and at which exit it will be found. For a trip of any length more than a couple of hours, seasoned travelers know how important it is to know when those breaks are coming up!
In addition to knowing where the rest stops are located, guides such as the one for I95 also tell you which gas stations and restaurants are found at which exits. I have used this information every time I have gone to Florida and it is totally invaluable. All I need to do is choose a new restaurant and do a little poking around online to find their menu and web page. I also look for recommendations from other travelers for those restaurants. I have found some excellent meals by doing this.
Traveling guides will also tell you which hotels and motels you will find at each exit on the interstate. When you are doing your research, it is especially helpful if you have an idea about which part of the interstate you will be when it is nearly time to call it a night. Check to see which exits have your favorite chain of hotel. If you will be trying out a new hotel or motel, look for online reviews from other travelers. I have saved myself pretty much probable heartache and more than one horrid hotel night by taking the time to do this.
Another thing to "map out" is where the visitor centers are found in the towns or cities to which you are traveling. When I have gone into centers such as that, I am always glad I did. Not only are there often free newspapers, but very often local restaurants put discount coupons at the visitor centers. Sometimes hotels will place discount coupons at visitor centers, too, but most likely you will have already planned for your lodging by that time.
One of the best travel tips that anyone can and should follow is a contradiction of terms. You will be on vacation and you will be a tourist but it is important to not *look* like a tourist when you are out and about in strange locations. This could come in many forms, but pulling out wads of money or obvious travelers checks when other people in the area can see is a clear-cut no no.
Along the same line of thinking, unless you are at a place where you will be taking pictures, do not walk around with a camera around your neck. That reminds me of another great travel tip. When you leave the car to go into a restaurant for a meal, be sure to have things such as cameras, laptops, cd players and so on well covered and out of sight. It might be hard to accept that someone would break into a car in broad daylight especially, but that's what thousands of tourists who are robbed in that very way may have thought before it happened to them.
Tips for Reserving the Room You Want
By Christina VanGinkel
Reserving a hotel room is something that hundreds of thousand, even millions of people do each day, yet securing a hotel room that is exactly what you want is not always as easy as it seems. However, there are things you can do to make sure that the room you pay for is the room you want.
Be specific when reserving a room, as to what exactly it is that you want and expect. Do not be vague, and never allow the desk clerk to assign you whatever room they happen to feel like. There will be times when what you are requesting may not be available, such as when you suddenly find yourself stranded on a long layover, and the rooms that are available, are on a very limited basis. Nevertheless, if you are making your reservations well in advance, you should be able to be very specific about what you want your room to be, such as a room or suite, and whether the room is one that allows smoking, or a non-smoking room, but what size bed, even what floor of the hotel the room is located. You can even request things such as a room not facing a parking lot, or a poolside room, etc. When making very specific reservations such as these, be sure to get the specifics in writing, otherwise when you show up, and you are provided keys to a room that do not even come close to what you paid for, you will not have any valid recourses to fall back on. If you want items such as a small fridge, microwaves, or other extras not in every room, also make sure you are clear about these too. Do not make assumptions about things like high-speed Internet access. If you are in need of a service, ask upfront if they have it, and what the limitations may be.
Taking responsibility yourself, as to the hotel's location, and overall condition, is the only way to assure you of things like an ocean view, that poolside room you really wanted, or a room that is not facing a busy parking lot. When a guest makes a reservation, and tells the clerk what it is they expect, as long as the conditions are available, and you agree to the rate that particular room is listed at, there is no reason you have to settle for something less. I cannot tell you how many times I have stood at a hotel counter and overheard another guest try to tell the desk clerk that the room they were provided, was not what they had reserved. If they do not have any proof of what they were expecting, they often do not have a lot of recourse, save for an extremely nice clerk. While that can and does happen, I would certainly not want to hold my breath waiting for it to happen to me.
Never make a reservation or check into a hotel room because of having stayed in another hotel from the same chain. If you have frequently stayed at a certain hotel chain, and always received exceptional service, this will of course bode well for future visits at similar named hotels, but still take the time to check out each hotel on an individual basis. Even some of the most prominent chains, with the best reputations, may have a hotel or two that are not ideally located, or are older than the majority of the chain's holdings, and they may not offer the same exacting standards that you have come to expect from their hotels. Simply taking the time to investigate each hotel on an individual basis can save you a lot of grief in the end.
I made this particular mistake several years ago when traveling with my husband and two of our three children. We made reservations for three nights, in three different hotels, all owned by the same chain. We never asked any particulars, as we had stayed in similar hotels before. Unbeknownst to us until our arrival, the second night of our stay was in a hotel that was actually under a remodel. Hallways were lined with furniture from rooms being torn apart, hammering started quite early, and the staff was all quite frazzled, most likely from other guests, we included, making complaints. When we realized the morning of our departure that the construction workers had jimmied a door open the night before so they could make an early entry to our part of the hotel to start work, I nearly lost it! This was a serious safety issue and I was traveling with my children. Nothing was ever resolved with that particular hotel, but I have learned to ask numerous questions each time I am making a reservation, even for a single night.
Reserving a hotel room is something that hundreds of thousand, even millions of people do each day, yet securing a hotel room that is exactly what you want is not always as easy as it seems. However, there are things you can do to make sure that the room you pay for is the room you want.
Be specific when reserving a room, as to what exactly it is that you want and expect. Do not be vague, and never allow the desk clerk to assign you whatever room they happen to feel like. There will be times when what you are requesting may not be available, such as when you suddenly find yourself stranded on a long layover, and the rooms that are available, are on a very limited basis. Nevertheless, if you are making your reservations well in advance, you should be able to be very specific about what you want your room to be, such as a room or suite, and whether the room is one that allows smoking, or a non-smoking room, but what size bed, even what floor of the hotel the room is located. You can even request things such as a room not facing a parking lot, or a poolside room, etc. When making very specific reservations such as these, be sure to get the specifics in writing, otherwise when you show up, and you are provided keys to a room that do not even come close to what you paid for, you will not have any valid recourses to fall back on. If you want items such as a small fridge, microwaves, or other extras not in every room, also make sure you are clear about these too. Do not make assumptions about things like high-speed Internet access. If you are in need of a service, ask upfront if they have it, and what the limitations may be.
Taking responsibility yourself, as to the hotel's location, and overall condition, is the only way to assure you of things like an ocean view, that poolside room you really wanted, or a room that is not facing a busy parking lot. When a guest makes a reservation, and tells the clerk what it is they expect, as long as the conditions are available, and you agree to the rate that particular room is listed at, there is no reason you have to settle for something less. I cannot tell you how many times I have stood at a hotel counter and overheard another guest try to tell the desk clerk that the room they were provided, was not what they had reserved. If they do not have any proof of what they were expecting, they often do not have a lot of recourse, save for an extremely nice clerk. While that can and does happen, I would certainly not want to hold my breath waiting for it to happen to me.
Never make a reservation or check into a hotel room because of having stayed in another hotel from the same chain. If you have frequently stayed at a certain hotel chain, and always received exceptional service, this will of course bode well for future visits at similar named hotels, but still take the time to check out each hotel on an individual basis. Even some of the most prominent chains, with the best reputations, may have a hotel or two that are not ideally located, or are older than the majority of the chain's holdings, and they may not offer the same exacting standards that you have come to expect from their hotels. Simply taking the time to investigate each hotel on an individual basis can save you a lot of grief in the end.
I made this particular mistake several years ago when traveling with my husband and two of our three children. We made reservations for three nights, in three different hotels, all owned by the same chain. We never asked any particulars, as we had stayed in similar hotels before. Unbeknownst to us until our arrival, the second night of our stay was in a hotel that was actually under a remodel. Hallways were lined with furniture from rooms being torn apart, hammering started quite early, and the staff was all quite frazzled, most likely from other guests, we included, making complaints. When we realized the morning of our departure that the construction workers had jimmied a door open the night before so they could make an early entry to our part of the hotel to start work, I nearly lost it! This was a serious safety issue and I was traveling with my children. Nothing was ever resolved with that particular hotel, but I have learned to ask numerous questions each time I am making a reservation, even for a single night.
Monday, February 06, 2006
A Powerful Draw: A Trip to Our Nation's Capital
Our nation's capital is always a great choice for a family vacation. Not only are there enough activities to keep you and your "munchkins" busy for days, but the city's symbolism and spiritual pull should be experienced by all Americans, young and old. This is where our nation lives and breathes; it's a reminder of what a powerful and beautiful country we live in.
You may be daunted by the traffic that routinely winds its way through D.C. Avoid dealing with road stress by taking a bus tour through the city. Bus tours or plane trips are always an option if you don't want to brave long traffic lines, especially if you live far enough away that a road trip in your vehicle will not be practical.
For a different twist, you may want to try not to focus on the old stand-bys of a trip to Washington D.C. Of course you'll want to visit famous attractions like the Washington Monument, the Wall and the Smithsonian, and you'll want to peek at the White House if you have a chance (I got my first glimpse from a swiftly-moving bus window!) but you might want to find something smaller, less known. It seems like every American family and their mother-in-law winds up at some of these crowd-pleasing attractions. Find some quiet places to explore; they are no less historical, but are considered off the beaten path.
Kids (and adults!) will be fascinated with a visit to the International Spy Museum; it is definitely a different approach to our nation's history and is crammed with educational and historical interest. The International Spy Museum is a high-tech paradise, located in an old brick building that looks as if it jumped right out of the 1930s. Prices are reasonable; $15 for adults (over 12) and $12 for children (ages 4-12). Children younger than 4 are admitted free. The Spy Museum sports a unique gift shop where little spy enthusiasts can get their fill of cool gadgets and souvenirs and an upscale restaurant is located nearby for an unforgettable dining experience.
If you or your children love animals, Washington's Zoological Park (the National Zoo) is a great find. The zoo is part of the Smithsonian complex but feels like a totally different atmosphere as you traipse around taking memorable photos of furry (and not-so-furry) creatures. From flamingos to bears to sea life, there isn't much chance that you won't see whatever animal you may be looking for. Posing with animals makes a great photo op for kids, as long as animals are safely behind their cages! The Zoological Park boasts over 2,000 different animals with countless species and many varieties of birds, reptiles, mammals, etc. Don't miss the zoo's store for some great buys.
For a cultural experience, visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. You certainly don't have to be of the Jewish faith to appreciate the vast number of lives torn apart by the horrendous institution of the Holocaust, which included many countries and resulted in the deaths of many other groups including gypsies and those with certain disabilities. Come here to reflect on the tragic loss and learn about the people killed during the years of World War II. See photographs and special collections and hear amazing stories of survival. Admission is free for the main building and exhibits, but for the large permanent exhibit, you will need a pass.
Most of us have heard of Ford's Theatre throughout our school years, and we know it's the place President Lincoln was assassinated. What many visitors may not know is that, in honor of that beloved president, Ford's Theatre has been reopened and once again puts on performances for awed viewers. Although you won't find hoop skirts and top hats (unless the performers happen to be performing a play about the Civil War era) it will be interesting to both take in a show and take in the history of this morbidly fascinating building. Tickets for most performances range between the $20.00 and $50.00 price scale depending on which event you plan to attend.
Do some research and you may find a unique activity or an event in the area at the time you will be visiting. The best "off the beaten path" thing I ever found was a slow boat ride down the Potomac to Mount Vernon but there are plenty of things to keep you very busy in and around the city.
You may be daunted by the traffic that routinely winds its way through D.C. Avoid dealing with road stress by taking a bus tour through the city. Bus tours or plane trips are always an option if you don't want to brave long traffic lines, especially if you live far enough away that a road trip in your vehicle will not be practical.
For a different twist, you may want to try not to focus on the old stand-bys of a trip to Washington D.C. Of course you'll want to visit famous attractions like the Washington Monument, the Wall and the Smithsonian, and you'll want to peek at the White House if you have a chance (I got my first glimpse from a swiftly-moving bus window!) but you might want to find something smaller, less known. It seems like every American family and their mother-in-law winds up at some of these crowd-pleasing attractions. Find some quiet places to explore; they are no less historical, but are considered off the beaten path.
Kids (and adults!) will be fascinated with a visit to the International Spy Museum; it is definitely a different approach to our nation's history and is crammed with educational and historical interest. The International Spy Museum is a high-tech paradise, located in an old brick building that looks as if it jumped right out of the 1930s. Prices are reasonable; $15 for adults (over 12) and $12 for children (ages 4-12). Children younger than 4 are admitted free. The Spy Museum sports a unique gift shop where little spy enthusiasts can get their fill of cool gadgets and souvenirs and an upscale restaurant is located nearby for an unforgettable dining experience.
If you or your children love animals, Washington's Zoological Park (the National Zoo) is a great find. The zoo is part of the Smithsonian complex but feels like a totally different atmosphere as you traipse around taking memorable photos of furry (and not-so-furry) creatures. From flamingos to bears to sea life, there isn't much chance that you won't see whatever animal you may be looking for. Posing with animals makes a great photo op for kids, as long as animals are safely behind their cages! The Zoological Park boasts over 2,000 different animals with countless species and many varieties of birds, reptiles, mammals, etc. Don't miss the zoo's store for some great buys.
For a cultural experience, visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. You certainly don't have to be of the Jewish faith to appreciate the vast number of lives torn apart by the horrendous institution of the Holocaust, which included many countries and resulted in the deaths of many other groups including gypsies and those with certain disabilities. Come here to reflect on the tragic loss and learn about the people killed during the years of World War II. See photographs and special collections and hear amazing stories of survival. Admission is free for the main building and exhibits, but for the large permanent exhibit, you will need a pass.
Most of us have heard of Ford's Theatre throughout our school years, and we know it's the place President Lincoln was assassinated. What many visitors may not know is that, in honor of that beloved president, Ford's Theatre has been reopened and once again puts on performances for awed viewers. Although you won't find hoop skirts and top hats (unless the performers happen to be performing a play about the Civil War era) it will be interesting to both take in a show and take in the history of this morbidly fascinating building. Tickets for most performances range between the $20.00 and $50.00 price scale depending on which event you plan to attend.
Do some research and you may find a unique activity or an event in the area at the time you will be visiting. The best "off the beaten path" thing I ever found was a slow boat ride down the Potomac to Mount Vernon but there are plenty of things to keep you very busy in and around the city.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Is Georgia on your mind? Visit the Old South!
I can honestly say that Georgia is one of my favorite states of those I have ever visited. It isn't really the attractions as much as the ambiance; warm sunny breezes, beautiful Spanish moss-laden branches swaying, fantastic rivers and swamps, and stately plantation homes. I truly don't believe there is another state that quite shares Georgia's beauty. Of course, although my love for the state goes beyond things to see and do, Georgia certainly has plenty of attractions, not only in the larger cities, but in small-town places as well. Huge cities like Atlanta and Savannah - each with their own distinct charms - have plenty of things to offer vacationing families.
Atlanta
Georgia's huge capital is one of the state's many prime tourist destinations. Attractions are divided between history related sites and more modern things to experience. Atlanta's role in the Civil War is widely known and many Georgians still feel a sense of pride that their ancestors fought in this great conflict. Their respect of fallen heroes is best seen at the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum. Come and see a huge mural rising over 40 feet, showing Atlanta's famous battle near the end of the Civil War. Exhibits and an old steam train at the adjoining museum will be well worth your time.
For another glimpse of Georgia's illustrious past, visit the Atlanta History Center. You will find reconstructions of 19th century life here, contrasting experiences at a farm and a Georgian mansion. Be prepared to thoroughly enjoy the artifacts and many colorful exhibits you will see here. There are also gardens, offering a beautiful glimpse of Georgia's striking natural beauty. Take advantage of the state's wonderful climate and scenery by staying awhile, even if just to soak it all in and relax.
If you have tired of Atlanta's regal heritage and want to get a sense of wonder exploring nature, hop on over to Atlanta Zoo. Atlanta Zoo hasn't stopped growing for decades and will likely continue to do so. From monkeys to rare Chinese pandas, you'll find countless animals here to stimulate your love of the wild. Atlanta Zoo will be a big hit if you're traveling with children.
For an experience that is both educational and fun, try Fernbank Science Center. There doesn't seem to be too much that this place does not have. Here you will learn about Georgia's development spanning thousands of years, and there are aerial exhibits to satisfy little space travelers as well. They even offer an aviation camp on the grounds; if you're not up to the challenge, perhaps you'd enjoy watching other people try their hand.
Savannah
Savannah means different things to different people. To most, it is a luxurious piece of the Old South where time has stood still for 150 years and carriages still carry tourists to visit the city's historical sites. Savannah is all this and more. From architecture to attractions, Savannah has it all. Although it was founded many years before the Civil War, it gained its importance during these turbulent years of the 19th century.
It's impossible to visit Savannah without studying its role in not only the Civil War, but the history of America. For just one of many historical homes open to the public, stop by the Green-Meldrim House. This particular home has significance in Savannah history for being Union General Sherman's temporary center of operations in 1864. It is easy to understand why he chose this particular home; its ancient style of architecture is both unusual and pleasing to the eye. Other homes, such as the graceful Owens-Thomas House, are worth at least driving by on your tour through the town.
Old Fort Jackson is a great place to find Civil War artifacts and get a taste of Georgian life in the 19th century. Fort Jackson is Georgia's oldest military fortification still standing and was built in the early years of the 19th century. It was famous not only in the "War Between the States" but also the War of 1812. The barracks and other parts of Fort Jackson have been carefully preserved.
For history mixed with modern enjoyment, try a haunted pub tour, the old-fashioned city market, a maritime museum, and much more. Whether or not history is your forte, you'll find plenty of things to keep you busy in Savannah.
Atlanta
Georgia's huge capital is one of the state's many prime tourist destinations. Attractions are divided between history related sites and more modern things to experience. Atlanta's role in the Civil War is widely known and many Georgians still feel a sense of pride that their ancestors fought in this great conflict. Their respect of fallen heroes is best seen at the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum. Come and see a huge mural rising over 40 feet, showing Atlanta's famous battle near the end of the Civil War. Exhibits and an old steam train at the adjoining museum will be well worth your time.
For another glimpse of Georgia's illustrious past, visit the Atlanta History Center. You will find reconstructions of 19th century life here, contrasting experiences at a farm and a Georgian mansion. Be prepared to thoroughly enjoy the artifacts and many colorful exhibits you will see here. There are also gardens, offering a beautiful glimpse of Georgia's striking natural beauty. Take advantage of the state's wonderful climate and scenery by staying awhile, even if just to soak it all in and relax.
If you have tired of Atlanta's regal heritage and want to get a sense of wonder exploring nature, hop on over to Atlanta Zoo. Atlanta Zoo hasn't stopped growing for decades and will likely continue to do so. From monkeys to rare Chinese pandas, you'll find countless animals here to stimulate your love of the wild. Atlanta Zoo will be a big hit if you're traveling with children.
For an experience that is both educational and fun, try Fernbank Science Center. There doesn't seem to be too much that this place does not have. Here you will learn about Georgia's development spanning thousands of years, and there are aerial exhibits to satisfy little space travelers as well. They even offer an aviation camp on the grounds; if you're not up to the challenge, perhaps you'd enjoy watching other people try their hand.
Savannah
Savannah means different things to different people. To most, it is a luxurious piece of the Old South where time has stood still for 150 years and carriages still carry tourists to visit the city's historical sites. Savannah is all this and more. From architecture to attractions, Savannah has it all. Although it was founded many years before the Civil War, it gained its importance during these turbulent years of the 19th century.
It's impossible to visit Savannah without studying its role in not only the Civil War, but the history of America. For just one of many historical homes open to the public, stop by the Green-Meldrim House. This particular home has significance in Savannah history for being Union General Sherman's temporary center of operations in 1864. It is easy to understand why he chose this particular home; its ancient style of architecture is both unusual and pleasing to the eye. Other homes, such as the graceful Owens-Thomas House, are worth at least driving by on your tour through the town.
Old Fort Jackson is a great place to find Civil War artifacts and get a taste of Georgian life in the 19th century. Fort Jackson is Georgia's oldest military fortification still standing and was built in the early years of the 19th century. It was famous not only in the "War Between the States" but also the War of 1812. The barracks and other parts of Fort Jackson have been carefully preserved.
For history mixed with modern enjoyment, try a haunted pub tour, the old-fashioned city market, a maritime museum, and much more. Whether or not history is your forte, you'll find plenty of things to keep you busy in Savannah.
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