Your Atlanta Must-See List for #HealthyTeen25

Check out these things to do, see, and taste while you’re in town for the Healthy Teen Network annual conference.

Pack your bags and get ready! We’re headed to the peach state. That’s right! Atlanta, GA!

Birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., home to Coca-Cola, and America’s most forested major city. A bustling city full of culture and rhythm, it’s no wonder many people flock to this southern gem for its sights and sounds.

While you’re in Atlanta, October 6-8, for Healthy Teen Network’s 45^th annual national conference, In Solidarity, here are a few things to do, see, and taste on your visit.

While you’re in Atlanta, October 6-8, for Healthy Teen Network’s 45^th annual national conference, In Solidarity, here are a few things to do, see, and taste on your visit.

Enter the World of Coca-Cola

Being down south means you’re now entering Coca-Cola country. Atlanta is the birthplace of the brown fizzy drink. Just a 20-minute ride from the host hotel, the World of Coca-Cola teems with many experiences. From beverage labs to other interactive exhibits, this is a site for all ages.

Explore the History of the Civil Rights Movement

Known for its rich history, Atlanta played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. With various key leaders and organizations calling Atlanta home, it’s often called the “Cradle of the Civil Rights Movement.” Illustrious and historical sites such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights still call Atlanta home to this day.

Established on October 10, 1980, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site was created to preserve, serve, and protect the education and inspiration for future generations. With moving exhibits such as “Children of Courage” and “Courage to Lead,” this site is a learning experience.

Opened in 2014, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a 42,000-square-foot facility located close to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. Just 20 minutes from the hotel, this inspiring museum showcases many iconic exhibits, papers, and artifacts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—including stories from the struggle for human rights around the world and the U.S. civil rights movement. It is also home to many in-depth conversations, dynamic events, and educational training programs.

Observe the Beauty of Nature

After you’ve touched on some of America’s rich history, it’s time to relax and take in a visual feast. The Georgia Aquarium has you covered. With just a 20-minute ride from the conference hotel, you’ll enjoy viewing hundreds of species and thousands of animals spanning the building’s seven major galleries. With exhibits such as the Ocean Voyager tunnel and Glow Nights, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-visit on any trip to the city.

Need to be outdoors and love flowers? The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is your destination.

Spanning 30 acres, this garden has many renowned plant collections, dazzling exhibitions, and beautiful displays. From the delightfully unique Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics to the Skyline Garden, it’s no wonder this is one of Atlanta’s crown jewels.

Take in the Arts and Culture

Still need a bit more culture? Located 14 minutes south of the conference hotel, the High Museum of Art features more than 20,000 works of art. Focused on dynamic exhibits and community engagement programs, it’s no wonder High is the largest museum for visual art in the southeastern United States.

Find Some Good Eats

Now that we’ve done and seen some of Atlanta’s greatest sites, I know we’re famished.

Here are a few eateries located nearest the hotel:

The Fabled: This refined cocktail bar located beside a serene garden and waterfall blends modern with a twist of historic charm.
True Food Kitchen: Delicious by chefs, nutritious by science, and serving everything from super foods to comfort foods.
Cassis: American modern with southern flair style dining located on the lower lobby level of the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead.
The Iberian Pig: Spanish-style tapas located in Buckhead Village.
Louisana Bistreaux Seafood Kitchen: A bit of New Orleans in Georgia, this eatery also offers live music on select nights.

I hope that I’ve provided a small sampling of what Atlanta has to offer outside of our conference! See you all in October for #HealthyTeen25!

PHOTO BY: PCRM DOREGO

Shanise Taylor is a Manager at Healthy Teen Network and is the go-to person for just about any question you could ask, as she runs the office and has a hand in just about every training, event, and of course, the conference. She’s also always ready to share the best tips for exploring her hometown, Baltimore. Read more about Shanise.