WELCOME TO ATLANTA!

Atlanta is well-known for its southern hospitality and charm. You can enjoy the weather (typically in the mid-to-high 60s during March) and see all that downtown Atlanta has to offer.

HYATT REGENCY ATLANTA

The 14th Annual NACCU Conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel. The Hyatt is on Peachtree Street in the heart of downtown Atlanta. The Hyatt is a stunning hotel, with a 22-story atrium, bubble elevators, and a contemporary design (see photo at right). The hotel has just completed a $22 million renovation campaign that included guestroom innovations and technology upgrades to enhance the overall guest experience. 

PEACHTREE CENTER

Peachtree Center is connected to the Hyatt by a covered "sky bridge" and contains a mall, eateries, and six full-service restaurants. www.peachtreecenter.com

MARTA and GROUND TRANSPORTATION

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is Atlanta's state-of-the-art public transportation system and includes trains and buses that cover the city and will take you anywhere you want to go. The cost is $1.75 for a one-way fare or $13 for a weekly TransCard with unlimited rides. www.itsmarta.com

In addition to MARTA, there were free shuttles available in the evening which ran from the hotel to local entertainment venues.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

APEX Museum
An acronym for African American Panoramic Experience, the APEX seeks to show history from the African-American perspective. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.apexmuseum.org
Distance from Hotel: 1 mile

Atlanta History Center
The history center tells the story of Atlanta, the South and the Civil War in its permanent exhibitions. After you view the exhibits, tour the gardens and the historic homes: the Swan House and Tullie Smith Farm. Parts of the center are appealing to children -- in particular the 1845 farmhouse. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5:30 p.m. Sunday. www.atlhist.org
Distance from Hotel: 7.8 miles

Centennial Olympic Park
Engraved brick pathways and the famous Olympic Rings fountain make this park a great place to meet, catch an occasional free concert or just take in an interesting ground-level view of downtown and Midtown.Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. www.centennialpark.com
Distance from Hotel: A little over 1/2 mile; about a 10 minute walk

CNN Center
Tour the network that started the 24-hour news craze - in 40 minutes. You'll see CNN special effects studios, Headline News and International News studios. Call at least a day ahead for tour reservations. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. www.cnn.com/studiotour
Distance from Hotel: Less than 1 mile

Georgia Aquarium
The world's largest aquarium aims to blow you away with five galleries representing life in the sea. Whale sharks, beluga whales and a huge coral reef are among the star attractions. Hours: 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 9 a.m.– 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. www.georgiaaquarium.org
Distance from Hotel: Less than 1 mile

High Museum of Art
Architect Richard Meier designed the large white building on Peachtree Street, next door to the Woodruff Arts Center. Its permanent collection is noted for significant holdings of 19th- and 20th-century American art. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. www.high.org
Distance from Hotel: Just over 2 miles

Jimmy Carter Library and Museum
Visitors can see a replica of the 1976 Oval Office that is so accurate it has been used in films. There are dozens of exhibits packed with information about Carter's policies, his day-to-day life in the White House, and complex issues such as the Iran hostage crisis, the SALT II arms control agreement and human rights. Carter's Nobel Peace Prize is also on display. Hours: 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Monday - Saturday; noon - 4:45 p.m. Sunday. www.jimmycarterlibrary.org
Distance from Hotel: About 5 miles

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and King Center
The birthplace of the revered civil rights leader, plus Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he delivered his first sermon, are tied together by a Visitors Center that tells the story of King's life. The surrounding 68-acre preservation district includes Sweet Auburn, the economic and cultural center of Atlanta's black community during much of the 20th century. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. www.nps.gov/malu
Across the street from the historic site operated by the National Park Service is the privately operated memorial and gravesite of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., established in 1968 by his widow, Coretta Scott King. Even if you don't go inside to see the collection of King's personal effects, you can spend a quiet moment at his crypt. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. www.thekingcenter.org
Distance from Hotel: About 1 1/2 miles

Stone Mountain Park
Southern history, natural beauty and theme-park amusement come together at this publicly owned, privately operated property. The centerpiece is Stone Mountain, a huge granite outcropping sporting a carved tribute to three Confederate heroes. Attractions include the 19th-century theme town Crossroads, a sky lift to the top of the mountain, a scenic railroad and several museums. In the summer, stay after dark for the “Lasershow Spectacular.”  www.stonemountainpark.com
Distance from Hotel: 17 1/2 miles

Underground Atlanta
If you are looking for some nightlife, check out Underground Atlanta. A variety of clubs, restaurant, entertainers, and excitement awaits you. http://www.underground-atlanta.com/
Distance from Hotel: About 1 1/2 miles

World of Coca Cola
Atlanta is the home of Coke. You can discover the history and sample the future of the world's most popular soft drink. See Coke memorabilia and buy Coke stuff! http://www.woccatlanta.com/
Distance from Hotel: Less than 1 mile

Zoo Atlanta
This is where the world-famous pandas Lun Lun and Yang Yang live. When the pandas doze, you can check some of the other 249 species represented here, including Starlet O'Hara the painting elephant, and Jalal the Sumatran tiger. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. www.zooatlanta.org

"Walk There" Map - Map of downtown attractions with directory (PDF)