We are excited to be hosting this year’s Preparedness Summit in Downtown Atlanta, the home of one of the largest business districts in the Southeast. The downtown area offers numerous tourist attractions, entertainment centers, restaurants, hotels and other businesses, all within walking distance of your hotel! Here are just a few you might find to be of interest.
Restaurants:
AG – Offering a modern steakhouse concept in the heart of downtown, AG draws inspiration from the renowned hospitality and splendid food the South is famous for.
White Oak – Check out White Oak’s contemporary cuisine, prepared using fresh ingredients from inland Southern regions. The hospitality and ambiance are locally inspired, and the cocktails and wines are classic yet fresh.
Twin Smokers – This destination offers Southern-style barbecue along with fresh sides, craft beers and strong cocktails.
Thrive – Where food, drink and lounge meet, Thrive has been pleasing taste buds from around the world with award-winning dishes and specialty cocktails since 2007.
Gibney’s Pub – Gibney’s is the local neighborhood bar, situated right in Downtown Atlanta. Its famous Chili Frito Pie will have you coming back for more.
Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint – Enjoy all that Sweet Georgia has to offer, with its fusion of the South’s rich musical heritage, famous hospitality, and excellent food and drink.
Attractions:
Georgia Aquarium – Join us on Monday May 7, 2018, as we tour the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The aquarium’s 10 million gallons of water are home to both freshwater and marine life, including Beluga Whales and Whale Sharks. In addition, enjoy the aquarium’s famous Dolphin show.
Center for Civil and Human Rights – Located in Downtown Atlanta, the Center is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the ongoing American Civil Rights Movement with today’s Global Human Rights Movements.
World of Coca-Cola – Experience the history of the world’s most famous beverage brand. View more than 1,200 artifacts and get a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process.
Centennial Olympic Park – This 21-acre park serves as Georgia’s lasting legacy of the Centennial Olympic Games, and illustrates ongoing efforts to revitalize residential and commercial development in Georgia’s capitol city.
SkyView – Towering 20 stories above Centennial Park, the Skyview Ferris Wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas that offer breathtaking views of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – A multi-purpose venue, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium serves as the home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC. The stadium will also host Super Bowl 2019.
CNN Center – The Center is the world headquarters of CNN, housing its main newsroom; studios for several of CNN’s news channels are also located in the building. CNN offers 50-minute walking tours where guests can experience how the newsroom operates on a daily basis.
Tip: Make sure to check out Latitudes, CNN’s bistro and lounge, with spectacular views of Centennial Olympic Park.
College Football Hall of Fame – This engaging, interactive museum offers complete immersion into all things college football.
Nightlife:
Polaris – Located at the top of the Hyatt Regency–where our Preparedness Summit is hosted this year–you’ll find the legendary “Blue Dome” rotating restaurant and lounge. Delight in Polaris’ panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline while you enjoy their handcrafted cocktails.
Skylounge – A sophisticated rooftop lounge, the Skylounge is located atop the historic boutique Glenn Hotel.
Sun Dial – The Sun Dial is Atlanta’s tri-level complex featuring a revolving upscale restaurant where diners can enjoy the 360-degree, panoramic views of Atlanta’s skyline.
Red Phone Booth – A “Prohibition Experience,” the Red Phone Booth features an extensive, classic craft cocktail suite. Guests gain entry to the speakeasy by securing a secret phone number, entering a red London phone booth, and dialing the secret number.
Getting Around Downtown
Downtown Atlanta offers numerous ways to get around the downtown and elsewhere within the metropolitan area. This transportation hub includes many MARTA stations, easy highway access from the 75/85 Connector and I-20, as well as cabs and rideshare options. Downtown is a 20-minute ride from the airport. Downtown is serviced by the following MARTA stations:
- Peachtree Center — North line, business district
- Five Points — Hub of all lines, close to Underground Atlanta and government buildings
- Georgia Dome/Philips/GWCC — West line, recommended for visits to arenas, Centennial Park and the Georgia Aquarium, though you can also walk to these areas from Peachtree Center
Taking advantage of the places and happenings listed above can help ensure you have a fantastic and memorable time in Atlanta.
I hope you have a wonderful time at the 2018 Preparedness Summit and enjoy getting to know what I consider to be one of the best cities in the U.S.
I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!
