Only one place can boast as the world's largest aquarium and have a months-long waiting list for one of its exhibits- and that's the Georgia Aquarium. Safe to say it's one of Atlanta’s most popular destinations, pulling in millions of sightseers from around the world, and drawing even the likes of celebrities to its 550,000 square feet facility. It boasts a whopping eight million gallons of aquatic life, including over 100,000 exotic mammals from 500 different species.

Local visitors and tourists alike are overcome with wonder and excitement when exploring the scenic paths of more than 60 exhibits – with the main attraction being the Ocean Voyager. The Ocean Voyager exhibit houses thousands of fish including whale sharks, zebra sharks, sawfish, bowmouth guitarfish and humphead wrasses. Offering a swim and dive program, novice guests can take a dip with these gentle giants as their voyage with the largest fish in the world comes complete with mask, fins, booties and wet suit to round out your scuba gear. Skilled water enthusiasts can take an even bigger plunge as certified divers can journey underwater.  If being hands-on isn’t your thing, watch all the action through a picturesque window.

Such an adventure is bound to work up an appetite for Café Aquaria – the resident eatery – which serves up traditional classics like burgers and fries, pizza and ice cream, or onsite catering from Wolfgang Puck, where you can gaze into an eye-popping backdrop of fish.  It also hosts special events from weddings to Mother's Day brunches. What other restaurant allows you to swim or just eat Wolfgang Puck in the company of sharks?

This is the perfect opportunity to experience Atlanta's art scene inside and out! Take a self-guided tour of the galleries — with no beginning or ending point — and move at your own pace as you soak up some fabulous contemporary Southern art. With its growth, First Thursdays has become more than just an arts walk. It's an event where singles can meet, business people can unwind, and couples can enjoy the beauty of downtown Atlanta’s landscape. Each month you're invited to stroll through magnificent buildings and streets to enjoy the beauty of Downtown and the gallery experience. Come take a walk with us the First Thursday of each month, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. First Thursdays ArtsWalk has grown with new programs and additional venues so that art lovers can view the arts, tour the historic districts of Downtown and enjoy various discounts at Downtown restaurants. Click here for more information.

Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most popular attraction and features a wide variety of family activities. Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, adventure awaits as you discover interactive family friendly attractions and many natural and historical sights. Plus you won’t want to miss dozens of fun annual events such as Spring FUN Break, Summer at the Rock, Yellow Daisy Festival, Indian Festival and Pow-Wow, Stone Mountain Christmas and Snow Mountain. Stone Mountain activities are suitable for all ages You can play in the spray or stay high and dry on the all-new Geyser Towers®. Or trek through the treetops on SkyHike®, the nation's largest adventure course. Take a cable car to the top of Stone Mountain and get an up-close look at the Stone Mountain Carving. Relax on the scenic train ride around the mountain. And end your day at the world's largest laser light show featuring a fantastic fireworks finale! Visit stonemountainpark.com/ for more information.

You don't have to travel to Africa to view authentic African art. A family business owned and operated by Keith Washington and Wallene Jones since 1981. Originally located in New York, we have been in business in Atlanta since 1997. The staff at the Gems of Africa Gallery is dedicated to presenting you the best of African Art. To ensure the quality of their merchandise and to keep abreast of new artists and artifacts available, they travel to Africa twice a year and hand pick all of the items for the gallery. Many of the artists that they deal with are not interested in the marketing aspect of the business, so they provide the marketing expertise for them. They are Atlanta's leading resource in contemporary African art. Featuring original paintings, Shona sculptures, Tribal masks, South African pottery, Ngwenya Glass and many other items which are all hand crafted in Africa. Although they carry art from many countries in Africa, we specialize in original art and sculpture from South Africa and Zimbabwe. Although the actual retail gallery closed at the end of May, the online gallery is free for you to view at gemsofafricagallery.com. Feel free to contact Keith or Wallene at 404-876-8200.

Atlanta's Georgia Dome is a familiar name to sports fans. Not only is the Georgia Dome the home stadium for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons football team, the Georgia Dome has hosted some of the sporting world's most exciting athletic events since opening in 1992.

The roster of Georgia Dome sporting events features the 1996 Olympic Games (basketball and gymnastics), the Super Bowl (1994 and 2000), professional wrestling and bull riding and the 2013 NCAA Men's Final Four basketball Tournament, which was here in 2007 as well. Annual events held at the Atlanta Georgia Dome include the SEC Football Championship, the Atlanta Football Classic, Honda's Battle of the Bands and the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

In addition to being a world-class sports arena, the Georgia Dome has been the setting for concerts by such artists as the Rolling Stones and the Backstreet Boys. Atlanta's Georgia Dome has also hosted religious gatherings with Billy Graham and T.D. Jakes.

The Georgia Dome's illustrious résumé is matched only by its vital statistics. Atlanta's Georgia Dome covers 8.9 acres, stands as tall as a 27-story building and is the world's largest cable-supported domed stadium. Its athletic field measures 102,000 square feet. Seating at the Georgia Dome totals 71,250 permanent seats, with 203 executive suites, 4,600 club suites and a penthouse suite.

Visit gadome.com for schedules and information.

Journey into the heart of CNN Worldwide for an exciting glimpse of news and broadcasting in action! The Inside CNN Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes of the Global Headquarters of CNN in Atlanta.Journey into the heart of CNN Worldwide for an exciting glimpse of news and broadcasting in action! The Inside CNN Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes of the Global Headquarters of CNN in Atlanta.

Admission Prices Inside CNN Studio Tour Adult $15 Senior (65+): $14 Student: $14 (13 - 18, or with valid college ID) Child: $12 (ages 4 - 12) Group $13 (per person with 20+ people) Youth Group $9 (per person, ages 4 - 12, 20+ people) Military Free with Active Duty ID Tour operators call 404.827.2300 for pricing information. Buy your tickets online through MuseumTix Specialty Tours Inside CNN VIP Tour $35 Purchase Tickets Morning Express Tour $49 Purchase Tickets Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by calling 404.827.2300 or toll free at 1.877.4CNNTOUR. Buy Tickets Tour pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

The Miami Design District is home to many upscale specialty home furnishing stores and Baltus, with a corner location in the main artery of the area has the market cornered when it comes to must have items. The hand crafting of their contemporary high-end furniture and attention to materials, size and shape make the pieces a unique addition for any home. Clean lines and meticulous construction are key here and although a majority of the designs are square and sharp edged, there are a few of them inspired by other eras like the Picasso chair with French style legs, back and seat. Elegant screens are also available for rooms where privacy is needed and the variety of shelves, bookcases and tables are perfect storage units. Baltus is located at 3925 North Miami Ave., Miami, FL

Best known for housing the apartment where Margaret Mitchell wrote the classic Gone With the Wind, this turn of the century building is a haven for literary buffs. Where else can you feast your eyes on the very apartment where, ‘Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn!’ was conceived, during a guided tour, and check out a full GWTW movie exhibition, too? Located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, The Margaret Mitchell House offers a unique glimpse into the author's Southern roots and everything GWTW. You can take a piece home with you, because it features a unique gift shop, including Gone With the Wind-inspired figurines from the San Francisco Music Box Company. Polonaise holiday ornaments of Scarlett, Rhett, Ashley, and other legendary characters are also available for purchase. The Literary Center offers, among others things, writing workshops for kids and adults. Special events are also held at the home, including weddings and corporate events. Insider's Tip: As an added bonus, purchase a Dual Ticket to the Margaret Mitchell House and the Atlanta History Center and save 25% when visiting these two must-see attractions for one low price. Go ahead, get your history on because as Scarlett so aptly said, ‘After all…tomorrow is another day." Click here for more information.

With its renowned collection of classic and contemporary art and award-winning architecture by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, the High Museum of Art has grown from its origins in a stately home on Peachtree Street to become the leading art museum in the southeastern United States. The High Museum of Art is the leading art museum in the southeastern United States. Located in Midtown Atlanta’s arts and business district, the High has more than 12,000 works of art in its permanent collection. The Museum has an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American art; significant holdings of European paintings and decorative art; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography and African art. The High is also dedicated to supporting and collecting works by Southern artists and is distinguished as the only major museum in North America to have a curatorial department specifically devoted to the field of folk and self-taught art. Visit high.org for schedule and information.

Less than a decade old, the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra's youth represents its modern approach and audience. The volunteer, non-profit Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra differs in that its all-inclusive members either identify with the LGBT community or are LGBT-friendly. Conducted by Mirna Ogrizovic-Ciric, a Berry College professor who was born in Croatia but grew up in Serbia, the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra’s main goal is to share beautiful music that is inclusive of all. To that end, the group has delighted audiences by performing compositions from heavyweights such as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and Haydn. Guest soloists have been as impressive as its classical repertoire and include pianist Paolo André Gualdi, who grew up in Italy and has received great praise in Europe and the U.S., as well as Martin Gueorguiev, a cellist who earned first prize at Bulgaria’s National Competition for German and Austrian Music. When it comes to spreading beautiful music in Atlanta, the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra remains in a class of its own.

A trip to the museum has always seemed to be a silent, introspective experience a.k.a. not a hangout spot. The Fernbank Museum has found a way to spice it up with the Martinis and IMAX Friday night movie series where guests sip on delicious cocktails, dance to live music and nibble on delectable bits all beneath the remnants of the dinosaur dynasty.

Martinis and IMAX, presented by Turner, features films such as The Greatest Places, Wild Ocean and Van Gogh's Brush with the Ocean. This is not your average dinner and a movie; the screen is the world's largest film format at 5 stories high and 75 feet wide. Why not opt a cocktail for a soda? Cocktail favorites include the Frost Bite Martini, Kentucky Cider and the IMAX original. And boring popcorn is replaced by restaurant worthy menu selections including specialty pizzas,  assorted appetizers and desserts.

Click here for more information.

As one of the oldest and largest art galleries in the Southeast, the Alan Avery Art Company has some of the best artwork for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. From sculptures to paintings to photographs, this art gallery is eye candy for the contemporary art lover.

What sets Alan Avery Art Company apart from others, besides its heritage, is the owner Alan Avery's experience. As a trained artist, he has an eye for technique that makes his collection, filled with upcoming regional artists to international celebrities, above and beyond the rest.

Visit alanaveryartcompany.com for more information.

There's no better way to spend an evening than drinking, mingling with friends and enjoying good food. Why not do all those while being entertained by the nation's funniest comics at Uptown Atlanta. They have themed nights depending on special holidays or occasions, so every act is always fresh and new. Uptown Atlanta's patrons don't just come for the jokes, the menu is quite tasty as well. From finger foods to full entrees you won't be laughing on an empty stomach. Located in the heart of the city, minutes from the Georgia Dome you & your friends can head over to the comedy club after a Falcons, Hawks or Thrashers game but reservations are recommended for the weekends shows. It's a great place to see your favorite comedians from BET's Comic View and Comedy Central.

Art Mondays. Wednesday Jam Session. Weekly Open Mics. All of these are the norm for Atlanta's Apache Cafe. Guests can come in mostly any day of the week and express themselves in many forms of art: spoken, writing or by song. Located in the heart of downtown, Apache Cafe opens its doors to those that walk to a different beat, music. If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the talents of others instead of taking the mainstage, be sure to try the menu specials: Bermuda Tacos and Salmon Cakes paired with the Ultimate Apple Martini. Who knows, after a few martinis you may become more daring! Apache Cafe features unique nightly performances as well as seasonal events to get you in the mood for any upcoming holiday. Whether your passion is poetry, song or performing, the Apache Cafe has something to entice all of the above.

Nestled between Friday's Happy Hour and Wednesday Hump Day is Atlanta's First Thursdays Art Stroll. Atlanta was once a city that was pedestrian friendly, however with new outdoor attractions like Atlantic Station and the revamped Underground Atlanta, its giving Atlantans an excuse to park the car and walk. The First Thursdays Art Stroll allows you to not only enjoy the artwork created by local artists, both student and professional, but also appreciate the art of the city.

Started by the Central Atlanta Progress Organization, this is part of the city's initiative to bring the public & private sectors together for better downtown living. From 5-8PM on the first Thursday of each month, art lovers from all walks-of-life can tour historic buildings including the Fairlie-Popular District. Create your own path throughout the downtown scene, but be sure to visit a few hotspots along the way: Rialto Center for the Arts, Paige Harvey Art Studio, and the Museum of Design Atlanta (the only museum in the Southeast dedicated to design).

Grab your friends, park your car, and talk a stroll under the lights of Atlanta's skyline for the First Thursdays Art Stroll.

Now in its 39th season, Atlanta’s nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre, recipient of the 2007 Regional Theatre Tony Award®, is the leading professional resident theatre of the Southeast. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Managing Director Thomas Pechar, the Alliance Theatre is a national theatre with a local address, reaching out annually to almost 200,000 patrons and members of the community. Known for its high artistic standards and national role in creating significant theatrical works, the Alliance launched three Tony Award-winning hits to Broadway: Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida and Alfred Uhry’s The Last Night of Ballyhoo. And in a rare event for a regional theatre, it originated the national tour of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The theatre has premiered more than 50 works including adaptations of Carson McCullers’ The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky. Further evidence of the Alliance’s commitment to new work is found in its nationally recognized Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition, a cutting-edge program introducing student playwrights to professional networks while producing the world premiere of the winning student’s work. The Alliance Theatre also offers extensive education and outreach programs such as the Institute for Educators and the Collision Project for high school students. The Alliance continuously brings Atlanta the finest talent and finest art—proving once again that the Alliance is where great theatre lives. The Alliance Theatre is a division of the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, which also includes the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art, Young Audiences and the 14th Street Playhouse.

Since the city officially purchased it in 1904, Piedmont Park has been Atlanta’s most popular park retreat. This historic stretch of green located northeast of downtown Atlanta is known for its lush treetops and scenic grounds. Paved pathways throughout the park are perfect for ambling along, and scattered benches beckon strollers. The sprawling 186 acre park encompasses the 11.5 Clara Meer Lake, where wildlife has taken up residence and also includes a dog park. This is the ultimate repose from the city’s quotidian hustle and bustle.

Head to Blind Willie’s for a real dose of the blues. Live music sets a riveting yet relaxed tone, and the blues memorabilia lining the walls is testament to the bar’s legendary status. Whether you’re dancing or enjoying the ambiance from a corner table with a beer, you can’t help but feel the soul of this vibrant venue.

Embrace American history at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center. Take your time looking around at original documents from the Carter administration and photographs of the 39^th president throughout the years. Brush up on his foreign and domestic policies, his views on environmental and social issues, and his daily life in the White House. You’ll be a Carter connoisseur by the end of the day!

Visit jimmycarterlibrary.gov for more information.

Root for the home team at this museum in honor of the Atlanta Braves. Brush up on your team facts and become an expert fan!

The Fox Theatre is one of the world’s greatest venues for film and the performing arts. When it opened in the 1920’s, it was described as an outlandish, opulent and grandiose monument to excess. The Atlanta Journal description was a kinder picturesque and almost disturbing grandeur beyond imagination. A mosque like structure, complete with minorities, onion domes and an interior décor of Egyptian grandeur, seated 4,000 people. The interior restored lovingly by the people of Atlanta is a masterpiece. Complete with an indoor Arabian court, it has a sky of flickering stars, spectacular striped canopy overhanging the balconies. The Fox reigns today as a fiercely protected landmark and internationally acclaimed theatre, celebrating more than half a century of film and theatrical productions. From summer film festivals to Broadway shows, the Fox still generates millions of dollars to the Atlanta economy. You can tour the Fox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am and Saturdays at 10 and 11am.

The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is where to go to experience contemporary culture. You’ll find painting, sculpture, music and performances by local, national and international artists. Check their schedule—they’re famous for their artist talks and innovative presentations involving audience participation.

The Center is currently closed for renovation, but will be re-opening on October 19, 2013. Visit the website at thecontemporary.org for more information about events during the summer, and the grand re-opening!