The Oglethorpe University Museum of Art features art pieces, both historical and modern, from around the world and strives to educate and inspire visitors with its diverse collection. In addition, it also serves as a valuable resource for Oglethorpe University students, giving them the opportunity to experience arts and culture from throughout the world. The 7,000-square-foot museum features regularly rotating exhibitions, featuring everything from spiritual art to landscape and portrait painting. In addition, the museum hosts various lecture and concert series. Special events and discounts are available to museum members.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center commemorates Dr. King's life and contributions to America's Civil Rights movement. Located a few blocks east of downtown Atlanta, the facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except major U.S. holidays. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The outdoor memorial and the indoor facilities on the center's grounds attract adults and children.
Parking and public transportation at Martin Luther King Jr. Center
The National Park Service operates a free lot adjacent to its Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site across the street from the King Center. The entrance to this lot is on John Wesley Dobbs Ave, a block north of Auburn Avenue. No parking is permitted on Auburn Avenue in the block occupied by the center. The most convenient MARTA public transportation stop is the downtown Five Points train station. The Number 3 Auburn Avenue bus takes you from Five Points to the center in less than 10 minutes.
Best and worst time go to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Sunday morning services at Ebenezer Baptist Church and two other large congregations nearby on Auburn help to make Sundays the worst time to visit. The best times are weekday mornings between opening and lunch hour. Avoid school groups by arriving as soon as the center opens.
Admission to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
The King Center has no admission fees for any of its indoor or outdoor facilities.
Must see/do at Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Visit Freedom Hall which houses the center's gift shop and international art exhibits. Make a tour reservation at the National Park Service Information Desk (across the street from the King Center) to enjoy a glimpse into Dr. King's early life at his birth home nearby.
Other places to visit near Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Detailed and interactive exhibits at the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of civil rights activities in America. Foodies will enjoy the Municipal Market, an urban farmer's market and food court, also called the Sweet Auburn Curb Market by residents.
Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Don't overlook the small firehouse at the intersection of Auburn and Boulevard. It has additional displays related to race relations in American life. Volunteer docents are often available to explain the historical significance of every part of the firehouse's collection.
Author's bio: Carol Luther has lived in Atlanta for 35 years. She has published travel articles in "Diamond" magazine, Arizona Central, USA Today and other websites.
The Fernbank Science Center is owned and run by the DeKalb County School System. It features permanent and visiting scientific exhibits about nature and habitat in Georgia, a rose garden, a rock and mineral walk, library, classrooms and laboratories for school groups, and an observatory with a telescope.
Fernbank is also known for its planetarium and the 65-acre Fernbank Forest.
The Collectible & Antique Chair Gallery is located in the Village of Stone Mountain, between W Mountain Rd. and James B. Mason Memorial Dr. It is an antique furniture gallery and museum which displays various antique chairs, and is famous for having the "World Record Miniature Chair Collection".
In addition to exhibits and programs, which include records, photographs and artifacts documenting the history of Bartow County for more than 200 years, the Bartow History Museum contains archives and research rooms.
The museum's collection begins at the time period when the Native American Cherokee were the area's primary residents. Interactive permanent exhibits detail settlement, Cherokee removal and Civil War strife. Exhibits also show the effects of global events, such as World War II, on Bartow County.
In 2010, the museum relocated to the 1869 Courthouse from its former location at 13 North Wall Street in Cartersville.
Programs include historical workshops, lunch and learn sessions, a summer camp, parents' nights out and a Thursday evening lecture series.
The Millennium Gate serves as a transition, one you notice, between the lakeside row of residences and the boutiques and commercial offices in Atlantic Station. Made of Indiana limestone, the gate extends 100 feet in the air from the three-acre Lake Hylia, and 82 feet from 17th St. Outside, the Romanesque architecture and iron tables and chairs create the feeling of a European plaza. Inside the gate, is a 12,000-square-foot museum with three historically-decorated rooms. The museum features exhibits that highlight Georgia history, architecture, culture and philanthropy.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. The park is 2,923 acres and includes Kennesaw Mountain, along with three historic battlefield areas. Hikers may explore its many trails, which pass by earthworks and Civil War-era cannons. The park also offers educational programs such as the Junior Ranger Program.
Margaret Mitchell's timeless classic Gone with the Wind comes to life in the quaint Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum: Scarlett on the Square. Fans of the book and movie alike will enjoy experiencing the trip back in time to view the many artifacts and collectibles.
Parking and public transportation at the Gone with the Wind Museum
Public parking is available on Mill Street and other nearby streets surrounding the Square. Certain CCT (Cobb County Transit) buses stop at the Square.
Best and worst time to go to the Gone with the Wind Museum
Saturdays tend to the busiest day at the museum along with any time there is a special event at the museum itself or within Marietta Square.
Admission to the Gone with the Wind Museum
The museum is open Monday thru Saturday from 10am - 5pm with the exception of certain holidays. Entry runs $5 - $7.
Must see/do at the Gone with the Wind Museum
The museum features items Dr. Christopher Sullivan has spent decades collecting, everything from movie posters to educational displays to the personal script of Ona Munson to the original Bengaline Honeymoon Gown, worn by actress Vivien Leigh in her role as Scarlett O'Hara in the movie.
Other places to visit near the Gone with the Wind Museum
The Museum is located one block from Historic Marietta Square, which brims with spirit and pays homage to the Civil War. For history buffs, check out the Marietta Museum of History. The Square also boasts 30+ restaurants along with shops, taverns, spots for sweet treats, the beautiful fountain in Glover Park and more.
Insider tip for visitors to the Gone with the Wind Museum
Visit the museum on an afternoon when the Ghosts of Marietta Tours are offered in the Square the same evening (typically Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm) for a full dose of the good old days in the South.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, GA local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
This local museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Marietta and Cobb County. It features everything from Cherokee writings and traditions to tales from the Civil War and military items.
The Marietta Museum of History offers guided group tours, some of which are designed specifically for young children. Seniors and students enjoy discounts and members, active military personnel and children under age five visit for free.
The Georgia Museum of Art is a non-profit art museum that is a part of the University of Georgia. The museum's permanent collection features many paintings, drawings and decorative items, specifically a collection of American paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, American, European and Asian prints and drawings on paper from the 16th through 20th century, Southern decorative arts, Asian art and Italian Renaissance paintings. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum exhibits traveling works of art. It also offers kids programs and tours that are tailored to meet the specific interests of each group, as well as a museum shop that sells books, posters, stationery, jewelry, home decor, music, clothing and games. The museum is available to rent for special events and private parties.
The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History, which is open to the public, also offers membership opportunities. Membership comes with perks such as preferred seating at lecture events, Smithsonian affiliate membership, gift cards that can be used to purchase items at the gift shop and more.
Guided group tours are available every 30 minutes, and groups of 10 or more can book one of the rooms for private events like luncheons, wedding receptions and corporate meetings.
