5 Attractions to Visit on a Daytrip to Atlanta
by Candace Guelzo - May 18th, 2022
Are you currently stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia and in need of a road trip? Well, you are in luck, as you are only two hours from Atlanta! This is the city General Sherman burnt to the ground in 1864, the location of the 1996 Summer Olympics, and home to the world's busiest--and most efficient--international airport.
Atlanta, Georgia is the perfect destination for a day trip from Fort Benning. Two hours from the base, you can find these entertaining activities for the whole family! Read on to find out the top five daytrip destinations in Atlanta (plus a unique location for a reenlistment ceremony!)
5. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
When traveling with little ones, I understand the need to keep them occupied let them burn out their energy! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a perfect place to allow them to run free.
There are multiple permanent exhibits that allow the little ones in your party to pretend they work at a café, be an artist, construct houses, and so much more. There are changing exhibits as well. Paw Patrol: Adventure Bay will arrive at the museum in Fall of 2022 and stay for roughly six months. Advanced admission tickets are required for each individual in your party, and military discounts only apply when purchasing a membership.
4. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The spectacular Fernbank Museum is a must-see if you are in the Atlanta area. You and your family will be enchanted by the interactive and detailed displays throughout the museum--including dinosaurs, fossils, and scientific discoveries.
The museum contains indoor exhibits such as the “Giants of the Mesozoic” and an interactive STEM Lab. The outdoor exhibits include a beautiful forest with a “Wildwoods” walkway and a fun Dinosaur Plaza. Children under 2 are free with a paid adult, and general admission tickets are discounted for active and retired military. 3D Theater tickets are sold separately, and can be a fun break during your visit.
3. World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta celebrates the world’s love of Coke products by taking you on a tour of the history of the company along with a “behind-the-scenes view of the Coca-Cola bottling process.” If you have not had the chance to sample the different flavors of Coca-Cola from around the world in the “Taste It!” experience, it is an absolutely hilarious and eye-opening opportunity that I encourage you to try. Be sure to budget for all the Coca-Cola swag you will be compelled to purchase while you are there. Admission is complimentary for the service member and free for children under 2.
2. Ted’s Montana Grille
After your day of adventures, you certainly deserve a break! My recommendation goes to having a relaxing lunch at Ted’s Montana Grille in Atlanta. Since this restaurant is headquartered in Atlanta, there are several locations in the area. Wherever your adventure takes you, you are sure to find a location nearby!
If you have not tried a Bison Burger, then this is your chance to enjoy their signature sandwich! There are seafood and salads for those uninterested in the Bison Burger. The menu caters to even the smallest member of your party with a delightful kid’s menu. Don’t leave without tasting the cheesecake! Reservations are not required, but are recommended depending on the time of day.
1. Georgia Aquarium
As one of the most popular aquariums in the United States, the Georgia Aquarium is a proud research and conservation location. The aquarium is family-friendly with a touch pool and plenty to keep a little one’s attention. The Georgia Aquarium has the “Ocean Voyager Tunnel,” an acrylic tunnel that allows the visitor to view marine life from all sides. You can see whale sharks, stingrays, and plenty of fish!
If your Service Member is at a reenlistment point in their career, the Georgia Aquarium proudly offers “Dry Side Reenlistment” and “Underwater Reenlistment” ceremonies which would certainly be one for the books. Admission to the Aquarium is free on select “Military Mondays” and purchasing a parking pass is recommended.
Candace Guelzo is an Army Spouse of 10 years and mother to three small children. She spends her time reading, painting, homeschooling her children, and chasing around her two corgis. Candace has a passion for volunteering and advocating for military spouse mental health. She works with Ohana Homefront Foundation as the Counseling Manager, where she works to support the mental health of the military community. Connect with Candace on LinkedIn.
