Atlanta (or Hotlanta as it’s known for most of the year) is a driving force of the New South, a city of international influence and the site of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The Georgia Dome, home of the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL, hosted the Super Bowl twice. Atlanta features the world’s largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium. It is home to CNN, The Weather Channel and Turner Broadcasting (subsidiary of Time Warner).

Below are some cultural attractions and events that you can experience while in Atlanta.

Atlanta Hip-Hop Day

The Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival pays tribute to the four elements of Hip Hop and Atlanta's contribution to the Hip Hop culture as a whole. The four sides of the park are dedicated to the four elements of Hip Hop displaying B-Boy & B-Girl exhibits, Turntablism, and Graffiti artists. The weekend is packed with Live entertainment, workshops, and vendors. Can't wait to see you there!!

2012 Dates To Be Announced

For more details visit: http://www.atlantahiphopday.com/

Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors Center

A perfect starting point to understand the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr., Joseph Lowery, Ralph Abernathy, Hosea Williams and many others in America's modern Civil Rights Movement; sensitive life-like depictions traverse major episodes in the movement.

Website: www.nps.gov/malu

Auburn Ave Research Library on African-American Culture & History

Built 1991 (photo); 50,000 sq. ft library with study rooms, auditorium, more than 1,700 subject heading files, 6,500 microfilms and 23,000 books.

Website: www.afplweb.com/aarl

Atlanta Cyclorama

Nowhere can the true drama of the Civil War battle of Atlanta be more appreciated than at the Cyclorama. This Civil War Museum features the world's largest oil painting, the "Battle of Atlanta." A Cyclorama tour begins on the first floor in the auditorium with a short film that describes events leading up to the Battle of Atlanta. Visitors are then escorted into the Cyclorama to experience the battle as the theater rotates through history; guests are treated to surround sound with music, sound effects and narration in 5 languages (Japanese, French, Spanish, French, and English).

For more details visit: http://www.atlantacyclorama.org/

Sweet Auburn

The rich history of the Sweet Auburn District proves that success against all odds result when individuals invest in their community. This refurbished neighborhood combines a taste of the old town with an edgy modern flavor. Stroll down Sweet Auburn Avenue and discover landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement, and several historic African-American churches including Big Bethel AME Church, the first African-American church in Atlanta, and Ebenezer Baptist Church, the spiritual home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sweet Auburn is the home of the King Center for Non-violent Social Change, the APEX Museum, National Black Arts Festival and the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Sweet Auburn's annual Spring-fest is the largest festivals of its kind in the South attracting nearly 500,000 people over the three-day event.

For more details visit: http://www.sweetauburn.com/historicalattractions.html

Underground Atlanta

Located in the Heart of Downtown, Underground Atlanta is bustling with activity, day or night. Enjoy daily entertainment, fortune telling, homemade candy, delicious dining and souvenir shopping. Learn of Atlanta’s past on our guided history tour, From Civil War to Civil Rights. After dark, enjoy our clubs and restaurants in Kenny’s Alley for a night of pure entertainment.

For more details visit: http://www.underground-atlanta.com/

Piedmont Park

Located just 2 miles from downtown, Piedmont Park is one of the largest green spaces in the city, which includes playgrounds for children of varying ages, baseball, soccer and football fields, and public tennis courts.  Piedmont Park's sidewalks are one of the many path trails for pedestrians, bikers and rollerbladers.

For more details visit: http://www.piedmontpark.org/

Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre

Kenny Leon, Co-founder & Artistic Director and Jane Bishop, Co-founder and Managing Director launched a new theatre company, “True Colors,” that reflects a promise to search for truth and clarity from who we are as a country and as individuals.

Website: www.truecolorstheatre.org

Georgia Aquarium

Houses eight million gallons of fresh and marine water and more aquatic life than found in any other aquarium.

Website: www.georgiaaquarium.org/

APEX Museum

The African-American Panoramic Experience (APEX) is an entertaining and educational museum; multimedia exhibit of Sweet Auburn's history; on again-off again plans for expansion.

Website: www.apexmuseum.org

The World of Coca-Cola

It's the only place where you can explore the complete story – past, present, and future – of the world's best-known brand, Coke!

Website: www.worldofcoca-cola.com

Centennial Olympic Park

Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, a remaining legacy of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, features family fun and live music many days each week. Music At Noon presents local bands performing mid-day and Wednesday Wind Down features jazz during rush hour. Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day is free with performers and children's activities. The Fountain of Rings Show displays a dancing water show harmonized with pop music, lights and sound effects. Please check the Web site for dates and times.

For more details visit: http://www.centennialpark.com/