Mom and I had one day to spend with my cousin Melissa, who is a school teacher, and her rugrat Molly who was going to day care the next day. Melissa suggested we visit Atlanta and The World of Coca-Cola, which had recently moved into a new building at Pemberton Place near Centennial Olympic Park and CNN. This museum is an awesome museum depicting the history of the World's favorite soft drink through photos, exhibits, movies, and other fun interactive things you can do while you are there. So after her friend's nephew was dropped off at her house by his grandmother and all of us were ready to go, we were off for a day in Atlanta.
On the way into Atlanta, we were greeted by the sight of the Atlanta skyline which was covered in haze from the hot and overcast day. Dylan and I were in the backseat of my cousin's minivan, and I was able to get some great shots of the buildings with my camera along with Dylan being my photographic assistant. The kid has a good eye for getting great shots.
After a great lunch at The Varsity Drive Through, we were on our way to The World of Coca-Cola. Melissa missed the turn to the museum and had to go around again, but we were in the Pemberton Place parking garage about 20 minutes after leaving the Varsity and took the short walk over to the World of Coca-Cola. Auntie Ruthie can't walk for long distances, so she was in a wheelchair, and that had Melissa, Molly, and her staying behind Mom, Dylan, and me most of the trip which allowed Mom and I to check out the World of Coca-Cola at our own pace. After paying for our tickets at the ticket counter ($15 for Melissa and me, $13 for Auntie Ruthie and Mom, and $9 for the kiddies), we were subject to a little bag search by security and were on our way inside. Upon entering The World of Coca-Cola, you are greeted by an awesome sculpture of huge Coke bottles decorated with images from around the world. Mom and I posed for a shot in front of the bottles along with several other groups touring the museum.
After posing by the bottles, we had a short wait to get into one of the many theaters for our orientation. You are greeted by an aweome display of Coke advertisements and memorabilia from Coke's 122-year history. Yes, Coke is that old and was invented by pharmacist John S. Pemberton in Atlanta in 1886. Our first guide Gina asked how old Coca-Cola was, and I was the one who provided the answer. Gina said, "very good!", and asked where we were from, and I told her that Mom and I had just moved to Florida from Idaho and she asked how long the trip was and wished us luck in our new home. Gina then proceeded to tell us about the history of Coca-Cola and showed us several ads from around the world that are displayed in this theater.
After this tour, we were on our own for the time being to tour the museum with the history of Coca-Cola, but before that, Mom and I had to have our picture taken with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, that cute little guy that has warmed our hearts every Christmas in those great ads on TV during the most wonderful time of the year. Molly was freaking out at the sight of the bear, but Mom and I ignored her bawling and had our picture done (For $26, you can pick up copies of the pictures at the gift shop) and were on our way into the museum that had displays of old Coke vending machines, an old soda jerk display, and other fascinating Coca-Cola memorabilia. A lot of the displays brought back fond memories for Mom and Auntie Ruthie, and I enjoyed the displays very much, too.
After the first museum, we got to see another film on the history of Coca-Cola before going to the 4-D movie that was very entertaining. Mom, Dylan, and I sat in moving seats while the other three were in non-moving seats because of the wheelchair. Not long after the movie started, Melissa, Auntie Ruthie, and the rugrat had to leave because the rugrat was freaking out over the movie. We had to wear 4-D glasses for the movie since most of special effects looked like the objects were coming right after you! Mom, Dylan, and I really enjoyed this little film which also had water effects that would splash you a little bit.
After the movie, we got to go into the pop art museum which had paintings of Coke bottles by an artist who paints in the Andy Warhol mode. After that tour, you enter the tasting area where you can taste test over 60 Coca-Cola products from around the world. Mom and I enjoyed many of the fruity drinks that are made in places like Uganda, Brazil, and other nations. By the time I got to my favorite drink, Coca-Cola with Lime, my tummy was aching from all of the soda I tried out, and I knew I wasn't going to make it back to Douglasville without a potty run!
After all of the touring, we went into the Gift shop that has many Coke souvenirs for you to choose from. We got to take a little bottle of Coke home with us as a free souvenir, and Mom got Coke Bottle Salt and Pepper shakers and a butter dish. I got the pictures from our meeting the Polar Bear and we were on our way back home after driving by CNN and Centenial Olympic Park.
The World of Coca-Cola is open seven days a week from 8-6 for the summer and 9-5 other times of the year and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It's accessible by car, MARTA, and is fun for the whole family. I highly recommend it when you visit Atlanta.