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US capitals are often overlooked as places to visit. Normally not the largest city in the state and filled with government buildings, it can be easy to decide to go elsewhere. However, here is a suggestion on how to visit two state capitals that are flying under the radar: Tallahassee, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia.
The new Capitol in the background with the historic one in the front (Photo: Stephen Nakatani)
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, embodies all that you would associate with a Southern city. Southern hospitality, charm and a slower pace of life. However, beyond its initial appearances, there is plenty to explore due to its status as a government center as well as interesting museums. At its center are the Capitol buildings, the old juxtaposed against the new building rising high above.
See the batmobile and memorabilia from the Batman movie at the Tallahassee Automobile and Collectibles Museum (Photo: Stephen Nakatani)
For something out of the ordinary, a visit to the Tallahassee Automobile and Collectibles Museum takes you through collections of the most unusual items. From knives to fishing lures to brass fans, not to mention cars, it makes for a fun visit. On a more historical note is the Mission San Luis de Apalachee which is a reconstructed Spanish Franciscan mission which offers a look at what life was like during the 17th century. In the city center, there are numerous cafes and restaurants to enjoy a meal and gather your strength before beginning your journey to Atlanta.
There are a number of transportation options for getting between the two cities from driving to car travel. However, the most convenient option is the train. The journey of 6 hours and 25 minutes will pass quickly and comfortably as you enjoy the sights of Thomasville, Bridgeboro, Sylvester, Wenona Byron, Bolingbroke, Blacksville up to Atlanta. If you do get, bored, here are some great ways on how to pass time.
Atlanta is the capital and largest city in the state of Georgia. While it may not be top of your list for a visit, it has a number of attractions to enjoy and makes for a great place to visit.
With more than 12 hectares, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a great place to stretch your legs after a long journey. Enjoy a pleasant walk in the park of overflowing with orchids. The garden also presents a variety of entertainment programs and activities that allow visitors to make the most of the urban oasis. If animals are more your thing, then visiting the Georgia Aquarium allows you to see whales, sharks, dolphins, sea otters and other animals where you can discover the secrets of the marine world.
For history lovers, a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is a must. The site is a collection of buildings where you can get a glimpse into the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and understand how this place shaped who he was to become. Wander through his boyhood home, explore exhibits that chronicle the American Civil Rights Movement and pay your respects at King’s gravesite and memorial. Complement this with a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The Center tells the history of the civil rights movement in the United States as well as documents the human rights struggles of today.
Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympic games in 1996 and much of the infrastructure built for the games remains today. Most notable is the Centennial Olympic Park where you can cool off in the Fountain of Rings or enjoy a concert outdoors. Turner Field, originally Centennial Olympic Stadium, was also built for the Olympic games in 1996. Today, it is home to Atlanta Braves baseball team where you can catch a game. For dedicated fans, the stadium also offers tours that take you to private behind the scene areas normally closed to the public.
Finally, another fun thing to do in Atlanta is to visit the World of Coca-Cola. This museum takes you through the history of the company and advertising through the years. See the vault where the secret formula is kept, mix your own drink or strike a pose with the famous Coca-Cola bear. And before you leave, be sure to sample the more than 100 different beverages they have available.
Have you been to these cities? What did you like the best about them?
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