19 more things to do in Atlanta

摘要

1 Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the King Center. The National Park Service operates the Martin Luther King Jr. Visitor Center with audiovisual displays, while the King Center, just across the street, houses King's personal memorabilia. Of special note is architect Maya Lin's reflecting pool that surrounds King's crypt. During the conference, the photographic exhibit "Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America," will be on public display at the King site.Nearby are Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King served as pastor, and his birth home. 450 Auburn Ave. 404-331-6922. Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.nps.gov/malu/ and thekingcenter.com. 2 Say hello to Lun Lun and Yang Yang at Zoo Atlanta. Zoo Atlanta is one of only two U.S. zoos that house giant pandas. It's also home to the first orangutan to use sign language and more than 1,000 other animals. Located in Grant Park, just ashort cab ride southeast of downtown, next door to the Atlanta Cyclorama (see #10). 800 Cherokee Ave. 404-624-5600. Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. www.zooatlanta.org. 3 Walk up Stone Mountain. The largest granite mass in the world, Stone Mountain dominates the Atlanta landscape and draws hikers from throughout the United States. The start is on the east edge of the city of Stone Mountain, just a block or two from the downtown area. Nonclimbers can take a sky life to the mountaintop. 4 Enjoy the Stone Mountain Park Laser Spectacular. Besides mountain climbing, Crossroads, a family theme park designed to educate visitors about Southern heritage, will open at Stone Mountain just before the ALA conference. Hiking trails abound. Finish off the visit with the park's laser show spectacular, with surround sound, lasers, and fireworks to tell the story of the South, which is offered nightly at 9:30 during the summer. The relief carving of Robert E.