Atlanta, Georgia: this sprawling city is an iconic place to visit. As home of the 1996 summer Olympics, various tourist attractions and breathtaking scenery there is never a boring moment in this capitol. Although my stay at Atlanta this summer was filled with fulfilling sightseeing and hikes, there were some attractions that outshined all others: World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium and Stone Mountain.

This site may seem mundane at first, but there is more to it than meets the eye. At its summit, the elevation is 1,686 feet and 825 feet above the surrounding area. What it lacks in height the mountain makes up for in its bas-relief, the largest in the world. The carving depicts three Confederate figures: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis. Despite the controversial history surrounding Stone Mountain – it was the founding site of the second Klu Klux Klan in 1915 – the milieu is more patriotic than anything.

Like all worthwhile attractions in Atlanta, Stone Mountain also places a strong emphasis on education and history. The Confederate Hall is a museum that features information on the geology of Stone Mountain as well as its history. A theater also plays a mini-documentary entitled “The Battle for Georgia”. The hall is situated at the top of the mountain, in order to get there visitors can either trek between ¾ – 5 miles depending on which of the four trails up the mountain is chosen, or they can take a cable-car up.

The Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard is also a museum of sorts, it has been recreated to resemble a plantation and includes farm animals that children are allowed to pet.

If hiking and animals do not suite you, visitors can always stop by Crossroads, a recreation of an 1872 southern town. Guests can enjoy a 4-5 movie theater, duck tour ride, craft demonstrations such as glass blowing, and playgrounds for children.

If you are lucky you can get a chance to enjoy the Stone Mountain Laser Show Spectacle, which is only available in the summer. The laser lightshow projects moving images of the Deep South as well as Georgia history onto the carvings at the side of the mountain. The best part of the show are the Fourth of July worth fireworks incorporated in spectacle.

Considering all Stone Mountain has to offer the price is quite reasonable, $20 dollars for children and $25 for adults. I would recommend going in the evening when the sun has less of an effect. Managing your time is also crucial if you want to get everything done.

Stone Mountain, the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium are all just some of all there is to see and do in Atlanta. Hands down, this capitol is one worth visiting