America’s Largest Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium is home to many creatures, from teensy frogs to sizeable beluga whales and whale sharks. The picture above was taken inside the Ocean Voyager tunnel, one of seven galleries within the facility built in the heart of Atlanta on land donated by Coca-Cola.
Two of my Romance Writers of America pals and I took a break from the frenetic pace of our national writing conference to explore this beautiful underwater world on a rainy Saturday. Despite the sell-out crowds, the visit was worth the thirty dollar admission price.
Bernie and Billi Marcus of The Marcus Foundation are the aquarium’s benefactors, and companies such as Southwest Airlines, Home Depot, and AT&T sponsor exhibits.
We arrived at about two in the afternoon, and were able to explore five of the seven attractions before having to return for our conference. We experienced all but the dolphin show and the 4-D theatre that allows guests to see the world from a marine animal’s point of view. Okay by us, as my friends and I had seen previously seen these types of attractions, but if you’re traveling with children and/or want to squeeze every penny out of your admission dollar, arrive early. Allot at least three hours; more if you plan to eat and shop for souvenirs.
In Cold Water Quest, you’ll see cool creatures like the ones above, as well as beluga whales, Japanese spider crabs, and an odd creature that made me wonder if dragons really do exist.
If you like cuddly puppies and kittens, you may enjoy crawling through a tunnel to pop up and view the world’s smallest penguins.
Families…
For those traveling with little ones, your favorite part of the aquarium may be the Georgia Explorer. According to the facility’s brochure, this interactive gallery “includes touch pools full of horseshoe crabs, sea stars, rays and shrimp.” The children I observed were having fun playing in the mock fishing boat and crawling through what I’d call an overhead hamster trail.
The Tropical Diver was my second-favorite, with its colorful fish, coral reefs, and simulated ocean surf. The exhibits make it easy to imagine yourself snorkeling in warm, salty waters. Or perhaps that’s just me?
At first glance…
Last but not least, here’s my favorite photo from our aquarium adventure. Enjoy!
What’s your favorite activity on a rainy summer day?
Coming Up…
For those of you interested in romance books and such, check back Wednesday for this writer’s take on RWA13. For next week, Rylie has promised to post about Merano, Italy. I’m homesick for Key West, so I may sneak in a bonus Conch post along the way.
xoxo
Jolyse
Hi Jolyse! Looks like you had a fab time in Atlanta! Your pics are gorgeous and what a great place to cool off! Love those Australian weedy sea dragons! Glad you arrived home safe and sound!
Hi Marcia!
Thanks for stopping by to enjoy the fishies. I’m in complete awe of the sea dragons, too. From my understanding, they are a distant relative of sea horses. Cool, huh. 🙂
Love the colours of the sea creatures! Looks like you had a great time. I’d love to hear about the conference as well. So cool at Nora Roberts was there!
Thanks, Nicole. I’m so glad I decided to go. A group of my chapter mates managed to talk me into it, and it was worth every penny. Next year is San Antonio and after that, back to NYC. I’ll definitely be there in two years, if not the Texas conference.
I wish I’d been able to photograph the adorable sea and river otters, but they were far too quick for me to capture. 🙂
Looks like you had a good time, in Atlanta. I wish you could have been in Key West for the 2013 Himingway Look-a-Like contest. I did not win, but like I always say “There is always next year”.
Also, there is a get together planned in Key Largo, next February, of the Papa’s. It was a good time last February.
Miss you
Papa James
Hey Papa James! Disappointed to learn you didn’t win yet, but I know you will one day. I love your attitude and am so impressed with the charitable works of your group. Proud of you! I will mention the possibility of a Key Largo getaway to my husband. Sounds like a great time. (((hugs)))
I had so much fun with you at the conference, Jolyse. I wish I’d taken time to see the aquarium. It looks and sounds awesome:-)
So great to see you here, PJ. You CTRWA gals rock! I loved getting to know you in person. Hope you’ll get a chance to see the aquarium another time. 🙂
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures, Jolyse! I can’t wait to hear about the conference. I’m so happy you were able to attend! And a picture with Nora Roberts…..awesome!
Thanks, Jill. I look forward to sharing conference details with you tomorrow. 🙂
I love the GA Aquarium! It’s huge and packed but always so worth a visit 🙂
I was wondering if it was always so crowded or whether we’d chosen a bad time–a rainy summer Saturday. Yes, I love it now too! 🙂
Looks fantastic!. I love aquariums. Thanks for the great pictures.
I’m so happy you enjoyed them. Some of my videos turned out pretty well too. Thinking about putting them up on YouTube when I get a chance. Oceans and outer space are our last frontiers. Pretty amazing thinking about how many creatures we still haven’t discovered. 🙂