Why You Should Visit Grant Park, Atlanta

Grant Park is one of Atlanta's oldest planned neighborhoods. Today it has seen revitalization and is one of the most modern neighborhoods in Atlanta housed in some of the oldest homes. Restored homes, a huge and active community, and a central location make this one o the hottest neighborhoods to visit in Atlanta. Grant Park is home to the Atlanta Zoo, the Cyclorama, Turner Field, and fabulous restaurants for when you get hungry along the way. Just strolling around this old Atlanta neighborhood is worth a visit.

The Atlanta Zoo

The Atlanta Zoo is one of the main reasons most visitors come to Grant Park. Hoards of school children, animal lovers, and avid picnickers all flock to check out the wild life. The Atlanta Zoo is located at 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30315. They can be reached at 404.624.5600. The Atlanta Zoo is open 363 days a year, and is closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Schedule:

Weekdays - Grounds are open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., ticket booths close at 4:30 p.m.
Weekends - Grounds are open 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., ticket booths close at 5:30 p.m.

You can check the Atlanta Zoo out online at www.zooatlanta.org.

There are a lot of activities in addition to animal watching at the Zoo. The Rock Climber, the Norfolk Southern Zoo Express, and the Nabisco Endangered Species Carousel are two of the most popular. Kids of all ages can take a ride on some of the world's most endangered species at Zoo Atlanta on the Nabisco Endangered Species Carousel. Visitors can ride the whimsical animal creations. There are 38 hand-carved wooden animal figures. The ride also features a series of hand-painted murals depicting endangered mothers and babies in their natural habitats. The Norfolk Southern Zoo Express Train is a family friendly train ride on the Atlanta Zoo grounds. Kids and adults can both ride the Zoo Atlanta's Norfolk Southern Zoo Express. Funded by the Norfolk Southern Corporation, the "C.P. Huntington" train is a handcrafted replica of an original 1863 locomotive train. It can transport over 100 adults or 140 children.

The Cyclorama

Next door to the Atlanta Zoo in Grant Park you will find the Cyclorama. The Cyclorama is home to one of the largest three-dimensional oil paintings in the United States. The Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum is this Grant Park tourist attraction's full name.
The painting housed in the Cyclorama has been on display since 1893. It is the Longest Running Show in the Country Home of the world's largest painting. It is named "The Battle of Atlanta." The Cyclorama is also the home of the historic Civil War locomotive, "TEXAS" (hero of the "Great Train Race"). Through spectacular music, art and sound effects, history comes alive as you step back to July 22, 1864 and become part of the battle.
The Cyclorama is located at 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E. Atlanta, GA 30315.

Ticket prices:

Adults (13-59): $7.00
Seniors: $6.00 (Age 60 and above)
Children (ages 6-12): $5.00
Children under 6 admitted free.
Hours of Operation:
Open daily from 9:20 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You can check the Cyclorama out online at http://www.webguide.com/cyclorama.html.

Grant Central Pizza

Now, after all of this sight seeing you have to check out one of the best places to get a New York City style slice of pizza in the South. Grant Central Pizza is one of the most popular pizza joints in Atlanta and by far a huge favorite in the Grant Park neighborhood. They serve up a gooey hot thin slice of pepperoni that will have you planning your next trip back. Plan ahead if you want to stop in Grant Central Pizza, there is often a wait and the restaurant is small.

Grant Central Pizza is located at 1276 Glenwood Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia, 30316. You can call ahead for a pick up order at 404-627-0007. They are open Sun.-Thu. 11AM-11PM Fri.-Sat. 11AM-midnight. Grant Central Pizza also serves up piping hot calzones, salads, and hot subs.