June 13, 2007

US & Canada | US | Atlanta

The Real Thing

By Joni Ayn Alexander

Your mother told you not to play with your food. But she never said anything about your drink.

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A tall glass of Coke may be ice cold, but its hometown isn’t. Atlanta is pouring out hot options for visitors — such as the new World of Coca-Cola. The recently revamped museum serves up tours of the planet’s most ubiquitous soft drink, showcasing everything from antiques to Andy Warhol’s iconic images. But the South’s booming metropolis isn’t just after those thirsting for kitsch. The city is turning on its charms as an increasingly upscale destination. It started in 2005 with the opening of the Georgia Aquarium. Now, the High Museum of Art has a deal with the Louvre to cart in several collections from Paris until October 2009. And a new wave of luxe hotels is giving the Four Seasons and JW Marriott something to think about. In the tony Buckhead area and the happening central Midtown district, W Hotels plans to add a couple of posh spots to sleep next summer. And even the airport — the world’s busiest — is prepping for a major revamp.