2024 KLOVE Cruise USA Travel Itinerary Day 14: Visiting Atlanta Attractions and Enjoying Southern Comfort Food at Mary Mac's Tea Room!

On Day 14 of our USA travels post-KLOVE Cruise 2024, we have arrived in Atlanta and were staying at the Darwin Hotel Atlanta – a venue within walking distance to Ponce City Market and the famous Atlanta attractions. This morning, we woke up at 7am and bought coffee from a nearby petrol station ($2) before leaving the hotel at 8am for our first Atlanta attraction for the day – Georgia Aquarium!

Walking from Darwin Hotel to Pemberton Place Atlanta where attractions such as World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium are located

USA Trip 2024 Day 14 – Georgia Aquarium

2bearbear at Georgia Aquarium Atlanta Review

Atlanta CityPASS for entry to Georgia Aquarium

The walk took us about 40 minutes on this beautiful and cool morning. Thanks to the great folks at Discover Atlanta, we had complimentary City Pass and entry to Georgia Aquarium was a breeze via the scanning of a QR code. Inside, there are several zones to visit such as

Dolphin Coast

Ocean Voyager

Cold Water Quest

River Scout

Sea Lion Theatre

Truist Pier 225 at Georgia Aquarium where the Sea Lions are

Sharks! Predators of the Deep

Tropical Diver

There is of course the huge viewing tank just like the ones we “sea” in Dubai – The Lost Chambers, Monterey Aquarium and S.E.A. Aquarium. Enjoyed watching the Whale Shark, Beluga and “Fish Tornado” during this visit…

Whale Shark at Ocean Voyager at Georgia Aquarium Atlanta

Beluga upclose at Coldwater Quest Georgia Aquarium Atlanta Review

Fish scattering as sharks approach in Georgia Aquarium

"Fish Tornado" in Georgia Aquarium Atlanta Review — “Fish Tornado” in Georgia Aquarium Atlanta Review

The Sea Lions Theatre was another highlight of this visit. Though we couldn’t take any photos or videos during the show itself, we were pleasantly surprised that it was delivered in the style of a radio programme on 22.5 – The Fin FM radio station. A really lively and energetic show not to be missed!

Sea Lion show at Truist Pier 225 Georgia Aquarium Atlanta

Just before we left, we headed over to the Coastline Cafe for a quick bite, choosing the Global Grain Bowl ($16.95 with $1.51 tax at about 9%), with grilled chicken. We also bought a local seasoning – salty sea lion for our neighbour next door as a souvenir…

Sharing a Global Grain Bowl ($16.95) at Coastline Cafe Georgia Aquarium

USA Trip 2024 Day 14 – World of Coca-Cola

2bearbear at World of Coca Cola Pemberton Place Atlanta Georgia

Large Coke Bottle Cap at entrance of World of Coca Cola Atlanta

One of our favourite attractions at Atlanta was probably the World of Coca-Cola. Knowing that they have put alot of thought into injecting good feelings that associate the drink and our visit, we still think that it was a really well-planned attractions. You first enter into the area known as The Loft where you’ll be shown all the famous Coca-Cola memorabilia through the years…

World of Coca Cola - The Loft — World of Coca Cola – The Loft

World of Coca Cola - The Loft - Coca Cola Signs — World of Coca Cola – The Loft – Coca Cola Signs

World of Coca Cola - The Loft - The Original Handwritten "Font" — World of Coca Cola – The Loft – The Original Handwritten “Font”

World of Coca Cola - The Loft - Coca Cola syrup urn from 1896 — World of Coca Cola – The Loft – Coca Cola syrup urn from 1896

Our guide also shared with us interesting stories such as how the Coca-Cola logo came about, the price of coca-cola in the 1890s and also one of the oldest memorabilia in The Loft – the Coca-Cola syrup urn from 1896.

World of Coca-Cola 6 minutes show at Coca-Cola Theater

Next, we entered the Coca-Cola Theater for a 6-mins video. Though we could not really understand the whole video – one thing we did associate though – Coca-Cola with happiness. We think that was what the video was aiming for and they got it. Each time we look at Coca-Cola now, we associate the sound of fizziness and ice-cold coke with celebrations. Well done!

World of Coca-Cola, Milestones of Refreshment

2bearbear at Milestones of Refreshment World of Coca-Cola

World of Coca-Cola, Coke Dispensing Machines through the years

World of Coca-Cola Memorabilia - Table Tennis Bats and Net from 1940s — World of Coca-Cola Memorabilia – Table Tennis Bats and Net from 1940s

Entering into the Milestones of Refreshment, we learn about the history of Coca-Cola. Although Coca-Cola was created by Mr Pemberton in 1886, he sold the rights and recipe to Mr Asa Candler in 1888 for only $2,300. A tidy sum at that time but guess how much Mr Candler’s son sold Coca-Cola to in 1919? $25 million! To a group of investors led by Atlanta banker Mr Ernest Woodruff. Although Coca-Cola is worth $300 billion today, we still think that in terms of percentage gain and time spent as well as the % share of the profit, the Candler family certainly has the biggest margin of profit off of the Coca-Cola brand.

World of Coca-Cola, Beverage Lab - Creating our own flavours — World of Coca-Cola, Beverage Lab – Creating our own flavours

World of Coca-Cola, Beverage Lab - Formula for a perfect beverage - Appearance, Taste, Texture — World of Coca-Cola, Beverage Lab – Formula for a perfect beverage – Appearance, Taste, Texture

World of Coca-Cola - The unreleased formula of New! Coke — World of Coca-Cola – The unreleased formula of New! Coke

In the Lab, we were able to mix the various ingredients together and you could even try your formula at the Taste zone at the end of the tour. Here, we also got to try the “unreleased formula of New! Coke”. Not bad. But we still like the original – aka “Fat Coke”, complete with the high dose of sugar – which we know is not good for you but certainly goes well with alot of different cuisines.

3D Theater at World of Coca-Cola "In Search of the Secret Formula" — 3D Theater at World of Coca-Cola “In Search of the Secret Formula”

There was also a 3D theatre which featured the show “In search of the secret formula” that started at 1230pm. The show essentially takes you around the world in its distribution networks – while you whirl and twirl via 3D imagery. Cool stuff!

World of Coca-Cola Scent Discovery "Game Show" — World of Coca-Cola Scent Discovery “Game Show”

World of Coca-Cola Scent Discovery Scents

At the Pop Culture section, we got to design our own Coke bottles – of course, Kate’s came out the nicer one. In Scent Discovery zone, you’ll find out that in addition to taste, scent is just as important to the overall taste. Here, a game of scent takes place and contestants will need to guess the ingredients that goes into the scent that they smell.

World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section - Try Fanta Pineapple! (Greece) — World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section – Try Fanta Pineapple! (Greece)

World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section - Try Bangs Red Creme Soda! (USA) — World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section – Try Bangs Red Creme Soda! (USA)

World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section - Try Fanta Melon Frosty! (Thailand) — World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section – Try Fanta Melon Frosty! (Thailand)

World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section - Try Sprite Lemonade (North America)! — World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section – Try Sprite Lemonade (North America)!

World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section - Try Fanta Sour Plum Flavour (China) — World of Coca-Cola Taste it! section – Try Fanta Sour Plum Flavour (China)

Freestyle machines at Taste It! World of Coca-Cola

What you can choose from the freestyle machines at World of Coca-Cola

2bearbear with Coca-Cola Polar Bear at World of Coca-Cola

Close up of Coca-Cola Polar Bear at World of Coca-Cola Atlanta Georgia

Our last and favourite section is the Taste It! zone. Here, you’ll be able to taste all the different beverages under the Coca-Cola brand, all around the world! We actually tried most (if not all) of the flavours and these are our favourites (in no order of merit):

1. Bangs Red Creme Soda (North America)
2. Fanta Pineapple (Greece)
3. Exotic (Uganda)
4. Melon Frosty (Thailand)
5. Joy Apple Lychee (Korea)

Really cool to be able to taste all these flavours, all in one place. Of course, original “Fat Coke” still ranks highly for us as well. We also got to see the Coca-Cola Polar Bear making his rounds during our visit. A little scrawny as compared to the commercials though still a great mascot to take photos with. With these recommendations above, we hope you don’t have to try out all of the flavours like us – it does get you a little bloated due to the carbonation of the soft drinks. Not to mention, you’ll probably need to visit the gents/ladies – if you go for full cups each time. Hence, the trick is to go with just a small portion for each flavour. If you like it, then go for seconds or thirds…and lastly, shopping at the Coca-Cola souvenir shop! Kate’s favourite time of the day!

Merchandise at Coca-Cola Store at World of Coca-Cola Atlanta Georgia

Different Coke bottle designs at Coca-Cola Store at World of Coca-Cola Atlanta Georgia

Clothings and apparels at Coca-Cola Store at World of Coca-Cola Atlanta Georgia

USA Trip 2024 Day 14 – Centre for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta

2bearbear @ National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta Georgia

Water feature outside National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta Georgia

Next door, we visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta Georgia. Although we had previously visited the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis Tennessee before, we still learnt something new this time…

Immersive experience of the Sit-In Movement at a lunch counter - National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta Georgia — Immersive experience of the Sit-In Movement at a lunch counter – National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta Georgia

Woolworth's Lunch Counter Sit-Ins ; National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta Georgia — Woolworth’s Lunch Counter Sit-Ins ; National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta Georgia

"No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they'd die for." Quote by Martin Luther King Jr at National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta Georgia — “No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they’d die for.” Quote by Martin Luther King Jr at National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta Georgia

At the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta, we still learnt new things such as the sit-in protest where a movement was started nation-wide to be served at restaurants that previously had colour distinctions. There was also the Freedom Riders who exercised their rights after segregation, to travel across the country freely via public bus. Stark reminder of the freedoms that we enjoy today, especially in a multi-racial and multi-religious society in Singapore.

USA Trip 2024 Day 14 – Dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Mary Mac's Tea Room Atlanta Review — Mary Mac’s Tea Room Atlanta Review

Entrance of Mary Mac's Tea Room Atlanta — Entrance of Mary Mac’s Tea Room Atlanta

Mary Mac's Tea Room Menu — Mary Mac’s Tea Room Menu

For dinner, we wanted to immerse in the Southern comfort food cuisine and we were thankful to have found Mary Mac’s Tea Room this time. We found the “family style” Southern Meal deal that was at $29 per person – with sharing plates that could be refilled. However, we still went for ala carte orders instead since not everything that we wanted to try was on the Southern Meal menu. We ordered the

1. 4-piece fried chicken (breast, wing, leg and thigh) for $19
2. Chicken and Dumplings for $16
3. Georgia Peach Cobbler for $5
4. Ice Tea for $3

For sides, we wanted to try the famous Tomato Pie at Mary Mac’s Tea Room but were told that there was a waiting time of 30 minutes. Hence, we went with the sweet potato souffle, fried okra, black-eye peas and hoppin John…

Inside Mary Mac's Tea Room Atlanta — Inside Mary Mac’s Tea Room Atlanta

Mary Mac's Tea Room Atlanta - 4 piece fried chicken (Legendary Fried Chicken) — Mary Mac’s Tea Room Atlanta – 4 piece fried chicken (Legendary Fried Chicken)

Mary Mac's Tea Room Atlanta - Sides of Fried Okra, Black Eyed Peas, Hoppin John and Sweet Potato Souffle — Mary Mac’s Tea Room Atlanta – Sides of Fried Okra, Black Eyed Peas, Hoppin John and Sweet Potato Souffle

Mary Mac's Tea Room Atlanta - Bread and Corn Bread — Mary Mac’s Tea Room Atlanta – Bread and Corn Bread

We found the fried chicken to be pretty good – not too salty. The chicken and dumpling was creamy but we thought was a little expensive given that there was more of the “dumplings” (aka flour) as compared to the chicken shreds. Gillie’s Seafood’s fried Okra was definitely better but the decorations, fried chicken and iced tea does bring that Southern flavour to our meal this evening.

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Stay tuned for Day 15 of our USA trip as we commenced our journey back to Miami!

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