ATLANTA — The Clean Show will return to “The A”—Atlanta—this summer and show organizer Messe Frankfurt wants attendees of this country’s largest textile care exhibition to enjoy their stay while away from the show floor.
Will you be there for the late July/early August event at the Georgia World Congress Center? Here from Messe Frankfurt, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and other sources is some important information about the city and things to do during your spare time.
Are you ready to explore and get the most from the beautiful city of Atlanta?
GET YOUR BEARINGS
Atlanta is an urban oasis that exudes Southern hospitality, and everyone is buzzing about the destination, including Lonely Planet and National Geographic. These travel experts and global brands named Atlanta to their Best of Travel lists for 2022. There are many reasons why the destination is a great place for meetings, including its walkable convention and entertainment district.
There are plenty of flights into Atlanta, with 20 airlines operating out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, deemed the busiest airport by passenger traffic in the world since 1998. Owned and operated by the City of Atlanta, the airport provides nonstop service to 150 U.S. destinations and 70 international locations in more than 50 countries.
As one might expect, there are various local transportation options available from/to the airport, including shared-ride shuttles, hotel shuttles, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, taxi service, bus service and more. To learn what’s available and the cost, visit the airport’s website at www.atl.com/ground-transportation.
If you’ll be attending Clean but haven’t yet booked a hotel room, Messe Frankfurt has arranged for exclusive discounts and amenities at a variety of local hotels, some of which are located within walking distance of the convention center. Reservations must be made through Connections Housing by July 7.
Hotels included are Aloft Atlanta Downtown Hotel, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Courtyard Atlanta Downtown, Embassy Suites Atlanta at Centennial Park, Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown, Omni Hotel at CNN Center, Renaissance Atlanta Midtown and The Westin Peachtree Plaza.
Accessibility is one of Atlanta’s strongest assets and navigating the city is a breeze upon arrival with MARTA, Atlanta’s rapid rail system. A short train ride directly connects the airport to the meeting districts of Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead, with the city’s famous Peachtree Street serving as the main thoroughfare.
Clean Show attendees will be able to take advantage of complimentary shuttle bus service to and from the Georgia World Congress Center during specified times on show days. Pickups along three routes will be at or near nine official show hotels.
If you’re driving to the Georgia World Congress Center, several parking options are available; visit www.gwccparking.com to learn more.
MIX LEISURE WITH BUSINESS
Atlanta is a dynamic destination with an unmatched convention and entertainment district. Hotels, restaurants and attractions are mere steps away from Georgia World Congress Center, making it easy to traverse when free time arises. Downtime during an event is precious, so why not make the most of it?
Many of Atlanta’s world-class attractions are within Downtown’s walkable Centennial Park District. The iconic green space known as Centennial Olympic Park is the anchor of the neighborhood and surrounded by the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Aquarium and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. By purchasing an Atlanta CityPASS booklet, you can save up to 44% on tickets to visit all these facilities.
Check back Thursday for this story’s conclusion. In the meantime, check out these listings for things to see and do in Atlanta!
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Georgia Aquarium. Dive into the nation’s largest aquarium with over 10 million gallons of fresh and salt water. Explore and enjoy the Aquarium’s galleries, shows, animal interactions and encounters, behind the seas, and more! 225 Baker Street Northwest, www.georgiaaquarium.org.
College Football Hall of Fame. 95,000 square feet. A 45-yard indoor football field. More than 50 engaging and interactive exhibits. A shrine to the greatest to ever play or coach the game. All in the heart of downtown Atlanta. 250 Marietta St NW, www.cfbhall.com.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Opened in 2014, it’s a museum and human rights organization that inspires people to tap their own power to change the world around them. Iconic exhibitions feature the papers and artifacts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; the history of the U.S. civil rights movement; and stories from the struggle for human rights around the world today. 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW, www.civilandhumanrights.org.
World of Coca-Cola. Do you want to have some fun? What about tasting different fizzy drinks from around the world? Yes, you can do it and much more, including finding out Coke’s secret formula, during your visit here. 121 Baker St NW, www.worldofcoca-cola.com.
Atlanta Botanical Garden. The perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries for the next day’s show. The place is renowned for its 30 acres of outdoor gardens, plant collections, beautiful displays, and spectacular exhibitions. A nature lover’s must-go! 1345 Piedmont Ave Northeast, www.atlantabg.org.
Delta Flight Museum. The museum is a 68,000-square-foot facility at the airline’s world headquarters in Atlanta, featuring five historic aircraft, and hundreds of items tracing Delta’s history and the development of commercial aviation. 1060 Delta Blvd., Hapeville, www.deltamuseum.org.
Centennial Olympic Park. Pay homage to Atlanta’s Olympic legacy, take a selfie with the Olympic rings, splash around in the Fountain of Rings, enjoy a nice picnic or play on the lush green space with downtown views in every direction. Many of Atlanta’s top attractions, restaurants and venues are only steps away. 265 Park Ave W NW, www.gwcca.org/centennial-olympic-park.
The Porsche Experience Center. 1.6 miles of skill-focused, purpose-built driving that is designed to test drivers and the famed functionality only a Porsche can offer. With multiple driving tracks, the Heritage Gallery museum, and on-site dining, this experience has something for everyone! One Porsche Drive, www.porschedriving.com/atlanta.
SkyView Atlanta. Ride a gondola to experience the city from 20 stories up. It’s a thrilling view during the day and a breathtaking sight at night. You’ll see everything from Stone Mountain Park to Midtown’s Georgia Tech campus. 168 Luckie St NW, www.skyviewatlanta.com.
SHOPPING & MORE
The Municipal Market (aka The Sweet Auburn Curb Market). Founded in 1918 as an open-air market, the Municipal Market (known by locals as Curb Market) resides on the border between downtown Atlanta and historic Sweet Auburn. The market features dozens of local shops and food stalls offering everything from fresh produce, seafood and meats to baked goods, sweets, and local restaurants serving Vietnamese, soul food, pizza, and Cajun and Creole cuisine. Restaurant stalls change often here, so it’s best to check online before heading over. Closed Sunday and Monday. Easily accessible via the Atlanta StreetCar. 209 Edgewood Ave Southeast, https://municipalmarketatl.com.
Krog Street Market. Nestled in the heart of Inman Park, Krog Street Market is a food hall housed in a restored factory. It’s home to market stalls featuring prepared foods, produce and gourmet treats. Locals love this market for shopping, visiting and dining. 99 Krog St., https://krogstreetmarket.com.
Ponce City Market. Nestled in the Old Fourth Ward along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market is one of Atlanta’s favorite gathering spots. In 2014, the market began reopening the fully renovated old Sears & Roebuck building, dating to the 1860s, populating it with retail, office space and dining. Most recently, it opened a residential section with flats easily accessible to dining, shopping and work. 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, www.poncecitymarket.com.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].