Educational Travel: Is Temple Square Salt Lake City for everyone?

On a recent drive through Salt Lake City, we decided to stop (for the first time) at the city’s famed Temple Squareand it made me wonder: is Temple Square Salt Lake City for everyone? I’ll start with a disclaimer: we’re not of the LDS faith. Because of this, the site does not hold any symbolic or sentimental meaning to us, other than as a significant player in Utah’s rich history. We visited for the purpose of touring the grounds, enjoying the gardens, and glimpsing the beauty of the temple from the outside.

Temple Square salt lake city

That said, we were underwhelmed. We absolutely missed some sites (and if any were must-see’s, please inform us in the comments) but we did hit the visitors centers, the home of the Tabernacle Choir, the Museum of Mormon History, and the meetinghouse adjacent to the Temple. I’d describe myself as quite informed about the Mormon religion, so the information in the visitors centers did not provide me with any significant new information, and overall, I expected the museum to feel more educational (in an historical way) than promotional. I was disappointed in this regard, as I hoped to inform my kids about Mormon history more so than Mormon theology. Perhaps this was an unrealistic expectation, as I certainly assumed religious content would play a big role.

The garden grounds were pretty and peaceful, but not inspiringly so, and while the temple itself is pretty, it simply didn’t hold the interest of my kids (who, again, have no emotional connection to it). I can see how a visit to Temple Square could be quite meaningful to an LDS family, and to anyone at special times of year (such as Christmas, when I hear it really shines), or if we’d had the chance to hear the choir, but on an average weekday, the detour to see the square fell flat.

Temple Square Salt Lake City

Based on this experience alone, I suggest going to Temple Square Salt Lake City during the following times or under the following circumstances:

1. If it holds emotional, spiritual, or historical significance for your family.

2. During a special event, or to catch a musical performance. The Tabernacle Choir rehearses every Thursday at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 9:30 am. There is an organ concert three times daily.  Seasonal events would also be well worth the visit.

3. If you plan to spend some time researching your family history (we did not delve into this aspect of the square).

If you do go, you’ll enjoy the following family-friendly amenities:

1. Plenty of space for your kids to stretch their legs and play quietly (within reason).

2. Clean and ample bathroom facilities and drinking fountains.

3. Good dining options.

Date last visited:

June 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Five minutes from I-80

Admission cost:

Free.

Hours of operation:

Check website.

Directions:

From I-80, take 600 So (I-80 exit), following the downtown Salt Lake City/Temple Square signs.

What to do in Ketchikan Alaska with kids

There’s plenty to do in Ketchikan Alaska with kids! Whether in Ketchikan a day or two before or after a cruise or in the city for an extended time, there are a few must-sees.

Creek street ketchikan

SE Alaska Discovery Center

One of the best museums we viewed in Alaska, the SE Alaska Discovery Center is located in the heart of downtown Ketchikan, in easy walking distance of the cruise ship terminals. Start by viewing the 28 minute film, then tour through various ecosystems of Alaska, including rain forest, intertidal, and more. There are also exhibits on the fishing and crabbing industry, Alaskan Native populations and customs, and Alaskan wildlife. The museum exhibits don’t replace going out to see the ‘real thing’, but does give a great overview of the area. This stop would be best at the start of an Alaska vacation.

The museum is located at 50 Main Street. Admission is $5 per person.

SE Alaska Discovery Center

Historic Creek Street

Ketchikan is known for its role as a gateway to the Klondike gold fields, and has a somewhat sordid past to reflect this pioneering history. Creek Street houses rows of historic buildings built along the pier over a large creek, most of which are now tourist shops. It’s worth a stroll along the boardwalk to catch glimpses of spawning salmon in the creek in summer and imagine what the town used to look like. A word of caution: Dolly’s, a one-time brothel, has been restored to its former glory for tours. Contrary to what the tour guides will tell you, the vast majority of parents would not consider the tour appropriate for children. The content discussed and some of the artifacts within the house are graphic. Learn from our mistake!

Misty Fjords national monument

Misty Fjords National Monument

The best way to experience Misty Fjords National Monument is by boat. If you’re lucky enough to be cruising via small ship, you will have likely cruised through Misty Fjords, but if not, definitely include it in your day excursions. The best tour of the region: Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer, a 4.5 hour boat tour of the national monument run by longtime Alaskan-owned company Allen Marine. It’s easy to see wildlife aboard this two-story vessel, such as bald eagles and seals. There’s a natural onboard to point things out and answer questions, and snacks and tea and coffee are provided. We were most impressed by the 3,000 foot granite cliffs on either side of the boat, the numerous waterfalls, and New Eddystone Rock sticking out of the green-blue water.

Tip: If souvenir shopping, Ketchikan has ample opportunity to buy made-in-Alaska wares, such as Alaskan Native art or beadwork made locally. Ask shop owners whether their products are made in the state; you’d be surprised how much comes from oversees.

Educational Travel: California Trail Center Elko Nevada

Yes, you can still travel with your kids after back-to-school…just make it educational! In the following weeks, we’ll be highlighting historical and educational pit stops to explore with your school-aged kids.

The California Trail Center Elko Nevada a gem along I-80. Housed in a beautiful building just off the interstate; don’t pass it, as you won’t see another turn off to return to it for another 16 miles. This impressive museum takes visitors along the entire path of the California Trail, through a circular building that ‘starts’ in Independence, Missouri and ends in the Sacramento Valley of California. The trail itself crossing the path of this site just outside of Elko, and wagons as well as Native American wigwams are erected outside overlooking the basin.

California Trail Center

Interactive exhibits for kids abound in the center, from small wagon replicas with wooden blocks representing supplies that kids can ‘pack’ themselves to light-up, multi-sensory maps of the various overland trails with pros and cons for each. Young kids will enjoy dressing up in period clothing (with explanations for the various articles of clothing and even a full-length mirror on-hand) and older kids will be fascinated by a well-done film about the ill-fated Donner Party. In many locations throughout the center, audio tours go into more depth, and actual quotes pulled from journals and letters give the American pioneers a voice.

California Trail Center

Perhaps most delightful about the California Trail Center is the number of docents strolling throughout the museum, ready to answer questions and offer stories related to the history of the era. Docents wear period clothing and act as living history lessons as they exhibit settler-era rifle fire and how to cook over a buffalo-chip fire (just two examples).

We actually missed the turn-off (hence the warning above!) and returned 16 miles to visit the museum, and felt it was well worth the set-back to our travel schedule. For more Western pioneering history pit stops, check out our reviews additional I-80 pioneering museums, such as Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum and of Sutter’s Fort, California.

Date last visited:

June 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Right off I-80

Admission cost:

Free!

Dining:

None. There is a grassy area that would work for a picnic, however.

Hours of operation:

Wednesday through Sunday, 9 am to  5 pm

Directions:

From I-80, take Exit  292 nine miles from Elko (look for signs).

Things to do in Sitka Alaska with kids: three not-to-miss attractions

Whether you’re embarking upon an Alaska cruise from Sitka or charting a fishing excursion, there are multiple things to do in Sitka Alaska with kids. The town is rich in Russian and Tlingit (Alaska Native) history, and is a bustling fishing port to this day. Be sure to schedule at least one extra day in town to explore the natural, historical, and cultural sights. Sitka boasts 8,500 residents, but the central downtown area is entirely walkable; no need for a car. The three attractions for kids in Sitka below are all within a few blocks of one another, and all walkable from Sitka hotels.

Sitka Alaska

Alaska Raptor Center:

Spend a few hours at the Alaska Raptor Center, located just outside of town just past Sitka National Historic Park (walk through the trails to get there!). This rehabilitation center for as many as 30 Alaskan birds of prey includes permanent housing for raptors who cannot be reintroduced back into the wild, as well as ‘rehab’ exercise and observation rooms for those who are recovering from injuries. The staff is well-educated on the goings on at the center, and can answer any questions about the rescue process.

Alaska Raptor center

Start at the birds of prey presentation to ‘meet’ some bald eagle friends and get an overview of the center, then tour the rehab area and the outside viewing areas. The kids loved the owls best–especially the very animated snowy owl–and the ravens. There’s a nice walking path where wild bald eagles can be spotted (and perhaps a bear or two) and a gift shop, of course. The good news: proceeds help the raptors.

Located at 1000 Raptor Way, off Lincoln Street. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for kids, and the center is open May through September 8 am to 4 pm.

Sitka National Historic Park:

En route to the Raptor Center is Sitka National Historic Park, which we were told is the smallest national park in the nation. Don’t judge it by its size, however: Sitka’s historic park has enough to do to keep a family busy for several hours. Start at the small but well-designed visitor’s center: view the short film which gives a good overview of the history of the area, then take a walk through the coastal rain forested trails to see the site of the Russian-Tlingit battle of the late 17th century and many authentic totem poles. Better yet: take one of the park’s guided walks to learn the most about the significance of each totem.

Sitka National Historic Park

The walk deposits visitors near the beach, where great tide pool and intertidal viewing is possible at low tide. Either way, stop to take a photo of beautiful Sitka Sound and see if you can spot any large cruise ships anchored off-shore (the harbor cannot accommodate them). Back in the visitor’s center, check out the indoor totem poles and pick up a Junior Ranger booklet to complete in Sitka.

The park is free to visit and open 8 am to 5 pm. Located on Lincoln Street (a main thoroughfare), the park is a 10 minute walk from another historical site, the Russian Bishop’s House (also on Lincoln, toward town). Download a walking map.

Sitka Sound Science Center:

Sitka Sound Science Center

The Sitka Sound Science Center is easy to overlook, located in a set of warehouses by the bay, but we found it to be a hidden gem of Sitka. Locals enjoy the center’s educational day programs and camps, and there’s plenty to see as a visitor as well. Plan to spend at least one hour to tour the outside salmon hatchery (where you can learn about the process of tagging and tracking Alaskan Wild Salmon) and explore the indoor touch tanks. These tanks are extensive, showcasing the abundance of wildlife in the intertidal zone. Kids and adults can touch everything in the tanks (with one finger to ensure nothing gets accidentally pinched or squished), and we had a great time learning what all these critters felt like! The water in the touch tanks is very cold, so be prepared for a numb hand after a while!

In the touch tank room are also several exhibits about the intertidal zone, marine wildlife, and eco-conservationism. An orca whale skeleton draws the eye, too. The guides here comprise mostly of scientists and students, and are very knowledgeable about the animals and SE Alaska.

Admission is $5 per person (over age two), which includes the hatchery. The center is located at 834 Lincoln.

While walking Sitka, Castle Hill, the site of the signing of Alaska over to the U.S. from Russia, is also worth a stop. A series of stairs takes visitors to the best views around, with cannons kids enjoy seeing and vistas of both the town and the sound. Find Castle Hill at the end of Lincoln Street, by the Sitka Hotel and Totem Square.

Looking for a place to stay in Sitka? Read our review of Totem Square Inn.

Old Trail Town Cody Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is bursting with family-friendly historical sites. Not to be overlooked is Old Trail Town Cody Wyoming. While this Cody attraction won’t take families as long to tour as the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, it makes for a worthy hour of exploration.

Cody Old Trail Town

Each of the 26 historic buildings in Trail Town are authentic dwellings from the 1850s-1910s, brought to Cody from all corners of Wyoming, Utah, and Montana, among other states. As a collection, they’re impressive enough, but each interior has been reconstructed to replicate life during the respective era. There’s a blacksmith shop, saloon, homesteading cabins, fur-trading cabins, and barns. Visitors can even walk into the Hole in the Wall cabin of Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid fame, and see bullet holes in the door of the saloon.

Of particular interest to us at Trail Town was the graveyard, which includes the grave of Jeremiah Johnson and other Western mountain men and women. A small museum houses letters written home from ranchers, fur trappers, and settlers, and Native American artifacts from the region. The whole property will take families approximately 1-2 hours to tour, depending on age of kids and interest level.

old trail town cabin

Date last visited:

June 2103

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Highway 20

Admission rates:

$8 per person for adults, lower for kids

Hours of operation:

8 am to 7 pm, May 15 to September 30.

Directions:

Trail Town is located on the west end of Cody on Highway 20 near the Cody Stampede rodeo grounds.

Exploring Cody Wyoming’s Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Plan at least the majority of a day to take in Cody, Wyoming‘s Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Dubbed the ‘Smithsonian of the West’, this sprawling center in the heart of Cody is really five museums in one, plus outdoor exhibits and interactive displays.

Plains Indian Museum

Start in the Buffalo Bill Museum, which offers a complete overview of the life of William ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody, from boyhood to late life. There’s much more to this American icon than just his famous Wild West show: we learned about his earlier days as a scout for the U.S. army, plus his home life and inspiration for his show. Throughout the Buffalo Bill Museum (and elsewhere in the complex), interactive exhibits encourage kids to put themselves into history, try their hand at skills needed for scouting and wilderness survival, and try out saddles, lassos, and the like. There’s even a Buffalo Bill board game circa the 1950’s ready to be played. Allow at least an hour for this museum, if not more.

birds of prey presentation

Next, head to the Plains Indian Museum, where life on the American plains before and after Euro-American migration (aka Manifest Destiny) changed the shape of Native American culture is displayed in dramatic, panoramas and displays. The museum’s high ceilings and excellent lighting and sets paint a perfect backdrop to learning about these distinct tribes. Families will need 1-2 hours to see it all!

By this time, kids (and adults) will likely need lunch: the center’s cafeteria is reasonably priced with a salad bar and make-you-own-sandwich station. It also serves burgers and hot items. There’s plenty of seating indoors and outside in the beautiful grounds garden, and if you don’t need a whole meal, there’s a nice coffee bar, too. Throughout the day, keep an eye on the scheduled presentations displayed on the reader board at the entrance hub of the center, and plan you route through the museums by it: we were glad not to miss the birds of prey show hosted by the natural history museum!

center of the west

After lunch, head to the Draper Natural History Museum for displays on animals and plant life in the Greater Yellowstone area. Again, the dioramas and exhibits here are stunning, dramatic, and very well done. Interactive opportunities for learning abound here once again as well: in particular, our kids loved the ‘field station’ where they could chart geothermal activity and wildlife migration from a bank of computers and quiz stations set up throughout the museum to test their knowledge of the outdoors. This museum is multi-story (as is the Plains Indians one) so once again, allow several hours. Younger kids may not last as long, but school-aged kids would be remiss to skip anything!

Older kids and anyone who loves guns and Western history associated with firearms will want to check out the Cody Firearms Museum. We thought this museum would be smaller than the others, but it’s nearly as large! Even if you’re not a gun fan, a tour through the replica pioneer-era hardware store is worth the visit. I found the gun displays from the 1500s-1800s most interesting, though my teen loved the WWII collection.

buffalo bill's center of the west

Finally, if you’re not spent, the Photography Gallery (hosted by National Geographic) is stunning, and the Whitney Western Art Museum is well worth a tour. At the back of the art museum is a counter banked by windows overlooking the landscape where kids are encouraged to draw their own Western art.

Outside, families should check out Buffalo Bill’s boyhood home, brought to Cody from Kansas, and the Joseph Henry Sharp cabin. Outdoor shows such as the birds of prey presentation are held on the center outdoor grounds as well. At the entrance to the center is also a replica chuck wagon with cook: definitely stop to sample his fare. We ate sourdough biscuits and baked beans authentically cooked over a fire in cast-iron pots, and both were delicious.

Date last visited:

June 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Directly on Highway 20.

Hours of operation:

8 am to 6 pm daily May 1-September 15. Off-season hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily.

Admission:

Expect to pay $25 for adults and under $15 for youth. Kids five and under free. Considering the vast amount of museum space, we found this pricing to be a deal…provided you stay most of the day.

Directions:

The Center of the West is located at 720 Sheridan Ave in Cody. Sheridan Avenue is Cody’s ‘Main Street’, so you can’t miss it coming through town from either direction.

Top 10 Toronto kid-friendly activities for families

We love Toronto kid-friendly activities! Don’t let this bustling center for business and commerce intimidate you! Families visiting Toronto will find much to do with kids, and much to love amid the busy streets and lively waterfront. Plus, Toronto public transit is very intuitive and affordable: with only two major subway lines, you won’t get lost! Leave your car at the hotel, and ride, boat, or walk to all of the following top Toronto attractions. Don’t forget to buy a Toronto CityPASS or Go Card to save cash while you play!

Tip! Save up to 43% on Toronto’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS. Shop Now!

Click on the arrow on the right of the first image to play the slideshow.

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Photo credit: Pit Stops for Kids, Bobolink, waterfronttoronto.ca

Toronto on Dwellable

The Museum at Warm Springs

While traveling between Bend, Oregon and the base of Mt. Hood at Government Camp along remote Highway 26, one might think there’s nowhere worthy of a pit stop. Not so! The Museum at Warm Springs is nothing short of a high desert gem. Located inside the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs reservation, the museum is tucked on the side of the road near a gas station and across from the small Indian Head Casino. We’ve driven by without a glance more than once before taking the time to visit following a stay at nearby Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa.

museum at warm springs

We were treated to a private tour of the museum, but visitors self-guiding will have no problem getting much out of this museum as well. Every aspect of the design has been consciously considered; in fact, the museum has won honors for its presentation. Even at the entrance, the symbolism is evident in the drum-circle arc of a front patio and brickwork depicting basket-weaving design. The interior vestibule is shaped like a long house, and a bubbling stream accompanies guests up the front walk, reminding all of the life-giving importance of water.

Inside, the museum houses collections garnered over the past 20 years from tribal members living in the area. The exhibits are incredibly well-done, and take guests from early life on the high desert and Columbia Basin through reservation life in present day. Our favorite section included a small, circular room where visitors can listen to intertribal and single tribal songs and drum beats, along with the viewing of dances on a screen.

The day-to-day ancient living of the Wasco, Warm Springs, and Paiute tribes are depicted through displays featuring lifelike models. In fact, we learned that these human replicas were created by applying molds to the faces of today’s tribal members, which were used to make the models. Guests can tour behind open displays of Native American dwellings, including teepees and buildings, to see what a traditional interior looked like. We learned about the many variations of baskets and their purposes and deeper meanings, as well as the weapons, hunting practices, and fishing practices of the native people.

An entire room is devoted to a timeline of the shift from traditional life to reservation life, starting with the Treaty of 1855 and carrying on to today. Learning how the tribal land was distributed, how three distinctly different tribes came to be located on the same reservation, and how early reservation life–including the injustice of boarding schools and the stripping of the native language from young people of the tribes–effected the native people was but well-depicted and sobering.

There are a number of hands-on activities for kids, as well as many multi-media presentations to keep them engaged. The museum is best for school-aged kids, but even preschoolers will get much out of it. Tip: on your way out, look for the single missing ‘bead’ in the brickwork on the outside of the building. In Warm Springs intertribal culture, every traditional basket and beadwork design has one mistake in it, to symbolize that nothing is perfect, and this symbolism is carried over in the museum architecture. It’s hard to spot!

Distance from the interstate:

Directly on Highway 26, approximately  one hour from Highway 97 in Bend or almost 2 hours from I-84.

Admission and hours:

The museum is extremely affordable at $7 for adults, $4.50 for students (13-17), and $3.50 for kids (age four and under are free). Open 9 am to 5 pm daily in the spring/summer season. Check site for winter hours.

Food services:

No food services on-site, though there are nice picnic areas and a short walking trail. Families could easily make this a picnic lunch stop and museum visit.

Directions:

From Bend, proceed north on Highway 97 past Redmond (15 miles) and Madras (26 miles) to Warm Springs (14 miles). From Portland, travel Highway 26 past Mt. Hood (45 miles). 105 miles total.

Disclaimer: We experienced the Museum at Warm Springs as guests of the museum.

Best Beach Towns: Newport, Rhode Island

It’s time to start planning beach vacations! Our series of best beach towns for families is constantly building. Our latest addition: Newport, Rhode Island.  For a New England beach feel, plenty of shopping and seafood, and quaint lodging, Newport can’t be beat. Its location along Narragansett Bay is ideal during the summer months, but Newport has much to offer families in the ‘shoulder seasons of spring and fall, too.

Newport Rhode Island

What to do in Newport:

1. Tour the Newport mansions along Cliff Walk: Starting from the easy-to-access public beach, Cliff Walk takes visitors along–you guessed it–the cliff overlooking the beach, where a long string of impressive mansions stand sentinel. These mansions are mainly relics of Newport’s golden era of wealth (pre-Depression), but many are still in use today. The walk is 3.5 miles, but it’s just as easy to turn around at any point and return the way you came. You’ll get great views of sailboats on the water as well, and there are numerous benches to stop and picnic or rest.

2. Play at Easton’s Beach (First Beach): This wide-open beach comes with a $20 parking fee during the summer season, but you get a lot for your ‘entrance fee’: a carrousel and concession stand, lots of space for setting up camp along the beach for the day. There’s even a small aquarium, though this certainly isn’t ‘destination-worthy’.

3. Explore the Newport Historical Museum: The Newport museum is located in the heart of historic downtown and while small, is very well done. It’s fee is by donation only, and will take guests from native times to colonization and war periods. It’s great for school-aged kids, with exhibit descriptions just for them, and a welcome relief from the sun and sand for all kids.

Newport Rhode Island shopping

Where to stay in Newport:

The Newport Harbor Hotel is located downtown right on America’s Cup Drive. During the high-traffic summer months, you can park your car and leave it, walking to all the area attractions and beaches with kids.  The Newport Harbor Hotel is convenient for families with an indoor heated pool, saunas, and on-site dining for easy meals. They offer seasonal packages, and many rooms have great views of the harbor and boats coming and going.  Read a full review on Trekaroo!

Photo credit: Dougtone.

Atlanta History Center with kids

During a family vacation to Atlanta, absolutely do not overlook the Atlanta History Center, located well out of downtown in the neighborhood of Buckhead. This sprawling museum on 33 wooded acres is tucked into the heart of a beautiful Atlanta neighborhood and is both peaceful and thought-provoking. For families visiting from outside the South, it’s especially fascinating to learn about local Civil War and Olympic Games history.

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center is absolutely a full-scale, serious museum that will satisfy grown-ups, but it’s still very accessible to kids. To the side of the main lobby is a children’s play area that’s seen better days, but don’t let that fool you. The Civil War Turning Point gallery includes multimedia presentations for each section, as well as interactive exhibits that ask kids questions and pose ethical dilemmas. In the Olympic Games gallery, kids can take part in a multi-step quiz game that takes them throughout the exhibit.

Turning Point of Civil War exhibit

Olympic Games exhibit Atlanta History Center

The current traveling exhibit, Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello is geared toward older school-aged kids, but is absolutely fascinating. Adults will learn right along with kids about the families of slaves, and their fates, of Monticello, and information is presented in a way that engages kids into the story behind the history.

Families with younger kids and toddlers will still find much to do outdoors, where wooded trails and a garden of native Georgian plants adorn an old rock quarry. Families can take a guided tour through the Smith Family Farm, or look through the outbuildings, barn, and slave cabin on their own. Guided tours of the adjacent Swan House is also not to be missed, as it tours families through a Southern mansion from the 1920s-30s era complete with original furnishings. Our guide did an excellent job describing the day-to-day life of the family who called it home, and kids will enjoy seeing children’s bedrooms from that period.

Atlanta History Center Smith Farm

Atlanta History Center

It’s worth checking the Atlanta History Center website for events and seasonal activities, as they offer monthly events (many of which are ideal for kids). Plan on 3-4 hours to tour the museum and grounds, including time to eat a meal at one of two restaurants.

Date last visited:

February 10, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Several minutes from I-75.

Admission:

Tickets are $16.50 for adults and $11 for kids (3-12), but you can save $2 by buying online, and admission includes the guided tours of the historical houses as well as the Margaret Mitchell House downtown. Atlanta History Center is also included in Atlanta CityPASS (recommended).

Save up to 43% on Atlanta’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Hours of operation:

Monday-Saturday 10 am to 5:30 pm, Sundays noon-5:30 pm. Of note: museum restaurants are not open on Sundays.

Parking:

Free garage parking

Directions:

The museum is located at 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Buckhead area. Due to its distance from main streets, public transit is not recommended (by us). Taxis are approximately $20 from downtown.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the center as guests of Atlanta tourism, for the purpose of review. This hospitality came with no expectation of positive review.