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Atlanta's Georgia Aquarium offers a chance to get out from behind the glass and into the exhibit--literally. Its Journey With Gentle Giants program puts you right into the Ocean Voyager exhibit, giving you the definitely-not-so-everyday chance to swim with the world's largest fish, the whale shark, among thousands of others.

You'll don everything from fins to wetsuits and spend 30 minutes swimming through a 6.3 million-gallon exhibit packed with manta rays, zebrasharks, sawfish, and cownose rays. The amount of water you'll be surrounded by is hardly the only super-size stat: Whale sharks easily weigh in at 20 tons, and the tank is the size of a football field and measures between 20 and 33 feet deep.

Open water certified divers can bump it up a notch and scuba dive in the tank, but swimmers won't be shortchanged, as the truly gentle and giant whale sharks tend to stay near the surface. Whatever route you take, you should feel good knowing that a portion of the proceeds benefit the 4R conservation program. The 2.5-hour session also includes a sneak peek of some behind-the-scenes areas otherwise closed off to aquariumgoers. The Westin Peachtree Plaza is located a convenient four blocks away.

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Sheraton Atlanta Garden Courtyard Photo.jpgOn January 12, the worst earthquake in 200 years devastated the nation of Haiti, leaving up to three million people in desperate need of aid. CARE, a leading humanitarian organization, has teamed up with the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel (pictured) to make it easy to support crucial relief efforts. For every reservation booked through the Haiti Relief CARE Package link, $10 per night of your stay will be donated to CARE to provide assistance in Haiti. The offer is good for stays through March 31, 2010 and includes free self parking for one vehicle and a complimentary appetizer at Fandangles. Rates start at $189.99 for weekdays (Sunday through Wednesday) and $109.99 for weekends (Thursday through Saturday). The Sheraton will also be accepting monetary donations from all employees, guests, and non guests who wish to help earthquake victims. All donations will be made to CARE and receipts will be issued at time of donation. Visit here to book your stay and do your part to help those in need.

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Sheraton Atlanta Hotel Award Photo.jpgThe Sheraton Atlanta Hotel has long been one of downtown Atlanta's most desired destinations, and it recently added to its portfolio of industry and community awards the coveted "Elite Gold" certification from Elite Meetings International, an independent organization that reviews destination hotels and resorts around the world. The honor is bestowed upon properties offering exceptional experiences for groups based on strict criteria for excellence in accommodations, meeting facilities, service, food and beverage offerings, activities, and amenities. More than $70 million has been invested in Atlanta's 763-room flagship Sheraton property in recent years, with a top-to-bottom upgrade of all 90,000 square feet of event and meeting space, all new guest rooms and suites, and architectural enhancements. Among its most striking new features is a contemporary art collection valued at nearly one million dollars which features 62 original art works, 13 sculptures, and 50 signed limited edition prints by some of the most talented national and international artists working today. It's just one of many stylish, one-of-a-kind touches that make the Sheraton Atlanta an excellent choice for conferences, events, business and leisure travel. Visit the Sheraton Atlanta today and discover for yourself the many ways it stands out as a gem among Atlanta hotels.

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Westin Buckhead Golf Package Photo.jpgAtlanta is a fantastic destination for golfers, with mild temperatures, lots of sunshine, and plenty of great courses. If it's been a while since you've played 18 holes, now's a great time to get reacquainted with the "gentleman's game." Guests at the Westin Buckhead Atlanta can take advantage of preferential tee times at 24 private Canongate Golf Clubs throughout metro Atlanta and enjoy replays for a minimal cart fee. With the Westin's Exclusive Canongate Golf Clubs Package, you'll get all sorts of perks to make your golf retreat a success. Rates start at $134.50 per night per person based on double occupancy, and include one round of golf for two per day at the Canongate Golf Club of your choice, a complimentary Sleeve of Callaway Logo Golf Balls for each guest on day of arrival, and one $25 Callaway gift card for each guest on day of arrival. Best of all, after a great day of golf, you can relax with friends at Willy's Wine Bar and swap stories about your greatest hits while enjoying one complimentary glass of wine or beer per guest, per night. To book this exciting package, visit here or call 866-716-8128 and ask for the Westin Buckhead's Exclusive Golf Package.

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The St. Regis Atlanta is celebrating its inaugural holiday season with a number of unique experiences designed to get you in the spirit, including an open-air ice rink where you can glide, twirl, and spin to holiday music. The Astor Holiday Ice Skating Rink presented by Coca-Cola creates a festive atmosphere reminiscent of the distinguished Astor family, whose flagship St. Regis New York set the standard for luxury and service when it opened in 1904. Impress your friends and family with your best moves on the ice, or take your special someone by the hand for a romantic skate under the stars. After a few laps, warm up with seasonal favorites like hot cocoa and s'mores around the hotel's stunning outdoor fireplaces at the adjacent Pool Piazza. Once you've hung up your skates for the day, head to the hotel's Long Gallery for Holiday Tea or a special Children's Tea with Santa, complete with gingerbread men and chocolate mint cupcakes. In the evening, drop by the St. Regis Bar, Wine Room, or Paces 88 American Bistro to sample an exclusive menu of cocktails inspired by the classic 18th century Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. With sumptuous selections like the Spicy Pear and Maiden's Delight, you'll be filled with holiday cheer in no time. Click here for more information about all the holiday experiences at the St. Regis Atlanta.

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Sheraton Atlanta Outside.jpgThe Sheraton Atlanta Hotel has emerged from a seven-year, $70 million top-to-bottom renovation, imparting a new sense of warmth and comfort throughout the hotel and introducing a host of green initiatives. Each of the hotel's 760 guest rooms has all new furnishings, including Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds, indoor lounge chairs, and new wall-to-wall floor coverings. The latest technology is evident throughout, from the digital card-access door locks to state-of-the-art LCD flat-screen televisions. The all new bathrooms have plenty of pampering features, with granite vanities and Kohler fixtures adding a touch of sophistication. Plus 117 guest rooms overlooking downtown's lively Ellis and Piedmont roads have been extended by 60 square feet, giving more space for guests to relax while giving the exterior a sleek new detail. The renovation was done with the environment in mind, and a number of features were designed to reduce the environmental impact, including low-flow bathroom toilets, energy-saving technology in guest room lighting, and a new hotel-wide water heating system that increases overall efficiency by more than 50 percent. Learn more about the newest enhancements and efforts on going green, or view the latest special offers at the Sheraton Atlanta today.

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Thanksgiving Out of Town

Monday November 23, 2009

artandsoul_thanksgiving.jpgThanksgiving is one of those holidays you're supposed to spend at home — but sometime that's not possible. Maybe you're traveling to visit family, or maybe you're stuck traveling for work. Whatever the reason, wherever you are there's a place to celebrate the holiday with a traditional turkey dinner. Here are a couple options around the country.

Wine country would be a pretty appealing place to celebrate Thanksgiving, and The Girl & The Fig in Sonoma would be a lovely place to do it. Located about 10 miles from the Sheraton Sonoma County - Petaluma, the French bistro will be doing a prix fixe Thanksgiving Day dinner featuring options such as pumpkin soup with blue crab, roast turkey breast and turkey leg confit, prime rib, and lavender honey crème brulée.

Georgia Brown's, a couple blocks north on 15th St. from the W Washington DC, does a Southern-style "Low Country" Thanksgiving replete with both roasted and fried turkey and a buffet of classic side dishes and desserts so you can load up on what you like, just like at home. And speaking of home, if you have dinner at Art Smith's Art and Soul, you'll get a "leftover" roast turkey sandwich with gravy and cranberry sauce on the side to take home.

In Atlanta, highly decorated favorite Canoe has been closed since September after its neighbor, the Chattahoochee River, decided to come inside for a visit. The restaurant is finishing its renovations just in time for Thanksgiving, and is hosting a feast in thanks. This will be one of the hottest reservations in town, so book soon if you're staying at the Westin Buckhead Atlanta.

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Drink and Dine Famously in Atlanta

Friday November 13, 2009

AtlantaCelebEats.jpgAtlanta has grown into a new center of entertainment culture, from a hugely successful music business to a budding spot for feature filmmaking. In fact, the city is now sometimes lovingly referred to as "Black Hollywood," a nickname awarded by natives as well as visitors from these industries. Some of Atlanta's most popular celebrities have extended their success into the restaurant world, and while many have come and gone, there are some reliable places to check out.

Rapper/actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges fell so in love with a San Francisco restaurant that he partnered up with the owner/executive chef to open an Atlanta outpost. Straits (793 Juniper St. NE) is an elegant, Pan-Asian eatery which takes its well-heeled inspiration (pictured) from cutting edge ideas found in street food. Another hip-hop mogul, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, also has an outpost of his New York restaurant Justin's Restaurant (2200 Peachtree Rd. NE), a soul food spot named after his oldest son.

If you're in the mood for something more down-home, the classic celeb-piloted eatery in town is definitely Gladys Knight and Ron Winans' Chicken and Waffles (529 Peachtree St. NE). There's no guarantee that you'll be able to hear those famously incredible vocal chords while you're dining, though. When you're staying at the W Atlanta - Downtown, it's quite easy and convenient to roll to one of these local hot spots. What's your favorite celebrity-owned eatery?

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Oktoberfest is Wherever you Are

Tuesday October 6, 2009

oktoberfest1.jpgOktoberfest isn't just in Germany, of course. There are events all around the United States this month celebrating the brewer's art. Here are a few to look for on your travels.

Each Thursday in October, the Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts the Fest-of-Ale, featuring a selection of seasonal beers selected by Hop City, live music, and nighttime viewing of their fall Scarecrows in the Garden exhibit. The garden is an easy walk from the W Atlanta - Midtown; stop and pick up a flashlight on the way.

On Oct. 17, KC Beerfest gives folks the opportunity to sample nearly 75 beers from around the world and lets you keep the glass as a souvenir. Continue your taste test at Flying Saucer, a short cab ride from the Westin Crown Center.

Flying Saucer's Fort Worth and Austin branches are celebrating their own Fall Beer Festivals on Oct. 17 and 24, respectively. For $15, try out 10 beers from categories including "Texas' Best Brews," "Cap'n Keith's Picks" and "You're Not Worthy." They're close to the Sheraton Fort Worth and Sheraton Austin, respectively. In Austin, you can enjoy a film with your beer at the Alamo Drafthouse.

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The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. hardly needs an introduction, having led the most inspiring social movement of the 20th century. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 to his landmark "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, D.C. nearly a decade later, his achievements in the civil rights struggle are impossible to understate. Yet there's still much to understand about Dr. King, which is why a trip to the King Center in Atlanta is so essential. Established in 1968 by his widow, Coretta Scott King, the center is designed as a living memorial to the man, his legacy, and his teachings of mutual respect among men and women and using nonviolent means to resolve conflicts. As such, it's filled with exhibits that detail his life and work, from his role as pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery Alabama and founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the 1950's to the great honor he earned in 1964 when he became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Visitors can also explore his birth home, where he entered the world in 1929, pore through books in the King Center Library and Archives, see various personal items, including the key to the hotel room he had when he was felled by an assassin's bullet in 1968, and pay respects at his gravesite. Guests at the St. Regis Atlanta or any of Starwood's 13 Atlanta-area properties will appreciate this moving tribute to an inspiring leader.

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