The Skyview Wheel in Atlanta

Atlanta, my hometown, likes a good prop like any other self-promoting city in the U.S.  We got the Olympics, we build & raze sports venues like there is no poverty around, etc.  When I heard we were getting a Ferris wheel in downtown Atlanta, I rolled my eyes (OK, not literally).  Another waste of money, probably tied to one of our many corrupt public officials…

Skyview, Atlanta, downtown, Ferris wheel, views, Olympus, ride, thrill

The Skyview wheel

Well, today, I was taking care of friends’ kids for the afternoon and after a visit to the Coke museum (the World of Coca-Cola, which I visited for the first time about a month ago), I decided to cross Centennial Olympic Park, kids in tow, and maybe give the Skyview Atlanta Ferris Wheel a shot.  We had contemplated doing this earlier in the day but there was severe weather coming through town and they close the wheel during bad weather.  After a two hour visit to the Coke Museum, the skies were clear and I decided we should give it a go since we were already there and I figured it would be a thrill to the 7- and 9-year olds with me (I was not wrong!).

Centennial Olympic Park, 1996 Olympics,  Atlanta, downtown, Olympics, fountain, brick, park, Olympus

On my way to the Skyview, I stopped to check in on my brick in the park, RIGHT by the Olympic rings fountain!

Skyview, Atlanta, downtown, Ferris wheel, Olympus, ride, thrill, visit, tourist attraction

Approaching the Skyview: it sure looks bigger the closer you get!  (The Tabernacle in the background)

There was no line and we headed right into our “cab”.  The kids were thrilled!  The wheel moved to load the next cab and the kids were so excited.

Skyview, Atlanta, downtown, Ferris wheel, views, Olympus, ride, thrill

And the wheel started to move!

After loading the groups behind us, the wheel started going for real and, as we reached the top, we stopped.  (They were loading another group.)  The kids’ eyes opened BIG.  The 7-yr old started laughing nervously and squirming a little but she handled it fine!  We started going again and they realized we had reached the highest point.

kids, downtown Atlanta, Skyview, Ferris wheel, view, vista

My fellow explorers on the Skyview!

Skyview, Atlanta, downtown, Ferris wheel, views, Olympus, ride, thrill

Looking down onto Centennial Olympic Park and its rings water fountain

The views were pretty cool, though for me, having worked in downtown Atlanta skyscrapers, the views were not new to me – just maybe more fun this way.  The ride was a thrill and seeing the kids enjoy it so much was well worth it!

Skyview, Atlanta, downtown, Ferris wheel, views, Olympus, ride, thrill

Looking towards CNN

Skyview, Atlanta, downtown, Ferris wheel, views, Olympus, ride, thrill

View of downtown Atlanta

I highly recommend the Skyview to anyone coming to town or even for intown folks who’d love an experience up high!

Comments

  1. Cool beans, fun experience for you guys. Something I’ll have to check out. Will be another way to capture the ATL skyline! 🙂
    Aaron recently posted..#ElCafeDe2013 Coffee tip of the week: Bring on the Chocolate!My Profile

  2. So is this a permanent fixture in Atlanta like the London Eye? I think my son would love it. We usually make the trip to Atlanta from Memphis without our son so we can spend the weekend shopping, eating and doing more shopping at IKEA. I think this might be one more reason to bring him with us next time.
    Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted..Why We Stay in Vacation ApartmentsMy Profile

    • Hi, Lance, as far as I know it is here to stay but so said, I am sure, the last town that housed it! Yes, the Skyview, the Aquarium and even perhaps the Coke Museum would all be good since they are all right there across from each other. Plus I am sure he would love to play in the kids’ section of Ikea! 🙂 (From Ikea to the Skyview is just 5 minutes)

  3. There are plenty of other fun attractions within walking distance of the World of Coke in downtown Atlanta. Here’s a few ideas to get started.
    Monica Q. Baxter recently posted..No last blog posts to return.My Profile

  4. sounds like fun….view from the top is incredible…must do during my next trip to Atlanta!!!

  5. I’ve never been to ATL. I have friends there, but now I have other reasons to go. Thanks for sharing your town!

  6. Just like the London Eye! Have to visit ATL one day, if anything to see you and the aquarium 🙂
    Charu recently posted..World’s First Benjamin Franklin Museum Opens in PhiladelphiaMy Profile

  7. Such a fun way to spend the day! I’m sure those kids were pretty happy. So, I’m afraid of heights…not sure I’d love the wheel, though I’d be willing to give it a try!
    Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..Travel Blogging and Friends Met Along the Journey.My Profile

  8. What cuties! Glad they enjoyed it! A nice way to spend the afternoon!

  9. what i wanna know is can you get an alcoholic beverage to bring with you to the top, like on the london eye? asking for a friend… xo, the wino
    the lazy travelers recently posted..foodie break: @crownNYC81My Profile

  10. It’s so nice to see that kind of fun in the midst of an urban area Aaron.
    Linda Sherman recently posted..Woman Executive Builds International Business Startup in BerlinMy Profile

  11. Wow, I love that skyview, it must be special to view from the high ferris wheel.

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