FROM LEFT: ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER, ATLANTA/CALEB JONES; JIMMY CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM, ATLANTA/CALEB JONES Atlanta While President Carter was born and raised in southwest Georgia, he spent much of his political and humanitarian careers in the state’s capital city. Learn more about his post-presidential legacy at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum , an award-winning museum situated on 35 acres of landscaped grounds with permanent exhibits dedicated to Carter’s life and career. Step into a life-sized replica of the Oval Office to watch a “Day in the Life of the President” video projected on 13-foot-tall screens. Then browse a collection of unique artifacts, like Carter’s original Nobel Peace Prize, presidential papers, a medieval crown from Hungary and one-of-a-kind gifts for heads of state. As you leave, you’ll see his namesake nonprofit The Carter Center just next door. For lunch, motor down the street to Manuel’s Tavern , a legendary pub where Carter announced his run for governor in 1970 and a gathering spot for political enthusiasts, journalists, actors and other notable Atlantans. The straightforward menu includes starters like wings and nachos, plus sandwiches, soups and salads. Try the half-pound beef McCloskey cheeseburger, named for a long-time employee, and sample a beer from a local brewery. Then head a few miles downtown to the Georgia State Capitol , the iconic gold-domed building where Carter worked as a state senator and later governor. The grounds feature a statue of President Carter, while the inside galleries include a portrait of Carter and state artifacts like historical flags and artwork. From there, drive north to Buckhead for a public tour of the Governor’s Mansion , where Carter lived during his tenure. Then drive down the street to the Atlanta History Center , which has rotating and permanent exhibits that chronicle the city’s history from Indigenous inhabitants to contemporary times—including Carter’s presidency and the 1996 Olympic games. The museum has an on-site coffee shop and cafe, plus a manicured campus and historical buildings, including the Renaissance revival-style Swan House , featured prominently in movies like The Hunger Games . Fun fact: In 1973, Carter founded Georgia’s first state film commission, which kicked off the state’s growing film industry. See page 10 for other filmed-in-Georgia locations. End your road trip with a rousing Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park . A lifelong baseball fan, Carter—as governor—congratulated Hank Aaron with a handshake when he broke the record for the most home runs. He also threw the ceremonial first pitch during the World Series in 1995, when the Braves won the title. EXPLOREGEORGIA.ORG 107
Official State Travel Guide 2024 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 107
