World of Coca-Cola

Dubbed the "Happiness Factory,"  the new World of Coca-Cola tries its best to live up to the hype. Because when it comes down to it, Coca-Cola has become more than just a soft drink: It's a part of American history. 

Perhaps even more important to local residents, Coke is part of Atlanta history. It was here that John Pemberton created his cola and sold it to customers at Jacob's Pharmacy in 1886 as a medicine. So it's no coincidence that the Coca-Cola headquarters and the World of Coca-Cola are located mere blocks from where it originated. 

That sense of historical and local pride is continued throughout the new World of Coca-Cola, which has replaced the former World of Coca-Cola that operated in Underground Atlanta from 1990 to 2007.

Even the more moderized building, located on a 20-acre site located across Baker Street from Centennial Olympic Park,  is completely different -- made of enviroment and energy friendly products.

Guests begin their journey, estimated to take 90 minutes, in the Coca-Cola Loft. The Loft is filled with past and present artifacts. It's there that visitors will see objects such as the metal signage which graced the company's headquarters from 1919 - 1979, and "Barefoot Boy," a Norman Rockwell painting which was created for the 1931 Coca-Cola calendar.

From there, you can take a seat in the Happiness Factory Theater for a  "documentary" of what Coca-Cola means to those who work for the company, as told through animated characters (it's voiced by real employees).

Then it's on to take a photo with the popular Coca-Cola polar bear and into the Milestones of Refreshment area, which uses artifacts, video and interactive games to convey the company's history.

Next, it's on to Bottleworks, where vistors are taken through an up-close-and-personal version of the bottling process. After that, head upstairs to take a peek at the secret formula in the 4-D theater. It's wild ride, so hang on! Old advertisements and pop culture art based on Coca-Cola can be viewed as well.

And finally, what everyone comes for: the Taste It! room. Coca-Cola products from throughout the globe treat visitors to exotic tastes, as well as the "Real Thing."

The Happiness Factory, indeed.

- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.