atlanta

With over eight million gallons of water housing more than 100,000 animals of 500 species, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the largest in the world. Residents include two massive Whale Sharks – check out that huge mouth up above! Capable of weighing up to 15 tons, these "gentle giants" are filter feeders meaning they live off of plankton and animals, scooped up in bucket-like fashion with their four-foot-wide mouths.

This aquarium celebrated its two year anniversary last month – and introduced four new Leopard Whiprays last week giving it the largest collection of this species in the US. Also seen up top, these rays collected offshore of Penghu (an island group on the west coast of Taiwan) have a distinctive, leopard-like pattern that extends down much of their tails as well. I could go on and on naming and describing the cool creatures found here, but I recommend checking them out for yourself!

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With a slogan as "the pet store for people," it's especially fitting that this posh shop includes cute brands like Lupine, Red Dingo, and Bella Bean for pooches and boasts great human perks, too! Pet owners can host animal and people socials at Hipbone Pet (like the Italian Greyhound Winter Party this Sunday). Consider renting it out for your dog's next gala – it features free WiFi, plasma TV, comfy lounge, and a doggie-proof deck for warmer days.

While in the area, consider a stop at nearby Piedmont Dog Park, one of the few places in Atlanta where off-leash dogs can frolic freely! Then come back to Hipbone, and bathe your pet for free!

Do you have suggestions for PetSugar? Click here to share your own tips with our Out and About travel group – and stay tuned as our week of Georgia continues!

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If you're doing business in Atlanta with your pooch, the boutique Hotel Indigo is a must-stay. Located in Midtown, not only is it in a convenient area, it's free of additional pet fees! If you're visiting Georgia super soon, the hotel is offering a special Ruff Life Dog Package with doggie bed, doggie bowl and treats, a copy of Fido Friendly magazine, and a welcome note from the hotel's mascot, Indie. This sweet deal starts at $109 per night plus tax, and lasts until Dec. 31.

For those locals or animal-lovers planning a summer visit, this hotel holds a Canine Cocktail hour every Tuesday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day with drink specials and snacks for those on two feet and special doggie menus and treats for the four-footers, too!

Do you have suggestions for PetSugar? Click here to share your own tips with our Out and About travel group – and stay tuned as our week of Georgia continues!

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In recognition of Atlanta being crowned the Asthma Capital of the USA, this week's play list is a compilation of music from Atlanta based artists -- With Usher and Outkast on the play list, this list is sure to keep you (and your heart) moving during your workout.

Just want to warn you all that this is hip hop so some lyrics are explicit and may not be suitable for children or grandmothers.

Total PLOW=37:28

Atlanta may not be breathing so well tonight...or ever, really.

Atlanta has been crowned the U.S. asthma capital for 2007, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which has just released the annual rankings of the 100 most challenging places to live for people with the respiratory illness.

Why Atlanta? Well apparently Altanta's higher-than-average crude death rate (CDR) for asthma, high year-round pollen levels, bad air pollution and lack of smoking bans in restaurants, bars or workplaces contributes to the title.

To see the other cities making the top 10 list, read more