This Fourth of July, take a vacation close to home

The summer family vacation is an American tradition and one of which childhood memories are made: ordering room service, jumping on the bed, swimming in the hotel pool.

This summer, 58 percent of families will change the way they vacation because of the economy.

In a city with the world’s most-accessible airport and a network of interstate highways to take us anywhere in the country, our first instinct is to hop on a plane or pack the car.

We overlook the variety of things to see and do in our own city.

At a time when people are reevaluating plans for the summer vacation, Atlanta offers a variety of hotel packages and entertainment options at prices that fit any family budget.

Atlanta is becoming known as one of the top family destinations in the country.

Edutainment abounds at the Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and the National Museum of Patriotism, which are around Centennial Olympic Park.

Cultural immersions can happen just up the road at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the last U.S. stop for Henry Moore’s exhibition, “Moore in America”; the Center for Puppetry Arts during the Puppets Take Atlanta festival; and the High Museum of Art’s exhibition of Monet’s water lily paintings.

Explore history at “America I Am: The African-American Imprint” at the Atlanta Civic Center, a celebration of 400 years of African-American contributions.

Nothing beats summer classics like Six Flags Over Georgia, Stone Mountain Park and the Lasershow Spectacular, a romp in the fountain at Centennial Olympic Park, lunch at the Swan Coach House or an Atlanta Braves game.

The Georgia Aquarium offers the only opportunity in the world where you’re guaranteed to swim with the whale sharks. Inside CNN Studio Tour Atlanta offers behind-the-scenes access and the chance to meet anchor Robin Meade.

I love seeing visitors discover Atlanta’s amazing restaurant scene.

From Buckhead to Midtown to downtown, Atlanta has more than 500 Zagat-rated restaurants, adding more than 45 dining establishments in the past year alone.

This summer is a great time to try a new dining experience, as most restaurants are offering great deals.

Southern Living magazine readers consistently rate Atlanta as the top shopping destination in the South, beginning with Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. This sought-after shopping mecca is in your backyard. And just like dining, hotels and attractions, these retailers are offering great values.

The very things that make Atlanta a great place for visitors to experience are also the perfect ingredients for your backyard adventure.

So don’t let the economy dampen your vacation plans. Atlanta has it all at a great price, and it’s right here in your own backyard.

William Pate is president of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.