Are Atlanta tourist attractions vanishing into thin air?

Atlanta is home to many tourist attractions, but two of those attractions seem to have decreased in popularity lately: the Segway tours and horse-drawn carriages that once frequently roamed the streets.

Known for offering a unique perspective on major landmarks in various countries around the world, Segway tours are found in many cities including Atlanta. City Segways, on 250 Park Ave., offers tours of Atlanta landmarks, the World of Coke, Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center.

According to Trip Advisor City Segways reviews, Segway tours are still in high demand despite the economy. Recent vacationers from places like California, Texas and Virginia all agree the Segway tour inspired them to tour other cities by Segway. City Segways' website also notes continued demand. The only changes they have made are using the new i2 Segway and adding a shortened tour time.

In addition to the usual three hour tour, tourists can now tour the city in just an hour and 30 minutes. The shorter tour can help avoid overbooked schedules. The new time frame may also explain why Atlanta natives and residents could miss out on observing some of the Segway tours. However, these Segway expeditions will not be the only time Atlanta residents see Segways on the go. Other uses for Segways include by police or security officers and mail carriers.

Nottingham Shire & Carriage for Hire has tours of historical landmarks in Atlanta, but the majority of their business is for weddings, parades, quincineras, films and other major events. Weddings typically happen during the spring and summer, so the only times people might see the horse-drawn carriages during the summer is for the Fourth of July parade and possibly at fantasy-style weddings.

Like the City Segway tours, the horse-drawn carriages have a precise time schedule for tours. Their tours last from fifteen minutes to an hour. Their business has not been affected greatly by the economy because there will always be formal events and parades the company can rely on. For now, Nottingham Shire & Carriage for Hire is standing strong behind their business, like City Segway is too.