Atlanta


 

Tourist Information about Atlanta

Upon setting foot in the highly commercialized streets of Atlanta , one should learn to look past the towering skyscrapers and intertwined freeways in order to appreciate the rich culture that made this city what it is today.

Truly, Atlanta is one of the most commercialized cities in the United States of America . Enjoying a fast rate in terms of population growth and urban development over the years, Atlanta 's flourishing economy has been the envy of many across North America , thus earning the title "The Capital of the New South". Its headcount of 425,000 is only part of the 4,708,297 population of the Atlanta metropolitan area, the eleventh largest metropolitan area in America .

Atlanta 's suburban atmosphere existed way before buildings and highways were built. The city was originally of Creek and Cherokee Native American settlement before the tribes were relocated to Oklahoma . Soon after, the city hosted a terminal on the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which was rumored to be the source of the name " Atlanta ". The name of the city was finally incorporated in 1847.

Enduring and rising above a lot of battles during the succeeding civil war era, the city earned the moniker "The Phoenix City", which is why most of Atlanta 's symbols carry the code of the Phoenix .

Atlanta, getting there and around

Atlanta has one of the world's busiest airports in Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is located 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta . Servicing non-stop domestic and international flights, the airport has two terminals and six concourses. Moreover, most of the world's major airline companies have routes that pass by the city's famous airport. For more information, you may visit: http://www.atlanta-airport.com.

Getting Around

There are many options that are available when commuting in Atlanta , but some may be a bit pricey. From the airport to downtown Atlanta , you may either travel by taxi ($25-$39 depending on the number of people) or by the Atlanta Airport Shuttle ($8 - one-way, $14 round-trip).

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which operates high-speed subway and train-like bus systems around the city and from the airport, is a unique and cheaper alternative. The minimum for the mass transit systems is only $1.50, with the bus system offering weekly and monthly Transcards (prepaid bus cards) at a discounted value.

Famous for being a railroad hub during the 19th century, Atlanta still has remembrances of its old glory through Amtrak's Crescent trains, which provide long distance routes to other cities like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charlotte, Washington DC, New Orleans, etc. Greyhound Bus Lines also provide nationwide transport to and from Atlanta .

But to get to most parts of the city, traveling by car (including rentals) is the most convenient, if not the only, way. The city has three major interstate highways that pass through the city (I-20, I-75, and I-85) aside from the network of freeways that one can encounter while traveling around. So if you're traveling by car, get ready to experience one of America 's worst traffic situations.

Atlanta, main attractions

Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park

The 21-acre park was the venue of the 1996 Olympic Games and continues to be an entertainment and amusement park for families. Its Fountain of Rings depicts an ingeniously designed interactive fountain that incorporates the structure of the world-renowned Olympic Rings. The park also hosts concerts, festivals, and provides an ice-skating venue during winters.

Atlanta, CNN Center

A 14-story infrastructure that is home to one of the most famous cable news channels in the world, Cable News Network (CNN). The facility offers a 50-minute tour that includes the control rooms, news rooms, and broadcast studios. The tour costs $10 per head and should be scheduled one day in advance.

Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola Pavilion

If you're a Coke fanatic or just some looking for a unique experience, then this is the place for you. The infrastructure worth around $15 million showcases memorabilia of the company's rich history, which is also part of Atlanta 's. It could be recalled that when the great depression hit Atlanta in the 1930s, it was The Coca-Cola Company that helped out with the city's deficit.

Atlanta, other attractions

Aside from the sights mentioned above, there are still a lot of places that will demonstrate the city's one-of-a-kind cultural history and background. You should not leave Atlanta without going to venues like the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, Woodruff Arts Center , Fox Theater, Atlanta History Center , and Zoo Atlanta.

Atlanta, events

The Piedmont Park is the hub of Atlanta 's festivals, one of which is the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. It is an arts and crafts festival that is usually held during a spring weekend in April. Atlanta residents also show their love for music in their celebrations. The city holds one of the largest jazz fests in America called the Atlanta Jazz Festival, while a three-day music feast is held during summer called Midtown Music Fest.

Of course, the New Year wouldn't be complete with a little Peach Bowl Parade down Peachtree Street , a prelude to the city's annual football game, the Peach Bowl. Other popular events in the city are Sweet Auburn Spring Fest, Georgia Renaissance Festival, Virginia-Highlands Summerfest, and Inman Park Festival.

Atlanta, important visitor information

Climate

The best time to visit the city is during the seasons of spring and autumn. Atlanta enjoys all four seasons. The months of July and August tend to get warm, while December and January can get a little snowy. But variations are less extreme than those of other cities in America . And mind you, the city's temperate climate is year-round.

Sports

Sports has really become a past time in Atlanta . Aside from having a very successful baseball franchise in the Atlanta Braves, the city also hosts the Hawks and Falcons franchises for professional basketball and football, respectively. Most importantly, the city had the distinct privilege of hosting the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

Languages

The city has a lot of people who speak Native American dialects aside from the primary English language. Spanish has also become an effective second language for some.

Speed Limit

In metropolitan areas, limits on the interstates is 55 mph. Any where else (unless specified), the limit can reach up to 70 mph.

Electricity

The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC with an outlet supporting a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.