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More about Atlanta
Although it will forever be known as the city that Sherman burned during his infamous march to the sea, Atlanta refuses to be defined by its long-ago misfortune. More than a century after that transforming event, the city stands as one of the nation's foremost metropolitan areas, a regional powerhouse that proudly bears the moniker, "Capital of the New South."
Atlanta's prominence would have been hard to envision in the early 19th century, when the settlement known as Terminus was little more than a railroad stop. Still, steady growth – and an especial drive to rebuild – following the Civil War gave rise to Atlanta's ever-increasing stature and its current position as a city of commerce, history, culture, and advancement.
Beyond being home to Margaret Mitchell – whose tale of loss and resiliency amid moss-draped oaks and plantation houses colors any mention of the South – Atlanta is the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. Raised in the city's Sweet Auburn neighborhood, King still has a presence in latter-day Atlanta, and visitors make frequent pilgrimages to the home, church, and grave of this pre-eminent civil rights leader. An affiliated museum and center for social change also lie in the vicinity.
Business prospers in Atlanta too, thanks to multinational corporations, global banks, and mom-and-pop operations alike. CNN, the brainchild of Ted Turner, maintains its headquarters here, along with Coca-Cola, a hometown success story begun in pharmacist John Pemberton's backyard. The soft drink's history, in fact, is charted in a popular attraction called World of Coca-Cola, which details soda production, Coke products around the globe, and the company's most well-known advertising campaigns.
With its increasing worldwide connections, Atlanta has necessarily tempered some of its traditional Southern character. Half the city's population now has origins from outside the South, although hospitality and graciousness remain strong suits. Plus, the influx of other cultural influences has only added to the regional dining scene. Great restaurants flourish throughout the metro area, serving everything from biscuits and gravy to empanadas, sushi, and even churrasco. And without fail, sweet tea flows by the gallon, an addiction cultivated in native sons and daughters since birth.
Leisure hours offer plenty. Atlanta's nightlife scene promises cutting-edge clubs, hip lounges, and laid-back bars that help smooth out the roughness of a day gone by. Fabulous shopping easily attests to the city's cosmopolitan flair and to its disposable income. For proof, just look to Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza. Plus, culture thrives in theater, dance, art, and such enviable institutions as the High Museum and the Fabulous Fox Theatre, an historic venue with Moorish styling that's a throwback to 1920s opulence.
Sports events also draw spectators galore. The Georgia Dome, home to the NFL Falcons, hosts not only home games but huge events like the Super Bowl and Final Four. And Philips Arena, which sits alongside the CNN Center, serves as home to the Hawks and the Thrashers and welcomes big-name concerts and big-ticket events as well.
The "City of Trees" also invites folks outdoors, and thanks to a perpetually mild climate, nature is a constant guest in Atlanta. Ever-popular Piedmont Park and the quieter Grant Park call to athletes and loungers throughout the week, and Centennial Olympic Park remembers the coup scored when the city hosted the 1996 Olympic Games. It offers a picturesque, relaxed oasis in the midst of the city.
And if all that's not enough, Atlanta maintains a wealth of additional charm for residents and visitors alike. Lovely neighborhoods, intriguing architecture, and a passionate regard for the Braves add character to the city and its suburbs, which shelter more than four million residents. It's of little surprise, then, that with such unabated growth and eminently appealing quality of life, Atlanta – rather than proving itself the terminus its original name indicated – has developed into a city of expansion and forward movement – lately international, perpetually American, proudly Southern.
Atlanta Facts
Fact 1: Boy, they're not slumming it, are they? Zoo Atlanta's newest, hottest attractions are two giant pandas – Lun Lun and Yang Yang – who live in a state-of-the-art, $7-million habitat. Shipped from Beijing aboard a specially equipped Boeing 767, the pandas are only one of the zoo's many attractions.
Fact 2: Need a high-cal, comfort-food fix? Head to the Varsity, the world's largest drive-in. The local favorite opened in 1928 at the corner of Spring Street and North Avenue, near Georgia Tech. The place now serves an average of two miles of hot dogs and a ton of onion rings each day.
Fact 3: The world's best-selling soft drink – Coca-Cola – was invented in Atlanta by Dr. John S. Pemberton. Formulated in his home on Marietta Street, the concoction was first served to the public in May 1886. Today, visitors can learn about the history of Coke at the World of Coca-Cola museum in downtown Atlanta.
Fact 4: How many stars twinkle in an Arabian sky? At the Fox Theatre, the answer is 96 – at least as painted in the clear desert sky above the auditorium. This 1929 Moorish-themed Art Deco delight is one of only two such theater palaces in the nation. The ornate structure with its marble and velvet restrooms regularly hosts Broadway shows and performances by both the Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Opera.
Fact 5: Frankly, we're being frank. Rhett, Scarlett, and Tara, the white-columned plantation, are merely fictional creations of "Gone with the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell. Even so, visitors look forward to touring the modest home where Mitchell wrote the Civil War saga (Peachtree and 10th Street). The book has sold more than 28 million copies and is the best-selling novel of all time. The movie, which premiered in Atlanta in 1939, won ten Academy awards.
Fact 6: Just how big is that horse? Atlanta's Stone Mountain Park is home to the world's largest bas-relief carving, a depiction of Confederate war heroes Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis. The project was conceived in 1912, but it took more than half a century to carve the 90-foot-high by 190-foot-wide sculpture into the mountain's granite wall. As portrayed on the mountain, Lee's horse, Traveler, is 147 feet long.
Fact 7: General William T. Sherman burned Atlanta in the fall of 1864 as his Union army marched to the sea. Among the few buildings that survived are several of the storefronts in Underground Atlanta, a three-level shopping, entertainment, and dining complex in the heart of the city.
Fact 8: What brings together 24-hour news, "Andy Griffith" reruns, and the world's largest freestanding escalator? Newsflash! It's the CNN Center in Atlanta, headquarters of media mogul Ted Turner's vast empire.
Fact 9: Atlanta is the birthplace of civil rights leader, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Assassinated in 1968, his burial site is located at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. The King Center, also in Atlanta, is home to historical King memorabilia.
Fact 10: Shop till you drop! Atlanta is a top destination for shoppers throughout the South for good reason. The state's largest mall – the Mall of Georgia – opened in 1999 with more than 150 stores, five themed court areas, a performance amphitheater, and a 20-screen theater. But don't stop with this complex – Atlanta offers plenty of other malls to explore too!
Atlanta
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Atlanta Featured Articles
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Travel Pulse: What's New
10Best.com Newsletter, June 2008 (June 2008)
Refreshed Cities:
Come see new businesses, new lists, and expanded content in:
Orange County
San Diego
San Antonio
Minneapolis
Berlin
Charlotte
Atlanta
Clemson, SC
Asheville, NC
Hilton Head,... [read more]
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Splash Down!
10 States, 20 Waterparks – take the plunge this summer! (May 2008)
With the high price of gas, not to mention airline tickets, most of us can't afford to travel too far. Whether or not you have kids home from school, summer is prime vacation time. And although a cross-country road trip is probably not an option, a vacation certainly can... [read more]
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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Southeast
Find Great Hotel Deals Too! (February 2008)
Blarney Bashes, Served Up Southern-Style
10 Celebrations for St. Patrick's Day
You can credit it to the luck o' the Irish if you want, but beautiful weather and smiling faces are standard fare in the Sunny South, even in March. Facts, though, are unavoidable. First, from music... [read more]
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From Florida to California, 'Tis the Season for Bowling!
10Best offers bowl game picks, tix & hotel deals (December 2007)
Remember way back when finishing the regular season in the Top 25 didn't necessarily guarantee that your team was going to receive a bowl invitation? That time is long gone.
These days, there are 32 bowls. Quick math tells us that means 64 teams... [read more]
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More Than a Midnight Snack
New York, Atlanta put on New Year's Eve feasts (December 2007)
You've taken your tree down, said goodbye to the relatives and haven't even thought about how to celebrate on December 31. But by the time it comes, you're burned out on hosting company and cooking holiday meals, and you eat either leftovers at home or bare bones hors d'oeuvres... [read more]
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Home for the Holidays: Historic Decorations, Southern Style
Historic Southern homes serve up holiday panache (December 2007)
All around the South, historic estates, mansions and plantation homes are sporting festive holiday decorations. December is the perfect time to visit one (or more) of them – get a glimpse of life in the "old days," gain inspiration for your own holiday decorations, and maybe... [read more]
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Holiday Events Across the Country
The "Best Bet" Cities Offer 10 Ways to Celebrate (December 2007)
During the holidays, most cities dress to impress, garbing themselves in thousands of twinkling lights, miles of evergreen garland and hundreds of bulbs and bows. You'll find businesses of all types decking the halls and trimming trees, getting into the spirit of the season in... [read more]
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Chasing Major League Pennants in 2007
With an eye on some old (and a few new) dames (July 2007)
The first three months of the 2007 season are done. If you're scoring at home, that means it's time to look at the standings and think about doing a second half tour of ballparks. Before you continue reading, though, let's recite the golden rule for road trips: Even interstates... [read more]
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The Other Family Vacation Destinations
Alternatives to the Mouse and the House (June 2007)
Although Orlando and Washington, DC top most lists for family trips, there are 50 states, each with its own unique features, and many that are perfect for creating lasting family memories. Our suggestions are full of attractions with appeal for both kids and their parents, from... [read more]
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High Times in Atlanta
Saturday down South with a side of panache (April 2007)
A day like this should start with a bit of flair – an order of PB&J French toast or a stack of gingerbread waffles from Java Jive should do the trick. Located on Ponce De Leon, this quirky joint is a great launch pad. Just don't tarry over your coffee too long before... [read more]
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Make it a Special Mom's Day this Year
Pick the perfect Atlanta brunch spot (April 2007)
She's the one who endured many a sleepless night. The one who kissed countless scrapes and bruises. The one who cooked meals, helped with homework and listened to teenage woes with a compassionate heart. Now it's your turn to show Mom just how much you appreciate all the unsung... [read more]
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Neighborhoods
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BUCKHEAD
This is the wealthiest, hippest and most fashionable area of Atlanta. North of Downtown and Midtown, most of the trendiest clubs, restaurants and shopping can be found here, as well as the most expensive homes. Buckhead is home to both Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, the two shopping meccas of Atlanta. A drive down Tuxedo Road will take you by the Governor's Mansion as well as several other impressive, opulent homes.
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DECATUR
This lovely section of town has stood since the Civil War. With idyllic tree-lined streets, wonderful downtown shopping and plenty of restaurants, Decatur provides a great neighborhood feel combined with the convenience of being near downtown. A 20-minute drive from the center of the city.
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DOWNTOWN
Awash in office towers and major hotels, Downtown is a familiar haunt for business professionals. In recent years, it has also proven increasingly attractive to folks in pursuit of big-city life, who take advantage of its restaurants, coffee shops, lofts, and condos. While the 1996 Olympics served to ramp up interest in the area, Downtown has come into its own as a destination for work and for play. Notable sights in the vicinity include Centennial Olympic Park, MLK Jr. National Historic Site, Underground Atlanta, Turner Field, and the State Capitol.
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DRUID HILLS
The homes in Druid Hills are well known for their grace and beauty. The homes were designed by the same man who designed the layout of Central Park in New York City. Tours through the area, which run just under two hours, offer a view of the grand homes as well as additional information about several properties in the area.
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GRANT PARK
A lovely community with 1920s- and 1930s-style bungalows, spacious Victorian homes and plenty of historic charm. In the center of the neighborhood lies Grant Park, home to Zoo Atlanta and the Cyclorama. Everything is connected with brick sidewalks perfect for an evening stroll. Just southeast of Downtown and east of Turner Field; south of Interstate 20.
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INMAN PARK
A quaint neighborhood east of Downtown and near Decatur, this area is full of wonderful early 20th century homes along tree-lined streets. Founded in 1891, this is the oldest planned community in Atlanta. Nearby is Little 5 Points, a trendy area of funky restaurants and eclectic second-hand shops that is popular among neohippies and Gen-Xers.
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LITTLE FIVE POINTS
Little Five Points is a key destination for locals and travelers thanks to its bustling nightlife scene, performance venues like the Main Stage and, of course, the much-anticipated Halloween parade. Located south of Freedom Park.
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MIDTOWN
Although it offers skyscrapers and fine hotels, Midtown is much more diverse than business and lodging would suggest. Culture boasts a strong presence, thanks to museums, arts centers, and theaters, but nightlife also plays a role, and some of the city's best clubs grace Midtown's streets. Piedmont Park, at nearly 200 acres, provides a welcome greenspace for residents and pets, and fabulous restaurants are a standard as well. Plus, Atlanta's gay community is well-represented in the neighborhood. Notable attractions include the Fabulous Fox Theatre, the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum.
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PONCEY-HIGHLAND
Located east of Midtown and south of buzzing Virginia Highland, this neighborhood is known for being home to Freedom Park, legendary hangouts like Manuel's Tavern and the Righteous Room, and Babbette's Cafe, a top Atlanta brunchery.
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ROSWELL
Roswell yields a good glimpse at the lifestyle of of "Old Atlanta." The district features several notable homes as well as attractions like the Chattahoochee Nature Center and the Smith Plantation.
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SWEET AUBURN
The name of this neighborhood refers to Auburn Avenue, which is the main artery of the area. A thriving center of black enterprise from the 1890s through the 1940s, this section east of Downtown is well-known for being the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the place where the Southern Christian Leadership Conference began. Now, artists have adopted the area as a place to work and live. Be sure to visit the African-American Panoramic Experience (APEX) Museum.
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VIRGINIA HIGHLAND
This chic neighborhood near Midtown boasts beautiful 1920s and1930s homes that have been renovated and updated. Many of Atlanta's top restaurants and bars are located along tree-lined Highland Avenue, and it is second only to Buckhead for evening activities. This section manages to combine the thriving growth and excitement of Buckhead with a friendly, charming vibe. Travel down Highland and you'll discover pockets of restaurants, bars and interesting specialty stores scattered along the way. Near Piedmont Park.
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Keys to the City
Facts & Fundamentals : Atlanta
Atlanta's population has seen dramatic increases in past years, especially in surrounding cities and suburbs. The count of city residents is approximately 430,000, while the metropolitan area burgeons at 4.4 million.
Top employers in Atlanta include Delta Airlines, BellSouth, county school systems, Emory University, AT&T, the CDC, Coca-Cola, Cox Communications, and Georgia-Pacific.
Atlanta charges a sales tax of 7%. The same amount is also incurred on lodging.
Weather : Atlanta
Although Atlanta experiences four clear-cut seasons, its climate is relatively temperate year-round, making anytime a good time to visit. Winter temperatures range from the mid-30s to the mid-60s, and summer reaches from the mid-60s to the upper 80s (and beyond). However, winter can get chilly, and summer often brings a wash of humidity, so spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit. Nature's displays are also optimal during these seasons.
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Holidays & Business Hours : Atlanta
On federal and state holidays, many offices and businesses close or have truncated hours. Naturally, policies vary, but in general, the following holidays are broadly observed:
| January 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Third Monday in January |
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday |
| Third Monday in February |
Presidents Day |
| Date changes |
Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday |
| Last Monday in May |
Memorial Day |
| July 4 |
Independence Day |
| First Monday in September |
Labor Day |
| Second Monday in October |
Columbus Day |
| November 11 |
Veterans Day |
| Fourth Thursday in November |
Thanksgiving |
| December 25 |
Christmas |
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Coming & Going : Atlanta
For air travel, Atlanta is served by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located just ten miles south of downtown. Ranked as the world's largest passenger terminal facility, Hartsfield sees 2400 flights move through its airspace daily. Along with the terminal building, six concourses comprise the airport, and all are accessible via the people mover. Consisting of nine, four-car trains, the people mover picks up and delivers travelers at 14 designated stations. Waits for a train are generally less than two minutes.
Also on the airport premises are a MARTA (subway) station, which transports folks to downtown and Buckhead in 20-30 minutes. Also available are desks for car rentals.
Depending on your location, a taxi from the airport to Atlanta should cost between $25 and $30 and take approximately 30 minutes. Budget-minded travelers can opt for an airport shuttle, which makes stops at most hotels in downtown, midtown, and Buckhead. They run daily, except after 11pm, and cost approximately $15 to $20 one-way. You'll find the shuttle desk in the South Terminal.
Making Your Way : Atlanta
Unless you're in a circumscribed area, Atlanta is more car- than pedestrian-friendly. So, it's in your best interest to rent a car. If you don't, however, there are alternatives. MARTA – or Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority – is Atlanta's limited subway system. It essentially has two lines: an east-west route and a north-south one. Service is best inside the perimeter, which is the portion of Atlanta that lies inside Interstate 285. Tickets cost $1.75 each, and trains run from 5am to 1am daily.
Taxi service is another viable alternative. It's most efficient in well-known neighborhoods and in areas surrounding prominent hotels. Credit cards are accepted as payment, and 24-hour service is available.
News & Views : Atlanta
To keep abreast of local happenings, you may want to peruse a city newspaper. The most widespread standard is the Atlanta Journal Constitution, which addresses news locally and around the world. The Atlanta Business Chronicle examines the city's commercial climate and is a good resource if you're job-hunting. Creative Loafing provides the low-down on entertainment and lifestyle; it's the most prominent alternative publication. The Hudspeth Report addresses dining and entertainment and comes out on a monthly basis. More specialized papers include Southern Voice (gay and lesbian), Atlanta Daily World (African-American), and Atlanta Jewish Times.
Quirks & Curiosities : Atlanta
Atlanta's circuitous streets can be difficult to navigate, especially for the uninitiated. Ad hoc planning means that streets change names, are interrupted by the river, and find themselves subjected to other twists of logic. Perhaps the most disconcerting situation for visitors is the prevalence of the "Peachtree" name. One of Atlanta's primary thoroughfares, Peachtree Street runs north-south through town and does, indeed, switch monikers depending on where you pick it up. However, it's simply the best known of a plethora of streets that couple the Peachtree name with Boulevard, Drive, Plaza, and Lane – not to mention a variety of directional suffixes. If you're a novice, double-check to make sure of your directions. And don't be ashamed to ask for help – others have had trouble before you.
Getting Your Bearings : Atlanta
When you're not familiar with a city, you feel completely adrift. That's exactly what local visitors' centers hope to ward off. They've compiled a vast collection of resources to help you better understand a particular city, and they're more than eager to share their time, hints, and literature. In Atlanta, the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) operates four centers to assist travelers (404-222-6688 or 800-285-2682). Their locations and contact information are as follows:
Georgia World Congress Center
285 International Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30313
Hours vary.
Hartsfield Airport
Department of Aviation, Atrium
Atlanta, GA 30320
Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun noon-6pm
Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Rd
Atlanta, GA 30326
Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun noon-6pm
Underground Atlanta
65 Upper Alabama St
Atlanta, GA 30303
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun noon-6pm
Necessities - Post Offices : Atlanta
It's usually not too difficult to spot a drop box when you're out and about, but if you need to conduct more serious postal business, it's not always that easy. In the heart of Atlanta, several locations are convenient to travelers and residents. They include:
Federal Center/Phoenix Station
41 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-524-2963
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
CNN Center
190 Marietta St NW Ste 280
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-524-3394
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Peachtree Center Station
240 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-523-5057
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Georgia Pacific Corporation
133 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-765-7300
Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm
The main post office is near the airport:
3900 Crown Rd SW
Atlanta, GA 30304
404-684-2308
Daily 24 hours
Common Courtesies : Atlanta
Although tipping is generally a personal matter, there are some guidelines that prove helpful to travelers. At restaurants, servers typically get 15% of the bill, although 10% acknowledges basic assistance, and 20% awards exceptional service. It is also common now for some restaurants to charge an automatic gratuity of 18% for groups. You should be aware of this possibility before providing an additional tip. Taxi drivers usually fit into similar guidelines by receiving a tip equivalent to 15% of the tab.
Often, a dollar tip covers many situations. Bartenders are customarily given $1 per cocktail, hotel maids are provided $1 for each day of a stay, bellhops get about $1 per bag, and a coat-check clerk typically receives $1 as well. The exception is a concierge, who generally receives $5-$10 for standard service (additional assistance suggests more).
The anticipation, the planning, the adventure... Travel can be intoxicating. Early on, you're not concerned about contingencies or minutiae – you just want to get there and have an unforgettable time. To help your trip go smoothly, 10Best has all the essential information that makes navigating a city that much easier: local publications, holidays, public transport, and basics on everything from tipping to sightseeing passes. In short, we present you with the keys to the city.
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