Atlanta City Guide

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Atlanta

Atlanta at night

Atlanta is the vanguard of the New South, with the charm and elegance of the Old. It is a city that balances southern traditions with sleek modernism. In Atlanta, the peach trees are plentiful and the tea is sweet, yet this city boasts three skylines and the world’s busiest airport. Atlanta has been burnt to the ground and built back up; it has seen the horrors of war and felt the pain of droughts and floods. Atlanta knows rebirth and endurance though, perhaps better than any other city. Atlanta was host to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, gave birth to the greatest figure of the civil rights movement, is the beloved capital of the state of , and has become the enduring leader of the American South. Districts

The separated skyscrapers of Downtown, Midtown, and make Atlanta’s three skylines, and the size of any one of these districts could rival the center of any other city in the South. Atlanta is not all high rises though; each of the city’s urban neighborhoods offer unique atmospheres that are well adapted to living in the shadow of the city.

Downtown (Five Points, Centennial Park, , , ) The most central and commercial area in Georgia (economically and politically), includes the state capitol, city hall, the CNN Center, and the New World of Coca-Cola Midtown (Midtown, ) Just North of Downtown, this is a major business and residential district with tall skyscrapers and a popular nightlife area. This district also includes , the , and the campus. Buckhead Located sveral miles North of Midtown, Buckhead is a popular business and nightlife district. Buckhead is surrounded by neighboring , as well as Peachtree Battle, Lindbergh Center, and the Governor's Mansion. (Virginia-Highland, , , Poncey-Highland, East

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Atlanta Village) The alternative style neighborhood Little Five Points is bordered by trendy Virginia- Highland with nearby Poncey-Highland, as well as the growing community of East Atlanta Village. (Grant Park, Hapeville, Southeast Atlanta) Home of the at Turner Field and one of the busiest airports in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. South Atlanta also contains the neighborhoods of Mechanicsville, , and Lakewood. West Atlanta (Upper Westside) Includes Vine City, Bankhead, Historic West End, , and the Upper

Westside

Understand

Located on the Piedmont Plateau in the Northern Georgia, Atlanta is located almost entirely in Fulton County, while a part of the city limits extends into DeKalb County. The area size of the city limits is only 132 sq mi (343 km²), but Metro Atlanta which includes 28 counties has an area of 8,376 sq mi (21,693.7 km²). The Chattahoochee , which forms the Northwestern boundary of the city limits of Atlanta, is a major source of water throughout the metro area. Aside from the river, the topography of Atlanta is assorted with rolling hills, forests, lakes and ponds, and granite to the east. Climate

Climate Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Daily highs 52 57 65 73 80 87 89 88 82 73 63 55 (°F)

(°F)Nightly lows 33 37 44 50 59 67 71 70 64 53 44 36

Precipitation 5.0 4.7 5.4 3.6 4.0 3.6 5.1 3.7 4.1 3.1 4.1 3.8 (in)

Check Atlanta's 7 day forecast at NOAA

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Atlanta is on the Piedmont Plateau, at an approximate elevation of 800 ft - 1900 ft (240 m - 580 m) above sea level. The city is thus somewhat cooler than other places in the US South, a fact that certainly helped the growth of the city before the introduction of air conditioning.

Atlanta experiences a very wide range of temperatures. Temperatures in winter can drop into the single digits on occasion, and some winters bring significant snowfall. The region can also receive devastating ice storms. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently reaching above 90°F (32°C), thus the city earning the nickname "Hotlanta". Rainfall is high in late winter and early spring, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The region is often affected during hurricane season (June 1 to November 30) from remnants that spill out from the Gulf, bringing heavy rains and sometimes high winds. History

Atlanta began taking substantive shape in 1837 when the Western & Atlantic Railroad selected the site as the Southern end of its tracks. The town was called Terminus until 1843 when it was renamed Marthasville after the daughter of Gov. Wilson Lumpkin. In 1847, the city was renamed Atlanta, supposedly a feminine form of "Atlantic" probably created by an engineer with the Western & Atlantic. The city was incorporated in 1847.

By the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Atlanta was a major railroad hub, manufacturing center, and supply depot. But, in 1864, in order to cripple transportation between the South and the North, Union General William T. Sherman's army burned all of the railroad facilities, almost every business and more than two-thirds of the city's homes to the ground during his infamous "March to the Sea." Atlanta lay in ruins, the only major American city ever destroyed by war.

Atlanta's first resurgence began soon after. Within four years of Sherman's attack, the Georgia capital was moved from Milledgeville to Atlanta and a drive to attract new business was underway. In the meantime, college and universities began to open, telephones were introduced, and trolleys began to roll. In 1895, the Cotton States and International Exposition in Piedmont Park showed 800,000 visitors and residents that Atlanta was headed in a new direction and braced for the 20th century.

By the late 1920s, a downtown business sector had taken shape, giving Atlanta much of the distinct pattern it maintains today. At the same time, Atlanta Alderman (and later Mayor) William B. Hartsfield campaigned long and hard to convince the city to turn a vacant racetrack into an airport. Today, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the world's busiest airport, with more than 80 million annual passengers.

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While the city continued its economic surge, it also became known as the "City Too Busy to Hate." Atlanta and Georgia preempted much of the strife associated with the 1950s and '60s by taking the lead in the Southeast in strengthening minority rights. The city's strongest identification with the movement was through its native son, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Much has been accomplished in the last 25 years to elevate Atlanta to world-class status. An efficient public transportation system, MARTA, was put in place; was added to the entertainment map; the Georgia World Congress Center made the city a convention hub; the Georgia Dome was built in 1992; and Philips Arena was built in 1999.

From July 20 through August 4, 1996, all eyes were on Atlanta as it hosted the Centennial Olympic Games. The city successfully hosted the biggest Olympic Games ever, showcasing itself to 2 million people in person and 3.5 billion people through global broadcast.

The Olympics served as a catalyst for a second resurgence of Atlanta as it experiences a dramatic transformation from great American city to greater international city by fueling more than $6 billion in development and changes.

Most recently, Atlanta has become a major conference and convention destination, due mostly to the enormous airport and favorable weather. Most of the conference venues are located around the MARTA station in downtown, and when there is a large show in town, it can sometimes seem as though every other person in the city is wearing a name tag. Movies

Atlanta’s southern culture, deep history, and bustling city have been the backdrop for numerous classic films.

Gone with the Wind (Victor Fleming, 1939). Steeped in Confederate politics, a struggle for survival, and unavoidable love intrigues, this film has the rare distinction of being as good as if not better than the classic southern book it is based on. Driving Miss Daisy (Bruce Beresford, 1989). This film tactfully explores the racial issues of the civil rights-era through the nuances of a relationship between a wealthy white woman and her black chauffer. ATL (Chris Robinson, 2006). A coming of age drama set in the hip-hop culture of the modern city.

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Visitor information

Atlanta Visitor Center, 65 Upper St (Underground Atlanta), ☎ +1 404 521-6600. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM.

Get in

If you fly into Atlanta, you'll be touching down at the busiest airport in the world: Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport By plane

Atlanta's principal airport is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (IATA: ATL) ("Hartsfield–Jackson," "ATL," or just "the airport" to locals), located about 8 miles south of downtown. Hartsfield-Jackson has been the world's busiest airport since 1999, and is a major hub for and AirTran Airways. However, its efficient layout means it is also easy to navigate and not as delay-prone as many other hub airports.

At the check-in side, Hartsfield–Jackson is one large building separated into South Terminal (Delta and its partners) and North Terminal (all other airlines), connected by a central Atrium with a handful of restaurants. The security line is through the Atrium, and because it is centralized, is usually fast; you can check current wait times at.

The gates are in 6 terminals; from closest to farthest they are called T Gates, then Concourses A, B, C, D, and E. To go between concourses, you take an escalator down to a long underground hallway, and take the fast Plane Train, or walk (it's about 1000 feet between concourses).

Concourse E is the international concourse, and is where you will go through customs and immigration when arriving from abroad (unless you connected from another U.S. airport). Unfortunately, if you are leaving the airport, the current layout

Page | 6 means you will have to re-check your baggage to send it to the unsecured area, while you go through security again just to cross the airport.

Ground transportation options include taxis, shuttle vans to certain hotels and conference centers, and a car rental center. Taxis are fixed-rate when going to/from the airport and major business areas (Downtown $30, Midtown $32, Buckhead $40; excluding fees), though you may have to insist on this fare to avoid being cheated. The airport is easily accessible from I-85, and driving or being picked up is one of the fastest ways to or from the airport—just beware the surly police officers who will not let cars linger in the drop-off/pick-up zones.

Hartsfield–Jackson is also the terminus of the southern branch of the MARTA rail system (see Get around below), and for travelers going to locations in downtown, midtown, or northern Atlanta, this is a convenient and economical way of getting there, although usually one of the slowest. Most MARTA stations have taxi stands, and some hotels have free shuttles which will collect from either the airport or nearest MARTA station on telephone request.

Incidentally, although the airport has all the conveniences you'd expect (several for- pay WiFi providers, an assortment of slow overpriced restaurants, etc.) there is not much else to see or do. If you find yourself with free time, go contemplate the Zimbabwean stone statues in the underground corridor between T Gates and Concourse A. By train

Atlanta is served by Amtrak 1-800-872-7245. Amtrak's Crescent train runs daily and serves New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Birmingham and New Orleans (and vice-versa). Southbound, the train leaves New York just before 3PM, calls at Atlanta at around 9AM the next day and reaches New Orleans by 8PM. Northbound, the train leaves New Orleans at around 7AM, calls at Atlanta at around 8PM and reaches New York by 2PM the next day.

In Atlanta, the Amtrak station is located at 1688 Peachtree St. N.W., which is several miles north of the airport and downtown. Unfortunately, there are no direct connections between the MARTA trains and Amtrak. However, MARTA Bus routes 23 and 110, which can be transferred at the and the Arts Center Station, stop in front of the Amtrak Station. There is no on-site parking for Amtrak but Elite Parking has a surface lot which is nearby and they offer long-term parking at reasonable rates. www.eliteparking.com By bus

Greyhound Bus Lines, 1-800-229-9424, provides bus service to Atlanta from many locations throughout the . Buses arrive at and depart from the

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Greyhound terminal at 232 Forsyth Street, located in a less affluent neighborhood on the southern edge of the downtown area and directly beneath MARTA's Garnett Station (see 'Get around' below).

Megabus,. Service to Atlanta from locations across the Southern United States. The bus stop is near the Civic Center MARTA station (435 West ); buses stop on the east side of the street at the north end of the station. By car

Atlanta is linked to the rest of the US by the Interstate Highway System. The principal interstates serving the city are I-75 (serving traffic from Detroit to ), I- 85 (connecting the Mid-Atlantic to New Orleans) and I-20 (connecting Texas to South Carolina), all of which cross through Downtown.

I-285 (commonly called the Perimeter by Atlantans, and the Atlanta Bypass on overhead signs) circles the city at a distance of about 10 miles out, crossing and connecting with all the above freeways as well as the airport.

Free real-time traffic information is available by dialing 511 anywhere in the State of Georgia. Get around By foot

Walking is a reasonable way to get around within pedestrian-friendly areas of Midtown, Downtown, Decatur and Virginia-Highland. If traveling outside of those areas, renting a car is highly recommended.

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By transit

Look for these characteristic Marta signs

Atlanta is served by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), +1 404- 848-4711, , which operates both rapid rail and bus networks in the city of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton and Dekalb.

For out-of-town visitors, MARTA is a convenient way to travel from the airport to all stations on its network. While MARTA is incredibly safe, those who need to travel alone late at night may be better served by taking taxis, hotel buses, or renting a car, as the system often becomes empty or rowdy at nighttime and thus may feel unsafe to those who do not know the city. Most destination stations have taxi service available for local trips.

The rail network is comprised of four lines: red, gold, blue, and green. The red and gold lines run north-south, while the blue-green lines run east-west, forming a cross with Five Points station in the center.

The red and gold lines both run together (on the same rails) from a southern terminus at Hartsfield-Jackson airport through downtown and , before splitting into two branches running north, one which terminates in north metro Atlanta at the North Springs station () and the other which heads north-east and terminates at the Doraville station (gold line). The blue line runs from a western terminal at Hamilton E. Holmes to an eastern terminal at Indian Creek. The green line runs east-west along with the blue line, but has a small spur to Bankhead station and only goes as far east as Edgewood/Candler Park station. The Five Points station in downtown Atlanta is the only station where passengers may change trains between the north-south and east-west lines. Trains run from 5AM until 1AM Monday-Friday, and from 5AM until 12:30AM on weekends and holidays. Trains run

Page | 9 on all lines every 12 minutes during peak periods, reducing to every 20 minutes at night and on weekends. Note that the wait is often shorter than this for trips in the center of the city, as you will not have to wait for any specific train. For example, you could take either the red line or the gold line to get from the downtown to midtown.

The bus network comprises over one hundred different bus routes, with many routes operating approximately every 20 minutes. Bus service on some lines (generally including the most popular tourist areas) runs from 5AM until 1:30AM Monday-Friday and from 5AM until 1AM on the weekends and holidays.

Breeze Card

A single ride on MARTA costs $2.50. The fare includes transfers. MARTA uses wireless Breeze Cards to store your fare; a new card costs $1.00 but is reloadable and never expires. Breeze Cards are sold in vending machines at all rail stations or at Ride Stores at Airport, Lindbergh Center, and Five Points stations. When starting the journey by bus, tap the card at the fare post next to the driver. When starting the journey by train, tap the card at the fare gate; your cash-depleted card will now act as your transfer. When transferring to a bus or train, simply tap your card again. (The card uses RFID technology, so you can leave it in your wallet and just tap your whole wallet on the sensor.)

Note for Weekend Travel: MARTA has a tendency to run slower on the weekends. Typical wait times are 20 minutes for trains and up to an hour for buses. Be sure to accommodate for this. By taxi

It is usually possible to flag taxicabs down near tourist attractions and bars in Midtown and Downtown. However, calling ahead is recommended.

24-Hour Taxicab Services:

Checker Cab, +1 404-351-1111.

Flat rates to and from the airport are listed on Hartfield-Jackson International Airport's website. Be warned - most taxi drivers will turn the meter on and claim no knowledge of the flat rate. You must be persistent.

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By car

If MARTA Rail does not service all the areas desired, cars are the most popular form of transport to get around the sprawling city. To experience Atlanta's various unique neighborhoods, renting a car is recommended. Rush hour peaks around 6:30 AM- 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM-6:30 PM on weekdays and often results in congestion when traveling inbound in the mornings and outbound in the afternoons. Downtown/Midtown and major shopping districts such as Buckhead can also get crowded on weekends. Most restaurants and shops in the area offer complimentary or low-cost valet services ($1-3 tip expected) and on the rare occasion where parking is scarce, public lots are usually nearby for a fee. Free road maps are available almost anywhere. Real-time traffic information is available from the Georgia DOT at or by dialing 511 from any phone (land-line or mobile).

Street names in Atlanta are very confusing. There are more than 70 streets that have "Peachtree" in their name, and they are often difficult to distinguish (Peachtree Street, Peachtree Lane, Peachtree Circle, etc.). When someone says "Peachtree" without clarifying, they mean Peachtree Street, a major north-south thoroughfare through Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. They do not mean West Peachtree Street, which parallels Peachtree Street a block away.

Making matters worse, Atlanta puts cardinal suffixes on every road, and they are necessary; the same number is sometimes a valid address on two streets that differ only by their suffix. In practice, this isn't usually a problem, and most of the time locals don't bother listing the suffix, but if you see one listed on an address, assume it might be necessary. See Museums

Atlanta's top attractions form an eclectic mix that is sure to have something that appeals to everyone, and enough variety to keep the adventurous traveler busy. The highest concentration of exhibits can be found in the Centennial Park Area, where Atlanta's three biggest attractions are located within two blocks of one another: World of Coca-Cola tells the history of the world’s most iconic brand, with plenty of samples to ensure understanding; across the street is the Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest by volume of water, where you can swim with the biggest fish of them all, the whale shark; and the CNN Center and Studio Tour, which offers a behind the scenes look at what it takes to run one of the nation’s leading news sources.

Those more inclined to history can visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Sweet Auburn, which includes this inspiring leader’s birthplace home, his final resting place, the church where he once gave sermons, as well as a museum and memorial dedicated to his colossal achievements. Civil War buffs will

Page | 11 enjoy the 100-year old Atlanta Cyclorama in nearby Grant Park, which tells the story of the Battle of Atlanta through a massive, continuous, circular painting. The largest collection of Civil War memorabilia in the nation can be found at the in Buckhead, alongside a large exhibit memorializing the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.

Exhibits to both ancient and modern history can be found near Little Five Points at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, featuring a humbling display of the largest dinosaur ever unearthed, and the Library & Museum, which is the permanent home of the former president’s Nobel Peace Prize. The Michael C. Carlos Museum, located on the campus of is an excellent attraction for those interested in the Greek and Egyptian cultures. The museum houses the largest collection of Greek, Egyptian and Near East artifacts in the southeast. Those with more refined tastes can enjoy the in Midtown, which displays fine art from the last two centuries, as well as modern and contemporary pieces. And finally, Gone with the Wind aficionados can’t miss the House & Museum, which preserves the Tudor Revival mansion in Midtown where the Pulitzer Prize winning novel was written.

Travelers planning to visit multiple attractions may benefit from Atlanta City PASS [13], which grants admission to 6 Atlanta attractions within 9 days of first use for a much reduced rate and includes expedited entry in some cases. The included attractions are: Georgia Aquarium; World of Coca-Cola; Inside CNN Studio Tour; Option Ticket One with choice of either Fernbank Museum of Natural History or High Museum of Art and Option Ticket Two with choice of either or Atlanta History Center. Theater

All types of cultural experiences can be found in Atlanta, such as the Atlanta Ballet. Founded in 1929, it is the oldest professional dance company in America, the largest self-supported arts organization in Georgia and the official Ballet of Georgia. The company's performances combine contemporary and traditional styles with classic ballets and new choreography. Its annual season is presented at the fabulous [15], including the holiday season favorite "The Nutcracker." Opera fans can enjoy the Atlanta Opera [16]. Atlanta's love affair with opera has spanned over 125 years of the city's history. Founded in 1979, the Atlanta Opera has won numerous awards both nationally and locally. How about orchestra fans? The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra [17] is recognized for its creativity and innovation internationally. It is also known as a wonderful training ground for musicians who go on to stellar careers with other orchestras. Regular orchestral performances can also be caught at the new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Atlanta has one of the most impressive theater communities in the United States with more than 65 active performance groups. Metro theaters present a variety of new and old works: Broadway musicals through Broadway in Atlanta, and Theater of the Stars,

Page | 12 improvisation, southern themes, political and human issues, contemporary, classic and, of course, Shakespeare. Check out , Dad's Garage, Georgia Shakespeare Theatre, Fox Theatre and Theatre in the Square. Architecture

Explore the cityscape and enjoy the many pieces of architecture built all around Atlanta, from the skyscrapers of Midtown, to the Downtown skyline, to the houses on Highland Avenue, to the mansions of Buckhead. , Atlanta's showcases the city's old Victorian architecture. Other notable architectural attractions include the High Museum of Art and The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.

Atlanta has a rich assortment of skyscrapers, notable for their modern aesthetic and the abundance of spires. The Bank of america building in midtown rises to a height of 1023 feet making it the tallest office building in the country outside of New York or Chicago. A recent building boom has left Atlanta glittering with dazzling glass skyscrapers, many of which contain some of the most expensive condominiums in the country. That said, the city owes a sizeable portion of its modern cityscape to home-grown architect John Portman. The construction of the icon Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel helped steer Atlanta in a more urban direction. Portman, famous for the development of the hotel atrium also designed numerous other buildings in Atlanta, including the Hyatt Regency, the Marriot Marquis, and Americas Mart.

Atlanta also has a few view points where you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city in Downtown. One of them is the Sundial atop the Westin Peachtree. Another is the Polaris atop the (it's view is becoming obscured by the growing walls of glass around it), and there is also Nikolai's Roof on top of the Hilton. Sports

Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves and Turner Field — The Atlanta Braves' regular season takes place April through September at Turner Field in South Atlanta. Check out the Ivan Allen Jr. Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame at Turner Field, both open year-round.

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The remains of the former Fulton County Stadium where Hank Aaron hit his historic 715th home run can also be seen in the north parking lot.

Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome — The 1998 NFC Champions, the , gear up each September to kick off the official season in Downtown. The Georgia Dome has hosted numerous events including parts of the 1996 Summer Olympics, Super Bowls XXVIII and XXXIV, the 2006 Sugar Bowl, the NCAA Final Four in 2002 and 2007, and the annual Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Atlanta Hawks and at Philips Arena — Covering 4.4 acres, Philips Arena is Atlanta's state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex located in Downtown. The arena is home to the NBA's Hawks and the WNBA's Dream.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets — The city's most famous university features a popular and highly competitive sports program that competes in Coast Conference. All of the major venues, the best-known of which are Bobby Dodd Stadium for football, Alexander Memorial Coliseum for basketball, and for baseball, are on the Tech campus in Midtown.

Atlanta Beat — The second incarnation of the city's women's soccer team joined Women's Professional Soccer in 2010. The Beat play their home games at a brand- new stadium, shared with Kennesaw State University, in the northern suburb of Kennesaw.

Itineraries

One day in Atlanta — This busy one-day tour will show you the many sides of Atlanta. Old South and New South — This tour takes you through the old historical sides of Atlanta and the new rapidly growing areas with postmodern architecture and technology, as well as unique culture.

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Do Parks

Centennial Olympic Park is a lasting memory of the 1996 Summer Olympics for Atlantans

Visit in Downtown and relax by the man-made river, splash in the Fountain of Rings on a hot summer day or go ice skating at the ice rink in the wintertime, attend a concert, and pay respects to the victims of the 1996 Olympics bombing.

Walk through Piedmont Park in Midtown, the largest park in Atlanta. Attend the Dogwood Festival in the spring time or one of the many musical events.

Grant Park is the oldest city park in Atlanta and is home to Zoo Atlanta. Historic Oakland Cemetery, also located here, serves as the final resting place for more than 3,900 Confederate soldiers, famous Atlanta author Margaret Mitchell, golfing legend Bobby Jones, six Georgia governors and 25 Atlanta mayors.

Festivals

In January and February, look for the city-wide celebration of visual arts with ATLart and enjoy an early spring at the Southeastern Flower Show held at the Cobb Galleria Centre. In March, Atlanta celebrates Irish Heritage with Downtown Atlanta's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival, followed, in April, by the Atlanta Dogwood Festival staged at Piedmont Park with children's activities, an artist market, and more. The Georgia Renaissance Festival allows people to experience merry olde during the days of King Arthur.

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Each May celebrates jazz in Atlanta, the Atlanta Jazz Festival is presented at the Woodruff Arts Center and other venues. In June, visitors can experience the . The Georgia Shakespeare Festival presents plays from June through October at the Conant Performing Arts Center at . The days around Independence Day (July 4) are filled with quite a few celebrations, but the most notable is the , with 55,000 runners and many more spectators. The National Black Arts Festival is held during the third week in July and is the world's largest cultural celebration of African-American art. Dragon*Con, held for 4 days over Labor Day weekend, is a massive science-fiction and fantasy convention, although it's grown to be so multi-media and multi-genre that almost anyone can find a topic of interest here. Celebrity actors and writers come from across the world for Q&A panels. The convention is spread across 4 or 5 hotels downtown. Admission is pricey, starting at $40 for 2 days (the least interesting two days, we might add) up to $120 at the door for an all-weekend pass. Walking through the hotels is free, though (you just can't attend any panels or enter the dealers' rooms), and the Costume Parade is not to be missed, whether you're on the lookout for Klingons, Storm Troopers, or hobbits. The Festival is an October three-day celebration held in Piedmont Park. Atlanta Celebrates Photography promotes photography exhibitions and events citywide every October.

Work

Meet the people of Atlanta while serving alongside them at a Hands-on Atlanta volunteer project.

Buy

Atlanta has one of the top 10 retail markets in the country, and the city's neighborhoods are a great place to find antiques, art galleries, arts and crafts stores, thrift stores and boutiques. The city's eclectic shopping neighborhoods include downtown Atlanta, Little Five Points, Virginia-Highland, Buckhead, and Midtown.

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Looking for antiques and art? The Miami Circle, Street, and The Galleries of offer some of the best merchandise in Atlanta.

Buckhead is home to more than 1,400 retail stores. and offer the most concentrated collection of upscale stores available anywhere in the city including Barneys CO-OP, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Jil Sander, Gucci, Cartier, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton. The Midtown Mile is a stretch of Peachtree Street in Midtown that offers street level retail shopping. It's on schedule to be complete in 2009, but many shops are currently open. Atlantic Station also offers plenty of retail options.

If your interest lies in smaller, specialty, boutique or vintage stores, try Little Five Points, Virginia-Highland, and East Atlanta Village. Wax 'N Facts is a popular store in Little Five Points that actually still sells vinyl records. Bill Hallman Boutiques are also a neighborhood staple, providing fashion forward clothing for Atlanta's social set. For those not able to visit the actual stores, the retailer also sells online.

Underground Atlanta is six city blocks in the heart of downtown Atlanta transformed into a spirited marketplace that offers historic guided tours and features restaurants, specialty stores, entertainment emporiums and street-cart merchants.

Street vendors are common in Downtown, especially in the Five Points neighborhood. You can also find large assortment of trade retailers at Americas Mart. Eat

Affordability, variety of restaurants, culinary diversity and award-winning chefs are key ingredients that earn Atlanta a place at the table with other popular culinary cities. An assortment of neighborhoods offers an array of restaurants featuring cuisine that spans the globe, serving something for every taste. Celebrity Chefs

During the past few years, several celebrity chefs have traveled south to call Atlanta home. Drawn to the quickly growing culinary scene, these chefs have been welcomed with open arms and some true southern hospitality.

Straits, 793 Juniper St, NE (corner of 5th and Juniper St NE), ☎ +1 404 877-1283. Su 11AM-3PM (brunch), Su-W 5PM-10PM; Th-Sa 5PM-11PM (dinner). Grammy Award-winning Atlanta native Chris ―‖ Bridges teamed up with renowned chef Chris Yeo to open Straits in the heart of Midtown. The restaurant offers traditional Singaporean cuisine with a modern twist. $29-$39.

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Maxim Prime, 110 Marietta St, NW (inside the Glenn Hotel), ☎ +1 404 469-0700 (fax: +1 404 469-0701). M-F 6:30AM-2PM (brunch), Sa-Su 8AM-2PM (breakfast) Su-Th 6PM-10PM; Sa 6PM-11PM (dinner). Ideally situated in the heart of downtown Atlanta at The Glenn Hotel, restaurateur Jeffery Chodorow and Maxim magazine’s Maxim Prime is a modern steakhouse with a seductive twist. The lavish atmosphere and gorgeous roof-top bar provide accompaniments that are as tasty as the cuisine itself. Spice Market, 188 14th Street, NE (inside the W Hotel in Midtown), ☎ +1 404 549- 5450. World-famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten moved camp from New York to Atlanta and brought with him a new branch of this 3-star Big Apple restaurant, Spice Market. Located at the W Hotel in Midtown, the restaurant features family- style Asian-infused cuisine. $28-$38. Home, 111 West Paces Ferry Rd, ☎ +1 404 869-0777 ([email protected], fax: +1 404 869-0777). Top Chef Richard Blais combined traditional Southern flavors with contemporary techniques to create dishes like buttermilk pancakes with foie gras. He then departed and started "Flip Burger Botique." $31-$50.

Contemporary Southern Cuisine

What better place to travel than to the heart of Atlanta to experience Southern cuisine at its finest?

Bacchanalia, 1198 Howell Mill Rd, ☎ +1 404 365-0410,. M-Sa 6PM-close. Ranked #1 in Atlanta by the Zagat Guide for seven years straight, Bacchnalia uses only the best organic and small-farm produce from its own Summerland Farm. Chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison also received the coveted James Beard award for ―Best Chef in the Southeast.‖ $75 (prix fixe menu). Canoe, 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW, ☎ +1 770 432-2663 ([email protected]),. M- Fr 11:30AM-2:30PM (lunch), Su 10:30AM-2:30PM (brunch), M-Th 5:30PM-10PM, F- Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Su 5:30PM-9:30PM (dinner). Tucked away along the banks of the , Canoe has been recognized by Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, Gourmet and for its excellent Southern cuisine. $11- $32. JCT. Kitchen & Bar, 1198 Howell Mill Rd, Ste 18 (inside Atlanta's Westside Urban Market), ☎ +1 404 355-2252,. M-Th 11AM-2:30PM & 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-

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2:30PM & 5PM-11PM, Su 5PM-9PM. Inspired by the ―junction‖ of railroad lines near its home base, this restaurant infuses the down-home style of a country meal with the sophistication of a French bistro. $16-$29. Restaurant Eugene, 2277 Peachtree Rd (at the Aramore condos in Buckhead), ☎ +1 404 355-0321,. M-Th 5:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Su 5:30PM-10PM. Chef Linton Hopkins and his wife Gina run this small, family-style restaurant that features a menu sprinkled with staple Southern ingredients. The restaurant has been ranked among Atlanta’s Top 10 by Atlanta Magazine, Atlantacuisine.com and Atlanta Business Chronicle. $22-$32. Dogwood, 565 Peachtree St, ☎ +1 404 835-1410 (fax: +1 404 835-1414),. T-F 11:30AM-2PM & 5:30PM-10PM, Sa 5:30PM-11PM (dinner). Executive Chef Shane Touhy creates traditional American dishes that incorporate both local products and influences from the Southern region at his new restaurant, Dogwood, which has a stellar wine list and an inspired menu. $15-$31. South City Kitchen, 1144 Crescent Ave, ☎ +1 404 873-7358, [58]. M-Th, Su 11AM-3:30PM & 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-3:30PM & 5PM-10:30PM. Fifth Group Restaurant®’s South City Kitchen provides an accurate reflection of contemporary new Southern cuisine with a sophisticated spin. The restaurant is consistently recognized for its award-winning food, wine list and service including being listed in the top 10 of Atlanta’s best 100 restaurants by Jezebel Magazine as well as Best Restaurant in Midtown by Atlanta Magazine. A new location recently opened in Vinings GA, northwest of the city. $15-$28.

Atlanta Dining Landmarks

Be sure to check out these classic Atlanta icons.

Pittypat's Porch, 25 Andrew Young International Blvd, ☎ +1 404 525-8228 (fax: +1 404 524-0471),. M-Su 5PM-close. Experience the Hollywood glamour of Southern belles and fancy gentlemen at this restaurant named after Scarlett O’Hara’s hospitable aunt in Atlanta’s own Gone with the Wind. $10-$30. Dante's Down the Hatch, 3380 Peachtree Rd, NE, ☎ +1 404 266-1600,. M-Su 4PM daily. A Buckhead fondue spot with a nautical theme, live crocodiles and jazz performances six nights a week.

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The Varsity,. Established in 1928, is the world’s largest drive-in restaurant and serves greasy chili dogs and locally renowned frosted orange drinks.

The Sun Dial,. Located 723 feet above downtown Atlanta, this revolving restaurant gives a 360 degree view of the city and serves excellent entrees, wine and desserts.

R.Thomas Deluxe Grille,. With its trademark windmills, bells, birds, lush plants, and Peachtree St. location, it is hard to miss this fixture of the Atlanta dining scene. This is probably the only restaurant in town where a vegan and a burger lover can eat together and both be happy. Favorites - the grilled-not-fried wings, the french toast, and all the smoothies.

Fast Food Chains

Atlanta is home to the headquarters of restaurant chains such as [64], Chick-Fil-A and Arby's. Drink Coca-Cola

In much of the South, and particularly in Atlanta, all soft drinks are referred to as "Coke." Due to the ubiquitous advertisements and broad popularity of the product, Coca-Cola has transformed the modern southern colloquial for anything carbonated into simple "Coke." If you sit down and order a "Coke," expect to be asked "what kind?" This cultural practice is maintained even to the extreme of ordering a Pepsi by saying "I'll have a Coke...a Pepsi please." The epicenter of this peculiar practice is Atlanta of course, because the world headquarters for Coca-Cola are downtown. Sweet tea

A true staple of southern culture, sweet tea can be found at almost any restaurant in Atlanta. In most places an order for "tea" will be assumed to mean "sweet tea"; hot or unsweetened tea need to ask for specifically. A popular variant to a glass of sweet tea is an arnold-palmer, a half and half mix of iced tea (either sweetened or unsweetened) and lemonade, named after the famous golfer who popularized it. "Arnold-palmer" is a bit of a tongue twister, so ordering a "half iced tea and lemonade" is common.

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Nightlife

Unique bars, restaurants and shops abound in the Little Five Points neighborhood

With fun and unique attractions, renowned restaurants and top-of-the-line hotel experiences, Atlanta keeps the party going from day to night. With chic style in Buckhead, alternative scene in Little Five Points, a casual atmosphere in Virginia- Highland and a trendy vibe in Midtown, Atlanta nightlife suits every style of letting loose. Since each district has so many options, you will want to visit each district article for a more detailed listing.

Buckhead is still the most popular nightlife district for locals and out-of-towners alike. Andrews cafe and Aiko Lounge are among the most popular dance clubs in Buckhead among 20's and 30's singles, while an older crowd can be seen at the Beluga Martini Bar. The Buckhead clientele is mostly of an upscale crowd, so be sure to dress to impress.

Midtown is the spot if you're looking for the urban vibe with diverse a crowd of 20's and 30's, many of them are college students, locals, transplants from out of state and foreign countries. This is also a gay and lesbian friendly area.

Downtown has a few options for nightlife as well. Many of the Downtown watering holes can be found in Kenny's Alley in Underground. The Fairlie-Poplar district has a few neighborhood bars as well. Stats is an ideal sports bar to watch a game located near Centennial Olympic Park.

Other popular clubs throughout the city include and MJQ Concourse. All areas of the city also have plenty of pubs and taverns, such as Fado Irish Pub Fado in Buckhead, in Midtown, and Highland Tap in Virginia-Highland.

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If you like country line-dancing, you can head out of the city and into the suburbs and check out Wild Bills in Duluth. Sleep

See the Districts articles for more listings.

Most of Atlanta's major hotels are located downtown between Five Points and Midtown in area with a name that is easy to remember: the Hotel District. The district is in the heart of Atlanta's economic and political center and is within walking distance to many of the major tourist attractions, including the Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the CNN Center.

Rapidly growing Midtown, the center of Atlanta's business district as well as many high-rise luxury condos is nearby many museums and theaters. If you're looking for boutique hotels that are near a thriving urban setting, Midtown may be the area for you.

Once the heart of Atlanta's nightlife, Buckhead is still home to several upscale hotels. Stay safe

Despite Atlanta's reputation, the city is not as dangerous as many perceive it to be. The crime rate has dropped during the late 1990s and 2000s and reached a near forty-year low in 2005. In the past, Atlanta was ranked in the top three for U.S. cities with the highest crime rates repeatedly for many consecutive years, but since 2005 the city's ranking has been off the top ten.

Still, precautions should still be taken as in any other major city, such as not traveling alone at night, and being aware of which neighborhoods and areas are more prone to crime. In Atlanta, the Southwest and Southeast area have reported the most incidents of crime. Also, statistics indicate that 2006 and 2007 were two consecutive years of an increase in overall number of crimes citywide, although there was a decrease in per capita crimes both years.

It should be noted that much of the crime is drug-related and out of sight so long as you are not in low-income areas. Outside of the perimeter, the crime rates are significantly lower (except perhaps in Dekalb County). Muggings are rare, even at night, and as a tourist/visitor to the city, you should be safe.

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Contact

Atlanta area codes are 404, 770, 678, and 470. All 10 digits of the phone number are required when making local calls. Cope Consulates

Argentina, 245 Peachtree Center Ave Ste 2101, ☎ +1 404 880-0805 (consuladoargentinoatlanta.org, fax: +1 404 880-0806),

Australian Consulate-General and Trade Commission, 3353 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 1140, , ☎ +1 404 760-3400 (fax: +1 404 760-3401),

Belgium, 230 Peachtree St NW Ste 2710, ☎ +1 404 659-2150 ([email protected], fax: +1 404 659-8474).

Brazil, 3500 Lenox Rd NE, One Ste 800, ☎ +1 404 949-2400 (fax: +1 404 949-2402).

Canada, 1175 Peachtree St, 100 Ste 1700, ☎ +1 404 532-2000 ([email protected], fax: +1 404 532-2050).

Denmark (Honorary), 1100 Spring St Ste 500, ☎ +1 404 876-5511 ([email protected], fax: +1 404 875-2629).

Denmark (Honorary), 130 N Crest Blvd Ste B, Macon, ☎ +1 478 477-8145 ([email protected], fax: +1 478 477-7823).

France, 3399 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 500, The Lenox Bldg (corner of Lenox Rd and E Paces Ferry Rd NE), ☎ +1 404 495-1660 (fax: +1 404 495-1661).

Germany, 285 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Marquis Two Tower Ste 201, ☎ +1 404 659-4760 (fax: +1 404 659-1280), [84]. M-F 9AM-noon.

Greece, 3340 Peachtree Rd NE, Tower Place Ste 1670, ☎ +1 404 261-3313 ([email protected], fax: +1 404 262-2798).

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Japan, 3500 Lenox Rd, One Alliance Center Ste 1600, ☎ +1 404 240-4300 ([email protected], fax: +1 404 240-4311).

Mexico, 2600 Apple Valley Rd, ☎ +1 404 266-2233 (fax: +1 404 266-2302).

New Zealand (Honorary), 513 Seminole Ave NE, ☎ +1 404 745-4551 ([email protected], fax: +1 404 525-2495).

Philippines (Honorary), 3340 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 850, ☎ +1 404 239-5747 (fax: +1 404 233-4041).

Switzerland, 1349 W Peachtree St NW, Two Midtown Plaza Ste 1000, ☎ +1 404 870-2000 ([email protected], fax: +1 404 870-2011).

United Kingdom, 133 Peachtree St NE, Georgia Pacific Center Ste 3400, ☎ +1 404 954-7700 (fax: +1 404 954-7702).

Other important numbers Georgia Department of Education www.doe.k12.ga.us www.georgiastandards.org www.fultonschools.org

Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles www.dot.state.ga.us

Discover Georgia/Georgia State Government www.Georgia.gov www.gastateparks.org

City of Atlanta www.atlantaga.gov

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Local Chambers of Commerce www.gachamber.com www.metroatlantachamber.com www.gnfcc.com

Social Security Agency www.ssa.gov Getting out Inside the Perimeter

In Atlanta vernacular, "ITP" refers to everything inside I-285 which makes a loop around the city's far edges. A few cities, which are distinct from Atlanta proper, also reside ITP.

Decatur is easily mistaken for an in-town neighborhood of Atlanta , but is in fact the largest of Atlanta's neighbors and sits a quick 15 minutes east on Dekalb Ave. Decatur has retained its small city feel and relaxed pace, despite its proximity to the giant metropolis. East Point is home to a many well known hip-hop and R&B groups as well as a burgeoning fine arts community, and is located south-west of Atlanta's neighborhoods. College Park is a small town south of East Point and adjacent to Hapeville and the airport in South Atlanta.

Outside the Perimeter

Picnic next to some exposed granite

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Many towns in the greater Atlanta area reside "OTP" but remain closely associated with the city.

Marietta is half an hour north-west on I-75 and home to Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum and Six Flags White Water. Kennesaw is just beyond Marietta on I-75 and is home to a Civil War battlefield, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in addition to Kennesaw State University and the Museum of History and Holocaust Education. Stone Mountain is one of Georgia's most unique attractions, and is just half an hour to the east. Visitors can hike up the mountain or take a cable car to the top.

Greater Georgia

Austell is half an hour to the west and is home to . Goliath, the tallest roller coaster in the Southeast, can be found here.

Helen — A mountain town created to resemble an Alpine village. Popular in the fall for viewing autumn leaves, and the largest and longest Oktoberfest in the Southeast. Also nearby is and Anna Ruby Falls, as well as Sautee- Nacoochee Valley.

Dahlonega — This is the location of Georgia's own gold rush. Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum and try your luck finding some of your own gold. Also located in Dahlonega is Wolf Mountain Vineyards [90], which offers a perfect get-away to taste award winning wines and enjoy beautiful scenery. The vineyards and winery provide the perfect setting for Sunday brunch, café lunch, and gourmet dinners. Savannah — A 4 hour drive, but well worth it. The downtown is a historical district with many parks, squares, and historic architecture.

Hampton — Home to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, an 870-acre racing complex hosting NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series events in March and October. In addition to the race weekend, the facility hosts events ranging from driving schools, Thursday Thunder Legends racing, Friday Night Drags, Car Shows and many others.

Chatahoochee River Fun — Sixteen recreation areas along a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River have been designed to conserve the river and provide outdoor

Page | 26 entertainment for the whole family. In addition, the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell offers education environmental programs, canoe trips and other recreational activities.

Outdoor Adventure Club of the South — Atlanta's premiere outdoor adventure and social club. OAC South offers dozens of outdoor and social events around the metro Atlanta area every month. Hiking, biking, backpacking, climbing, water sports, and more.

Lake Lanier Islands — The closet beach to Atlanta can be found at Islands Resort, with its lakefront beaches, water park, golf courses, boating, spas, and more.

Chateau Elan Winery and Resort — Chateau Elan, a 16th-century-styled French retreat, is just 30 minutes north of Atlanta and has a festive atmosphere that encourages guests to tour the vineyards, visit the winery, have lunch at a sidewalk café and play a round of golf.

Barnsley Garden Resort — Barnsley Garden Resort is a beautiful hotel and resort in Adairsville, Georgia with lush gardens, cabins and a Zagat-rated golf course.

Callaway Gardens — Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia Callaway Gardens is a premier vacation spot with tons of activities for the entire family.

Routes through Atlanta

Birmingham ← Heflin ← → Conyers → Augusta W E

Chattanooga ← Marietta ← → Hapeville → Macon N S

Greenville ← Duluth ← N S

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