Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, GA Overview

Endless energy, enthusiasm, big city sophistication, Southern hospitality -- Atlanta has all this and more. Against the backdrop of a moderate climate and lovely environment, Atlanta is an ideal venue for everyone's favorite pastimes, whether it's theater and the arts, fine dining, shopping, or sports.

Georgia's Peach is also easy to reach. By plane, it's within two hours of 80 percent of anywhere in the United States! Three interstates shuttle travelers to and from scenic destinations like Georgia's beautiful beaches, mountains, historic sites, and everything in between.

No other era of American history has captured attention like the 100 years between the Civil War and Civil Rights, and the centerpiece of that era was Atlanta. A history enthusiast's journey is not complete without exploring the many heritage museums, battlefield parks, and galleries found in this renowned city.

Antebellum plantations and Victorian mansions make touring Atlanta's suburban architecture a must. Preserving the past for the future, Atlanta offers a glimpse into the heart of American history. Visit the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., or the apartment where Margaret Mitchell wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone With The Wind. Former President Jimmy Carter, has chosen Atlanta as the pedestal for displaying the many artifacts and treasures accumulated in his world travels.

Known as the "City of Trees", where visitors often take a break from urban streetscapes to hike along scenic woodland trails, Atlanta offers a diverse mix of outdoor adventure. Explore the sites along gardens and trails where native wildlife and flora soothe everyone who ventures by.

Looking for a wild adventure? Hold on to your hat as you brave the rides at one of the region's amusement parks. Make a splash at a local water park, or grab an inner tube and take a relaxing float along the Chattahoochee River. End the day with a picnic at one of many parks, or enjoy seasonal entertainment like a laser show and fireworks.

If you hunger for a taste of the real South, you'll find it right in the city. Biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, black-eyed peas and turnip greens are served piping hot all over the metro area. Even the most regal hotels serve grits in Atlanta!.

Parents hit a grand slam with kids when choosing Atlanta for a vacation destination. From the exotic animals at the zoo, to prehistoric dinosaurs at the natural history museum, kids are wild about Atlanta's family fun. Museums make learning fun with state-of-the-art attractions like IMAX theaters, planetarium shows and hands-on scientific experiments.

Professional sporting events also score big on visitor lists, since the city is home to the Atlanta Braves -- the 1998 NL Western Division winner, and the Atlanta Falcons -- the 1998 NFC champs. Fans of NASCAR racing can take a spin in the pace car on the speedway track, or get behind the wheel of a high-speed go-cart.

And if you wouldn't dream of visiting someplace new without exploring its shops, you're in for a treat! You'll find everything from serious bargains to exquisite specialties in settings that are just as varied. Quaint street side shops, city-like malls, and friendly neighborhood centers are dotted throughout the region. Antiques abound almost everywhere you look, and are commonly concentrated in the heart of the suburbs' picturesque squares and historic districts.

These days, the only thing Scarlett would find burning in Atlanta is the excitement!.