Great American Cities -
Atlanta
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Atlanta
No one can think of Georgia without thinking of Atlanta. Some of its fame can be attributed to being the host of the Olympic Games in 1996 but its importance throughout the American history goes back to 1837 when it established itself as one of the main transportation hubs. Today, although it is the 23rd most populous city in the USA, it is actually considered a top city for business and transportation. This cosmopolitan city is the world headquarters of many giant companies such as Turner Broadcasting, The Coca-Cola Company, CNN, AT&T, and Delta Airlines. In fact, it has the 4th largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies within its city limits.
One of the city's landmarks, the Centenial Olympic Park, commemorates the Olympic games of 1996. Another famous landmark is Turner Field, where the former boxer Muhammad Ali famously lit the Olympic torch in the stadium. Open since November 2005, the Georgia Aquarium is the world's biggest indoor aquarium. Next to the aquarium is the World of Coca-Cola, a place that redefines the factory tour with three floors of dazzling print ads and TV commercials, covering the history of this international beverage company, launched in the 1880s. Best of all, the admission fee includes all the Coke one can drink.
See also:
Georgia Vacation Rentals |
Georgia Vacation Guide
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Atlanta - Overview
With five million residents and counting, the so-called 'capital of the South' continues to experience explosive growth thanks to southbound Yankees and immigrants alike. And despite being a business center, Atlanta is a pretty city covered with trees and elegant homes.
For a unique shopping experience, visit Underground Atlanta. In the heart of downtown accros from the Five Points light railway station, Underground Atlanta is made up of the subterranean streets that were encased under bridges build to bypass the rail yards. Abandoned for decades, the hidden town was reinvented in the 70's as an underground shopping mall, topped with an above-ground visitor center, which is situated below the streets of downtown Atlanta.
To experience Atlanta live music scene, do visit the Fox Theatre, the Tabernacle, and The Star Community Bar. For stage shows or movies, go to The Horizon Theater Company, Actor's Express, and Theater in the Square in Marietta.
If you are into history and fine arts, stop by the Atlanta History Center, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, or Rhodes Hall. The Atlanta History Center contains a museum and two historic houses. It's a great stop for history enthusiasts. If you enjoy nature, you can visit parks like the Atlanta Botanical Garden that is next to the Piedmont Park, or the Zoo Atlanta in Grand Park. And if you go to the east side of the city, there is Stone Mountain where you can see the world's biggest piece of exposed granite.
The best place to book a hotel or motel room is in the Hotel District, as it is located near most of the tourist attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, and the Centennial Olympic Park. If you are looking for boutique hotels, go to Midtown where there are expensive high-rise condominiums. And if you want to stay near to shopping complexes and dining areas, head to Buckhead where you can find upmarket shops like Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Gucci and others. But don't neglect the available vacation rentals in Atlanta. There's plenty of them - cozy and decently priced.
If you are in Atlanta during the festive seasons, don't forget to visit some of these.
- Southeastern Flower Show at the Cobb Galleria Center in January and February.
- Have an Irish Heritage experience with Downtown Atlanta's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival in March.
- Atlanta Dogwood Festival at the Piedmont Park in April.
- Atlanta Jazz Festival at the Woodruff Arts Center in May.
- Atlanta Film Festival in June. Georgia Shakespeare Festival's plays at the Conant Performing Arts Center will last till October.
- In July, there is this African-American art, which is the world's biggest cultural event, known as the National Black Arts Festival.
- In October, there are 2 more celebrations. One is known as the Atlanta Pride Festival that last 3 days. It will be held at the Piedmont Park. And the other is a photography exhibition held throughout the city.
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