Atlanta, GA

Nicknamed A-town, also the Big Peach, the city was a truly pleasant surprise for me. Having some opportunity in to visit in the past, (opting instead for New Orleans and Orlando), I wish I had done it before!

Truly a hotspot for the music and the filming industries, a bastion for civil and human rights, and the birth and resting place for Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (a must-visit), the city offers a diversity of people, art, history and culture that very few places might have.

The city is a hub for sports, that including the soccer Atlanta United FC, NFL Atlanta Falcons, the MLB Braves, and the NBA Hawks among other teams. The city offers world-class stadiums and great facilities for the fans. Olympism resides here as well. For the 1996 Olympic games that took place here, the Centennial Olympic Park reminds the visitor of the nations, the athletes and all the excitement that hosting the games could bring.

For visiting on your own, with your significant other or the kiddos, there are plenty of fun options here! Hosting the third biggest aquarium in the world, a children’s museum, and a long list of art galleries and museums. Had the opportunity to visit the Atlanta High Museum of Art, at it was so worth it! The white stylish building includes African, European, American and contemporary permanent exhibits. A statue of Auguste Rodin stands right outside the museum! (High, 2021). Also visit Piedmont park, where regular festivals and public events take place. Areas like Midtown and Buckhead offer so much to do!

At just over half a million people for the city, and six million for the metro area (World Population Review, 2021), the region extends over a wide area, including several counties like Fulton, Dekalb and Clayton among other (13 tot.), and the city of Atlanta itself. By getting to the downtown area, one could appreciate the imposing skyscrapers above, and the maze of freeways, streets and plazas below, all surrounded by lush green forests. Everywhere you turn there’s a story, waiting to be told. Some of those stories inspiring, some controversial.

Famous southern hospitality is everywhere and, generally, people here don’t think twice to give you a smile, offer descriptive directions, or even start a casual, spontaneous chat. Of course, don’t forget that this a big city, and it comes with all it’s goods and not-so-goods. There’s plenty of pan handling, people openly ask for cash in some areas, especially near the train stations. You should exercise caution and common sense, just like in any other big American city. The region has suffered an increase in violent crime since the pandemic happened. There are a number of areas to avoid. We suggest you research further before visiting.

Many big corporations are based here, including Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola, CNN, and Home Depot, and institutions like the American Cancer Association. There’s plenty of hotel and restaurant options for all budgets. The quite-busy airport itself is conveniently located not far, a 20-25 min. drive south from downtown, and even shorter time by using public transport.

On every post, we’ll like to give you an opinion-based suggestion. Not far from downtown (about 10 miles north) lies the Buckhead area, including the triangle and the Village, which offers lavish malls, chic restaurants and night clubs. Don’t miss it!

Real-life story:

We mentioned that movie filming certainly happens here often. We learn that pretty fast during one sunny summer day, while strolling the streets in downtown, near Peachtree square. All the sudden (by accident), we found ourselves trapped in the middle of a set, streets closed and everything. We learned how really closed we were to the action when a production crew person yelled “please, stop! If you move the wrong way you could activate a special effect device”, then we got out safely. Close call!! 🙂

The city of Atlanta, a sprawling metropolis rich in culture, history and diversity. A must!

References:

High (2021)

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-World Population Review (2021)

https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/atlanta-ga-population