I lived in Atlanta for 9 years and had the best time. There are many people relocation to Atlanta for jobs so it makes it an easy city to meet people because most people are from someplace else . A little history of the city. Atlanta and its suburbs were originally Creek and Cherokee Native American territory. There was an important Indian site called Standing Peachtree, named after a large pine tree that had pitch or sap that flowed from it. The word "pitch" was misunderstood for "peach," thus the site's name and many roads in Atlanta are named Peachtree.
During the American Civil War in 1864, there were multiple railroads in Atlanta and this made the city a hub for the distribution of military supplies. The region surrounding Atlanta was the location of several major army battles, culminating with the Battle of Atlanta and a four-month-long siege of the city by the Union Army under the command of General William Tecumseh Sherman. On September 1, 1864, a decision was made to retreat from Atlanta, all citizens were evacuated and they burned all public buildings and assets that could be of use to the Union Army. Most of Atlanta was burned during the Civil War, depleting the city of a large stock of its historic architecture. Yet architecturally, the city had never been traditionally "southern" because Atlanta originated as a railroad town, rather than a patrician southern seaport like Savannah or Charleston. Many of the city's landmarks share architectural characteristics with buildings in the Northeast or Midwest. After the Civil War ended in 1865, Atlanta was gradually rebuilt. Due to the city's superior rail transportation network, the state capital was moved to Atlanta in 1868. Beginning in the 1880's, Henry W. Grady, the editor of the Atlanta Constitution newspaper, promoted Atlanta to potential investors as a city of the "New South" that would be based upon a modern economy and less reliant on agriculture.
Atlanta was selected as the site for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Following the announcement, the city government undertook several major construction projects to improve Atlanta's parks, sporting venues, and transportation infrastructure.
In 2005, the $2.8 billion BeltLine project was adopted, with the stated goals of converting a disused 22-mile freight railroad loop that surrounds the central city into an art-filled multi-use trail and increasing the city's park space by 40%. It's a beautiful city and here are 10 great things to explore in Atlanta.
Atlanta Nightlife
When the sun sets, Atlanta nightlife starts heating up! The Atlanta night scene offers a variety of venues like cozy, relaxing bars, ultramodern and sophisticated to the spicy Latin dance clubs. No matter what your preference is, you'll find something fun in Atlanta. Some of our favorite venues are Tongue & Groove, Opera, Havana Club and Fado's for a cozy pub.
Netherworld
2076 W Park Pl. Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30087
Netherworld, one of the nation's most revered haunted houses, is walk-through, dark attraction filled with terrifying live actors, amazing special effects, and incredible monsters. Netherworld started with a dedicated team of people with vast experience in the world of film and television. Now volunteers from around the world come to make a new haunted house theme each year and it is super scary. I always end up running out, screaming for my life while everyone laughs at me.
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Stone Mountain Park is located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty. Stone Mountain Park features a variety of fun activities and things to do. There is the skyride to the top of Stone Mountain and get an up-close look at the Stone Mountain Carving or walk up Stone Mountain for a little cardio. There is a scenic train that goes around the mountain. There is also the Marriott Stone Mountain Inn and they offer a great resort and awesome pool. Stone Mountain ends the day with a amazing laser light show featuring a fantastic fireworks finale!
Dogwood Festival
332 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Spring in Atlanta means the Dogwoods are in full bloom! Hundreds of artists from around the country set up their tents for the Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park. An Atlanta staple for 80 years, there is every kind of art imaginable represented at the festival that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry and photography. Music is an essential feature of the festival and there is always diverse musical offerings. And there are yummy food trucks galore creating delicious smells, of funnel cakes, gyros, crab cakes, onion rings, kettle etc!
Georgia Renaissance Festival
6905 Virlyn B Smith Road Fairburn GA 30213
Inside the gates of Newcastle, the actors and vendors transport you back to 16th-century England! The renaissance village is filled with over 150 artisan craft shoppes, 10 stages of endless entertainment, wonderful pubs and taverns, plus yummy food everywhere! I laughed out loud at the antics of the renaissance characters while I enjoyed a giant roasted turkey leg and hearty beer while watching Knights battle on horseback. Here's a video of my bad acting but having loads of fun!
Atlanta Braves Football
755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
If you are into Professional Baseball, then check out the new Sun Trust Park and catch an Atlanta Braves game.
Atlanta Falcons Football
1 AMB Drive Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30313
If you are into Professional Football, stop into the new Mercedes Benz Stadium to catch an Atlanta Falcons Game.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a 30 acres botanical garden located adjacent to Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta. The Gardens offer the most beautiful exhibits and it's so peaceful to just enjoy the day or evening soaking up the artistic displays.
Swan House
130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Swan House, traditionally known as one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Atlanta, is an elegant, classically styled mansion built in 1928. The Swan House was built in 1928 for Edward and Emily Inman in Atlanta, Georgia. The Inmans had accumulated wealth from cotton brokerage and investments on transportation, banking and real estate.
Georgia Aquarium, CNN, Coca Cola
Some of the iconic venues in Atlanta are Georgia Aquarium, CNN, Coca Cola. This is a great idea for raining weekends. The aquarium has whale sharks, beluga whales, sea otters, sea horses, penguins and more. Learn the story behind the world’s most famous beverage brand at the World of Coca-Cola. and get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the world headquarters of CNN.
