Atlanta, the Gate City, is a cultural and economic center of Georgia. Atlanta boasts of pleasant weather for the most time of the year, and attractions like the World of Coca-Cola, Stone Mountain Park, Georgia Aquarium. The rich and vivid history and contemporary luxuries have formed a new Southern charm and elegance in Atlanta. The ATL is a lively metropolis brimming with activities to do and see. From high art to history to sporting events, the ATL has it all.
Image by mmann1988 via Wikimedia CommonsHistory of Atlanta
Atlanta was founded in 1847. Initially it was a small railroad town. During the American Civil War, the Confederacy had laid down its weapon industry here because of the transportation. Union General Sherman destroyed the city to the ground in 1864. After the war, the city regained its position from the ashes with the support and funding of many big corporations and individuals. The city then got its symbol-the Phoenix. In 1868, Atlanta became the capital of Georgia. In 1892, the Coca-Cola company was formed and has headquarters in the city ever since. A downtown business center was laid down in the late 1920s that gives the city its district pattern being followed today also. During the same period, William B. Hartsfield campaigned and wanted to convert the racetrack into an airport. Currently, the busiest airport in the world is in Atlanta-the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
In 1996, the city hosted the Summer Olympic Games. Atlanta was refurbished- the transportation, sports facilities and parks were upgraded. The city’s economy is diverse with many large corporations having headquarters here. It is a communication and transportation hub.
Important Locations in Atlanta
Atlanta, the City in a Forest, has plenty of museums, parks, theatres, art and cultural centers. Whatever interests you, the A will throwback an appropriate activity. Browse the city’s rich history at the museums and centers, relax in the park, explore the arts, or enjoy the beautiful sights of the city. There are myriad of locations to visit in Atlanta. Check out some of the important locations in the ATL listed below:
Atlanta History Center: Atlanta History Center showcases the development of the city from the ashes and the Civil war human tragedy.
To know the history of Atlanta, click here Georgia Aquarium: Check out the great collection of marine animals at the
Georgia Aquarium. It is the world’s largest indoor aquarium.
Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Site: Know about the ATL’s tumultuous history and the participation of the Civil Rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. in the civil rights struggle at the
Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Site.
World of Coca-Cola: World of Coca-Cola features the Coca-Cola history. There is a 4d theatre, a bottling factory and exhibits of Coke memorabilia.
Explore the Coca-Cola history here.
Atlanta Botanical Garden: The Garden features beautiful sights and sculptures, such as an edible garden, a tree-top canopy stroll and a bright orchid center. Check out the exhibitions at the
Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Stone Mountain Park: The South Mountain Park showcases the local history and in the middle of the park is the Stone Mountain that is the world’s largest exposed granite.
Discover more about this magnificent mountain here.
Inside CNN Tour/CNN Center: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the CNN and see the news in making at the
CNN Center.
High Museum of Art: The High Museum of Art features nineteenth and twentieth century artwork. There’s Africa, European, American and Contemporary art also on display.
Explore the art at the High Museum of Art.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Learn about the fossils, animals, plants, and dinosaurs that showcase the history of Georgia at the
Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Zoo Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta is home to several endangered species, and also has a petting area and a playground.
To know in detail about the important locations in Atlanta, click here.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Atlanta
Atlanta is in Eastern Time Zone.
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours (EST)
Daylight Saving Time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hour (Daylight Saving Time, or EDT)
Atlanta Phone CodesArea code: 678, 404, and 770
International country code: 1
People and Culture of Atlanta
Atlanta is a melting pot of cultures. Different culture, traditions and backgrounds intersect here. You’ll find people of all cultural and ethnic groups, including Mexicans, Koreans, Hispanic, Chinese, African, East Asian, Vietnamese and Eastern European. The people of Atlanta are inviting, warm and friendly, and they embrace diversity. The city also welcomes gay travelers and residents, and it hosts the second largest gay pride parade in the US.
Some of the famous personalities who have their roots in Atlanta are: Martin Luther King Jr., Kanye West, Brittany Murphy, Margaret Mitchell, Raven Symone, Ed Helms, Daniel J. Boorstin, and many more.
Best Time to Visit Atlanta
The best time to visit ‘Hotlanta’ is spring (April to May) and autumn (September & November). The climate is pleasant during these times of the year. Enjoy the flora-fauna and splendid views of Atlanta during the autumn and spring seasons. Summer (June-August) is also a good time to visit Atlanta. Throughout the year, there are a slew of festivals and events held in Atlanta. Some of the events/festivals are:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade(March)
Atlanta Dogwood Festival(April)
Decatur Arts Festival and Garden Tour(May)
Virginia-Highland Summerfest(June)
National Black Arts Festival(July)
Taste of Atlanta(September)
Atlanta Pride Festival(October)
Peach Drop(December)
Operational Hours
Stores: Until 6:00pm- Monday to Sunday
Shopping Malls and Centers: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Banks: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Saturday: Half day
Business offices: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Government offices: Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Important Locations in Atlanta
