Know Before You Go: About Atlanta
Torched at the end of the Civil War, Atlanta rose phoenix-like from its ashes into the beating heart of the modern South
If your notion of the city comes from Gone with the Wind, you're in for a big surprise. Fabled Peachtree Street doesn't actually have any peach trees lining it. And most people don't speak with a Southern drawl, because they're from somewhere else. Check in to today's Atlanta to explore endless bustling avenues and ample green spaces, and be ready to revel in the Southern hospitality, which does exist, even in a city of transplants.
Weather Wise
In Atlanta, the oft-repeated Southern aphorism, "it's not so much the heat as the humidity," rings especially true during the sweltering, sticky summer months. Think cool and casual when packing, as in shorts, T-shirts, sandals and baseball caps. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, when clothes don't stick to your skin so much. Winters can get frigid and often below freezing, but if you're coming from a place where snowdrifts and icy roads are commonplace, you'll chuckle at what the locals consider bitter cold.
Main Attractions
Two words: Centennial Park. Created for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, it's home to a handful of Atlanta's don't-miss attractions. Marvel at the grandeur of the Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest; sample sodas from around the globe at the World of Coca-Cola; and engage with the past, present and future at the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Kids will love splashing in the dancing waters of the Olympic Ring Fountain. East of downtown, take in the best view of Atlanta from the summit of Stone Mountain inside Stone Mountain Park. Hike a mile up the granite monolith, or take the aerial tramway. On a clear day you can see all the way to Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains far to the north.
Bright Lights, Big Business
In a state where you can get a chicken-fried steak the size of your head, your arteries may relish a break with some Mediterranean fare. Prince Lebanese Grill has been featured on the Food Network and gets high praise from Zagat. The chef's willingness to custom tailor the spice level of these succulent dishes keeps customers coming back. Prices are low, and meals are scrumptious, from the traditional shawarma plate to the flame-grilled kabob sampler. Salads, soups and some of the dips—from traditional hummus to tabouli—come in small or large portions. You can also add meat to any salad.
Getting Around
There's no sugarcoating it—traffic can be a nightmare in bustling Atlanta. Rush hour here lasts a few hours. Avoid the roadways by hopping on a MARTA train or bus whenever possible. Getting between the airport and downtown is super easy on MARTA's Red Line, aka the North-South line. When driving, tune into WSB 750 AM for the best traffic reporting in the city. Granted, to know which roadways are being referred to, you may need a primer on local traffic jargon to translate phrases such as "the Connector" and "Spaghetti Junction."
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