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For other places with the same name, see Atlanta (disambiguation).

Atlanta is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.

Atlanta [1] is in the Southeastern United States. It is Georgia's capital and largest city.

[edit] Districts

Atlanta is a sprawling city consisting of a variety of neighborhoods, some of the them having characteristics of individual cities, such as Buckhead, while some have the feel of small towns, such as Virginia-Highland. Intown neighborhoods are located inside of the "Perimeter", i.e., highway I-285, which circles the city. Areas outside of the perimeter are not considered part of the city and locals universally refer to this as "OTP" (outside of the perimeter).

• Downtown, the central area and most commercial area in Georgia (economically and politically) that includes the state capitol, city hall, corporate headquarters, the tourist area around Centennial Park, and the neighborhoods of Five Points, Fairlie-Poplar, Castleberry Hill, and the Railroad District.
• Midtown, business district with tall skyscrapers, and a popular nightlife area. This area also includes Piedmont Park, the Woodruff Arts Center, the Georgia Tech campus and complex, and SoNo.
• North Atlanta/Buckhead, includes the once thriving nightlife district of Buckhead, and neighboring Brookwood Hills, as well as Peachtree Battle, and the Governer's Mansion.
• Northwest Atlanta, includes Atlantic Station, Atlanta's new urban renewed district.
• Northeast Atlanta, includes Ansley Park, Morningside, and Druid Hills. Emory University, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and Fernbank Museum of Natural History are also located here.
• East Atlanta, includes the alternative style neighborhood Little Five Points, trendy Virginia-Highland with nearby Poncey-Highland, as well as the growing district of East Atlanta, Historic King District in Sweet Auburn, and Grant Park.
• South Atlanta, includes Turner Field and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and the neighborhoods of Mechanicsville, West End, and Oakland City.
• West Atlanta, includes Vine City, Bankhead, and Collier Heights.

[edit] Suburban Cities

• Fulton County-East Point, College Park, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Hapeville
• Dekalb County-Chamblee, Decatur, Doraville, Lithonia, Stone Mountain
• Cobb County-Kennesaw, Marietta, Smyrna
• Gwinett County-Duluth, Lawrenceville, Norcross
• Clayton County-Jonesboro
• Other-Newnan, Cumming, Fayetteville, Griffin, Peachtree City, Union City

[edit] Understand

The city has a population of just under 500,000, and it is the core of the ninth most populated metropolitan area in the United States with over 5 million people. This is a city that blends the Old South with the New South. Post-modern skyscrapers and old historical homes can coexist within blocks of each other. The idea of the New South is also reflected by its people. Many new residents from different regions of the United States and the world have come to make their new home in Atlanta, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. At the same time, the city is still able to retain its Southern charm.

Located on the Piedmont Plateau in the Northern Georgia, Atlanta is located almost entirely in Fulton County, while a part of the city limits extends into Dekalb County. The area size of the city limits is only 132 sq mi (343 km²), but Metro Atlanta which includes 28 counties has an area of 8,376 sq mi (21,693.7 km²). The Chattahoochee River, which forms the Northwestern boundary of the city limits of Atlanta, is a major source of water throughout the metro area. Aside from the river, the topography of Atlanta is assorted with rolling hills, forests, lakes and ponds, and granite Stone Mountain to the east.

[edit] Climate

Climate	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Daily highs (°F)	42	49	56	73	80	87	89	88	79	71	56	48
Nightly lows (°F)	24	29	36	47	59	67	71	70	62	45	38	28
Precipitation (in)	5.0	4.7	5.4	3.6	4.0	3.6	5.1	3.7	4.1	3.1	4.1	3.8
Check Atlanta's 7 day forecast at NOAA

Atlanta is located on the Piedmont Plateau, at an approximate elevation of 800 to 1900 feet above sea level. The city is thus somewhat cooler than other places in the US South, a fact that certainly helped the growth of the city before the introduction of air conditioning.

Atlanta experiences a very wide range of temperatures. Temperatures in winter can drop into the single digits on occasion, and some winters bring significant snowfall. The region can often receive devastating ice storms. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently reaching above 90°F/32°C (thus the nickname "Hotlanta"). Rainfall is high in late winter and early spring, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The region is often affected during Hurricane season from remnants that spill out of the Gulf, bringing heavy rains and sometimes high winds.

[edit] History

Atlanta was originally founded as Terminus in 1836, the name reflecting its function as a railway terminus, and renamed Atlanta in 1847. Atlanta remains a key junction point of the US rail system, with several lines connecting in a complex of junctions within the downtown area.

During the American Civil War, the city became the target of a major Union invasion in the American Civil War as part of Union General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea. Union forces entered Atlanta on September 2nd, 1864 and Sherman ordered Atlanta burned to the ground on November 11 in preparation for his march south. As a consequence almost all of buildings in Atlanta date from after 1864.

In the late 20th century, Atlanta has grown to be a major commercial center and is the home of several major enterprises, including Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS and CNN. At the same time, Atlanta became one of the major centers of the American civil rights movement. Martin Luther King was born in the city, and his boyhood home on Auburn Avenue in the Sweet Auburn district is preserved by the National Park Service as a National Historic Site; his final resting place is in the tomb at the center of the reflecting pool at The King Center.

In 1996, Atlanta hosted the 26th Olympic Summer Games of the modern era. Sadly the games were marred by a terrorist attack on the Centennial Olympic Park, which killed 2 and wounded many more. Subsequently the games were also criticized for poor transport facilities and consequent traffic congestion, and are regarded by many (usually those far outside Atlanta) as the least successful games of recent times. However they have left a legacy of civic improvements and sporting facilities which benefit the visitor.

The metro area is now home to a huge immigrant population from 176 countries. It also has one of the largest Gay populations in the country.

[edit] Visitors

Atlanta is essentially a place to live and work. There are many interesting things to see in the city, and it is well worth the trip from cities such as Chattanooga, TN or Athens, GA for big name concerts and excellent dining.

Because of this, Atlanta has become a major conference and exhibition city. Most of the conference venues are located around Peachtree Center, and when there is a large show in town, it can sometimes seem as though every other person in the city is wearing a nametag.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Atlanta's principal airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport[2], situated approximately 8 miles south of downtown Atlanta.

Hartsfield is largely set up as a hub airport for Delta Air Lines, with much of its traffic being transfer rather than arrival or departure traffic. The airport has a single groundside terminal, connected to 5 mid-airport concourses by underground walkways and rail transit. The concourse furthest from the terminal (concourse E) is dedicated to international flights and all immigration and customs formalities are conducted there. Passengers arriving from overseas will need to clear immigration controls, reclaim hold baggage from a baggage carousel, clear customs, check hold baggage back in, ride the underground transit to the main terminal, reclaim hold baggage again from another carousel, and finally exit the airport.

The airport offers a full range of ground transportation services, including taxicabs, airport shuttle vans, and car rental offices.

Hartsfield airport is also the terminus of the southern branch of the MARTA rail system (see 'Get Around' below), and for travellers going to locations in downtown, midtown or northern Atlanta this forms a convenient, and at $1.75 per one-way ticket, economic way of getting there. Most MARTA stations have taxi stations to aid completion of the journey, and some hotels have free shuttles which will collect from either the airport or nearest MARTA station on telephone request.

The Parking Spot [3] provides covered and uncovered parking near Hartsfield Airport with two separate lots, The Parking Spot and The Parking Spot 2.

[edit] By train

Atlanta is served by Amtrak [4] 1-800-872-7245. Amtrak's Crescent train runs daily and serves New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans (and vice-versa). Southbound, the train leaves New York just before 3PM, calls at Atlanta at around 9AM and reaches New Orleans by 8PM. Northbound, the train leaves New Orleans at around 7AM, calls at Atlanta at around 8PM and reaches New York by 2PM.

In Atlanta, the Amtrak station is located at 1688 Peachtree St. N.W., which is several miles north of the airport and downtown. MARTA Bus route 23 stops in front of the station. However, because much of the city is not accessible by MARTA, a taxi may be required to complete the journey.

[edit] By bus

Greyhound Bus Lines [5], 1-800-229-9424, provides bus service to Atlanta from many locations throughout the United States. Buses arrive at and depart from the Greyhound terminal at 232 Forsyth Street, located in a less affluent neighborhood on the southern edge of the downtown area and directly beneath MARTA's Garnett Station (see 'Get Around' below).

[edit] By car

Atlanta is linked to the rest of the US by the interstate highway network. The principal interstates serving the city are I-75 (serving traffic from Detroit to Florida), I-85 (connecting the Mid-Atlantic to New Orleans) and I-20 (connecting California and Texas to South Carolina), all of which cross through Downtown.

I-285 (commonly called the Perimeter by Atlantans, and the Atlanta Bypass on overhead signs) circles the city at a distance of about 10 miles out, crossing and connecting with all the above freeways as well as the airport.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By foot

Walking is a reasonable way to get around within pedestrian-friendly areas of Midtown, Downtown, Decatur and the Virginia Highlands. If travelling outside of those areas, renting a car is recommended.

[edit] By transit

Atlanta is served by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), +1 404-848-4711, [6], which operates both rapid rail and bus networks in the city of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton and Dekalb.

For out-of-town visitors, MARTA is a convenient way to travel from the airport to downtown or midtown, or to travel between downtown and midtown. Those who want to travel out of those areas or at night, however, may be better served by taking taxis or renting a car, as the city often becomes empty at nighttime or in other areas, and travel may feel unsafe to those who do not know the city.

The rail network is comprised of two principal lines making up a cross. One line runs north-south across the city, while the other runs east-west. The north-south line runs from a southern terminus at Hartsfield-Jackson airport through downtown and midtown Atlanta, before splitting into two branches running north, one which terminates in north metro Atlanta at the North Springs station and the other which terminates at the Doraville station. The east-west line runs from an western terminal at Hamilton E. Holmes to an eastern terminal at Indian Creek. The Five Points station in downtown Atlanta is the only station where passengers may change trains between the north-south and east-west lines. Trains run from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. Monday-Friday, and from 5 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Trains run on all lines every 10 minutes during peak periods, reducing to every 20 minutes on Sundays.

The bus network comprises over one hundred different bus routes, with many routes operating approximately every 20 minutes. Buses run from 5 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. on the weekends and holidays. One feature of MARTA is the close integration of rail and bus services. Many rail stations have integral bus stations, and in some cases the buses enter the station's 'paid area' thus avoiding the need to use transfers.

A single ride on MARTA costs $1.75. The fare includes transfers. Single use Breeze Cards are sold in vending machines at all rail stations or at RideStores at Airport and Five Points stations. When starting the journey by bus, swipe the card at the fare post next to the driver. When starting the journey by train, swipe the car at the fare gate, your now cash depleted card will act as your transfer. When transferring to a bus, give the operator your breeze card. When transferring to a train, swipe the transfer ticket through the reader on the turnstile.

Note for Weekend Travel: MARTA has a tendency to run slower on the weekends. Typical wait times are 30 minutes for trains and up to an hour for buses. Be sure to accommodate for this.

[edit] By taxi

It is usually possible to flag taxicabs down near tourist attractions and in Midtown and Downtown. However, calling ahead is recommended.

24-Hour Taxicab Services:

• Checker Cab, +1 404-351-1111, [7]
• Atlanta Lenox Taxi, +1 404-872-2600, [8]
• Atlanta Yellow Cab, +1 404-521-0200
• Buckhead Safety Cab, +1 404-233-1152
• Decatur Best Taxi Services, +1 404-289-6603

Flat rates to and from the airport are listed on Hartfield-Jackson International Airport's website.

[edit] By car

Cars are the most popular form of transport in and around Atlanta, and in order to get around the sprawling city and to experience Atlanta's various unique neighborhoods, renting a car is recommended. Rush hour runs from around 7-10am and 4-7pm on weekdays and often results in congestion when travelling intown in the mornings and outbound in the afternoons. Major shopping districts such as Buckhead can also get crowded on weekends. Most restaurants and shops in the area offer complimentary or low-cost valet services ($1-2 tip expected) and on the rare occasion where parking is scarce, public lots are usually nearby for a reasonable fee. Free road maps are available at [9].

Car Rental Companies:

• Alamo Rent A Car [10], Toll free: 1-800-462-5266.
• Avis Rent A Car [11], Toll free: 1-800-331-1212.
• Budget Rent A Car [12], Toll free: 1-800-527-0700.
• Dollar Rent A Car [13], Toll free: 1-800-800-3665.
• E-Z Rent-A-Car [14], Toll free: 1-800-277-5171.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car [15], Toll free: 1-800-261-7331.
• Hertz Car Rental [16], Toll free: 1-800-654-3131.
• Thrifty [17], Toll free: 1-800-847-4389.

[edit][add listing] See

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Atlanta is an eclectic city with a wide range of activities. One of the more popular areas in the city for tourists is the complex of Downtown Atlanta that includes Centennial Park, CNN Center, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, and the Georgia World Congress Center all within blocks of each other.

For those who love architecture and cityscape, Atlanta has plenty to offer. One can ride a glass elevator to the top of Westin Peachtree Plaza, one of the world's tallest hotels, and relax while watching a 360 view of the city in the Sundial, the revolving restaurant and bar. For those afraid of heights, there is the lower Hyatt Regency Atlanta, which also has the revolving restaruant, the Polaris, enclosed in a futuristic blue glass dome. The tallest building in Atlanta is the Bank of America Plaza in Midtown, and Buckhead to the north also has plenty of skyscrapers and high rises.

Other must-sees throughout Atlanta include:

• Atlanta Zoo in Grant Park
• Cyclorama, in Grant Park. Exhibits on the Civil War.
• Atlanta History Center, [18],. Includes The Atlanta History Museum, the Swan House, (an opulent 1920's mansion), and the Tullie Smith House.
• Carter Center Library and Museum [19]. Includes historical memorabilia from Carter's presidency.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Center [20] and Historic Site [21].
• Check out the mummies and the Moche pottery exhibition at the Michael C. Carlos Museum. [22]
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History, [23]. This museum will perk your interest and expand your imagination in anything ranging from dinosaurs to the universe, and has an IMAX theater.
• Georgia Tech [24], just across I-75/85 from midtown, is one of the US' best research universities, and is also a basketball and baseball powerhouse. Georgia Tech offers a multitude of activities including concerts and plays at the The Ferst Center for the Arts [25] and athletics [26]. Visitors can pay for wireless internet [27] while on campus and can stay at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center [28].
• Michael C. Carlos Museum of Art and Archeology, (on the campus of Emory University) [29]. An excellent museum. Free.
• Turner Field Outfield Wall - See the wall Hank Aaron hit #715 over. This section of the original outfield wall from Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was preserved when the new ballpark was built.
• Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, (on the campus of Georgia State University), [30]. Voted "Best World Music Venue" in 2004 by Creative Loafing.

[edit] Itineraries

• One day in Atlanta — a busy one-day tour in a circle to see the many sides of Atlanta.
• Old South and New South — a tour that takes you through the old historical sides of Atlanta, and the new rapidly growing areas with postmodern architecture and technology, as well as unique culture.
• Atlanta shopping spree — a tour through Atlanta's shopping malls and boutique stores in the many shopping districts.

[edit] Sports

• Braves Baseball [31]. If you're heading down to "The Ted" (the local nickname for Turner Field), take MARTA to the Five Points station and hop on the $1 Braves Shuttle. This is MUCH easier than parking, and MARTA makes a great designated driver should you want to drink at the game.
• Falcons Football [32]
• Hawks Basketball [33]
• Thrashers Hockey [34]
• Atlanta Rollergirls Roller Derby [35]
• Georgia Force Arena Football [36]
• Georgia Tech Athletics [37]
• Georgia State Athletics [38]
• Emory Athletics [39]

[edit][add listing] Do

• Catch a live performance by one of metro Atlanta's 200+ performing arts groups. [40]

• Hike up Stone Mountain and watch the sunset, then come down and see the bizarre, kitschy Laser Light Show. [41]

[edit] Learn

[edit] Work

• Meet the people of Atlanta while serving alongside them at a Hands On Atlanta volunteer project. [42]

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Malls

With no surprise, Atlanta has plenty of shopping malls throughout the city as well as in the suburbs. The malls intown include Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza in Buckhead. Other recommendations include Perimeter Mall [43] ($$) Dunwoody. A little further out of the city, this mall is anchored by Nordstrom and Macy's and has many of the same stores as Lenox Square Mall with a slightly lower price-point, and is frequently less crowded. Another must see and possibly shop mall is the Mall of Georgia [44], located in Buford in Gwinett County, it is the largest mall in the state and one of the largest in the nation.

[edit] Boutiques

Atlanta has a large selection of boutiques for various budgets and styles. While many of them are scattered throughout the city, there are a few neighborhoods that offer pedestrian-friendly shopping. Outside of the city, Decatur offers a few boutiques as well.

[edit] Bargain Shopping

Here are a few options available for those wanting to shop and still save money.

• Loehmann's [45]. ($) 2480 Briarcliff Rd NE. Chain store offering bargains on discounted designer brands.
• Plato's Closet [46] ($) 2480 Briarcliff Rd NE. Teen-conscious consignment shop with brand name finds.
• Discover Mills [47] ($) Lawrenceville. A large outlet mall outside of Atlanta with stores ranging from Ross to Saks Off 5th.
• Last Chance Thrift Store [48] ($) 5 locations. Best thrift stores in Atlanta.

[edit][add listing] Eat

One of things that Atlanta is known for and loved is it's food. From the traditional Southern cuisine, to different international cuisines from around the world, Atlanta does not fall short of availability. As there are so many dining options throughout the different districts and neighborhoods in the city to list, here are a few recommendations for Atlanta in general.

• Waffle House This well-known chain with over 1500 locations today got its start in the Atlanta suburb of Avondale Estates. But, no matter where you are in Atlanta, a Waffle House is not too far away. Waffle House, or "WaHo" as the locals call it, is known for its friendly service 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Do not expect to find health food, as the menu is greasy, but oh so delicious. It is a unique experience to watch and listen to the waiters as they call out orders to the cook in a language that only the employees really understand. [49] (¢- very inexpensive)
• The Varsity [50], Atlanta's most famous burger joint. Try anything you like, but be prepared for heartburn.
• Gladys Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken and Waffles [51].
• Buford Highway Restaurants. District where locals venture for ethnic cuisine. Dozens of ethnic restaurants, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, and Indian are located in the area.
• Canoe, [52]. Elegant New American restaurant located on the Chattahoochee River with what many consider to be the most scenic views in Atlanta. ($$$)
• Harold's Barbecue, 171 Mcdonough Blvd SE. Local politicians and lawmakers deal and schmooze while blue collar workers lunch at this classic Southern barbecue joint in a seedy neighborhood of Atlanta near the penitentiary. Southern accents abound. Best known for its Brunswick stew. ($)
• Any "mom and pop" barbecue restaurant, or if you prefer a chain, Sonny's[53] is good too.

• Flying Biscuit Cafe, on McLendon or Piedmont Avenue, [54]. Good breakfast joint.

[edit][add listing] Drink

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There is plenty to do at night in Atlanta, though local regulations have most places closing by 3am. On weekdays, drinks in the Highlands or at local bars will be the best bet, as most clubs are empty until Thursday or Friday nights, when the clubbers emerge. On weekends Midtown caters to singles of all ages 21 and up, from all types of cultures and lifestyles. Buckhead was formerly the primary nightlife area, but the recent construction has changed that. There are still plenty of bars, pubs, and nightclubs still operating in Buckhead, however. Downtown has a few bars, but not as many as Midtown or Buckhead. Many of the Downtown bars are in Kenny's Alley in Underground, which is suitable for late night party goers, which also allows them to carry their drink from one bar to another within the property, and only have to pay a single cover charge. Atlantic Station also has a few bars and cafes in its complex. Little Five Points and East Atlanta are other good options.

If you like country-western music, or even if you don't, it is recommended to try Wild Bills[55] in Gwinett County or Cowboys[56] in Cobb County for a traditional Georgia/Southern experience. Both places offer dance lessons for those wanting to get out and line dance. There is plenty of eye candy, and is a great place to meet a true Southern Belle or gentleman, or to relax and do a shot of Jack Daniels, served by waitresses in cowgirl outfits.

• Sweetwater Brewery [57]. Sample a Sweet Georgia Brown. The brewery offers tours every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 6PM and 7PM.

• The Masquerade, [58]. Goth dance club open late.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

The Atlanta area has hundreds of hotels ranging from cheap to expensive.

[edit] Budget

The Atlanta Hostel in Midtown is one of the cheapest places to stay. Other inexpensive hotels and lodging can be found throughout Atlanta, even within the central business district.

[edit] Mid-Range

Atlanta has plenty of moderately priced hotels throughout the city and the metro area. One should try the following:

• Holiday Inns of Atlanta, [59]. Consider one of the many Holiday Inn® Hotels throughout the greater Atlanta area for your next visit.
• Amerisuites Extended Stay Hotel Suites, 7500 North Point Parkway,[60]. AmeriSuites is a leading select service hotel offering great rates, attractively designed accommodations, upscale amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere with all the comforts of home.
• Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta NW, 2999 Windy Hill Road, [61]. Newly renovated all suite hotel. Located off of I-75 in the heart of the Northwest business center and a few minutes from Buckhead and downtown.
• Emory Inn, [62]. Located on Emory University's main campus close to the CDC, this inn is the more charming and less expensive sister hotel to the Emory Conference Center.
• Atlanta Doubletree Airport Hotel, [63] Stylish, comfortable, convenient hotel next to the Atlanta Airport (ATL) and close to downtown Atlanta. FREE parking for the Airport!
• Laurel Hill Bed and Breakfast, [64]. Romantic bed and breakfast that's all Southern Charm. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood of Atlanta within short driving distance of all intown attractions.
• W Hotel Perimeter Center, [65]. For those who favor the quieter suburbs, this W is located about 15-minutes away from the city and 45-minutes from the airport.

[edit] Splurge

The majority of the high end hotels are in Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown. Most of them are under the worldwide chain of luxury hotels, such as Hyatt Regency, W Hotels, and Four Seasons.

[edit] Other

• AmeriSuites - Airport North, 3415 Norman Berry Drive, [66]
• Hyatt Place - Buckhead, 3242 Peachtree Road N.E., [67]
• AmeriSuites - Downtown, 330 Peachtree Street, [68]
• Courtyard - Downtown, 175 Piedmont Ave NE, [69].
• Crowne Plaza - Airport, 1325 Virgina Ave., [70].
• Crowne Plaza - Perimeter NW, 6345 Powers Ferry Rd NW., [71].
• Embassy Suites - Airport, 4700 Southport Rd, [72].
• Embassy Suites - Buckhead, 3285 Peachtree Rd NE, [73].
• Embassy Suites - Centennial Olympic Park, 267 Marietta St, [74].
• Embassy Suites - Galleria, 2815 Akers Mill Rd SE, [75].
• Embassy Suites - Perimeter Center, 1030 Crown Pointe Parkway, [76].
• Fairfield Inn - Downtown, 175 Piedmont Ave, [77].
• Hawthorn - Northwest, 1500 Parkwood Cir SE, 770-952-9595, 800-338-7812, [78]. 50 luxury suites with daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet each morning and social hour Monday through Thursday in the evenings.
• Holiday Inn - Airport South, 6288 Old Dixie Hwy, [79].
• Holiday Inn - Airport North, 1385 Virginia Ave, [80].
• Holiday Inn Select Atlanta Capitol Conference Center, 450 Capitol Avenue SW, [81].
• Holiday Inn Select - Perimeter, 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., [82].
• Hyatt Place Atlanta Airport-South, 1899 Sullivan Road, [83]
• Hyatt Place Atlanta - Perimeter Center, 1005 Crestline Parkway, [84]
• Microtel Inns & Suites Atlanta Buckhead Area, 1840 Corporate Blvd. Tel: (404) 325-4446[85].
• Microtel Inns & Suites Atlanta Perimeter Center, 6280 Peachtree Dunwoody Road. Tel: (678) 781-4000 [86].
• Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, 165 Courtland Street, [87].
• Sheraton Gateway - Airport, 1900 Sullivan Rd, [88].
• Sheraton Suites - Galleria, 2844 Cobb Parkway SE., [89].
• Wyndham Garden - Northwest, 1775 Parkway Pl NW., [90].
• Wyndham - Vinings, 2857 Paces Ferry Rd, [91].
• Wyndham - Midtown, 125 10th St NE, [92].
• Wyndham, 160 Spring St NW., [93].

[edit] Contact

• Local Calls: Atlanta area codes are 770, 404, and 678. All 10 digits of the phone number are required when making local calls.
• Directory Assistance: dial 411.
• Free Wireless Hotspots

[edit] Stay safe

• Despite Atlanta's reputation, the city is not as dangerous as many perceive it to be. The crime rate has dropped during the late 1990's and 2000's, and has reached a near 40 year low in 2005. In the past, Atlanta was ranked in the top three for U.S. cities with the highest crime rates repeatedly for many consecutive years, but since 2005 the city's ranking has been off the top 10. Still, precautions should still be taken as in any other major city, such as not traveling alone at night, and being aware of which neighborhoods and areas are more prone to crime. In Atlanta, the Southwest and Southeast area have reported the most incidents of crime. Also to note, statistics indicate that 2006 and 2007 were two consecutive years of an increase in overall crime citywide, but the current rate is still lower than in the not-too-distant past.

[edit] Get out

• Stone Mountain, The world's largest exposed piece of granite. A hike or cable car ride up to the top of the mountain offers a spectacular view of Atlanta. A free laser light show is open to the public every Saturday after sunset in the summer.
• Chateau Elan Resort and Winery [94]. A spa, winery, and recreation resort located in the Georgia foothills approximately 40 minutes away from the city. Offers luxurious spa accommodations and treatments, as well as tennis, golf and winery tours.
• Punchline Comedy Club [95]. Casual comedy club that showcases both big names and up-and-coming comics.
• Vinings, A charming town with a historical town center.
• Six Flags Over Georgia [96]. Classic theme park located just west of Atlanta.
• The Big Chicken [97]. For those who like roadside photo opportunities, visit this 56-ft. chicken that has become a Marietta landmark.

For those more interested in scenic beauty and outdoor activities, the Appalachian mountain chain begins about sixty miles north of Atlanta. The southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is on Springer Mountain in north-east Georgia, an easy drive from metro Atlanta.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!