Atlanta Georgia Travel Information by Christmasmarketusa.com

Welcome to Atlanta, y’all! If you’re looking for a city that’s hotter than a Georgia summer and sweeter than peach pie, you’ve come to the right place.

Atlanta’s got more flavor than a bottle of Coca-Cola (which, fun fact, was invented right here in the ATL). Let’s dive into what makes this Southern gem tick!

Where in the World is Atlanta?

Atlanta sits pretty in the heart of Georgia, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s the capital city and the biggest urban playground in the Peach State.

Getting to the ATL

By Plane:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world. No kidding! In 2019, it handled over 110 million passengers. You can fly here from just about anywhere on Earth.

By Car:
Atlanta’s smack dab in the middle of several major highways. Interstate 75, 85, and 20 all converge here, making it easy to road trip your way into the city.

By Train:
Amtrak’s Crescent line stops at Atlanta’s Peachtree Station, connecting the city to New Orleans and New York City.

A Brief History Lesson (Don’t Worry, It Won’t Be Boring!)

Atlanta’s story is as colorful as its street art. Founded in 1837 as the end of the Western & Atlantic railroad line, it was originally named “Terminus.” Talk about a snooze-fest of a name! Thankfully, they switched it to “Atlanta” in 1845.

The city played a big role in the Civil War and was famously burned to the ground in 1864. But like a phoenix (which happens to be the city’s symbol), Atlanta rose from the ashes and became the powerhouse it is today.

What’s Atlanta Famous For?

1. The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.
2. Home of Coca-Cola (cheers to that!)
3. The 1996 Summer Olympics
4. Hip-hop music scene (OutKast, anyone?)
5. The world’s largest aquarium

Top Things to Do in Atlanta (Besides Drinking Coke)

1. Get Your History On
   Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and walk in the footsteps of a civil rights legend.
2. Go Under the Sea
   Dive into the Georgia Aquarium, home to whale sharks, beluga whales, and more fish than you can shake a fishing rod at.
3. Get Your Geek On
   The World of Coca-Cola is a fizzy wonderland where you can taste over 100 different Coke products from around the world. Pro tip: Skip the Beverly from Italy. Trust me on this one.
4. Walk the Beltline
   This 22-mile loop of multi-use trails is Atlanta’s answer to New York’s High Line. It’s perfect for biking, jogging, or just people-watching.
5. Catch a Braves Game
   Even if you’re not a baseball fan, the energy at Truist Park is infectious. Plus, the food options are a home run!

Atlanta’s Famous Christmas Market

Hold onto your Santa hats, folks! Atlanta’s Christkindl Market is the place to be during the holiday season. This German-inspired market transforms downtown into a winter wonderland faster than you can say “Frohe Weihnachten!”

What makes it special?

• Authentic German food (Bratwurst, anyone?)
• Handcrafted gifts from local artisans
• Live music and entertainment
• A giant Christmas tree that would make even the Grinch smile

The market typically runs from late November to Christmas Eve. It’s the perfect place to sip on some Glühwein (mulled wine) and pretend you’re in a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Where to Stay: Atlanta’s Hottest Hotels

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
   Luxury in the heart of downtown. Their legendary Southern hospitality will make you feel like Georgian royalty.
2. Hotel Clermont
   A hip boutique hotel with a rooftop bar that offers killer views of the city skyline.
3. The Georgian Terrace
   This historic hotel hosted the premiere party for “Gone with the Wind.” Frankly, my dear, it’s fabulous.
4. Loews Atlanta Hotel
   Located in the trendy Midtown area, it’s perfect for art lovers and foodies alike.
5. The St. Regis Atlanta
   If you’re feeling fancy, this Buckhead gem offers butler service and afternoon tea.

Atlanta by the Numbers

• Population: Approximately 500,000 in the city proper, 6 million in the metro area
• Average temperature: 61°F (16°C), but summers can get hotter than asphalt on a July afternoon
• Number of streets with “Peachtree” in the name: Over 70 (no, that’s not a typo)
• Fortune 500 companies headquartered here: 16, including Home Depot, UPS, and Delta Air Lines

FAQs: Y’all Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

Q: Is Atlanta really as hot as they say?
A: In the summer? You betcha. But spring and fall are gorgeous, and winters are mild.

Q: What’s the best way to get around?
A: MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is your friend for public transit. But a car can be handy for exploring beyond the city center.

Q: Is Atlanta just about hip-hop and Coca-Cola?
A: Not at all! While those are big parts of our culture, Atlanta’s also got a thriving food scene, beautiful parks, and world-class museums.

Q: What’s the deal with all the Peachtree streets?
A: It’s a running joke among locals. Just embrace it and invest in a good GPS!

So there you have it, folks! Atlanta’s a city that’s always evolving, always surprising, and always welcoming. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or just to sip a Coke at its birthplace, Atlanta’s ready to show you some Southern hospitality. Come on down, y’all!

Atlanta Information

Atlanta, GA History and Facts

Atlanta Tourism Board