Exploring Atlanta – The City in the South-East United States

Atlanta is one of the most iconic and significant cities in the south-east region of the United States. Located in the state of Georgia, it is the state capital and one of the largest cities in the country with a high population. It is a major center for the airline industry, commerce, finance and media. What are some of the must-see attractions and other things to do while visiting Atlanta?

Atlanta offers a wide variety of activities and attractions that make it an ideal destination for both tourists and business travelers. Whether one is looking for an exciting nightlife, educational activities, shopping options, or some laid-back sight seeing, Atlanta has something for everyone! Here is a preview of what to expect when you visit Atlanta.

Places to Visit

Atlanta is full of attractions for the visitor to explore. Here are some of the top destinations one should visit or at least get a glimpse of during their stay:

• Carter Center: Formerly the home of American President Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter and now home to The Carter Center, it is an important educational landmark.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden: This stunning garden is a great place to view unique plant and wildlife species from around the world.
• World of Coca-Cola: This museum offers a look into the creation and history of the famous soft drink and features incredible interactive exhibits.
• Georgia Aquarium:This aquarium is one of the largest in the world with hundreds of different marine animals, including dolphins, sharks, and whale sharks.
• Centennial Olympic Park: Locally known as “the ATL’s front yard” this venue played host to several events during the 1996 Olympics. It features a multitude of restaurants, performance spaces, and activities such as zip-lineing, a virtual reality rollercoaster, and mini-golf.
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site: Located in downtown Atlanta, this is an important memorial site dedicated to the iconic civil rights leader and his life’s work.
• Atlanta History Center: This historical center offers both permanent and rotating exhibitions, along with historic buildings and gardens like Swan House and Smith Family Farm.
• Fox Theatre: This beloved venue opened in 1929 and is home to live events such as opera, ballet, concerts, and more. From its iconic architecture to its grandeur, it’s truly a sight to behold!

Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Atlanta, thanks to its vast selection of malls. Lenox Square Mall, Phipps Plaza Mall, Atlantic Station, and Cumberland Mall are just some of the shopping centers that offer consumers a wide array of options for shopping for apparel, shoes, jewelry and more.

Food Scene

Atlanta’s food scene has something for everyone – from casual eateries to high-end restaurants. Some favorite spots include:

• Antico Pizza Napoletana: This much-loved pizza joint serves up Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy.
• South City Kitchen: This fine-dining spot offers modern Southern dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Their biscuits are a must-try!
• The Varsity: An Atlanta tradition since 1928, this fast food joint has been serving up classic hot dogs, slaw dogs, fries and burgers for generations of Atlantans.
• Mary Mac’s Tea Room: Mary Mac’s is a classic Southern diner with a huge variety of comfort food staples such as mac-n-cheese, fried chicken, catfish and more.

Even if you’re not a foodie, there are plenty of casual restaurants in Atlanta to enjoy. Neighborhood pubs offer good beer and fresh seafood. Food truck parks have popped up across the city as well, offering visitors a laid back atmosphere and great eats!

Nightlife

The nightlife in Atlanta is vibrant, offering something for everyone from laid back bars to high energy clubs. Music venues host local bands playing everything from jazz to country music. Dance clubs keep the energy level high with DJs spinning top 40 hits while patrons enjoy drinks at the bar or unwind at one of the many rooftop lounges. Some popular nightlife destinations include:

• Clermont Lounge: This dive bar offers cheap drinks and interesting entertainment every night with its famous celebrity impersonator shows.
• Tabernacle: This massive venue can accommodate 2,600 people – perfect for concerts and performances from some of the top artists in today’s music scene.
• Wild Pitch Music Hall: A unique blend of restaurant, live music venue and club offering patrons tasty bites from their extensive menu as well as nightly performances from up-and-coming artists.
• Opera Nightclub:: This swanky nightclub offers patrons an elegant atmosphere with special VIP sections, high energy music and beautiful décor.

There are plenty more things to do and activities to explore while in Atlanta – cultural attractions like Museums and Galleries, historical sites like The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, and parks to enjoy including Centennial Olympic Park which offers an array of activities such as zip lining and mini golf! Whether you’re looking for a place to explore with your kids or something to do on date night, you’ll never run out of things to do in The ATL!