Georgia’s capital, Atlanta, is one of the most exciting and fascinating cities to visit in the southern United States, especially since it hosted the 1996 Olympics. Atlanta is also known by locals as 'HOTlanta', due to its skyline of impressive architectural designs, pulsing nightlife, showplace museums, stylish fine-arts facilities and meticulously restored historical landmarks.
Five Points intersection is a star-shaped crossing of streets which forms the centre of the city. The main business district is located here, and there are some great shopping opportunities as well. Midtown is a trendy nightlife area north of Five Points; while West End is the oldest neighbourhood in the city. Also near Five Points is the gigantic 19th century shopping mall, Underground Atlanta, the exquisite 1889 gilt-domed State Capitol, and CNN Center.
Sweet Auburn, the African-American downtown during the days of segregation, is just east of Five Points. Today the area is home to some interesting sights and sumptuous soul-food restaurants. The Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, built to honour America’s greatest civil rights leader is well worth a visit, as is the African American Panoramic Experience, which has exhibits and a movie about the neighbourhood’s history.
Atlanta is often called the 'City of Trees', for the dogwoods and azaleas, which, when in bloom, lend the city a small-town quality. Relax in the dozens of lush and beautiful neighbourhoods and parks, or enjoy some Southern dishes in the many restaurants.
There are plenty of little towns, pleasant parks and beautiful cities around Atlanta. Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park is home to likenesses of Confederate leaders such as General Robert E Lee and President Jefferson Davis carved into the side of a granite cliff. The park also features a restored plantation open for tours, several lakes and a sky lift to the top of the peak. Savannah is one of the South’s most charming cities, famous for an extraordinary collection of 19th century buildings.
Three major interstate highways (I-20, I-75, and I-85) converge near the centre of downtown Atlanta. Amtrak operates the Crescent daily between Atlanta and New York, with stops in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and other intermediate points. Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport is one of the world’s busiest and largest airports.
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