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Profile

Atlanta started as a railroad junction in the 1830s and quickly became the transport hub of the South. Its strategic importance was a major reason the Union Army targeted it for attack during the outbreak of the Civil War. Today, Atlanta remains a vital transportation hub, not only to the U.S. but the entire world.

The capital city of Georgia was first known as the "Capital of the New South" during the post-Reconstruction era and was at the forefront of an economic renaissance. The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. and the center of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, Atlanta is known today as a city with strong ties to its heritage. It's also well known for hosting the 1996 Olympic Games, the Atlanta Braves baseball dynasty and as home to the global broadcasting network CNN.

Located in the southeastern region of the country, Atlanta's modern metropolitan area maintains a population upwards of 4.1 million and is marked by a number of distinct districts that comprise its 130 square miles, including the Perimeter, Five Points, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the West End, Atlanta's oldest neighborhood.

Weather

Atlanta has four seasons with extreme weather during the winter and summer months, usually short in duration, which gives way to longer stretches of comfortable spring and fall temperatures. Annual rainfall is about 48 inches with the maximum average precipitation occurring in March.

Current Weather

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Attractions

The Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave., N.E., Atlanta; 404-887-5859; www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org) is a tranquil oasis only five minutes from downtown Atlanta. Bordering Piedmont Park, the garden stretches across 30 acres where visitors can relax and stroll through Rose, Japanese and perennials displays and enjoy more than 2,500 species of plants including tropical, desert and endangered plants from around the world.

The Kangaroo Conservation Center (222 Bailey-Waters Rd., Dawsonville; 706-265-6100; www.kangaroocenter.com) provides entertaining and educational guided tours of the largest kangaroo collection outside Australia amidst a picturesque Appalachian backdrop. Visitors will experience the inner workings of a kangaroo farm and ride through the animal habitats, learn to throw a boomerang and have a "Billabong Encounter" with an Australian bird. Rates range from $22.50 to $27.50, and group discounts are available. Reservations are recommended for all tours.

The Braves Museum & Hall of Fame/Turner Field Tours (755 Hank Aaron Dr., Atlanta; 404-614-2310; www.atlantabraves.com) operates year-round and the museum, which features more than 500 artifacts that trace the Braves history from their beginnings in Boston to the present, is the starting point of the one-hour guided tour around the ballpark. Ticket prices for adults are $10, or $5 for children 13 and under, and for museum-only admission.

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Family Fun

Located in historic Grant Park and minutes from downtown, Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave., S.E., Atlanta; 404-624-5600; www.zooatlanta.org) is the South's oldest zoo. Zoo Atlanta provides a family-friendly environment and learning experience for visitors. Take in a live animal show or choose from among a number of exhibits featuring animals in their natural habitat including the rare Giant Pandas of Chengdu. Open Monday-Sunday 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. on weekends).

Six Flags Over Georgia (275 Riverside Pkwy, S.E., Austell; 770-948-9290; www.sixflags.com) is a family theme park featuring thrill rides like "Superman Ultimate Flight," the south's only flying roller coaster, the "Dahlonega Mine Train," a slower speed original steel coaster, along with a number of Broadway-style shows and attractions. Set for summer 2005 is the debut of Skull Island, the world's largest interactive water play structure. Park-goers can also take advantage of the Fastlane service to reserve a space in line without the wait. Buy tickets online and save $8 off general one-day admission.

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Cultural Arts

AtlanTIX serves the Greater Atlanta area with same day half-price tickets for theater, dance, music, and cultural attractions. The AtlantTIX booth is located in the Visitors Center at Underground Atlanta, at the corner of Upper Alabama & Pryor streets, downtown Atlanta and is open Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4:00 p.m. (678-318-1400).

The High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St., N.E., Atlanta; 404-733-4400; www.high.org) houses over 11,000 works of art including European, African and American painting, decorative and folk art, modern and contemporary, and photography. Visitors walk up the circular ramps of a visually stunning building alongside a sky-lit atrium, which offers views of the 64-foot-high wall drawing by minimalist artist Sol LeWitt. Open from Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m., closed Mondays.

One of ten Presidential Libraries administrated by the National Archives and Records Administration, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library (441 Freedom Pkwy, Atlanta; 404-865-7131; www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov) is the only Presidential Library in the southeast United States. The museum includes photographs and historical memorabilia from the Carter presidency (1976-1981) and features an exact replica of the Oval Office and gifts received by the Carters from dignitaries throughout the world. Open Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and noon to 4:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Having survived the depression, foreclosure, bankruptcy, competition, television, real estate development, and old age, the legendary Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St., N.E., Atlanta; 404-881-2100; www.foxtheatre.org) still generates millions of dollars for the Atlanta economy from hosting various events some 325 nights a year, attracting nearly a million visitors overall. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1929 mosque-like structure features grand ballrooms, a 4,000-seat theater and vaulted ceiling and is a must-see landmark for tourists and theater fans alike. The box office is open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Theater tours are also offered on select dates (404-688-3353).

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Sports/Recreation

Southeastern Expeditions (404-329-0433; www.southeasternexpeditions.com) provides professionally guided whitewater rafting trips on the Ocoee and the Chattooga Rivers. They offer canoe and kayak instruction for all experience levels and group team building courses on select weekends during the months of March through November. Individual instruction for kayaking is available for those 12 and older. Rates begin at $142 per day.

Get a glimpse behind the scenes at one of the country's premier motor sports facilities, Atlanta Motor Speedway (1500 Tara Pl., Hwy. 19/41, Hampton; 770-707-7970; www.gospeedway.com). Twice a year, Atlanta Motor Speedway is home to hundreds of thousands of fans for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race, but the rest of the time it serves as a public entertainment complex offering tours of the grounds, garages, gardens, and the speedway itself. Visitors can also experience "Victory Lane" laps around the same track the pros use. Tours are available daily 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults, $2 for children (6 and under admitted free).

Chateau Elan (6060 Golf Club Dr., Braselton; 678-425-6050; www.chateauelan.com) is a winery and resort featuring three 18-hole championship golf courses, plus a 9-hole, par 3 executive walking course for guests to accommodate breaks in their busy schedules. Golf amenities include two clubhouses, two professional golf shops, two restaurants, and meeting pavilions. For overnight accommodations, a number of two and three bedroom golf villas are available on the 15th fairway of The Chateau Course. Golf packages are also available and include overnight accommodations, breakfast and one round of golf.

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Accommodations

From charming boutique hotels tucked away on tree-lined streets to world-class amenities in the heart of the downtown, Atlanta provides a wealth of accommodations.

Originally built in 1929 as an apartment house for elderly single women, the Beverly Hills Inn (65 Sheridan Dr., N.E., Atlanta; 404-233-8520; www.beverlyhillsinn.com) became Atlanta's first Bed and Breakfast Inn in 1982. Located in the heart of the Buckhead in the prestigious Garden Hills District, the inn is centrally located within walking distance of area shopping and dining and in close proximity to many of the city's historical sites. The Southern-style hotel offers 18 rooms and suites priced at $99 per night and provides spacious living areas, private baths, balconies, and floral decor.

Located in the Perimeter Center in an upscale northern suburb of Atlanta within an hour from both the popular Buckhead District and Hartsfield International Airport, and minutes from area shops and attractions, stands the W Atlanta (111 Perimeter Center W., Atlanta; 877-946-8357; www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels). Comfort and style comprise the philosophy of the "W", which features 121 deluxe rooms, 154 suites and plenty of meeting space for business travelers. Room rates begin from $109 per night.

Embassy Suites Hotel Atlanta - at Centennial Olympic Park (267 Marietta St., Atlanta; 800-362-2779; www.atlantacentennialpark.embsuites.com) is marked by convenience of location and dramatic architectural design. Overlooking Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta and nearby the city's major sports venues, the Embassy's long rectangular rose brick built profile and curved exterior houses an impressive interior that features a soaring atrium, grand staircase, fountain, skylight, and indoor gardens. Embassy's eight stories contain 321 all-suite sized units with prices starting at $149 per night.

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Shopping

The famous Buckhead section of Atlanta is a crown jewel of the city, boasting charming homes, elegant hotels and outstanding shopping centers. Two of the shopping highlights lie at the intersection of Peachtree and Lenox roads - Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd, N.E., Atlanta; 404-233-6767; www.simon.com/mall/mall_info.aspx?ID=207), an Atlanta landmark for more than 45 years, and the upscale Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd, N.E., Atlanta; 404-262-0992; www.simon.com/mall/mall_info.aspx?ID=210). Each features hundreds of upscale shops, including Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Saks, plus a wide variety of restaurants ranging from Brasserie Le Coze, PRIME and Twist, two diverse food courts, and AMC theaters.

Underground Atlanta (404-523-2311; www.underground-atlanta.com) is a historical section comprised of six city blocks in the heart of Atlanta that have been transformed into an urban market with more than 100 vendors lining cobblestone streets where visitors can witness face painting, magic tricks, fortune telling, and games. During the morning and early afternoon hours of the weekend, guided history tours are offered making stops at the Railroad Depot, the oldest building in the area, the historic Connally Building dating back to 1915, the Peachtree Fountains across the street, plus many more. Ticket prices for adults are $7, seniors $5, students $4, and children under five are admitted free.

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Nightlife

Once a 1920s theater, Eleven 50 (1150 B Peachtree St., Atlanta; 404-874-3006; www.eleven50.com) has emerged into a modern, upscale lounge and art gallery providing eclectic music, art, cuisine, and libations in an intimate and atmospheric environment.

Hear piano music, have a cocktail, enjoy a game of billiards or watch the large screen television in the nostalgic Casablanca Bar (255 Courtland St., N.E., Atlanta; 404-659-2000) in the Hilton Atlanta lobby in downtown. Or take in a European lounge experience at Bazzaar (654 Peachtree St., N.E., Atlanta; 404-885-7505; www.bazzaaratlanta.com) in the heart of Atlanta's midtown.

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Travel Info

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is Atlanta's state-of-the-art public transportation system and provides one of the easiest ways to avoid traffic and get around the city. For an average cost of about $10, MARTA offers a Visitor's Pass, which allows for unlimited system-wide travel to and from its many railway locations within the city, from Atlanta airport to area hotels to select restaurants. MARTA also offers free parking spaces at stations where parking is permitted. Weekend passes are available for $9, weekly passes, $13, or one-way tokens may be purchased for $1.75 at token machines at all locations. For more information visit www.itsmarta.com or call (404) 848-5501.

The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau (233 Peachtree St., N.E., Suite 100, Atlanta; 404-521-6600) offers a convenient way for travelers to plan their schedule. By visiting www.atlanta.net and registering for "My Atlanta," you can build your own itinerary from among select attractions and events taking place in the city. Registered users receive special offers and a monthly e-newsletter providing updates about future events and discounts.

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Fast Facts

The Marthasville Braves? The Terminus Hawks? It seems unimaginable today for this bustling city that's home to one of the nation's busiest airports, sports centers and headquarters for several Fortune 500 companies, but back in 1837 when it was founded, Atlanta was originally named "Marthasville" in honor of the then-governor's daughter. It was later nicknamed Terminus due to its rail location on the end of the Western & Atlantic line, but soon renamed Atlanta - the feminine version of Atlantic.

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Links

Atlanta.com

Atlanta Travel Guide

Atlanta Heritage

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Your Ticket to the South's Freshest Destination

Atlanta CityPass showcases the city's fresh face, historic traditions and distinctive flavors, while introducing visitors to ground-breaking attractions. Purchasers will receive close to a 50 percent discount of the combined admission prices for six famous attractions, putting the price at $64 for adults and $45 for children ages three to 12. Booklets will be valid for nine days from the first day of use and may be purchased in advance or at the first attraction visited. The Atlanta CityPass line up includes The Georgia Aquarium, High Museum of Art, Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tours, World of Coca-Cola, and more. The CityPass booklet also offers additional attractions with option tickets that allow buyers to customize the rest of their trip. CityPass also includes directions for public transportation use with a map of the Atlanta Tourist Loop as well as information on Atlanta's distinctive neighborhoods and historic sites. www.citypass.com/city/atlanta.html

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