WELCOME TO HOTLANTA! The locals embrace this name not because of the summer temps (which are no hotter than NYC on any given July day) but because Atlanta is one of the busiest cities in the nation. Over the past ten years the population has increased by one million people who have moved to Atlanta from all parts of the nation and the world. The result is a very dynamic and diverse metro area of over four million, but everyone embraces the traditions of Southern hospitality via great restaurants, culture, and entertainment. Atlantans are by nature very friendly and polite so it's a sure bet y'all will be delighted to call it your new home.
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By Air: www.atlanta-airport.com
Once you land at your concourse you must board a shuttle train into the main terminals of
Hartsfield International Airport. Stay on the train until one stop after the "T Concourse,"
then proceed up a steep escalator to baggage claim. If you came in on Delta your baggage
will be at the South Terminal claim area. Bags from most other airlines will be at the
North Terminal.
Taxis can be found out the door past the North Terminal baggage area. Shuttle buses for many hotels are also located in this area. Rental car desks are located at the top of the escalator before you turn right or left to collect your checked luggage.
Public transportation (MARTA) is a train from the airport that will take you into the city and up to several northern suburbs. For more information on MARTA go to www.atlanta.com and click on MARTA listed under the heading "Local Info."
By Road: The main interstates into town from "up-north" are I-75 from the northwest and I-85 from the northeast. The city lies within the circle of I-285, which serves as "the perimeter." Everything is referred to as being either inside or outside this perimeter.
For driving directions to anywhere in and around Atlanta: Driving directions
In Town: means anything inside the perimeter (I-285). You'll have a choice of dozens of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct flavor. Apartments may be more expensive (than outside the perimeter) but there are perks such as easy access to culture, sports, nightlife, and people your age. Hip neighborhoods include:
Outside the Perimeter: In general, it may be less expensive to live outside the perimeter but if your job is in town you need to be forewarned. Commuter traffic can turn into a grind very fast and mass transit is not as extensive as it should be. Accidents can slow or stop traffic for hours and there are few alternate routes to the one you will already be on. Having said that, there are a lot of great suburbs outside the perimeter so if your job is out there, you're in luck and finding an apartment should not be a problem.
Tip: County names are typically used as a general locator, such as - "I live in Gwinnett." Atlanta metro map
General Info -
www.atlanta.net/visitors
www.accessatlanta.com/
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Carter Center
CNN Center
Zoo Atlanta
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
SciTrek
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Atlanta History Center
Stone Mountain Park
Hiking Trails in Georgia or georgiatrails.com
Theater, Dance, Music and Film
Art Museums & Galleries
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Thrashers
Atlanta Beat (operations suspended 9/03)
Search by interest
Georgia State University
Emory University
Georgia Tech University
www.gagirl.com/southern/southern.html
If you want folks to think you’re a native - don't honk your horn when the light turns green and the car in front of you doesn't move.
Leave "Hi" behind you "up north." The proper greeting thoughout the south is "Hey," or "Hey There."
"Y'all" is not only an accepted contraction for the plural of "you," it's also mighty handy.
Ladies, do not be offended if a young man calls you "ma'am." If you’re over 21, you've earned it.
Church is big part of life for many folks down here. The question, "Have you found a church yet?" can be translated as "Have you found a community where you feel at home?" Also, don't schedule meetings for Wednesday evenings, as that's "church night."
NEVER begin a sentence with "Well, up north we...," because frankly, down here, nobody gives a hoot.