Austell - Six Flags
Named after the Austell family, this small town outside of Atlanta is home to nearly 7,000 people. Austell, which means “from the east,” is close to Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park and to the Silver Comet Trail, a paved, multi-use recreational trail that connects Smyrna, Ga. and Anniston, Ala.
Buckhead - North Atlanta
The Buckhead community in northern Atlanta contains the most prestigious business addresses and wealthiest residences. Bordered by I-85 and I-75, the residential section, Buckhead Village, includes the Georgia Governor’s Mansion and the part-time residence of Sir Elton John. The largest retail area borders Peachtree Road and includes the upscale Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza shopping centers.
Cobb Galleria
Located at the meeting point of I-75 and I-285 in northwest Atlanta, commerce thrives in the skyscrapers around the Cobb Galleria. A pedestrian skybridge connects the Galleria’s convention center with the Cumberland Mall, once America’s largest mall. The Atlanta Opera performs at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, notable for its extraordinary acoustics and its ice cream cone-shaped exterior.
Decatur - Stone Mountain
The Georgia Perimeter College Botanical Garden in Decatur allows visitors to examine the ecology of the American Southeast. Stone Mountain’s exposed granite dome is a distinct landmark. Its bas-relief carving of Confederate heroes evokes the area’s complicated history. Described as a Southern Ivy, Emory University, located between Decatur and Atlanta, is one of America’s best private schools.
Downtown Atlanta
The CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park are the centerpieces of downtown Atlanta. The Georgia World Congress Center, America’s fourth largest convention center, borders the park. Next door, the Georgia Dome is home of the NFL’s Falcons. At Pemberton Place, the World of Coca-Cola allows for a close study of pop culture. Also downtown are the MLB Braves’ Turner Field and the Georgia Aquarium.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
One of the world’s busiest airports, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in College Park is a key hub for a number of domestic carriers. Adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson is Georgia’s second largest convention center, the Georgia International Convention Center. The massive World Changers Church International is just outside College Park.
Marietta
One of Atlanta’s larger suburbs, Marietta houses the Dobbins Air Reserve Base and a Lockheed-Martin manufacturing plant. The Civil War plays an interesting role for the town: all but three buildings were burned during Sherman’s March, but the Marietta now hosts a Gone with the Wind Museum. Also of note, Marietta’s principal landmark is a 56-foot steel chicken.
Midtown - Piedmont
Peachtree Street lends an air of extravagance to the Midtown district. This area also hosts the bulk of the town’s arts establishments. The Woodruff Arts Center includes the High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Piedmont Park at the heart of Midtown is the site for events including the Atlanta Pride Festival, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, and Music Midtown.
Perimeter Center
High-rises dominate Perimeter Center, world headquarters of such companies as United Parcel Service and Newell Rubbermaid. Named for its placement north of the I-285 beltway, Perimeter Center is also well serviced via mass transit to points throughout metropolitan Atlanta. Perimeter Place, a town center-style shopping complex, services the retail needs of Greater Atlanta.
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