Discover the Best of Atlanta: A Guide to the City's Hidden Gems, History, and Culture

I feel like there’s only one city in the United States that you can visit over and over again and spend days and weeks exploring and still know absolutely nothing about, and that is Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta has everything, there’s nothing that you cannot do, the city is a blend of traditions as well as innovation, an incredible history, a thriving art, and music scene, along with sports and entertainment; Atlanta is the love child of Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans.

            Originally a railway town, Atlanta rose from the ashes of the Civil War to become a symbol of resilience and progress. Historic sites such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (an Atlanta native) and the Atlanta History Center offer a poignant look into the city’s past. There are more notable figures from actors/actresses and musicians to activists and politicians from Atlanta than anywhere else except Southern California and New York City, it’s insane how much of our national heritage came from Atlanta.

Atlanta often gets overlooked and I genuinely believe that’s because nobody knows where to start, there’s so much to visit and explore and touch that it’s impossible to know where to begin talking about it. Nationally Atlanta is probably best known for the Atlanta Braves and BBQ. Atlanta is the home of the National League professional baseball team the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Falcons professional football team, and the Atlanta Hawks professional basketball team; the city is also the home of southern comfort food. Coca-Cola, UPS, Home Depot, AT&T, Delta Airlines, CNN, Earthlink, and Arby’s are all headquartered in Atlanta, Georga—not that anyone’s rushing to Atlanta to tour the Arby’s flagship store, nevertheless, the number of businesses headquartered here is a testament to an all but forgotten city.

Atlanta, Georgia has flourishing art and music scenes; art enthusiasts will enjoy many galleries and museums throughout the city including, The High Museum of Art which showcases a diverse collection of masterpieces including originals by Monet, Benzoni, Manet, Ricci, Traylor, and more. With music venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre, you can (or could have) attended shows by Atlanta-based bands: TLC, OutKast, Indigo Girls, Gnarls Barkley, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Black Crowes, Collective Soul, and the Zac Brown Band.

Many Atlanta visitors find themselves walking the landscapes of Piedmont Park, the site of one of Dave Matthews Band’s best recorded outdoor concerts (the best being “Live in Chicago 12.19.98”), indulging in shopping sprees at Ponce City Market on Ponce De Leon Avenue (he may or may not have discovered the Fountain of Youth in or around the city of Atlanta), or spending an afternoon at the Krog Street Market & Tunnel. And Atlanta’s Beltline, which in all honesty is too involved to describe here. The BeltLine is walking and bike trails, art installations, community events, and festivals, the BeltLine manifests itself as a park hugging downtown Atlanta, Georgia, but the reality is that it is so much more than that.

Atlanta, Georgia, is a city that defies definition and exceeds expectations. With its rich history, vibrant art and music scene, and innovative spirit, Atlanta is a destination that has something for everyone. From its iconic landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Fox Theatre to its thriving neighborhoods like Ponce City Market and the BeltLine, Atlanta is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, a music lover, or an adventure-seeker, Atlanta has something to offer. Most of my extended family lives in and immediately surrounding Atlanta. I have spent many days and weeks there, and still, I can say almost nothing about it because I have always taken the city for granted—not anymore. Make the time to explore this incredible city, and discover why it’s the love child of Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans. With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Atlanta is a city that will leave you wanting more.