Atlanta is a city with a rich history that is home to a culturally diverse population. From its beginnings as a railroad town to its role in the Civil Rights movement, Atlanta has always been a place of importance in the United States. In addition, there are many other things that Atlanta is known for which makes it a destination to visit.
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What Is Atlanta Known For?
Atlanta is known for its high-traffic airport, thriving hip-hop scene, and prominent role in Civil Rights history. The city is home to well-known brands like Coca-Cola, Delta, and CNN. Atlanta is also famous for being a shopping paradise with lush greenery and beautiful street art lining the streets of the city.
History, Culture, And Traditions
Origin Of The Civil Rights Movement In The U.S
In the early 1900s, Atlanta became a hot spot for what is now known as the Civil Rights movement in America. The fight for desegregation and equality began in earnest with several boycotts of lunch counters and public transportation, sit-ins, and marches throughout the city.
Some of the most notable people during this time were Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph Abernathy, and Andrew Young. These men, along with many others, helped put Atlanta on the map as a place for change during this time in history.
Today, Atlanta is known for being a hub for business and culture in the South. It is also home to some of the best restaurants, attractions, and nightlife in the country. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy good food, live music, and southern hospitality, Atlanta is the place for you.
To understand more about this important part of the city’s history, definitely take the Black History and Civil Rights Tour.
Invention And Headquarters Of Coca Cola
Atlanta is also known for being the home of Coca-Cola. The soft drink was invented in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton and is now one of the most popular drinks in the world.
Coke is produced in over 200 countries and enjoyed by billions of people every day. Atlanta is home to the World of Coca-Cola, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the drink. You can see more than 1000 exhibits, including the famous Coca-Cola Polar bear, at this interactive museum.
>Check Skip-the-Line Ticket To Coca Cola Museum
Shopping Paradise
If you love to shop, Atlanta is definitely the place for you. With everything from high-end boutiques to bargain shopping, Atlanta has something for everyone.
Peachtree Street is known for its diverse shops, while Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza are perfect for those looking for a more high end options. If you’re in the market for antiques, head to Inman Park or Virginia-Highland. And for those who love a good flea market, check out Stone Mountain Park.
Atlanta is also home to a variety of malls, including Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Perimeter Mall, and Cumberland Mall. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, these malls have everything you need, from clothing to cosmetics to home goods.
Beautiful Street Art
If you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta, one of the best places to start is by exploring the street art scene. The city is home to over 1,000 incredible murals and graffiti art that are sure to impress. Atlanta’s street art can be found in a number of different neighborhoods, including Castleberry Hill, Cabbagetown, East Atlanta Village, and Downtown.
Most of these districts are nice for walks and some like the Atlanta BeltLine also have various trails for running, biking or just taking a stroll. Perfect place to soak in both nature while admiring artistic pieces.
You can check out the artistic street scene leisurely by yourself or take a walking mural tour to combine art, culture and history!
One of the Busiest Airports in the World
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 104 million passengers each year. The airport has been open since 1926 and currently has five runways with plans to add a sixth.
The airport is named after William B. Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson who were both former mayors of the city.
Hartsfield-Jackson is also home to the busiest single runway in the world, which is used for landing and taking off every 2 minutes. The control tower at the Atlanta Airport is also one of the tallest in the world, standing at 121 m.
Gone With The Wind Novel and Museum
Gone With The Wind is a novel by Margaret Mitchell that was first published in 1936. The book tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara, a young woman who lives in Georgia during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
The book was adapted into a movie in 1939 starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. The movie won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The novel and movie are both set in the city of Atlanta and the surrounding area. The Gone With The Wind Museum is located in Marietta, Georgia, and is dedicated to the book and movie. The museum features exhibits on the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the making of the movie.
City In A Forest
Atlanta is known as the “City in a Forest” because of its lush tree coverage. In fact, Atlanta has been named one of the best places to live for people who love the outdoors by National Geographic.
With over 50 parks in Atlanta, there is no shortage of green space to explore in the city. In addition to parks, Atlanta is also home to the world’s largest urban canopy, which covers almost 3/4 of the city.
You can often see the iconic skyline photo of Atlanta with lush forestry in the foreground and tall skyscrapers at the back.
Diverse Culture
Atlanta is known for its diversity, as the city is a melting pot of people from all walks of life and is one of the most diverse cities in the United States.
According to the 2010 Census, Atlanta has a population that is 54% African American, 38% Caucasian, 4% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, and 1% Native American. Additionally, Atlanta is home to a large number of immigrants from all over the world.
As a result, the city has a unique blend of cultures that can be seen and experienced throughout Atlanta. You can see it in the diverse influence in daily things such as the delicious Atlanta foods, varying architecture, and bustling events happening in the city.
Music And Sports
Hip Hop Music
Atlanta is also known for its role in the hip-hop music scene. The city has produced some of the biggest names in hip hop, including Outkast, T.I., and Lil Jon. Atlanta is also home to several hip hop festivals, including A3C and SXSW, that showcase the best in up-and-coming hip hop talent from all over the world.
They term it the music form Southern hip hop, which is a sub-genre, and Atlanta is known as the birthplace of this style. One of the reasons that contribute to the thriving hip-hop scene is that Atlanta has a system where each generation of music artists helps the next generation to develop, ensuring a continuous young bloodline.
Lil Jon, Outkast, T.I., Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, and Ludacris are some of the artists that made Atlanta what it is in the hip hop industry today
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are a professional basketball team in the NBA that was founded in 1946. The Hawks have won four conference titles and one NBA Championship, which they won in 1958.
The team is currently owned by billionaire Tony Ressler and plays its home games at State Farm Arena. Some of the most famous players in Hawks history include Dominique Wilkins, Bob Pettit, and Dikembe Mutombo.
Atlanta Brave
The Atlanta Brave are a professional baseball team in the MLB that was founded in 1871. The Braves have won three World Series titles and 14 division championships.
The team is currently owned by Liberty Media and plays its home games at SunTrust Park. Some of the most famous players in Braves history include Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, and Phil Niekro.
For fans who wants a more luxurious experience, you can even take a helicopter tour over the SunTrust Park for a unique perspective of this iconic stadium.
Districts In Atlanta
Buckhead Village
Buckhead is a lavish neighborhood in Atlanta that is home to some of the city’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Buckhead Village District is a great place to start your exploration of this vibrant neighborhood. The district features many shops and restaurants, as well as a variety of art galleries and museums.
Some of the most popular attractions in the Buckhead Village District include the Atlanta History Center, the High Museum of Art, and the Georgia Aquarium. If you’re looking for a night out on the town, the district is also home to various bars and clubs.
Five Points
Five Points is the historic center of Atlanta and is a hippy, fun neighborhood to explore. It is home to a number of iconic landmarks.
The most notable of these landmarks is the Five Points MARTA station, which is the city’s main transit hub. The district is also home to the Georgia State Capitol, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the CNN Center.
In addition to its historical importance, Five Points is also a popular destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The district has many well-rated restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as a variety of shops.
Atlantic Station
The Atlantic Station is one of Atlanta’s most popular shopping and dining destinations. The outdoor mall is home to over 150 stores, including Anthropologie, H&M, J.Crew, and Madewell. There are also a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area, making it the perfect place to spend a day or night out.
Famous People From Atlanta
Kanye West
One of the most famous people from Atlanta is rapper and producer, Kanye West. Born in 1977, West began his career in the music industry as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records. He later released his debut album, “The College Dropout,” in 2004 to critical and commercial success.
Since then, he has gone on to release seven more albums, including “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and “Yeezus.” He has also won 21 Grammy Awards and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Another person Atlanta is known for is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Born in 1929, King was a Baptist minister and civil rights activist who played a key role in the Civil Rights movement. He is best known for his work in non-violent protests and his “I Have a Dream” speech.
In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in promoting racial equality. He was assassinated in 1968, but his legacy continues to live on today.
Architecture And Landmarks
College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The museum is dedicated to the history of college football and features exhibits on the game’s greatest players, coaches, and teams.
The Hall of Fame also has a theater where visitors can watch videos about college football. The College Football Hall of Fame is a must-visit for any fan of the sport.
>Check All Access Pass For Football Hall of Fame
Mercedes Benz Stadium
Mercedes Benz Stadium is the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC. The world-class stadium opened in 2017 and is located in downtown Atlanta.
The stadium features a retractable roof that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. It has a capacity of over 71,000 people and also features state-of-the-art technology and video displays.
In addition to being a great place to watch a game, the stadium is also a popular destination for concerts and other events. If you’re looking for a unique Atlanta experience, watch a game at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
The Varsity
The Varsity is an Atlanta institution and is the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. The restaurant has been serving up delicious burgers, hot dogs, and fries since 1928. The Varsity is located on North Avenue and is open 24 hours a day.
In addition to its famous food, the Varsity is also known for its unique atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated with memorabilia from Atlanta’s sports teams, and the staff often wears jerseys and hats. The Varsity is also famous for its customer service, which is friendly and fast.
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is a popular food hall and shopping destination in Atlanta. The market is located in a former Sears, Roebuck & Co. building and features over 80 local vendors selling everything from coffee to clothing.
In addition to the food hall, Ponce City Market also has many shops, restaurants, and bars. Part of the reason why Atlanta is a great shopping destination. There’s also an event space and a rooftop park offering a nice city view. This makes it the perfect place to spend a day or night just chilling, eating, and shopping.
Many More Things Atlanta Is Known And Famous For
These are just some of the things that Atlanta is known for. From its music and basketball scene to its role in the Civil Rights movement, there are many things to do in Atlanta that will make it a nice city getaway. Discover the iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in the entertaining neighborhoods of this ‘city in a forest’. You find discover more things that Atlanta is known and famous for.