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Atlanta
Atlanta has been thoroughly divided and subdivided into a complex network of districts and neighborhoods. In some areas, every other block or so seems to claim distinction as its own unique neighborhood with its own specific nickname, which can get rather confusing for visitor and native alike.
The nice thing about the neighborhoods in this town, however, is that despite the influences of time, gentrification, urban renewal and shifting demographics, most neighborhoods have managedto retain their charm and flavor. Another pleasant surprise is that unlike some cities, the attractions and amenities of Atlanta are fairly evenly distributed among the various neighborhoods.
Whatever you might be looking for, from high-end shopping in Buckhead to fine dining in Virginia Highland to ultra-cool clubbing in Little Five Points, each of the city's districts has much to offer. As more and more residents and tourists flock to this capital of the New South, Atlanta's diverse neighborhoods stand as a fitting parallel to the rich melting pot that the city has become over the years.
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the largest city in the South. Burnt to the ground during the Civil War, Atlanta has rebuilt itself over the years and is now one of the country's more dynamic cities. Several international businesses began here, including CNN and Coca-Cola, and Atlanta is also home to the Center for Disease Control. A number of famous Americans are also Atlanta natives, most notable among them would be Martin Luther King, Jr. and Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone With The Wind".
Atlanta is located in northwest Georgia at the crossroads of three major interstates: I-75, I-85, and I-20. The city itself is not that big, ranking only 39th in population according to the 2000 census, but with plenty of affluent suburbs, the population is more than enough to support pro teams in each of the four major sports leagues, including the Atlanta Thrashers who joined the NHL in 1999.
Atlanta has a couple of nicknames, including Hotlanta due to both its weather and interesting nightlife, Empire and White City, a rather ironic moniker given that the city is home to MLK and his fight for equal rights. Andrew Young was the first black mayor in America and Atlanta has often led the way in civil rights legislation.
The downtown core is at Five Points, where 5 different streets meet at one intersection. The MARTA transfer station is here, as is Underground Atlanta, an interesting and lively shopping center that has been built under old railway tracks. The State Capitol and Coca-Cola's Museum are nearby as well.
Overall, Atlanta is a city of contrasts. The old style charm merges with the new style of business. World headquarters stand on narrow streets that are the same as they were years ago. The city was once segregated and it maintains some level of racially divided neighborhoods, even though it is the home of the father of the African-American civil rights movement. But all of these contrasts make Atlanta an interesting city. There is so much to do here, and a lot to learn; Atlanta is living up to it's new nickname: the Next Great International City.