I live close to the Downtown Connector. Fortunately, it's not a part of my work commute. If it…read morewas, my rating would probably be lower. For non-Atlantans, the Downtown Connector is where I-75 and I-85 combine to form a 7.5 mile stretch of highway in downtown Atlanta. Due to the sheer amount of traffic that has to flow through this corridor, it's often congested. During weekday rush hour, it's gridlock. On weeknights and weekends, it's not so bad, unless there are major events going on downtown or there's construction. Weekend construction on the Connector causes gridlock that is often worse than weekday rush hour congestion. Friday afternoon is consistently one of the absolute worst times to be on the Connector. Traffic back-ups are common around I-20. That said, I do think the Connector is kind of cool. At it's widest point, the highway is 14 lanes across, 16 if you count exit only lanes. It's one of the widest stretches of interstate in the U.S. (The widest stretches of interstate are 26 lanes on I-10 in Houston and 21 lanes on I-5 in San Diego.) There are HOV (carpool) lanes and the interstate is closely monitored by the Georgia DOT. You can check for live traffic updates at http://www.511ga.org/. The Connector has great views of the Midtown and downtown skylines whether you're heading southbound or northbound. Heavy trucks and tractor-trailers passing through the city aren't allowed to ride on the Connector. Instead, they must use I-285 as a bypass. This doesn't help much with traffic, but it does keep the Connector mostly free of big semis. For two semesters in college, I lived in a dorm room that overlooked the Connector. I was in a dorm near North Ave. across from The Varsity. Needless to say, there was a lot of road noise. Almost every night, we'd hear sirens of police cars or ambulances go by. It was especially bad during the time when the building HVAC would switch from cooling to heating or from heating to cooling because we'd have to leave our windows open during the transition period. The Downtown Connector should be considered an Atlanta landmark.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Atlanta traffic is legen-wait for it-. No, there's no dary…read morefor a while because you're still waiting for it. Technically, the downtown connector is the entire 7 or so miles of Atlanta's highway mess where I-75 and I-85 run concurrently through the center of the city and include the part where it meets up with I-20. Three major highways all by themselves, now add them together and mix them with a few curves and underground parts to make for a total cluster. Carrying more than 437,000 vehicles per day, it is one of the top ten most congested stretches of interstate highway in the entire United States. I was just headed into downtown to visit a couple of sites and got caught up in it. What a danged mess! I am only on this stretch when I need to be in downtown. Otherwise, I'll continue risking my life on the perimeter road that encircles the city, I-285. And... dary. [Review 13651 overall, 970 of 2020, number 332 in Georgia.]

Went to an Edgar A Poe reading in the Welcome Center and ended up taking a stroll through the…read morecemetery afterwards. Would definitely walk through again if more prepared to see the well known people buried there.

I've been here a few times and love this spot. I know it's weird to say because it is a cemetery,…read morebut people hang out here. You can walk through and check out the diverse grounds or set up a picnic in one of the open grassy areas. I've seen people biking here as well. They also hold events here, both ticketed and not ticketed. We did a free tour during Atlanta Science Week that was amazing. It lasted over an hour and the guide took time to answer all of our questions. The theme was around how they maintain the stones and grounds. There are other tours on other topics, but some are paid. The gift shop is cute too and everyeon is so friendly. There is security and they do have operating hours, so check those before you come.

Atlanta Olympic cauldron is a nice place to get an up close view of the 1996 Olympic towers in…read moreAtlanta. I'm not one hundred percent sure if this is the original or not (next to varsity downtown is another one). However you can walk around this one and get up close to it and is perfect for photo ops. Overall very cool and fun trip to this place. Me and my buddies had fun checking this out and the hank Aaron home run wall that is in the parking lot below this one.

We were staying in a nearby hotel and this was within walking distance. I guess it might have been…read morecool at one time but for now it's just a tall tower that you look at. There is not access to get up into it, at least when we were there. When we passed by the next day, it seemed some homeless people had slept on the grounds overnight and left their blankets. It's part of history but not that big of a deal now. It's also next to a big parking lot, which doesn't add to the attraction.

This station is one of the ones that the train goes above ground which makes it great when there's…read moregood time because it doesn't have that depressing effect. It's a really big station and a lot of lights at night. No screens to have an idea of when the next train is coming. The wall sculpture is outside in the south entrance and very original and different from other stations.

There's a saying that "West End is the best End." I'm not sure if that extends to the MARTA station…read morebut the area is very underrated though. Let's dive into it. West End has a parking lot - probably the biggest parking lot too within the proximity of Downton Atlanta. I occasionally park at West End MARTA to attend sporting events. West End is also one of the stations my local bus stops at. So I'm more likely to frequent it for that reason as well. Especially if I have a North/Southbound journey to make. West End Station is local to West End Mall, Lee+White mixed use development, Wren's Nest (an underrated Atlanta landmark and staple), the Westside Beltline, and the Atlanta University Center to name a few. The station itself isn't the cleanest. I've witnessed people handle their business is various ways around the West End property. The smell is a dead give away as well. But that's neither here nor there. Generally speaking, safety is ok at West End. A few pan handlers and gray market salesman may approach but none of them usually mean any harm. Lighting in the parking lots could be better overall. The lighting is dim in the area further away from station. There is a farmer's market every now and then at the station. I've bought a few things. But I usually find myself on the way to work or not heading home so I don't typically buy stuff at the market. There's also a soccer field on the Southside of the station. It looks like an artificial grass surface that's roughly the size of a basketball court. Don't usually see people playing on it though. Last thing. The view looking north while on the boarding platform is nice. One of the best views of the football stadium and south part of Downtown Atlanta.

We had never really spent time in the city of Atlanta in the past. I had been to two conferences…read morethere, one in the early 2000s and another in the mid 2010s. But those did not provide enough time to truly get acquainted with the city. This year, we had the chance to visit Atlanta twice. One time was with our 7-yo grandson. He likes cities and we were in Florida already. Atlanta seemed like a good place to finish our time away with a visit to Coca-Cola World and the Aquarium. It was also when the World Cup was taking place, so it was a unique time in the city. The second excursion was just three weeks prior to the time of this writing. This was a different visit as it was just my wife and me. We were in town to attend a book launch at The Carter Center. We had a chance to see the city in a different light. While the scope of each visit was different, we had a great time on both occasions. People do not necessarily think of Atlanta as a vacation destination. While it does not have the glitz and glamor of high profile spots like Vegas or New York or Orlando, it offers a low-key ambiance that creates its own appeal. Maybe the more subdued tone fosters an allure of its own that makes it different. It certainly makes any visit a more down-to-earth, real-life experience. The first thing I'll note is that we met some of the nicest and most genuine people that we've ever encountered anywhere. From the hotel employee who gave us a ride to the train station that was off his route and refused a tip, to the woman at the table beside us in the restaurant who engaged us in a very pleasant conversation that included tips for our visit, to the homeless guy who offered directions without being asked and wanted nothing in return (try finding that in NY or Chicago!), the people presented a different mindset than you'd find elsewhere. Meandering downtown is a great experience. Attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the College Football Hall of Fame and SkyView (Ferris Wheel) make downtown a place full of things to do. While the Braves play outside of downtown, the Hawks, the Dream and the Falcons play in city center. In the bigger picture, the general urbanity of the core city presents an interesting atmosphere in which to explore. Outside of downtown, the King National Historic Park and the seemingly-integrated-but-privately-run King Center perhaps top the list. This tribute to the lives of MLK and Coretta Scott King is very well done between the two sites. The King home tour is particularly enlightening, and the placement of the Kings' tombs on a mount in the middle of the beautifully constructed fountain is quite fitting. Some of the hidden or lesser known gems in the city include the Municipal Market, where you'll find ready-to-eat treats and other food items as well as a few craft pieces in a vintage facility. Piedmont Park is a terrific place to take a stroll in a significant green space. It is one of the nicer parks you'll find anywhere, and it hosts a few fun events such as an art fair. Just north of and adjacent to the Park is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It's a little pricey but it affords a peaceful experience in the midst of lovely garden arrangements. For those more inclined toward indoor recreation, Ponce City Market presents a cool shopping and dining adventure in a 100-year-old former Sears building. Like most cities, Atlanta has some remarkable neighborhoods worth exploring. Midtown is just north of downtown and is one of Atlanta's most pleasant to roam. There are some good restaurants and terrific shops. Virginia - Highland also is upscale and offers shops and restaurants worth visiting. As far as wandering to places further afield if you're based downtown, Atlanta's public transportation is not bad by American standards. There is a subway system that is easy to use and is fairly convenient. It gets you from the airport to downtown as well as a few other places of interest. Buses are decent options for some trips and there is a tram that will get you from downtown to the King NHP, for example. But to get to many attractions such as Stone Mountain and the Atlanta History Center, you really need a vehicle. Like any city, you have to take precautions. Homelessness is a huge problem in the US and Atlanta is no different. Crime can be an issue at times. And the heat in summer can be oppressive. If you do drive, traffic can also be oppressive. Atlanta is indeed worth a visit. It is not high on most vacation lists, but it's still a great place to hang out nonetheless. The attractions are interesting, the people are lovely and, while I didn't elaborate on it, there are some great food options, especially for soul food and southern fare.

My Atlanta wasn't the same city as today. As those familiar with its history know, Atlanta was…read moreburned by Sherman during the Civil War, Today its landmarks fall prey to "progress". My move to Atlanta was in the earliest 70's after I graduated from college. Two of my college friends and I rented an apartment that eventually was razed for an early widening of the I-75/I-85 split. It was a glorious time to be young and single in Atlanta. We lived close to great restaurants, shopping, a popular dance club & the General Apartments Town Club, a popular spot for those of us who lived in one of their properties. We partied at night and got up early to be at work the next morning. Weekends in the summer were amazing. Rafting down the Chattahoochee River was fun anytime. But the weekend of the Great American Raft Race was a 9 mile floating party that some called "Woodstock on the Water". We saw First National Tours such as "Hair" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" in the Atlanta Civic Center and concerts such as "Three Dog Night" at Atlanta Stadium. The Atlanta Braves were a popular nighttime event during an era where we never won but had the sport's most popular and well known superstar, Hank Aaron. Ted Turner was the media mogul and eventual sports team owner. He began CNN & built CNN Center near the new & innovative Omni (now razed), an arena for the Atlanta Hawks NBA team & the Atlanta (now Calgary) Flames NHL teams. We loved to go to the games. A MARTA rail station was conveniently located at the arena. But I'm getting ahead of myself, Our second apartment complex was brand new and beautiful, located on Piedmont Road across from what was then Lindbergh Shopping Center. My first bank (C&S) was located there, in addition to grocery, a great dress shop and so many businesses that I loved. The shopping center site is now a mixed use development. Our apartment complex was demolished to build the Lindbergh MARTA Station. Shopping was wonderful. Nearby Lenox Square was my "go to" Mall, anchored by storied Atlanta department store chain Rich's. Davison's was another anchor that was acquired by Macy's during my time in Atlanta. Rich's had wonderful merchandise and furniture. I still use and love the quality end tables, coffee table, lamps and more that I bought there over 50 years ago. Eventually a new wing was added, anchored by Neiman Marcus. How I loved their dresses! Rich's was acquired by Macy's after I had moved to Coastal Virginia. It still makes me sad. Atlanta Falcons games, PGA Tournaments, Georgia Tech games and playing golf on all the Atlanta courses were all enjoyable. Of course anytime Mississippi State played Georgia, a trip to Athens was required. During those early days I-20 ended in Douglasville. I-75 ended at the "Big Chicken" in Marietta. Speaking of Cobb County, restaurants there weren't allowed to serve mixed drinks. Diners could buy the mixers but had to bring their own liquor. Jimmy Carter was Governor & started his early Presidential run from an office on Peachtree near where I lived. I walked in one day to donate and was given a T-Shirt. During his college days my son wore that vintage shirt until it disintegrated. Atlanta Stadium is no more. The football stadium built to replace it is now used by Georgia State University and another has taken its place. The Braves now play in Cobb County. It is unrecognizable. Georgia State, where I got my MBA had no dorms or sports programs. My employer paid for my degree, which I obtained by going downtown after work for classes for three years. We carpooled and managed to get in some fun time at Underground Atlanta with classmates and on weekends with my friends. The only thing that hasn't changed is the traffic. My son had a recent business trip to Atlanta and stayed in Buckhead, where I lived the majority of my 15 years in Atlanta. He rented a car so he could drive to our East Cobb house, where he spent most of his preschool years. He drove by the hospital where he was born. When he was ready to go to the airport I asked if he was going through the middle of town or around I-285. When he said through town I couldn't wait to hear what my NYC driver son thought of Atlanta driving habits on that stretch of I-75/85. Everyone goes at least 85mph on a zillion lanes bumper to bumper. If you don't know the correct lane to be in you'll never get to your exit. A few weeks later I asked him what he thought of it. He stated "They go fast (hesitation).....REAL FAST. I just chuckled. When we moved to Coastal Virginia I tell people that my fingernails were gripping the asphalt on I-85 as I was holding the kudzu on the side of the road driving north. I cried every time I heard "Georgia on my Mind" on the radio. Would I go back? No. That was a different time and age. That Atlanta no longer exists except in my memory.

We did this tour as part of the month-long (during March) Phoenix Flies set of tours. Hence it was…read morefree, though I believe the Wren's Nest does offer tours year round for a fee. This place has a somewhat special significance for me. I first toured it (I think) as a child in the 1970s. However, its importance extends further back than that. My father lived in the area in the late 1920s and attended school about a block away. Even then, this was a library / museum. I'm fairly sure he would have seen this as a roughly 9-year old. It is rare to have a family connection like that to a specific museum... We arrived for the tour and were seated in one of the front rooms. The guide gave an overview of Joel Chandler Harris and the property. She also noted when it became a museum, etc. I will pause here and offer my opinions on the owner / author. I understand why Disney chose to withdraw 'Song of the South' from distribution. On the other hand, it makes me sad that what is being lost is (in some respects) the collective wisdom of the generations of Africans and slaves whose oral history this represents. Do I think that Disney's cartoon is as good way to represent this? No. Do I think that the oral histories had valuable lessons, amassed over countless generations, to communicate to the present day? Yes. The fundamental concepts of things like 'the tar baby' or 'the briar patch' are universal and timeless. To cancel the ideas via cancelling the stereotypes does (in my opinion) a disservice to the past generations whose stories these were. The lessons themselves are *so* instructive and applicable to everyday situations. It would have been fantastic had Joel Chandler Harris donated some % of his proceeds of the Uncle Remus Stories to some sort of foundation to assist descendants of those from whom he heard the stories. That he did not choose to, though, should not invalidate the wisdom of the stories themselves. It disrespects the original storytellers, IMO. Anyway... The house tour covers the entire ground floor. This was expanded from an original small farmhouse to include multiple bedrooms for Harris' expanding family. I also enjoyed some of the architectural details (especially some of the wallpaper) and the sculptures related to the stories. They even had some tobacco containers in the shape of hares and foxes. I think this is a highly worthwhile tour, whenever you opt to take it. They do have parking on site along the side of the house.'

Visiting the Wrens Nest is like a step back in time. For me, being a Black Woman, this is NOT…read morealways the experience I want to have. However I must give this owner a rating and kudos on their care in preserving the family history and opening this venue to up to the community. This venue has an awesome backyard "amiptheater" / stage and sound booth which features many music artists throughout the year. Annually we are hosted and attend the Historic West End Neighborhood Concert. This year we heard Vivian Green! The backyard is lovely, offering "just enough" lighting for romantic table settings or grass picnics while enjoying music. Its treated for pests/insects and is like an oasis (very quiet)away from the busy main street of Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. The venue, now has ample parking with the use of a stripped and renovated lot next to the neighboring church. Look out for several Jazz series hosted during the late summer/fall. A billboard notice is usually posted on their grounds, facing the street with the announcements. This is an inclusive space, however some of the rocky paths make it hard to walk, or use a wheel chair. Note: Do not wear stilettos!

This was a cool piece if sports history to see. It's located in the parking lot of Georgia…read moreuniversity so you can just paek right there and check it out. Seems random but when you know about Aaron breaking the record, you realize it's an inspirational piece of sports history that was preserved as it was from the old Atlanta Braves stadium. Nice to see that they kept the original piece of the walk in it's original spot. You can walk up the stairs at the wall and see the Olympics torch that was light for the Olympics. Overall, neat place to add for a quick stop

Hank aaron home run wall is a hidden bit very cool piece of baseball history in Atlanta Georgia at…read morethe rear parking lot of Atlanta Braves old baseball stadium and current parking lot of Georgia state football team. The wall is where bank aaron launched his record breaking career home run. We stumbled across this by accident while checking out the nearby Olympic torch flame that sits in a parking lot above this piece. Lots of tributes looks like it been placed at this location of the late great home run King. Overall a really cool find and piece to check out even if you aren't a baseball fan.

I just want to say this stadium had some of the most kindest people I've ever encountered. There…read morewere so many kind and helpful people, the one that stood out the most was Logan! She saw that I was alone & lost trying to find my Lyft and she not only walked with me but she waited patiently with me until my ride showed up & made sure I was safe. I felt extremely safe when she appeared, her personality was out of this world, she was so genuine she didn't even seem like a stranger. My experience here makes me want to choose this stadium every time.

This is indeed all it's cracked up to be- Atlanta has it! My…read morefirst time here & I live an hr away. First time here & at the ACDC Concert! Not mad at this situation! I see lots of security (due to concert), but never felt safer walking into a venue. This is a BIG venue, a lot of walking & stairs. I'm certain they have handicapped accessible parking, ramps, elevators & assistance, but I was not looking out for this. We walked in after going through security & it was so clean, not overwhelming & plenty of space for the thousands of guests to walk & not feel on top of each other. I don't have pics of the breezeways or concessions- but I do have a fun clip of the ACDC concert & inside the stadium. Stairs are easy, but thin & a little awkward. A handrail, yes, but due due to the shape of the building the stairs & seats are shaped accordingly. Be careful! Had a great time! Maybe now that I've been we will get to a Falcons game- humm, gotta do better birds!

I've worked out at this tiny gym for years and love the convenience! It's located at the bottom…read morelevel of Centennial Tower and requires access card. The cost is around $19.99/month and worth it for those that are in the building. It's rarely ever packed! There are no personal trainers, no classes and nobody to harass you for personal training. What they have on the gym floor: 4 treadmills (2 crappy, 2 really nice), row machine, 4 bikes, 3 ellipticals, barbells from 5lb to 90lbs, 1 bench, 1 leg press machine, 1 bicep machine, 1 preacher bench and curl bar, free weights, squat machine, fly machine, quad machine, yoga mats, water fountain, gym towels, one TV, 2 adjustable benches and one pulley system for triceps/biceps. Basically, everything you need minus ab machines. I love that they have hand towels for working out. The other plus is the locker room facilities. They provide razors, shaving cream, deodorant and showering towels. The lockers are ok and could use some upgrading. They have two showers and a sit down shower in the men's room. There are also two bathrooms stalls. Blower dryer and shoe shiner provided. This facility is not ideal for those that need weekend workouts (limited hours Saturday and not open Sunday). However, I highly recommend for those that have time to workout during the week and know how to do their own fitness plan!

Our company moved into this building at the beginning of the year. The building is fairly modern in…read morethe lobby and the building employees are always friendly and courteous. There is a lounge area with a pool table and big screens that is an added bonus. If you have to work in downtown Atlanta, this building has great proximity to Mercedes Benz Stadium, CNN Center, State Farm Arena etc. My only minor complaint is that it seems the elevators can be slow at times.