Founded in 1837, Atlanta, Georgia has continued to be a city rich in history, creative minds, and nonstop fun. As one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Atlanta is known to be a fast paced yet family-friendly city in Georgia that is home to individuals of all ages. What is Atlanta really known for? What makes Atlanta the incredible city it is today? Read on to find out.
1. Atlanta’s Rich History
To really understand the beauty of Atlanta, one must first dive into the city’s rich history and founding. Not only does the city offer a variety of ways to explore its history, but you can also find hidden gems, including historic homes, museums, and more.
Founding of Atlanta
The city of Atlanta was founded as the final stop of the Western and Atlantic railroad built in 1836. Although the city was first named “Terminus,” it was later named Marthasvile. Only a few years later, the name Atlanta became the city’s official name, inspired by the railroad lines that lead to the founding of the city. Over the years, Atlanta would become home to a multitude of historic events that have helped shape the United States, particularly the South, in the Civil War and during Reconstruction.
Historic Homes in Atlanta
Take a turn down memory lane by stepping into the homes of some historic figures who have shaped Atlanta into the city it is today. Explore Atlanta by viewing it through the lens of those who lived here when the city was first constructed by touring Atlanta’s most historic homes. A few of the most popular historic homes to visit in Atlanta include:
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Swan House
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Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home
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Woodrow Wilson’s childhood home
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More historic homes
Museums
Another great way to celebrate the history of Atlanta is by visiting one of the city’s many museums. From art galleries to dinosaur museums, you can find it all right here in Atlanta. Museums are just one of the many ways Atlanta has become a hot-spot for family vacations and tours. Looking for your next museum tour? Check out a few of our favorites, including:
- High Museum of Art
- Millennium Gate Museum at Atlantic Station
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Trap Music Museum
2. Shopping in Atlanta
Looking to shop until you drop? You’ve come to the right place. Store owners from all across the nation travel to Atlanta each year for markets, checking out the latest and greatest trends in the fashion industry, and visitors and residents alike benefit from a selection of shopping centers, outlet malls, and more. From luxury goods to great steals, you can find it all here in Atlanta.
Shopping at Atlantic Station
Originally known as the Atlanta Hoop Company, Atlantic Station has a history of its own. From special events to IMAX theatres, Atlantic Station has continued to offer visitors only the best shopping, dining, events, and more. When shopping at Atlantic Station, we’ve got it all. Home to stores who work to bring customers only the latest fashion trends, Atlantic Station is a one-stop shop for all of your shopping desires.
ATLANTIC STATION STORE DIRECTORY
3. Delicious Brews at Atlanta Coffee Shops
The best way to start your morning is with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. If you’re a coffee lover, however, it can’t just be any ordinary batch of coffee. Luckily, Atlanta is home to some incredible coffee shops, whipping up only the best specialty coffee drinks for every customer who steps through the door. With award-winning java shops located across the city, you are sure to find the perfect cup of coffee to start your day.
Atlanta’s Land of a Thousand Hills
Looking for a mission-minded coffee shop that works to make the world a better place one cup of coffee at a time? Land of a Thousand Hills, located at Atlantic Station, has coffee-growing communities in Kivu and Ruli, Africa. With the help of generous customers and these communities, Land of a Thousand Hills is able to continue helping less fortunate communities all over the globe as part of their “Do Good Initiative.”
4. Atlanta’s Sports Teams
Atlanta is home to several major league sports teams, including:
- Atlanta Braves: Major League Baseball
- Atlanta Falcons: National Football League
- Atlanta Hawks: National Basketball Association
- Atlanta Dream: Women’s National Basketball Association
- Atlanta United FC: Major League Soccer
Atlanta Falcons Team Store
Get geared up for the next Atlanta Falcons game by visiting the iconic Atlanta Falcons Team Store located at Atlantic Station. The team store offers only the best team gear in town, including jerseys, home decor, accessories, and more.
College Football Hall of Fame
Atlanta’s very own College Football Hall of Fame is more than just a museum. It is an experience of a lifetime. With multiple floors, interactive exhibitions, inductee galleries, and more, your family will have the time of their life exploring each part of this incredible museum. Located close to Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame is at the core of all Atlanta sports.
Mercedes Benz Stadium
Home of the Atlanta Falcons, the Mercedes Benz Stadium has continued to be an iconic spot for sports fans all across America to visit and tour. Whether you attend an Atlanta Falcons football game or tour the stadium behind-the-scenes, you will get a front-row seat to the heartbeat of sports in Atlanta.
5. Atlanta’s Awe-Inspiring Street Art
Over the past few years, Atlanta has become known for its incredibly talented street artists in a variety of neighborhoods across the city. The city is proud of artists telling stories through beautiful murals along the city streets. From spray art to graffiti, you will experience it all in Atlanta.
Street Art Tours
Want to experience each piece of street art in person? The city offers street art scavenger hunts and tours of the beautiful street art in Atlanta. No matter what neighborhood you’re in, you’ll find unique, beautiful street art on display.
Discovering Atlanta at Atlantic Station
Now that you know a little bit more about what the great city of Atlanta is known for, where do you start? We are here to help. Atlantic Station is home to events, shopping, dining, and more. If you are planning an upcoming trip to Atlanta, Georgia, contact our team today to let us help make your trip the best it can be.