It is the largest airport in the United States. More than 100 million people take off from Atlanta every year or land here. But probably because it is so big, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport seems very small. Its outskirts stretch across the country, and a car journey around it takes three quarters of an hour. But even apart from that, the capital of the US state of Georgia is a city of contrasts. The visit to Atlanta, Georgia, is a journey through history and modernity
A district of wooden houses
Gabbage Town, for example, is a district of wooden houses on the edge of downtown, a half-hour walk from the business district. People live here who have turned their district into a kind of alternative oasis in the middle of the southern capital: signs advertise Kamala Harris, world peace and rainbows. But once you cross the street, wild punk is already raging. In the middle of a meadow, a rock band that is as passionate as it is still in its infancy fills the neighborhood with sound.
A skater party that feels like a Rammstein concert. One of them has brought a real flamethrower with him, which he uses to set fire to the improvised track that his friends are shooting down the hill. It smells of hashish, which is not allowed in Georgia. But nobody cares.
The flamethrower man
The bass is blaring, the flamethrower man is now standing on a bus that also houses the drum kit. Atlanta is anything but normal. The city combines historical significance with modern flair and offers a variety of attractions that attract visitors from all over the world.
Located at the corner of 10th street and Peachtree Street, Atlanta History Center Midtown contains the Margaret Mitchell House, a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The name Margaret Mitchell House is somewhat deceptive - in fact, when Margaret “Peggy” Mitchell lived in the building with her second husband, John Marsh, they lived in a small apartment on the first floor.
Mitchell nicknamed apartment no. 1 “The Dump.” And as the story goes, one day he came home from the library empty-handed, claiming that she had read all the library’s works of fiction, and suggested that she start writing something instead. Mitchell’s first and only book was born: Gone With the Wind.
From the days of the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement and the 1996 Olympics, Atlanta has a rich and diverse history, often contradictory like the bigotry of Americans when it comes to drinking in public or even carrying alcohol around. And the disregard they pay to anyone who lies completely stoned on opioids in parks and doorways.
Atlanta is best known for its impressive skyline, its green parks and its lively cultural scene. The city is a major hub in the southeastern United States and offers a mix of southern hospitality and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy both historical sites and modern attractions.
One not to be missed is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, an inconspicuous ensemble of buildings near the house where the great reformer and fighter for black rights lived.
The birthplace of freedom
A visit to Atlanta would not be complete without a trip to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. This park includes Dr. King's birthplace, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and the King Center, which is dedicated to his life and legacy. Here visitors can learn more about the life and work of one of the most important leaders of the civil rights movement - first hand and through countless originals. But more on that later.
First, we head to Atlanta's History Center. The center offers a comprehensive overview of the city's history. It includes several historic buildings, including the Swan House and the Smith Family Farm, as well as extensive exhibitions on the history of Atlanta and the South.
The exhibition on the history of the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement is particularly worth seeing. Modern attractions, on the other hand, can be found in the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is home to thousands of marine creatures and, like the Coca-Cola World opposite, was probably built primarily to attract tourists to Atalanta who are less interested in history.
The symbol is an advertising temple
Because apart from this advertising temple, where visitors can experience the history and heritage of one of the most famous brands in the world, including tasting various drinks and of course selling a myriad of souvenirs, the city only has the Fox Theater to offer, an architectural masterpiece that is considered a symbol of Atlanta and to this day offers a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts and films.
There is also the Centennial Olympic Park, which was built for the 1996 Olympic Games. It is now a green and popular meeting place in the heart of the city. The park offers extensive green spaces, fountains and regular events and concerts, but is surprisingly small when you consider what has been put on for the Olympics since then.
The Olympic rings from back then are less than five meters high, the famous statue of Pierre de Coubertin is almost as small as the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen.
Small, but beautiful
Atlanta has nothing to boast about, the city lives confidently for itself. Strangely enough, the traffic is by no means chaotic, quite the opposite - most of the time there is hardly any traffic. If you walk slowly back from downtown towards the suburbs, you notice that the houses are in much worse condition. Many are empty, shops have been abandoned.
The public parks, however, appear well-kept, although there are a lot of them. Pubs are scattered everywhere, as Atlanta is also known for its diverse gastronomy scene. From traditional southern dishes to international specialties, the city offers a wide range of culinary experiences.
Ultimately, Atlanta is not only a huge hub for people coming and going, but also a city that combines history and modernity uniquely. With its numerous sights, historical sites and cultural offerings, it has something for every visitor. Whether you are interested in history, art, culture or just good food - Atlanta has something to offer everyone. At least for a day or two.
