Whether traveling to Atlanta for business or pleasure, we've compiled a list of ten things you should avoid doing in the capital of something like the New South. This list can help you prevent some all-too-common blunders by revealing when not to travel, where not to stay, and lesser-known or new destinations you should notice. Follow this professional advice on things to avoid in Atlanta, and your vacation will be successful.
Don't Reside In Downtown
Granted, staying Downtown has advantages, such as proximity to the most popular tourist attractions. Still, bed-and-breakfasts like the Social Goat Bed & Breakfast near Grant Park give a more local perspective. This one has resident-friendly goats, poultry, turkeys, and house cats, is within walking distance to Zoo Atlanta, and is a short drive from historic Oakland Cemetery, where Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell is buried. The Emory Conference Center Hotel, situated on 26 acres of woodland preserve with hiking paths, is an additional option with a distinct character. Apartment rentals are another alternative, with services such as Airbnb.com catering to individuals needing extra space or who wish to live like a local.
Don't Get Into Your Car
The principal arteries of Atlanta, I-75 as well as I-85, are characterized by aggressive drivers and significant service interruptions during rush hour. Avoid morning but instead, evening rush hours and instead plan a morning of relaxed exploration near your hotel. With stops in Downtown and Midtown, MARTA, the city's elevated subway, is the best route to and from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The new Atlanta Streetcar connects Midtown's most popular attractions with Sweet Auburn, making it easy to visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and King Historic District. The best aspect is that the streetcar will be accessible throughout 2015
Don't Leave Kids' Home
Despite being a hub for business tourists, Atlanta is a fantastic city to bring children to. Beginning Downtown, there is the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world, which features touch tanks, shows, a giant viewing window surrounded by water, sea life, and whale shark stingrays. On a hot day, the fountains at Centennial Olympic Park are ideal for cooling down; pack a bathing suit and a towel for the children, as they will get wet. The nearby interactive museum Imagine It! The Atlanta Children's Museum. Zoo Atlanta currently has adorable newborn gorillas (gorilla feeding times are not to be missed), and the excellent Center for Puppetry Arts will close at the end of May 2015 and reopen in the fall with a significant addition to a house it is Jim Henson Collection (its shows will continue throughout this period).
Don't Restrict Yourself To Barbecue And Southern Cuisine
Yes, it would be best if you ate barbecue and Southern cuisine throughout your stay. But Atlanta has you covered whether you consider yourself a foodie and are interested in authentic international cuisine without the frills of atmosphere or refined service. Visit the strip malls along Buford Highway for a gourmet tour of the globe. If your lodgings have a kitchen, the Buford Road Farmers Market is a great place to stock up on ingredients, from dragon fruit to foreign olive oil, for a really global meal. Additionally, they provide courses in the culinary arts.
Go To More Than Just The Most Popular Places
The Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the CNN Center, and even the new National Center of Human rights And Democracy are all within walkable distance of one another in downtown Atlanta, the four most popular tourist attractions. The Atlanta CityPASS will save you money and time if you plan to visit all four draws. Additionally, numerous high-rise hotels throughout this area make it conceivable never to leave. That, however, would be a mistake, comparable to visiting New York City and never leaving Times Square. Faithful Atlanta may be found in the urban neighborhoods where folks congregate. Explore the restaurants of Westside, the thrift stores of Little Five Points, and the nightlife of Old Fourth Ward.
Refrain From Rush Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is one of the world's busiest airports for passenger traffic. With an above ground air train connecting the car rental facility to the terminals, a subway within the airport, and miles of moving walkways, getting to your gate can take considerable time. This is Delta's hub. However, over fifteen other airlines fly into ATL as well. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic flights, as it is better to be safe than sorry (more for international).
Conclusion
Several things should be avoided during a trip to Atlanta, including driving during rush hour, parking on the street overnight, littering and disrespecting local customs. In addition to protecting oneself from the sun, one must be mindful of your surroundings in diverse neighborhoods. By adhering to these principles, your journey to Atlanta will be more fun and secure.
