Atlanta - not just an airport

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International airport is the busiest airport in the world. During 2006, 85 million passengers were transported on close to one million flights from the airport. With more nonstop flights and destinations than any other airline hub in the world, Atlanta International Airport serves 243 nonstop destinations - 72 of those to international destinations in 45 countries. However, close to 60 per cent of the passengers flying into Atlanta never leave the airport, simply using it for connecting flights to other parts of the USA or the world.

But these people are missing out because Atlanta is not just about its airport. The city’s population has risen by 1.1 million in the last decade, during which time it has undergone extensive redevelopment and expansion. The capital of Georgia and the ninth most populous city in the United States, Atlanta has much to offer the curious visitor. Indeed the city has recently introduced a new logo accompanied by the slogan “Atlanta: every day is an opening day.” in a determined major drive to attract new visitors. And to help get them easily downtown, the MARTA rail system operates directly into the heart of Atlanta from the airport.

Civil Rights activist and nobel prize winner Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in the city in 1929 and his childhood home on Auburn Avenue in Sweet Auburn has been preserved as a visitor attraction - the Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Site. The tomb marking his untimely death can also be viewed at the King Center.

Other attractions of historical significance include The Atlanta History Center, featuring a unique diorama depicting the Battle of Atlanta from the Civil War. The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium, featuring over a staggering 100,000 specimens, and close by you’ll find the World of Coca-Cola, which highlights the development of the soft drink brand and some of its famous advertising. Also close to the Aquarium is the expansive historic shopping and entertainment complex of Underground Atlanta, found below the streets of the modern city.

As the 1996 host of the summer Olympic Games, Atlanta has been left with a marvellous sporting legacy as it boasts some of the best stadiums in the USA. Moreover,the city is host to four major sporting franchises: Atlanta Braves MLB baseball, Atlanta Falcons from the NFL, Ice Hockey’s Thrashers and NBA basketball’s Hawks.

With so much on offer, if you ever have to connect through Hartsfield-Jackson International, why not stop a little longer and consider at least an overnight stay at a hotel in Atlanta? From there you’ll be ideally placed to check out this exciting city.

Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer. His portfolio, called Capquest Photography is available to view online.