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AtlantaBack in 1837 Atlanta was little more than a hamlet existing to serve as a railway terminus; then came the Civil War that saw the town burned to the ground. Undaunted, 135 years later Atlanta bustles with more than three million people, and has been chosen by numerous leading international companies as the home of their corporate or regional headquarters. The lively, thriving city styles itself as the capital of the 'New South', and its dramatic skyline is littered with gleaming skyscrapers.
Atlanta attracts visitors both for holidays and business, with its plethora of entertainment,
shopping and cultural attractions as well as innumerable top class convention and accommodation venues. The downtown Peachtree Center pedestrianized precinct covers 14 blocks of retail space, including three massive hotels, dozens of restaurants and imposing office towers. There are also plenty of museums, galleries and centers for performing arts, as well as the world's largest aquarium.
Atlanta has not lost its pioneering southern spirit or charm despite its modern guise, and the city's symbol of the phoenix serves as enduring reminder of its troubled past and bright future. The energy that was embodied in its famous sons, Martin Luther King, Jr and Ted Turner (founder of CNN) still crackles in the air and the genteel olde-world atmosphere still lingers in the residential neighborhoods. Above all, Atlanta radiates a warm welcome in the true tradition of Southern hospitality.
Getting Around: Atlanta's trains and buses reach most parts of the city, but they are not always the most convenient way to get around, and services are limited outside of the immediate city limits. The MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) network is inexpensive, safe and well-integrated, but travel can be slow. A one-way MARTA pass, good for travel anywhere on the system, costs $1.75. There are weekly, weekend and visitor's passes available for various rates that are even more economical. Atlanta is a car-dominated city, so there is plenty of parking, especially at tourist sights, but traffic on the freeways and in the city center can be very busy, particularly during rush hours. During conventions and big sporting and entertainment events, it is easier to use public transport to get around. 'The Buc' is operated by BATMA; it is a free shuttle service connecting the two MARTA rail stations with many hotels, shopping areas and businesses in the city. Car rental agencies require an International Driving Permit only if the visitor's national license is not in English, and most prefer drivers to be over 25 years of age. Taxis are available, but it is easier to order one by phone than to find one on the street; they can also be found in taxi stands around the city. Visitors should be cautious of unlicensed taxis, and women traveling alone at night should order taxis by phone.
SavannahCredited as being the first planned city in the United States, Georgia's sultry city of Savannah is positioned on a bluff above the Savannah River, a few miles upstream from the Atlantic Ocean state coastline. This Southern belle is full of charm, and her old-fashioned hospitality and small-town atmosphere invites visitors to stroll back in time, right to 1733 when the city was first founded by British General James Oglethorpe with the permission of native Yamacraw Indian chief Tomo-chi-chi.
With one of the country's largest preserved historical urban areas, one can't help but experience a sense of this city's colorful past, as you stroll past grandiose mansions and Spanish moss-covered oaks, sipping mint juleps. The city's legacy as a major player in the cotton industry is still evident in the Savannah Cotton Exchange, and the Pink House, dating back to 1789 and home to Georgia's first bank also bears testimony to the economic prosperity of the region. Apart from hundreds of architecturally significant buildings Savannah is also not lacking in restaurants, shops (particularly fine antique stores), Civil War forts, museums, galleries, quaint squares and lovely beaches, all earning it the nickname, 'the Hostess City of the South'.
Strategically positioned on the north of the Georgia coastline, Savannah serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the scenic barrier islands, resort towns and inlets found along the coast. Of course it is also imperative one try the region's world-famous shrimp that is caught and cooked in a variety of ways.
Getting Around: Savannah's historic district is best explored on foot; paths and steps down to the waterfront can be steep. Countless walking tours are offered. Savannah's CAT (Chatham Area Transit Company) Shuttle is a free, convenient shuttle service operating along 32 stops throughout the historic district, connecting shops, hotels, attractions and other bus routes. CAT also provides a fixed route bus service throughout the city and surrounding county. The Belles Ferry leaves the ferry landings on River Street connecting to Hutchinson Island at regular intervals at a fare of $3 per person. The city also has numerous car hire companies and several taxi companies. A horse and carriage ride through the city is also an option.
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