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Atlanta At a Glance
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit Atlanta. The weather is mild in the
spring and the blossoming flowers are beautiful this time of year. Fall is
bustling, as many of the area colleges are welcoming their students after a long
break.
Average Weather
Atlanta's weather is mild for much of the year, though July and August tend to
be rather hot and humid. Occasionally, Atlanta sees some snow during December
and January, but never enough to warrant chains on the tires.
Transportation
Atlanta's rail system, MARTA, is the best way to get around town. It's
inexpensive and reliable and is well connected with the bus system, which serves
parts of town the rail doesn't. It's not the easiest system to learn, especially
if you're going to make frequent transfers from train to bus. Just ask for
directions. If you're trying to hail a taxi on the street, you might find
yourself standing for a while. It's best to order the cab by phone. And, driving
in Atlanta can be a nightmare. The traffic is horrendous and the streets can be
confusing to unfamiliar tourists.
In-Season Costs
No one season is more expensive than another in Atlanta. For the most part,
prices remain steady. It's not a bank-busting town, but it does have big-city
characteristics, which usually come with a hefty price tag. For instance,
downtown hotels may be pricier than those on the outskirts and in Midtown.
Restaurants that are downtown may be trendier and more affluent. It all depends
on where you stay and what you do while you're visiting. Take in a baseball
game. You can get good tickets at fairly decent prices.
Day Trips
Atlanta is a city surrounded by neighborhoods. Just a few short minutes away,
you'll find several communities, including Stone Mountain to the east, Marietta
to the northwest and Norcross, also to the east. Stone Mountain is home to
Georgia's Stone Mountain Park, infamous for its 90-foot likenesses of the
Confederacy leaders carved out of the side of the mountain. There are numerous
lakes around the park, in addition to a skylift that extends to the top of the
peak.
- Savannah is about two hours outside of Atlanta. This charming city is
historic in nature, with more than 1,000 restored Federal and Regency
buildings downtown alone. Travelers often stay in bed and breakfasts when
visiting this city, famous for its tree-lined streets and quiet, Southern
ambiance.
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