Visiting Atlanta with Flat Stanley-Whitman

According to census estimates, Metropolitan Atlanta is the fastest growing area in the nation since 2000. Maybe half of the population here is “born and raised” Southerners, the rest are transplants—mostly from the North. Weather and jobs are big lures. Several Fortune 500 companies are based in the metro area. As you can imagine, the huge influx of people have created traffic and infrastructure problems. Every “Atlantan” dreads the major highways—175, I85, GA 400, US 285—during peak times, and there is always lots of construction going on.

The weather here is much warmer than in Connecticut. Average afternoon temperatures in June are close to 90 degrees. In December the average high is about 55. We see very little snow, and if any does fall, it usually melts within a day. Also, schools get closed for even the slightest bit of snow. Don't get me wrong, we get the bitter 20-30 degree weather for a short time every year, but we also can have those wonderful, crazy 70 degree days in the winter. We typically see the most rain in January and in July. The January rain makes the temperature feel much colder than it really is. The July rain steams everything up. And everyone here has air conditioning!

Atlanta is located in northern Georgia, at the base of a mountain ridge. Many people vacation in the mountains because of the close proximity to the city. Atlantans also like the beach, but the nearest ones are a 5-6 hour drive away. The Gulf Coast of Florida, Alabama, and southern coastlines of Georgia and South Carolina are popular destinations. Lake Lanier is a man-made lake just outside the city and encompasses 38,000 acres! It's used largely for recreation purposes and is the source of Atlanta's drinking water. Urban legend has it that in the deepest parts of the lake live 5 foot long catfish, however I don't know that anyone has ever caught one before!

Atlanta has many cool places to visit including the aquarium, zoo, Olympic Park, High Museum, and other attractions. College football is practically a religion here. We also have four professional sports teams—the Braves, Falcons, Thrashers, and Hawks. There is a festival, sports event, or function happening every weekend so you can always find something fun to do. We're also lucky to have lots of different ethnic foods and a ton of great restaurants.
J. Ward, Marietta, Georgia