Discover Atlanta: 14 Fun Facts About the City That Will Surprise and Delight You

1. Zombie Fever Revitalizes Town

Zombie fever brings dead towns to life: Senoia, Georgia experienced a fresh wave of fan-driven revitalization as "The Walking Dead" filmed on location, transforming quiet streets into bustling hotspots of merchandise and memorabilia, with fans hungry for more than brains flocking to attractions like The Touring Dead Walking Tours and Nic & Norman's, an American pub owned by actor Norman Reedus and co-executive producer/director Greg Nicotero.
Source => ew.com

2. The Varsity Atlanta's Massive Drive-In

If breaking bread with hordes of hungry Atlantans is your idea of a good time, then you'll relish in The Varsity Atlanta's epic crowd-pleasing capabilities: This mammoth drive-in restaurant, established in 1928, covers a whopping two city blocks, accommodates over 800 diners, and has been wowing patrons with its scrumptious chili dogs, onion rings, and heavenly Frosted Oranges for near a century. The Varsity Atlanta truly takes "the more, the merrier" to another level – and your stomach will be grateful for it.
Source => thevarsity.com

Did you know Georgia Tech offers a lab-based course that teaches students the art of hacking and defending cyber infrastructure? Dive into these techniques on their unique Penetration Testing class!

=> Fun Facts about Georgia-Tech

3. Treetop Stroll at Atlanta Botanical Garden

If Tarzan and Jane ever fancied a treetop stroll, they'd feel right at home in the Atlanta Botanical Garden: The Kendeda Canopy Walk, a 12-foot-wide serpentine bridge, takes you 40 feet up in the air among the trees of Storza Woods and is the largest suspension bridge of its kind in the United States, with an architectural design that dances like a ballroom move!
Source => atlantabg.org

4. Atlanta's Eastern Continental Divide

Ready to cross a great divide without going on a grand adventure? Atlanta's got you covered: The city is home to the Eastern Continental Divide, a geologic wonder that splits the flow of rivers and streams between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Seaboard, subtly reminding Atlantans that, sometimes, the journey matters more than the destination.
Source => knowatlanta.com

5. Atlanta's Festival Wonderland

Hold onto your coconuts and strap into your rollercoasters: Atlanta is a festival wonderland where you can salsa at the Caribbean Festival Parade and scream your lungs out at Six Flags Over Georgia all in one day! But fear not, intrepid explorers, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) has got your back come rain, construction, or shine, whisking you across town to all the vibrant happenings in the City in a Forest.
Source => itsmarta.com

6. Coca-Cola's Fizzy Origins

When life gave Atlanta lemons, they concocted a fizzy sensation: Atlanta is where Coca-Cola was born in 1886, initially as a wine-infused concoction by Dr. John Pemberton before transitioning to a non-alcoholic syrup after a Prohibition bill, eventually evolving into the globally adored beverage, with Asa G. Candler at the helm and sans the nose-tingling cocaine.
Source => guides.loc.gov

7. Busiest Airport Showdown

Move over, Superman: Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is back at being the world's busiest airport! In the race for the most flights, it truly is faster than a speeding bullet, soaring to 93.7 million passengers in 2022, according to Airports Council International World. Although there's been a slight hiccup with a 15% decrease since its 2019 glory days, our hero airport zoomed ahead with 724,145 takeoffs and landings, making up for its Kryptonite in cargo and international flights, where it bows to Hong Kong International and Dubai International, respectively.
Source => ajc.com

8. Covington's Mystic Grill Magic

Hungry for a bite of Mystic Falls, bloodthirsty TVD fans? Satisfy your cravings – sans fangs – at this nifty, not-so-hidden gem nestled in the quaint and mysterious land of Georgia: The Mystic Grill restaurant in Covington not only serves up show-inspired dishes but also features a rooftop overlooking the historic Covington Square – the true location where The Vampire Diaries was primarily filmed, not in a small Virginia town as the show portrayed.
Source => exploregeorgia.org

9. Peachtree Street's Indigenous Roots

Don't mistake it for a fruity runway: Atlanta's Peachtree Street was actually named after the indigenous Muscogee word for the city's location, meaning "Standing Peach Tree." This iconic stretch of road began at Union Station and continues through Midtown to Buckhead, where it turns into Peachtree Road after crossing Peachtree Creek – a lasting nod to Atlanta's rich history and connection to the native peoples of Georgia.
Source => atlantahistorycenter.com

10. LEGO® Discovery Center Extravaganza

In the land of bricks and giggles, where tiny architects let their imaginations run wild and pirates plunder colorful loot: Atlanta hosts the LEGO® Discovery Center, boasting over 1.5 million bricks, immersive 4D cinema experiences, and a world of miniature quests for both the young and young-at-heart.
Source => legodiscoverycenter.com

11. Doggy Con: Superhero Pets

Holy dogmascots, Batman! In the shadow of the dragon's lair, the furry sidekicks gather for their own masked revelry: A week before Atlanta's famed Dragon Con, Woodruff Park hosts Doggy Con, a whimsical pet costume pageant with dog-focused vendors, face painting, and treats for both humans and four-legged friends, all to raise funds for a future dog park.
Source => atlantadowntown.com

12. Furry Weekend Atlanta Convention

In the city known for peaches and Southern hospitality, there also lies a den of fur-covered alter egos gathering in camaraderie: Atlanta hosts the annual Furry Weekend Atlanta (FWA) convention at the Marriott Marquis downtown, welcoming all furry enthusiasts, with or without their fursuits, for a weekend packed with dances, gaming rooms, artist alleys, and even a fursuit dance competition.
Source => furryweekend.com

13. '90s Olympics Mascot Mania

You know you're from the '90s when your Olympic mascots resemble colorful plush toys that drank too much Red Bull: During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, there were two official mascots named Izzy and Whatizit. Izzy, despite initial backlash due to its peculiar appearance, charmed the public into adoration, while Whatizit played second fiddle and was mostly seen on merchandise instead of events and promotions.
Source => wbur.org

14. Atlanta's Central Library Makeover

In a delightful mash-up of retro and futuristic, Atlanta's Central Library transformed a humble Brutalist beast into a high-tech haven that even The Jetsons might envy for its blend of vintage charm and modern gadgetry: The building underwent a substantial renovation led by architects at Cooper Carry, preserving its iconic Brutalist style while incorporating contemporary amenities like charging stations and vibrant pods, retaining unique features such as a book-sorting shaft and underused administrative space, ensuring this architectural gem continues to draw curious visitors from near and far.
Source => archpaper.com