With its deep history, rich culture, warm climate and vibrant, metropolitan community, Atlanta, Georgia, has proudly earned its nickname of "Hotlanta." Located in the Appalachian foothills of the Piedmont Plateau, Georgia's capitol city rises in the mid-northern portion of the state, flanked by majestic mountains to the west and the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean to the east. Although Atlanta boasts three distinct skylines of contemporary skyscraping architecture, it is surrounded by green, rolling hills, lush valleys and sweeping uplands, and the city has earned the reputation as "the city of trees" for maintaining such a green profile, thanks to careful urban development planning. The beautiful Chattahoochee River provides Atlanta with its water, a northwestern city boundary and endless forms of recreation.

To the city's east, the world's largest exposed granite formation is Stone Mountain, Georgia's most visited attraction for its 3,300 acres of family-friendly theme park, entertainment and recreational activities, golfing, lodging, RV and tent camping areas, a large treetop adventure course called "Sky Hike," a natural amphitheater, and the Lasershow Spectacular, a stunning, choreographed musical lightshow with lasers and fireworks.

Three more of Atlanta's top attractions are located in the Centennial Olympic Park area and are adjacent to one another. The Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 and is the world's largest indoor aquarium; it is home to more than 120,000 marine animals representing 500 species in more than 8 million gallons of water. Across the street, visitors love the World of Coca-Cola museum and its historical exhibits, 4-D theater, and taste samplings of the iconic soft drink that was "born and raised" in Atlanta in 1886, when it was first concocted as a headache and hangover tonic. Nearby, the CNN Center's Inside Studio offers behind-the-scenes tours of live national and global news broadcasting in action.

Atlanta's cultural arts and history museums are also favorite destinations for many travelers. The High Museum of Art doubled in size in 2005 and houses more than 11,000 American, European, African, folk art and photography works in its permanent collection and hosts many changing special exhibits. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast and home to the world's largest dinosaurs, with innovative exhibit galleries, interactive exploration areas, a large IMAX theater, and a children's wing called Nature Quest. Another special treat for children and families is the Imagine It! Children's Museum. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are breathtaking, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site is awe-inspiring, and The Jimmy Carter Library & Museum is fascinating. The nation's largest collection of Civil War memorabilia is displayed at the Atlanta History Museum in Buckhead.

Historic district and modern architecture tours are always interesting, and Zoo Atlanta is a traditional favorite. Atlanta offers something for every traveler with excellent restaurants, nightlife, theater, music, hotels, sports, shopping, festivals and recreational activities. Accessible via the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, or by several major interstates, Atlanta then provides visitors with the efficient MARTA rapid rail and bus transportation system for convenient traveling within its remarkably welcoming, vibrant, engaging city.