Atlanta BeltLine began as an ambitious public redevelopment project. Today, however, this expansive city feature stands a prominent tourist attraction and an alluring recreation hub. Comprising close to 22 miles (35 kilometers) of unused railroad tracks, Atlanta BeltLine circles the heart of the city. Right from sinuous trails and verdant walkways to massive parks and an art exhibit, this magnificent hub packs in a whole lot. Pick between the numerous trails here and explore the peculiar offerings of each. While you meander along the seemingly endless labyrinth of trails, you will certainly work up an appetite. This is when the host of fine restaurants dotting the Atlanta BeltLine will come to your rescue, leaving you spoiled for choice.
Housing the history of the world's most popular soda, the World of Coca-Cola is one of Atlanta's premier attractions. See pieces of historic Coke memorabilia, visit the 3D theatre for a unique cinematic experience, and lay eyes on the vault that holds the secret recipe. Visitors can also sample an array of coke, send letters to friends and family from the famous Coke polar bear, take home authentic Coke gifts from the museum shop, and visit the pop culture gallery to learn about the advertising history of this renowned brand.
One of the largest cemeteries in Atlanta, the Oakland Cemetery is located in the heart of downtown. This bucolic expanse serves as a constant reminder of the city's history. Dating back to the 1850s, the cemetery was the final destination for all Atlantans until 1884, when private burial grounds began appearing throughout the city. The oldest section is near the main entrance, where legendary golfer Bobby Jones and author Margaret Mitchell are interred. This expansive 48-acre (190,000-sq meter) beautiful garden now houses sculptures, an art gallery, a green space and serves as a prominent wedding venue for the city.
One of the best ways to see a city is on foot. Expert guides from the Atlanta Preservation Center can help you do just that. Focused on preserving Atlanta's historic treasures, the Center offers tours of key buildings and neighborhoods. Go behind the scenes at the majestic Fox Theatre or take a stroll through downtown in search of landmark Art Deco buildings. The popular neighborhood tours take you through Victorian Grant and Inman Parks or around the winding streets of Frederick Law Olmstead's Druid Hills. The Center offers ten different tours. Several are offered each week while some are reserved for groups. Call the hotline to find the latest information on available tours and times.
If you love cycling, and are new to the city or would like to get reacquainted with the city, then the Bicycle Tours of Atlanta - Heart of the City Tour is ideal for you. Robyn Elliott started the Bicycle Tours of Atlanta to bring together the pleasures of touring and biking. One of its tour routes, the Heart of the City Tour takes visitors through central Atlanta, giving them a glimpse of the city's prime attractions and neighborhoods. The 3-hour ride will include visit to Underground Atlanta, Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site, Oakland Cemetery, Inman Park, Grant Park and many more landmarks. The tour fee includes bike, gear, water and snacks; you only have to be fit and ready for a long ride.
Decatur was already a bustling little town when its nearby neighbor Atlanta was founded. Take a walking tour of the quaint historic downtown and hear stories of former residents who aren't ready to say goodbye to Decatur just yet. Even the city's majestic focal point—the historic courthouse—is haunted. At the restored train depot, now a restaurant, the cries of wounded Civil War soldiers can sometimes be heard. A visit to the historic cemetery is likely to produce paranormal experiences, and visitors are encouraged to take photos in the hopes of catching evidence on film. Decatur Ghost Tours also organizes ghost hunts for intrepid souls.