Things to know before going to Atlanta

My Atlanta story began in 1990, when my parents moved their young family to the metro area so they could pursue new job opportunities.

It was an exciting time to grow up in the unofficial capital of the South.

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Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson, was in his third and final term. Local leaders were working on their successful bid to host the 1996 Summer Olympics. And Freaknik, the biggest college party for historically Black college and university (HBCU) students, had already gained a national reputation.

As an adult, I’ve lived a few other places – but my hometown always seems to draw me back in, and I find new ways to fall in love with Atlanta every time I return. If you’re planning a visit, here are a few insider tips to help you navigate our rules, culture and even the streets.

1. Plan to spend at least three days in “the A”

It will take any first-time visitor at least two days to see Atlanta’s most famous sites Start with Atlanta’s Downtown tourist district – home to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola museum and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, all within the same square. Centennial Olympic Park is a short walk away.

The King Historic District is about a five-minute drive from there – yet given the breadth of the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, you’ll need to devote a good amount of time to absorb it all.

After that, visitors can choose their own adventure by exploring Atlanta’s neighborhoods; strolling along the Beltline, a 22-mile multi-use trail; or getting a seat at one of Atlanta’s award-winning restaurants.

2. Black culture is core to Atlanta

Atlanta has the second largest population of Black Americans of any city in the US (behind only New York City). But that’s not the only reason why the Black community sees Atlanta as a central city for the culture. It’s also home to four HBCUs and to Tyler Perry Studios, and has deep roots in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s. Atlanta has remained a major hub for hip-hop, from early pioneers such as Frank Ski and Kilo Ali and legends like OutKast, Ludacris and T.I. to fresh talents including Two Chains, Gucci Mane, Future and 21 Savage. On your visit, you’re sure to feel both the history and energy of Atlanta’s Black community.

3. Saying “Hotlanta” will get you the…