Atlanta is an integral and exciting aspect of Georgia Tech educational experience. The state's capital and home to more than three million residents, Atlanta is one of the Southeast's most vibrant, progressive, and dynamic cities. Business opportunities abound as more than 730 of the Fortune 1,000 companies have representative offices in Atlanta, including the national headquarters of The Coca-Cola Company, CNN, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, UPS.

Home to 37 other universities, colleges, junior colleges, and seminaries, Atlanta has much to offer students. From its mild climate ensuring year-round outdoor activities to the hundreds of restaurants, dance, clubs, sport clubs, and cultural activities to the many professional sports teams, students rarely lack inspiration for leisure activities. In addition, nearby lakes, mountains, and beaches offer water sports, camping, rock climbing, and snow skiiing.

There are many restaurants and places to visit around Georgia Tech and in the downtown area in Atlanta. Websites that list free things to do in Atlanta are Atlanta.net “affordable and free”, Atlanta.net free, and Atlanta Plan It.

Transportation

Atlanta is a city that is quite spread out, so renting a car can be very useful. However, the MARTA public transport is the easiest way to travel from the Atlanta Airport into the city, and MARTA takes passengers to Georgia Tech by way of two stops: the Midtown and North Avenue MARTA stops. A round-trip ticket on MARTA is about $2.50 (subject to change- see MARTA website below). In addition to MARTA, we recommend that conference attendees take Uber (uber.com) by signing up for the app and requesting the uber taxis or call taxis from their hotels.

You will arrive to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, which is located south of the city. There will not be personnel from Georgia Tech there to meet you unfortunately, as our Center is not staffed with enough people to do so. The airport is connected to Midtown (where Georgia Tech is located) by the MARTA public transportation light rail, located in the “South Terminal” in the Atlanta airport when you arrive. You may purchase tickets from the kiosks and get on any of the trains heading north which will take you to midtown/Georgia Tech.

The 2016 HHL Conference will be held at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center (85 Fifth Street), which is connected to the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center. You may walk about 5-10 minutes from the Midtown MARTA stop to the venue (see guide for a map of the transit: http://martaguide.com). MARTA travels north from the airport (just south of Atlanta) and makes various stops in the city before reaching GA Tech, which are accessible to many hotels in the Midtown area.

Area Attractions

If you are interested in additional information about Atlanta, please check the links below.

Atlanta Beltline Path
The Atlanta BeltLine is transforming the city with a combination of rail, trail, greenspace, housing and art.

Atlanta Braves Baseball/Turner Field
Home to the 2000 MLB All-Star game, Braves tickets can be ordered by phone and charged to MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express. Simply call the TicketMaster Charge Line at 404-249-6400 or 1-800-326-4000.

Atlanta Hawks Basketball
For tickets call (404) 249-6400 or 1-800-326-4000.

Atlanta Thrashers Hockey
Ticket information can be requested through the webpage or by calling (404) 584-PUCK.

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Tropical, desert and endangered plants from around the world. Piedmont Avenue at The Prado, (404) 876-5859.

Atlanta History Center
Explore Atlanta history from the Civil War to civil rights in award-winning exhibitions. 130 West Paces Ferry Road, (404) 814-4000.

Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens, a stunning 13,000-acre resort and gardens, offers the perfect setting for a memorable summer family vacation, quick getaway, social or corporate event, or day trip. A variety of special events fills the calendar all year long so there's always plenty to do, especially in the summer. From Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament® on Memorial Day Weekend to the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival on Labor Day Weekend, you can have a splashing good time in and out of the water at Robin Lake Beach. Join us for a relaxing and exhilarating summer with exciting adventures designed to make your vacation unforgettable!

Carter Presidential Center
The Carter Center is located in a 35-acre park approximately two miles east of downtown Atlanta. Four circular interconnected pavilions house offices for the former president and first lady and most of the Center's program staff. The complex includes the nondenominational Cecil B. Day Chapel, other conference facilities, and staff offices. The Center also owns the nearby Kirbo Building and leases other office space from the City of Atlanta for The Atlanta Project and The America Project. The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, which adjoins The Carter Center, is owned and operated by the National Archives and Records Administration of the federal government. The Center and Library are known collectively as The Carter Presidential Center. One Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, (404) 420-5111.

Centennial Olympic Park
The 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park was developed to serve as the world's gathering place during the Centennial Olympic Games in 1996. The park has become a civic symbol and community focal point as well as a catalyst for new development in the downtown area. 285 International Boulevard, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30313.

Center for Civil and Human Rights
An engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements. (100 Ivan Allen Jr Boulevard)

CNN Center
Tour the global headquarters of Turner Broadcasting System and visit the eateries and specialty stores. One CNN Center, (404) 827-2491, Tour Information (404) 827-2300.

Fernbank
150-acre environmental/education complex which includes a major museum of Natural History, a Science Center, Planetarium & Observatory, and the Fernbank Forest. 767 Clifton Road NE, (404) 378-0127.

Fox Theater
This 1929 Moorish/Egyptian/Art Deco fantasy hosts a wide range of live performances and year-round tours. 660 Peachtree Street NE, (404) 881-2100.

Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium opened on November 23rd as the World’s Largest Aquarium. With 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water, and more than 100,000 animals representing 500 species from around the globe, you’re sure to see things you’ve never seen before!

Georgia Dome
The Georgia Dome is the largest cable-supported domed stadium in the world. Located in the heart of Atlanta, the Dome is the home venue for the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons, has been named to host Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, and was host to the gymnastics, basketball and the finals of team handball during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and Super Bowl XXVIII. One Georgia Dome Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30313.

Georgia World Congress Center
The Georgia World Congress Center, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, is one of the largest facilities in the United States and hosts a myriad of conventions, consumer/trade shows and corporate events each year. The multi-purpose facility expanded its international scope during the1996 Centennial Olympic Games, when it hosted six sporting events and served as the International Broadcast Center. The GWCC encompasses 2.5 million square feet, earning the title of second largest convention center in the nation. 285 International Boulevard, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30313.

High Museum of Art
This Atlanta landmark houses a superb collection of European, American, African, contemporary and decorative art as well as an array of special exhibitions. 1280 Peachtree (at 16th), Atlanta, Georgia. Take MARTA to the Arts Center Station, (404)733-HIGH.

Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The mission of Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is to create environments and activities where young children experience the power of imagination and the pure delight of learning with each other and with grown-ups.

Martin Luther King Center
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change is dedicated to carrying forward the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through research, education and training in the principles, philosophy and methods of nonviolence.

Margaret Mitchell House and Visitors Center
Exhibits retell the story of her life, book and the movie and their profound impact on Atlanta and the South. Corner of 10th and Peachtree Streets, (404) 249-7012.

Piedmont Park
In the heart of Midtown, Atlanta's most loved park, Piedmont Park has hosted many of the events that have helped shape Atlanta. Nearly 3,000,000 people a year visit Piedmont Park, making it one of the most heavily used parks in the southeastern United States.

Six Flags Over Georgia
Atlanta's home of the fastest thrill rides around, Park Phone Number 770-739-3400.

Stone Mountain Park
Georgia's Stone Mountain is a masterpiece of nature that amazes millions of guests from around the world. The giant granite rock, the magnificent Confederate Memorial Carving and the surrounding 3200-acre park are results of natural and historical events. P.O. Box 778, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30086, (770) 498-5690.

Underground Atlanta
Underground Atlanta is a redeveloped downtown retail, restaurant, and entertainment complex at the site of the former Underground Atlanta. Opened on June 15, 1989, Underground Atlanta covers six city blocks with a gross feasible area of 220,000 square feet, with 126 operating shops, services, and eating establishments.

Woodruff Arts Center
The Woodruff Arts Center is dedicated to excellence in the performing and visual arts. As home of the Alliance Theater Company, Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the High Museum of Art, the Woodruff Arts Center offers its patrons a unique, multi-faceted experience of many distinctive arts institutions on a single campus. Woodruff Arts Center (WAC) Box Office: (404)733-5000.

The World of Coca-Cola
The story of Coca-Cola is told through fascinating exhibits, classic radio & TV advertisements, and more. Located near Underground Atlanta at 55 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, (404) 676-5151.

White Water and American Adventures
White Water and American Adventures are located just north of Atlanta, at Exit 113 off I-75 (follow the signs off the exit). Recognized as the most scenic water theme park in the country, and one of the top five in the nation, White Water features attractions ranging from relaxing floats to high thrills...something for EVERYONE in the family! 1(800) 928-WAVE or (770) 424-WAVE. American Adventures, located right next door to White Water, is Georgia's only amusement park created especially for families with kids up to the age of 15. 250 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta 30062-3503, (770) 424-9283.

Zoo Atlanta
Named one of "America's Favorite Zoos," Zoo Atlanta began a multi-million-dollar habitat redevelopment in 1985 to provide zoo animals with naturalistic environments simulating their native homes. Complete are the Ford African Rain Forest, Monkeys of Makokou, Sanaga Aviary, Masai Mara, Mzima Springs, Flamingo Plaza, Orangutans of Ketambe and the Sumatran Tiger Forest. Other current exhibits include an extensive reptile collection, bird collection, red pandas, the Publix Petting Zoo, and Willie B., one of Zoo Atlanta's most beloved and best-known animals. He is a western lowland gorilla who came to the zoo in the spring of 1961. 800 Cherokee Avenue, Historic Grant Park, (404) 624-5600.

Restaurant Recommendations Around Georgia Tech

*See Creative Loafing, eater.com, Atlanta magazine for additional recommendations or HappyCow for vegan and vegetarian options

*More Affordable (entrees around $10-15)

• Tin Drum Café - 88 5th St NW, Asian food
• Cypress Street Pint and Plate - 817 W Peachtree St, Outdoor terrace and American food
• Ray’s NY Pizza - 26 5th St NE
• Flying Biscuit Café - 1001 Piedmont Ave NE, Great breakfast on weekends, next to Piedmont Park
• The Vortex Bar and Grill - 878 Peachtree St NE, Funky burger joint
• The Varsity- 61 North Ave NW *An Atlanta tradition - burgers, hotdogs, milkshakes
• Antico Napolitano Pizza - 1093 Hemphill Avenue, 404-724-2333, anticopizza.it
• TAP - 14th Street and Peachtree corner, Outdoor patio, small plates
• Mary Mac’s Tea Room - 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Very traditional Southern food

*More expensive (entrees around $15-25)

• The Spence- 75 5th St NW, Modern American, fresh local vegetables and farm-raised meats
• Ecco - 40 7th Street NE, Italian/Mediterranean food
• Bocado - 887 Howell Mill Road, 404-815-1399, bocadoatlanta.com, Modern American food
• Empire State South - 999 Peachtree Street, 404-541-1105, empirestatesouth.com, Fresh local vegetables and farm-raised meats
• Grain - 856 West Peachtree St NW, Charcuterie, cheeses, small plates

*Most expensive (entrees between $18-30)

• The Optimist
• Miller Union