Credit: Kevin C. Rose-AtlantaPhotos.com

This wonderfully wooded, multiple-skylined, richly diverse cultural and economic center of The Peach State and county seat of Fulton County is the ninth largest metropolitan area in the country. Atlanta encompasses 132.4 square miles and is situated amongst the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains; at 1,050 feet above mean sea level, it has the highest elevation of major cities east of the Mississippi River. Atlanta straddles the Eastern Continental Divide, sitting atop a ridge south of the Chattahoochee River, which is part of the scenic ACF River Basin.  Established in 1837 at the junction of two railroad lines, Atlanta literally rose from the grim ashes of the Civil War to become a thriving national center of commerce. Travel groups headed to the temperate climate of the seventh most-visited city in the United States will definitely find wonderful weather awaiting them-all the better to experience Atlanta’s many wonderful museums, historical landmarks and points of interest, unique neighborhoods and energetic downtown area and myriad outdoor attractions and activities in its 343 scenic parks, nature preserves, and gardens. Dedicated foodies on Atlanta excursion will find a delightful culinary scene serving up an eclectic fusion of urban establishments garnering national attention, ethnic restaurants tendering cuisine from every corner of the world, and traditional eateries specializing in classic Southern fare; a vibrant social scene and events calendar packed with multi-genre music festivals and concerts promise plenty of entertainment. “Hotlanta” is home to professional franchises for three major team sports: MLB’s Atlanta Braves, the NBA’s  Atlanta Hawks, and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons; it also boasts its own ice hockey and soccer franchises and has been the host city for  significant international, professional and collegiate sporting events. Whatever your pleasure, you can rest assured you will find it in Atlanta- “The Place of a Lifetime”.