Atlanta, Georgia is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, but most visitors don’t experience the surrounding communities except for in transit.
So for our September event, we held our first Travel Massive on the south side of the city. We partnered with the Atlanta Airport District destination marketing organization, who had recently hosted the Georgia Governor’s Conference on Tourism, and Rev Coffee, who opened their second location in College Park. We had an informal chat about the area with Cookie and AT, who work for the district (and also live nearby) while munching on chicken salad sandwiches and hummus. They are truly the best advocates for these neighborhoods. We even got to check out the nearby speakeasy!
Atlanta Airport District is made up of three cities: East Point, College Park, and Union City.
The district has the state’s second-largest convention center and over 8,000 rooms between 50 hotel properties. In addition to brands like Westin and Hotel Indigo that have already set up nearby, the convention center will soon add properties from AC Hotels and Renaissance to go with its Marriott and Springhill Suites. The ATL SkyTrain runs direct from the Atlanta airport’s rental car bus terminal to the convention center hotels, making travel a breeze. An Intercontinental Hotel is also slated to open within the airport, which served over 100 million passengers last year.
The communities around the airport are the first impression of the city of Atlanta. For visitors, there are a handful of unique attractions like the Delta Flight Museum and Porsche Driving Experience in neighboring Hapeville and the Chick-fil-A Backstage Tour in College Park. Locals call their neighborhoods “urban Mayberry” with a historic small town vibe only a few minutes from downtown. An influx of creatives, especially artists, chefs, and film industry, have led to art walks and murals as well as an annual restaurant week. A colorful mural from Yoyo Ferro has recently been created in downtown College Park.
College Park, East Point, and Union City may not have been on your original Atlanta itinerary, but you might be surprised at how much they have to offer. While you’re here, be sure to visit Rev Coffee, Drip Coffee, Tony Morrow’s BBQ, Arden’s Garden, Mami’s La Cubana and Beer Girl.
Thanks to our sponsors for this event!