The city of Atlanta, Georgia is located in the U.S. state of Georgia. One of the most populated cities in the United States, Atlanta is also famous for its music scene and its annual “film festival”, which was first held in 1968 and is often recognized as one of the most important events in the American film festival circuit.
If you’re a writer or aspiring writer who wants to learn more about the craft, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will teach you about the different areas of Atlanta that have interesting historical and cultural aspects that you can research for your next writing project. Hopefully, this post will help you decide which area is the best fit for your needs.
Decatur
If you’re looking for the ultimate writing experience, then you should visit Decatur. Located in Dekatrr, Georgia, and named for its founder, George M. Decatur, the town is home to many creative and talented people, as well as the Writers’ Center of Georgia, which offers instruction in all aspects of literary artistry. The local high school, Decatur County High School, was rated the number two high school in the state of Georgia and number six high school in the country, just last year. In 2017, Forbes magazine rated Decatur as the best place to live in the United States:
- for business owners
- for millennials
The town is proud of its heritage and knows how to show it off. Several of its historic buildings have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the 1856 Courthouse, the 1868 Train Station, and the 1870–1872 Post Office. The entire downtown area has been designated a historic district and is lined with galleries, boutiques, and artisan shops.
Smyrna
Smyrna is located just outside of Atlanta and is another great place to study or practice writing. Home to the Institute for Manufacturing Innovation and the Georgia Aquarium, the city’s main attractions are its museums. One of the city’s biggest attractions is its annual Christmas Parade, which is one of the best in the country. Its galleries, restaurants, and bars offer a variety of holiday-themed events throughout the year, as well as the occasional concert or performance by a local band or jazz trio. There are also professional baseball teams, the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Revolution, and a professional soccer team, the Atlanta Silverbacks, that play in the North American Soccer League and have a large number of fans in the city. The main shopping areas in Smyrna have several restaurants, bars, and cafés, as well as specialty stores.
Macon
Forbes also included the city of Macon in its list of the best places to live in America, citing its low crime rate, excellent public schools, and diverse population. Located in the heart of the state, Macon is home to the University of Georgia, which has a special place in American higher education. The city’s biggest attractions are the Georgia Aquarium and the Macon Museum of Art. For those interested in history, the Historic Downtown Area, which features some of Macon’s finest buildings, has been put on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to its cultural attractions, the city is rich in restaurants, bars, and trendy shopping centers.
Alpharetta
If you’re looking for a quiet country atmosphere, yet want to be within an hour or so of the city, then Alpharetta is the place for you. Although the town is small, as the name suggests, it is the site of the famous Roswell Mill Village, whose residents come from all over the world. The town’s most famous attraction is its shopping center, including the Siena Complex, which was named after the Italian city where women wear white dresses and gentlemen wear black coats. Besides its shopping center, another big draw in Alpharetta is the Alpharetta Arts and Crafts Festival, which takes place every September and features local artisan shops, as well as international competitors. Another interesting fact about this suburb is that it was named after the railroad baron William B. Hartsfield, who helped build and develop the town in the late 1800s. The city is also home to several elementary schools and a middle school, and it is the site of the county’s administrative headquarters. Alpharetta has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, but in recent years, it has become more of a swing town.
Unincorporated
Finally, if you’re looking for a place that isn’t populated by any people, then you can move to Unincorporated. Covering miles and miles of tree-lined streets, the town is located just outside of Atlanta and features many historic mansions, Craftsman-style houses, and Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings. The entire community is set in the beautiful rolling countryside and is close to a variety of recreational facilities, including golf courses, lakes, and beaches. The town was originally established in the 1880s and named for Wright, the famous architect, who designed many of its beautiful homes. Wright is also responsible for the design of the city jail. Although the main tourist attractions in Unincorporated are the houses and mansions, the town is most famous for its churches, some of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the largest Christian communities in the U.S., Unincorporated is also the site of many famous sermonettes and church-related events throughout the year. In addition to its churches, the town is also home to two synagogues, a Buddhist temple, and a Hindu temple. Unincorporated is a great place for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but want to be close to work.
The diverse population of these five towns makes for an interesting mix, and gives you a glimpse into American society and its history. Not only can you study and practice your writing at one of these locations, but you can also indulge in some of the town’s culinary delights at one of its many eateries.