A Question, or two from the UK

[Robbed666]

Hi All,

I'm a newbie to this forum, so I apologise in advance for any transgressions of forum etiquette. I have a vacation to the U.S planned for late August.
We will be starting in New York, (3 days). Then flying to Atlanta, Georgia (10 days). I have travelled to the U.S on numerous occasions. In fact I spent some time working in Cape Canaveral, but still some U.S terms I don't understand. Could someone please tell me what "parking in/out privileges" are ? We are planning a trip from Atlanta to Valdosta, GA. I know this is only 240 miles, (small by U.S. standards), but any advice on route, places to see, avoid!, would greatly appreciated. Any advice on the Sheraton hotel in downtown Atlanta also would be helpful, as would be any on Atlanta itself. I have heard that certain areas of Atlanta are best avoided.

P.S. One of the reasons we are not returning to Florida this year, is because the Dollar/GB pound rate is allowing some of the more "undesirable elements", from the UK to travel there. Having seen them "in action" first hand, they have no respect, and do not act as "guests" should. I can only apologise for them.

Regards

Rob
Portsmouth, England

[Robert Schaller]

This means that you may leave and return during the paid (or allowed) term of your parking without incurring additional charges. In some parking lots, once you leave it would require a new fee to re-park upon your return. Bob

[Mark Sedenquist]

I'm a newbie to this forum,

Welcome! A fellow Brit, Andrew Vincent, wrote a book a couple of years ago that provides some useful translations if idioms from Yank-speak to Mother-English and also provides some useful tips about roadtripping in the USA. I don't agree with all of his points, but it is a useful book.

[Robert Schaller]

You'll find that most Sheraton Hotels are pretty nice places to stay -- I don't know about that one in particular. I spent a week in Atlanta a few years ago and aside from the normal big city problems here and there, it's a decent place. I walked about 15 or 20 blocks from the downtown out to the Martin Luther King, Jr. tomb -- some might have considered that (walk) a rough area, but I had no trouble except it was a very warm day!

My biggest complaint about Atlanta is the heavy traffic and the street system is tough to follow in places -- streets change names frequently and leave you wondering how you got lost! I even had Hertz's "Never Lost" system in the car and still got confused frequently.

If you follow US-19 or I-75 down to south Georgia, you can find monuments and memorials related to different aspects of American history -- the Andersonville (Civil War Prison) site, and sites devoted to President Jimmy Carter, the Chehaw Indians, President Andrew Jackson and Confederate States' President Jefferson Davis. I've been to Andersonville, but not the others -- but if I were taking this trip, I'd check them out. Andersonville is a very moving place. Bob

[Quebec Gen]

I have heard that certain areas of Atlanta are best avoided.

Like every other big city in the world, there are neighborhoods in Atlanta that are considered more "dangerous" and you'll probably know which ones when you see them. In 2003, Atlanta was considered the 3rd most dangerous city in the US after Detroit and St. Louis, but I've been to each of these cities more than once and nothing ever happened to me. I think wherever you go, you just got to use common sense (ex. : stay clear of dark alleys). Personally, I don't believe Atlanta is more dangerous than London, Paris or L.A., you just have to be naturally careful and everything will be ok.

Have a great trip!

Gen

Ps-By the way, I don't know if you're into bars and night clubs, but Atlanta has a great nightlife (R&B & Hip Hop especially)

[Robbed666]

Thanks Guys for all the replies.

One more question if I may, whats the mid August weather like
in Georgia ?

Rob

[Mark Sedenquist]

One more question if I may, whats the mid August weather like in Georgia?

A tad warm and moist. Day time temps are in the mid 80's to low 90's, humidty is 55% to 75%, although most years see temps peaking near 92 and 95% humidity in Atlanta ~ the 15th of August. Just about perfect if you are a duck...

Mark

[Connie&Michael]

Remember these three letters HHH--HOT HUMID HAZY!! I love it, but just make sure that you bring shorts. Also, don't be surprised with a quick change in the weather. This past week was HOT, but yesterday and today it has rained and been chilly. You will love your trip through the beautiful countryside of GA. You need to try many local dishes such as fried chicken, sweet potatoes, hush puppies, hot wings, biscuits, yeast rolls, corn bread, and many other fried and sugary treats. You MUST have sweet tea, it is the house wine of the south.

The best place to get real down home soul food, which is food prepared by African-Americans, is at the Busy Bee Cafe on MLK Dr. in ATL. The fried chicken is the BEST and the tea is ohh so sweet. It is small and you may be intimidated by being the only white people in there, but no worries they will love you anyway. They are closed on Saturdays. For other great fried chicken and a nice trip into movie magic go to Juliette, GA to the Whistle Stop Cafe. It is about an hour south of ATL, and maybe 10 miles off I-75, which you will take to get to Valdosta. The movie, Fried Green Tomatoes was filmed there. Also, before I forget I live in the Druid Hills section of ATL, it is on the east side of the city abutting Emory University. The houses are magnificant and very reminiscent of the Old South, large yards, homes, and lots of trees. Again the film Driving Miss Daisy was filmed here.

Ok back on I-75. You can bypass Macon, nothing special there. You may want to stop in Turner to large peanut statue, just a fun Kodak moment. If you like fast food stop at a Zaxby's, the best fast food around.
I think you will really love your trip to GA. I love it here. Make sure you stop in St. Mountain for a nice hike up the mountain. You need not worry about being run over by children as school begins the second week August for Atlanta area students. Finally, don't forget the MLK center, a wonderful museum. I know I left a lot out so please contact me if you need more info.

Peace, Michael

[Mark Sedenquist]

Remember these three letters HHH--HOT HUMID HAZY!! I love it, but just make sure that you bring shorts. Also, don't be surprised with a quick change in the weather. This past week was HOT, but yesterday and today it has rained and been chilly.

It is so great getting local intel from locals. I want to get down there and try those restaurants!

Mark