Atlanta has a deep political and historic importance in the development of the United States. It is the birthplace of Martin Luther King and the American Civil Rights Movement, as well as the location of a significant battle during the American Civil War. Take a trip through history and enjoy all of the elegant beauty this wonderful State has to offer along the way.

Oakland Cemetery

Established in 1850, Oakland Cemetery - which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places - has a very rich history. It is the final resting place for many of Georgia’s most famous legends such as Gone With The Wind author Margaret Mitchell, golfing great Bobby Jones, and Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor. However, this landmark is as much for the living as it is for the deceased. The picturesque setting of the sculpture and botanical gardens amongst the magnificent oak, magnolia and dogwood trees provide the perfect location for a picnic lunch, while the impressive art and architecture ranging from Greek Revival, Neo-classical and Egyptian across the 48
acres of land make a wonderful evening stroll.
 
“Oakland Cemetery is one of the most beautiful and photographed places in the city of Atlanta. This elegantly designed property is not only a final resting place - it is also a public park that host seasonal and music festivals, artists and architectural tours, weddings and special events.” 

Little Five Points
 
You will find all sorts of wacky and wonderful items at thealternative culture and shopping phenomena known as Little Five Points. Located 3 miles east of Downtown Atlanta is the melting pot of sub-cultures and Bohemian centre of Southern United States. Everyone from neighbourhood folk, musicians, bikers and trendsetters are joined by the occasional celebrity such as Steven Tyler, Lenny Kravitz, Alice Cooper and LuLu here.

Scour through an endless supply of unique shops ranging from independent bookstores, new-age shops and record stores; eat at one of many great restaurants; and enjoy its bustling music and bar scene.

“Little Five Points is a shopping Mecca for body piercing and tattoo parlours and offers some of the most interesting people watching in Atlanta. With great restaurants, amazing vintage clothing stores, many “hole in the wall” bars, this neighbourhood is a must-see when visiting Atlanta.”

Cabbagetown

Cabbagetown district has changed significantly since the days of the Southern Cotton Industry at the turn of the century, but its aesthetical charm has remained the same. The old quaint Shotgun Houses still dominate the town and while the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill from the 1800s has been converted into condos, the old Neo-Romanesque style design exists today. To really appreciate everything that Cabbagetown has to offer, try to visit during the annual Chomp and Stomp festival in November. Taking place in Cabbagetown Park you will find a good-old fashioned chilli cook-off, and the best of the banjo and fiddle as the whole community comes together to celebrate its past as a little bit of
country in the big city.
 
“Cabbagetown is home to unique ‘general store’, cafes and restaurants, as well as an eclectic array of residents, including young professionals, die-hard hippies, artists and musicians looking for a true community feel just a mile from the city. “

Inman Park was Atlanta’s first ‘planned community’. It was home to many of the “movers and shakers” of the Reconstruction and contains Atlanta’s best collection of residential architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries including Queen Anne, highstyle Italianate and Romanesque mansion as well as smaller bungalows, shotguns and foursquares. It is still very much a community today, and if you visit
towards the end of April you will get to enjoy the music, parade and dance of Inman Park’s annual festival, along with Atlanta’s largest Street Market offering more than 250 booths of antiques and handcrafted goods.
 
“Inman Park is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Atlanta with its tree lined streets shading the beautiful Victorian and Bungalow houses. Along with the beautiful scenery guests will also have the opportunity to learn about the Civil War and its impact on this land.” 
 
Sweet Auburn and the National King Historic Site

Sweet Auburn is probably the most historic African-American district across the whole of the United States. It is the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement as well as the childhood home and final resting place of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Site consists of several important buildings surrounding King’s boyhood home, offering one of the most powerful and emotive experiences you can have while in Atlanta. Tour the Ebenezer Baptist Church where King and his father pastored, visit the museum chronicling the American Civil Rights Movement, and pay your respects at the gravesite of a national hero. Other sites here include Freedom Hall, the “I Have a Dream” International World Peace Rose Garden, a memorial tribute to Mohandas Gandhi, and an International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.
 
“There is so much to see and learn at this National Park just a few blocks from downtown Atlanta. Guests can easily spend 2 hourslearning about Dr. King’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, touring Ebenezer Baptist Church, walking through his childhood neighbourhood and touring his home.”
For those of you who are looking to visit Atlanta for its political and historic importance then the best time for you to visit would undoubtedly be Martin Luther King, Jr. day in January where remembrance takes place and speakers have included Presidents of the United States, national and local politicians, and civil rights leaders. If you want to avoid the crowds that are generated by the major days in the Civil Rights movement, and want to savour the best of the rest that Atlanta has to offer, then try visiting on Halloween where special events take place in both Oakland Cemetery and Little Five Points.

Atlanta Bicycle Tours

There’s no better way to experience this great city than on two wheels! Guests will be introduced to many of the signature and historic sites of the city, beautiful in town neighbourhoods built during Reconstruction and many hidden jewels off the beaten path. Since the bike tours roll AWAY from the typical tourists sites, visitors see why this great southern city is such a desirable place to call home. On a Bicycles Tour of Atlanta tour, you might very well “Fall in Love with Atlanta”!

For more information visit www.biketoursatl.com or email info@biketoursatl.com.

Share this article: