Atlanta

In a nutshell

Known as the 'Capital of the New South' this college city has a modern centre with several charming, old-fashioned neighbourhoods, evoking its historic roots as a major hub of the South. Although most of Atlanta was destroyed during the Civil War, you can still discover several examples of 19th-century architecture. At Underground Atlanta, you can combine history with a shopping trip in this underground mall where buildings date back to pre-War times! The State Capitol, built in 1889, is even more impressive, with its classical design and gilt dome. The headquarters of CNN and Coca Cola are based in Atlanta and you can take a tour around both buildings - and check out the internal workings of one of the world's largest news service providers and the world's favourite fizzy drink. There are a number of different neighbourhoods in Atlanta to enjoy, each with very different cultures and inhabitants. Funky Little Five Points is great to wander around - with trendy shops, bookstores, caféés and restaurants. Sweet Auburn is the city's principal African-American area, where Martin Luther King Jr was born and raised - you can visit the centre named after him, which tells you about his life and work.