Welcome to Atlanta, Georgia, also known as The Big Peach! Atlanta is very proud to host the 2016 American
Evaluation Association Conference! This document will assist you in navigating around downtown Atlanta during
your stay here.
Getting to the Hotel & Around Downtown Atlanta
Attendees flying into Atlanta will fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Marriott Marquis Atlanta
265 Peachtree Center Ave
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: +1-404-521-0000
Fax: +1-404-586-6128
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/atlmq-atlanta-marriott-marquis/
Fun Fact: Want to learn about ATL’s history and culture from the moment you arrive? Take the “ATL Airport
History Walk” by walking to baggage claim instead of riding the airport tram/train!!!
Driving
● From the airport, travel north on Interstate 75/85 to exit 248C for Andrew Young International Boulevard.
Turn left onto the boulevard then right onto Peachtree Center Avenue. The hotel is two blocks on the
right.
● Traveling south on Interstate 75/85, take exit 249A for Courtland Street. Proceed to the third traffic light
and turn right onto Andrew Young International Boulevard. Continue one block to Peachtree Center
Avenue and turn right. The hotel is two blocks on the right.
Train
● All trains departing the airport stop at the Peachtree Center station as well as all southbound trains. Once
at the station, follow the signs to the Harris Street exit after getting off the train then to Peachtree Street
East. At street level, turn right to walk north along Peachtree Street. Turn right again at the first
intersection on Harris Street, then left at the next block on Peachtree Center Avenue.
●
Approximate walking time from the fare gate is only three minutes. If you don’t want to walk outside, you
can also exit the station into the Peachtree Center mall where there’s a skybridge connection. The trip is
approximately 30 minutes and should cost $2.50 for a one way ride.
Alternatives
● If you do not have a car and you’re not itching to ride MARTA just yet, there are a variety of options for
you to choose from when planning your trip from the airport to the hotel. Transportation options include
shuttle, bus, rental car, limousine, executive car or taxi cab. For more information than what is provided,
visit the airport ground transportation website: http://www.atlanta-airport.com/Passenger/
GroundTransportation/default.aspx
●
Ride with UBER or LYFT. If you’re new to the ride-sharing companies, download the apps and enjoy a free
ride!
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Station Rail Map
View the MARTA station rail map below for a general sense of traveling around downtown Atlanta. For more
specific route information, visit the MARTA website and plan your trip using MyCommute, and MARTA train
schedules: http://www.itsmarta.com/
Your trip destination is: 265 Peachtree Center Ave Atlanta, GA 30303.
*Note: Peachtree Center (N1) is the stop nearest to the hotel on the red and gold lines.
Must Sees in ATL
Since you’ll be an Atlantan for the duration of the conference, it’s important for you to understand some
idiosyncrasies that make this city unique.
The Perimeter: Whether you’re inside or outside, the perimeter can be the deciding factor in understanding the
local geography. Interstate 285 is the major highway that circles the metropolitan area of Atlanta, and serves as a
boundary line for most locals. If you’re an Atlanta native, being “inside the perimeter” (ITP) or “outside the
perimeter” (OTP) will make for huge differences in lifestyle. Being ITP may be for those who like the fast paced
nature of the city and easy access to a variety of arts and cultural centers, while being OTP lends itself to a more
family-friendly and suburban environment.
Atlanta Neighborhoods: While in the ATL, you’ll be blown away by the unique, eclectic neighborhoods sprawling
throughout the region. Check out the giant skull at the Vortex in Little Five Points. Visit the birth site of Martin
Luther King Jr. in Sweet Auburn, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If possible, venture to the
historical Cabbagetown District and see a revitalized former textile mill community.
Atlanta Firsts
 In 1922, Atlanta signed on the first licensed radio station in the southeastern United States- WSB-AM.
 Atlanta was the first major Southern city to elect a black mayor, Maynard Jackson (1974).
 The first bidirectional bike intersection in America can be found at the intersection of John Portman
Boulevard and Peachtree Center Avenue.
Map of Downtown Atlanta (http://www.gwcc.com/doc/Downtown%20Map.pdf). This map shows several
downtown Atlanta attractions in relation to Centennial Olympic Park.
●
College Football Hall of Fame
○ http://www.cfbhall.com/
○ If you’re a football fan, relive incredible sports moments as you experience exhibits of players
and coaches that have made lasting impact.
●
National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc
○ http://www.civilandhumanrights.org/
○ Learn about movements of the past and present-day, and the role you can play in achieving
equality for all!
●
Georgia Aquarium
○ http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
○ Discover the wonders of marine life in the largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere!
●
World of Coca-Cola
○ http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/
○ Look no further for a place to quench your thirst and begin your quest for Coke’s famous secret
recipe!
●
Zoo Atlanta
○ http://www.zooatlanta.org/
○ Find adventure and appreciate the diversity of wildlife through petting zoos, rides, shows, and
feeding exhibits.
●
CNN Center
○ http://www.cnn.com/tour/
○ Get up close and personal to the latest breaking global news! Make sure to take the Inside CNN
Studio Tour for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime view of their global headquarters.
●
Fernbank Science Center
○ http://fsc.fernbank.edu/
○ “Where Science Becomes an Adventure.” Explore the planetarium, observatory, and compost
garden.
●
High Museum of Art
○ http://www.high.org/
○ With over 15,000 19th-century American, European, African-American, contemporary, African,
folk, and Southern art pieces, you’ll have a feast for the eyes!
●
Stone Mountain Park
○ http://www.stonemountainpark.com/
○ Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to become one with all nature has to offer including train
rides, skyrides, walking trails, laser shows, and seasonal attractions.
●
The King Center
○ http://www.thekingcenter.org/
○ Pay homage to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn why his legacy is more important now
than ever!
●
Farmer’s Markets
○ http://www.atlanta.net/dining/farmers-markets/
○ Looking to prepare your own meal one day? If you’re feeling local, visit one of Atlanta’s many
markets for fresh meat and produce.
●
Sweet Auburn Curb Market
○ http://thecurbmarket.com/
○ Regarded as an “international delight”, relish in the local shops and delicious food at USA Today’s
16th best food market in the world (2013).
●
Beltline
○ http://beltline.org/
○ Experience Atlanta railways, trails, parks, housing, and artsy green spaces by foot or bike on the
renowned Beltline!
●
Centennial Olympic Park
○ http://www.centennialpark.com/
○ Go for a stroll in the same park where the 1996 Olympic Games festivities were held!
CityPASS: If you’re interested in visiting several of these sites, get yourself a CityPASS and you can visit these 5
Atlanta attractions over the course of 9 days: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Studio Tours, Zoo
Atlanta (or Center for Civil and Human Rights), and Fernbank Museum of Natural History (or College Football
Hall of Fame).http://www.citypass.com/