Discover-Atlanta.com is your insider's guide to getting the most out of what the city has to offer. That's right. I'm a local resident who lives, works and plays here.

And while I'm not a native, I've called Atlanta home for 17 years. Let me show you around, and you'll see for yourself why I and so many others love to call this city home.

Today, Atlanta Georgia is a vibrant, bustling metropolis that attracts young and old alike. What makes this city so exciting?

For one, its attractions. Atlanta Georgia is the home of the largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Aquarium.

If seeing dolphins, whale sharks, fish and penguins all day doesn't quite fit the bill, you can take in a play or concert at the "Fabulous" Fox Theatre.

Getting to Atlanta Georgia is easy. After all, Atlanta boasts of having the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

And bring your appetite because you'll definitely want to eat at one of the many casual or fine dining restaurants in the city.

If you want a unique dining experience, you must have dinner at the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View. I won't spoil it for you, but I will say you'll be "wowed" by what you see!

If you want a world-class shopping experience, head to Buckhead where you can shop til you drop! You'll find designer shops and trendy boutiques...everything you'll need to fulfill the wish lists of even the most discerning shopper.

But don't think Atlanta Georgia is only for adults. There's lots for the kids to enjoy, too!

Pack up the kids and head to Centennial Olympic Park. They'll play in the Fountain for hours on end and still won't be ready to leave when you've had enough.

Playing in the Fountain is a great way to cool off on a hot day in the City! You're sure to see more than a few adults having fun in the Fountain, too.

Or you can head to Zoo Atlanta. Kids love to learn about the many wild animals they'll see as they make their way through the many exhibits. And what child wouldn't enjoy a day at Six Flags Over Georgia? They'll enjoy the coasters, the water rides and the shows. It's entertainment for the entire family!

You can also head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden if you want to be in horticulture heaven! Or are you the museum type? Great! You must visit the High Museum of Art. It's modern architecture is a bold testament to what you'll find inside its doors.

Or maybe you'd prefer to find a park and go for a peaceful stroll. Or find a nice spot for a family cookout.

You should head to Piedmont Park. You're sure to find a great spot overlooking Midtown.

You can stroll through the park, walk your dog, enjoy a cookout, go for a run or enjoy a bike ride.

You can also check out Grant Park, or one of the other parks throughout the city.

Perhaps you'd be interested in taking in an open-air concert at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Summer Concert series can be enjoyed at Chastain's Amphitheatre. Is there a better way to enjoy an orchestra's performances than in an open-air venue?

Some of Atlanta's radio stations host free concerts in the parks towards the middle or end of summer. So if you plan to enjoy one of these freebies, make sure you get there early and bring lots of water and a blanket or two for sitting on the lawn.

There's always something happening in Atlanta that you can be a part of.

People from all over the world come to Atlanta Georgia every Fourth of July to participate in the Peachtree Road Race.

If running in our hot weather doesn't suit your taste (we don't call it Hotlanta for nothing!), don't worry.

You can always take in a July 4th laser and fireworks show at Stone Mountain Park. Lots of Atlantans show up at the park to enjoy the festivities.

Or perhaps you'd prefer to take in a NASCAR race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend?

Or maybe you'd like to mingle with the crowds at one of our many festivals. Or maybe you're digging the Atlanta nightlife scene. Oh, the nightlife!

There are numerous bars and clubs for you to get your party on...all night, if you want to. No matter what your budget may be, there's fun to be had by everyone. And this is not nearly all of what the city has to offer!

When strolling through the streets of Atlanta Georgia, you're sure to find a surprising yet pleasant mix of Old South meets modern chic.

You'll see it in the architecture as you explore the city's many historic buildings, complete with magnificent crystal chandeliers and marble floors.

You'll also see it in the more contemporary structures, with their grand modern fixtures, that jut out from their old counterparts.

Yes, the co-mingling of old and new is part of what makes this city so charming. With lots of hotels in Atlanta Georgia, you're sure to find the perfect place where you can take it all in.

Visit the historic landmarks, like The King Center, the Atlanta History Center and the Atlanta Cyclorama, and you'll learn of Atlanta's storied past. The city wasn't always known as Atlanta, you know.

In fact, it was originally named Terminus in 1837, as it was chosen to be the site of a new railroad terminal. But in 1845, the city took on its present name and was incorporated in 1847.

Then in 1864, during the Civil War, the city was literally burned to the ground by General William Sherman.

Of course, the resilient citizens rebuilt their beloved city. And in 1868, the state's capital seat was moved from Augusta to Atlanta. It has remained here since.

Atlanta Georgia is a proud city that embraces its people, its culture and its diversity. But we don't shun our visitors.

We know some of you will decide to call Atlanta home. So we invite you to explore. See what the city has offer. Let Discover-Atlanta.com be your guide to this exciting city, your Southern destination!