What exactly is in the Atlanta aerotropolis? The airport, of course. But the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance's new blueprint says there are a number of potential tourist stops and interesting locales that could make the area itself attractive to people from all over. Here are some of the sites in the flyover area that surrounds Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Chick-fil-A headquarters tour
At Chick-fil-A’s College Park headquarters, it offers what it calls a “Home Office Backstage Tour.” Expect to see the trademark cows. And don’t expect it to be free. Admission: $10 or $20 per person, depending on whether you choose The Original or The Deluxe tour. (PHOTO: ELISSA BENZIE / AJC FILE)
Delta Flight Museum
Delta Air Lines’ headquarters sits on the north side of the airport, and the headquarters campus also includes the Delta Flight Museum, housed in two historic hangars. For $12.50 adult admission, you can see exhibits, a variety of airplanes from Delta’s history and try your hand at a flight simulator. (PHOTO: CURTIS COMPTON / AJC FILE)
Porsche Experience Track
The Porsche Experience Center, opened in 2015 at the northeast corner of the airport, features a test track and off-road courses, a human performance training facility, meeting rooms, a classic restoration center, fine dining Restaurant 356 and the Carrera Cafe. It’s definitely not free. You can book an hour and a half of driving in a 718 Boxter for $300 or in a 911 Turbo for $750. (PHOTO: BOB ANDRES / AJC FILE)
Historic Jonesboro
Jonesboro has historic homes and is known as the home of Gone With The Wind. You can visit The Road to Tara Museum ($7 adult admission) to see items from the movie and Civil War artifacts. (PHOTO: AJC FILE)
East Point
“The East Point Industrial District on the National Register is a perfect example of the coolness factor as it ties to the area’s heritage,” the aerotropolis blueprint says. (PHOTO: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC FILE)
Historic Hapeville
Hapeville’s historic downtown along the railroad tracks has a historic Depot Museum and some interesting shops like Chapman Drugs' soda fountain, a beer growler shop and a wine bar. (PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER OQUENDO / SPECIAL TO AJC)
Movie studios
The aerotropolis is home to EUE/Screen Gems, Pinewood Atlanta Studios and Tyler Perry Studios (at Fort McPherson, above), making it a movie-making mecca. (PHOTO: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC FILE)
Velodrome
“The Velodrome of East Point is a perfect example of a unique destination that draws a specialized crowd and can be utilized to promote the area,” the aerotropolis blueprint says. (PHOTO: EPVA / SPECIAL TO AJC)
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