Vogue magazine has some really nice things to say about Atlanta right now. An article on its web site, "Is Atlanta Becoming the South's Cultural Capital" makes the usual outsidery observation about how most people's experiences with our fair city involve changing planes at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.
“But the city has so much more to offer,” it goes on to say. “Recently, it’s become a place to stop, explore, and be charmed.”
We might quibble with the “recently” part (heck, ever since the first carpetbagger set up shop here seconds after the last shot was fired in the Civil War, people have been “stopping” in and “exploring” Atlanta); but we’re totally down with the charming part.
And with this, also from the article:
“And please note: Atlanta’s famed hospitality is real, and so is the politeness.”
So it is with all due politeness that we suggest that Vogue, a New York-based fashion bible, may not have gotten it exactly right in enumerating what makes us such a cultural hotspot and trendsetter. Oh, they weren't wrong in singling out such only-in-Atlanta places as the see-and-be-seen Beltline and the great-food-for-an-even-better-cause Staplehouse restaurant. And, of course, Ponce City Market, where you can valet park your bicycle on the way to go play miniature golf on the roof.
But, but … No mention of Baconfest?! Or of Andre 3000 and Big Boi, Ludacris, Killer Mike, or any of the dozens of other talented and larger-than-life personalities that make this the center of the rap and hip hop universe?
What about the King Center, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, CNN and Cartoon Network? Jimmy Carter and DragonCon?
And the whale sharks! Do they know how many terrifyingly ginormous whale sharks we have swimming around downtown?!
Meanwhile, you can't spell "culture" without a "C." As in College Football (the fabulous new College Football Hall of Fame is here, too, thank you very much)Which, when accompanied by a proper boozin' 'n barbecuin' tailgate of hourslong duration, pretty much is the quintessential cultural experience of the South.
So come visit, Vogue, and we’ll summon up some of that famed Atlanta hospitality to show you what’s. Until then, allow us to say a sincere thanks for the great article the best way we know how down here:
Bless your hearts.
Related: Walking the entire Beltline
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