As an Atlantan, you likely have your list of must-do's for out-of-town friends and family.
This week's Best of Atlanta poll found your favorite landmarks that help define our city's identity.
Coming in first place, Stone Mountain Park offers unique outdoor entertainment and activities throughout the year for the whole family. Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, you won't want to miss dozens of fun annual events such as Spring FUN Break, Summer at the Rock, Yellow Daisy Festival, Indian Festival and Pow-Wow, Stone Mountain Christmas and Snow Mountain.
Historic Oakland Cemetery steals our hearts and second place as Atlanta's hidden treasure and secret sanctuary. This garden cemetery, founded in 1850, is the final resting place of many of Atlanta's settlers, builders, and most noted citizens like Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell and Maynard Jackson. Bring a book or enjoy a picnic next time you visit.
Some of the best landmarks also double as great conversation pieces and even directional wayfinding. If you've ever been told to turn right past the The Big Chicken, then you know what we're talking about. This KFC restaurant in Marietta boasts a 56-foot animatronic chicken that was first constructed in 1963. Third place was never so memorable.
A landmark is defined as a significant building or place that is easy to see and recognize, usually of historical importance. Atlanta has these important markers in abundance, including our famous runner-ups: Homage to King, Georgia State Capitol, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta and Cherokee Memorial.
While we recognize the landmarks that we know and love, we also tip our hats to these things that you won't find in Atlanta anymore.
If you want to connect with historic sites across the state, visit these five places that are sure to get you in touch with the state's history.
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