Metro Atlanta is the 8th largest U.S. city with more than 5 million people across its area. This capitol city itself, though, has a population of 420,003, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Founded in 1837, Atlanta is a major international transportation hub, especially in and out of Hartsfield Airport. The botanical garden, opera, ballet, CNN, the museums, and history attract tourists and business people alike. Six Flags amusement park, Stone Mountain Park and Underground Atlanta are major landmarks.
Home of the Braves --- as in baseball --- Atlanta also hosts the Falcons football team and Hawks basketball. One of the most famous athletes was Hank Aaron, who broke Babe Ruth's record in 1974. Atlanta was also home to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Golfer Bobby Jones, journalist and author Margaret Mitchell ("Gone With the Wind"), playwright Alfred Uhry ("Driving Miss Daisy") and media mogul Ted Turner all contributed to important historic elements in Atlanta.
Far from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, the little town of Helen was made into a Bavarian style village in the 1960s. At the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest and in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this quaint community has a population of only 500 people, per the 2011 census. Tourism keeps the city alive, whether from people who are passing through on their way to nearby Cherokee, N.C., and the Smoky Mountains, or from those who just want a quiet escape from the city.
Nature vies with Helen's Bavarian appeal, and the most visited natural site is Anna Ruby Falls, a double waterfall combined from the waters at the junction of Curtis and York creeks. The drop is 153 feet on the Curtis side and 50 on the York. The surrounding scenery and wildlife have no local competition. Other popular reasons for visiting Helen are the annual Oktoberfest and the annual hot-air balloon gathering.
