Thoughts from my trip to ATL

**ARJJ** · 08-07-08, 02:21 AM

Just came back from a few days in downtown Atlanta with my wife and some friends. I just wanted to say that the APD guys and gals I saw and talked to were very professional and courteous. I had to ask for directions a few times and they were very helpful. It also seemed like they had a very visible presence on the streets--I saw quite a few walking the streets and posted at intersections. That presence made for a comforting feeling during our commutes around the mid/ downtown area.

I carried my Kel-Tec nearly everywhere with me, and only had a problem at one location--the World Of Coca-Cola. They not only have walk-through metal detectors, but also an employee with a detector wand. Had to go back to the car, discreetly, at that location. I didn't even bother to ask the APD officer present if HR 218 would make a difference, as I didn't want to alert him (or anyone else) that I had access to firearms.

One thing I noticed in Atlanta was that there were no bums or beggars like I saw New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville. Maybe it was because I was in the "business" district, but the lack of undesirables was refreshing.

The biggest hassle of ATL was the roads, more specifically the road construction. There was quite a snafu with all of it going on, and it seemed like we had to get on the interstate to go two blocks, just to exit off again. Maybe it's just my lack of knowledge of the area.

As a side note, I got to go through Colombus on the way back yesterday. Went to Ranger Joe's and the old US Cav, although I was pressed for time. Probably a good thing, as they are like an adult candy store to me!

**mack** · 08-07-08, 02:51 AM

I've never actually visited ATL but have driven through on 75 on my way from FL to KY a few times. Not being real good with directions I got very confused driving through there even with my GPS. I have heard that it is a beautiful city.

**ARJJ** · 08-07-08, 03:04 AM

Yeah, we had a GPS, but it only worked so-so. At one point it kept telling us to "turn left in 0.1 miles." We were on the interstate and there was only a 5' high concrete wall to the left!

As for being beautiful, the downtown area was pretty nice--if you like the concrete jungle. I didn't see much of the suburban area around metro Atlanta, but what I did see looked like a busier version of my hometown of Mobile, Alabama. I'd rank the appearance of Atlanta as similar to that of Birmingham, AL.

Some of the folks in the downtown area had that urbanite smugness about them, but for the most part people still had plenty of southern hospitality and kindness.

**Shoestring** · 08-07-08, 03:16 AM

The only time I have been in Hotlanta was on a layover for a trip out of the country. The layover was 3 hours so my cousin who lives in Hotlanta picked us up for lunch from the Airport, we went to some crab shack that was awesome. Everyone that I was in contact with there were great. No complaints here

**Jenna** · 08-07-08, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by ARJJ

Some of the folks in the downtown area had that urbanite smugness about them, but for the most part people still had plenty of southern hospitality and kindness.

Ever visit New York City?

**Norm357** · 08-07-08, 10:26 AM

Welcome to my town. I'm glad that you enjoyed your visit.

Just came back from a few days in downtown Atlanta with my wife and some friends. I just wanted to say that the APD guys and gals I saw and talked to were very professional and courteous. I had to ask for directions a few times and they were very helpful. It also seemed like they had a very visible presence on the streets--I saw quite a few walking the streets and posted at intersections. That presence made for a comforting feeling during our commutes around the mid/ downtown area.

One thing I noticed in Atlanta was that there were no bums or beggars like I saw New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville. Maybe it was because I was in the "business" district, but the lack of undesirables was refreshing.

This is because you were in the tourist areas. APD is under mandate to keep the bums out of the tourist areas.

I carried my Kel-Tec nearly everywhere with me, and only had a problem at one location--the World Of Coca-Cola. They not only have walk-through metal detectors, but also an employee with a detector wand. Had to go back to the car, discreetly, at that location. I didn't even bother to ask the APD officer present if HR 218 would make a difference, as I didn't want to alert him (or anyone else) that I had access to firearms.

You would not have had a problem. Despite what the tin foil freaks on the gun boards say, APD does not go around giving CCWrs a hard time. I have open carried in Mid Town and nothing was said.

The biggest hassle of ATL was the roads, more specifically the road construction. There was quite a snafu with all of it going on, and it seemed like we had to get on the interstate to go two blocks, just to exit off again. Maybe it's just my lack of knowledge of the area.

DOT has most of the on and off ramps Downtown closed while they repave the connector. If you aint from round here, you are in a heap of trouble trying to get around.

Come back and visit again. Let me know when you get here and I will show you my ATL. I love it here.

Norm

**Buttercup** · 08-07-08, 10:28 AM

Glad that you had a good trip! I'll be in Atlanta next week.

**Norm357** · 08-07-08, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Buttercup

Glad that you had a good trip! I'll be in Atlanta next week.

When and where are you staying? Are you going to have any free time?

**Buttercup** · 08-07-08, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Norm357

When and where are you staying? Are you going to have any free time?

I'm staying in Duluth. PM on its way.

**Norm357** · 08-07-08, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by Buttercup

I'm staying in Duluth. PM on its way.

Duluth aint Atlanta! That's where the yuppies live.

PM answered LOL

**Buttercup** · 08-07-08, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Norm357

Duluth aint Atlanta! That's where the yuppies live.

PM answered LOL

Haha! I'll be sleeping in Duluth but I think the bulk of my time will be spent in downtown Atlanta.

**Norm357** · 08-07-08, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Buttercup

Haha! I'll be sleeping in Duluth but I think the bulk of my time will be spent in downtown Atlanta.

Sweet! How do you feel about chili dogs and onion rings?

**ARJJ** · 08-07-08, 11:00 AM

Norm,

I'm glad to hear that Atlanta is keeping the bums off the street, even if I was in a "tourist" area. In Nashville and Memphis, we were constantly harassed by beggars. At one point, I thought if I didn't give something, I would be mugged. I had to use some not-so-friendly persuasion to get out of that situation, and it pissed me off--we were in the "tourist" areas in those citites, as well. Whatever APD is doing seems to be working!

**Norm357** · 08-07-08, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by ARJJ

Norm,

I'm glad to hear that Atlanta is keeping the bums off the street, even if I was in a "tourist" area. In Nashville and Memphis, we were constantly harassed by beggars. At one point, I thought if I didn't give something, I would be mugged. I had to use some not-so-friendly persuasion to get out of that situation, and it pissed me off--we were in the "tourist" areas in those citites, as well. Whatever APD is doing seems to be working!

LOL Tuesday night I stopped off at a Chevron station in south Atlanta, and before I made it to the door, I was offered nookie, dope, and a cell phone, all while people were asking me for a "dolla".

A few choice words tends to keep the bums in their place.

**Ducky** · 08-07-08, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Norm357

LOL Tuesday night I stopped off at a Chevron station in south Atlanta, and before I made it to the door, I was offered nookie, dope, and a cell phone, all while people were asking me for a "dolla".

A few choice words tends to keep the bums in their place.

I found out (quite unintentionally) that a sword strapped to the hip makes them back off pretty fast, too.