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But all of this talk of there being more to do in Philly? It's just nonsense. There is PLENTY to do in Atlanta for a visiting family all year long. Of the 35 million people that visit Atlanta each year (vs the 30 million that visit Philly), do people really think they just mill around doing nothing in their hotel rooms?
The average temperature in Atlanta that time of year is about the same as Philly. In ATL, the average is 60 for the high, 41 for the low and it's usually colder than that. In Philly, the average is 56 for the high and 36 for the low, so not that different. I don't know why people think Atlanta has tropical weather year round. It isn't in Florida. LOL
That might be true...but usually there is always a chillier chill here. But there is just a energy here during that time and during the season that I can't explain. I don't know whenever I think about moving somewhere I get so freaked out like when it comes to thanksgiving and Christmas I'm like I don't want to go anywhere were it is warm during those holidays or know snow. Not saying it snows every on Christmas or anything...but its just that feeling in me growing up that's what we knew living here. Turkey Day, and Christmas it's cold as hell and decorations is the NORM .
If you like walkable cities, then I recommend paying Philadelphia a visit. Parts of it can be pretty vibrant outside and really nice streets. However, that can be a little different come winter, but if you're okay with that, do it. Atlanta will be warmer of course. If you went to Philadelphia you'd probably spend most of your time in Center City, which is pretty nice and as far as downtowns go, among the top 7 in the country for sure.
Also, accounting for Philadelphia's suburban areas, I can guarantee you that there is a considerable tree canopy in the Philly area.
I'm not claiming that Fall isn't enjoyable in Atlanta, but there is a certain energy in Philly--especially with the college population returning to school, tons of little neighborhood festivals, and the scene of foliage juxtaposed with historic neighborhoods--that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
That video concentrated on Rittenhouse Sq. And for odd reasons spent too much footage on back alleys. It never showed anything in Fairmount Park, Boat House Row for instance. It didn't bother with showing any tree canopy in University, Chestnut Hill, East Falls, Mt Airy, etc.
If I didn't live in Philly, I wouldn't be impressed with what it shows and our Fall season.
The World of Coke isn't a big draw on its own, LOL.
Most of Atlanta's leisure visitors are people who live within relatively easy driving distance who are taking extended weekend excursions, attending a sporting event or concert, or seeing friends and family. The convention/trade show industry definitely makes up a large part of the tourism numbers there and many of those folks also visit the attractions and such while in town. Atlanta is a very different sort of tourist town than Philly but it exploits its niche exceptionally well.
Each city offers a different sort of experience overall but I'm not too familiar with what's going on Thanksgiving weekend in either, and that could make a difference for the OP besides the normal stuff to see and do.
The northern States always peak several weeks before the southern Piedmont states. Always.
I'm not discounting that either. However, the OP stated they wanted to visit the respective cities. Obviously, Atlanta proper has way more trees than Philly proper.
However, if we wanted to extend this to surrounding area around this topic, suburban ATL and North Georgia is even more impressive in the Fall foliage category:
Well now you are just changing up the criteria. All of the items you listed, Atlanta has the same (and probably more neighborhood festivals) things going as well.
Personally, I think the OP would happy visiting either city during Thanksgiving. Late Autumn in all the Eastern cities from the Piedmont north is quite enjoyable. When it really comes down to it, the only factor I see for the OP would be cost to travel. Philly would have the edge for someone coming from Boston given air fare would be cheaper, and they would have the option of driving.
But all of this talk of there being more to do in Philly? It's just nonsense. There is PLENTY to do in Atlanta for a visiting family all year long. Of the 35 million people that visit Atlanta each year (vs the 30 million that visit Philly), do people really think they just mill around doing nothing in their hotel rooms?
1) Your link is pretty outdated considering climate change. Maybe thats how it used to be but living in Upstate NY, its September 18th and its nowhere near peak season. The Adirondacks aren't even at 50%.
2) Atlanta has some of the best tree canopy and coverage, but do not underestimate Philadelphia. There are a million places in Philadelphia that you'd mistake for Atlanta for tree cover. You're just as at fault for not thinking there isn't ample tree cover in Philadephia as they are for Atlanta. I'd go as far to say that the Philadelphia metro area is even with the Atlanta metro for tree cover as well. Some of the best cities for urban living juxtaposed with lush green is the Northeast, hands down and that goes for Boston, NYC, Philly and DC. They're all among the best.
3) Theres plenty to do in Atlanta but id give Philly the edge because simply put theres just more there to do attraction-wise. You can also boast about shopping but its tough to beat King of Prussia Mall, the largest on the East Coast.
The World of Coke isn't a big draw on its own, LOL.
Most of Atlanta's leisure visitors are people who live within relatively easy driving distance who are taking extended weekend excursions, attending a sporting event or concert, or seeing friends and family. The convention/trade show industry definitely makes up a large part of the tourism numbers there and many of those folks also visit the attractions and such while in town. Atlanta is a very different sort of tourist town than Philly but it exploits its niche exceptionally well.
Each city offers a different sort of experience overall but I'm not too familiar with what's going on Thanksgiving weekend in either, and that could make a difference for the OP besides the normal stuff to see and do.
Atlanta does have a world class aquarium though, ranked #2 in the world by TripAdvisor and that's from ratings/reviews from users. A decent amount of people go to Atlanta just for it's aquarium alone.
Atlanta does have a world class aquarium though, ranked #2 in the world by TripAdvisor and that's from ratings/reviews from users. A decent amount of people go to Atlanta just for it's aquarium alone.
I don't doubt it, just as I know people visit Atlanta specifically for the MLK Historic Site. But overall, there's not one *big* attraction that draws folks to Atlanta in droves; it's a mix of things that aren't necessarily related to each other--unlike, say, Orlando with its theme parks or even Philadelphia with its historic sites.
Atlanta does have a world class aquarium though, ranked #2 in the world by TripAdvisor and that's from ratings/reviews from users. A decent amount of people go to Atlanta just for it's aquarium alone.
It's also surprising how many people mention wanting to see the World of Coke. I don't have much interest in it, but people visiting Atlanta seem to.
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