15 Crazy and Magical Things About Atlanta, Ga

ATL is not a real place: From strip club chicken wings to Water Boy scams and Lake Lanier, there’s absolutely no other place like it.

As Beyoncé continues her “Cowboy Carter” in Atlanta, it’s clear she has a thing for the southern city. Not only did she pull out her best outfits, a golden flying horse, and Rumi and Blue Ivy’s best “I’m so ATL” dance moves onstage, but the crowds on night one and two were giving Queen Bey life! And this just speaks to the unbelievable energy radiating throughout the entire city on any given day.

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Atlanta is a one-of-a-kind place, and if you’ve ever been, you know exactly how unreal the city can really be. It’s only place where folks go to the strip clubs not for the entertainment, but just for the chicken wings. And where Black cowboys roam the streets alongside tricked-out cars straight out of a time machine.

For outsiders looking in, the capital city of Georgia seems like a fever dream… and they’re probably right. If if you don’t believe us, just take a look.

ATL Water Boys Horror Stories

Anyone living in Atlanta can tell you about the infamous “Water Boys.” Teenagers in the area walk around selling waters, Gatorade and other cold beverages, especially on a hot summer day. On the surface, it seems like an honest hustle for teens trying to make some extra bread… but over the years they’ve built up a reputation for scamming folks, just like TikToker @c.moneyyyy_ who lost $200 on one bottle of Gatorade.

Worst Traffic EVER!!

2 Apr 1996: Rush hour traffic in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Stockman/ALLSPORT

Atlanta has been dealing with terrible traffic for decades, but as more people move down to the Peach State, car congestion has gotten so much worse. Reports ranked Atlanta as the eighth worst congested city in America, even though it ranks no. 36 in terms of population.

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson International isn’t called the busiest airport in the world for no reason. When flying out of Atlanta, prepare to arrive to Hartsfield-Jackson at least three hours early. And even then so, you’ll more than likely still be stuck in unbelievable lines with TSA officers that’ll have you feeling like you’re straight out of boot camp!

Best Wings Found at Strip Club

In a city as unreal as Atlanta, you can’t be surprised to know that many natives say the best chicken wings in city can be found at one of the city’s most prized possessions, Magic City strip club. Even NBA legend Lou Will says Magic City is on top as far as wings goes. And of course, he has his own wing flavor.

Unbelievable Night Life

During a night out in Atlanta, you might just run into folks walking around with snakes and lemurs as pets. And because southern hospitality is such a respected custom in Atlanta, all you have to is ask to hold one! Talk about a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Exercise Anytime

The most pressing question about this spectacle is how exactly is this treadmill plugged in??

‘Why Is Everybody a Nurse??’

ATLANTA – JANUARY 21: Singer Bobby Brown was transferred from Dekalb County jail to Grady Memorial Hospital, shown here January 21, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. Brown is serving an 8-day sentence for DUI after pleading guilty January 18 to charges from 1996. Brown is scheduled to be released January 22. (Photo by Frank Mullen / Getty Images)

Atlanta is home to several large hospitals, including Grady Memorial, Emory University Hospital and its many locations– Wellstar, Piedmont and more. But what many people, including TikToker @brandvn__, noticed is that “we have a surplus of nurses. Why is everybody a nurse?” He asked. To his point, Atlanta surprisingly ranks top 10 for cities with the most nurses. In 2022, there were 45,360 registered nurses employed in the city, Atlanta News First reported.

Car Shows for Days…

Not only is Atlanta home to many ballers, athletes and other flashy folk, but they also like to show it off in the form of their unbelievable cars. During a casual drive down any road in the city, you’re bound to spot several Hellcats, Camaros, Jeep trucks, custom Pontiacs and much more. And if you ever want to see it all in one place, don’t worry… There’s probably a car show going down somewhere close by. And be careful, because you might get challenged to a race!

The Black Cowboys of Atlanta

If cars aren’t your thing, then don’t worry. Atlanta also has a vibrant cowboy scene too! You can’t forget that Atlanta is still a southern city with deep ties to cowboy culture…way before Beyoncé and “Cowboy Carter.” On the outskirts of the city, you can spot Black cowboys minding their business and bringing the joy to their communities. Several groups in the area also organize for annual rodeos too!

Gunshots at Burger King

When @lifeofjai pulled up to a Burger King drive thru in Atlanta, she couldn’t help but notice the bullet holes in the middle of the menu board. When she asked “What happened to y’all’s screen?” The employee responded saying “Don’t do that… Mind your own business.” Now where else would that happen at???

Always Drama at Waffle House

ATLANTA, GA – MAY 30: Damage is seen to a Waffle House following an overnight demonstration over the Minneapolis death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 30, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)

And speaking of food spots, Georgia is home to more Waffle House restaurants than any other state– 446 to be exact. The diner is known for cheap eats and perhaps most infamously, all the fights that break out in and outside the establishments. Still, residents love going to the 24/7 diner at any given time… Just make sure you keep your eye on the front door.

Club at the Gas Station

In no other city could you pump your gas at the same spot you go to have a good time! This gas station doubles as a club, and honestly, it’s very on brand for a city like Atlanta.

Selling Hot Sauce on the Streets

This TikToker was casually walking down the street when he spoted an Atlanta native– you can tell by his accent— selling Black-owned hot sauce for $12 a bottle. Later, he spotted the other man, this time joined by a group of others, selling bottles. “We could be out here selling dope,” one of them yelled. And he might have a point!

The Mystery of Lake Lanier

ATLANTA, GA – JULY 22: Lake Lanier area seen on July 22, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. 11 year old Kile Glover was the son of Tameka Foster and her former partner Ryan Glover, and the stepson of musician Usher. Doctors removed Kile Glover from life support on Saturday, July 21st. He was injured on July 6th at Lake Lanier when his inner tube was hit by a jetski. (Photo by Moses Robinson/Getty Images)

Although the natural reservoir is just outside of Atlanta, it’s garnered quite to notorious reputation inside the city. Georgia natives know to stay away from Lake Lanier, which mysteriously has claimed countless lives. Just last week, a man was charged with throwing a deep freezer at an individual, causing him to fall to his death in the lake, according to WSB-TV. It’s estimated more than 700 people have dead in Lake Lanier.

Impeccable Marketing Skills

@tima2

YALLLL ATLANTA IS NOT A REAL PLACE

♬ original sound – TIMA

If there’s one thing folks in Atlanta know how to do it’s advertise! One well-known church in Atlanta took creative flyers to a new level after disguising an church service flyer as a Louis Vuitton wallet. This TikToker, @tima2, went to open what she thought was someone’s lost wallet. Inside, however, she found Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant of New Birth Church advertising an Easter celebration. “Imagine you thinking you about to steal somebody’s wallet and it’s a pamphlet for Easter service,” another user wrote.

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