For more insider tips and tricks about Atlanta, take a look at 100 Best Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids Before They Grow Up.

Things Only Georgia Families Know

1. "Bless Your Heart"

We start the list with a time-honored, Southern tradition of insulting others with a smile and veiled compliment. Georgia families (and those throughout the South) know that hearing "bless your heart" is tantamount to giving the middle finger. But fair warning, there are a minority of Southern folk who truly mean this as a compliment so tread lightly and know your audience.

2. Everything Is Coke

Atlanta is the birthplace of Coca-Cola and that makes it a sacred drink in these parts. Craving a soda? That's a Coke. Want a frosty pop? Pour a Coke. Feel like having a Pepsi? Well bless your heart and enjoy this Coke.

RELATED: World of Coca-Cola: A Bubbly Review of Atlanta's Beverage Museum

3. One Day, Four Seasons

Where but Georgia can you experience all four seasons in one day. There are times of the year that you get the joys (and bummers) of a warm morning, blistering afternoon, zippy fall, and freezing overnight temps. There's a reason we have "fake fall," "second summer," and "third winter."

4. Every Cloud Has a Green Lining

There is pollen and then there is Georgia pollen. The green haze of pollen really hits April - September, where cars (and anything left outside) resemble Chia Pets. Pollen, known as "Georgia snow," can take down humans, dogs, and pretty much any living creature. We recommend a steady supply of Zyrtec and tissues in your car at all times. 

5. Snowmageddon

Speaking of "Georgia snow," we actually get a wintry mix of snow and ice sometimes, which inevitably leads to a societal collapse. Whether you call(ed) it Snowmageddon, Icemageddon, or something in between, this light dusting of ice brings Georgia families to their knees. Roads close, schools shut down, and neighbors hunt for diapers on skis. 

6. Spaghetti Junction

Though it might sound like a tasty Italian meal to outsiders, Spaghetti Junction refers to the twisted, criss-crossed jumble of roads where I-85 and I-285 intersect. During rush hour, avoid at all costs.

7. Atlanta Traffic Woes

We can't talk about Spaghetti Junction without addressing the larger issue at hand: the nightmare that is Atlanta traffic. As more and more people move to our lovely state, settling in far surburbs of the metro region, traffic continues to worsen. Never leave your house at rush hour without a game/movie/device/book for the kiddos so they can stay entertained (and you can quietly whisper road-rage expletives).

The Varsity is an Atlanta institution, serving quick and delish burgers, dogs, and shakes. Photo by author

8. "What'll Ya Have?!"

Any good Georgia family has visited Atlanta landmark restaurant, The Varsity, at least once. This fast-food burger and hot dog joint welcomes every guest with a loud and friendly "What'll ya have?!" My kids recommend the frosted orange shake.

RELATED: Guide of Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Atlanta

9. You Know the O.T.P., Yeah You Know Me!

Those within the Atlanta city limits love to identify suburban-dwelling families as O.T.P. (outside the perimeter). This invisible border refers to the I-285 loop that encircles metro Atlanta, and thus separates the OTP families from the ITP ones (inside).

10. Peachtree Mania

If you've ever been driving through Atlanta and thought to yourself, "Geez, haven't I already passed Peachtree Street?!," the answer is yes. And also no. According to data, there are more than 70 streets with some version of the name "Peachtree." Think of it as Forrest Gump's Bubba being obsessed with Peachtree, instead of shrimp.  

11. Delta or Death

Delta Airlines maintains its headquarters in Atlanta and therefore stands as airline No. 1 in these parts. Visiting Atlanta or just flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, the busiest airport in the world? You'll notice that the airport is split into two sides: South, home to Delta Airlines; and North, home to everyone else. 'Nuff said.