I’m PMg with the OP and providing step by step directions that avoid 75 and downtown.
My mom, who grew up in Atlanta, is no longer comfortable driving the interstates in high traffic. She often drives a longer route to be more comfortable with the drive. I-75 south of Atlanta can be a nightmare near the outlet mall (McDonough) and the I-675 merge (Stockbridge). And at all times of day! It’s ridiculous.
So I’m suggesting a route that only adds 15-20 minutes of time but will come in on I-20, which stands a better chance of avoiding traffic. That’s the route my parents take a lot of time, even though coming up 75 would be more direct.
ETA: I’m not discouraging other suggestions. I just wanted to confirm someone from Atlanta is communicating with the OP.
In fairness, yes traffic in Atlanta can be crazy (2 major highways connect in the middle of downtown) . Yes a cow was on the side of a highway for an hour a year ago. Made the news. Tractors lose their loads, unfortunately, not infrequently on many highways. 285 around the city is where all the tractor trailers have to go. They aren’t allowed inside the perimeter unless making local deliveries. The bigger challenge currently is all the construction. Exit ramps change daily (literally).
As someone who is not from Atlanta but has driven in the city twice in the past year I much preferred the side roads to the freeways, so might be a matter of personal preference and the OP already said she doesn’t like big 6 lane freeways.
