Category: Recreation

You don’t have to go out with a bunch of people to have a good time in Georgia’s largest city. You can do it all solo.

Because Atlanta is the South’s play pen, there are still plenty “adult” things to do in Atlanta.

After you’ve shown the kids a good time, it’s your turn. We’re going to show you some of the best things for grownups to do in Atlanta.

Cool Things To Do In Atlanta For Adults

You won’t have to be in shape, or worry about not having your running shoes. Ready to get started?

Dining in the Dark

Enjoy mouthwatering dishes — the taste, texture and aroma — while blindfolded, transforming each bite into an extraordinary adventure. Enter a realm of sensory delight where an intimate setting invites you to break away from routine and relearn how to use your taste buds. Get your tickets.

Historic Food Market Tour

It’s an Atlanta culinary adventure like no other. Explore four iconic food stalls in Atlanta’s historic market over the course of two delicious hours. Then, unleash your inner chef with a fun, hands-on biscuit-making class. Get tickets.

Catch A Comedy Club

Atlanta has plenty of comedy clubs where you can give your funny bone a good workout. Check out our best comedy clubs to find one you like.

Go Out To Eat

If you like to try new restaurants, you’ll love this city. The Atlanta dining scene has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. There’s no shortage of places to grab a bite now, ranging all types of cuisines and tastes.

Here Are Some More Atlanta Restaurants To Try

• Best Jerk Chicken Restaurants
• Best Pescatarian Restaurants
• Best Gluten-free Restaurants
• Best Hot Chicken Restaurants

Make It A Museum Night

Atlanta’s museums are not like some of the storied ones on the East Coast, but don’t sleep on them. Fernbank’s After Dark series is a must for grown folks.

Some other Atlanta museums you’ll enjoy are:

• High Museum Of Art
• Apex Museum
• Atlanta Botanical Garden

Are museums a vibe? If so, check these Atlanta landmarks out.

City Winery

650 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 946-3791

If you want to check out some live entertainment, one of the best places in Atlanta is City Winery.

This Midtown Atlanta venue has relaxing atmosphere and tasty food. Come on a weekday and you might be surprised who you see in the crowd. See more live venues in Atlanta.

Go To The Club

Magic City’s legendary Monday nights is known to attract some of the city’s most high-profile athletes, including many members of the Atlanta Falcons. You could also see your favorite rapper in the place.

See more of Atlanta’s top strip clubs in the city and what customers have to say about them.

Atlanta is known for its “grown and sexy” crowd, and at night is when they come out and play.

Out in the Atlanta nightlife with a group of people? Why not make it a couple’s night?

Atlanta is a nature lover’s dream when you think about its ample canopy, mountainous areas and fair share of lush greenery all around.

No matter if you’re looking for Atlanta running trails or a nice place to barbecue with family and friends, these nature reserves around Atlanta are beautiful to visit.

Right at your doorstep, you may find the perfect nature escape. Here are a few suggestions:

Piedmont Park

Address: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Description: Located in the heart of Atlanta, Piedmont Park offers a serene escape with its vast green spaces, walking trails, and beautiful lake. It’s a popular spot for picnics, jogging, bird watching, and various outdoor activities.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beautiful 30-acre botanical garden located close to Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta. It features a Children’s Garden, various plant collections, and exhibits. The garden also hosts special events and art exhibitions.

Fernbank Forest

Address: 767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 Located behind the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Fernbank Forest offers outdoor nature adventures. Visitors can explore the trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The forest is part of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, adding to the overall educational and immersive experience.

 Chattahoochee Nature Center

9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA 30075

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a private, non-profit environmental education facility located in Roswell, Georgia. Situated along the Chattahoochee River, it offers a diverse range of ecosystems for visitors to explore. With woodland trails, gardens, and educational exhibits, visitors can learn about local wildlife, engage in bird watching, or even embark on a canoe trip along the river. The nature centerplaces a strong emphasis on educational outreach, utilizing live flora and fauna to enhance the learning experience for its visitors.

Stone Mountain Park

Spread across over 3,200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, seasonal family-friendly attractions, and a range of on-site lodging options, ensuring a seamless experience of staying where you play!
The park boasts a colossal granite mountain, enveloping it with hiking trails, a scenic railroad, a sky ride, and an enchanting laser light show during evenings. This awe-inspiring park is built around the world’s largest piece of exposed granite, adding to its unique and captivating allure.

Big Trees Forest Preserve

7645 Roswell Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Big Trees Forest Preserve is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape within the city. It features hiking trails through a lush forest with impressive old-growth trees, providing a peaceful and tranquil environment.
This 30-acre nature preserve has a network of signed trails in a scenic streamside setting, offering a refreshing change of scenery. Additionally, this 31-acre park serves as a plant and wildlife sanctuary and features nature trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

 Peachtree Creek Greenway

Multiple access points along the trail. The Peachtree Creek Greenway is a developing trail system that follows the path of Peachtree Creek. It provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, and biking, with future plans for additional green spaces and amenities.

Atlanta Beltline

The Atlanta BeltLine is a transformative project that repurposes abandoned railway corridors into a 22-mile loop of multi-use trails, connecting 1,300 acres of public parks and linking neighborhoods together. It provides an ideal setting for activities such as jogging, biking, and inline skating. The 2.25-mile Eastside Trail is a favorite section, offering picturesque skyline views, captivating public art installations, and convenient access to parks and attractions.

Arabia Mountain

Address: 3787 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038 Located within the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Arabia Mountain offers unique rock formations, stunning wildflower fields, and serene lakes. Visitors can hike, bike, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings and diverse wildlife. It is conveniently situated just east of Atlanta along I-20. With its dominating granite outcrops, Arabia Mountain presents a wealth of natural wonders, a rich history, and exhilarating recreational opportunities.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122

Address: 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 Situated on the outskirts of Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park is known for its picturesque landscapes and the historic ruins of a textile mill. The park offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. It is located just miles from downtown Atlanta and is named after Sweetwater Creek, which runs through it.

Final Word

These natural retreats offer a range of experiences for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking to enjoy the beauty of Atlanta’s surroundings.

Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.

Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

• All The Fun Things To Do In North Georgia
• Feeling adventurous? Here Are Some Outdoorsy Things To Do In ATL

There’s a reason why Atlanta’s highways are congested around the clock: A lot of people are passing through. That makes when your guests come in from out of town, they’re looking for something to do in Atlanta.

Here are some of the best spots to take out-of-town guests (so that they say good things about Atlanta).

Where Can I Take Friends and Family in Atlanta?

Atlanta is full of unique and exciting spots to take your guests, whether they’re visiting for the first time or are familiar with the city. 

Perhaps they don’t want to be all touristy, and see all the monuments and what not, where can you take them? Well, there are actually several spots that out-of-towners seem to love.

Here are the best Atlanta attractions to see:

Painted Pickle

279 Ottley Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (404) 253-1115

Have a (pickle) ball by going to the Painted Pickle, a bar/restaurant with indoor pickleball courts. Wanna dance? They’ve also got live music.

Atlanta Ferris Wheel

In downtown Atlanta, there’s a ferris wheel that lights up the sky at night. Skyview has been up and running for a few years now and it’s a wonderful spot to go with a friend or significant other.

While you’re downtown Atlanta, check out these places to eat.

Starlite Drive-in Movie Theater

The Starlite drive-in movie theater on Moreland Avenue on the east side continues to be one of the best Atlanta attractions for many visitors and transplants that have made the city their home.

Of course, Atlanta’s best-kept secrets and obscure attractions can’t all be solitary places — we’ve gotta eat. So let’s talk about some “why don’t more people know about these”-type restaurants.

Check out the best movie theaters in Atlanta.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

While this is not technically a soul food joint, you couldn’t tell that to James Brown, who used to frequent the place upon his stops to Atlanta (his picture among other celebs, hangs on the wall). With one of the most expansive menus in the city, Mary Mac’s is soul food translated through a wholly Southern lens. People from Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and other parts of the South can find what they need right here on Ponce. Faves include the  cookie-colored fried green tomatoes and Chicken Fried Chicken with white pepper gravy.

Check out Atlanta’s best Southern restaurants.

World of Coca-Cola

You’ve never seen Coke like this. Taste more than 100 international and domestic Coca-Cola beverages as you explore Atlanta’s World of Coca-Cola with captivating movies and photo ops with the iconic Coca-Cola Polar Bear. Get tickets.

The Beautiful Restaurant

2260 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311

Legendary in the West End, the Beautiful restaurant is known for its faithful breakfast and no-frills Southern food. If you need a dependable spot to eat, it’s The Beautiful. Faves include the fried catfish and beef oxtails over rice.

Love collard greens and corn bread? Check out the best soul food spots in Atlanta.

Paschal’s

180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 30313

Intl Airport, Concourse B, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, N Terminal Rd Suite T120, Atlanta, GA 30320

Known as the kitchen of the civil rights movement, Paschals has had the most continuous success of any soul food joint in the city. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy and Hosea Williams all planned protests in the back room while collard greens and corn bread baked only feet away from them. Today, Paschal’s has morphed into a mid-upscale eatery with a cosmopolitan clientele. But it still has some of the meanest soul food in the ATL. Best dishes include Gulf shrimp, chicken and Andouille as well as the Caribbean Fish Tacos.

Check out our guide on the best soul food spots in Atlanta.

Oakland Cemetery

Perhaps the most entertaining cemetery in the nation, Oakland Cemetery is more than a memorial place, it’s a who’s who of Atlanta and Georgia’s dearly departed. It’s also one of the best Atlanta attractions. Who knew that being in a graveyard could be so fun and exciting? The 1850s-era site has voice-recorded tours of Atlanta’s most notable people as well as Confederate veterans and famous African-Americans.  248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.

Piedmont Park

The city’s preeminent park, Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta is the perfect place to job, walk or just chill on the green grass. The park is one of the main Atlanta attractions because it has a pristine pond, a huge running track, sprawling jogging paths, basketball courts, dog parks and more.  400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

If you or a family member is a science geek, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Druid Hills has it all: dinosaurs, skeletal models and a comprehensive exhibit spread our over a three-story, sky-lit great hall. Talk about fun things to do: Every third Friday, there’s a dance party you don’t want to miss. 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307.

Georgia Aquarium

Come to downtown Atlanta to see more than 120,000 animals of the sea. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums, with tons of seasonal and permanent exhibits, interactive galleries & fun activities for kids and adults alike. 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Explore Atlanta at your own pace

Cool events are year-round in the city. Every Atlanta weekend has something cool to do. The city has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year.

Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

• Check Out These Hidden Gems In Atlanta
• Cool Places and Things for Couples To Do In Atlanta
• Awesome Atlanta Food Specials You Don’t Know About

All you need is a paddle, a ball and a desire to get active. The pickleball craze has hit Atlanta in a big way. If you’re wondering where you can play, keep reading.

Before you play, make sure you wear comfortable athletic clothing and court shoes with good grip. Pickleball shoes or tennis shoes are ideal, as they provide the support and traction needed for quick movements.

In Atlanta, there are several places where you can play pickleball. Here are some popular options:

Piedmont Park Tennis Center

400 Park Dr. NE Atlanta, GA 30306

Located in the heart of Atlanta, this park has several courts available for pickleball.

Chastain Park

290 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342

The Chastain Park tennis courts also are pickleball courts and is a popular spot for both beginners and experienced players.

Blackburn Park

Located in Brookhaven, just north of Atlanta, Blackburn Park has dedicated pickleball courts.

Windy Hill Athletic Club

135 Interstate N Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339

This facility offers pickleball among other sports and fitness activities.

Bobby Jones Golf Course

2205 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

This location has pickleball courts available for public use.

Perimeter YMCA

3692 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30319

They have indoor pickleball courts and offer lessons and clinics.

Atlanta Pickleball Center

1359 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30318

Located on the west side, the Atlanta Pickleball Center is dedicated facility for pickleball enthusiasts, offering multiple courts and events.

Final Word

To get started with pickleball, you’ll need a few basic items:

1. Pickleball Paddle: This is similar to a tennis racket but smaller and solid. Paddles come in various materials like wood, composite, or graphite.
2. Pickleball: The ball is a perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball. It comes in indoor and outdoor varieties, with different designs for each.
3. Court: Pickleball is played on a court that’s 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. It has a net in the middle, similar to a tennis net but lower.

These locations often offer drop-in play, leagues, and lessons, so you can find something that fits your skill level and schedule. Get out there and get your pickleball on!

What other activities might you enjoy around Atlanta? Take a ride to the metro mountains of Atlanta. Or you might want to get physical by playing basketball around the city. Here’s more awesome and adventurous things to do around Atlanta.

Daylight savings time can be great for those who want to take advantage of the sunlight for work or leisure purposes. It’s also mandated by many states across the country.

How did daylight savings time begin and more importantly, when is it happening this year? This article will answer everything you want to know about daylight savings time.

When Is Daylight Savings Time This Year?

Daylight savings time takes place on the first Sunday in November, which is Nov. 3, 2024 — so set your clocks accordingly. Earlier this year, daylight savings time began on March 10.

Please check local regulations as the dates may vary by region.

A History: How Daylight Savings Time Came To Be

The history of Daylight Saving Time (DST) dates back over a century, rooted in the idea of making better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. Here’s a brief overview:

Early Ideas and Proposals

• Benjamin Franklin (1784): Franklin is often credited with the idea, though his suggestion was made in a satirical essay. He suggested that Parisians could save money on candles by waking up earlier to take advantage of natural daylight.
• William Willett (1907): A British builder, Willett advocated for DST in his pamphlet The Waste of Daylight. He proposed setting clocks forward during the summer to enjoy longer daylight hours and conserve energy.

The First Implementation

• Germany (1916): The first official use of DST was in Germany during World War I. On April 30, 1916, the German Empire and Austria-Hungary set their clocks forward to save fuel for the war effort by reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• Britain and the U.S.: Following Germany’s lead, Britain introduced DST in May 1916. The United States followed in 1918, but the practice was unpopular and was abandoned after the war.

Further Developments

• World War II: DST made a comeback during World War II. The U.S. and Britain reintroduced it as part of their wartime efforts to save resources.
• Post-War Era: After WWII, DST was left to the discretion of local governments in the U.S., which led to confusion as different regions adopted different schedules.

Uniform Time Act (1966)

• In response to the confusion of varied time practices, the U.S. passed the Uniform Time Act in 1966. This established a standardized start and end date for DST across the country, though states could opt out.

Modern Changes

• Energy Policy Act (2005): In the U.S., the Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended DST. Since 2007, DST starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
• Global Usage: Many countries have adopted and abandoned DST at various times. While widely used in Europe and North America, several countries in Africa and Asia do not observe DST.

The main argument for DST has historically been energy conservation, but in recent decades, its effectiveness has been debated. Some argue it disrupts sleep and health patterns and causes confusion in modern, interconnected economies.

American history is very much a part of Atlanta’s developmental past. Inside the pages of a book, you can find out about Atlanta in more ways than you might imagine.

What books should you read to learn about Atlanta? Keep reading.

6 Atlanta Books That Should Be Required Reading

That’s why we have books. Inside their pages hold the vital information that tells us where we’ve come from and where we’re going. Thanks to books, we have documented proof of Atlanta’s history so that it’s never forgotten, or repeated.

Here are some books that Atlantans should read.

House Proud: A Social History of Atlanta Interiors, 1880-1919

From middle-class cottages to Gilded Age mansions, House Proud presents a view of Atlanta, reflected through the city’s most highly prized homes. Richly illustrated with archival photographs and annotated with historical commentary, House Proud traces Atlanta’s response to national trends in interiors and furnishings and identifies those architects and interior decorators who helped craft Atlanta’s image as a City of Beautiful Homes. The interiors presented tell the story of Atlanta and its people during the dynamic decades of 1880-1919, when the city emerged from reconstruction and entered a period of notable expansion and economic progress. Images and textural commentary illustrate how the homes came to embody the aspirations of both the New South and the New Rich. Seen as proof of Atlanta’s post-war progress and artistic sophistication, homes were fundamental to the city’s ongoing efforts to promote itself and reconcile its regional past with its hopes for the future.

Atlanta’s Historic Westview Cemetery (Landmarks)

In 1884, several leading citizens purchased 577 acres to open Atlanta’s Westview Cemetery. The rolling terrain, part of which was a site in the Civil War battle of Ezra Church, became the final resting place for more than 100,000 people. Prominent locals buried here include Grant Park namesake L.P. Grant, author Joel Chandler Harris, High Museum benefactor Harriet High, Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler Sr. and Havertys founder J.J. Haverty. The cemetery’s Westview Abbey mausoleum is one of the nation’s largest, with more than eleven thousand crypts. Throughout its history, Westview dabbled in other business ventures, including a cafeteria, a funeral home and an ambulance service. And for decades, the cemetery’s Westview Floral Company sold flowers to lot owners and local businesses, leading to its own advice column in the Atlanta Constitution. Author Jeff Clemmons traces the complete history of this treasured necropolis.

White Flight: Atlanta and the Making of Modern Conservatism

During the civil rights era, Atlanta thought of itself as “The City Too Busy to Hate,” a rare place in the South where the races lived and thrived together. Over the course of the 1960s and 1970s, however, so many whites fled the city for the suburbs that Atlanta earned a new nickname: “The City Too Busy Moving to Hate.”

Lost Atlanta

Lost Atlanta breathes life back into the city that time, progress and technology have swept aside.

Lost Atlanta journeys back in time to look at the city as it once was. Old theaters, hotels, ballparks, civic buildings and the early transport system of the city are recalled in this book written by a best-selling Atlanta historian and his colleagues at the Atlanta History Center. Listed in chronological order the losses stretch back to 1821 and the Creek Indians. Major events in Atlanta history are encompassed, such as the Civil War destruction of 1864, the Cotton States International Exposition of 1896, the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917 right though to 1996 and the dismantling of key venues after the 1996 Olympic Games.

Battles for Atlanta (Civil War)

Recounts the Union Army’s campaign to capture Atlanta, describes Confederate efforts to defend the city, and offers a profile of General Sherman.

All the Fighting They Want: The Atlanta Campaign …

John Bell Hood brought a hang-dog look and a hard-fighting spirit to the Army of Tennessee. Once one of the ablest division commanders in the Army of Northern Virginia, he found himself, by the spring of 1864, in the war’s Western Theater. Recently recovered from grievous wounds sustained at Chickamauga, he suddenly found himself thrust into command of the Confederacy’s ill-starred army even as Federals pounded on the door of the Deep South’s greatest untouched city, Atlanta.

Final Word

Books are losing their luster compared to reading online, but they’ll never go away. Support your local public library. There are some page-turners there for real!

Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

• These Atlanta social media influencers are killing it
• ATL entrepreneur has a ‘Juicee’ way to distribute beauty products
  
• Brown Toy Box: ATL marketer promotes representation

it may be a small thing to you, but taking your child to see your local firehouse can really make their day. In Atlanta, you’ve got many cool firehouses to choose from and all of them have a unique history that may be more interesting than you think.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best Atlanta firehouses for tours, which are among the top things to do with kids.

In Atlanta, Georgia, there are a few notable options for firehouse tours that offer a chance to learn more about firefighting and see fire stations up close:

1. Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Headquarters

• Location: 33 Goodwin Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Details: The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Headquarters often hosts tours and provides educational experiences about firefighting and emergency services.
• Booking: Contact the headquarters directly to inquire about tour availability and scheduling.
• Website: Atlanta Fire Rescue Department

2. Fire Station No. 19

• Location: 1742 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Details: One of the more prominent fire stations in Atlanta, Fire Station No. 19 sometimes offers tours and events. It’s worth checking with the station for visitor opportunities.
• Booking: Reach out to the station or the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for information on scheduling a tour.

3. The Fire Museum of Greater Atlanta

• Location: 418 Luckie Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Details: While not an actual firehouse, the Fire Museum offers an extensive collection of firefighting artifacts and historical exhibits. It provides a comprehensive look at the history of firefighting in Atlanta.
• Booking: Tours are available, and you can schedule them by contacting the museum directly.
• Website: Fire Museum of Greater Atlanta

4. Local Fire Stations

• Details: Many local fire stations in Atlanta may offer tours upon request or during community events. It’s a good idea to contact individual stations directly to see if they can accommodate a tour.
• Booking: Reach out to specific fire stations or visit their websites for contact information and tour availability.

5. Community Events and Open Houses

• Details: The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and local fire stations often participate in community events and open houses where tours and demonstrations are available.
• Booking: Keep an eye on local event listings and announcements from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for upcoming open house events.

Final Word

There you have it: Firehouse tours in the ATL. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contacting the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department directly or visiting their website is recommended. They can provide details on tour availability, scheduling, and any specific requirements or restrictions.

If nothing else, you can always take drive around 285 and look at the new buildings going up. Spend some time with your kids and take them out to eat free of charge.

Want more options? Check out the best things to do in fall in Georgia.