ATLANTA GETAWAY

     Are you looking for a place to go before school starts or planning for a fall getaway that's warmer than the Midwest? I recommend Atlanta Georgia because this city has a lot of things to offer. It's warm, beautiful and there's plenty of activities for the kids. Atlanta is 12 hours drive from Chicago. Here are things to do in this city:

1.  Centennial Olympic Park

         This is a nice place located in the heart of Atlanta.  There are water fountains, ferris wheel and a park with grassy area and benches where you can either play or just relax while you eat ice cream or snacks. This place is also walking distance to Atlanta Aquarium and Coca-Cola World.

2. Piedmont Park

         This is a 189 acre of park northeast of downtown and entrance is free. There's plenty of things to do here such as fishing, walking, running, skating or playing basketball and tennis. There are bikes for rent and you can also plan on having a picnic in many of the shaded areas. Piedmont park has an aquatic area where adults and kids can swim. Admission is $4/adult and $2/ kids 6-16 y/o and $1/kids 5 yrs and younger.

 

3. Stone Mountain Theme Park

           This theme park is located at 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Parking is $15/day. You may get a package depending on what activities you want. I recommend the Adventure Pass which includes the following attractions:  Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, 4-D Theater, Skyhike, Camp Highland Outpost, Geyser Towers, The Great Barn, Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard and Discovering Stone Mountain Museum. This package is $25/adult and $20/child. It's usually cheaper to buy your tickets online than at the gate. Plan a full day if you decide to get this option. Visit stonemountainpark.com for other packages, events and park hours.

          Stone Mountain Lasershow at night is a "MUST SEE". It is free with paid parking so if you don't want to do any of the above attractions, you can just come at night and watch the show. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs if you want to stay in the lawn. There's also a package which includes a seat in the terrace, popcorn and drinks.

Can you see me on top of the mountain?

View from top of Stone Mountain

Terrace seat

4. Six Flags Over Georgia

         Whether you have the Season Pass or not, this Six Flags is a place where your kids will definitely enjoy. There are parking options next to the theme park that only costs $5-10 all day as compared to $25. Georgia has a lot of longer roller coasters and the height restrictions for most of them are lesser, which means my 8 and 10 year old daughters were able to try them. Luckily I love thrill rides too so all of us had a blast! When visiting during the summer time, it is too hot in the park during the day especially when you have to fall in line for a long time so make sure to wear proper clothing and drink plenty of water. FYI, the Dining Pass in your Chicago home park does not apply to other Six Flags.

Georgia Scorcher

Ninja

Joker

FYI

5. Flip Burger

          If you're like me who like celebrity chefs, try Top Chef Richard Blais' burger place. There are few locations in the Atlanta area, visit flipburgerboutique.com to check for menu, hours and a place near you. It's really hard to decide what to order but we tried Trio (sampler of 3 miniature burgers) and chorizo burger. They were the best and we will definitely come back here again!

Top Chef Richard Blais

    Whether you're in Atlanta for a day or more, hope my blog helped you plan your awesome and affordable vacation. 

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