Summer Fun Guide Atlanta June 2019

T R AV E L E R S K N O W W H E R E â„¢

FAMILY

ATLANTA

FUN GUIDE 2019

SUMMER

COURTESY VISIT SANDY SPRINGS

GO EXPLORE!

PARKS GALORE

CELEBRATE SUMMERTIME IN THE CITY

Piedmont Park is your go-to spot for good times

State parks we adore

Sandy Springs: A 2019 Best American City

Stroll through the charming Old Fourth Ward

MARCUS INGRAM/GETTY IMAGES FOR CANDYTOPIA

Hey Sugar

A sphinx made from 7,800 pieces of candy sits surrounded by confectionery portraits of famous people. Welcome to Candytopia, an exhibition that transports you to a candy wonderland, with tastings to sate that sweet tooth. LENOX MARKETPLACE, BUCKHEAD, UNTIL JULY 28, WWW.CANDYTOPIA.COM

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Jewel of the South

With more than 200 acres of green space, a variety of pursuits await inside Midtown’s Piedmont Park; hundreds of events take place there every year, a farmers market showcases healthy foods and artisanal goods, pooches can run free at an off-the-leash dog park, there’s even a resort-style public pool.

No matter how you play, there’s a pursuit to be had. Jennifer McKee

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other Nature is the No. 1 attraction at Piedmont Park. From history tours to bird walks to the entrancing Lake Clara Meer, there are multiple attractions to view and ways to explore the park.

Ornithologists, rejoice! The Piedmont Park Conservancy partners with the Atlanta Audubon Society for monthly bird walks. Birding enthusiasts of all levels will enjoy up-close views of Piedmont Park’s varied habitats, and can

explore to see blackbirds, larks, grebes, herons, thrushes, vireos and warblers among the 178 species that have been spotted throughout the park during the past 30 years.

Piedmont Park bird walks usually start at 8 am the first Saturday of every month; call 678.973.2437 to confirm.

Learn about the park’s vibrant past and present on a Piedmont Park History Walking Tour, led by docent volunteers most Saturdays at 11 am through November

Where Now be made at the north and south ball field kiosks. For more information, call 404.875.7275, ext, 320.

Need to cool down? A visit to the park’s aquatic areas is in order.

The Aquatic Center & Pool boasts a renovated 1970s pool with four lap lanes, beach entry with current channel for floating, a landscaped deck and locker rooms with showers, all ADA accessible. Pool season lasts through Labor Day weekend; consult 404.875.7275, ext. 324, for hours and upcoming closures.

Those looking for a more casual cooling should stop and play in the Legacy Fountain Splash Pad. The fountain has more than 70 water jets that reach heights of up to 30 feet, timed to LED lighting—more than

Lake Greer was created in 1887 by diverting a spring near what is today the park’s visitor center.

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W HERETRAVELER ® ATLANTA S UMME R GUIDE

SUMMER 2019

PREVIOUS PAGE AND PHOTOS AT LEFT: ©GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; RIGHT: COURTESY PARK TAVERN

The map will also direct you to the best spots to take a selfie, a family portrait or get a stunning view of the Atanta skyline.

For more information on any of the above tours, contact tours@ piedmontpark.org.

Recreation goes hand in hand with a city park, and Piedmont Park offers myriad opportunities to get your blood pumping. Visit the Active Oval, a former race track, for a running track, two soccer fields, two softball fields and two sand volleyball courts. From June-August, the areas are open from 8 am-9 pm; areas can be reserved by obtaining a permit and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fridays are open-leisure play; reservations for two-hour increments can

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2019. Hear about the park’s evolution from forest to farm to fairgrounds for the Piedmont Exposition of 1887 and the Cotton States International Exposition of 1895, then see how it’s been transformed to its present glory.

Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis; groups of 15 or more should contact 404.875.7275, ext. 242, for accommodations.

Of course, if you want to strike out on your own, the conservancy offers a map for self-guided tours; visit www.piedmontpark.org to download a PDF. One of the recommended sites is Lake Clara Meer, which was created in 1887 by diverting a spring near what is today the park’s visitor center; in 1895, it was enlarged to its present size of 11.5 acres.

run free. Not suprisingly, the off-leash area sees upward of 700,000 visitors a year. There are separate enclosures for dogs over and under 30 pounds, water spigots and dog popsicles on the weekend. For the canines’ human companions, there are shaded areas, benches and restrooms. For more information, including how to honor your favorite pup, call 404.692.6135.

Diversify your events calendar with festivals, special events and concerts that take place in the park. June 15 sees the Chicken & Beer Festival; on June 30, celebrate LGBTQ rights at the Stonewell Anniversary March.

Every fourth Monday, there’s Free Yoga on the Promenade; on June 20 and August 22, help to maintain the park’s beauty for future gener-

ations at Pull for Piedmont. And a regular at the park’s Oak Hill, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra plays concerts on June 12 and 19.

You’ll never miss an event when you receive the park’s newsletter; visit www.piedmontpark.org and sign up at the bottom of the page.

After an afternoon in the park, you’ll want to kick back and unwind. Willy’s Mexicana Grill (404.249.9054) serves up tacos and burritos at the 12th Street Gate; dine outdoors at Sean’s Heart of the Park (404.883.1142). For great views of downtown Atlanta, decadent burgers and a full sushi menu, the indoor/ outdoor Park Tavern (404.249.0001) is a must-visit. Enjoy the patio with a group of friends or man’s best friend.

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©GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1 million lighting configurations are possible. The splash pad is open from 8 am-8 pm daily.

No green space would be complete without a farmers market, and Piedmont Park doesn’t disappoint.

The Green Market could otherwise be called “Sustainable Saturday;” since it’s open Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm March to December. The market is a hot spot for healthy foods and artisanal goods such as produce, eggs, meat, jam, preserves, coffee, kombucha, wellness items and oh-somuch more. Enter through the gate at 12th Street and Piedmont Avenue.

Named as one of the area’s top dog parks by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Piedmont Park Dog Park offers three acres in which pooches can

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MLK’S BIRTH HOME

Where Now

Waltz Through Old Fourth Ward

Enjoy creative cuisine and unique shopping experiences, then dive into history or try something new.

Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward has it all.

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OPPOSITE: COURTESY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK; AT RIGHT: ©GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Madison Sullivan Bookended by bustling markets, Old Fourth Ward hosts an array of dining options. In Ponce City Market, W.H. Stiles Fish Camp serves fresh seafood, while Hop’s Chicken whips up delectable Southern fare. Down the road, Krog Street Market offers Bar Mercado, and its Spanish tapas, to hungry visitors.

In addition to delightful dishes, Old Fourth Ward’s markets offer charming shops. At Candlefish, shoppers can sniff out their favorite fragrance or make their

JIMMY CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

own candle. The Merchant ATL sells vibrant stationery, while Krog Street Pet Works gives you every opportunity to spoil your four-legged friend.

There’s plenty to see in Old Fourth Ward and much of it can be accessed from the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. Art lovers will

be thrilled with its sculptures.

History buffs will appreciate the focus on Civil Rights, both on the trail and at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, which includes MLK’s Birth Home. Another history-themed must-see: the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

The

Tudor Repertory June 1 - 16, 2019

As You Like It June 20 - July 14, 2019

ShakespeareTavern.com 9

FOOD THAT ROCKS FESTIVAL

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Sandy Springs in the Sun A short drive from downtown Atlanta, family-friendly Sandy Springs boasts more than 950 acres of parks and natural areas, including the popular Chattahoochee River. Explore to see what other treats this charming and innovative city has to offer.

Jennifer McKee Natural wonders abound in Sandy Springs. Spend a day on (or in) the river with the family at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, where relaxing pursuits are the name of the game. Take the pooches to the Morgan Falls River Park, where you’ll find a fenced dog park, boat ramp and fishing pier.

SANDY SPRINGS’ KING AND QUEEN BUILDINGS

Cultural pursuits in Sandy Springs can be had for every member of the family. Anne Frank in the World is a free, self-guided exhibit that uses more than 500 photographs to tell Frank’s story. The high-tech Performing Arts Center is the perfect place to take in a musical.

Niche.com called Sandy Springs a 2019 best American city to live in. Foodies will delight in its festivals and new restaurants. Fans of Oaxacan cuisine—and carnivores—will love Casi Cielo. Those looking for a plant-based approach find nirvana at Flower Child.

EXHIBIT ON VIEW JUNE 8 - AUGUST 18 This exhibition is organized and traveled by the National Geographic Society. Photo by Paulo Velozo © 2015 All Rights Reserved.

A WORLD OF WOW

FernbankMuseum.org

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PHOTOS ©VISIT SANDY SPRINGS

MONSTERS ARE REEL

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SPIRIT BEAR ON LOG

Where Now

“#1 Children’s Museum in the US!” – TravelingMom.com

WOLVES ON A CANADIAN SHORE

Fernbank Gets Into the Spirit

#SUMMER BUY ONLINE & SAVE! childrensmuseumatlanta.org Major support is provided by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.

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The beauty of Canada’s rugged west coast and its majestic animals are the focus of Fernbank Museum’s new 3D experience.

In “Great Bear Rainforest 3D,” Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds takes viewers through the secluded, unspoiled Canadian rainforest, where director Ian McAllister points his lens at the rainforest’s stunning diversity of wildlife: a land of grizzlies, coastal wolves, sea otters, humpback whales and the rarest bear on earth, the all-white Spirit Bear. He also tells the story of the indigenous First Nations people, who have acted as stewards of the land for 10,000 years.

“The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the last truly wild places left on earth,” said McAllister, “and has immense value both ecologically and culturally. Many people don’t know about this ancient forest, and we hope audiences will leave theaters inspired that an extraordinary world of such natural wonder and splendor still exists.”

The movie plays at Fernbank through Oct. 31.

Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, 404.929.6400, www.fernbankmuseum.org Jennifer McKee

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1. © NICOLAS GUARINO/SHUTTERSTOCK; 2. COURTESY ARABIA MOUNTAIN HERITAGE ALLIANCE; 3. ©GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; 4. ©SHAWN ZHANG/SHUTTERSTOCK

Northern Georgia Park Stunners

The Peach State’s northern region boasts dozens of parks. Perfect for summertime visits, these destinations beckon with alluring waterfalls and lakes, paved and natural hiking and biking trails, Zen retreats and homages to history. So slip on those athletic shoes and come exploring with us at these four great destinations that are all two hours or less from Atlanta. Whether you go for the serenity or recreational pursuits, it’s entirely up to you. JENNIFER MCKEE 2

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AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK

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PANOLA MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Cherokee for “tumbling waters,” Amicalola is nestled amid the mossy Chattahoochee National Forest. The state park delivers one of Georgia’s most popular and picturesque hikes. The waterfall—at 729 feet tall—is the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

A 100-acre granite outcrop with both paved and forested fitness trails, Panola Mountain is a haven for birders, archery enthusiasts, geocachers, hikers and cyclists. The National Natural Landmark was once home to early settlers, freed slaves and immigrant rock cutters.

418 AMICALOLA FALLS ROAD, DAWSONVILLE 800.573.9656, WWW.AMICALOLAFALLSLODGE.COM

2620 HIGHWAY 155 SW, STOCKBRIDGE 770.389.7801, WWW.GASTATEPARKS.ORG/PANOLAMOUNTAIN

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ARABIA MOUNTAIN NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

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STONE MOUNTAIN PARK

Find some Zen at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, located just outside of Atlanta in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area.

This serene retreat boasts a 2,000-acre preserve, a bonsai greenhouse and seven daily prayer services.

Natural and historic sights await at the 3,200-acre, family-favorite Stone Mountain Park. The landmark pays homage to Georgia’s quarrying industry and the Civil War, with the likenesses of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson carved into its side.

2625 HIGHWAY 212 SW, CONYERS 770.483.8705, WWW.TRAPPIST.NET

1000 ROBERT E. LEE BLVD., STONE MOUNTAIN 800.401.2407, WWW.STONEMOUNTAINPARK.COM

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Splish Splash With five water features, The Battery Atlanta—home of the Braves—is one flashy entertainment district that knows how to take the heat out of the day.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT