In Atlanta, Art Moves Outdoors!
Because of Atlanta’s mild climate, there’s something creative and fun to do outdoors almost year-round. If you’re going to be making a trip to the area, plan ahead to be here for one of our festivals, concerts, or other nature-friendly opportunities.
Atlanta becomes an animated wonderland every spring. At least it seems that way when the world around you bursts into blooms of varying color—some mornings, it’s like you’re walking through a landscape cartoon painted for the senses. White and pink and purple and every pastel shade in between, mixed with the greens of new leaves and sprouting grass. It stops you and treats you with the worldview I imagine artists see in their minds all year long, even when the rest of the world is still locked in winter. It’s quite simply amazing. All the seasons are spectacular here, as a matter of fact. Don’t miss your chance to grab some southern splendor the next time you’re in the area.
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, held in midtown’s Piedmont Park, ushers spring in right. Wrapped around what is typically the second weekend in April, it’s an event like no other. Local artists and those who travel from all over the Southeast will wow you in the Artist Market. There’s a Kids Village, special attractions and scheduled events, so plan your weekend accordingly. And the food!!! You’ll want to come with an empty stomach and prepare to splurge. For more information on the festival and Dogwood's concert schedule, visit http://www.dogwood.org/.
Also, starting in April every year and running through summer, outdoor concert opportunities abound at the Chastain Park Amphitheater. The best entertainers in the country—from orchestras to Billy Joel to Justine Timberlake to Rod Stewart—flock to Atlanta to play at this special venue. It’s smaller than your average concert (and advance ticket sales are competitive), so get your reservations early. But what could be better than booking seats at an outdoor table where you can either purchase gourmet food at the park or bring your catered dinner and a lovely bottle of vino? Then sit back and listen to the crickets chirp, feel the breeze wash over you as the sun goes down, and lose yourself in music! For more information on outdoor concerts, visit http://www.classicchastain.org/.
In the fall (September to be exact), there’s the Stone Mountain Yellow Daisy Festival. More great music and concerts are waiting to entertain; there are enough arts and crafts to tempt even the most discriminating travel budget; and the great outdoor Stone Mountain activities are right there for you to enjoy, including hikes, a water park, camping and gazing up at the historic memorial carved into the side of the mountain. This festival spotlights the work of some of the top artists in the country—this year, more than 500 artists and crafters from 38 states and two countries. Then at night, don’t miss our laser show! It’s a favorite outdoor Atlanta destination. For more information about the festival and all Stone Mountain attractions (including the water park, campgrounds and inn), visit http://www.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=14.
Atlanta’s gardens are national treasures—artistic masterpieces in living color. When you’re passing through town, don’t miss the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Located near Piedmont Park, it provides year-round beauty and a host of events and special classes for adults and kids. It’s also a favorite wedding destination. For more information, visit http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/home.do.
And if you’re up for a bit of a drive into the North Georgia mountains, there’s Callaway Gardens. Callaway is a destination resort offering 13,000 acres of gardens to explore, a spa, golf courses, tennis, fishing, bike trails, special seasonal activities and holiday extravaganzas. You have to come, just for the azaleas and the Butterfly Conservatory! For more information about booking a retreat vacation or taking a day trip the next time you’re in town, see http://www.callawaygardens.com/.
An outdoor visit to Atlanta wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Chatahoochee River National Park. For locals and visitors alike, this is a favorite outdoor destination for hiking, rafting, nature trails, fishing, picnics and even “tubing the Hooch!” There’s always something fun to do and see at the river. For more information about boating, hiking trail details, hours of operation and so forth, visit http://www.nps.gov/chat/.
The Chateau Elan Winery and Resort offers a spa and world-class hotel. Just 40 minutes from Atlanta, Chateau Elan is the ultimate in “French Provincial Southern Hospitality” and the place to go for some of the best sparkling wine you’ll ever taste. Their August Vineyard Fest, an annual harvest festival featuring live music and food as well as grape stomping and wine tasting, is a must. And for even the weariest traveler looking for a bit of indoor pampering after exploring the beauty of Atlanta’s many outdoor sights and sounds, the spa is a blissful experience—I can personally vouch for the therapeutic massage! For more information about vineyard hours of operation, booking a spa weekend, other services, conference/meeting facilities, and a wine list, visit http://www.chateauelanatlanta.com/.
So there you have it. Just a taste of the outdoor “art” Atlanta has to offer. The next time you’re in town for business, or plan to visit our world-renowned aquarium, Turner Field for a Braves game, or the World of Coca-Cola, put one of our outdoor activities on your calendar. You won’t be disappointed!
