Atlanta Vacation, what do I need to know??

[Micday]

We are going to Atlanta for our summer vacation, July 17 ish up to the 25th. It will be Myself, Hubby and our 11 old DD.

We know it's going to be HOT, prepared for that.

Where is a good place to stay, eat and things to do?

I have a list of things so far, what do you think?

Aquarium
Stone Mountain
World of Coke
Zoo
Fernbank Museum
Six Flags

I also picked up some Cert. on Resturant.com

Any and all help is really appricatied (sp?)!!

We are driving too, saw that downtown hotels charge parking? What about taking MARTA around, is it like the METRO in D.C.?


Michelle

 

[Bearvet]

We've been to Atlanta twice for Tae Kwon Do tournaments, so that took up most of our time. But I can tell you some of the things we did.

We stayed at the Westin Peachtree which is beautiful. Even if you don't stay there, I recommend you go to the restaurant at the top for lunch or at least drinks (kids had non-alcoholic strawberry dacquiris for a treat) in the evening. The restaurant revolves and you get great views of the city. My kids loved it. BTW - 3 kids, all boys, ages 17, 13 and 11.

We spent a lot of time in the CNN food court - lots of great choices and did the CNN tour - well worth doing.

We did the aquarium and World of Coke (it was in its old location then). Both great.

We went to Stone Mountain on our first trip - it was very hot and crowded, but really neat. Stay for the laser show - being from New England it really gave us a peek into "Southern Pride" - quite an experience.

I've not heard good things about the Six Flags there, so we didn't go - dirty, overrun by rough teens, etc. Maybe look somewhere for current reviews.

My boys favorite restaurants were Hooters and Hard Rcok Cafe - both across the street from our hotel. Probably not what you're looking for....

I think MARTA is much more limited than the Metro. We took it to the airport which was fine, but I don't think it's a very extensive system. Hopefully someone who knows more will reply.

Oh, the first time we were there, the Boston Red Sox were playing there. Tickets were reasonably priced (compared to Boston!) so our group went. We had a great time and there were fireworks after the game (it was around July 4). That was a lot of fun.

We enjoyed our trips to Atlanta. Hope that helps a bit.

 

[Swimalie]

I highly recommend seeing the Stone Mountain laser show. It's incredible how realistic they can make lasers come to life. Bring a blanket and be prepared for crowds. If you go during the day, you can also hike to the top of the mountain or can take the gondola to the top. Very nice view.

One you are near Olympic Park, it will be easy to get from the Aquarium to World of Coke.

Marta is not a pay per stop type system. To me, it's a lot nicer than Metro. But it does has limited stops. You'll need a car for Stone Mountain.

My parents live in Atlanta so it's been a long time since I've been a tourist. Enjoy the trip!

 

[Belle1962]

Another good place for restaurant deals is halfoffdepot.com

Not sure where you live or what your "standards" are but I would skip Six Flags--nasty employees, dirty park and high crime area. It is the cheap parent's official babysitter--buy a season pass for $60.00 , then drop any kid old enough to enter by themselves off in the morning and then pick them up at night--those kids run rampant and unsupervised all day. Ditto for their sister park White Water--not as much crime but teens run the place in the summer.

Stone Mountain is a much nicer and cleaner park and can actually take up to two days to do it all.

I find MARTA very limiting trying to get outside the city and wouldn't ride the buses. Not overly fond of the subway but have ridden it to the airport when necessary.

If you want to venture outside the city check out the Tellus in Cartersville (about 30 minutes north); they have a Medevial Times near Buford--about 40 minutes away from the city; lots of plantation houses to tour if you google them; The waterpark at Lake Lanier Islands would be a full day trip but lots of fun; as would Helen, GA and renting tubes to float down the river and of course the Knagaroo place. The CDC on Clifton Road has a small museum (can do it in an about an hour) and the new exhibit is Disease Detective-visitors role-play various medical professionals and solve up to three infectious disease mysteries. Participants meet interactive patients, analyze lab tests. and learn about the transmission and prevention of infectious diseases. Will they discover why young Adam can't enjoy his birthday cake? Why Yolanda has become deathly ill while visiting her family? Or what is making Marcus so sick that he goes to the emergency room? Visitors can choose to solve the mysteries or interact with the exhibit components randomly.


http://www.helengeorgia.com/

http://www.lakelanierislands.com/waterpark.php

http://www.weinmanmuseum.org/

http://www.kangaroocenter.com/


HTH.

 

[taylor3297]

Definitly go to a Braves game. Turner field is fabulous! I will be going for my yearly Braves game July 21 and 22. I used to live in LaGrange Ga and it was a short hop to Atlanta. I do miss going to the games anytime I wanted.

 

[curseofcurves]

I've lived in the Atlanta suburbs all my life. I'm trying to switch gears into the tourist perspective.

My opinion on Six Flags: If someone in your family is a roller coaster junkie, it may be worth going. Our Six Flags has excellent roller coasters. If not, I would definitely pass. I have been about 5 times in the last few years, most recent was 2 Falls ago. The clientèle is quite rough, parking and food/drinks are grossly overpriced, and its generally dirty and run down. My overall impression of cleanliness was even before the park had been seriously flood damaged twice in as many years. Tickets, however, are cheap...$29 if you grab a coupon from McDonalds.

Marta: If you go to itsmarta.com they have pretty decent maps for the rail. I've rode the rail about 2 dozen times and its fine, if you're staying in town and doing things in town. Fares were around $1.75 per person each way last year when I rode. If you want to get out of the heart of the city, you have to ride the bus and I'm not sure I'd ride the bus.

You have a lengthier trip, so this might interest you. The "Starlight Drive In" shows movies. $7 for ages 10&up for a double feature. Snack bar is reasonably priced. Quite fun, authentic, and a good experience since most places don't have drive-in movie theaters anymore.

The aquarium is quite good. The World of Coke is brand new/completely redone in a new location. I haven't been to the new one, but it sounds like fun. You've probably already done this, but look into getting a City Pass and you can save a lot of money on your tickets/entrance fees. Also try atlantaonthecheap.com. The blogger updates with Atlanta deals every day.

You said you were prepared for the heat. Bless you. It's been 95-97 and "feels like" 102-104 according to the news this past week and its only mid June. I know I'll be hiding inside come mid July!

I just woke up so my brain's working a bit slow. If I think of more info while I'm out and about today, I'll add it. What restaurant.com gift certificates did you pick up? And, what type of food does your family like? If you think of more questions, let me know.

 

[Micday]

Wow, I knew asking you guys would be GREAT. You guys beat any guide book hands down.

Long and off my topic but had to share.

I have to tell you how great the Braves are. My FIL has cancer (prolong like treatments not a cure) and has always dreamed of going to a Braves game at Turner Field. He LOVES the Braves.

I told my DH, take your Dad to see them this summer. I start looking into it and can not find any tours or anything to make it even better. So I email the Braves CS and tell my families story. I keep the cancer very low key, not looking for anything just some info on any tours.

My DH gets a phone call from the head of their cs, Erin. I sent the email like my DH wrote it.

Right this very minute my DH and his two brothers are driving my FIL to the Braves game tonight!!

Erin had called my DH and asked about his dad, James explained what they would like to do. Erin then told James to pick a date and she would take care of it.

Erin has set it up so the four men will be getting the VIP tour of the Braves. They got tickets to tonight's game, parking, a tour of the whole place. They get to meet the players and watch them practice. All for Free!! Now how GREAT is that.

I've wish I could be there to see my FIL's face but my DH promised pictures. This is a great Father's day weekend for them and I know they will have a great time because of the Braves generous heart!!

Erin Rock!!!

 

[Micday]

Promised my DD we'd go to the movies so I can't go into as much detail until we get back.

Six Flags is now out of the picture, DD and DH are not coaster fans.

I love looking a plantation houses, DH and DD will look to make me happy.

I've got Half-off depot saved on my favoites, missed the half off zoo!

I want to use priceline for the hotel but need to know where the good loctations are. Everyone here in my part of NC says Atlanta is not safe. I know not to be clueless and I'm sure some parts are not tourist friendly, so where should we stay away from. We live in a small city and there are places here I would not go to either.

Thanks!

 

[taylor3297]

Promised my DD we'd go to the movies so I can't go into as much detail until we get back.

Six Flags is now out of the picture, DD and DH are not coaster fans.

I love looking a plantation houses, DH and DD will look to make me happy.

I've got Half-off depot saved on my favoites, missed the half off zoo!

I want to use priceline for the hotel but need to know where the good loctations are. Everyone here in my part of NC says Atlanta is not safe. I know not to be clueless and I'm sure some parts are not tourist friendly, so where should we stay away from. We live in a small city and there are places here I would not go to either.

Thanks!

Atlanta is like any other city, there are good areas and bad areas. If you stay near the CNN center, or somewhere like the Peachtree Westin you are fine. Now I wouldn't be staying at some cheap hotel in the Bankhead area.

I used to go to Atlanta all the time when I lived closer and never had any problems. I felt safer in most parts of Atlanta at night than I do going to downtown Raleigh.

 

[Swimalie]

Wow, I knew asking you guys would be GREAT. You guys beat any guide book hands down.

Long and off my topic but had to share.

I have to tell you how great the Braves are. My FIL has cancer (prolong like treatments not a cure) and has always dreamed of going to a Braves game at Turner Field. He LOVES the Braves.

I told my DH, take your Dad to see them this summer. I start looking into it and can not find any tours or anything to make it even better. So I email the Braves CS and tell my families story. I keep the cancer very low key, not looking for anything just some info on any tours.

My DH gets a phone call from the head of their cs, Erin. I sent the email like my DH wrote it.

Right this very minute my DH and his two brothers are driving my FIL to the Braves game tonight!!

Erin had called my DH and asked about his dad, James explained what they would like to do. Erin then told James to pick a date and she would take care of it.

Erin has set it up so the four men will be getting the VIP tour of the Braves. They got tickets to tonight's game, parking, a tour of the whole place. They get to meet the players and watch them practice. All for Free!! Now how GREAT is that.

I've wish I could be there to see my FIL's face but my DH promised pictures. This is a great Father's day weekend for them and I know they will have a great time because of the Braves generous heart!!

Erin Rock!!!

That is an awesome story!! I love it. My dad has cancer and lives in Atlanta and is a Braves fan so that just made my dad to hear. My mom's best friends' son is the one who does the graphics for the big electronic board so if your father in law's name happens to get up there, I know who did it We took my mom as a surprise for her 60th birthday and he was the one who put her name on there for birthday celebrations.

I hope they have a great time. Sounds like they will. Turner Field is awesome.

 

[tessieg]

I'd consider staying in Stone Mtn Park for a night or two. There are two Marriott run hotels in the park and they offer a very affordable family package that includes lodging, all attractions passes for 4, and a very nice breakfast buffet. Usually about $250 I think--sometimes even cheaper. There is a lot to do in the park. You can look on the Stone Mtn website.

We did the aquarium and zoo on one visit to Atlanta and pricelined a 4 start hotel nearby. Loved the aquarium!

 

[Micday]

Back from the movies, Toy Story 3 was Awsome!


Here are the resturant's I picked from Resturant.com:

$10.00 Doc Green's Gourmet Salad & Grill
$10.00 Flying Biscuit Cafe
$25.00 Fox Sports Grill
$25.00 Jack's Pizza & Wings
$25.00 Rockfish Grille
$25.00 The Sycamore Grill


Plus I won a Dinner for two at Danta's Down the Hatch. That one had a lot of mixed reviews. Is it an Adult only or is it ok for an 11 year old?

Michelle

 

[Micday]

That is an awesome story!! I love it. My dad has cancer and lives in Atlanta and is a Braves fan so that just made my dad to hear. My mom's best friends' son is the one who does the graphics for the big electronic board so if your father in law's name happens to get up there, I know who did it We took my mom as a surprise for her 60th birthday and he was the one who put her name on there for birthday celebrations.

I hope they have a great time. Sounds like they will. Turner Field is awesome.

His name will be on the board so your friend is helping make this a day he will never forget! I thought about getting tickets to a game if they are playing during the time we are going.

 

[Micday]

Have you even been to the Natural Bridge in VA. I won tickets to that too. I've tried to find a hotel around there and they are always booked. The hotel at the Natural Bridge was sold out.

I keep getting off the subject of our Ga trip but you guys are so helpful.

If anyone needs info for the Charlotte/Greensboro NC area, hit me up.

Michelle

 

[Micday]

We've been to Atlanta twice for Tae Kwon Do tournaments, so that took up most of our time. But I can tell you some of the things we did.

We stayed at the Westin Peachtree which is beautiful. Even if you don't stay there, I recommend you go to the restaurant at the top for lunch or at least drinks (kids had non-alcoholic strawberry dacquiris for a treat) in the evening. The restaurant revolves and you get great views of the city. My kids loved it. BTW - 3 kids, all boys, ages 17, 13 and 11. Wow, that does sound neat, my DD would love that. How much is the parking, do ou remember. The lady at the MARTA recommened I park at one of their secure parking for $5 to $8 a day and take the MARTA within the city.

We spent a lot of time in the CNN food court - lots of great choices and did the CNN tour - well worth doing. Great just what I need to hear, putting that one our list of things to do and where to eat, thanks!
We did the aquarium and World of Coke (it was in its old location then). Both great.

We went to Stone Mountain on our first trip - it was very hot and crowded, but really neat. Stay for the laser show - being from New England it really gave us a peek into "Southern Pride" - quite an experience.

I've not heard good things about the Six Flags there, so we didn't go - dirty, overrun by rough teens, etc. Maybe look somewhere for current reviews.

My boys favorite restaurants were Hooters and Hard Rcok Cafe - both across the street from our hotel. Probably not what you're looking for.... James loves Hooters and Hard Rock has some great desserts.

I think MARTA is much more limited than the Metro. We took it to the airport which was fine, but I don't think it's a very extensive system. Hopefully someone who knows more will reply.

Oh, the first time we were there, the Boston Red Sox were playing there. Tickets were reasonably priced (compared to Boston!) so our group went. We had a great time and there were fireworks after the game (it was around July 4). That was a lot of fun.

We enjoyed our trips to Atlanta. Hope that helps a bit.

Thanks!!

 

[Micday]

I highly recommend seeing the Stone Mountain laser show. It's incredible how realistic they can make lasers come to life. Bring a blanket and be prepared for crowds. If you go during the day, you can also hike to the top of the mountain or can take the gondola to the top. Very nice view.

One you are near Olympic Park, it will be easy to get from the Aquarium to World of Coke.

Marta is not a pay per stop type system. To me, it's a lot nicer than Metro. But it does has limited stops. You'll need a car for Stone Mountain.

My parents live in Atlanta so it's been a long time since I've been a tourist. Enjoy the trip!

Loved the METRO so if the MARTA is better then that's great. I saw the laser show a long time ago, can't wait for my family to see it. Is the park crowed during the week or is it just going to be crowed period, summer time?

 

[Micday]

Another good place for restaurant deals is halfoffdepot.com Love halfoffdepot.com!


Not sure where you live or what your "standards" are but I would skip Six Flags--nasty employees, dirty park and high crime area. It is the cheap parent's official babysitter--buy a season pass for $60.00 , then drop any kid old enough to enter by themselves off in the morning and then pick them up at night--those kids run rampant and unsupervised all day. Ditto for their sister park White Water--not as much crime but teens run the place in the summer. Disney is my standard, it's ruined other parks for us. We just went to Bush Garden's in Va, it was super clean and very nice people. Sounds like we will be skipping Six Flags, not one of you guys said anything that sounds like a place for us.

Stone Mountain is a much nicer and cleaner park and can actually take up to two days to do it all. I was figuring on two days, maybe even staying there.

I find MARTA very limiting trying to get outside the city and wouldn't ride the buses. Not overly fond of the subway but have ridden it to the airport when necessary. Do not like bues either but loved the METRO in D.C. which I was told is like the MARTA. We will have our car so I guess we can do either.

If you want to venture outside the city check out the Tellus in Cartersville (about 30 minutes north); they have a Medevial Times near Buford--about 40 minutes away from the city; lots of plantation houses to tour if you google them; The waterpark at Lake Lanier Islands would be a full day trip but lots of fun; as would Helen, GA and renting tubes to float down the river and of course the Knagaroo place. The CDC on Clifton Road has a small museum (can do it in an about an hour) and the new exhibit is Disease Detective-visitors role-play various medical professionals and solve up to three infectious disease mysteries. Participants meet interactive patients, analyze lab tests. and learn about the transmission and prevention of infectious diseases. Will they discover why young Adam can't enjoy his birthday cake? Why Yolanda has become deathly ill while visiting her family? Or what is making Marcus so sick that he goes to the emergency room? Visitors can choose to solve the mysteries or interact with the exhibit components randomly.


http://www.helengeorgia.com/

http://www.lakelanierislands.com/waterpark.php

http://www.weinmanmuseum.org/

http://www.kangaroocenter.com/


HTH.

Wow, thank's for the site's to check out. I really like the lake lanier island. Will have to explore that futher.

 

[Micday]

Definitly go to a Braves game. Turner field is fabulous! I will be going for my yearly Braves game July 21 and 22. I used to live in LaGrange Ga and it was a short hop to Atlanta. I do miss going to the games anytime I wanted.

Hey, we might be at the same game! Small world.

 

[xanphylus]

Did you look into the Malibu half off depot thingy? It's pretty cool there too.... I may be partial- I live 5 minutes away... lol. It has mini golf, go carts, games and stuff. Kinda neat.

And I LOVE Dave and Busters- have you thought about going there? Dunno if you guys have one near you. They rock! My whole family loves it from DS1 all the way to nephews who are 18, to DH and DD9! Great value too if you go for lunch or an early dinner- They have a $15.99 deal with food and a $10 game card. And their food is yummy!

Marta- yuck. My kids wanna go on it- they think it looks cool, but I would rather just rent a car if I was visiting. Most places have free or cheap parking.

Six Flags- Once again, DD9 wants to go. I said no. She doesn't do big coasters and then whats the point?

Coca Cola Museum- YES! Super cool for kids!

Aquarium- DD is still whining to go back! It is great. Get the 4-d movie tix too!

Fernbank- got a annual pass baby! Its great!

Zoo- once again- got the annual pass! Kinda small, but cute. I am used to the Cincinnati Zoo, and this thing is nothing in comparison, but its great for the kids.

If you wanna go gold panning - hit Dahlonega! My DD loved it! Gem panning too. They even have a gold rush museum.

If you drive that far up- you might as well hit Helen (the little German town of GA) and maybe even go tubing down the river! I wanna do that myself this summer! Helen is a cute area. They have little shops and stuff. Def check out the old timey looking store that has yummy deserts and stuff. Its cute and we always get a kick out of it.

Medieval Times is really cool too! (PS- Dave and Busters is in the same shopping center! Along with the clearance Disney store and all kinds of other cool shops! Once again- 5 min from my house! Also a movie theater, food court, skate park and lots of other stuff)

Mall of Ga- biggest mall around the South. Kinda cool. They have an IMAX theater if you haven't been to one (so does Fernbank).

South Eastern Train Museum- really cool! My kids love this place. Its cheap too- like $8/person and add $2 each to ride the train! Its in Gwinnett- near all the other cool stuff I said was 5 min from me!

Wow! I live near some neat stuff..... now I just need to find more! Keep my kids amused.

Have fun on your trip! And def pack for our lovely heat and humidity!

 

[xanphylus]

Oh yeah! Def do Stone Mountain!!! Its pretty neat. And Lake Lanier Islands is pretty cool too.... haven't been there in years though. Maybe I should take the kids soon! Good idea!