Stone mountain Georgia, Huntsville?

[sln88]

Thinking about going to the Stone Mt park in Ga over Easter, maybe stop in Huntsville for the space center.

Anybody been? opinions? tips?

 

[Robinrs]

There are several hotels in the Stone Mountain park area. Make sure you ask for a hotel in or near the park, not just in the city.

The park is alot of fun, my son's camp goes every week during the summer. He loves it. Try to see the light show, it's awesome.

 

[sln88]

Is Atlanta a far drive from there? I was thinking about trying Priceline or Hotwire, but I amnot sure of the area.

How old is your son? I have a 7 and 9 year old. Is this mostly a 'look around' type of park? Are there shows or rides? I have looked at the website, but I am not sure what is all there.

Do you think some of the park will be closed in April? Any tips on a good place to get tickets?

 

[Megan's Mom]

As someone from Huntsville I have to put my two cents worth in for the space center. There is a Mariott right on the grounds and several others close by. Huntsville is a great town and there are other things to do in the area as well. It is very easy to get around town as well. About 45 min away is Catherdral Caverns. It has newly reopened after the state bought it and renivated the park. I worked there in high school and it is one of the best caves in the country. Any more questions you may pm me.

 

[Robinrs]

Stone Mountain is an "outskirt" of Atlanta, I used to live there. It's about a 20 minute ride to Atlanta from Stone Mountain.

My son was 8 and 9 when he was in that summer camp. They had a beach with water slide, a pool, a riverboat ride, mountain climbing, a skylift all the things kids his age LOVE! I remember he couldn't wait to go there every week.

The laser show starts up again in March, so try to make it. I remember it gave me chills when I saw it the first year I got to Atlanta.

 

[Lisa P.]

Here's the website for Stone Mountain Park in GA so you can see what they offer and how much everything costs. It's a fun place! Enjoy!

 

[Lollipop Mom]

Hello! I grew up in Stone Mountain. Lived about 5 miles from the park for 20 years and now live about 40 minutes away.

If you are planning on spending time at Stone Mountain, you definitely don't want to be staying in Atlanta! It would be a good 30 minute drive and you definitely do NOT want to experience our traffic problems!

There are 2 hotels actually IN the park, the Stone Mountain Inn and Evergreen Resort and Conference Center. Both are very nice! I had my wedding reception at Evergreen so that one is special to us. It's got more of the resort-y feel to it. It's right on the lake, near the golf course, closer to the beach area. The Inn is right across the street from the carving area of the mountain. It's got more of the southern plantation, "old south" feel. It's right in the middle of everything. You could walk back to your room after the lazer show and fireworks. The also have a great campground if you have access to an RV or camper. If you are looking for options outside of the park, try looking for places on Hwy 78. Easy access to the park without a bunch of traffic. Lots of restaurants etc. There are PLENTY of chain hotels right there. Another area that advertises hotels for the Stone Mountain area is Memorial Drive. This is a rougher area, I'd recommend the 78 hotels over this area.

Be sure to check out the village outside the park; it would only take part of an afternoon but it's got quite a bit of it's own charm! If you have kids make sure they get some time in "The Barn." We still have anual passes to the park and my son BEGS to go to the barn! I'm not certain that the waterslides run anymore at the beach area. I know they had quite a few injuries and closed it down for a while. The slides are still there so they may still be open but in the last few years I don't think we've ever seen anyone actually on them. If you are early morning people. a walk (or ride!) up the mountain early where you can watch the sunrise is always beautiful. We usually go to Easter morning sunrise service at the top of the mountain. Sunsets are nice too but remember the path down doesn't have lighting the entire way!

If you have any questions about the park or areas around it, pm me. I'd be happy to answer them for you!

 

[cleo]

You absolutely MUST make the climb up Stone Mountain. Don't wimp out and take the lift........tough it out on foot. You will be well rewarded for your hike by the amazing view as you ascend. And don't forget to look for the Gum Rock. In fact, you may want to add your own little momento to it.

Stone Mountain park also has a lovely nature center, which makes for a very nice hour of strolling.

 

[Mom2aPrincess]

My family stayed at the Evergreen Resort in Stone Mountain in November. It is a lovely hotel and we plan to vist again during warm weather. We got a great rate ($52) through Priceline. Marriott wanted $149 for the same date. If you bid on Priceline for a 3* Stone Mountain you will likely get the Evergreen. Check out biddingfortravel.com and betterbidding.com for more info. These sites are very helpful.

 

[sln88]

for all of your replies. I am glad to hear this place is a winner- especially from DISers!

Thanks for the tip about Priceline- that really helps.

Anyone have any inside lines on park pass discounts? I just buy one pass that covers the whole day, and one day is enough, right?

 

[sln88]

Can I see my HERO Clark Howard while I am there?

We only get him for an hour on the radio here in Milw- I bet he is on much longer down there!

 

[zaxmom]

I don't know what you would have to do to see Clark Howard. He is on our news, though. Having grown up here, it is hard for me to believe people would want to make a trip here to see Stone Mountain! It is pretty impressive when you think about it. The park has come a long way in the past few years, though. The barn is pretty cool and there is also a 4-d theatre there, I can't remember what the show was about. There is also a train and peddle boats, petting zoo, antique car museum. I would try to stay at one of the hotels in the park. The laser show is a must see, and there is a good bit of traffic when leaving it. It would not be a bad drive to go downtown if you avoid rush hour, which is pretty much from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm around here, LOL. You could check out the Coca-Cola museum, I don't know if Underground Atlanta is a good place to go anymore, or not. Have fun, there are a lot of people on here from the area, so ask away.

 

[sln88]

1- how much time do I need in Stone Mt- the park and other?
2- same for Huntsville
3- weather mid- April? Do I need a place with an indoor pool?

Thanks!

 

[Lollipop Mom]

how much time do I need in Stone Mt- the park and other?

It really depends on how much stuff you want to do at the park. I'd say anywhere from 1 to 3 days. Take a look at the web site and see how many things you want to do. For Stone Mountain Village outside the park, just an hour or two to walk around.

As for weather in April...anything goes and it can change dramatically from one day to the next. Anywhere from low 50s to high 70s/low 80s that time of year. It may be a little cool for swimming, especially in the evening, unless the pool is heated.

 

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by sln88
Can I see my HERO Clark Howard while I am there?

We only get him for an hour on the radio here in Milw- I bet he is on much longer down there!

ALOT longer, I believe his stint is about 4 hours now.

I worked with Clark for 5 years. A nicer guy you'll never meet. He helped me buy two of my cars! He is the CHEAPEST guy you'll ever meet and VERY generous with his advice.

He works at WSB on Peachtree Rd. I'm sure if you showed up he'd be glad to meet you.

Robinrs

 

[sln88]

You worked with HIM!!??
Wow, I am a Clark groupie


He came to Milw once for a book signing and I was sooo excited!

I love cheap guys and he is so nice to people on the radio. Too bad he is married. Oh, well, a girl can dream

What kind of work did you do with him?

 

[stevenpensacola]

You'll have a great time at Stone Mountain. Be sure to get the "wristband" which gives you access to all the attractions in the park. This includes the waterslides, mini-golf, car museum, antebellum plantation, and on and on.

We stayed in the campground. There's a lot to do, just take your time and enjoy your stay.

Be sure to pack a dinner and a frisbee or ball/glove and picnic on the "lawn" in front of the carving before the laser show. If you like to watch people, get there early and watch as the lawn slowly fills with people. It's really a great atmosphere.

Also recommend the Rocket Center is Huntsville.

Have a great time.

 

[zaxmom]

I would look for an indoor pool if you can. I can't imagine swimming in April here! But, I am a wimp. I think maybe one of the hotels on their property has an indoor pool. But, I am not sure. You will want a mamimum of 2 days, depending on how much of it you will want to do.

 

[seastar]

The Evergreen Resort has an indoor pool.

 

[sln88]

anyone know of any discounts for tickets?

I am thinking about getting the AP for Dollywood, which would give me 1/2 on a one day admission to Stone Mountain. The AP for DW is less than the price for 2 days there.

Do you guys get coupons for discounts locally? Will one day in the park be enough?