Summer in Metro Atlanta – 50 Things To Do

With Summer upon us and the kids out of school, the AJC has published their annual 50 Things To Do This Summer, in categories including history, good eats, outdoors, festivals, kid friendly, arts and music and Atlanta originals. In this post, we’re going to focus on a few specific ideas available throughout the summer while covering special day or weekend events in other posts.{[}]{[}]Let’s start with one of the more obvious attractions in Metro Atlanta enjoyed by the young and young at heart alike, the renowned Georgia Aquarium. The GA Aquarium has six permanent galleries plus constantly changing exhibits, a spectacular Dolphin Show, an animated 3D theater and behind the scenes tours. While the options can seem overwhelming, the plan your visit page on the Georgia Aquarium site can help you make plans while also helping you find lodging and other things to do downtown if you’re visiting from another state.{[}]{[}]Nearby is the world headquarters of the “mother” of cable news, CNN, which was the first 24 hour news network founded by television visionary Ted Turner. CNN offers tours Monday – Saturday at 9:30am, 11:10am, 1:10pm and 3:10pm. The tours are intimate with a maximum of 12 allowed (so reservations are strongly suggested) and will take you thru the HLN control room plus HD Studio 7, where most of CNN’s daytime programming is originated.{[}]{[}]Or tour the Fabulous Fox Theatre, home to over 300 performances a year, ranging from Broadway to concerts to comedy to movies. I’ve had many enjoyable trips to the Fox for the above events and also to wedding receptions and holiday parties, so I love the Fox. But I didn’t know about the tours, held Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 10am with a second Saturday tour at 11am. Tickets can be purchased with cash only and are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.{[}]{[}]Just a short drive away, check out the DeKalb Farmers Market, a true “world market” that welcomes over 100,000 visitors weekly. While the heart of the market is fresh produce, the DFM now offers seafood, meat, cheese and dairy, bakery, International foods, flowers and an on-site restaurant. The market is open daily and I can guarantee if you live in the area, your first visit will not be your last!{[}]{[}]Lastly, a little north of Atlanta, visit Kennesaw Mountain, where some of the heaviest battles for control of Atlanta took place. The National Park boasts almost 3000 acres of spectacular scenery and profound history which you can learn about on 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails. You can take a guided cell phone tour, explore on your own on trails or at the Visitor’s Center, or enjoy a leisurely picnic. Kids can attend camp or become a Junior Ranger and the young at heart can join the “Fleet Feet” hiking program for physically active and mature adults, with “short” two mile and “long” six mile hike options.{[}]{[}]So take advantage of all the wonderful things to do around Metro Atlanta this summer and year-around!{[}]{[}]