The spring weather is finally in the air and it is time for us to get ready to enjoy the nice weather and get out and do new things. Springtime in Atlanta is marvelous because there are so many things to do! Here are some of my top recommendations:
#1: Try some New Restaurants/Dessert Places
The spring time is a great opportunity for to do something you haven’t done before. Trying to pick out a restaurant to eat at is very difficult sometimes but this season I have some ideas for you!
Atlanta Dinning Passbook: I got this for Christmas and it is amazing. It is a book that has over 90 restaurants in it and every place you get a buy one, get one free entree. Some places even have brunch deals as well. The best part is that it only costs $37 on Groupon right now! That pays for it’s self after two meals for a date night. Make sure you go to the Atlanta Dinning Passbook website to redeem your Groupon.
Inman Park Restaurant Week (March 12th-18th): This area has some delicious places to eat but they can come at a hefty price tag. Thankfully this week some of your favorite places like Barcelona, Kevin Rathburn Steak and Parish have fixed menus at reasonable prices that you will love! Make sure you put in a reservation to get a table!
Peachtree Corners Restaurant Week (March 18th-24th): I actually was talking to my co-worker about my blog post coming out and she told me the area right next to my school was participating as well. Right near Norcross this restaurant week is one of the newest but the places they have offers for look amazing. Noble Fin and Ba Bellies are top of my list and they should be for yours too!
Yelp Restaurant Week(March 18th-March 24th): A lesser known restaurant week for the city but the best part about this option is that there are no “fixed-menus” but every participating restaurant has 30% of your meal! All you have to do is check in on the yelp app to get the code! Even use the feature to get your table early! Another great part is that the restaurants are all around the metro Atlanta area. Restaurants likes Alessio’s, The Melting Pot, and Grub Burger Bar.
Woodstock Restaurant Week(April 22nd-29th): This suburb about 35 minutes north of Atlanta (minus traffic) is very up and coming right now. Their downtown area is super cute and easily walkable. They haven’t announce whose a part of the restaurant list yet but it should be coming soon!
#2: Atlanta Festivals
You always want to spend time outside during the spring because the weather is just so darn beautiful. The best way to spend time outside is to go to these FREE festivals!
Atlanta Dogwood Festival(April 13th-15th): This festival is an Atlanta staple and has been around for over 80 years. Located at Piedmont Park, this festival includes great art, live music, and even a 5k that includes mimosas! But the best part is seeing the dog frisbee competition. Cute dogs and great entertainment for the whole family!
Alive in Roswell(April 19th): This event happens every 3rd Thursday of the month from April until October from 5-9pm. It happens on Canton Street in downtown Roswell, this event has live music , food trucks and even an entertainment area for kids to play. They even have great drink deals for happy hour prices.
Big Shanty Festival (Kennesaw)(April 21st-22nd): Another great festival in a suburb of Atlanta about 3o minutes north. It’s a great family friendly festival with lots of shopping, eating, playing for the kids and lots of live entertainment. They even have a huge parade on Saturday morning. Make sure you get there early for free parking and bring some walking shoes and you’ll be golden.
Laughing Skull Comedy Festival(April 26th-29th): One of the greatest festivals our city offers because you 100% get your money’s worth. Hosted by the Laughing Skull with artists all over the county with having 15 comedians per show. Tickets range for $15-$25 which is super reasonable and perfect for a date night out.
Inman Park Festival(April 28th-29th): Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful festival features so many great things. You can tour beautiful historical homes, local dance groups perform and great local restaurants from Inman Park and Krog Street Market.
Marietta Greek Festival(May 18th-20th): One of the best festivals right outside the city in my home town. This amazing festival highlights all the great things about the Greek culture, food, and religion. The best way to see it all is to go late afternoon to get a tour of the church, eat some delicious gyros and then enjoy the amazing dancing from all different age groups.
#3: Hit Up Groupon on Those Rainy Days
Because we all know that April showers bring May flowers, the weather might not always be what we want it to on these spring days. These are the days that are perfect to use Groupon to find an activity to do inside instead of just sitting at home all weekend!
Painting Class: There are so many BYOB painting classes out there but I think that getting a Groupon for it is the best deal because you only pay half the price but still get a super beautiful painting. Pick the one that is closest to your location.
Studio Movie Grill: Movies are not cheap these days, especially when great movies come out like Black Panther and sell out for weeks. But at this place, you can get a $5 movie ticket and buy yourself dinner as well. Perfect for a date night or a family night as well.
Escape Room: These activities I had seen all over social media in the last few years but when I looked up the price of them I was completely turned off. But I recently got a Groupon for one in another city and loved it. It’s perfect for a double date night or a family activity. The best part is if you are struggling they will help you out!
Comedy Show: Another great way to get out of the house but still have a great night is through a comedy show. There is the festival happening in April as I mentioned earlier, but just seeing one show at a discounted price is awesome as well. This deal is only $15 for two tickets and it’s right up 85 on Jimmy Carter. I recommend going on a Saturday night so you don’t have to fight with the traffic on Fridays.
Glassblowing Class: Something that is a little bit different for a typic date night that is also super affordable! For only $39 you can create your very own glass blown ornament. Located right outside Decatur would be perfect to grab dinner there then head over!
#4: Try new Atlanta Trails
East Palasides Trail: A great trail located just outside the city and very mild for those beginner hikers and has beautiful views. Make sure you do the big loop and check out the Whitewater Creek where there is an awesome dog park.
Jones Bridge Park Trail: Located right outside of Norcross, this hidden treasure is perfect for an easy weekend hike. Sadly the famous bridge it is know for collapsed earlier this year, but the history behind it is still there and will be forever. Make sure you do the whole trail and you’ll get to see a beautiful lake behind it as well!
Arabia Mountain: Located about 45 minutes outside the city, this National Heritage area is something you don’t want to miss this season. The trail is super short with beautiful granite all around, similar to Stone Mountain but not as large. Perfect for a sunrise or a sunset hike!
Sope Creek Trail: One of my favorite trails to go to in high school, this super easy hike backs up to a beautiful creek and ruins of an old paper mills. There are lots of different trails that range from 1-3 miles so you can choose your needs. Beautiful place for pictures with the family or friends.
#5: Go to an Atlanta Sporting Event
Atlanta has so many professional sporting teams and normally they aren’t very good which makes ticket prices super cheap. The spring time is perfect because a lot of the sports are going on at the same time! These are some of my tips to get cheap tickets:
Atlanta United: This is Atlanta newest professional teams and watching them live is so much fun. The best part is the matches are at Mercedez Benz {the new amazing stadium} and they last 2 hours total which is awesome. Unfortunately ticket prices have gone up this year compared to last year, but grab a friend and a $25 standing room ticket then creep on Ticketmaster to see what seats haven’t sold and sit there!
Atlanta Braves: Our home baseball team got a new place to live last year and I still have a love/hate with the thought. I love the atmosphere of the new stadium and all the dining options around it, but the parking/non public transportation to the stadium still frustrates me. Never buy a ticket online over ticket master, games normally don’t sell out so always walk up to the window and buy them there because they are always $10 less! For the parking situation, the best option is to park nearby and walk, the best bet is Cumberland Mall.
#6: Participate in a New Work Out Class
Spring time is a great way to remember those new years resolutions you might have strayed from in February but want to implement to get ready for Spring Break or summer. These are all the free workout classes that are offered in Atlanta.
Yoga at Old Fourth Ward: Located right off the Beltline, this awesome tradition is super fun with some girlfriends. Make sure you get there early to get a spot! Every Sunday at 7pm From April- September.
Westside Yoga Park Tavern: Another option for yoga lovers right next to Piedmont Park and the Beltline, this option is a little bit more intimate. Sponsored by a local company and even if it’s raining it’s still on. Only offered Every 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. April 9th and May 14th are your first few dates.
Orange Theory (First Class Free): This is the new type of workout that all of my friends are talking about. It is an hour long class with an awesome coach that implements interval training to promote high heart rates and be in the “orange” zone. The best part is if you don’t love it, it’s okay because your first workout is free. Grab a friend whose done it before and go to their tons of Atlanta locations.
Pure Barre: Another great workout for those who used to love dance growing up. These classes really work your legs, booty and core and might seem easy at first but you totally feel the burn at the end. The best part is you can try your first week free with as many classes as you like!
CorePower Yoga: Another great local class option. This place I’ve heard great things about especially with all the different types of yoga classes they offer. {Who know there was more than one?} You can also get your first week free with them as well!
#7: Drive through Historical Atlanta Neighborhoods
Springtime is full of beautiful flowers blooming and weather that can sometimes be a little chilly out to enjoy, but a great option is to go look at some of the beautiful houses that Atlanta locals own. These are the best streets I recommend taking a drive down.
#1: West Paces Ferry Road in Atlanta, GA
#2: Columns Drive in Marietta, GA
#3: Riverside Drive in Sandy Springs, GA
#4: Northside Drive NW in Atlanta, GA
#5: Cherokee Street in Marietta, GA
