caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025 
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Feb 3, 2025 5:11:49 GMT
Looking for Pea recommendations for GA/ATL/surrounding area during spring break/Easter time.
Details:
Who: 2 families- 4 healthy active adults in their mid 40s, 4 teens 13-17, small possibility of 2 active grandparents, they will most likely be with family while we do touristy stuff
Where: We definitely want to visit Atlanta but my family lives in Alpharetta. Not sure if we should find a VRBO in Alpharetta or somewhere in between. The eight of us would like to stay together. We are coming from So Cal. We haven't been to the South in decades. We will have rental cars and will be willing to drive a distance if it's worth it.
Why: as I mentioned, we'll be visiting family but that will mostly be on the weekend. During the week will be on our own during touristy stuff.
We'd like to do a city things like museums, concerts, shows, restaurants, etc. As well as more outdoorsy things like hikes, rafting, go-karts, National parks etc.
Thanks so much! SIL are going to start planning this week.
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Post by christine58 on Feb 3, 2025 11:43:39 GMT
Stone Mountain
Zoo
Shopping at the Underground
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,992
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Feb 3, 2025 13:17:03 GMT
I highly recommend the Georgia Aquarium.
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MorningPerson
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,579
Location: Central Pennsylvania
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Post by MorningPerson on Feb 3, 2025 13:50:01 GMT
We love visiting Atlanta. Some of our favorite places -
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
High Museum of Art
Georgia Aquarium
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,948
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Feb 3, 2025 13:59:37 GMT
We love visiting Atlanta. Some of our favorite places - Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park High Museum of Art Georgia Aquarium Three of my favorites. I’d add: * The Atlanta Botanical Gardens — gorgeous place. * Walk the Beltline. It’s a great biking/walking trail. We usually go from Ponce City Market to Piedmont Park. There are restaurants and shops along the way. * Catch a show at the Fox Theater — it’s a Moorish design that’s so cool. * Piedmont Park has everything. Great walking, sports, concerts, a big pond… right in Midtown. |
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Feb 3, 2025 14:47:32 GMT
For the Aquarium and World of Coke, which are both fun for families of all ages, you can buy tickets ahead (or if you get there, and there is a huge line, buy tickets on the app to skip a lot of the line). You can do both on the same day if you want. While you are in the area of the Aquarium and Coke Museum, eat at the original Varsity - its fun to visit and retains the charm from its heyday. The food is mostly OK, but with the teenagers, hamburgers and hotdogs may be a hit.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Feb 3, 2025 14:53:21 GMT
Thanks all! Keep them coming!
Any recommendation on were we should stay. Will it be fine to be in Alpharetta or should we look closer to the city?
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Post by christine58 on Feb 3, 2025 15:46:14 GMT
Oh, I forgot about the world of Coke. That was a cool spot too. We were there many years ago when the Buffalo Bills were in the Super Bowl. But I had gone there a few years earlier with two of my cousins. I forgot we did the aquarium that was really cool.
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Post by gigito7 on Feb 3, 2025 15:51:23 GMT
I’ve lived in Alpharetta for 40 years until recently. There are air bnb and vrbo’s available, many with walking distance to downtown Alpharetta. There are so many things to do around Atl and you’ve gotten some great ideas. Traffic is a nightmare so take into consideration what time of day you will be traveling to different places. Have fun, it’s a great place to visit but…….traffic.
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Post by cmpeter on Feb 3, 2025 17:06:07 GMT
In Atlanta, some of my favorite restaurants and activities not already mentioned.
Poor Calvin’s - Asian/southern food
Agave - fantastic Mexican
Barcelona - great tapas and paella
Painted Duck - fun duck pin bowling and good food
Puttshack - really cool indoor mini- golf and good food
Your 3rd Space - lots of games and fun vibe with food
Top Golf - I don’t golf, but thought this was so much fun. Also has decent food
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Post by littlemama on Feb 3, 2025 17:09:11 GMT
When my ds went for a weekend, they did the World of Coke and the Centennial Olympic Park- they did the latter to find the brick that DH and I have there- first time anyone we know has laid eyes on it- but ds said it was very interesting as well.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Feb 3, 2025 17:33:00 GMT
I’ve lived in Alpharetta for 40 years until recently. There are air bnb and vrbo’s available, many with walking distance to downtown Alpharetta. There are so many things to do around Atl and you’ve gotten some great ideas. Traffic is a nightmare so take into consideration what time of day you will be traveling to different places. Have fun, it’s a great place to visit but…….traffic. Do you think we are good just getting a VRBO in Alpharetta or should we get something closer to ATL? |
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craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,950
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Post by craftymom101 on Feb 3, 2025 19:36:12 GMT
The Georgia Aquarium and Natural History Museum are both fantastic.
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sweetpeasmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,832
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Post by sweetpeasmom on Feb 3, 2025 20:34:06 GMT
How long will you be here for? You said Easter time, which this year is 4/20/25. So end part of April. Will you come the weekend prior or come that weekend into the next week?
I think the Alpharetta area would be a good area to land. You'll be close to your local family and still close enough to the Atlanta area. Avalon is over that way and is a fun shopping and eating area.
If you have time and want to venture out some, the north Georgia mountains are a fun and will be pretty.
Mary Macs Tea Room is a popular place that's supposed to be a fun experience. I agree with trying to catch something at The Fox Theater. Such a fun place. World of Coke and the aquarium are also good suggestions. Centennial park is fun.
Truist Park is a fun place to visit. The Braves play there and The Battery is the outside area of it with lots of things to do there. Looks like their home schedule around that time is 4/18-23 if you want to take in a game.
Even though I have lived here since I was 19, I don't get into Atlanta that often.
That is spring time and be warned, the pollen will be brutal.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Feb 3, 2025 20:37:46 GMT
How long will you be here for? You said Easter time, which this year is 4/20/25. So end part of April. Will you come the weekend prior or come that weekend into the next week?
I think the Alpharetta area would be a good area to land. You'll be close to your local family and still close enough to the Atlanta area. Avalon is over that way and is a fun shopping and eating area.
If you have time and want to venture out some, the north Georgia mountains are a fun and will be pretty.
Mary Macs Tea Room is a popular place that's supposed to be a fun experience. I agree with trying to catch something at The Fox Theater. Such a fun place. World of Coke and the aquarium are also good suggestions. Centennial park is fun.
Truist Park is a fun place to visit. The Braves play there and The Battery is the outside area of it with lots of things to do there. Looks like their home schedule around that time is 4/18-23 if you want to take in a game.
Even though I have lived here since I was 19, I don't get into Atlanta that often.
That is spring time and be warned, the pollen will be brutal.
Probably Sat to Sat the week heading in to Easter. None of us are big sports fans, especially baseball but maybe we'll hit the area around the stadium. |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Feb 3, 2025 20:43:45 GMT
Also my mom mentioned something about a train from the airport to Alpharetta/or close by. Would it be better to grab a rental car at the airport or after taking the train. What about taking the train into ATL. Is there enough to do in that area or easily get to another area. Again we'll have 8 people so at minimum 2 Ubers if we have to do that.
How is parking in ALT? I know traffic is bad, we deal with LA traffic when needed so not concerning but good to know we need to plan around it.
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Post by gigito7 on Feb 3, 2025 21:52:38 GMT
Also my mom mentioned something about a train from the airport to Alpharetta/or close by. Would it be better to grab a rental car at the airport or after taking the train. What about taking the train into ATL. Is there enough to do in that area or easily get to another area. Again we'll have 8 people so at minimum 2 Ubers if we have to do that. How is parking in ALT? I know traffic is bad, we deal with LA traffic when needed so not concerning but good to know we need to plan around it. I would rent a van for all instead of Marta (train). Also since you are used to traffic I would stay in Alpharetta close to family and plan trips from there. There is so much to do in Alpharetta. There are concerts on the green area downtown, wonderful restaurants and the Alpha Loop where you can walk from Alpharetta to Avalon. Avalon is a great place to shop for teens, at least my granddaughters thought so. |
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sweetpeasmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,832
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Post by sweetpeasmom on Feb 4, 2025 4:31:46 GMT
MARTA (the train you mentioned) I don't think goes to Alpharetta. You'll be much happier in the long run if you get a rental at the airport vs trying to Uber everywhere.
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Post by gracieplusthree on Feb 4, 2025 13:25:14 GMT
Hands down the Georgia Aquarium.. it's fantastic!
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Post by gigito7 on Feb 4, 2025 16:09:05 GMT
MARTA (the train you mentioned) I don't think goes to Alpharetta. You'll be much happier in the long run if you get a rental at the airport vs trying to Uber everywhere. Very true. Also Marta from the airport to North Springs, the last northern train station, makes stops in some sketchy areas of Atl. Once you get to North Springs you then have to take a bus to Alpharetta, unless you have family that can pick you up from North Springs. Personally, I would rent a van that seats 8 from the airport. Also, as with many big cities, be aware of your surroundings when you visit tourists attractions or just walking around areas you aren’t familiar. Even Alpharetta has had its share of violence. |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Feb 4, 2025 16:27:00 GMT
MARTA (the train you mentioned) I don't think goes to Alpharetta. You'll be much happier in the long run if you get a rental at the airport vs trying to Uber everywhere. Very true. Also Marta from the airport to North Springs, the last northern train station, makes stops in some sketchy areas of Atl. Once you get to North Springs you then have to take a bus to Alpharetta, unless you have family that can pick you up from North Springs. Personally, I would rent a van that seats 8 from the airport. Also, as with many big cities, be aware of your surroundings when you visit tourists attractions or just walking around areas you aren’t familiar. Even Alpharetta has had its share of violence. Depending on how much luggage we have we may get 2 cars. I'd rather get a van but we'll see. Thanks for the train details. We did Chicago a few years ago and did Taipei and Tokyo last year. Loved the public transportation in those cities but wasn't familiar with what ATL has to offer along those lines. |
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Post by librarylady on Feb 4, 2025 17:34:21 GMT
Look at TripAdvisor for recommendations.
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Post by gigito7 on Feb 5, 2025 15:27:46 GMT
Update us after you get to Atlanta. I would love to know what you’re doing, especially if you end up in Alpharetta.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Feb 5, 2025 16:49:54 GMT
Update us after you get to Atlanta. I would love to know what you’re doing, especially if you end up in Alpharetta. We will definitely be in Alpharetta cuz that's where my family is. SIL and have our first zoom planning meeting today. I need to get started on our spreadsheet! |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Mar 24, 2025 14:54:42 GMT
We are thinking of doing a day along the Beltline Eastside Trail, going from Piedmont park to a quick stop by the Carter Library and then to the Freedom Park Trail and MLK Park.
It's a significant distance but we were hoping we could rent (e)bikes to travel. Is that do able/realistic and safe? Would we have issues getting an ebike for the teens (17, 16, 15, 13)?
Right now we are looking to do 3 days in ALT proper, and at least 1 day by Lake Lanier (can you swim in the lake?) and still working on the rest. Again we will be staying in Alpharetta.
I'll post our plans when we have them more fleshed out.
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Post by Zee on Mar 24, 2025 15:25:14 GMT
We are thinking of doing a day along the Beltline Eastside Trail, going from Piedmont park to a quick stop by the Carter Library and then to the Freedom Park Trail and MLK Park. It's a significant distance but we were hoping we could rent (e)bikes to travel. Is that do able/realistic and safe? Would we have issues getting an ebike for the teens (17, 16, 15, 13)? Right now we are looking to do 3 days in ALT proper, and at least 1 day by Lake Lanier (can you swim in the lake?) and still working on the rest. Again we will be staying in Alpharetta. I'll post our plans when we have them more fleshed out. You can swim in certain areas in Lake Lanier but it can be very dangerous, so make sure you're in a safe area (there are a few swimming areas). People swim in it all the time but people drown in it all the time too. Probably more often because they're also drunk, but, I wouldn't do more than wade in it. I'm sorry I can't help with the ebike question, I've never tried to do that so not sure how easy the rentals are or how safe you are from other cars while biking. |
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by bethany102399 on Mar 24, 2025 15:33:13 GMT
World of Coke and Aquarium are across from each other, you can get combo tickets to do both. Both are worth visiting. My memories of WOC are when we went, in the height of summer the AC was broken. It was SO hot in there. I think we went back one other time, but that was during the little kid years so I was sleep deprived enough I have a vague memory of it. The aquarium is amazing and worth the trip. Stone Mountain is beautiful and also worth checking out. I consider Publix a must stop whenever I'm in the south, but you may not have the same love for them I do  |
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,859
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Post by bethany102399 on Mar 24, 2025 15:36:23 GMT
I’ve lived in Alpharetta for 40 years until recently. There are air bnb and vrbo’s available, many with walking distance to downtown Alpharetta. There are so many things to do around Atl and you’ve gotten some great ideas. Traffic is a nightmare so take into consideration what time of day you will be traveling to different places. Have fun, it’s a great place to visit but…….traffic. My Inlaws lived in a suburb of the ATL for years (SIL and BIL still do) I refused to drive whenever we'd visit. I had a zone around IL house that I'd drive in- publix, starbucks, Stone Mountain- that's it. DH got to drive if we went out of that zone. |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Mar 24, 2025 16:24:24 GMT
World of Coke and Aquarium are across from each other, you can get combo tickets to do both. Both are worth visiting. My memories of WOC are when we went, in the height of summer the AC was broken. It was SO hot in there. I think we went back one other time, but that was during the little kid years so I was sleep deprived enough I have a vague memory of it. The aquarium is amazing and worth the trip. Stone Mountain is beautiful and also worth checking out. I consider Publix a must stop whenever I'm in the south, but you may not have the same love for them I do I've never been to a Publix, is it a grocery store or more of a drug store or something else? |
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Post by Zee on Mar 24, 2025 16:45:14 GMT
World of Coke and Aquarium are across from each other, you can get combo tickets to do both. Both are worth visiting. My memories of WOC are when we went, in the height of summer the AC was broken. It was SO hot in there. I think we went back one other time, but that was during the little kid years so I was sleep deprived enough I have a vague memory of it. The aquarium is amazing and worth the trip. Stone Mountain is beautiful and also worth checking out. I consider Publix a must stop whenever I'm in the south, but you may not have the same love for them I do I've never been to a Publix, is it a grocery store or more of a drug store or something else? It's a grocery store but for me it's nothing special. It's nicer than the average, I'll say that. But I'm a grocery cheapskate and go to Aldi almost exclusively, so probably don't listen to me. 😁 |
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