by Hope
There’s nothing fairly like having all my youngsters beneath one roof once more…particularly when it’s to have fun one thing as particular as Princess’s school commencement! With the mid-week commencement ceremony now behind us, our prolonged household and associates have returned to their recurrently scheduled lives. However now that the large celebration is over, Historical past Buff, Gymnast and I shall be crashing at Princess’s residence in a brilliant walkable space of downtown Atlanta. (Sea Cadet has to depart to return to his education and work after commencement tomorrow. And Magnificence and her fiancé will to their very own dwelling about two hours from Atlanta. We are going to see them once more this weekend.)
One factor about my crew: we love cooking. We’ve determined to make it our plan for the remainder of the week — taking turns planning meals, grocery buying, and cooking collectively. Actually, it’s going to most likely one of many highlights of this journey. Add within the stunning (if a bit of scorching) spring climate, and we’re absorbing each probability we get to be exterior – strolling via town, discovering patios to take a seat on, and laughing approach an excessive amount of.
Since we’re dwelling our greatest budget-conscious lives, I assumed I’d share among the enjoyable, low-cost and free issues we’ve discovered to do round Atlanta as a household. Princess, Magnificence, and I’ve been texting backwards and forwards for weeks making an attempt to give you enjoyable issues to try this received’t break the financial institution. That’s the place this record comes from.
Whether or not you’re right here for a giant celebration or only a informal go to, there’s no scarcity of how to make superb recollections with out spending a ton.
5 Free Issues to Do in Atlanta
Piedmont Park — You possibly can’t beat a stroll via Piedmont Park. Beautiful inexperienced areas, skyline views, and loads of spots for a spontaneous frisbee sport or picnic.
Atlanta BeltLine — Excellent for strolling, biking, people-watching, and marveling on the murals and road artwork. It’s an entire vibe.
Centennial Olympic Park — Splash across the Fountain of Rings, wander the grounds, and take in the historical past from the 1996 Olympics. We’ve been right here a number of instances. It’s dwelling not solely to a fantastic inexperienced house, but in addition the World of Coke and Georgia Aquarium. (We determined to cross on each of those since we’ve been a number of instances during the last 10ish years.)
Ponce Metropolis Market — Certain, you may spend so much right here, however simply shopping the retailers and people-watching is a blast by itself. That is considered one of my youngsters favourite locations to go. I’m undecided any of them have ever purchased something, nevertheless it’s a extremely cool backdrop for image taking. In truth, it’s the place Gymnast selected to go for his 18th birthday a few years in the past, simply to take photos. They usually have an exceptional ramen restaurant that everybody loves. Extremely suggest. We went right here whereas the prolonged household was on the town this week.
The Carter Middle Gardens — Lovely, peaceable, and free to stroll via — a beautiful hidden gem. These which were studying me right here for some time will do not forget that Historical past Buff loves all issues historical past (sure, explains his identify.) So combining that with being exterior. Sure, it is a particular plan for this week.
5 Low-Value Issues to Do in Atlanta
SkyView Atlanta — Experience the enormous Ferris wheel downtown in Centennial Park! Tickets are beneath $20 and the views are value it. We’ve completed this at Navy Pier in Chicago earlier than and it was actually enjoyable. It’s into consideration for the week.
Atlanta Botanical Backyard — Not dirt-cheap, however if you happen to time it proper (examine for reductions), it’s a fully beautiful time out among the many blooms. That is one other household favourite. We’ve been a number of instances. Princess and her associates have gone at the very least yearly. I made the error my first time going when nothing was blooming. And it’s expensive, at the very least to me. We’re skipping this one this go to. However it’s a stunning place.
Krog Avenue Market — Seize an inexpensive chunk to eat and wander the funky stalls. I’ve been right here as soon as, not really to the market, however to go to a Texas favourite with Princess – Torchy’s Tacos. I’m hoping we are able to add this to our itinerary this week. I actually benefit from the vibe once we went to eat and would like to discover additional.
Fernbank Museum of Pure Historical past — Provides discounted tickets on sure days and is an incredible option to spend a day. If we now have climate challenges, we’d add this to our record. However since I used to work on the Area Museum in Chicago, nicely, not tremendous enthusiastic about it. But it surely’s an choice. Have you ever been? Suggest?
Atlanta Streetcar — It’s just some bucks for a ticket, and you’ll hop on and off whereas exploring downtown. It’s not like a San Francisco Streetcar expertise, however when it’s scorching and also you wish to get out and go to numerous locations with out battling site visitors and having to search out parking, it’s a particular Sure! It’s on our record.
3 Distinctive Experiences in Atlanta
Tiny Doorways ATL — Hunt for the whimsical tiny doorways scattered all around the metropolis. It’s a unusual scavenger hunt that’s good for all ages.
Lure Music Museum — A daring, cultural celebration of Atlanta’s music scene – Hip Hop Music museum! (It’s undoubtedly extra for older teenagers and adults.) That is 100% on our record. Plus, the escape room. I had hoped to do it with our bigger group, however time simply didn’t enable for it.
Jackson Avenue Bridge — Well-known for its view of the Atlanta skyline (particularly at sundown) and a fantastic spot for iconic household selfies.
A day journey and household dinner deliberate
We’re additionally planning a fast day journey again to our tiny city to wrap up just a few ultimate issues earlier than I formally depart the state — a bittersweet, full-circle second. Better of all, we’ll get to have a household dinner at Magnificence and her fiancé’s home, an ideal option to shut out this whirlwind chapter collectively.
There’s one thing additional candy about discovering easy methods to have fun an enormous milestone…cooking collectively, exploring town, laughing via the warmth, and soaking within the pleasure of being collectively. Atlanta has given us the proper backdrop for all of it.
Should you’re visiting with your loved ones on a price range, take it from me: the recollections you make collectively are value greater than something you may ever swipe a bank card for. And sure, I do know that’s wealthy coming from me, however I’m telling you, it is a new chapter! A brand new me! Recent begin and new perspective!
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven enterprise supervisor who has spent almost 20 years serving to purchasers streamline their operations and develop their companies via venture administration, digital advertising, and tech experience. Not too long ago transitioning from her function as a single mother of 5 foster/adoptive youngsters to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and sensible challenges of redefining her life whereas sustaining her dedication to regain monetary management and eradicate debt.
Residing in a comfortable small city in northeast Georgia along with her three canines, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the seashore. Although her youngsters at the moment are discovering their footing on this planet—pursuing schooling, careers, and independence—she stays deeply dedicated to supporting them on this subsequent chapter, at the same time as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since becoming a member of the Running a blog Away Debt neighborhood in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of monetary ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a transparent path forward, she’s able to deal with her funds with the identical ardour and perseverance that she’s dropped at her life and profession. By means of her writing, she continues to encourage others to confront their very own monetary challenges and try for a brighter future.
