Spring Break Staycation Destinations

Connie's Resume & Experience Connie Carlson has consistently been one of the top REALTORS in Cobb County since she began selling residential real ...

Georgia winters are relatively short-lived. In no time at all, warmer temperatures sneak back into the forecast and spring arrives in all its colorful pageantry.

Beginning in late March through mid-April, most schools are out for spring break and the itch to get out for some fun starts creeping in.

Day trips can be a great way to get the feel of a vacation without the hassle of packing and traveling. Whether it’s a girl’s trip, a family outing, or a couple’s getaway, here are some creative ways to experience the best of the Atlanta area this spring break.

Be a Tourist with an Atlanta CityPASS

Explore the heart of downtown Atlanta with a day trip aimed at exploring like a tourist. Most parts of the downtown area are walkable, making it an ideal daytrip for visiting landmark sites and dining in iconic eateries.

The Atlanta CityPASS is a cost-effective way to visit popular Atlanta attractions. CityPASS holders have up to nine days to visit their choice of five Atlanta attractions that include World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, CNN Studio Tour, Zoo Atlanta, and more.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the many Atlanta-based dining options. Take a trip to The Varsity, celebrating its 90th year as an Atlanta staple, or check out other historic eateries like Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Polaris, and Paschal’s.

Get a First-Hand Look at the Atlanta Film Industry

We’re lucky to live in the “Hollywood of the South.” From The Walking Dead to Stranger Things, many major TV shows and films are filmed right here in Georgia on a regular basis. A guided tour is one of the best ways to get a behind-the-scenes look at the local film industry.

Atlanta Movie Tours is just one company offering guided film tours ideal for a day trip. Their tour guides are experienced actors who have appeared on movie sets and share captivating stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Depending on your interest, tours include a Zombie bus and walking tour, a Gone with the Wind Tour, a “Best of Atlanta” tour, a hero-themed tour, and more. Most tours last about three hours and vary in location based on the tour of choice.

Explore the Great Outdoors in Roswell

Spring is the ideal time of year to visit many outdoor attractions before the heat of the southern summer takes hold. Outdoor venues are great because there’s almost always something for kids and adults to enjoy.

This year, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, located in Roswell, will be hosting daily activities for kids and adults from April 1st-April 5th, 2019. Events include a guided hike to the Homestead Trail and daily showings of the film “What Plants Talk About.”

In anticipation of upcoming Earth Day on April 27th, CNC is also offering a workshop activity entitled “Lantern Engineers.” Children create lanterns and are invited to bring them back for the Earth Day Parade.

Buff up on U.S. History in Cartersville

Take the opportunity to learn even more about Georgia and its role in U.S. history by visiting local museums and historic landmarks.

Cartersville is home to two of the best museums in the state. You can easily drive between the two with a break for lunch in downtown Cartersville.

Booth Western Art Museum holds the world’s largest permanent exhibition space for western art. An affiliate to the Smithsonian Institute, the museum features 120,000 square feet of American history that includes presidential portraits and hand-signed letters from every American president. For kids, Sagebrush Ranch is a hands-on interactive gallery ideal for young learners. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Etowah Indian Mounds are the most intact Mississippian culture site in the Southeast. There are six earthen mounds, a plaza, and village site that spans 54-acres. The museum holds ancient Indian artifacts, weapons, tools, and more. Visitors can also walk the nature trail that runs along the Etowah River. The mounds are open Tuesday through Saturday.

Go Brewery Hopping in Kennesaw

The North Georgia Mountains have their wineries, but here in the Atlanta-area, we have a plethora of local breweries with their own vibe, flavors, and varietals. In Kennesaw alone, there are several breweries within a short drive of one another.

Burnt Hickory Brewing is one of the first breweries to open in Kennesaw. Known for their cheeky-named beers that give homage to Kennesaw history, the brewery offers everything from IPAs to sours. Tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Dry County Brewing Company opened in 2017 and has quickly become a go-to spot for beer lovers. There’s a great variety of beers on tap and the game area is always bustling. Tasting room is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Southern Sky Brewing Company just opened a gaming area in their tasting room and have made some renovations to the brewery to make it more kid-friendly. They describe their beers as “eclectic and unique” with a range of offerings. Tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday.

Don’t forget to grab some food between your tastings. Many breweries have food trucks that pull up right next to the brewery while others provide snacks and light bites.

Foodie Fun in Marietta Square

Did you know that many cities in the metro-area offer guided food tours through their downtown area? Not only can you meet new people and experience the city like a local, you can also learn about different cuisine as you taste your way through the town!

Marietta Food Tours is one of the top-rated guided food tours in the area. In addition to showcasing Marietta’s many eating establishments, participants walk away with a vast array of interesting facts about the Marietta Square’s rich history and architecture.

The “Marietta Square Food Tour” features ten food tastings with drinks at seven unique culinary stops while the “Marietta Square Supper Tour” includes twelve food tastings and five beverages at more obscure dining establishments. Both tours are three hours in duration.

Photo Sources:

Photo #1: CC Image courtesy of Rian Castillo on Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/digitizedchaos/albums/72157625907742256 )

Photo #2: Photo Credit: https://www.vimbly.com/atlanta/atlanta-movie-tours/the-big-zombie-tour-part-1

Photo #3: Photo Credit: https://georgia.spacefinder.org/spaces/6941

Photo #4: Photo Credit: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0a/52/d7/83/booth-western-art-museum.jpg

Photo #5: Photo Credit: https://www.burnthickorybrewery.com/home

Photo #6: Photo Credit: https://www.mariettafoodtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4076_Fotor-e1446594089102.jpg