In Plain Sight: Georgia's Gems
- cherryblossomtravels
- Mar 15, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 20, 2019
When you think of a city’s hidden gems, the first thing that often comes to mind are those that no one really knows about; places that are tucked away in the dark where no one will find them; or places that need some type of secret code to enter. As you read from our last blog “Our 'Little' Grand Canyon”, a hidden gem could actually be out in the open. Georgia has many hidden gems, not only in the city of Atlanta but scattered across the state:
ROOSEVELT'S LITTLE WHITE HOUSE -State Historic Site and Warm Springs
In 1932, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, while still the governor of New York, built the Little White House in Warm Springs, GA just north of Columbus. He first visited Warm Springs in 1924. While there he swam in the 88-degree buoyant springs which alleviated his polio symptoms and improved his mobility this lead him to believe the springs could somehow cure him. The Little White House became his second home and a place of inspiration. Some of his greatest achievements such as his “New Deal” program was drafted here.
At the Little White house you will find all things FDR, from his 1938 Ford convertible, audio of his radio shows, and his stagecoach. You can also see his “Unfinished Portrait”, which was commissioned but not finished due to him suffering a stroke and passing away shortly after.
While you are there explore the: Walk of Flags & Stones and Memorial Fountain; tour the Guest Quarters & Servants' Quarters; go on a Scavenger Hunts through history, birding, or picnicking.
Release your inner scientist at the FERNBANK MUSEUM of NATURAL HISTORY and IMAX THEATER!
Although if you have been to Atlanta before and visited our long lost gem ‘SciTrek’ (tear) and loved it, then you will definitely love Fernbank. Fernbank Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular cultural attractions among the Atlanta natives. Home to the world’s largest dinosaurs, Atlanta’s biggest movie screen used in its IMAX Theater, and one of the largest collection of urban Piedmont forest in the United States. Fernbank prides itself on being able to bring science to life through immersive programs and unrivaled experiences that encourage a greater appreciation of the Earth and all things that live and breathe.
Ticket prices for Fernbank depends on the attraction within the Museum you are interested in. Museum plus IMAX tickets start at $27 for adults and $23 for children. IMAX only is $13 for Adults and $11 for kids while museum only is $20 and $18. However for big savings get admissions to the Fernbank as part of Atlanta’s CityPASS and see other very popular attractions as well. The passes start at $76 for adult and $62 for children. They also have a wonderful membership program that offers perks and discounts for its visitors.
What about fun for the kids you say…
Well Orlando is not the only place that has a LEGOLAND!
Visit our Legoland hidden away in the lavish city-scape of Buckhead. Found on the third level of Phipps Plaza, LegoLand houses 12 family attractions & activities, and a café where Lego enthusiast of all ages can take a break and grab a bite to eat. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is designed specifically for children aged 3-10 years to enjoy - everything is kid-sized. See Atlanta’s top attractions in a miniature city made from LEGOs; learn building tips at a master model builder workshop; book Birthday parties & group deals. Another great thing about LEGOLAND is that they cater to all. At 9AM on the last Saturday of every month they offer a program called ‘Sensory Saturday’.On these Saturdays, LEGOLAND welcomes families with children who are autistic, or sensory processing disorders, allowing them to learn and play on their own. They also have ‘Toddler Time Tuesdays’ every Tuesday starting at 10AM. On these days toddlers get to enjoy guided play and story time in DUPLO Village, as well as discounted entry for both Adults and Children!
To top it all off, LEGOLAND offers amazing ticket prices. Book online for the best prices and offer; get instant e-tickets; and save up to $7. What could be better than that?! Tickets start at:
Preselect online: $23+
Walk-up: $30+
Flexible Ticket*: $38+
Sensory Saturday**: $25+
Toddler Time: $15+
*The flexible ticket is an online exclusive
** Limited availability
**Side Note- While you are at Phipps Plaza visit My 3D World on the 2nd level and make your special moments permanently last forever in commemorative 3d figurines or bust.
And then there is the questions about shopping and where to go to get unique items.
People will tell you to go to “Little Five Points” or “Ponce City Market”, but one place you will not hear about is…Chamblee’s Antique Row.
Kick off your trip at the Antique Factory and take in over 8,000 square feet of beautifully fantastic jewelry, furniture, and everything in between. Priding itself on being a place where you’ll find the unexpected, Antique Row is tucked away in Atlanta’s Chamblee suburb, where you are immersed in the small-town atmosphere of Historic Old Chamblee. Taking you back to when times were just a bit simpler, you can browse through the amazing selection of antiques and collectibles offered by quality dealers. Chamblee's Antique Row District has the largest and most distinctive antiques collection in the whole Southeast, with a varied cluster of antique store, consignments/thrift stores, retail shops, and eateries. No two stores having the same thing there is something for not only local Atlanta residents, but worldwide travelers.
Spend the day with friends and family, watch the trains go by, and just relax in an environment like no other.
Okay so I kind of mentioned eateries and now you are hungry! So let's talk food…
There are many but lets just start with the DeKalb Farmers Market off East Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur; and Havana Sandwich Shop off of Clairmont Rd and Buford Hwy in Atlanta.
The DeKalb Farmers Market is one of Atlanta’s most incomprehensible attractions, though many Atlanta natives have never visited or heard of the place. In this massive, super-center for groceries, you will be immediately enthralled by the aromas and mesmerizing sights that will completely surround you. With sections dedicated to every country from around the world, this farmers market will surely have what you need from organic produce, to multi-cultural cuisines, and fresh fish and meat. There is also a self-serve cafeteria for guests who prefer to sit and eat while there.
Now if you are looking for more specific, you’re just in luck, Atlanta has plenty of great places to eat. But few are as impressive or little-known as Havana Sandwich Shop, in the North Druid Hills neighborhood. Just stop in for authentic Cuban cuisine, their specialty is Latin American Beverages, and their popular and delicious Cuban sandwich. While you are there take in the restaurant’s affluent history, centered around the 1980s Cuban Exodus. So go ahead and try something new.
If that’s not what you have a taste for then stop a local and ask “Where is the best place to eat?” they will never lead you wrong. The best kept eateries are always the ones that are not found online.
Now that leaves the final question….
“What about if I want to take part in the museum and LEGOLAND but I don’t have kids?
Well there is a solution for that at Adult Night events at various attractions throughout Atlanta.
Fernbank Museum host themed events for adults every year. These events include a variety of museum experiences tailored just for adults looking for a fun and memorable night out. Ticket prices for each event vary, the activities and themes are never the same, and there are food and drinks are available for purchase. One of the events that Fernbank consistently has is Fernbank After Dark which is offered the 2nd Friday of every month, from 7pm-11pm. These are adult science nights featuring hands-on activities, live music, 3D movies, and more.
LEGOLAND also has an adult night, specialized in entertaining your inner child. LEGOLAND adult nights take place on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7-9pm. The Discovery center opens its doors and gives visitors without children the chance to check out the attraction. Each Adult Night has themed activities, a building competition, prizes, and opportunities to get to know their fellow fans in the Atlanta area. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $29.95 or online ahead of time for $24.95. Guests have access to the LEGO Factory Tour, MINILAND, Kingdom Quest laser ride, Merlin’s Apprentice, Pirate Adventure Island, and the 4D Cinema; in addition you also have access to the LEGO shop. Whether you are just getting touch with your fun side or are a true LEGO enthusiast these nights are just for you.
Finally remember our little talk about the Georgia Aquarium a couple of blogs back, well they have adult nights as well! These events are super rare, so you have to catch them when you can. Unlike the other two attractions that plan out their adult nights for a full year (with tentative dates), the Georgia Aquarium adult nights are planned out for a month or two and are themed around the whole aesthetic of the aquarium. Some held at the aquarium and others hosted at other venues, but nonetheless they are super eventful and very fun. Tickets vary depending on the event/theme. For instance they do a Fish and Chips golf tournament that helps raise money for students attending Title 1 schools by expanding educational offerings.
Often times hidden gems are sitting right there in plain sight it’s just up to the passer by to see enough beauty in it to call it special. Remember the best kept secrets are the ones that aren’t found in the media, so branch out of your comfort zone, look up from your phone and a random person where the hidden gems of their cities are.
Comments