The 25 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta (2023)

Christmas in Atlanta

[Updated October 24, 2023] Celebrating Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains is truly magical, whether you’re visiting charming small towns like Dahlonega and Helen GA or exploring a burgeoning metropolis like Asheville.  But if you’re looking for depth and diversity of holiday attractions, it’s difficult to beat Christmas in Atlanta.  There’s such a vast array … Read more

The 10 Best Places forĀ Apple Picking in Atlanta to Visit

Apple Picking in Atlanta

When you mention the State of Georgia, peach trees are usually the first thing that springs to mind for most people.   But apples make it pretty big on the North Georgia fruit-picking scene, too!   While there’s not technically any apple picking in Atlanta proper, the cool air and fertile soil of Georgia’s Blue … Read more

The 30 Best Day Trips From Atlanta GA

Clayton GA seen from Black Rock Mountain State Park Visitor Center

[Updated May 16, 2023] As a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, I’ve always felt that the natural beauty of the state of Georgia is vastly underrated. In my experience, even locals tend to forget the amazing amount of green space we’re blessed with, which offers endless excellent opportunities for recreation and ecotourism adventures. But taking day … Read more

10 Fun Things to Do at Stone Mountain Christmas (Stone Mountain GA)

Snow Angel Christmas Parade at Stone Mountain Christmas in Stone Mountain GA

[Updated November 16, 2023] As a boy growing up in the North Georgia suburbs east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park (the state’s most-visited tourist attraction) was a huge part of my childhood.  So when I grew up and had a daughter, visiting Stone Mountain for its fun festivals (including the Pumpkin Festival and Stone Mountain Highland … Read more

The 20 Best Christmas Lights in Atlanta and North Georgia (2023)

Garden Nights Holiday Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

[Updated October 19, 2023] When the “most wonderful time of the year” finally arrives, nothing gets us in the holiday spirit quite like watching millions of colorful twinkling lights. Whether we’re driving through an epic 5-mile attraction or strolling along on foot while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, looking at Georgia Christmas lights is … Read more

The 20 Best Hiking Trails In Atlanta GA (& Hikes Near Atlanta)

Couple watching Sunset atop Stone Mountain GA

From the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail to an endless array of State Parks, WMAs, and waterfalls scattered throughout the region, North Georgia is an amazing place for anyone who loves hiking.  But even if you can’t make the drive to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains of North GA, hiking in Atlanta offers a surprising … Read more

Hiking the Indian Seats Trail at Sawnee Mountain Preserve (Near Atlanta)

Indian Seats at Sawnee Mountain Preserve by Jason Dominy

For many metro Atlanta residents, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains can often mean a full-day commitment once you factor in driving times. But hiking at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Cumming GA offers numerous opportunities for hiking near Atlanta, all within 40 miles of Downtown.  The other benefit of Sawnee Mountain hiking is that … Read more

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: Atlanta Botanical Garden Christmas Lights

Atlanta Botanical Gardens Christmas Lights- Chihuly

[Updated November 15, 2022] It’s been 12 years since the first Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. And over time, the Atlanta Botanical Garden Christmas lights have grown into one of our favorite things to do in North Georgia.   Located next to Piedmont Park in Midtown, the 30-acre garden has been a popular Atlanta attraction for … Read more