Atlanta Recommendations?

[mariavontrapp]

Hi ladies!

We are looking into taking a short trip somewhere this Spring. Driving distance from NOLA is preferred and I am thinking Atlanta. I have only been once but it was only for a day so I don't have much insight.

Our DD will be 16 months and coming with us so everything will have to be kid friendly. We love eating, museums, being outside, and are generally active vacation people. A hotel with a nice pool would also be ideal.

I'm also welcome to any other suggestions within driving distance from New Orleans. Austin or Gatlinburg were also thrown out and there is always the beach in Florida but we do that fairly often.

Any ideas?? Thanks in advance!

[ges072115]

Atlanta is a great city! I stayed with my cousin when I went, so I'm no help on accommodations, but definitely make time for the aquarium. It was one of my favorite things in the city.

[mariavontrapp]

Thanks ges072115! The Aquarium looks amazing!

[sarahandeddie]

We love Atlanta. The zoo is nice, aquarium is awesome and Stone Mountain has a ton to do plus a laser light show at night.

If you get a chance eat at the Varsity. It's an Atlanta landmark.

[Deleted]

ATL is fantastic!

I also love Savannah.

[Deleted]

We had fun playing for a morning at Brook Run park in Dunwoody.

[chickie]

I would also suggest Ponce City Market for good eating options, and it's close to the Beltline which has trials and parks to roam.

And yes, the aquarium is a must do.

[greysonsmom]

So many yummy food options at Ponce city market. If you're going there old fourth ward park is right there. I e never been but heard great things. We love the zoo and aquarium!

Depending on what time in spring centennial park has a nice splash area!

[mariavontrapp]

Feb 6, 2017 19:36:53 GMT -5 Fearsy said:

Yeah don't go to the Varsity unless you want to spend the day on the toilet. Just sayin'.

I am laughing. The one day I went to ATL, this where we ate and that pretty much sums up how the day went for me.

[mariavontrapp]

Thank you for all of the great recommendations! I really appreciate it. I have seen the Ponce City Market on Instagram and it looks great.
Is the Aquarium an all day thing? We have a somewhat decent one here but it's a stretch to even spend 2 hours there.

[Deleted]

Feb 6, 2017 21:29:15 GMT -5 mariavontrapp said:

Thank you for all of the great recommendations! I really appreciate it. I have seen the Ponce City Market on Instagram and it looks great.
Is the Aquarium an all day thing? We have a somewhat decent one here but it's a stretch to even spend 2 hours there.

we went when DS was newly 2 and it was two hours max. You could spend a ton more time if you tried, but he was happy to walk through and keep moving.

[brachysira]

North of Atlanta, eat southern food at the Dillard House and drive around to see some waterfalls if you're hikers and this would entertain your kid.

[jbm]

This thread makes me want to take my kids to ATL for a vacation. Maybe this fall. Hm.

[Deleted]

On my first trip to Atlanta, I asked my SIL to take me to Varsity. She refused. lol.

[chickie]

Feb 7, 2017 10:14:12 GMT -5 jbm said:

This thread makes me want to take my kids to ATL for a vacation. Maybe this fall. Hm.

You should!

[chickie]

Okay, but a frosted orange is fucking delicious. And the apple pies.

[hiafromwassie]

the Varsity hate makes me sad but whatever, OP- You've been given excellent suggestions hope you have a great visit!

[packmomma]

Feb 7, 2017 19:21:49 GMT -5 Fearsy said:

Feb 7, 2017 6:11:37 GMT -5 @hilarityensued said:

I'm literally in awe of someone being able to spend that much time there. The Ocean Voyager can take up the most time of any exhibit for us, but otherwise we are very hard pressed to stay past the two hour mark.

I think it's because my kid is still pretty young so everything takes forever. We will easily spend an hour in Ocean Voyager because all she wants to do is run around and climb the stadium seating. She also takes a long time to eat and loves to people watch so we typically just take our time. Plus doing the dolphin show and sea lion show can take up to an hour depending on how busy it is. We're just slow, I guess.

Ds is 17 months and we easily spend 4 hours there with the shows, eating, and just general wandering. He'll look at the same exhibit multiple times while I just follow him around with my carrier. We're members so we go weeklyish.