Summer is here and it’s the season of sun, sweat, and making sweet memories to last a lifetime. Our beloved ATL offers a plethora of affordable activities and thrifty adventures for families, couples, and people of all ages to cool off without breaking the bank. From outdoor escapades to cultural excursions, these unique experiences will fill your calendar every day of the week, sans stress on your wallet. 

Remember: Visit each venue’s website to confirm event dates and get information about parking and other essential details to set yourself up for the most enjoyable experience!

Outdoor cinema

Movie buffs, rejoice! Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and get ready for a cozy evening under the stars. The following parks and community centers host free movie nights for locals, showing everything from classic films to recent blockbusters for you to enjoy with your loved ones.

Mondays

• “Movie Mondays” at Norcross Cultural Arts Center
• “Free Movie Mondays” at Charles Wadsworth Auditorium

Thursdays

• “Screen on the Green” at Atlantic Station
• “Movies On The Square” at Colony Square

Fridays

• “REEL Fridays” at Town at Trith
• “Movies at the Park” at Newtown Park in Johns Creek
• “Pics in the Park” at Pernoshal Park at Dunwoody
• “Flicks on the Bricks” in Duluth Town Green

Saturdays

• “Movies Under the Stars” at Mall of Georgia
• “Flicks on the Green” at Peachtree Corners
• “Outdoor Movie Series” at Swift-Cantrell Park
• “Movies on the Lawn” in Uptown

Musical journeys

Music not only heals us, but it also brings people together. No matter where you are in metro Atlanta, you can find free live performances by local musicians all season long. Grab your dancing shoes (or simply a blanket if you prefer to just listen and watch) and let the sounds of summer wash over you. 

Wednesdays

• “Wednesday Wind Down” in the Point at East Point Commons

Thursdays

• “Groovin on the Green” at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody

Fridays 

• “Groovin’ on the Square” at Colony Square
• “Fridays-N-Duluth” at Duluth Town Green
• Norcross Summer Concerts in Thrasher Park
• “First Fridays” in Downtown Canton
• First Friday Concert Series in Downtown Kennesaw
• “Music on the Hill” at Roswell City Hall
• “Avalon Nights Live” @ The Plaza in Avalon

Saturdays 

• “Saturday Sounds Music Series” at The Works
• “Tunes by the Tracks” at Main St in Stone Mountain
• “Groovin’ on the Green” in Halcyon/ Alpharetta
• Summer Concert Series at Peachtree Corners Town Green
• “Jazz in the Alley” at  Betty Mauldin Park

Sundays  

• “Sunday FUNKday” at The Works
• “Sunset Sessions” at Park Tavern

Cultural immersion

Our area is full of fascinating museums, cultural centers, or public art projects. While some facilities have free entry year-round, there are others that only offer complimentary entrance on selected days of the week or month, so be sure to check their website or call ahead to know what to expect. With so many options, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Arts

• Center for Puppetry Arts 
• Atlanta Contemporary 
• High Museum of Art
• ATL Tiny Doors Project 

Science

• Tellus Science Museum
• Fernbank Science Center

History

• Atlanta History Center
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
• Museum of History and Holocaust Education
• Georgia Capitol Museum

Specialty/Niche

• Marietta and Roswell Fire Museums
• Atlanta Monetary MuseumMuseum of Aviation Foundation
• National Infantry Museum

Wet n’ wild

Ready to cool off and really beat the heat? Several of Atlanta’s major parks have free public swimming and splashing in their fountains, waterfalls, and pools. Layer on the sunscreen, grab your towel, and get ready for some serious fun in the sun!

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Piedmont Park
• Center Hill Park
• D.H. Stanton Park
• Historic Fourth Ward Park 
• Lillian Webb Park
• Suwanee Town Center Park

Interested in escaping the hustle and bustle of the city instead? You can get your daily fix of “Vitamin N” (Nature) by embarking on a fun-filled adventure in the great outdoors. Bask in the tranquility of nature, either hiking and picnicking, or if there’s water nearby, swimming, boating and fishing! The following outdoor recreation areas are all less than an hour away:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
• Kennesaw Mountain
• Whitewater Creek
• Stone Mountain
• Roswell Mill
• Red Top Mountain 

Did we miss anything? Let us know!

Ready to refresh and rejuvenate your look this summer? 

The Swan Center is the ultimate summer beauty destination serving the metro Atlanta area. Led by a team of outstanding board-certified plastic surgeons, we offer a comprehensive range of surgical procedures and nonsurgical treatments to meet all of your aesthetic goals. Experience the Swan Center difference for yourself and schedule your personal consultation today by calling 770-667-0904 or filling out our convenient online form. We look forward to meeting you!

Bike the Beltline

Peep the leaves, enjoy the fall breeze, and check out some amazing public art installations with a weekend bike ride along the Beltline. The city’s 22-mile-long greenway and trail system is constructed on former railroad corridors connecting 45 neighborhoods across the city. If you don’t have your own bike you can visit the Atlanta Bicycle Barn or Atlanta Beltline Bicycle for a wide selection of bike trailers, tandem bikes, and cruisers for rent!

All-Inclusive Adventures

About an hour’s drive from Atlanta is the Historic Banning Mills, an adventure resort where you can get your adrenaline fix AND have a peaceful nature retreat all-in-one. Soar through the trees on the world’s largest zip line, climb the tallest free-standing rock wall or stick to lower elevations with horseback riding, kayaking, ATVs, and other ways to explore the protected ecosystems of the Snake Creek Gorge.

Attend a Pow Wow

Mark your calendars for early November for the Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain, the largest of its kind in the state. Here you can explore indigenous culture and traditions through dance, music, crafts, cooking, storytelling and a variety of interactive, hands-on experiences. Making memories for the future while honoring the heritage of the past—we can’t think of anything better!

Show-Stopping Fun

The Center for Puppetry Arts is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to the art form of puppetry. The museum is located in Midtown, the city’s art district, and focuses on three areas of puppetry: performance, education and history. This fall, guests have the opportunity to see adorable puppet shows including How to Snag a Sea Monster and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Don’t forget to check out the Museum Store for a wide selection of unique and educational gifts for all ages—it’s the perfect place for knocking out some holiday shopping!

Treetop Hideaway

Looking for a unique staycation within Atlanta city limits? At the Alpaca Treehouse you can fulfill a childhood fantasy by sleeping in a treehouse. This enchanting hideaway, constructed solely from reclaimed, salvaged, and other sustainable materials, is hidden within a dense bamboo forest. But that’s not all! The property doubles as a rescue center for llamas and alpacas. Proceeds from the treehouse or their other on-site lodging go directly to support the rescued animals. If you’re not ready to commit to an overnight stay then you can simply take a tour or attend Llama Yoga—either way, you’re sure to get some great shots for your socials!

All Aboard

Blue Ridge, GA is a quaint mountain town just 90 miles from the city. It is home to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a popular heritage train tour company offering seasonal rides to see the stunning fall foliage of Northern Georgia. They also have a Holiday Express tour, complete with hot cocoa, music, and a visit from Santa. Count us in!

Fall in Love with Yourself this Season

With all of these activities on your to-do list, you’re going to want to put your best face forward. The Swan Center in Atlanta’s expert team of licensed aestheticians and board certified plastic surgeons can help you create the perfect treatment plan or skincare regimen to meet your aesthetic goals! Contact us today to schedule your consultation with us online or by phone: (770) 667-0904.

For Cultural Immersion

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is an architectural wonder—a traditional Asian temple in the heart of Atlanta suburbs, it showcases more than 34,000 pieces of exquisite hand-carved limestone, marble and sandstones from around the world. It is used as a place of worship by the city’s Hindu community and visited by tourists and locals looking for beauty, peace and calm, or to learn about the world’s oldest living faith. Visitors must have shoulders and knees covered (don’t worry—wraps are provided). Aim to visit in the middle of the day to witness the offering ceremony, and be sure to leave time to check out the bookstore, gift shop, and vegetarian cafe. Photography or video may be taken from the ground level exterior of the Mandir only—and respect is important—but trust us, this is still a choice spot for capturing breathtaking images.

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Or check out these old favorites, especially if you can go early or late in the day:

• The High Museum of Art
• The Millennium Gate Museum
• The Swan Coach House
• The Fernback Museum of Natural History

For Urban Streetscapes & Skylines

Looking to add some more color and edge to your feed? You’ll love the murals along the BeltLine Eastside Trail. This area contains dozens of funky, abstract and psychedelic murals from acclaimed local artists like Greg Mike, Hense, and the Tiny Doors ATL project. Check out this interactive map to track down the coolest murals in the area.

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Or stop by these old favorites, remembering that the early morning can be a great time to get gorgeous light without crowds!:

• The Rainbow Crosswalk
• The Tree of Life Mural
• Disco Ball Mural
• Jackson Street Bridge

For An Epic Dining Experience

If you want to add some elegance and greenery to your Instagram feed, make sure that you check out The Garden Room, an immersive outdoor bar and restaurant open for dinner or brunch (yay!). This Buckhead bar, which opened in 2020, is an urban oasis with romantic features including lanterns hanging from trees, crystal chandeliers, wooden statues, and floral decor which are all ideal vignettes for a beautiful photo. And of course their craft cocktails are photo-worthy as well!

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You’ll also love these old favorites—and go early on a quieter weeknight to avoid crowds:

• The Yard Milkshake Bar
• Buena Vida Tapas & Sol
• The Little Tart Bakeshop
• Tropicale

For Nature & the Outdoors

The Old Fourth Ward Park is home to a picture-perfect reflective pond that contrasts the iconic Atlanta skyline and its soaring skyscrapers against crystal clear water and a luscious backdrop of trees. Be sure to bring a friend so you can take turns snapping photos of yourselves walking across the bridge with the reflection of the buildings in the background!

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You’ll also enjoy these more popular places, but we recommend you use Google to identify these attraction’s off-hours when you can expect less crowds:

• The Georgia Aquarium
• The Atlanta Botanical Gardens
• SkyView Ferris Wheel
• Piedmont Park

Have any other great Instagrammable spots to share? We’d love to hear from you!

Ready for your close-up?

With all of these amazing Instagrammable locations, you’re going to want your most photo-ready face to show off. Let The Swan Center in Atlanta’s expert staff of licensed aestheticians and board certified plastic surgeons help you put together the perfect treatment plan or skincare regimen to meet your aesthetic goals! Contact us today to schedule your consultation with us online or by phone: (770) 667-0904. You can also purchase your favorite premium skincare brands from the comfort of your own home in our online store.

Best friends make the best Valentines! If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your gal pals this year, our guide to the ultimate Galentine’s Day will help make this the best one yet. Plus, most of these activities can be done in-person or over Zoom!

1. Give flowers

We are absolutely smitten by the creative bouquets from Carithers Flowers, like this one below featuring roses, orchids, and hydrangeas. Surprise your best friend with a bouquet of her favorite blooms, or have Carithers deliver them right to her front door! But act fast: V-Day orders are limited this year due to COVID-19.

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2. Make chocolates

It’s not really Valentine’s Day without chocolate. Make it even more fun by concocting your own truffles and bonbons! Sally’s Baking Addiction has an easy chocolate truffle recipe that only requires four base ingredients and you can riff on it to your heart’s content. If you want to get fancy, Etsy is full of silicone chocolate molds (beware—there are some risqué designs!), and Wilton Brands offers some super-cute edible decorations to top off your treats.

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3. Enjoy good food

We know Valentine’s Day isn’t quite the same this year since indoor gatherings are still ill-advised, but restaurants across Atlanta have stepped up by offering special takeout menus and sweet treats to-go to help you and your friends celebrate in the comfort of your living room.

Dinner & dessert. Herb-grilled shrimp and linguine with vodka sauce for two? Yes, please! Local caterer Affairs to Remember is offering four special Valentine’s entrées to-go this year, including this delicious option served with a salad and dessert. Plus, order their V-Day Gift Crate featuring s’mores popcorn, chocolate dip, almond biscotti, white chocolate bark, and chocolate chip cookie dough brownie bombs to indulge in afterward. We hope you have a sweet tooth!

Cocktails, champagne, & more. Compliment your dinner & dessert with the Box O’ Love from our friends at Local Three Kitchen & Bar. This ultimate Valentine’s Day to-go box features a bottle of Champagne Delamotte, a box of Jardi Chocolates (voted Best of ATL 2016), a dozen red roses, and a quart of their very own Green Lovelace cocktail mix, with instructions!

4. Send homemade Valentines

Being separated from our loved ones is challenging for us all. Show your friends and family a little cheer despite being apart this year by making your own Valentine’s cards! These cute and easy ideas from Pinterest will help you get started, but feel free to be as creative (and messy) as you want.

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5. Make it a movie marathon

Grab some snacks and pile up with your gal pals for a Valentine’s movie marathon! From romcoms to modern classics, here are a few of our favorite V-Day films:

10 Things I Hate About You. It doesn’t get much more classic than the late Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles squaring off (and making up) in this rendition of Shakespeare’s play “The Taming of the Shrew.” Stream it for free on Disney+ or for $3.99 on Amazon Prime Video.

Waiting to Exhale. Featuring an all-Black cast, Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett co-star in this timeless film that proves friendship is more powerful than romance—a perfect message for your Galentine’s evening. Stream it for free on Hulu, or for $3.99 on Youtube and Amazon Prime Video.

The Five-Year Engagement. Starring Emily Blunt and Jason Segel, this movie is part love story, part laugh-out-loud comedy, and 100% entertaining. From a cross-country move to mid-life career switches, see just how much the love between these two characters can be tested. Stream it for free on Amazon Prime Video, or with a Hulu Premium or HBO Max subscription.

Sylvie’s Love. When Sylvie Parker (played by Tessa Thompson) meets an aspiring saxophonist in her father’s record shop, their love is instant—until life gets in the way. Years later, the couple reconnects, only to find their feelings for each other never vanished. Set in 1950s Harlem, Sylvie’s Love is a tale of love, time, and sacrifice. Stream it for free on Amazon Prime Video.

You’ve Got Mail. What happens when a boutique bookseller falls for the owner of a corporate bookstore chain over email? Whether you’ve seen it countless times or have never heard of it before, you won’t be disappointed watching Tom Hanks’ and Meg Ryan’s amazing on-screen chemistry. Stream it for free with a Hulu Premium or HBO Max subscription.

6. Have a spa day

Light some candles and slip on some comfy clothes for a laid-back, at-home spa day! Your squad can look great and have a blast making DIY matcha face masks, painting your nails, and moisturizing your skin. Don’t worry about going all-out for this—keep it small, simple, and fun for the ultimate stress relief.

For an extra dose of relaxation, we suggest brewing up one of the calming teas offered by Atlanta’s Transcending Tea. For a delicious fusion of flavors, try their limited edition Chocolate Strawberry tea, which contains dried strawberry slices, apple & papaya pieces, cocoa beans, rosehip, hibiscus, and cornflower petals.

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7. Give your skin some professional love

An at-home spa day can improve your complexion and reduce stress, but nothing beats the real thing. If smooth, glowy skin sounds like the perfect V-Day gift, treat yourself to a HydraFacial, RF microneedling, or other skincare treatment at The Swan Center. Our expert team of board certified plastic surgeons and medical aestheticians are ready to help you feel pampered and look gorgeous!

Contact us online or call (770) 667-0904 today to schedule your Atlanta skincare consultation. We wish you and your girls a happy Galentine’s Day and hope to see you soon! xx

If you’re anything like us, part of why you love Atlanta is the amazing restaurant scene. Sure, takeout is tasty and convenient, and we had a lot of fun meal prepping during our weeks in quarantine, but there’s something about getting dressed up and going out to eat that can’t be replicated.

But, while Atlanta restaurants got the go-ahead to reopen for indoor dining back on April 27th, many have felt reluctant to test the waters when it comes to dining out at a restaurant. We recommend dining outside as a first step: it is a wonderful way to play it safe, support local businesses, and enjoy our wonderful weather as we transition between the seasons.

Is outdoor dining safe during the pandemic?

While takeout, drive-thru, and curbside pickup are naturally the lowest-risk options, outdoor dining can also be safe. Knowing that is the case, numerous Atlanta restaurants have expanded their outdoor patios onto sidewalks and streets to help their customers more safely enjoy friendly service and great food.

When it comes to safety, a restaurant might have an ideal outdoor setup, but your actions will also play a part. The CDC’s guidelines for dining out include staying six feet away from other guests whenever possible, wearing masks when not eating or drinking, and washing or sanitizing one’s hands after handling commonly-touched surfaces such as door handles.

The Georgia Restaurant Association also published these COVID cleaning guidelines for restaurant staff to ensure a safe dining experience for their customers. These require employees to undergo a health screening before starting a shift, wear masks, increase their hand washing and sanitizing, increase sanitizing indoor and outdoor surfaces, and stay six feet apart.

The combination of these guidelines and practices are intended to greatly reduce the possibility of coronavirus transmission and allow healthy individuals to safely enjoy dining out.

What sort of restrictions should I expect when dining outside?

Many restaurants aren’t accepting cash or checks during this time, so be prepared to pay your bill with a debit, credit card, or an option such as Apple Pay™.

Additionally, some restaurants are not allowing the public to enter their indoor spaces—including the restrooms, as using them would require guests to enter the restaurant. These restaurants and popups often provide porta-potties and portable outdoor handwashing stations, but you may prefer to plan your bathroom trip ahead of time.

To be sure you are fully prepared for any situation, we suggest calling ahead or looking at the restaurant’s website to get details before you arrive. Knowing what to expect can help you enjoy your meal without a hitch.

What are the best places to eat outside in Atlanta?

Now for the good stuff. From white tablecloth to picnic bench, we’ve narrowed down the 10 best places in town to grab a bite outside.

• 5Church in Midtown. This modern American restaurant has a patio open for lunch and a new rooftop bar, Virtue Cocktail Club, that opens for dinner at 5pm (their full menu is available on weekdays). Enjoy 5Church’s famous Pappardelle pasta with braised beef short ribs, savory Maine sea scallops, and juicy filet mignon with lump crabmeat. They also offer private dining and event options.
• Bone Garden Cantina in West Midtown. Enjoy authentic, homemade Mexican food and agave spirits on Bone Garden’s breezy outdoor patio. This restaurant is off the beaten path and can be difficult to find, but their brisket enchiladas and house-made Sangria are well worth the adventure.
• The Bucket Shop Cafe in Buckhead. This neighborhood bar and restaurant features a massive outdoor sidewalk patio with plenty of room for social distancing. With multiple outdoor big-screen TVs, the Bucket Shop is your go-to game day destination. And if you’re craving some late-night drinks and bar food, the Bucket Shop’s kitchen is open until 1:15am on Fridays and Saturdays. Oh, and did we mention your furry friends are encouraged to dine with you?
• Desta Ethiopian Kitchen in Briarcliff and Emory Point. Desta has been serving award-winning Ethiopian cuisine since 2006. As of October 1, this crowd-pleaser is open for outdoor dining at both locations, with reservations required Friday through Sunday. For meat-eaters, try their KITFO (Ethiopian-styled steak tartar). For veggie lovers, they have an entirely vegan menu with nine dishes!
• Delbar in Inman Park. The former kitchen manager of Rumi’s Kitchen, Fares Kargar, opened this Persian eatery early in the pandemic. They have an outdoor patio with plans to expand and specialize in Basmati rice entrees. Atlanta Magazine writer, Mara Shalhoup, recommends the falafel and ashk bademjoon (fried eggplant). Reservations are encouraged.
• Table & Main in Roswell. Table & Main accurately describes itself as a Southern tavern offering simple seasonal dishes. Their cute outdoor patio, complete with couches and cushioned deck chairs, makes you feel like you’re eating dinner in your best friend’s backyard. Make sure to try their famous Bourbon Butter Pecan ice cream, served in a Mason jar. Plus, Table & Main recently spearheaded a campaign to donate nearly 40 laptops to children in need, so you can feel especially good about supporting this restaurant!
• Taqueria del Sol in Westside and Cheshire Bridge. Don’t let its modest decor and low prices fool you into thinking Taqueria del Sol isn’t quality—there’s a reason it was voted one of the top 75 best restaurants in Atlanta two years in a row by Atlanta Magazine. Both locations currently have their patios open for carryout customers to enjoy. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for weekly specials, and be sure to try their mouth-watering brisket tacos and house-made margarita pitchers.

Looking for more Atlanta restaurants with outdoor dining?

Check out this extensive list compiled by Thrillist.com or read some of our past dining recommendations in our blog. While these lists haven’t been specifically updated to reflect COVID restrictions, many of the featured restaurants have adapted for the times. Simply call ahead to see what dining spaces are available.

We hope our list has proven helpful and look forward to hearing about your fave dining experiences during your next appointment at the Swan Center!

Things are already starting to heat up in the South—and we have a feeling this summer will be a scorcher. In fact, we already had our first Swan Center pool party! As the temps start to spike and the humidity climbs, nothing feels quite as fantastic as taking a cool dip.

Whether you love lounging by the pool or prefer escaping the city for a bit of nature, there are a ton of great places to swim near Atlanta—we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites.

Our poolside picks

Pack up the family for a day at Hurricane Harbor

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a hot day with the kids, taking a trip to Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Over Georgia is sure to score you some major brownie points with the fam. This huge water park features a variety of attractions, include the five story drop of the Tsunami Surge, zero gravity water slide, and large wave pool.

Hurricane Harbor opens for the summer season on May 25th. Day tickets are $49.99, which includes entry into all of Six Flags Over Georgia.

Take a dip at the West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center

The West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center in Norcross is another great place to splash around this summer. Whether you’re flying solo, planning a day out with friends, or bringing the kids along, the Center offers a variety of ways to cool down, including a large indoor competition pool, outdoor leisure pool, Lazy River, two tall water slides, and an extensive outdoor water playground for little ones.

While they’re currently closed for maintenance, the pools will be open again on May 26th. Fees range from $3 – $10 (residents of Gwinnett County get a discount).

Book a “staycation” and catch some sun at the WET Deck Pool

Out of PTO? Splurge on a night out in your own city. The W Atlanta is one of the most popular spots for several reasons, but we’re all about the stunning rooftop pool—which is the only one of its kind in the city. Thanks to a fully covered roof and panoramic windows, you can swim and take in stunning city views all summer.

The zero edge pool is open from sunrise to sunset every day for guests and their visitors—and if you just want to enjoy a day on the WET deck, weekend day passes are available for $20 for access to the pool, a free drink, and towel service for non-guests.

Natural spots to cool off

Take in the views at Dicks Creek Falls

Northern Georgia boasts a number of gorgeous waterfalls, but Dicks Creek Falls is a popular spot for its convenient access and the size of the swimming hole. It’s the perfect spot for the non-hiker who wants to get out of the city, but those who aren’t fans of crowds should steer clear.

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The three tiers of waterfalls make a beautiful backdrop for the large swimming hole, which has shallow areas for kids to play as well as deeper spots for experienced swimmers.

Take a dip in at Mill Creek

Hope in the car for the 45 minute drive to Woodstock and you’ll find Mill Creek just outside of town, a sweet little spot perfect for splashing around after exploring. As an added bonus, this spot comes complete with a rope swing for the brave of heart.

Just be warned: fans of the spot like to keep it a secret, so you may have to do some exploring to make your way there. But if you stop for a cold drink, chances are you’ll be able to get all the details from a friendly local.

Slip down the natural slide at Tallulah Falls

Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves being outdoors—and there are a number of spots to dip your toes in the area. Tallulah Falls is a breathtaking series of six waterfalls that cascade down the gorge into a beautiful, turquoise swimming hole.

Some of the hiking to get to the best spots can be challenging, but it’s totally worth it, provided you’re sure-footed. Just remember to get there early so you can get your permit to hike the gorge before they run out for the day!

We hope you have a fabulous summer no matter where you decide to cool off. Got any other great spots to share? We’d love to hear from you!

Looking to fill up the rest of your summer with your favorite tunes? The Atlanta music scene is sizzling—and we’ve put together a list of some of the most exciting concerts to hit the city this summer.

2017 Concerts in Atlanta

Get ready to rock with the legends

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July 23: The Moody Blues. This legendary band will perform their iconic album, “Days of Future Passed,” live on stage in its entirety for the first time ever at our very own Chastain Park Amphitheater.

July 29: Foreigner and Cheap Trick: Foreigner turns 40 this year, and they’re bringing some friends along to celebrate. See these classic rock legends at Chastain Park Amphitheatre.

August 21: Deep Purple and Alice Cooper: Metalheads get ready! This night combines the drama of Cooper with the cutting-edge, no-musical-boundaries-style of Deep Purple.

Take it back with big names of the past

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August 12: Flashback Festival. Do it up old-school style with names like The Isley Brothers and Keith Sweat at Lakewood Amphitheatre.

August 19: Earth, Wind & Fire with Chic Feat. Nile Rodgers. Check out Earth, Wind & Fire at the Verizon Amphitheatre for a night of fun, dancing, and plenty of funk.

August 26: Patti LaBelle: A self-proclaimed diva, this lady is best in show. When she’s not belting out the tunes, she’s sharing recipes in “Desserts. LaBelle.” They’re “soulful sweets to sing about.” Enjoy an evening with her Wolf Creek Amphitheatre.

Drop a beat with rap and R&B’s hottest performers

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July 29: Legends of Southern Hip Hop. This all-star lineup is taking over the Wolf Creek Amphitheatre—and they’re sure to bring down the house. Get your tickets now to see Juvenile, Trick Daddy, Pastor Troy, 8ball & MJG, Mystikal and Scarface.

August 8: Mary J Blige: Kick back to the rhythms of the queen of R&B while she works her vocals during the “Strength of a Woman” tour at Wolf Creek Amphitheatre.

Satisfy Your 90s Craving

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August 10: John Mayer: A pop culture staple, this talented singer-songwriter and guitarist will play from his new album, “The Search for Everything,” at Lakewood Amphitheatre.

August 13: Matchbox Twenty and Counting Crows: Get ready to tune out the world when these two bands come together as part of their “A Brief History of Everything Tour” at the Lakewood Amphitheatre.

Nothing piquing your interest? There’s lots more—check out the full list of summer concerts in Atlanta.

We’re pretty sure most Atlantans agree that we live in a great city: Atlanta’s got great food, diverse entertainment options, and beautiful weather. It’s the best of all worlds, but with so many options, it’s nice to have a little help picking where to go and what to do.

The good news is apps created to help streamline life in the city are popping up right and left. Thrillist recently highlighted some of the best apps for Atlanta, and we’ve added a few of our favorites below.

Must-have apps for those on the go:

The MARTA On the Go app for both Android and iPhone will help you keep tabs on MARTA trains. While there are other train app options, this Atlanta train app is your best bet because the info is straight from the source.

The Uber app shouldn’t be news to anyone, but if you haven’t tried it yet, you should absolutely add it to your device. Uber is perfect for a city like ours, with millions of people and only a handful of taxis. Bonus: as more and more drivers sign on with Uber, rates remain competitive and pick-ups quick.

As a community-based app, Waze provides real-time traffic and navigation data from your fellow Atlantans—helping you get to from point A to point B without losing your mind! It gives you a heads up for roadblocks between where you are and where you want to go.

Keep your finger on the pulse of your city:

The Atlanta Planit app is perfect for those who love getting out and enjoying all Atlanta has to offer. You can check out special events, exclusive shows, and new venues—and it’s optimized for social sharing, so you can get your friends on board easily.

Love live music? Bandsintown is an app that keeps you in the know when it comes to your favorite artists. Atlanta is a major music destination, and this app will help make sure you don’t miss an opportunity to see that up-and-coming new band.

Curb your cravings:

Atlanta boasts so many wonderful restaurants that picking a spot can be difficult. That’s where Zomato (previously Urbanspoon) comes in. Browse menus, read critiques and praises, and even find the closest venue to you.

If you have a special night planned or simply want to treat yourself to a great meal at a popular spot, OpenTable is a must. This app makes booking reservations as simple as tapping a button.

Loving where you live is a real pleasure—and these apps make enjoying Atlanta easier than ever. Have a favorite app that makes life in Atlanta fun, simple, and convenient? Share in the comments below!

Without further ado, here’s our whirlwind tour of the most romantic things to do in Atlanta!

1. Enjoy a Sweet Caffeine Burst at Cafe Intermezzo

Good conversation fuels any romantic outing, so get the morning buzzing with a latte from Café Intermezzo in Midtown. This Vienna-style coffeehouse boasts a dizzying array of coffee drinks and more than 70 pastries for nibbling. If you’re hungry for something more substantial, the café offers omelets, crepes, and sandwiches to keep you going all afternoon.

2. Root for the Home Team at Turner Field (While You Still Can!)

You and your date have probably heard about the Atlanta Braves’ upcoming move away from Turner Field. Not to worry, the team will be just 10 miles away from downtown, but you’ll still want to catch them on their beloved home turf before it’s too late. Bring your sweetie and your team spirit to a Braves game for an afternoon date homerun.

3. Stroll Through Downtown Roswell

If small town charm is up your date’s alley, be sure to head to Roswell. This cute little town just outside of Atlanta is home to restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions. Share a pie at Real Fix Pizzeria, where the dough goes through a 96-hour long leavening process. Surely your love will last much longer, but it’s nice to know so much care went into your meal. We also recommend stopping by the Riverside Sounds Concert Series for a free outdoor concert the first Saturday of the month in Riverside Park.

4. Classic Dinner and a Movie Date

Cuddling up at the movies with your arm around your sweetie’s shoulder is a classic way to share some love. Take it to the next level at AMC Phipps Plaza 14 — a movie theater, bar, and restaurant combo. Say cheers with one of the movie theater’s upscale cocktails in its Hitchcock-themed bar and then pick out your favorite movie theater snack before catching a flick.

5. A Unique Dining Experience at 4th & Swift

If you’re hoping for something a little more upscale than dinner and a movie, be sure to head to Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward to check out 4th & Swift. Your date will love the farm-to-table fine dining and award-winning wine list, which can be enjoyed at the lovely bar, inside at an elegant table, or under the twinkling lights of the patio. Bonus: impress your date with the Chef’s Tasting Menu for a delectable culinary experience.

6. Toast the Town at Polaris

Sipping cocktails while taking in a breathtaking view is one of the most romantic ways to end a day with your loved one. Polaris is a rotating restaurant and bar on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. You can gaze out of the large windows to see an expansive view of the city, then sit back with an upscale drink as you make eyes with your sweetheart.

Now that you know where to take your date in Atlanta, get ready for a fun-filled day of romance in one of our favorite romantic cities!

Thrillist Atlanta recently highlighted the “11 Best Road Trips from Atlanta,” and we were delighted to see some of our favorite destinations listed. So buckle up and keep reading to see our top 3 favorite roadtrips under three hours.

1. Take a Dip at Toccoa Falls

Just an hour and a half away, the bustling metropolis melts away into stunning greenery and mountain scenery. Hidden within is Toccoa Falls, a beautiful single-drop waterfall with over 180ft of cascading water. Pack your hiking boots, plenty of water, and lunch, and make a day of it!

2. See the Sights in Chattanooga

You’ll want to plan a weekend trip because Chattanooga is bursting with things to do, places to see, and delicious food to eat. We love browsing all of the shops on the Riverwalk, where you can find over 10 miles of boutiques, restaurants, bars, and and gorgeous art displays. Even better, you can explore downtown attractions via a rental bike from the city’s bike share program or the free electric shuttle service.

Shopping not your thing? Take the kids to the Tennessee Aquarium or check out the Tennessee Valley Railroad for tons of fun. Kids both young and old will love Coolidge Park, where you can ride the beautifully restored, over-100-year-old carousel.

3. Asheville is Worth the Drive

We may have fibbed about distance, as Asheville is a bit over three hours away, but trust us when we say it’s worth the drive! A thriving downtown scene sits nestled amongst the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, making Asheville the perfect destination for almost anyone.

Looking for outdoor fun and adventure? Check out one of the many waterfalls, hike the parkway, or get an aerial view from a zipline. Are you a foodie? Asheville boasts some of the top restaurants and microbreweries. Family fun can be had touring the historic Biltmore Estate, exploring downtown, or plunging into one of the area’s many swimming holes, lakes, and rivers.

Wherever you find yourself this summer, we hope you have a safe and happy trip!