Free Things To Do in Atlanta
Atlanta is one exciting town to visit, but it can also be an expensive town to spend a vacation in. If you’re looking for some fun and cheap things to do when visiting Atlanta, use the following suggestions for free things to do that are fun and educational.
Centennial Olympic ParkNo matter what time of year you decide to visit, there is always something to do at Centennial Olympic Park. Just two decades ago the park was one of the worst areas of town, run down and neglected and then the Olympics came to town. The multi-block region was transformed into a park celebrating the historic 1996 Olympic visit. To this day, the park sponsors a variety of free events so you should check the website before you go so you’re sure not to miss anything. And make sure to stop and see the Quilt of Remembrance, for those of us that remember, Centennial Olympic Park was the scene of a terrible bombing and the quilt is designed as a memorial to those who lost their lives.
If you’re looking for a park that allows more activities (several are prohibited at Centennial Olympic Park), then Piedmont Park Conservancy is a great place to spend an afternoon. The list of things to do at Piedmont is almost staggering and can fill more than a day full of fun activities. Take your choice from fishing, grilling, picnicking, playground fun, skating and biking, soccer, softball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, walking or jogging and bird watching. If you are lucky enough to be there at the right time of year, the Green Market is a great way to spend a morning, and then you can take your purchases deeper into the park and have a lovely lunchtime picnic. If you’re interested in history, there are free Historic Park Tours every first and third Saturday of the month. These guided walking tours take about 60 to 90 minutes and cover all phases of the park’s development.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
For a deeper understanding of the history of Atlanta and America, schedule a visit to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site for an incredible look inside the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. If you’re interested in a tour of the birth home you’ll have to go with a park ranger on a tour. These tours are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis so register at the Visitor Center as soon as you arrive, only 15 people can go each hour. In addition to seeing the birth home there are several events that are sponsored throughout the year, check the website to see what’s going on during your visit.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Whether you’re a Civil War buff or not, there is something about Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park that draws everyone into the mystery of the past. Filled with history and lore, the Kennesaw Battlefield is a fascinating way to spend a day in Atlanta without spending a dime. The Battlefield encompasses 2,923 acres and seeks to preserve this important location of the Atlanta Campaign. From June 19th to July 2nd 1864 these now sparse grounds were packed with 100,000 soldiers in the Sherman army and 63,000 in Johnston’s. While the battle raged more than 67,000 men were killed, wounded or captured on the very land that is now occupied by the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. There are three battlefield areas, and 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails and a small Civil War museum.
The Georgia Governor’s Mansion is an architectural masterpiece that features a Greek revival façade with 30 stunning columns. On the inside you’ll find the mansion decorated with pieces from the Federalist Period. You’ll also see a signed first edition copy of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone With the Wind” and the torch Muhammad Ali used to light the Olympic Cauldron at the 1996 Summer Games. The self guided tour is totally free and lets you explore 10 different rooms on the first floor. Each room features a docent who is happy to point out the highlights of their area and answer any questions you may have.
If you enjoyed your visit to the Governor’s Mansion you may also enjoy a visit to Georgia’s State Capitol. Listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places, the Georgia State Capitol was built between 1884 and 1889. Along with many other state capitols, the architectural inspiration was the United States Capitol. You can wander around the capitol by yourself and visit the museum, but a guided tour will give you more information on Georgia law and the legal process. Tours are free and you may be able to get in a guided tour when you arrive, but calling ahead and making a reservation is recommended as there is only one tour per hour.
If you’re looking for more culture and less history, give City Gallery East a try. This 8,000 square foot museum is dedicated to displaying the artistic pursuits of local talent. By keeping to artists from the area you get a unique blend of diversity and yet there’s still a sense of Atlanta that pervades the work. For true art lovers it’s easy to spend a day viewing the ever changing exhibits and all of it is free of charge.
TULA was the brainchild of Lil Friedlander who was simply looking for some art space for herself and friends. The 48,000 square foot manufacturing plant was turned into a studio, which in turn turned the area into an artist’s hot spot. You can literally get lost in TULA today, as you shop for antiques and one-of-a-kind artistic creations. And if you’re not into shopping, just explore the art galleries and studios. It’s remarkable how the vision of one artist inspired so many in this creative expression of talent.
Not your typical mainstream tourist activities, but the options suggested above are totally free and offer great variety to visitors and residents of Atlanta alike. Not all vacations need to cost a fortune, some of the best experiences in life are free.
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(cc: photo credit: R.Duran)
Categories: Travel on the Cheap
