This Midtown dinner theater provides good food and great Shakespearean entertainment. The Atlanta Shakespeare Company, which manages The New American Shakespeare Tavern, was the first American company to perform at London's Globe Theatre. A traditional English pub meal is offered during the hour before the show. A full bar features Harp, Bass, and Guinness, as well as a few wines. Seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early. Call for performance schedule.
One of the largest cemeteries in Atlanta, the Oakland Cemetery is located in the heart of downtown. This bucolic expanse serves as a constant reminder of the city's history. Dating back to the 1850s, the cemetery was the final destination for all Atlantans until 1884, when private burial grounds began appearing throughout the city. The oldest section is near the main entrance, where legendary golfer Bobby Jones and author Margaret Mitchell are interred. This expansive 48-acre (190,000-sq meter) beautiful garden now houses sculptures, an art gallery, a green space and serves as a prominent wedding venue for the city.
The most expansive and popular of Atlanta's city parks was originally laid out for the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895, and it now attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Dog owners, sun-seekers, and sports enthusiasts flock to Piedmont Park to enjoy the fair weather, largely unaware that this was the spot of the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Civil War. Its picturesque locales also offer a romantic ambiance. The 189-acre (76.48-hectare) facility is home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and scenic Lake Clara Meer and plays host to many of Atlanta's favorite concerts and festivals.
Atlanta History Center is a great spot for history buffs. This comprehensive museum complex was founded in 1926 and chronicles the region's history, including sections on the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, Southern folk crafts, Atlanta's expansion, and much more. Spread across 33 acres (13.5 hectares), the complex consists of the Atlanta History Museum, Swan House, Tullie Smith Farm (Smith Family Farm), Margaret Mitchell House, Lee Playhouse, Victorian Playhouse, McElreath Hall, Kenan Research Center, and beautiful gardens. It has various programs, festivals, and events throughout the year. Considered to be among the biggest history museums in the country, each space is unique and distinct, giving a glimpse of an era bygone and stories to enthrall everyone.
A few blocks to the east of downtown, the Sweet Auburn neighborhood is home to the birthplace of America's most influential Civil Rights leader. Operated by the National Park Service, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park comprises Dr. King's boyhood home, his tomb and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King and his father were both pastors. The park, along with much of the surrounding district, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. This collection of historic monuments invokes poignant memories of Martin Luther King Jr., and the indelible mark that he has left on the American Civil Rights Movement. Visitors will also find other fascinating monuments here such as the King Center, the Prince Hall and a statue of the world-revered Mahatma Gandhi. The Visitor Center of the site shelters an insightful museum, which sheds light on the legacy of Dr. King.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of the largest spectacles of plant life in the Southeast. Sprawling over 30 acres (12.14 hectares), this natural oasis was established in 1976 and is located within stumbling distance of the famous Piedmont Park. It is home to the Fuqua Conservatory and Japanese gardens, both rich in globe-spanning flora. Follow a walking trail, which is a favorite of couples, and admire exotic rose plantations and carnivorous specimens. In addition, guided tours and seasonal shows guarantee an entertaining botany lesson.
Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, Heritage Green is a public park that is operated by the Heritage Sandy Springs organization, which is a not-for-profit entity that strives to preserve the heritage and culture of the city. A nice grassy space, it is a good spot to walk your dog or spend some time with your family. Admission is free to the park, which comprises attractions like the Sandy Springs Historic Site, the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn, and the Williams Payne House Museum. Also, the park is home to the original natural springs that have been preserved.
This Midtown dinner theater provides good food and great Shakespearean entertainment. The Atlanta Shakespeare Company, which manages The New American Shakespeare Tavern, was the first American company to perform at London's Globe Theatre. A traditional English pub meal is offered during the hour before the show. A full bar features Harp, Bass, and Guinness, as well as a few wines. Seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early. Call for performance schedule.
One of the largest cemeteries in Atlanta, the Oakland Cemetery is located in the heart of downtown. This bucolic expanse serves as a constant reminder of the city's history. Dating back to the 1850s, the cemetery was the final destination for all Atlantans until 1884, when private burial grounds began appearing throughout the city. The oldest section is near the main entrance, where legendary golfer Bobby Jones and author Margaret Mitchell are interred. This expansive 48-acre (190,000-sq meter) beautiful garden now houses sculptures, an art gallery, a green space and serves as a prominent wedding venue for the city.
Surrounded by the residential neighborhoods of Roswell and Sandy Springs, this beautiful park is a popular site for family picnics, quiet strolls, and dog outings. Trails are marked out throughout the park for hiking, running, and biking. Picnic sites are arranged along the banks of the slow-rolling Chattahoochee, the longest river in Georgia. Canoes and rafts are available for rent, and make for great summertime adventures. Take the Roswell Road off Interstate 285, go north to Azalea Drive and turn left for a day of rejuvenating recreation.
A Civil War landmark as well as an expansive verdant oasis, Candler Park offers tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields and an outdoor pool. Perhaps the park's most unique feature is its nine-hole golf course that winds its scenic way through one of the east side's most pleasant residential neighborhoods. Often crowded, Candler Park is not the ideal place for a quiet jog, but sports are always being played and everyone is welcome.
Marietta Square is the town square and center of all creative and community events. The lush green surroundings, landscaped area and gleaming fountain make for a pleasant sight. It also has a toy train engine playground for kids to enjoy, while parents take a stroll around. However, highlight of the square is the Gazebo, that is an ideal background for your family photographs or wedding video. Evening Concert Series and Brown Bag Concerts, farmers market, public events, weddings and similar events are regularly held here.