Directions To Interstate 85 South Travel Guide
Directions To Interstate 85 South Travel Guide
Introduction
If you’re planning a trip to the southern part of the United States, make sure to include Directions To Interstate 85 South in your itinerary. This travel guide will help you explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
1. Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. It features a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees from around the world. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal events throughout the year, such as the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, and the Orchid Daze display.
2. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in civil rights and social justice. The park includes several important sites, such as MLK’s birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center, which features exhibits about MLK’s life and legacy.
Hidden Gems
1. Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful retreat located just outside of Atlanta. The park features hiking trails, a lake for fishing and boating, and a historic mill ruins. It’s a great place to escape the city and enjoy some outdoor recreation.
2. Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is a former Sears, Roebuck & Co. building that has been transformed into a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Visitors can browse local boutiques, sample artisanal food and drinks, and enjoy live music and events.
Food Scene
1. Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Mary Mac’s Tea Room is a classic Southern restaurant that has been serving up comfort food since 1945. Visitors can enjoy dishes such as fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens, as well as signature desserts like peach cobbler and banana pudding.
2. The Varsity
The Varsity is a beloved Atlanta institution that has been serving up hot dogs, burgers, and fries since 1928. Visitors can also try the restaurant’s famous Frosted Orange, a creamy orange drink that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Budget-Friendly Tips
1. Free Walking Tours
Atlanta offers several free walking tours that are a great way to explore the city’s history and culture. Visitors can choose from tours such as the Civil Rights Tour, the Street Art Tour, and the Downtown Decatur Food Tour.
2. BeltLine Trails
The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of trails and parks that connect many of the city’s neighborhoods. Visitors can walk, bike, or jog along the trails and enjoy art installations, public parks, and stunning views of the city skyline.
Outdoor Adventures
1. Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike or bike the trails, take a scenic railway ride, or enjoy attractions such as the SkyHike ropes course and the Geyser Towers water playground.
2. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a beautiful natural area just outside of Atlanta. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities along the river.
Historical Landmarks
1. Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is a museum and research center that explores the history of the city and the state of Georgia. Visitors can see exhibits about the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the history of Atlanta’s neighborhoods.
2. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a site of historical significance from the Civil War. Visitors can explore the battlefield and learn about the history of the area through exhibits and ranger-led tours.
Family-Friendly Activities
1. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and features a variety of marine life from around the globe. Visitors can see whale sharks, dolphins, penguins, and other animals up close.
2. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a fun and educational destination for kids of all ages. The museum features interactive exhibits on science, art, and music, as well as special events and programs throughout the year.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
1. The Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique attraction that features puppet shows, exhibits, and workshops. Visitors can see performances of classic stories like The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan, as well as original productions.
2. Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery is a beautiful and historic cemetery that is a popular destination for visitors interested in architecture and history. The cemetery features stunning monuments and mausoleums, as well as the final resting places of many notable Georgians.
Natural Wonders
1. Amicalola Falls State Park
Amicalola Falls State Park is home to the tallest waterfall in Georgia. Visitors can hike to the top of the falls for stunning views of the surrounding mountains, or explore the park’s many hiking trails and campsites.
2. Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden and resort that features a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as golf, fishing, and hiking.
Vibrant Nightlife
1. The Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is a historic theater that hosts a variety of live performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. Visitors can also take a backstage tour of the theater to learn about its history and architecture.
2. The Clermont Lounge
The Clermont Lounge is a legendary Atlanta dive bar that has been featured in films and TV shows. Visitors can enjoy cheap drinks and live music, as well as the infamous burlesque shows.
Local Markets
1. Atlanta Farmers Market
The Atlanta Farmers Market is a popular destination for fresh produce, meats, and other local goods. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, live music, and other events throughout the year.
2. Krog Street Market
Krog Street Market is a food hall and market that features a variety of local vendors, from coffee shops and bakeries to seafood and barbecue restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy events such as live music and art shows.
Beaches and Mountains
1. Tybee Island
Tybee Island is a charming beach town located just outside of Savannah. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports on the beach, as well as exploring the town’s shops and restaurants.
2. Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a beautiful natural area that offers hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy driving the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
Cultural Immersion
1. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum and research center that explores the history of civil rights and social justice in the United States. Visitors can see exhibits on important figures such as MLK and Rosa Parks, as well as participate in interactive experiences and programs.
2. Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is a museum and research center that explores the history of the city and the state of Georgia. Visitors can see exhibits about the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the history of Atlanta’s neighborhoods.
Art and Music Scene
1. High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is a world-class museum that features a wide variety of art from around the world. Visitors can see works by famous artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Warhol, as well as contemporary and local artists.
2. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is a renowned orchestra that performs a variety of classical and contemporary music. Visitors can enjoy concerts at the beautiful Atlanta Symphony Hall, as well as special events and programs throughout the year.
Walking Tours
1. Civil Rights Tour
The Civil Rights Tour is a free walking tour that explores the history of the