Best Kept Sightseeing Secrets of Atlanta – Don’t Miss Them

Discovering The Best Kept Secret Activities of Atlanta

 If you live in or have ever traveled to Atlanta, you likely know about attractions such as the Atlanta Braves’ Turner Field, the High Museum of Art, the CNN Center, the Atlanta Zoo, and Piedmont Park. You probably don’t know, however, about the vast array of other activities that are home to this charming southern city. Atlanta has a hidden collection of activities for those who are sick of seeing the same tourist traps time and time again.

What you wish you knew about Atlanta

If you’re looking for rare places to visit in and around Atlanta, you’re in luck. Below are some of the best-kept secrets the city has to offer:

• Cyclorama – Located in historic Grant Park, the Cyclorama displays locomotives from the 1800s, Civil War artifacts and commemorative art. A bookstore and gift shop are also found on site. Parking is free with the purchase of an admissions ticket. Educational tours are available for schools. Oh, and Cyclorama is right next to Zoo Atlanta, so you could experience two memorable attractions in a single day.
• Lake Claire Community Land Trust – Nature and art lovers will appreciate this best kept secret in Atlanta. Picnicking,potluck meals and outdoor performances take place at Lake Claire. Travelers who value a sense of neighborhood or community might want to make this stop a must on their list of things to do while visiting Atlanta.
• Atlanta Rollergirls – Remember the roller derby from the 1970s? Few cities host roller derby events the way they once did. A stop at Atlanta Rollergirls could satisfy the sports lover in you, not to mention give you the chance to take in a sport that is still finding a way to continue so many years after its heyday. Teams that compete at the spot include the Jukes of Hazzard, Dirty South Derby Girls, Team Zebra, and the Rumble B’s.
• Jackson Fine Art – The works of many talented artists are periodically on display at Jackson Fine Art. Among some of the gallery’s most prominent artists are Vivian Maier, Mona Kuhn, and Ruud van Empel. Vivian Maier is a photographer who took photographs of places she visited during her travels, places like New York and Chicago. Vivian Maier kept her photographs secret. It wasn’t until after she passed in 2009 that her works were discovered. Mona Kuhn studied at Ohio State University. She also studied art at the San Francisco Art Institute. The works of Mona Kuhn are parts of collections owned by Sir Elton John and Paul Allen. Another bright artist, Ruud van Empel, incorporates graphic designs, photographs, and videos to develop his artwork.
• Cascade Springs Nature Preserve – This location takes you back to a time when Atlanta was a simpler city, to a time when highways and interstates didn’t snake through countless districts. Activities you can participate in at the nature preserve, which spans across 120 acres, include hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. History was made at the site, as it is the location of a major Civil War battle. Located in the southwest side of Atlanta, the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve is home to water that some say has healing components.
• The Swan House – Built in 1928, the Swan House is a mansion that was built for the Edward H. Inman family. In addition to touring the mansion designed by Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze, you can trek through the gardens, fountains, and other beautiful outdoor grounds. It’s also attached to the Atlanta History Center, so you can learn about the capital’s rich history all in the same visit.

Hence, Atlanta offers many intriguing activities that are off the beaten path of the usual tourist attractions. While you explore these and other best-kept secrets, enjoy a snack, dessert, or meal at one of the city’s drive-in restaurants, such as Zesto’s or The Varsity.

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About The Author: Rhonda Campbell is a freelance writer who covers travel, technology and business. She calls the East Coast her home. She enjoys traveling to new places, and has been passionate about written communications since she was young.
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