5 Spring Festivals Near Smyrna

Image via Flickr by D.C.Atty As the weather warms up, it's time to put down the screens and get outside. If you are looking for a new place to explore, check out these five great options near Atlanta. Atlanta Beltline The Atlanta Beltline is at 100 Peachtree Street, NW. This is an excellent location to enjoy outdoor fitness activities like running and biking. If you are up for a more organized exploration of the area, join one of the official tours. There are three different types of tours offered; bike, bus, and arboretum walking tours. Each gives you a different view of the Beltline. There is also a sunset walking tour offered on Tuesday evenings during the summer along the Eastside Trail. more Centennial Olympic Park Revisit the site of the 1996 Olympic Summer Games with a visit to Centennial Olympic Park. While you are on the grounds, take the audio tour for a more in-depth look at the location. The park is an excellent place for a midday picnic. Don't forget to check out the Fountain of Rings show that plays four times daily. Piedmont Park Piedmont Park offers you a chance to escape the city without leaving city limits. The park is home to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It is also the host of a wide variety of festivals. On Saturdays through November, visit the farmer's market before exploring this beautiful natural setting. There are areas in the park dedicated to dogs. While in the three-acre dog park, dogs may run free. Yet in other areas, they must remain on a leash. Stone Mountain Park Escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta and explore Stone Mountain Park. It is only 15 miles from the city. During your visit, enjoy a variety of nature trails for hiking and biking. There is a playground for young visitors. If you wish to explore more, you can take the one-mile trail to the summit for some breathtaking views. If you like to relax on the water, rent a canoe and head for the 363-acre lake on the property. The lake is also available for fishing. Don't forget to pack a picnic and take advantage of one of the many wooded picnic areas. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Explore the outdoors and learn about important American history at the same time. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is located around his birth home. Visitors can take a tour of the house on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon through the end of September. This is one of the most popular sites in Atlanta, so arrive early. The location is wheelchair accessible. During your visit, you can visit the birth home of Dr. King, as well as the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and fire station number six. You can also explore the World Peace Rose Garden located near the visitor center. There is no cost to visit this National Historical Park. Don't forget to remain weather aware while you enjoy these locations. Bring a camera to capture candid moments, but make sure it is adventure proof so you can enjoy yourself.

Smyrna, GA, July, 2020 –  In an effort to help the local Fulton County, Downtown Atlanta, and Gwinnett County homeless community, Mark Lavene, Vice President of Marketing  Sale and Service of Ford Motors, was at Wade Ford on Wednesday, July 8th to donate $30,000 to Hope Thru Soap. Hope Thru Soap is a local non-profit organization that provides a mobile shower experience to the less fortunate and homeless in Atlanta. The organization provides homeless or poverty-stricken individuals and families with showers, haircuts, clothing, and food in different parts of the city through their mobile setup. “We’re excited to have this opportunity to give back and make this happen at Wade Ford,” said Mike Barlow, General Manager at Wade Ford. “As Atlanta’s Ford Dealer, we’re proud to support a local organization that helps those most impacted by the pandemic get back on their feet and brighten their day.” To learn more about Hope for Soap and their upcoming initiatives, visit their website at HopeForSoap.org.

Image via Flickr by maxim303 Being near the water is relaxing and there are plenty of things that you can do. Fishing has a long history of being a relaxing and fun activity that you can do alone or in a group. There are many places to fish, especially around Atlanta. The trick is to know where you should fish to find the one that you want. If you are into fishing, check out these great fishing places near Atlanta. Lakes Burton If you want to catch the best fish, travel a bit north of Atlanta. There, you will find the Tallulah River Watershed. It travels along the original route of the Tallulah River and there are six lakes along its path. Lake Burton is one of the closest and gives you the chance to catch some of the biggest fish around. The lake is surrounded by luxury homes and resorts. Plus, the lake has a history of housing record-breaking fish. If you go there, be prepared to catch something larger than you expected. more Lake Rabun Another great option is Lake Rabun, which is also in the Tallulah River Watershed. Lake Rabun is a reservoir that houses many species of fish and other wildlife. It is nearly 835 miles long with 25 miles of easily accessible shoreline. That way, you can choose the perfect spot for you. If you are looking for a place to stay, check out the Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant. It has been there since 1922 and offers a nearby place to rest after a long day of fishing. Lake Seed Lake Seed is one of the smaller lakes in the Tallulah River Watershed, at just 243-acres and 13 miles of accessible shoreline. If you want a place that is less visited, but still has the local amenities that you want, check out Lake Seed. There are waterfront homes and other amenities to choose from. There is also a nearby campground. That way, you can spend the day fishing and then walk back to your campsite for a good night's rest. It is a great way to get away from the city and relax for a while. Fishing can be a great way to relax, especially if you need to get away from the city for a while. There are many more places, including other lakes north of Atlanta. Nearly all of those places allow fishing and watercraft, so you will never have to miss a fishing trip. If you plan on going fishing, make sure that you take an appropriate vehicle with you. The area around the lakes can be wet, muddy, and harder to drive on when you get close. A new truck, SUV, or crossover may be the best way for you to stay safe. Visit Wade Ford for some advice on what you should take, as well as assistance in getting the right vehicle. It could be the thing that keeps you from being stressed on the trip or getting stuck somewhere around your fishing spot.