The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a national park located along a 48-mile stretch of the river. The park features a visitor's center, picnic areas and a diverse representation of Georgia's plant and animal life. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, fishing and more.
Pryor Fine Art was established in 1988 by Susie Pryor. Since then, the gallery has established a track record of introducing innovative contemporary art to the Atlanta metro area. The gallery currently represents more than 40 talented artists, but also encourages professional artists to submit samples of their work to the review board. The space is warm and intimate and the staff is refreshingly friendly—no pretension here, just art.
Built from 1816–1819, the Owens-Thomas House in downtown Savannah is a treat for both history fans and students of building design. Widely considered one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the U.S., it was designed by William Jay, one of the nation's first professionally-trained architects. Built for a wealthy cotton merchant and banker, the elegant residence was constructed and furnished entirely with materials delivered by ship from England. In addition to the house itself, the attraction also includes a garden, museum store, and a carriage house.
Parking and public transportation to the Owens-Thomas House
Located on Oglethorpe Square in the heart of Savannah's National Landmark Historic District, the Owens-Thomas House is an easy walk from most downtown lodging facilities. Alternatively, you can park your car at nearby public parking garages, or in street-level metered parking spaces. Or, you could also ride here on "the dot," Savannah's free downtown transportation system.
Best and worst time to go to the Owens-Thomas House
Weekends can be crowded at this popular attraction; at the same time, you don't need to feed the on-street parking meters (if you can find a space).
Admission to the Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House opens at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and at noon Sunday and Monday. This is a guided-tour only attraction: tours are given daily at fifteen-minute intervals, with the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm. Admission prices currently range from $5 to $15 depending upon age. The museum store, carriage house, garden and public restrooms are wheelchair accessible, but the house itself is not.
Must see/do at the Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House was Savannah's first residence with an indoor running water system, which includes four rooftop cisterns. The carriage house, which also serves as the site's orientation center, is home to the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the southern U.S.
Other places to visit near the Owens-Thomas House
Nearby attractions include Broughton Street, downtown's main retail/restaurant strip, whose occupants include Leopold's Ice Cream, a Savannah tradition. Also, 17 Hundred 90, a historic inn with a restaurant and bar, is only a few steps away. Meanwhile, River Street, where century-old cotton warehouses have been converted into a wide variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, pubs and hotels facing the Savannah River, is also within a short walk.
Insider tip for visitors to the Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House is owned by Telfair Museums, which also owns the Telfair Academy, home to nineteenth- and twentieth-century American and European art; and Jepson Center, featuring exhibitions of contemporary art. Purchase a triple-site pass and enjoy a substantial discount on visits to all three locations.
Author's bio: Martin Sinderman is a Savannah-based freelance writer.
Rock Barn is owned and operated by the Cherokee County Historical Society and is one of the few surviving rock barns left in Georgia. The barn is a unique landmark and operates as an exhibition center and special events facility available for rent for all types of events and occasions, including business meetings, family reunions, wedding receptions and any other type of party. The building can hold up to 180, and the facility also offers tents to be set up outside on the lawn to accommodate more. It offers a wide range of amenities, including a projection screen, sound system, a catering kitchen, tables and chairs and more. Check the main site for details on the facility or for rental guidelines. The Cherokee County Historical Society does not allow the Rock Barn to be rented for events for anyone under the age of 18.
The former home of author Joel Chandler, the Wren's Nest House Museum, is an Atlanta destination that appeals to kids and delights adults too. The preserved house and its museum earned a place in Atlanta and national history, prompting the National Park Service to put the restored Victorian-style house on the National Register of Historic Places in 1962.
Best and worst time go to the Wren's Nest House Museum
Saturday is the best time to visit the Wren's House. Normally scheduled at 1 p.m., unless you visit with a group, this is the only time that you can enjoy the storytellers' recitals of the Uncle Remus stories made famous by Joel Chandler Harris.
Must see/do at the Wren's Nest House Museum
Immerse yourself in the details of life during the early 20th century by viewing the meticulously preserved furnishings and memorabilia in Joel Chandler's bedroom. Visit the Wren's House gift shop to buy CDs of Uncle Remus stories. Enjoy the landscaped gardens and the houses that Harris built on the grounds for his children during your visit.
Admission to the Wren's Nest House Museum
The Wren's House admission fees vary by age, with children's admission closer to $5, and adult admission closer to $10. Seniors receive discounted admission prices. Group admission prices are negotiated, depending on the group size.
Parking and public transportation Wren's Nest House Museum
The Wren's Nest has free public parking on the property. The closest MARTA public transportation train stop is the West End Station on the North-South line. Take the 71 Cascade Road bus from the station to the Wren's House.
Food at the Wren's Nest House Museum
The Wren's House does not have a restaurant. Visitors have a choice of traditional Southern cooking or vegetarian cuisine restaurants and fast food chains in the neighborhood.
Insider tip for visitors to Wren's Nest House Museum
The Wren's House has free admission at least once a year when it participates in Atlanta's Phoenix Flies tour program. Visitors who enjoy art can buy discounted admission packages for the Wren's Nest and the nearby Hammond's House art museum.
Author's bio: Carol has lived in Atlanta for 35 years. She has published travel articles in "Diamond" magazine, Arizona Central, USA Today and other websites.
The Carter Presidential Library and Museum houses former President Jimmy Carter's Presidential library, a research and historical venue. It is the only Presidential library located in the southeast. While the library is open to researchers in Atlanta, the museum and the grounds attract kids and adults who are interested in American history.
Best and worst time go to Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Saturday mornings are normally the best time for a relaxed visit. Avoid weekdays during the school year, from September to early May, because the Center is a popular choice for school field trips.
Must see/do at Carter Presidential Library and Museum
The museum's replica of the Oval Office lets you visit the White House without traveling to DC. See gifts made to President Cater by world leaders during visits to the White House. Try your hand at identifying the 50 states in the circle of flags at the museum's entrance.
Admission to Carter Presidential Library and Museum
The museum's admission prices range from free for youth under 16 to just under $10 for adults. Seniors, military personnel and students get discounted admission.
Parking and public transportation to Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Parking at the Center is free. One lot is available on each side of the parkway that runs around the center. The lot on the east side of the property is closer to the main entrance. Take the 16 Noble bus from the downtown Five Points MARTA public transportation train station to the Center.
Food at Carter Presidential Library and Museum
The restaurant on site is only open from morning to mid-afternoon. Picnic tables on the grounds provide an alternative for visitors who pack a basket or snacks.
Insider tip for visitors to Carter Presidential Library and Museum
The Center frequently has free public lectures, forums and cultural activities in its auditorium. Arrive early; the auditorium has limited seating.
Author's bio: Carol Luther has lived in Atlanta for 35 years. She has published travel articles in "Diamond" magazine, Arizona Central, USA Today and other websites.
The Vinings Historical District is an area in Vinings that has been preserved for 125 years. The Preservation Society was established in 1993 to continue the preservation and historical significance of the area. It is comprised of several shopping plazas and businesses, housed in their original structures. The Pace House is a venue for events such as birthdays and weddings. There is a also bank, doctor's office and several other shops that are all decked in white with picket fences, in keeping with the time.
The district is rich with heritage. The main office is called the Yarbrough house, where you can make reservations, find out information, and set up activities and tours.
Margaret Mitchell wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Gone with the Wind" in apartment No. 1 of this historic, three-story building on Peachtree Road. She moved into the residence, then called the Crescent Apartments, with her husband John Marsh in 1925. The house remained an apartment until 1978 and then was abandoned. In 1985, preservationists restored the residence. In 1989, it was named a city landmark.
The house is operated by the Atlanta History Center and features guided tours of the apartment where Margaret Mitchell wrote her famous novel. There also are several exhibits that showcase Mitchell's life. The last tour of the the day begins at 4:3 pm. The house also serves as a literary center that hosts programs with award-winning authors, as well as creative writing classes for adults and youth.
One of the few pre-civil war houses still standing in Atlanta, the Mary Gay House was built in the 1820's and was later moved to Adair Park. Placed on in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the Mary Gay House is frequently used for weddings, public events and fund raisers. The Junior League of DeKalb County is currently taking donations to help renovate maintain this famous home.
