Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is located in the 1920 Gothic-Tudor style home of the Charles Howard Candler family. It offers classes for adults and children, covering topics on literary art, visual art and performing arts. Historic tours are offered. The venue is a very beautiful place to hold a wedding as well.
Heritage Sandy Springs Museum is located on Sandy Springs Circle North East. Heritage Sandy Springs is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic and cultural identity of the community. The Museum features all types of exhibits and artwork, including a permanent exhibit, "Sandy Springs: Land and People," that shows the story of the community from prehistoric time to the present through artifacts, maps and interpretive displays. The Museum also has two changing exhibit galleries and hold numerous events throughout the year including concerts and other workshops. The facility can be rented for private events, meetings or weddings, and features beautiful terrain, community rooms, and numerous other amenities. Check the main website for reservation details.
Operated by the Historic Oakland Foundation, Historic Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta's oldest cemetery, featuring a sculpture garden, a botanical garden, a wildlife habitat, a visitor's center and a museum shop. The cemetery is open to the public and the Historic Oakland Foundation offers tours and hosts a variety of special events including private parties, corporate functions and weddings.
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 Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home is at 501 Auburn Ave. in the MLK Jr. Historical Site. It is the place where King was born in 1929 and has a great legacy. The home is operated in partnership with the MLK National Historic Site, the National Park Service, and Ebenezer Baptist Church. You can go on a tour and learn about the life of MLK Jr. Tours are guided by a National Park Service ranger so call or visit www.nps.gov for full details.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center commemorates Dr. King's life and contributions to America's Civil Rights movement. Located a few blocks east of downtown Atlanta, the facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except major U.S. holidays. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The outdoor memorial and the indoor facilities on the center's grounds attract adults and children.
Parking and public transportation at Martin Luther King Jr. Center
The National Park Service operates a free lot adjacent to its Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site across the street from the King Center. The entrance to this lot is on John Wesley Dobbs Ave, a block north of Auburn Avenue. No parking is permitted on Auburn Avenue in the block occupied by the center. The most convenient MARTA public transportation stop is the downtown Five Points train station. The Number 3 Auburn Avenue bus takes you from Five Points to the center in less than 10 minutes.
Best and worst time go to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Sunday morning services at Ebenezer Baptist Church and two other large congregations nearby on Auburn help to make Sundays the worst time to visit. The best times are weekday mornings between opening and lunch hour. Avoid school groups by arriving as soon as the center opens.
Admission to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
The King Center has no admission fees for any of its indoor or outdoor facilities.
Must see/do at Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Visit Freedom Hall which houses the center's gift shop and international art exhibits. Make a tour reservation at the National Park Service Information Desk (across the street from the King Center) to enjoy a glimpse into Dr. King's early life at his birth home nearby.
Other places to visit near Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Detailed and interactive exhibits at the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of civil rights activities in America. Foodies will enjoy the Municipal Market, an urban farmer's market and food court, also called the Sweet Auburn Curb Market by residents.
Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Don't overlook the small firehouse at the intersection of Auburn and Boulevard. It has additional displays related to race relations in American life. Volunteer docents are often available to explain the historical significance of every part of the firehouse's collection.
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 Atlanta History Center is a 33-acre museum and more located amid the gorgeous estates of Buckhead in Atlanta. It offers something for everyone and includes several sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places. Step back in time and experience everything from permanent and traveling exhibitions to historic houses to stunning gardens.
Parking and public transportation at the Atlanta History Center
Complimentary parking is available next to the grounds in Buckhead. For public transportation, take the MARTA train to the Buckhead Station on the Red Line; transfer to the Southbound #110 Peachtree Street bus; exit the bus where Peachtree Street and Roswell Road fork together, then make a right on West Paces Ferry Road and proceed west two blocks.
Best and worst time to go to the Atlanta History Center
The gardens are a wonderful part of a visit here, so going during spring/summer/fall months is recommended. As with other tourist attractions, this becomes busier during spring break and holidays.
Admission to the Atlanta History Center
Admission is free for members and children under four. Paid admission ($11 to $16.50) includes access to the Atlanta History Museum, the Centennial Olympic Games Museum, the Smith Family Farm, the Swan House and the gardens. Admission to the Margaret Mitchell House, the former home of the author of Gone With the Wind, in Midtown is included if visited within nine days of the Atlanta History Center. Tours at multiple spots are offered for an additional fee.
Must see/do at the Atlanta History Center
Visit the American Civil War exhibition, one of the largest in the country. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Down the Fairway with Bobby Jones exhibition in addition to the Centennial Olympic Games Museum in the Fentener van Vlissingen Family Wing, which features the complete collection of Olympic torches and medals along with highlights of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Other places to visit near the Atlanta History Center
With the prime Buckhead location, there are limitless possibilities for shopping, such as Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza along with restaurants, galleries, spas and entertainment galore.
Insider tip for visitors to the Atlanta History Center
Spend the extra $10 on the Capital Tour of the Swan House (offered Monday - Saturday at 4pm), a breathtaking Southern mansion which was featured in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Be sure to chat with the interpreters who help bring the history of the venue to life. Don't miss out on the tea sandwiches at the Swan Coach House when you're ready for a bite.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, GA local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
The historic Fox Theatre is located on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta and serves as an iconic landmark for locals and visitors alike. Guests can experience everything from Broadway shows to concerts to comedy shows to even reality show auditions at the venue. It boasts the residence of the largest working Möller theatre organ in the world, "Mighty Mo," which can be experienced prior to Broadway shows and other select events.
Parking and public transportation at the Fox Theatre
The Fox does not own a parking lot, but many private lots are available in the surrounding area. For public transportation, go to the MARTA North Avenue Station and walk two blocks east to the theatre.
Best and worst time to go to the Fox Theatre
It is always recommended to purchase tickets in advance for any shows/events as many sell out quickly. The proximity to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta makes traveling to the Fox during rush hour a challenge, so it is advisable to check traffic patterns.
Admission to the Fox Theatre
For those who want to take a peek at the venue without seeing a show, 60-minute Fox Theatre Tours can be purchased for $5 - $15 with group discounts available. Show prices vary tremendously.
Must see/do at the Fox Theatre
If there is time to take the tour which is offered Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the day, it is a sight to see and experience over the one hour journey behind-the-scenes.
Other places to visit near the Fox Theatre
The stunning Georgian Terrace Hotel is across the street and is home to the Livingston Restaurant + Bar, a perfect pre-theatre dining experience. For those 21 and up who want to experience something really heavy (as in Bypass Burgers), head north six blocks to Vortex Bar and Grill, which has won "Best Burger" in multiple publications and promises an "Idiot-Free Zone".
Insider tip for visitors to the Fox Theatre
If you are visiting during the summer, catch a classic or current movie at the Fox during the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival and take the special Movie Tour.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, GA local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church is located on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta. It has a very rich history, as it was the church that Martin Luther King, Jr., and his father pastored. Since 1977, it has been listed as a National Historic Landmark. The new church within the historic property holds services on Sundays, and the current Pastor is Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D.
Built in 1883, Ivy Hall is a historic building that now houses the writing program for the Savannah College of Art and Design's Atlanta campus. The facility also serves as a retreat for distinguished scholars and visiting scholars. Ivy Hall is a resource for community and civic groups and hosts cultural events that include literary salons as well as chamber music and small ensemble performances.
Amos Giles Rhodes, founder of Rhodes Furniture Company, had Rhodes Hall constructed on 114 acres between 1902 and 1904. The 9,000-square-foot house was built in the Romanesque Revival style and cost $50,000 to build at the time. Until 1928, the Rhodes family lived in the elegant residence, which features inlaid parquet flooring, silk walls and granite from Stone Mountain. In 1929, the home was donated to the state of Georgia for historical purposes. Rhodes Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. In 1983, it became the headquarters of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, the home sits on one acre and is used for weddings, receptions and other private events. Rhodes Hall is open to the public for tours Tuesday and Saturday.