Jennafer Bowman Jennafer Bowman | March 25, 2022 | Lifestyle Feature
Here's our list of the best parks and gardens to visit in Atlanta.
Over 30 acres full of exhibitions, displays and renowned plant collections create this beautiful Atlanta gem. Located in the heart of Midtown, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has allowed the city to experience nature in all its beauty for almost 50 years. With over 250 different types of plants, there is something for everyone. The garden’s numerous pathways allow visitors to explore all types of nature, from southern rooted plants to tropical flowers. Take their interactive online quiz to create the perfect itinerary. Plus, there’s, even more, to explore with new events, exhibitions and hands-on classes sprouting up every month. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE
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Snugly placed between Marietta and Alpharetta, and right off of the Chattahoochee River, the Chattahoochee Nature Center offers several educational programs and venue options. The nature center gives an escape from the big city and reconnects us with wildlife galore. Come face to face with intriguing animals such as butterflies, bald eagles and beavers. An on-site animal rehabilitation center allows nature to heal and gives all wildlife a second chance. Spend an afternoon discovering the wilderness with immersive experiences such as ziplining, canoeing and exploring exhibits. With so much to do, there is never-ending fun at the nature center. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell
A fun time for all ages, Fourth Ward Park offers a variety of activities for the whole family. Opened in 2011 through funding from legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk’s philanthropy. Placed in downtown, it is ATL’s first public skate park and combines nature views with city sounds. The park offers aquatic activities such as the Splashpad where children can play in water spouts shooting out from the ground and Clear Creek Basin offers a picture-perfect amphitheater-style venue for local music, while also reducing flooding in the nearby neighborhoods. Multiple entrances, 680 Dallas St. NE
Between the Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr.’s national parks is Freedom Park. Labeled Atlanta’s largest linear park with seven connecting neighborhoods, the large park is dubbed the city’s art park. A number of temporary and permanent art installations decorate the 210-acre park. Stroll past art from Masad Olufani and Xavier Medina-Campeny or explore specially curated walking programs such as activist Jane Jacob’s “Jane’s Walk,” which allows locals to create their own tours of the park. Freedom Parks allows the city of Atlanta to enhance the natural environment through better living. Located at the intersection of Moreland Ave and North Ave.
Located just outside of Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center brings an immersive, specially curated experience to Atlanta’s rich history. With over 33 acres, four historic houses and always-changing exhibits, the center offers a natural experience to Atlanta’s rich history. Explore all nine Goizueta Gardens filled with beauty in all shapes, sizes and architecture, shows off some of Georgia’s native greens and let fresh air flow through over 100 years of history. To add a more interactive side, the center offers Author talks, summer camps and an annual ball benefiting their award-winning educational programs. 130 W Paces Ferry Road NW
Home to some of Atlanta’s most popular events, Piedmont Park is a Jack of all trades. From classes such as gardening and fishing to summer camps to concerts, the midtown staple has been giving a down-to-earth experience for over 30 years. Fresh produce, fresh air and fresh experiences outline the park's intentions as a community garden and numerous festivals and markets fill-up the flourishing 185-acre area. One of the best features of the park is the multiple food and beverage vendors located throughout such as MOKIPOPS, an all-natural popsicle cart that offers a quick cool down on warm summer days. 1320 Monroe Drive NE
Created from executive chef, Derek Dollar comes just the right balance of unique and natural dining experience from Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails. The Garden Dinner Series is a one-of-a-kind dining experience located in a one-acre blooming garden. As a limited run, the experience uses freshly picked ingredients and allows guests to view the produce in their meals growing and flourishing. Kick off the mother earth experience with live music, hor d’oeuvres and libations then explore all of the in-season florals and greenery. End the night with a four-course dinner with comfort-inspired staples such as squash blossoms stuffed with prosciutto and cream cheese or roast duckling with fingerling sweet potatoes, oyster mushrooms and candied pecan apple butter. Tickets $140 per person. 800 Mayfield Road, Milton
Photography by: Ignasio Brosa/Unsplash
