Check out the brand new balloon flights over Atlanta, with the Comcast AeroBalloon at Underground Atlanta. I had a chance to take a ride in the balloon and it really allows for some great views of Atlanta. The balloon goes as high up as 350 feet, but remains securely tethered to the ground. The cost for a 10-minute ride is $15 for adults, and $10 for children ages 3-12. The balloon flies 7 days a week, weather permitting.
The balloon ride will be a permanent fixture at Underground Atlanta, which has been undergoing a makeover since several nightclubs debuted at Underground Atlanta on New Year's Eve 2005. The House nightclub features cocktail waitresses in racy attire and a design that resembles a house, with themed rooms. Island Oasis is a premier show bar. Two longtime Underground Atlanta tenants, Irish Bred Pub and Jamaica Jamaica have been renovated.
Of course, the key to Underground Atlanta's success is getting the people of Atlanta to visit all it has to offer on a regular basis. That's why the Downtown Atlanta entertainment and retail venue is offering special events throughout the year, including family-friendly festivals and cultural activities. The 99X summer concert series in 2005 certainly drew mass capacity crowds, and was deemed a success. Of course, the Peach Drop on New Year's Eve always draws a huge crowd.
For those wanting to know more about Underground Atlanta's origins, don't miss the Underground Atlanta history tours. “From Civil War to Civil Rights,” is a factual and entertaining tour that was written by nationally acclaimed historian and scriptwriter, Peter Bonner. Accompanied by a guide in period attire, patrons will make ten historic stops, and come away with a new appreciation for this historical site that is now a popular shopping center. Fridays/Saturdays: 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Sundays: 1pm & 3pm COST: $7-Adults, $5-Seniors, $4-Students. Children 5 & Under- Free. LENGTH: Approximately 45 Minutes.
MARTA Braves Shuttle: Begins 3 hours before each game and runs every 15 minutes throughout the game until one hour after the final out. Pick-up is at Steve Polk Plaza, and the cost is $4.00 per round trip.
Woodruff Park has undergone a massive renovation, and now boasts of cafe tables and chairs, free Wi-Fi access, and special events throughout the spring and summer, including two weekly lunchtime series, “Wednesdays in Woodruff,” presented by Starbucks, and “SunTrust Lunch on Broad” on Fridays.
Heritage Arts Festival: This 10-day cultural celebration of African American artists has been growing for over a decade and includes an artist market, craftsmen and live entertainment. Occurs annually during the summer.
The Woodruff Park Reading Room: Presented by Starbucks in partnership with the Fulton County Library, carts are stocked with a selection of books, periodicals and newspapers, with readings and programs at lunchtime. Movable furniture creates an intimate environment.