|
For those that have never experienced springtime in the Deep South, Atlanta is the perfect place to visit. The city seems to come alive along with the blossoming flowers and trees. Spring rains turn lawns and parks green and lush, a wonderful respite from the concrete jungle. Even the normally drab, cookie-cutter office park transforms into the garden of Eden when spring gives birth to the landscaper's design. A perk for Atlanta workers is the chance to eat lunch outside amidst all of the wonders of nature. In fact, during this season, some Atlanta employers have a hard time getting their staff back inside after lunch ends!
Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta is a great place to begin if outdoor activities are your passion. Inspired by New York City's Central Park, the place makes exercise a feast for the senses during spring. One can watch families of ducks splash around in Lake Clara Meer, rollerblade along the paved winding walkways, or grab a drink at Park Tavern, whose expansive patio sits at one edge of the park. The patio offers a wonderful view of the Midtown skyline, as well as ample opportunity to people and dog watch, a popular pastime for Atlantans. Piedmont Park also hosts several festivals that celebrate local artists and musicians, which can bring as many as 300,000 people to the park. In June, one can even catch a classic film in the park, in a unique venture called, Screen on the Green.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is within walking distance of the park. For a modest admission fee, one can venture into one of the only remaining hardwood forests in Atlanta, explore the Japanese garden, marvel at the orchid collection, and witness endagered plants in the conservatory. The Garden also hosts special events, as well as children's activities.
While downtown Atlanta is not as lush and green as Midtown, Centennial Olympic Park and Woodruff Park offer downtown workers and residents a much needed respite from the concrete and high rise office buildings surrounding the park. Midday concerts greet the lunch crowd, and free festivals and concerts bring throngs of people on the weekends. Much attention is being focused by city planners to further develop the downtown area, so one should keep an eye on this up and coming section of Atlanta. Even the office parks in the financial district of Buckhead become picture perfect in the Spring with the careful planning of flowers and trees around the business centers.
Unless you suffer from allergies, Atlanta makes for a great springtime destination. Even Atlantans who have the misfortune of pollen allergies stock up on medication and take a grin and bear it apporach. It's hard to resist the warm, fragrant, vibrant glow that Atlanta displays during this time of year.
|
| 