Piedmont Park, located in the heart of Atlanta's midtown, has gone through many incarnations over almost two centuries.
From its beginnings as a forest to its next lives as a farmland, fairgrounds and, now, a public park and finally, which is maintained by a public-private partnership.
The park encompasses more than 180 acres of open space, walking trails, tennis courts and playgrounds, as well as Lake Clara Meer. It's an important city landmark and gathering place and offers stunning views of Atlanta's skyline.
If you're planning a visit to Piedmont Park, check out these five best things to do while you're there:
Take your dog along
Unlike other areas in the city of Atlanta, you can legally let Fido run free in a special off-leash area of Piedmont Dog Park. He or she will have nearly three total acres to play in, with separate enclosures for large and small dogs. Benches are available for owners who need a break.
And if you want to get some more exercise with your dog, you can both line up for the Doggie Dash 5k Run/Walk. Dogs must be leashed for this event, which will be held on March 12 with an 8 a.m. registration and 9 a.m. start time.
The Green Market opens for the season on March 18 inside the 12th Street gate, offering fresh local food, handmade goodies, chef demonstrations, live music and more.
The market is held Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through mid-December, and you can sign up here to find out more about the weekly vendors, chefs and music.
Attend a festival
Piedmont Park is the site of many annual Atlanta festivals, which become plentiful in warm months. Food, music, crafts and more fill the park during festivals, which include the following:
Atlanta Dogwood Festival , April 7-9
Atlanta's Jazz Festival , May 26-28
Ice Cream Festival , July 22
Piedmont Park Arts Festival , Aug. 19-20
Festival Peachtree Latino , August, specific dates to be announced
Music Midtown , September, specific dates to be announced
Atlanta Pride Festival , Oct. 13-15
Go for a run or walk
The park has plenty of places to run or walk, including the following popular trails:
- Active Oval: Circle the ballfields at a moderate grade, and you'll log a little over a half a mile.
- Lake Loop: Circle Lake Clara Meer at a constant grade for a .96-mile run or walk.
- Lake and Active Oval: This trail circles both the lake and ballfields at a moderate grade for a total of 1.15 miles.
- Park Loop: This circuit combines the Lake and Active Oval circuit with a loop around The Meadow. You'll log 1.68 miles on this trail, which has the greatest change in elevation.
If you love to run, you can also join in several organized runs at the park, including the AJC Peachtree Road Race, which ends at Piedmont Park, and the 5k Firefly Run.
Enjoy a drink or a bite to eat
Grab a juice at Nectar by the park's pool, or try a special brew at Blue Donkey Coffee, located near the bocce courts. You can also head to Park Tavern at the park's southeast corner to enjoy sushi, a burger or drinks on the patio to get a great people-watching view of the park.
Other restaurants, such as Zocalo Mexican Kitchen & Cantina and Flying Biscuit Café, are within a short walking distance from Piedmont Park.
Directions, hours, etc.
The park, which runs along 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, is open every day from 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
If you're taking the MARTA rail, use the red or gold rail line and get off at the Midtown station. Walk east on 10th Street, and you'll reach the park in a few blocks. If you're taking the bus, the 36 N Decatur/VA Highland-Avondale and 99 Boulevard/Monroe/GA State routes travel along the park's south side. The 27 Cheshire Bridge route runs along the west side of the park.
Pedestrians and cyclists can access park entrances including Park Drive Bridge, 10th Street and Charles Allen, and Piedmont Avenue and 12th or 14th Street.
If you're driving, follow these directions and park in the SAGE Parking Facility, where fees start at $2.
