As 2015 winds down, what better way to remember this year than by reflecting on some of the activities and events Atlanta liked most? We looked at what you — our AJCaccessATL audience — read, clicked and shared the most during 2015.
Here's what you loved to do in 2015, Atlanta:
Make your own buttered, baked saltine crackers. We shared this beloved recipe from Piedmont Driving Club executive chef Jay Yarbrough, and you ate it up. So before the year is over, grab some Nabisco crackers, this recipe and get your snack on. Your holiday party guests will be impressed.
Take a vacation to the (semi-secret) beaches near Atlanta. You looked for a beach destination within driving distance from the metro area, and these 10 often-overlooked beaches near Atlanta answered your vacation prayers. Keep this list handy for next year's spring breaks, family vacations and last-minute getaways to the salty sea.
Glamp it up. Camping is great … but glamping ("glamorous camping") is better. Atlanta's closest state park, Sweetwater Creek State Park, opened 10 yurts for your glamping and camping enjoyment. Next time you're looking for a fun weekend activity, look to the state parks and give glamping a try. Read more about staying in a yurt before your next camping adventure.
Visit Atlanta's attractions for free. Everyone loves a free activity, whether it's one of these always-free attractions or a special daily deal to Atlanta's top attractions. You appreciate a deal, so we'll bring you more free and cheap things to do in Atlanta in 2016. Your wallet will thank us.
Chase Georgia's waterfalls. There's nothing better than a hike with a view, and Georgia has some of the best. You demonstrated your interest for anything and everything waterfall, so we presented Atlanta's hidden waterfalls, roadside waterfalls and beginner waterfall hikes. Challenge: How many waterfalls can you see in 2016?
Enjoy cheap family fun. $5 or less per kid? Yes, that's right. It was a budget-friendly summer (and many of the activities on this list are year-round). We also rounded up where kids eat free around Atlanta, for those nights you need to feed the family, but don't feel like cooking.
Get out of bed for the best Atlanta breakfast. Whether you preferred pancakes, coffee, breakfast sandwiches or chicken and waffles, local breakfasts were worth the rise and shine. You started your morning off right, Atlanta. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all.
Take date night to the next level. Who needs dinner and a movie when you can enjoy an art stroll through one of Atlanta's favorite neighborhoods, hit the Beltline for a patio bar crawl, enjoy a slice of pizza pie or have a budget-friendly Buckhead or West Midtown evening? These holiday season date nights are putting you in the holiday spirit, as is ice skating at Marietta's new rink. Still longing for the classic dinner and movie combo? Here are our picks for best Atlanta movie theaters for adults.
Celebrate the holiday season. There are so many great holiday light events and activities in the metro Atlanta area, and we love helping you find the best. If you're heading to Callaway Gardens this winter, don't miss the seven things you need to know before heading to Callaway Gardens' Fantasy in Lights. For more holiday merriment, see our picks for the top 21 things to do in Atlanta this Christmas.
Participate in the Atlanta art scene. You took a self-guided street art tour, visited the High Museum like a pro (and took these pictures that everyone takes at the High Museum) and learned the secrets of Woodruff Arts Center. You appreciate our art scene, so we'll keep helping you navigate places like the Atlanta Opera, the Center for Puppetry Arts and more.
What would you like to see more of in 2016 to help you plan your day, week, month and year in metro Atlanta? Tell us in the comments.
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