Temperatures are gracing 80 degrees. The sun is beating on your face. Trees are showing hints of color. Do you feel it? Spring is here. Get outside, and enjoy Mother Nature with these 10 Atlanta-area activities.
Atlanta Blooms!
Get lost in a sea of color at Atlanta Botanical Gardens during Atlanta Blooms! 300,000 bulbs explode with glorious hues of pink, yellow, purple and red. That's 44,000 more bulbs than last year. Peak times vary and are expected to last through April. Event details at: accessatlanta.com/atlantablooms
Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Walking Tour
Follow a Trees Atlanta docent along nature's ever-changing stretch of the Beltline Arboretum. This Eastside Trail tour introduces you to the tree species planted along the path and why they were selected. Tours are every Friday and Saturday; times depend on the season. Event details at: accessatlanta.com/arboretumtour
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Fort Yargo State Park abounds with marshland, mixed-hardwoods and an open lake. Woodpeckers, warblers, wading birds and more congregate in the diverse habitat. Learn birdwatching from an Atlanta Audubon Society member, and understand the importance of land conservation for these flying friends. Event details at: accessatlanta.com/birdwalk
Monadnock Madness
No, a monadnock is not a new cocktail or dance move. It's a special type of mountain, and there are three in Georgia: Stone Mountain, Arabia Mountain and Panola Mountain. The Triple Hike Challenge that leads groups over these three Georgia gems is already sold out, but a plethora of "Madness" events are happening during March. Event details at: accessatlanta.com/monadnockmadness
Wednesday WindDown
Beginning in April, Wednesdays are for relaxing at the Southern Company Amphitheater at Centennial Olympic Park. From jazz to contemporary, you can spend your evenings soaking up live tunes with a perfect picnic spread. Event details at: accessatlanta.com/wednesdaywinddown
Back to Your Roots Farm Fair
Embrace life the way it used to be at the Back to Your Roots Farm Fair at Chattahoochee Nature Center. Learn about composting, natural dyes and farm animals. Listen to live tunes, or try your hand at old-fashioned outdoor games. Event details at: accessatlanta.com/backtoyourroots
Art Over Dinner: gloATL Central Park feast
gloATL expresses dance as a collaborative art form, and offers a free demonstration at the Art Farm at Serenbe. Experience the magic of nine dancers moving through the woods and trails, and making their way to Swann Ridge. Dinner follows the show, for which tickets are $75. Event details at: accessatlanta.com/serenbefeast
Earth Day Celebration at Wylde Center
Celebrate Earth Day in Decatur with gnome-themed festivities including a costume parade, bike tour, live music and more for the entire family. New for 2015, stretch and breathe with a new family and earth-friendly yoga session. Event details at: haccessatlanta.com/earthday
Derby Day
Even if you can't make it to Churchhill Downs, you can enjoy Derby Day. Don your best bonnet, and head to Chastain Horse Park. Big screens will broadcast the race live, while you enjoy eats, auctions, live music and games. Event details at: accessatlanta.com/derbyday
Youth Fishing Derby
Kiddos ages 4-12 cast a line and try their fishing skills at this annual Alpharetta event. Bring fishing gear and bait, and take a shot at the prize for longest fish and most fish caught. Event details at: accessatlanta.com/youthderby
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