Hate Hillary? Traumatized by Trump? Choked by the seemingly poisonous air issuing from the 2016 presidential election?
Maybe it’s time to vote for a few de-stressing measures for your own party — before, during and after the election.
These five places and activities around Atlanta can’t change the outcome of the election, but they can help you survive the stress.
Georgia Perimeter College native gardens
A recommendation of The Japanese Garden at the Carter Center Gardens would typically be in order, but you know, presidents, presidential elections, ack. Instead, unwind while traipsing the Native Plant Botanical Garden and the Ferns of the World collections at the GPC, situated in a floodplain near a tributary of the South River creek. With 4 acres of land and three-fourths of a mile of easy-peasy walking trails, the garden that’s home to thousands of native, rare and endangered plants can be a refuge for you, too. Catch it anytime from 9 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. 3251 Panthersville Road, Decatur. 678-891-2668. gpcnativegarden.org/
Painting with a Palette Knife and Brush
Even if you’re not particularly talented, painting is a proven way to relax and lower your stress levels and the instructor for this class is well known for her “loosen up” attitude. And if you’re still reeling after the election (as any sentient American probably will be, regardless of the outcome), a “People and Animals” watercolor class begins at Spruill Center for the Arts Nov. 16 (four sessions, $120). 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-394-3447. www.spruillarts.org
Browsing Atlanta Vintage Books
Drown your stress in a sea of vintage, rare and used books. You’re welcome to sit a spell and read, too. Just stay out of the modern book section unless you want to undo all that de-stressing, okay? And if the books won’t diminish your anxiety, maybe the store’s shop cats can. 3660 Clairmont Road. 770-457-2919. www.atlantavintagebooks.com/
Overnight spa treatments at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead
Think big luxury, greatly reduced stress as a swell way to detox from all the poisonous politicking.
The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead’s Wellness Level, the first of its kind offered by the brand worldwide, includes a relaxation lounge, overnight guest rooms and skin and body therapies. Just a few of the seasonal delights you can enjoy during and right after election season (through Dec. 31) include a radiant pumpkin facial (50 minutes, $185), champagne wishes couples massage (50 minutes, $340) and a Decadent Bourbon Exfoliation (50 minutes $170, add full body massage $210).
Spa Level at the Ritz probably belongs on the bucket list for Atlanta natives, so if you’re having “the end of the world is near” feelings, now’s the time to indulge. 3434 Peachtree Road N.E. 404-240-7041. www.ritzcarlton.com
Sunset views from the Lindbergh Marta Station
Since it’s tough to escape job and family obligations even to forget unbearable election posts on Facebook, here’s a way to relax without leaving the city. Start by determining the sunset time for the day. Then hustle over to the Lindbergh Marta Station, on the way home from work or your way out to an evening in South Buckhead.
From the top of the parking deck, catch a sunset view of the Atlanta skyline while taking a few deep breaths and emptying your mind of idiocy. If you take that Marta route consistently, note that there’s also an open-air section of the train platform with inspiring views of downtown Atlanta on the south end of the station. 2424 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta
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