The most confusing thing about Atlanta might be figuring out what to do while here.
There are so many spots and attractions that deciding where to go can become overwhelming for visitors and ATLiens alike. Whatever you have a taste for can be satisfied here. Whether you’re looking for partying, poetry, nature, or even a new twist on something you’ve done before, Atlanta has a place for it.
Everyone knows about the big attractions, but what about something a little different. Kick off your new year with one of these five places or even better, all five.
The Starlight Drive-In
For more than 60 years, the Starlight Drive-In has provided Atlanta with a classic movie-watching experience. It is the only drive-in theatre left in the city, so if you’re interested in watching the latest movies with an old school twist, it’s the perfect place to go.
Open seven days a week. Show times vary, see the website for the latest screenings. $9; ages 5-9, $1. 2000 Moreland Ave. SE, Atlanta. starlightdrivein.com
GoldRoom Atlanta
If you need a place to party in Atlanta over the weekend, especially on a Friday, look no further than GoldRoom Atlanta. Arguably the hottest nightclub in the city, they are renowned for their Friday nights, and there’s a good possibility you’ll run into few celebrities there, too.
10 p.m.-3 a.m Fridays-Saturdays. Most nights $10-$20; VIP entrance $40; special event night prices may vary. 2416 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta. Goldroomatlanta.com
Apache Café
Apache Café is the ultimate live art experience. The venue offers a variety of events including open mic nights, live bands, poetry slams, art galleries and comedy shows. The website offers a calendar that shows what’s happening each night along with the price of admission. Apache has a dining menu that includes Caribbean and soul foods and a bar to top it all off.
Open daily. Admission prices vary, but most are under $10 and some events are free with RSVP. 64 Third St. NW, Atlanta. apachecafe.info
Bear Hollow Zoo
If you’re into wildlife and nature then the Bear Hollow Zoo is the destination for you. Bear Hollow Zoo is located almost an hour away from Atlanta and offers an atypical zoo experience. The animals located here are native to Georgia and non-releasable to the wild for either a behavioral or physical challenge. The zoo features live animal exhibits, educational and children programs along with animal meeting rooms that include a petting zoo. The zoo also offers a nature trail to explore and a reptile house featuring amphibian and reptile exhibits on weekends. It’s a zoo experience that any nature lover will enjoy and a special treat for the kids.
9 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily. Free. 293 Gran Ellen Drive, Athens. athensclarkecounty.com/bearhollow.
QuickShot Gun Range
For an activity that takes aim at something a little different, QuickShot Gun Range is the place to be. Practice safe shooting at one of QuickShot’s two Atlanta locations, one near downtown that features 14 lanes and another in Buckhead with 12 lanes. Another is slated to open in West Midtown soon. Whether it’s your first time shooting a gun or you’re a shooting pro, Quickshot offers a comfortable, educational and affordable shooting experience for all levels.
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays; noon-6 p.m. Sundays. $35-$45 per hour. Locations in Buckhead and Atlanta. quickshotshootingrange.com
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