Welcome back from Spring break everyone! Whether you were outside of the country or chose to do a staycation, like us Germans, I'm certain that it was well needed. Being that I was late in the vacay planning this year, I chose to have a staycation guided by purchasing a CityPass. Let me tell you!...I'm sooo glad I did. This pass pays for itself within only 2 of the 5 places you visit! Talk about a savings! We explored all Downtown Atlanta had to offer while creating a fun learning experience for the kids. We expanded our exploration and tried new restaurants while out. This is the FIRST time a staycation truly felt like a vacation away from home until the moon came out:) It was great! With this pass, you have the liberty to choose where you use your pass according to what interests you and/or your family. Here's a little insight on the places we chose to spend our time and spots where we dined! Try this the next time you are embarking on a staycation or during the summer when they kids are out and ready to hang!
Day 1: Zoo Atlanta, California Dreaming
We did the smelliest part first, lol! It was so fun!! My minis love animals so much and this was the most fantastic kick-off to Spring break! Monkeys, pandas, snakes! Oh my! Our favorite area was the retile center.
Note: There's a coupon in the back of your CityPass booklet for $2 off of an unlimited rides/attraction pass you can use while inside the zoo. Be sure to pack your swimsuit as there is a new water play area installed and ready for the frolic!
Day 2: World of Coke, Georgia Aquarium, Negril Village
This day was so much fun!!! We toured the World of Coke first and I must say it has increased in experience since I last visited at a much younger age. The first 25 minutes involves a little history, a guided tour and a short film that literally tugs at ALL your heart strings. After that, a door opens to a self guided tour where you can design your own coke bottle, taste Coke from around the world, watch a movie in a 4d theatre and even view the vault!! It's so Willy Wonka! Being that Coke shares a promenade with the aquarium, we skipped on over to see what's under the sea!
We always enjoy the aquarium and this day was no different! We saw the shark show, dolphin celebration and the sea and played rock-paper-scissors with the divers! Word to the wise: pack your own lunch. You can easily spend 4-star dining prices on chicken fingers and fries. For Dinner, we tried Negril village and fell in absolute love with the jerk chicken and fruit punch with fresh fruit! We took a fruit punch to go. Next time, its all about the rum punch!
Day 3: Fernbank Museum, Ponce City Market
The Fernbank Museum was amazing! Year round its the place to come and experience prehistoric giants while learning about the earth they once roamed. They currently have a new exhibit that gives a hands on approach to the study of the body. We all LOVED this new experience. The kids were everywhere and found so many new friends! everything is sectioned and leveled so you spend more time experiencing the interests of your family. The kids made giant bubble, got on tv to forecast the news, played in a treehouse and created lightning all on their own. This place, in my book, is Bill Nye approved!! (for us 80's babies/90's kids, lol)
We traveled only an additional 9 minutes to explore Ponce City Market! There was so much to see, do and eat! this place is PERFECT for large families that are undecided on what to eat; Just grab a little of everything! Cuban sandwiches, edible cookie dough by the scoop, golden fried chicken or even Mediterranean yums. This place has it all AND King of Pop!!!!!! I LOVE King of Pops!! they are so delicious! If you go, you have to try the key lime! It's an eclectic shopping experience as well with plenty of shops including Alex and Ani (you already know how I feel about this store), Williams Sonoma and various clothing stores/boutiques. We really enjoyed ourselves from the top to the bottom. It's also a wonderful place to hang out after work or have meeting with friends or strictly for business. It's equipped with WIFI, plenty of tables/seating and friendly people! An industrial renovation worth all the buzz!
Day 4: The Back of Our Eyelids. Yep, drool and all!
Day 5: Six Flags, Baybeeee!!! and the greasiest food we could find! (paired with a little Tin Drum Thai, lol)
I forgot what it is to go to Six Flags during peak times...I will strive to not do this again ha, ha! As of last year, Six flags over Georgia has a great new area suitable for elementary-aged children and great for quick family rides. The DC Super friends area has smaller versions of the most popular adult rides plus a few extras! The kids enjoyed this area as much as we enjoyed riding the joker rollercoaster and watching them scream!
Check out these other amazing cities that have the CityPass!