A trip into downtown Atlanta can be a real adventure.
Whether you are staying at a campsite on the north or the south side of town, taking MARTA into the city is a fun way to begin.
Sightseeing Tips: Atlanta, GA
Start your day of exploring downtown Atlanta on the south side — either at the College Park Station or the Lakewood Station.
The fare for MARTA is $1.75 one way. Or, get an unlimited 1to 4 day pass for $8-$12.
Get off the train at the Five Points Station to visit Underground Atlanta. Take a guided history tour to learn about the origin of the Undreground. Tours are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with discounted rates for groups of 10 or more. There are lots of shops and plenty of fun entertainment to keep you busy. When you’re finished there, hop back on the train and go to the North Avenue Station.
The North Avenue Station is in the basement of the AT&T Building. Take the escalator up and find the Telephone Museum located on the plaza level of the Midtown Center at 675 West Peachtree Street in Atlanta. Telephones have come a long way from Alexander Graham Bell. Be sure to call ahead for a reservation for a guided tour. From the AT&T Midtown Center, you can take a walk over to The Varsity, the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. An Atlanta tradition since 1928, they have the best chili dogs and onion “rangs” in town. The location is on North Avenue, just outside the campus of Georgia Tech. Oh, and it is an uphill walk back to the MARTA Station, but you’ll need that walk after eating all those yum calories!
You must see the Fox Theater, on Peachtree Street, one block behind the AT&T building. The theater hosted the premier of Gone With The Wind in 1939. Tours are available Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10 a.m., and on Saturday at 10 and 11 a.m.
Back on the train to the Arts Center Station. Exit the station at the top level and follow signs to the High Museum of Art. The museum is open every day except Monday. Call ahead for times and exhibit information. Within walking distance (about 3 blocks) from the Arts Center Station is the Center for Puppetry Arts. A fun day for everyone in the family, with workshops, performances, and special events. There is even a puppetry museum with exhibits featureing Jim Henson, called “Jim Henson, a Man and His Frog”.
If shopping is your thing, Lenox Square is the place for you in Atlanta. With such stores as Neiman Marcus, Williams-Sonoma, Louis Vuitton, and Godiva Chocolatier, it is the go to mall in Atlanta. Take the MARTA to Lenox Station, and walk the couple blocks to the entrance of the mall.
If you’re hungry after all that shopping, Houston’s is right across the street from Lenox Square, convieniently located on the way back to the MARTA Station. My favorite thing on the menu is their Baked Potato Soup. It tastes just like a loaded baked potato with cheese and bacon! They are also famous for their barbecued ribs, prime rib, and the deep dish apple walnut cobbler served in individual casserole dishes.
RV Campgrounds Nearby
There are not many RV campgrounds in the Atlanta area.
- On the south side is Atlanta South RV Resort in McDonough.
- On the north side is Stone Mountain Family Campground.
- To the east is Salem Campground in Covington.
If you’re staying to the north at Stone Mountain Family Campground or at Salem Campground in Covington, start your trip at the Kensingtion Station in Decatur. It will stop at the Five Points Station, too. Parking at the MARTA Stations is free. Oh, and the best time to go is in March, April or May; or in September or October. The summers in Atlanta are hot, humid, and muggy.
Stay tuned for Roadtrip Atlanta, Part 2. You’ll want to go back a second day to see the rest!
My hubby and I have been living in a travel trailer and working at campgrounds and resorts for the past several years. We decide where we want to go, and look for a job there.
