Staycation (or Vacation) Atlanta

Recently, Atlanta was ranked no.4 among the cheapest U.S. cities to visit for a vacation, which leaves Atlanta natives wondering, what does this city offer tourists that we could get on a Staycation?

After all, with the economy possibly taking a double dip, maybe you're trying to scale back that Labor Day vacation.

So, how would you go about vacationing the city like a tourist, but stay in keeping with the "cheap" travel destination ranking?

Thus, we decided to gather a few sources, collect a bit of information, and share ideas of what you can do for a cheap Staycation in Atlanta. Now, there are the big attractions in the city, such as the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, the Fox Theatre, and Stone Mountain National Park, but more than likely you've heard of and been to all of those.

This begs to ask, what ELSE can you do around the city?

1) Atlanta Botanical Garden

With gorgeous vistas and reknowned plant collections among its several gardens, the Atlanta Botanical Garden calls itself an "urban oasis" in the middle of the metropolitan city. From the Fuqua Orchid Conservatory, to the Japanese Garden, to the Edible Garden, this floral refuge offers visitors a chance to get away from all the concrete and surround themselves in nature.

During the month of August, the ABG is offering discounted tickets at $10 per person for people who visit the garden between 9am and noon.

2) Underground Atlanta (and its History Tour)

Full to the brim with dining, shopping, and nightlife, Underground Atlanta boasts a cultural experience of the city thriving under its urban atmosphere. Its History Tour runs every day at varying times between 11am and 3pm and costs $6 per person.

The tour takes participants on a trip from the Civil War to Civil Rights through many historic buildings while sharing inside stories of the city's history.

3) Animals in Atlanta

There's the Centennial Olympic Park, there's the Zoo Atlanta, then there is the home of the largest Kangaroo population outside of Australia. That's right, the Kangaroo Conservation Center, hailing in Dawnsonville, GA, is home to the most number of Kangaroos outside of their native country.

While currently closed to visitors so it can have time to take full care of its animals, the conservation center says it will post updated information about accepting visitors in the future. Otherwise, there is the Yellow River Game Ranch with 24 miles of wooded trails and over 600 species of birds and animals indigenous to Georgia.

4) Eddie's Attic and a trip to Decatur

Located only six miles east of downtown, Decatur's charming and quirky community is home to one of the most well-known live music venues in the region. Eddie's Attic has hosted scores of local talents and visiting artists who go on to national fame.

Some of the best-known songwriters to have graced the stage at Eddie's have been John Mayer, Sugarland, Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, and The Black Crowes. "The essential to budget travel is to plan in front. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved holidays and/or going to see new places we have never been before, the reality of expense and budgeting is generally in the back of our thoughts. Preparation and consuming our travel budget properly is a main concern for most families. Curbing spending and fees, while still experiencing your vacation to its fullest, is the key to certain achievement and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking regarding economizing money while journeying is simple: Even if your personal finances is highly limited, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, regardless of whether on a price range or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a big vacation or travel costs!..". Eddie's low-key vibe and intimate setting offers an excellent venue for aspiring artists and music lovers alike.

5) Fernbank Science Center

If you would like to look at stars, but the blinding streetlamp of your urban (or suburban) environment keeps you from seeing the twinkling lights, Fernbank Science Center has one of the nation's largest planetariums, along with nature trails and an observatory.

Though closed on Sunday, the Fernbank charges low-cost admission at $4 per adult and is located a few miles East of downtown.

These and many more show a side of Atlanta that isn't all business, but isn't all tourism. The city is a welcome home to Vacationers and Staycationers alike, and with an online guide to all the local attractions, you're not likely to run out of things to do anytime soon.

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