If you are looking to travel around Georgia or relocate to a new city, Stone Mountain, Georgia, should be on your list. Located in Metro Atlanta, Stone Mountain offers its guests and residents a diverse range of attractions, from outdoor adventures to vibrant local culture. Here is a list of 10 things to check out the next time you are in town.
Stone Mountain Park is known as one of the most visited attractions in the state of Georgia, attracting 4 million visitors per year. The scenic views and family-friendly attractions are likely the reason for so much foot traffic each year. There is everything from a summit skyride, scenic railroad experience, mini-golf, SkyHike, 4D theater, and more. Not to mention the granite sculpture itself, offering a mile hike to the top by day and a captivating light show by night.
Although Stone Mountain Park is the shining star, don’t let its light shield you from the dazzling city itself. Inside the historic buildings are local shops and restaurants. Popular picks for a bite to eat include The Sweet Potato Cafe, Stoned Pizza Kitchen, and Weeyums Philly Cheesesteak. Also, if you are in town and looking for some guidance, you are invited to stop by the Welcome Center for tips and insight on upcoming events.
The Welcome Center would be happy to provide information about any events happening during your visit, but it’s also worth planning your visit around some of the city’s annual events. Don’t miss out on the Yellow Daisy Festival in September, Tunes by the Tracks in the summer, and Stone Mountain Christmas, which is held from November to December. These events feature live music, crafts, and of course, delicious food for a day of family fun.
You won’t be able to do and see everything in a day, so why not stay a little longer? Whether you want to camp in the outdoors of Stone Mountain Park, stay in a luxury resort, or spend your nights in a colonial style inn, there is a place for you. Stone Mountain Park Campground offers campsites with access to a swimming pool, playground, laundry facilities, showers, and a supply store. Another popular option is the Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort with lake views and a comforting stay. The Inn at Stone Mountain Park has guest rooms on site of the park and offers additional packages like a special pet package, romantic escape package, and other deals for nearby attractions.
The ART Station, located in the Old Trolley Station is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing art and supporting artists within the community. ART Station has a gallery displaying art by artists from the Southeast which you can either admire or apply to display your own work. In addition, you can buy tickets to a production in the theatre and register for camps and classes to build and express your own artistic abilities.
Located less than 30 minutes from Stone Mountain, GA is the Dekalb Farmers Market. It is now a large world market with fresh produce, dairy, pastries, seafood, meat and more. Many locals prefer to do their grocery shop here for high-quality food sourced from farmers, rather than other retail grocery stores. Even if you are not a resident in the area, visitors enjoy perusing the aisles and shopping for wines, cheeses, or other treats.
Once the warm weather approaches, a dip in the pool is a refreshing way to spend the day. The aquatic center features an outdoor pool with a waterslide and an indoor competition pool, catering to all levels of swimmers. They also provide private and group swimming lessons for all ages, helping children and adults feel confident in the water. The outdoor pool is a fantastic summer activity for your child to enjoy the summer sun while you relax or join them for a splash in the pool.
Stone Mountain, GA is home to Charlie’s Collectible show which is a weekly collectible marketplace that allows guests to buy and sell from vendors. There is free admission and free parking as well, so it makes for an affordable outing. The market is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays with upcoming events like BarbieCon and Pokemon Mini Con. If you are a collector of video games, comics, sports cards, action figures, etc. you will be in the right place to find a new addition to your collection.
As the city of Stone Mountain has grown, so have its bars and breweries. Outrun Brewing Company is a popular choice for a casual environment with a tasty selection of food and craft beers. Another example is a cocktail bar, Nostalgia Kitchen and Cocktails, for a classy mix of southern foods and craft cocktails. These are great spots for a birthday celebration, date night, or weekend festivities.
Not only does the Stone Mountain Golf Club offer a challenging course for golfers, but also stunning views to pair. There are two course options including the Lakemont Course and the Stonemont Course with differing challenge levels, but beautiful views regardless. Additionally, The Common’s Restaurant is located near the golf shop for a Sunday brunch or a meal to fuel you for your next round of golf.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or considering making Stone Mountain your new home, we hope you find something to spark your interest in this charming city. Be sure to check out these local favorites and make the most of your visit to this Georgia treasure.