The Fourth of July 4 holiday has passed, and the beginning of school is still several weeks away. There’s got to be something to do. But what?
There are several local attractions that will provide a fun distraction from the summer doldrums.
Here are a half-dozen summer spots you can try.
1) The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
It’s 48 miles of river and protected forest land right in your own backyard. Park rangers are available to lead sunset kayaking trips, night hikes and scenic strolls.
The best part, aside from nature’s splendor?
Many of the events cost next-to-nothing, most requiring $3 to cover parking.
For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/events.htm
2) Anne Frank Exhibit
It’s not as well known as the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, but it’s definitely a shorter trip if you live in metro Atlanta.
Anne Frank became famous after the publication of her diary chronicling her family’s years spent hiding from the Nazis.
The Anne Frank Exhibit in Sandy Springs contains 600 photographs of Frank, and also the only known film footage of her.
“This powerful, moving exhibit provides visitors a chance to learn, explore, share and remember the history and lessons of the Holocaust and its continued relevance today,” the exhibit’s website says.
The exhibit is open six days a week and admission is free.
For more information, visit: www.annefrankexhibitsandysprings.org/
3) Legoland
It’s one of the area’s newer attractions. Legoland opened in 2012 and offers the essential building blocks of fun. It’s a family-oriented attraction – adults won’t be admitted unless they have a child with them.
Kids can build, play and learn everything there is to know about Legos.
It’s open seven days a week, and admission is $19 for adults and $15 for children.
For more information, visit: www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta/
4) Watch “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
Perfect for the couple that has nothing else in common but their love for this classic film.
The last of the Atlanta Summer Movie series ends on a high note, with the July 25 showing of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” at Town Brookhaven.
The film, based on the Truman Capote book of the same name, stars Audrey Hepburn. Relive all the glamor and quirkiness.
For more information visit: http://townbrookhaven.net/atlanta-summer-movie-series-town-brookhaven-chastain-park-thursdays-may-30th-july-25th/
5) Visit one of DeKalb County’s oldest houses
Brookhaven’s Solomon Goodwin House is still hanging in there after nearly 200 years.
In the 1830s it housed travelers resting from a journey on the wagon trail. Federal troops used it as a landmark as they descended on Atlanta during the Civil War. The home provided for Civil War refugees and comfort for those hit hardest by the Great Depression.
At one time it was part of a 600-acre farm, but now the house on Peachtree Street in Brookhaven is all that’s left.
Descendants of the Goodwin family still own the house. They open its doors to the public the third Sunday of every month.
For more information, visit: http://goodwinhistory.org/#
6) Take a stroll across the Bynum Pedestrian Bridge
Named after the victim of a high-profile murder, the scenic Gordon C. Bynum Jr. Pedestrian Bridge connects the Peachtree Park neighborhood to Lenox Square via a walkway across Ga. 400. The 223-foot-long bridge was dedicated in 1999.
There are two entrances to the footpath that lead to the bridge on the south side of Ga. 400 – one from Martina Drive and another in the sharp turn where East Paces Ferry Road now feeds into Peachtree Drive. A yellow and red floral display offsets well-maintained green grass and mature trees along the path.
Curving, wrought-iron banisters protect raised flower and planting beds, and the bridge gives pedestrians a view of Buckhead’s towering skyscrapers.
Han Vance contributed to this article.