Memorial Day is a day to honor and mourn the men and women who’ve served our country in the US Armed Forces. For some, this means attending memorial services or events honoring American heroes. For others, it means family BBQs and lakeside retreats. If you’re not sure which camp you fall into when it comes to spending Memorial Day in Atlanta, check out our list of events, activities, and ideas for the long weekend.
Host a party at home
What’s more patriotic than firing up the grill and inviting friends, family, and neighbors over for some good food and yard games? As life continues in the direction of “normal,” the CDC has loosened restrictions. This means we can finally reconnect with people outside the “pods” we’ve grown accustomed to over the last year and a half. If you and your loved ones feel safe doing so, host a potluck-style gathering in your backyard with the traditional Memorial Day grub (i.e., potato salad, hot dogs, and burgers.) If the weather calls for it, set up a little fire pit, roast marshmallows, and light sparklers. As for decoration, stick to the classic red, white and blue theme to invoke a truly patriotic essence to the event.
Shop the Memorial Day Sale
Memorial Day is a great time to buy items for your home and outdoor living areas as well as fashionable items to sport this summer. Lenox Square, Atlantic Station, Perimeter Mall, Sugarloaf Mills, and The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta will all have fabulous sales so that you can stock up for less. This is a great time to purchase outdoor living items like grills, pools, and patio furniture. Plus, outlet malls are enjoyable venues for leisurely walks and soaking up the sunshine and comfortable spring weather.
Camp at Lake Lanier
If your family is still playing it safe and avoiding crowds this Memorial Day, there’s still plenty for you to do. But our top recommendation would be booking a campsite up at Lake Lanier, located less than 40-miles north of the city. This stunning lake offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown, so you can enjoy some quality family time swimming, kayaking, roasting marshmallows, grilling, and hiking. While you’re in the area, take a day to explore the stunning Sawnee Mt. Preserve. This gorgeous 963-acre park is known for the Indian Seats rock formation and its beautiful hiking trails.
Visit Zoo Atlanta
Visiting the zoo may not be your first thought when it comes to planning your Memorial Day activities, but stay with us! In addition to the usual attractions at Zoo Atlanta, i.e., events, shows, and the world’s most exotic wildlife, visitors will also be able to sample frosty beers and enjoy live music at the Brew at the Zoo event.
Venture up to Stone Mountain
Last but certainly not least, Stone Mountain, one of Georgia’s most loved natural wonders, will host an epic, family-friendly Memorial Day event. Pack up the kiddos and drive a quick 30-minutes to the family-friendly event of the season. Experience the park’s 3,200 beautiful acres, live shows, shopping, and dining at The Crossroads. Popular attractions to experience include Summit Skyride, Geyser Towers®, SkyHike®, Scenic Railroad, 4-D Theater, Ride The Ducks™, The Great Barn®, Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard, and Discovering Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial Hall. After sunset, experience the Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision®. This spectacular event displays choreographed lights with toe-tapping tunes and take-your-breath-away pyrotechnics. It is the very best way to cap off a day at Stone Mountain Park, and best of all, we’ll join together for a special salute to the troops with an extended fireworks finale.
However you choose to spend your Memorial Day in Atlanta this year, we wish you a happy, healthy, and fun-filled long weekend!
