Staycation Vacation in DeKalb

Staff Report

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

1.     Fernbank Museum – 

Open daily 10am-5pm, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a fascinating attraction perfect for the entire family. Science, nature, and fun meet here and create a world of magic waiting to be discovered and explored. Travel around the world and back in time as you discover dinosaurs, live animals, amazing places, ancient fossils, prehistoric cultures, and new science discoveries. Throughout the year, new exhibits and experiences offer more to explore. Now on Wow—Habitat and Games in the Gallery. 

Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family – 

This summer exhibit, Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, explores the diverse species and life span of the Tyrannosaurs family—including the renown T-Rex and other relatives on his family tree. Guests will have access to a variety of immersive and engaging experiences. Sink your teeth into paleontology on view from June 11 to September 5.  
  
2.     Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area  

Climb out of your comfort zone, get outdoors and explore 400 million years of history at the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, which beckons outdoor lovers to experience myriad natural wonders. Hike to the peak of Arabia Mountain, see a host of wildlife and rare plant species, traverse the 30-mile paved Arabia Mountain PATH on foot or on wheels, and visit two granite monadnock (a residual hill or mountain) outposts. As one of only 3 National Heritage Areas in the state of Georgia, it’ll be a day for the history books.  
  
3.     Starlight Drive-in Theatre  

The past meets the present at the Starlight Drive-In Theatre, located off Moreland Avenue. Four screens and an all-new digital projection system play today’s hottest movies as cars park amidst the theater’s classic art-deco style. The drive-in has been a community landmark since 1949, and you’ll be star struck with nostalgia when you catch a double feature any night of the week.  
  
4.     Stone Mountain State Park – 

Georgia’s NUMBER ONE attraction has hiking, biking, paddle boarding, camping, kayaking, golf and SO much more! Stone Mountain Park features a wide variety of outdoor-oriented family activities including camping, golf, hiking, fishing, stand up paddle boarding and so much more. Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, adventure awaits as you discover interactive family friendly attractions and countless natural and historical sights.  
 
5.     DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK)  
Want to learn to fly? You can at one of seven flight schools at DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK). Welcoming corporate jets, aircraft charters, personal planes, helicopters, and more, PDK is one of the region’s most important general reliever airports. Known as “Atlanta’s Gateway to the South,” it boasts 230,000 takeoffs and landings annually and is a can’t-miss destination for aviation enthusiasts.  
  
6.     Tucker Brewing Company (TBC) –  

Kid friendly + perfect for a mid-day refresher and light bites. Local favorite, Tucker Brewing Company is an 8,500-square-foot beer garden located in Tucker, Georgia. The largest of its kind in the State of Georgia, the Tucker Brewing beer garden is a beautiful outdoor space where guests can enjoy a myriad of beers (non-alcoholic drinks also available) and relax with family and friends. Adjacent to the TBC indoor tasting room and brewery, the beer garden features seating areas, umbrellas, leafy trees, a 40-foot stage, cornhole and a play area for children. Four-legged friends re welcome. 
  
7.     Do a Tasting Tour down Buford Highway  

Taste the world, no passport required! From Mexican, Cuban, Argentinian, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Ethiopian and the list goes on and on, DeKalb County has it and more! Head down the seven-mile stretch of international cuisine and experience the flavors of the world down Buford Hwy. Download the Buford Highway App to get tips on places to dine! 
 
8.     SeaQuest  

Get up close with fascinating creatures—touch, feed and participate in animal interactions at SeaQuest. This 20,000 square foot adventure includes exotic mammals and aquarium fish from smiling stingrays to baby otters. Meet Flash the Sloth or feel the shell of Stormin’ Norman. Learn about conservation and connect with the animals—get tickets today! 
 
9.     South River  

DeKalb encourages you to get outdoors and seek adventure or an unforgettable experience. Explore the National Heritage Area by boat! During the summer you can sign up for a guided paddle. Hop on the South River and see enjoy a peaceful paddle down the hidden waterway.  
 
10.  Atlanta Accommodations  
From off the radar Air Bnb’s to resort like hotels, there are plenty of accommodations to fit any staycationers needs! Stay at Trinity Treehouse, a hand-crafted escape amidst nature or reserve a room at Atlanta Evergreen Marriott where kids and parents can lounge by the pool or experience history at the historic Stone Mountain Manor. Staying just outside of the city makes for more reasonable hotel rates and DeKalb offers great mid-week hotel rates for summer vacationers. Check in and check it out here!