With August barreling closer, it’s easy to resign yourself to the idea that summer is on its deathbed, but this last month can be productive and fun if you let it.
If you are taking summer courses, end the summer on a high note by smashing through your finals and enjoying a little time off before the fall semester.
A month is plenty of time to gather a gang of friends and take an iconic summer road trip. The Optimal Road Trip is an interactive map detailing a continuous trip around the continental U.S. that hits one major landmark in every state. Utilize this route to make the most of your end-of-summer trip.
If a cross-country road trip isn’t possible, or just isn’t your thing, there are a plethora of things to do in Atlanta. On July 22, the 7th Annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival will be held in Piedmont Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free entry. The festival is family friendly and focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise.
Another local summer fling is Georgia Restaurant Week. From July 17-23, restaurants across the Atlanta area will be offering special, fixed prices on food to “increase awareness about Georgia’s culinary scene while highlighting the state’s unique and varied dining options,” according to the Georgia Restaurant Week website. A map of all participating restaurants can be online found online.
If you want a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city, the 67th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair takes place July 21-29 at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. The fair promises musical performances, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and a few lessons on the history of North Georgia. Admission is $12, and children 12 and under get in for free. You can also opt for the 3-day pass at $33 or the Fun Fair pass at $90, which covers all nine days. Parking is free, but pets are not allowed.
The Hero Run 5K on Aug. 5 at the Kennesaw First Baptist Church caters to any athlete looking to cap off their summer for a good cause. Registering for the 5K run costs $25, and all earnings will be donated to benefit wounded veterans. The run is expected to host more than 2,000 runners, both recreational and serious and is part of the Kennesaw Grand Prix Series.
The Metro Atlanta area has so much to offer as the summer winds down, so grab some friends, make some plans and end your summer on a high note.
