This is how we cool off in Atlanta and with temperatures in the 90s. you now know one reason why Atlanta is called Hotlanta.  These children are participating in the traditional cool-off in the Olympic Rings fountain at Centennial Olympic Park. The water is synchronized and is programmed to spurt up or down. Centennial Olympic Park is a 21-acre, founded during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Synchronized water and music shows occur daily 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Music in Centennial Olympic Park

There’s also music, R&B, jazz, and/or reggae  from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday until October.

Wednesday WindDown is another opportunity to catch a free live concert in the park. That takes place every Wednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. until September.

Movies in the Park

Movies on the Lawn are every Thursday at sunset in the park. It’s like a drive-In movie without having a car. Bring a picnic, but bottles and grills are not allowed. Here is the movie schedule.

The landscaping is lovely in Centennial Park.  It’s a good place to meet up with friends if you decide to split up and explore midtown. During the summer, concerts are often held in Centennial Park.

Getting to Centennial Olympic Park

Andrew Young International Blvd., Baker Street, Luckie Street, and Centennial Olympic Park Drive are adjacent to the park. Here is a map of downtown Atlanta and driving directions to the park.

Hours of Operation

The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Have you visited Centennial Olympic Park lately?

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The royal court was around various times during the day for photo opportunities. They were a very interactive court. I actually became a part of their act.

These three young ladies were selling flower garlands from a wagon.

This was a glass blowing demonstration. He was heating the chemicals to make glass.

I ate a giant roasted turkey leg. I had to try one.

This man, chosen from the audience at one of the shows, got the chance to drench a washer woman with water. He looks as though he is having too much fun.

I was tempted to buy a dress to wear as a costume for Halloween. There were many more shops at the festival. There were a couple of small rides for children, and a maze. I think that the costumed performers and shows were the main attraction.

Photo Credit: Claudine Williams

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Acworth Beach, north of Atlanta off of I-75 is a popular beach for the holidays. If the weather holds up, I’m sure that there will be plenty of families out at the beach.

I’m not sure if the fishing will be very good off of the dock at Lake Acworth

After the beach, it’s good to do a little shopping in this quaint town.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

There is some speculation that a tornado may have caused the damage and destruction in Atlanta on Friday night. Bad weather flooded roads and destroyed buildings within minutes. Right now, people are trying to clean up the mess and pick up the pieces.

The above home is located in Cabbage town.  The building below was in the same area. It appears that the roof caved in on that building.

 Fallen branches, glass, and debris from buildings littered this road in the photo below.

Strong winds bent metal beams in the city. I believe that this was a part of a billboard or some sort of a sign in the photo below.

Some street lights were not working on Saturday. The streets were mostly empty with only a few people taking photos of the catastrophe.

Well, it looks like a pile of trash now, but the structure below used to be a building.

This used to be a tree.

 Photos from Claudine Williams’ personal collection.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Atlantic Station is one of the best places to take a date in Atlanta. The trees are laced with romantic lighting and there are plenty of restaurants, a movie theater and bars to spend time with loved ones.

I acutally met someone outside of the LA fitness gym and we ended up going to the movies and to the Fox Grill.  You never know who you may meet at the Atlantic Station.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

The Atlanta Traveler went to Plains, GA over the weekend for the annual Peanut Festival. Highlights of the event included a book signing for both President Jimmy Carter and his wife Mrs. Rosalyn Carter whose hometown (and current residence) is Plains. I stood in line under the scorching heat for over an hour to get my book signed. Politics aside, how many times does one get an opportunity to be thisclose to a president, former or current?

Here are other photos…

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler