Top Ten Things To Do Around Marietta
Marietta is little enough to have that small-town feel, while still having access to all kinds of great attractions. Whether you are new to the area or you’re a Peach State native, you’ll probably enjoy everything on my list of Top Ten Things To Do Around Marietta.
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Six Flags
We actually have two Six Flags, only fifteen miles apart from one another. Which version you prefer probably depends on how wet you plan on getting. Six Flags White Water has an extensive variety of water slides, waves, and children’s attractions. Six Flags Over Georgia has your traditional theme park setting, but is full of seasonal flavor and right now you can see all kinds of Halloween-related attractions.
2. Sope Creek Trail
Check-in with nature with this beautiful trail that runs through the deciduous forests of Sope Creek Park. You can hike or bike over dirt and gravel trails or gently rolling hills, making your way a few miles down the road to the ruins of an old paper mill. The paper mill sits adjacent to Sope Creek and was destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War.
3. Marietta Museum of History
Step back in time at the Marietta Museum of History. You’ll appreciate your modern comforts even more after getting a small taste of what early Marietta was like. The museum features the Civil War, with an extensive collection of guns, as well as simple things like clothing, furniture and stories from our past.
4. Gone With the Wind Movie Museum
By Deems Taylor Published by Simon & Schuster, New York (page 319 A Pictorial History of the Movies) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Adjusting for inflation, Gone With the Wind is still the highest grossing movie of all time, making over $3.4 billion dollars. Lacking CGI, the film relied on a large supply of actors, extras, props, and costumes (as well as a city they could burn down), so this is a fantastic chance to see behind the scenes of the biggest movie of all time.
5. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Image courtesy of http://www.history.com/topics/us-states/georgia/pictures/georgia/cannon-at-kennesaw-mountain
There are few battle sites as well preserved as Kennesaw Mountain. It’s a popular destination due to the scenic views of the area, the top-notch museum, and the comfortable hikes available on its trails. Historical groups frequently conduct re-enactments, and I would also mention that it’s worth watching the film presentation on your first trip to the visitor’s center, as it helps contextualize what you see.
6. Zoo Atlanta
Image by barb.dunlap under CC 2.0
“Hey, ladies…”
Zoo Atlanta is a marvelous trip for those who can’t manage the occasional safari, yet still want to see and learn about animals. The zoo has more than 1,500 animals, with some high-profile exhibits, but the stars of the show are definitely the pandas Lun Lun and Yang Yang, who recently gave birth to twins!
7. Atlanta Botanical Gardens
By Eric Sonstroem [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
You might be thinking, “oh, it’s just a bunch of flowers and stuff, what’s the big deal?” But if you aren’t impressed after seeing the exhibits and sculptures, I’ll eat my shoe. Word’s can’t describe the beauty of the Botanical Gardens, so you’ll have to see for yourself. Don’t miss the Chihuly Glass exhibit, and stop by Linton’s for dinner.
8. World of Coca Cola
By Elisa.rolle (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
If you love America, then you probably love Coca Cola, too. There are few American influences more prolific around the world than this commercial enterprise, and the Coca Cola museum is a great chance to experience that history. It’s also one of the few places on Earth where you can taste the varieties of Coke that exist around the world.
9. Georgia Aquarium
Image by Zac Wolf. Distributed under CC BY-SA 2.5
There is a reason that the Georgia Aquarium is rated as the number one thing to do in Atlanta. This aquarium is huge, and is home to a great variety of creatures, some of which are extraordinarily large. Rather than simply staring down at the surface of the water, walk through their habitat via the tunnels. There is so much here to see, it will be difficult to take it all in with a single visit.
10. Stone Mountain Park
By KyleAndMelissa22 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Stone Mountain offers “mountains of fun for the whole family”. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably aware that many events in the area are held there, and it’s a great location to have birthday parties or reunions. In addition to the trails, enjoy the laser and fireworks shows, the Skyride, and the Crossroads that has all sorts of fun things for you to enjoy. Throughout the park you can find mini-golf, playgrounds, shows, and restaurants.
~ Dr. Rhea Haugseth
Rhea M. Haugseth, DMD maintained a private practice in Marietta, GA from 1982- 2017. She attended the University of Louisville Dental School and completed her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital / Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is proud to be a Fellow the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy – National Honorary Organizations for Dentists.
Dr. Haugseth is a Past President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(GaPD). Dr. Haugseth has been a National Spokesperson for the AAPD since 1989 and has been frequently interviewed for radio, print, and national television.
Dr. Haugseth is the Founder (2013) and Director of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Atlanta Georgia. She is also the Founder (2014) and Director of the Pediatric Dental Team Association. She is committed to pediatric dental team members and continues to develop ways to enhance their knowledge and skills both in and out of the dental office.