Every summer I find myself feeling the same way. I guess you could describe it as feeling directionless or feeling the need to go out and actually do something memorable. I have general ideas of what I want to do, but I get overwhelmed by how much I want to do in just two short months. My mom and I jotted down the things I want to do and we created a summer passport. It's like a summer bucket list that you can actually carry around with you and check off as you visit these places. I took this year's summer passport and decided to invite you to come with me. This list includes activities that are inexpensive or free to do. If you actually visit these places over summer, chances are, you'll find me, too.
1. Anderson Sunflower Farms (Cumming, GA) or Copper Creek Farms (Calhoun, GA) offer sunflower picking starting the end of June or the first week in July.
People on Facebook have been sharing these events like crazy, and I have to agree they'd be pretty cool places to visit. Both farms offer sunflower picking for a small cost, but the experience is priceless. Giant yellow flowers the size of my head can be plucked or used for an awesome photo opportunity. Anderson Sunflower Farm is scheduled to be open with new flowers this first week of July, but Copper Creek flowers are already in full bloom!
2. Pallookaville Fine Foods is a vintage rockabilly restaurant in Avondale Estates.
I like to try new foods over summer and find interesting places that offer a cool atmosphere and tasty eats. Pallookaville does just that. Sit near a cabinet full of retro action figures, vintage lunch boxes, and sip on a hand-spun milkshake. Chow down on some poutine fries (because they're delicious!) and maybe try their chili with Cheez-Its instead of crackers. Pallookaville is the place where waiters have tattoos better than coloring books, and sometimes they roller skate while they serve you. Quirky but fun? I think so!
3. Krog Street has a graffiti covered tunnel that is famous for it's street art.
While visiting the cute shops and places to eat at the Krog Street Market, don't forget to bring your own spray paint to leave your mark. Yep, that's right. It's not illegal to spray paint on the walls beneath the tunnel. Draw a picture, design an invite, or just make a mess. I've lived in Atlanta pretty much my whole life and have yet to visit Krog Street. (Yikes!) The painted Krog Street Tunnel is a novel way to express yourself this summer. I only ask that if you see me here, don't spray paint over my spray paint!
4. Charis Books-Little Five Points.
Everyone always says to visit Little Five Points when you're in Atlanta, and you should. The whole place is really unique and has shops ranging from healing crystals to vintage records. But to be specific, visit Charis Books. On Euclid Avenue, the quaint little bookstore has been a main attraction since the 70's. I found this bookstore on accident while driving around the other day and got so excited. Not only do I know someone named Charis, but it also happens to be one of the oldest independent feminist bookstores in the U.S. (Holla!) While the bookstore specializes in feminist and cultural studies books, they also offer books simply "to encourage and enlighten people." I love to read, and if you're reading this, you probably do, too. Grab a few good books and edumecate yourself because knowledge is power.
5. My Fair Sweets is the number one cure for a sweet tooth.
And I have a major sweet tooth! I make all my friends abandon their diets over summer because I'm always inviting them to ice cream or asking for dessert right after dinner. I saw this treat shop on a friend's snapchat and had made plans to visit within five minutes. My Fair Sweets is a dessert shop that isn't playing around. The staff is serious about their sugar rush and it's always a party within their walls. My Fair Sweets is Instagram heaven with its loud colors and even louder music. With extravagant milkshakes piled high with donuts, cookies, sprinkles, or a cupcake, you'll feel like a queen. Lavish dessert and atmosphere? Just call me Kim K.
6. See Rocky Horror at the Plaza Theatre.
To me, summer is about staying up late and being awake when the rest of the world seems quiet. If you like being up until odd hours of the night, make it a date. The cult classic, Rocky Horror, plays every Friday night at The Plaza on Ponce De Leon. Since my dad was in high school, this late night double feature picture show has been put on by Atlanta's oldest theatre. The show starts at 11:55 PM and ends around 2:30 in the morning. When the actors on the screen say a cheesy line, the audience shouts something back. I can't spoil all of the fun, but just be ready for surprises during the show. If you go to Rocky Horror, you gotta go all out. Dress up sexy, get a lipstick "V" written on your head (if you've never seen Rocky you're considered a virgin), and attempt to learn the dance moves to the "Time Warp." It's the original cast of Rocky Horror and you should go simply because the real Magenta is portrayed by Patricia Quinn, and she's damn good! Stay awake and walk from the Plaza Theatre to the Majestic Diner next door.
7. The Trap House.
A regular house on Howell Mill Road was painted in layers of hot pink color by 2 Chainz, a local rapper born and raised in College Park. He's has been called a "marketing genius" after the design of this pink trap house. 2 Chainz painted the house for a pop up concert that happened a few weeks ago, but he left the trap house intact for locals to visit. A matching pink stove, car, and house are deemed a quirky and iconic place to visit. It sits on a residential street sticking out like a sore thumb. Since the house may not be around forever, it's cool to snap a picture in front of it while you can. It's such a big deal in Atlanta, that a couple from Australia traveled all the way to America just to see it.
8. Cave Spring.
Cave Spring is a sweet town nestled in the Northwest corner of Georgia. Home of the Georgia School for the Deaf, it also boasts an historic stone façade cave and a natural fresh water spring. Don’t get me wrong, shooting the ‘hootch in Atlanta and tubing in Helen are fantastic adventures, but the crystal clear water of Cave Spring is just something you need to experience for yourself. Out of the Cedar Creek Park outdoor center, you can rent a canoe or kayak for a totally serene four hour float trip. Go to Cave Spring to do a little antiquing, picnicking and country floating along the resident wildlife. Don’t forget to use your hands while visiting because you may run into a student from GSD while you are there. My favorite sign in American Sign Language is the universal “ILY” sign for I Love You. I learned that one from my Uncle Bentley who went to GSD in the ‘80’s!
9. Hawaiian Waikikie BBQ.
Channel your inner Lilo & Stitch and visit Waikikie BBQ on Briarcliff Road. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can feel like you're in Hawaii, no hula skirt required. A local band plays live music while strumming the ukulele. Relax on the porch and listen to the music (and "waves") while snacking on some delicious food. To stick with the quirky theme, I suggest trying their Spam fried rice. If that doesn't sound too appealing, I've heard their coconut shrimp is fantastic. Before the night is over, try some of their Hawaiian shaved ice in any flavor. Aloha nui loa!
10. Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party on McLendon Avenue is one of the coolest concepts.
It's a tea cafe that hosts High Tea everyday at 3PM or 5:30PM. Everything you've ever imagined about a tea house comes to life at Dr. Bombay's. Look like a tea connoisseur with your dainty china cup and a Shakespearian novel. Just the name itself and the fact that it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland makes me consider it something quirky and exciting.
Take pictures or keep a souvenir after you complete adventures during summer. Your summer passport will quickly be filled with quirky new memories.