With a city the size of metro-Atlanta there are numerous diversions that don't cost a dime! In addition to Atlanta's Beautiful and user friendly Piedmont Park, that I highlighted in the post below, here are a few other FREE Atlanta highlights!

Back To Nature : An Urban Tale, Atlanta's Piedmont Park

This should be of great interest to all you HGTV fans and budding or accomplished designers. This one of a kind (in the Southeast) museum features free, multifaceted exhibits on everything from architecture to fashion. They have some wonderful exhibits scheduled for 2008 including the two which are running right now entitled The Furniture of Eero Saarinen: Designs for Everyday Living and On You. For both local and international innovation in design, check out this free gem located in the heart of Atlanta (from MARTA, exit at the Peachtree Center Station and follow the signs to the Marquis II office tower. The Museum of Design is located within the Lobby and Garden Levels of the Marquis II Office Tower)! *DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED*

Underground Atlanta is is definitely an Atlanta original! As Atlanta emerged as a trade and cultural hub in the 1830's, the State of Georgia recognized a need to bring the agricultural products of the rural south to the markets of the world. To this end, in 1836, the State of Georgia constructed a railroad connecting Atlanta to Chattanooga. The Zero Milepost, which stands where the old freight depot had been, marks modern Underground Atlanta. Underground Atlanta is literally underground and is a site to behold for families during the day and adults in the evening. It is an extremely diverse area that offers everything from homemade candy for the kids to nightclubs for the adults! With over six blocks of shopping, restaurants, candy stores, night clubs, and various street performers, Underground Atlanta is a must see for an afternoon of real Atlanta flavor! Underground Atlanta has a full calendar of events (including the GREEN Day Fest, the Peachtree Latino Festival, and the Montreux Jazz Festival) and is centrally located in downtown Atlanta (from MARTA, get off at the Five Points Station)! *If you are a history buff, be sure to check out the 45 minute guided history tour entitled From Civil War to Civil Rights (the tour does cost $6 per person)*

No trip to Atlanta would be complete without seeing the final resting place of one of the greatest voices for equality the world has ever known, Martin Luther King, Jr. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site is administered by the National Park Service and is free to the public! There is so much to see and experience that the National Park Service has a quick and easy to use Plan Your Visit Link. I would highly recommend taking a few minutes to use this great feature! Because of its central location this historic site is easily accessible from both public transportation (MARTA) and by car or bus. There are other sites of interest that are maintained in conjunction with this site, The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Ebenezer Baptist Church, International World Peace Rose Garden, and Firestation No. 6.

I leave you with this inspirational quote from Dr. King (what quotes and memories will you take with you after your visit?):

An individual has not started living until

he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns

to the broader concerns of all humanity.

If you like these FREE Atlanta attractions, check back, as there will be more on the way!

About the Author

If you are in the market to purchase a home or even refinance an existing loan and you want a loan officer that will walk with you every step of the way, then contact Danny or Rich of the Thornton Team at Home America Mortgage today. We can have you pre-approved in as little as 4 hours. You can visit our website or send an email to thorntonteam@homeamericamortgage.com or call us @ 770-998-1964.