Short Atlanta Trip - what to do and where to go?

[donncha]

Hello guys

I'm doing some planning for a friend who is heading from Germany to Atlanta for 2 weeks at the end of September.
She'd like to do a side trip for some diving, and my question, is - where would you Georgia based divers recommend for a 5-7 day trip?

She's AOW with about 200 dives. Big fan of warm water. Ideally it'd be somewhere with direct flight connections from Atlanta.

I know there's a risk of storms coming through at this time of year, so I recommended she watch the forecasts and wait to book a flight til the last minute.

Now, for something completely different...
I'm also looking for tips for stuff she can do in Atlanta. She's interested in dancing (tango/salsa), art galleries, nature... any ideas very welcome!

Thanks for all and any advice

Donncha

 

[Insta-Gator]

From Atlanta you can get a direct flight to almost anywhere. I'd recommend Grand Cayman or Cozumel for warm-water diving. She wants to stay in the States, head to Ft. Lauderdale. FL. For Atlanta activity, try this web site Things to do in Atlanta | www.accessatlanta.com

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

What he said also, if she doesn't mind driving Key largo is about an hour away from Ft Lauderdale airport, personally I like the diving better there than Ft Lauderdale. The have some great reefs. when I'm down I use Rainbow reef, because they are all guided dives so you don't have to worry about finding a buddy before you get there. Also for direct flights, Delta has it to most of the islands in the Caribbean

Dive Key Largo, Florida Keys with Rainbow Reef Dive Center;scuba diving:diving, Florida keys, florida diving

 

[lv2dive]

Atlanta Aquarium - you can even dive with whale sharks!

Within driving distance (remembering "Warm" water is relative):
Lake Jocassee - a flooded valley, where you can dive the remains of an actual graveyard that was made famous in a scene in the movie "Deliverance". Not sure temps in late Sept.
N Fl - swimming with Manatees. Springs & Cavern/Cave diving if certified. N Fl springs are 68-72 F year-round. Some would consider that warm - some would consider that cool. Not sure about your friend

RE: Flying - I'd not neglect looking into flying into W Palm and diving Jupiter/W Palm/Blue Heron Bridge. All kinds of different diving there.

 

[donncha]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I think Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach look the best options. The flights to Grand Cayman look expensive.

Nobody mentioned the Bahamas - is this because you think the diving is not that much better than Fla to justify the extra cost?

@Insta-gator thanks for the Arlanta link, she won't be bored.

@katpnatl, some great ideas there. I'm shocked to hear they flooded Deliverence country, how did that happen! My friend is the type to be in hood and gloves when everyone else is in a shorty, so I think that rules out any lakes

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I think Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach look the best options. The flights to Grand Cayman look expensive.

Nobody mentioned the Bahamas - is this because you think the diving is not that much better than Fla to justify the extra cost?

@Insta-gator thanks for the Arlanta link, she won't be bored.

@katpnatl, some great ideas there. I'm shocked to hear they flooded Deliverence country, how did that happen! My friend is the type to be in hood and gloves when everyone else is in a shorty, so I think that rules out any lakes

The only direct flights are to Nassau Bahamas, and it very touristy so a little pricey.

 

[Insta-Gator]

She should definitely visit the aquarium. Good call, Kate.


Georgia Aquarium | Dolphin Show | AT&T Dolphin Tales

 

[Lorenzoid]

At the risk of being redundant...

I highly recommend the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta, as it's the only one in the US with whale sharks. Very impressive. I live near the Aquarium and visit often.

Fly from Atlanta to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, rent a convertible (oh c'mon, it's AMERICA!), and drive to Key Largo to dive. This is just what I did a couple of weeks ago. For that laid-back Keys vibe (and sometimes cockroaches and mold), stay in one of the classic motels, not a modern chain hotel.

For nature, there are great hiking trails in the mountains, requiring about an hour or two drive north of Atlanta. There are a few trails closer to Atlanta that are quite good, such as Sweetwater Creek (west of Atlanta). Sweetwater Creek has the remains of a Civil War-era cotton mill and historical markers explaining the history. I'd be happy to recommend a trail that suits your friend. The end of September will be fantastic weather for hiking.

The High Museum of Art is worth a visit if there is an interesting exhibition at the time.

For information about tango in Atlanta, contact these folks, who are former neighbors of mine: Tango Classes Atlanta Tango Evolution teaches Social Argentine Tango Dance Classes & Lessons in Atlanta, Athens and Macon, Georgia

 

[donncha]

I think it's fair to say the aquarium will be on the agenda.
The hiking sounds great - makes me wish I was going too! And thanks for the tango tip, that could make her trip. Amazing what you can find out on scubaboard!

Thanks again everyone.

D

 

[JEC11718]

no one mentioned Panama City Beach???? 6hour drive from Atlanta, Gulf of Mexico... Baby!!!!!