Outdoors on the BeltLine

When it comes to outdoors and the BeltLine, we’ve got two words: Parks and Recreation.

Parks? We got ‘em. Described as Atlanta’s Emerald Necklace, the BeltLine is a linear park it’s own self. But like any good, growing thing it has sprouted several other parks on what was once blighted urban grayfields, including Boulevard Crossing, D.H. Stanton, Gordon White, Perkerson and the stunning and brilliant Historic Fourth Ward Park.

On the recreation map you’ve got H4W Skate Park, kissed by the Eastside Trail, hugged by a large athletic field, and blessed by the High Priest of the Half Pipe himself, Tony Hawk.

The appeal of the rail trail is that it’s a level, safe path built on an old railroad. It has inspired a surge in bicycle culture (which we unabashedly celebrate) and an explosion in active lifestyles with scores of folks burning calories instead of carbon via every conceivable mode of human-powered transit.

The Final Link of the Atlanta to Anniston Trail

Map courtesy of ConnecttheComet.org The beauty of the Atlanta BeltLine is that it is more than just a loop unto itself - it has become a key hub in a growing number of connecting spoke trails. Efforts are underway to connect the Silver Comet Trail to the BeltLine, extending what is already the longest paved trail in America to the core of Atlanta. At the moment, a little over 6 miles of new trail is needed to connect the BeltLine to the Silver Comet. Once complete, users will be able to … [Read more...]

A Trio of Trees Atlanta Projects That Boost The BeltLine

If you’ve ever walked on the BeltLIne, you’ve probably noticed the tremendous amount of green space incorporated into every mile of the path. What you may not know is that the BeltLine - in its entirety - is a world-class arboretum created in partnership with the non-profit Trees Atlanta. An arboretum is an outdoor park specifically featuring trees. Trees Atlanta is committed to not only maintaining the BeltLine’s tree biodiversity but to improve it through various initiatives throughout the … [Read more...]

The Allure of Atlanta’s Soon-To-Be Largest Park

Image courtesy of hgor.com If you took a quick poll of Atlanta residents, how many could honestly say they’ve heard of Bellwood Quarry? It won’t be long until it will be hard to find anyone who hasn’t heard of it. Why? Bellwood Quarry is about to be the featured attraction in Atlanta’s newest - and largest - park, Westside Park. At nearly 100 acres larger than the next largest park, Piedmont, Westside Park will be the crown jewel of the Atlanta Beltline. Westside Park - What is … [Read more...]

Rodney Cook, Sr. Park could transform a neighborhood

The potential of the BeltLine dream has always been that it could add acres of green space and parks to the City of Atlanta. Today, the Emerald Necklace has a new gem. After years of planning, delays, and construction snags, the Rodney Cook, Sr. Park at Historic Vine City has finally opened.  At a cost of $40 million, the park named for a Buckhead insurance executive who worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders is sure to boost the surrounding … [Read more...]

Farmers’ Market Fridays: Goat and Roasting Boxes

This past Saturday, I took another trip to The Green Market at Piedmont Park and the weather had definitely improved since my last visit! I arrived about an hour after they opened and it was rife with patrons and their puppies, all happily perusing the booths along with me. I hadn't seen it so packed quite yet, so it was nice to see everyone walking around to support their local vendors. I trekked down to the very edge of the market to visit the Southern Berkshire Farm booth. On my previous … [Read more...]

Farmers’ Market Fridays: Kombucha and Kale

This past Saturday I went to check out the Green Market at Piedmont Park. As I mentioned last week, March 18th kicked off their 2017 season and I was itching to see what other vendors had in store. Or booth, rather! As I headed to what seemed like the front of the market, I bumped into my friend Wes, who was selling Golda Kombucha. Golda is Georgia's first kombucha tea company and is locally brewed. The two flavors they had that day were lavender lemonade and blackberry mint. I sampled both … [Read more...]

Farmers’ Market Fridays: Pork Chops and Kholrabi

One of my most recent experiences at the Freedom Farmers' Market is a testament to getting there as early as possible. I had a few things to do that morning and I finally left the house by 11:30. I had only one hour left to look through the market.  If you decide to go to the farmers' market around closing time, your produce options will be very limited. However, you may encounter a vendor looking to make a deal with you so he can unload some more product quickly. This past Saturday, I came … [Read more...]

BeltLandia Weekender: October 14th – 16th, 2016

Since when did mid-October roll around? We're already halfway done with Georgia's short fall season and there are many more fall festivals to be had! While the month is clearly flashing before our eyes, take some time to slow its roll by enjoying a few of the events around BeltLandia and get in the Halloween spirit during the Little Five Points Festival and Parade!  All events are sure to provide a fun time – enjoy!  Friday, October 14th   Atlanta Clips Beer and Film Tour @ … [Read more...]

BeltLandia Weekender: October 7th – 9th, 2016

For some of us, our homes are a little fuller this weekend with friends and family seeking refuge from Hurricane Matthew. While we may feel little of the effects from the hurricane here in BeltLandia, keep those affected in your thoughts. If you are hosting friends or family at your home, treat them to an event around the Beltline to help keep their minds from focusing on the worst case scenarios. We are hoping that our coastal friends can enjoy their weekends despite the circumstances.  The … [Read more...]

BeltLandia Weekender: September 30th – October 2nd, 2016

The chill in the air we have been waiting for has finally arrived. Let us all welcome Fall with open arms! I cannot think of any better weather to enjoy a Braves game in – especially the last few games at The Ted. If I were you, I would also make some time for the Porches and Pies Festival. Honestly, they might be the most revolutionary combo since peanut butter and jelly.   P.S. I hear they are giving out Chipper Jones jerseys at the Braves game tonight!  Cheers, my … [Read more...]