A Weekend away...in Dunwoody, GA

Who doesn’t enjoy getting away for a weekend?  A relaxing weekend with the family could be just what you need to reconnect so put away the video games and fast paced schedule of the week and just enjoy each other.

I have the perfect spot for you.  We all know that Atlanta has the Braves, the World of Coke Cola, the Georgia Aquarium and many more places for families to enjoy.  But have you ever thought outside of Atlanta? 

A few weekends ago I had the privilege of spending a couple of days in Dunwoody.  We went to see what Lemonade Days was all about.  You have heard the saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”.  Well, that is what the folks of Dunwoody did.  Back in 1998 a tornado ripped through the town and tore down many trees.  The Dunwoody Preservation Trust decided that there should be a celebration of the growth that had happened in the year following.  What started as a small neighborhood festival in 1999 is now a festival that attracts people from Atlanta and beyond. There is festival food, carnival rides, music and arts and crafts.  My favorite was the farm petting area for kids.  The kids absolutely loved the baby lambs and newborn bunnies but I think the moms and dads enjoyed them almost as much.
  
Lemonade Days is held at Brook Run Park.  Brook Run Park is a park to enjoy even if there is not a festival happening there.  The park offers a Tree Top Quest with zip-lines and other adventures for the thrill seeker, a large playground for kids of all ages, a skate park, plenty of spots to ride bikes and even a dog park for your dog to run while you sit on a bench and read a book. 

Dunwoody Nature Center is another wonderful place to visit with the kids.  There are easy to navigate trails that lead to a playground that any kid could have fun at, creeks to wade in and hammocks to stop and rest and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. One of the highlights at Dunwoody Nature Center is the Butterfly Festival in August where you can venture inside two large tents overflowing with hundreds of free-roaming butterflies.  This is a popular event so it is recommended that you order your tickets on line beforehand. 
Dunwoody offers many choices for food.  A family favorite is the Village Burger, offering burgers, hot dogs, (plus a few vegetarian choices) and frozen custard. The helping of fries are defiantly enough to share.  And for a unique spot for breakfast try Alon’s Bakery and Market.  The French Toast was wonderful and Moms, you will love the coffee!
 
We were treated to a night at Staybridge Suites.  This is a perfect place for the family with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and of course, the pool.  The complimentary hot breakfast buffet offered food to suite all family members. 

And just in case you think that Dunwoody is all about kids The Stage Door Players offers a full season of professional theatre and the 2nd largest Shopping Mall in the Southeast , Perimeter Mall, is right at your doorstep when you are in Dunwoody.       

With both Dunwoody and Atlanta being just a short distance from Asheville they make the perfect pair for a combined few days of fun and relaxation.   

While in Dunwoody I was compensated for the hotel room, activities and a number of meals, however, the opinions expressed in this article are my own.