While Atlantans are often teased for our outsized reaction to snow (or the possibility of snow), it does get genuinely cold in this city. Combine that with plenty of drizzly winter days and you’ll find yourself going stir crazy without some fun options to get out of the house. Here’s a roundup of our favorites. And, because the winter weather is never bad in Atlanta for too long, many of these are outdoors adjacent, so you can head outside if the sun comes out.
High Museum
Atlanta’s premier art museum has something for everyone—works from Impressionist masters, an extensive African art collection, folk and self-taught artists and ever changing exhibitions. Plus, with plenty of gallery space (and the High’s signature four-story ramp), you’ll get exercise all while staying dry and toasty. Kids can enjoy the newly redesigned multi-sensory play spaces. After you’re done, dash over to Octane for a hot coffee and a snack.
Fernbank
Have a dinosaur fan in the family? Atlanta’s natural history museum features fossils of Argentinosaurus, the largest known dinosaur, as well as Giganotosaurus, a fierce carnivore who was even bigger than Tyrannosaurus rex. Parents will appreciate the indoor educational playground, as well as the enormous IMAX theater.
Ponce City Market
If you’re looking to browse books, update your look, test a new sofa or even try out a sewing class, Ponce City Market’s boutiques and larger stores have you covered. Be sure to stay for lunch or dinner at the Central Food Hall—our favorite is an H&F Burger (with fries, of course).
The Plaza Theatre
When the weather is truly miserable, nothing beats an afternoon at the movies. We especially love the Plaza Theatre on Ponce de Leon. Atlanta’s oldest operating cinema still sports its classic neon marquee and has been in business since 1939. You’ll find indie films, throwbacks and Hollywood classics. We also love Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema—just up the road near Piedmont Park.
Martin Luther King’s Childhood Home
The Civil Rights icon spent his first 12 years in a Queen Anne style home on Auburn Ave. Today, the home is managed by the National Park Service, which leads free tours of the interior. The tours are extremely limited and available on a first-come, first served basis, so plan to get there early.
The Atlanta History Center
History and hot soup? Buckhead’s Atlanta History Center offers up the perfect cold day combo. Check out the exhibits on Atlanta’s past and warm up at the on-site Souper Jenny or Brash Coffee. The adjacent Swan House gives you a sense of Jazz Age luxury. The Center’s family programing is especially great for rainy days with kids, though it’s worth getting a little muddy just to see the sheep, goats and chickens at the Smith Family Farm.
SweetWater Brewery
Atlanta has become a hub for craft breweries, but before the boom, there was SweetWater. We like meeting up with friends in the taproom, sampling hard-to-find brews and taking out-of-towners on the tour to see where the magic happens. It’s obvious, but always worth saying: Make sure you have a safe driving plan before any sampling begins.
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Can you tell we like history yet? Emory’s Carlos Museum is a perfect cold day refuge—one that will also send you back in time to ancient Egypt, Nubia, Greece or Rome. After browsing the collections, swing by Emory Village for a bite to eat.
Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys
Unfortunately, cold weather can also lead to icy roads and dangerous conditions. If you’ve been injured in a crash, you need an Atlanta car accident attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Litner + Deganian for a free consultation.
