April showers bring May flowers. What do May flowers bring? In Atlanta it’s called June, and it is the beginning of HOTlanta for us around these parts. We have had a nice spring this year, but summer is officially beginning. For those of us who live in the South, we know what the signs of summer are. The breezes will die down, those pesky mosquitos will come out to party, and we will be looking for any way possible to stay cool. Want to know a few ways you can stay cool this June? You have come to the right place.
1. Got kids? Let them run around Conyers’ new Splash Pad, which opened on May 18 at Milstead Park.
2. Grow a mustache. Mustaches are just cool.
3. Head over to Jackson Lake and enjoy some splashing around at the public beach.
4. Make a refreshing “June Bug” for the whole family. Blend 3 cups ginger ale, 4 tbsp grenadine, 4 tbsp orange juice and 3 scoops orange sherbet. Pour in a mason jar, sit in your rocker, and sip.
5. Have a movie marathon INSIDE! Watch all of the Harry Potter movies or the Fast and Furious series and watch the hot day disappear.
6. Wear a fedora. It keeps the sun off your face and well… it’s just cool too.
If you are still looking for some ways to stay cool and have fun this summer, check out what is going on this weekend in the Atlanta area. The Red stripe Music Festival comes to Atlanta this Friday and Saturday. Enjoy live music, food truck cuisine, beverages and local vendors as you walk around beautiful Candler Park. Also in Atlanta, the 5th Annual Food & Wine Festival hits Midtown. From tastings and classes to dinners and Sunday brunch, there is something for every foodie at this event. If you are working this week and are in need of some entertainment, take your lunch break to downtown Covington for the Spring Luncheon Concert on the Square. This week’s musical act is the Seminole Jackson Blues Band. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a picnic lunch outside while you enjoy the tunes. For you baseball fans, catch a game Friday, Saturday or Sunday as the Gwinnett Braves take on the Columbus Clippers at Coolray Field. Enjoy your weekend!
Red Stripe Music and Food Festival
Friday-Saturday, May 29-30
Cost: up to $40
Scoot on over to Candler Park for a fantastic weekend of food, live music and local vendors. This year’s Red Stripe Music and Food Festival will be the best so far, featuring musical acts Shovels and Rope, Drive-By Truckers, The Infamous Stringdusters, and more. Grab a meal at one of the many local food trucks or get your fill of carnival treats. Adult beverages will also be available.
http://candlerparkmusicfestival.com/
Atlanta Food and Wine Festival
Thursday-Sunday, May 28-31
Cost: $45 and up
Created in 2010 to shine a spotlight on the rich food and beverage traditions of the South, The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival has become something for folks from the Atlanta area to really look forward to. Come celebrate Southern food and drink traditions and culture with us while we showcase, inspire, highlight, and entice with our amazing Southern chefs and rich agricultural products. Grab your friends and your appetites and come join us. You won't want to miss this one!
http://atlfoodandwinefestival.com/
Spring Luncheon Concert on the Square – Seminole Jackson Blues Band
Thursday, May 28th, Noon
This week’s Spring Luncheon Concert on the Square features the Seminole Jackson Blues Band. Bring a chair or a blanket to the Covington Square and enjoy some fabulous live music on your lunch break. This event is family friendly and sponsored by Main Street Covington and Newton County Arts Association. For more info, call 770.385.2077 or 770.786.8188.
Gwinnett Braves vs. Columbus Clippers (3 game series)
Friday-Sunday, May 29-31
Cost: $8-$18
Take me out to the ball game! Join The Gwinnett Braves for a three game series against the Columbus Clippers this weekend. A Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball club, the Gwinnett Braves promise to provide major baseball entertainment. Grab some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and help cheer the Braves to the League Championship in 2015.
http://www.milb.com/tickets/singlegame.jsp?sid=t431
