Have you ever dreamed of traveling to exotic places? Well, that might be easier than you think. Although not quite the same as actually being there, there are many places in and around Atlanta that make you feel as though you were in another country. So why not "travel the world" close to home this summer!
INDIA:
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, North America’s second largest Hindu temple, is a masterpiece of exquisite Indian design and workmanship where you can marvel at the intricate marble carvings and learn about the world’s oldest living faith – Hinduism.
A Mandir is a Hindu place of worship – a haven for spirituality and a place of paramount peace. The 30,000-square-foot mandir in Lilburn is comprised of 3 types of stone (Turkish Limestone, Italian marble, and Indian pink sandstone). More than 34,000 individual pieces were carved by hand in India, shipped to the USA, and assembled in Lilburn like a giant 3-D puzzle.
Over two million man-hours of volunteer labor went into building this special house of worship. Many high school and college students spent their summer vacations working to make this project a success. Along with the students, many professionals and business people temporarily put their lives on hold to help also.
If you have always wanted to see the Taj Mahal, this beautiful mandir is just as amazing. Entering it will instantly make you feel like you are in India.
HOURS: Mandir is open to all and entry is FREE. Individuals and families are not required to book their visit in advance. Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. The best time to come and see are from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Please note that all clothing must cover shoulders and knees (wraps provided).
AUDIO TOUR GUIDE: please visit the Gift & Book Shop to get your Audio Tour Guide which provides a detailed information about the various features of the Mandir. At your own pace, learn about the importance of a Hindu Mandir, the fascinating story of how the Mandir was built, the Hindu sentiments for each of the sacred images, the significance of Hindu rituals, the meaning behind certain architectural designs, and much more. The Audio Tour Guide is now available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and German. Fees apply - $5.00/unit.
NILKANTH VARNI ABHISHEK MANDAPAM
The Nilkanth Varni Abhishek Mandapam is located on the ground floor of the Mandir. This sacred part of the Mandir welcomes all visitors to participate in the ‘Abhishek’ ritual amidst the chanting of prayers and mantras. You may participate in the ‘Abhishek’ ritual to pray for good health, happiness, prosperity, peace, spiritual blessing, success in life, and peace.
Abhishek Mandapam times are:
9:00 am to 10:15 am, 11:35 am to 12:00 pm and 4:15 pm to 6:00 pm.
ARTI CEREMONY:
One of the highlights of a visit to the Mandir is to witness the midday Arti ceremony performed daily at 11:15 am. It is an ancient Hindu offering made by waving lighted wicks before the sacred images to the accompaniment of a musical prayer. Many visitors have described the experience as awe-inspiring. Please note, there are separate seating arrangements for men and women during the Arti ceremony. All visitors are requested to adhere to these arrangements during the Arti ceremony.
SHAYONA SWEETS AND SNACK CENTER:
With its all-vegetarian cuisine, Shayona is the perfect way to experience the traditional and authentic tastes of India. You can select from various menu options for sit-down or to-go, including a wide selection of sweets and snacks. Shayona is open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
LOCATION:
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
460 Rockbridge Road NW, Lilburn, GA 30047
More information at atlanta.baps.org
ENGLAND:
Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party
High Tea is ever so British! But you can get a similar experience in Candler Park. Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party is a sweet & savory escape for you to enjoy with friends and family. Enjoy a pot of hot tea and a delicious homemade assortment including sandwiches, quiche, cakes, and baked delights. Presented on your own vintage china-tiered tray in the backdrop of our whimsical, eclectic and inviting tea house, we’ll make sure this afternoon experience will be one that’ll make memories you can carry for the rest of the day and far beyond.
LOCATION:
Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party
1645 McLendon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
FRANCE:
Millennium Gate Museum at Atlantic Station
If you can’t get to the Arc De Triomphe in Paris right now, taking a photo at Atlantic Station’s Millennium Gate might make you feel like you’re there! The Gate is designed in the tradition of classical Roman triumphal arches that have been built around the world during the past 2,500 years.
Inside the arch is the 12,000-square-foot Millennium Gate Museum, which is a world-class boutique museum of Georgia history. This museum narrates Georgia’s history through interactive technology, film, period rooms, and exhibitions. In the heart of a bustling city, the museum's outdoor campus is just as inviting and educational as its indoor galleries. The museum campus is dotted with monuments and statues each telling stories about brave men and women in our history. The museum building, a work of art in itself, overlooks a pond and a pedestrian trail for guests to enjoy.
HOURS:
Tuesday through Saturday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
TICKETS: Walk-ins are welcome, but to guarantee admission, purchase online HERE
- General Admission: $12
- Senior, Student, & Military: $10
- Children age 8 and below: FREE
LOCATION:
Millennium Gate Museum
395 17th St. NW, Atlanta GA 30363
MORE INFO: thegatemuseum.org
FRANCE:
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Reminiscent of an elegant French country estate, only 30 minutes north of Duluth, Chateau Elan offers the ultimate escape from the city! Tour the iconic winery, with their popular tour and tasting option. You will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the winery vat, production rooms, and bottling line. Then a senior wine steward will guide you through the entire winemaking process, from grape to glass. After your tour concludes, enjoy a guided tasting of five, winemaker-selected vintages.
Reservations at $48 per person, click HERE
Other amenities include gourmet dining, luxury guest rooms, afternoon high tea, golf, a world-class spa, and more. Visit their website HERE for more information.
LOCATION:
100 Rue Charlemagne
Braselton, GA 30517
MEXICO:
Bone Garden Cantina, Day of the Dead Restaurant
Stepping inside this restaurant is almost like stepping into an authentic Mexican cantina. This cozy cantina features colorful folk art inspired by the Day of the Dead, an ancient holiday in Mexico honoring ancestors and departed loved ones. Local painters, tattoo artists, and friends helped fill their space with original artwork that reflects Mexico’s rich history and vibrant culture. All of their dishes are made from scratch in small batches every day and are traditional dishes inspired by Mexico’s street food and regional cuisines.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR CURRENT MENU.
HOURS:
MONDAY thru THURSDAY: 11:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. FRIDAY thru SATURDAY: 11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. SUNDAY: Closed
LOCATION:
1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
ITALY:
Montaluce Winery Tour and Wine Hike
Just a short one-hour drive north of Duluth, you will swear you are in Tuscany! Your trained outdoor staff member will lead you on a tour of the Montaluce winery, followed by a guided hike along nature trails, the headwaters of the Etowah River, and through the vineyard, concluding with a wine tasting in their beautiful sister restaurant-Trattoria di Montaluce.
Please dress accordingly. The hike is intermediate and about 1.8 miles. Wear comfortable HIKING shoes and clothes you would want to hike in. The whole experience lasts about 2 hours.
RESERVATIONS:
Wine Hikes must be booked 24 hours in advance. Click HERE
$65 per person NOT INCLUDING TAX or TIP. This price Includes a 5-pour Montaluce wine tasting and a take-home wine glass.
For a truly Italian experience, bring a change of clothes and stay for dinner! See their menu HERE
LOCATION:
Montaluce Winery & Restaurant
501 Hightower Church Rd
Dahlonega, GA 30533
More Info at http://montaluce.com/
SINGAPORE:
Hawkers Asian Street Fare
Hawkers Asian Street Fare in the Old Fourth Ward will make you think you’re dining in Asia. Their location at the new StudioPlex Alley on the Eastside Beltline near Auburn Avenue is temporarily closed, but they have another location in Sandy Springs. The name was inspired by the street food vendors the four co-founders, Kaleb Harrell, Allen Lo, Wayne Yung, and Kin Ho, encountered living and traveling in Asia.
The moody neon glow, the loud clang hitting the woks in the kitchen, and the steamy flavor wafting up from the plates on the table. You’re in the U.S., but you’ll feel like you’re spending the night in Singapore.
LOCATION:
Hawkers Asian Street Fare
1230 Ashford Crossing, 300 b
Atlanta, GA 30346
See their menu HERE
More Information at eathawkers.com
JAPAN:
Japanese Zen Garden at Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
Give yourself over to tranquility with winding paths, a bridge, the soothing sound of a 30-foot waterfall, and plenty of greenery in this gorgeous Japanese garden, designed by an award-winning Kyoto architect. The garden is open to the public everyday at no charge.
LOCATION:
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
JAPAN:
KURA revolving Sushi Bar
Japan is known for hi-tech innovation. Kura Sushi has brought hi-tech to the culinary scene with a revolving sushi concept, that combines advanced technology, premium ingredients, and affordable prices to provide a unique dining experience. With more than 500 locations across Japan, Taiwan, and now in Atlanta, you can enjoy the healthy, fun, and delicious dining experience that is Kura Revolving Sushi Bar!
HOURS:
Open 7 days a week from 11 AM until 10 PM
LOCATION:
6035 Peachtree Rd Unit A-107, Doraville, GA 30360
and
2925 Buford Dr Suite 1105, Buford, GA 30519
EGYPT:
Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory
Only two things remind you that you are in Atlanta and not Egypt. There are no pyramids and there is no Nile River cruise. But walking among the extensive collection of mummies, sarcophaguses, cuneiform tablets, jewelry, gilded Egyptian funerary masks, bronze statuettes of deities, and the exquisitely preserved coffin of priestess Taosiris, will certainly make you forget where you are! Coupled with one of the free knowledgeable docents, this is an experience like no other.
HOURS:
Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon — 5 p.m.
ADMISSION:
| $8 | Adults |
| $6 | Seniors and children ages 6-17 |
| Free | College and university students with valid ID Children ages 5 and under |
***Sunday FUNdays, the 1st Sunday each month during the academic year, offers FREE admission and drop-in studio activities for families from 12 - 4 p.m. No registration is required.
LOCATION:
571 South Kilgo Circle
Atlanta, GA 30322
CHINA:
Atlanta Chinatown in Chamblee
Take a passport-free trip to China in Chamblee! Chinatown is filled with specialty stores, a supermarket, and a beautiful Chinese garden, featuring a picturesque red bridge over a small koi pond. There are sculptures of bodhisattvas and even the Great Wall of China depicted on a wall mural. You can feast at six restaurant stalls, a bakery, or two dine-in restaurants that all provide authentic cuisines from around China, with recipes passed down from generation to generation. So, bring your camera, a big appetite, your sense of adventure and cash, because they don’t accept plastic!
HOURS:
Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM
LOCATION:
Chinatown Mall
5383 New Peachtree Rd # C,
Chamblee, GA 30341
GERMANY:
Bavarian Alpine Village of Helen
Helen is a bustling alpine village, about one and a half hours north of Duluth. Colorful shops dot the landscape, polka music fills the air, and the heavenly aroma of authentic German fare makes your mouth water! Set against a scenic backdrop of mountains, forests, and riverbanks, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the cobblestone streets of Germany’s famed Bamberg or Lindau.
Helen is filled with year-round family fun and adventures. Hosting Georgia's Oktoberfest for over 50 years and being named the #1 Christmas town in America, Helen has been heralded by Southern Living, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB-TV, and more!
Click HERE for more information.
