The winter holidays have long passed and Spring Break is still a few weeks on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a mini vacation close to home. St. Patrick’s Day weekend is the perfect opportunity to pack your bags and explore a festive – and green – Atlanta. From the historic parade to an aquatic scavenger hunt or Irish grub served up at neighboring pubs and restaurants, there’s an activity to ensure everyone in Atlanta feels a little Irish.
“Atlanta truly comes alive during festival season, and St. Patrick’s Day kicks that season off,” said Michael Fletcher, director of marketing for The Westin Peachtree Plaza. “Our guests line up early to view the historic St. Patrick’s Day Parade as it marches right past our front doors. Once the parade is over, it’s an easy walk to other area attractions and festivities with no wasted time in traffic or navigating blocked streets.”
Some weekend events include:
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a storied tradition enjoyed by the young and old since 1858. The parade gets bigger and better each year with thousands of attendees lining Peachtree Street to enjoy brightly colored floats, bagpipe players and more. The parade will march right past the front entrance of The Westin Peachtree Plaza.
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Georgia Aquarium
The world’s largest aquarium consistently hosts special events and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. Celebrate with aquatic creatures big and small with live Irish music and dancers. There will also be a special scavenger hunt with chocolate coins awarded for correct answers.
Publix Georgia Half Marathon, Marathon and Luckie 5K
Sunday, runners will queue up at Centennial Olympic Park to race throughout the streets of downtown and finish amid great fanfare back at the park. All ages can register for the 5K; children older than 13 may register for the half marathon and those older than 16 may register for the full.
After families have had their fill of Irish jigs, food and music, downtown offers other family-friendly attractions, such as Imagine It! Children’s Museum of Atlanta, CNN Studio Tour and World of Coke. For a one-of-a-kind experience, take the exterior glass elevator to the 73rd floor of The Westin Peachtree Plaza to enjoy the 360 degree views of Atlanta. From that height, you can see the Atlanta landscape decked out in green – after all, it is known as The City of Trees.
Finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow isn’t necessary to afford this staycation. To save some green, The Westin Peachtree Plaza offers packages for families that bundle tickets to popular area attractions with a stay in the newly renovated rooms.
St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Atlanta will be full of celebration and is the perfect place to make lasting memories with family.