The heat and humidity have moved in, but we're staying chill here in the ATL Airport District! With a range of indoor and outdoor attractions and activities, you can stay cool as a cucumber while having fun and making memories. Read on to discover some of our favorite ways to beat the heat on the Southside during the sweltering summer months:
Cool Treats
Icey Chicks
Enjoy a refreshing selection of fresh-made Acai bowls, smoothies, pressed juices, Italian ice and more at Icey Chicks! Stop in at their downtown Hapeville location inside Chapman Drugs for a delicious and cool treaton-the-go.
Frozen Lush ATL
Experience the vibrant flavor of New York-Style Fruit Ice atFrozen Lush ATL, located in theVirginia Station shopping center in College Park! From the popular Cherry Mango to the unique Strawberry Kiwi topped with Nerds, Frozen Lush ATL scoops up a delicious variety of natural fruit flavorswith vegan ingredients sourced straight from the Bronx!
Bodega on Main
Swing by the Bodega on Main in College Parkto treat yourself to a decadent milkshake, with or without a little extra kick added. Their menu of spiked milkshakes includes Strawberry Drip with Tito's Vodka, Milk & Cookies with Hennessy Cognac and Mango Tajin with Casamigos Tequila. Whether you're craving an extreme milkshake or simply looking for good vibes and great music, this is the perfect spot to cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chick-fil-A Hapeville Dwarf House
Seeking a slice of history á la mode? The District is the birthplaceof the famous original chicken sandwich! You can enjoy all of your usual Chick-fil-Afavorites at the recently renovated Hapeville Dwarf House, plus the diner menu that is unique to Dwarf Houses (there are only five other Dwarf House locations in the country - all in Georgia!). Chill out with theclassic Icedream - perfect atop a peach fried pie -or try a cool slice of theirhomemade lemon, chocolate and coconut pie.
Refreshing Drinks
Coffee Man
For a flavorfulcaffeinatedpick-me-up on ice, check out Coffee Man in downtown Hapeville. The comfortable shop is great for sitting and sipping the afternoon away.
La Fiesta
For a taste of summer in every sip, make your way to La Fiesta in College Park for delicious margaritas. Whether you prefer yours frozen or on the rocks, celebrate the season with the refreshing flavors of grapefruit, cucumber or pineapple margarita!
The Rooftop at the Kimpton Overland Hotel
Take advantage of the longer days of summer and head to the 8th floor of the Kimpton Overland Hotel to enjoy stunning views and refreshing cocktails on the covered rooftop lounge. With a chilled drink in hand, you'll have the best plane spotting views in the District with planes takingoff and land at neighboringHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Rooftop is open daily at 4 pm with live music or a DJ spinning beats Thursday - Saturday. Get there early to catch the action on the test tracks of the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta, located right next door.
Indoor Attractions with A/C
Academy Theatre
Step into the world of art, music, and culture at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville. As Georgia’s longest-running professional theatre, this historic gem has captivated audiences with classic and modern theatrical performances since 1956. Ahead this summer, 'The Wash’, playing July 11 – 28, tells the story of how African American women began the Atlanta Laundresses’ strike of 1881 and how it spread to garner the support of the whole community.
Delta Flight Museum
Dive into the thrilling world of aviation at the Delta Flight Museum. Enjoy the incredible exhibits, tour the only Delta passenger Douglass DC-3 plane in existence, and catch a showing of hour long film, The Steepest Climb, in the American Express theatre. Check out their website to stay updated on the unique events taking place at the museum this summer, including the monthly salvage sale and a Paper Planes and Pops for the kiddos.
Please note that Historic Hangars 1 & 2, as well as the simulator, will be closed to visitors July 25 through the end of August for facilities work ahead of a larger renovation set to commence at the end of 2024. The 747 Aircraft will remain open during this timeframe. Please check the museum'sticketing calendarfor for hours prior to visiting.
Hapeville Depot Museum
Step back in time an explore the railway's impact on the city of Hapeville with a free visit to the Hapeville Depot Museum. Check out the newest permanent exhibit that highlights the struggle for civil rights and workers rights at Hapeville's former Atlanta Assembly Plant and take in the local art on display in the historic waiting room turned gallery.
Water Fun
Soak up the summer sun with a refreshing, splash-tastic experience at the Hapeville Splash Pad or the Charles Phillips Park Splash Pad in College Park! These interactive spray grounds check all the boxes for a cool and fun-filled summer afternoon for the whole fam. The Hapeville Splash Pad is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 AM to 8 PM through September 2. Starting July 29, the College Park Splash Pad will be open Monday – Friday from 4 to 8 PM and extend Saturday operations from 10 AM to 5 PM through the end of August.
Stay cool out there as you enjoy soaking up the summer fun on the Southside! For more summertime inspiration, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. To stay updated about District happenings and events, sign up to have new posts from The Holler sent right to your inbox.