Finding ways to have fun in the city while maintaining sobriety can be a challenge for people living with substance abuse disorders. Fortunately, there are recovery-friendly things to do in big cities such as Atlanta, Georgia. Here is a list of places to have fun and stay sober in and around Atlanta.
1. World of Coca-Cola
At World of Coca-Cola, you’ll learn about the soft drink company in a fun way. Drink as much of Coca-Cola’s products as you like in the tasting room, which has more than 100 beverages sold around the world. Walk through and look at memorabilia, see how beverages are bottled, and watch a short film about Coke. Admission is $17 for adults, and $15 for seniors 65 and older.
2. Segway Tours
Have fun in Atlanta touring the city by Segway. ATL Cruzers offers Segway tours in several districts around Atlanta. The cost is $49-$59 depending on the tour. ATL Cruzers also offers an electric car tour for $29.
3. Drive-In Movies
Take your family or friends to see a movie outdoors in your vehicle at the Starlite Drive-In Theater. Bring your own snacks and beverages, or visit the snack bar — no alcohol or drugs are allowed at the theater. Admission is $9 ($1 for children 5-9), which allows you to see two consecutive movies from your parking spot.
4. Alcohol-Free Restaurant
A Hawaiian-style restaurant that doesn’t serve alcohol can be hard to find, but that’s what Truett’s Luau is. About 45 minutes from downtown, this restaurant was started by late Chik-fil-A founder Truett Cathy. The restaurant has island-inspired decor like tikis and ukuleles. The menu includes Chik-fil-A’s famous chicken sandwich and nuggets, along with dishes like fish tacos, steak, and shrimp.
5. Stone Mountain
East of Atlanta is Stone Mountain Theme Park. Hike up the dome of granite and quartz, or take the Summit Skyride to the top, where you can see for 60 miles in good visibility. The park also includes a museum, petting zoo, mini golf, ropes course, and a train ride that takes you around the base of the mountain. In the winter, man-made snow offers a chance to go snow tubing. There’s a lot of fun here without alcohol. Admission prices vary based on the season and which bundled attraction pass you choose.
6. City Parks
Get outdoors in one of the Atlanta-area parks. Centennial Olympic Park downtown is an Atlanta landmark. The park sometimes hosts events with vendors, but when no events are taking place, it’s a great area to just walk around and look at the surrounding cityscape. In another part of the city, take the trail around Clear Creek Basin at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Bike or walk around the scenic 200-acre Piedmont Park, which offers bird-watching walks and fitness classes.
7. Carriage Rides
For something different, take a horse-drawn carriage ride of downtown Atlanta. The carriage tour is $100 for 30 minutes. Reservations are recommended.
8. Coffee Shops
Visit one of Atlanta’s popular coffee shops like Ebrik Coffee Room, East Pole Coffee Co., Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, Condesa Coffee, Hodgepodge Coffee House, and Brash Coffee.
These are a handful of places that show you can have fun and stay sober in Atlanta. There are enjoyable activities out there that are conducive to recovery.
