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Evergreen International Conference 2020
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Transportation – Activities – Food and Beverage

Transportation

Driving
The Crowne Plaza Ravinia is conveniently located on the North side of 285 at exit 29 (Ashford Dunwoody Road). The hotel is located on the opposite side of Ashford Dunwoody Road from Perimeter Mall. 285 goes in a circle around the city, so if you want to avoid driving through downtown, you can get onto 285 from any major read leadings towards Atlanta and follow the circle until you get to exit 29.

Flying

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is located on the SW side of the 285 loop. When you arrive at your gate, look for the signs to baggage claim. If you arrive at Concourse A-E, take the “Plane Train” to the Domestic Terminal (not to be confused with Concourse T). Delta has one complete side of the baggage claim, all other airlines share the other side. Concourse T has its own baggage claim. After you collect your baggage, look for the signs for MARTA (for the train) or Ground Transportation for other options. MARTA’s red line train goes directly from the airport to a short distance (0.6 miles) from the hotel. Lyft, Uber, and taxi service are also available at the airport. (Estimated price from airport to hotel using Lyft is $35.)

The most direct driving route from the airport is to take I-85 North to 400, then 400 North to 285 East, and get off at exit 29. However, that route will take you through downtown Atlanta which you might wish to avoid if you are arriving during peak driving times. In that case, you may wish to take 285 West and follow it around the 285 loop to exit 29. Be sure to check your favorite GPS/Traffic app for traffic warnings before getting on the freeway!

Mass Transit (MARTA)
The Dunwoody MARTA Station is on the Red Line and just on the other side of the Perimeter Mall from the hotel. This is a 0.6 mile walk (around 15 minutes), or you may request a pick up from the hotel shuttle. MARTA runs 5am-1am on most days, but check the schedule before planning your trip.

Hotel Shuttle

The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services for anyone staying at the hotel within a two-mile radius. To arrange shuttle pickup, call (or stop by) the front desk at 770-395-7700.

The two-mile radius includes many restaurants, the Dunwoody MARTA Station, the Regal Perimeter Pointe movie theater, Perimeter Mall, Target, Walmart, urgent care facilities, and emergency rooms.

Sites and Activities

  • Atlanta BeltLine
    A former railway corridor around the core of downtown Atlanta that is being converted in stages into a multi-use system of trails with access to restaurants, shops, art galleries, and parks. Bike tours are available (bring your own bike, or rent one).
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
    30-acre botanical garden with an astonishing conservatory featuring one of the largest orchid collections in the world. It is split into two distinct areas – the Fuqua Orchid Center has the largest collection of orchid species on permanent display in the United States (200 genera and 2,000 species), and the Tropical High Elevation House which features orchids and pitcher plants that grow in the tropics between 4,000-10,000 feet above sea level.
  • Atlanta Braves
    Catch a Major League Baseball Game with the Atlanta Braves at the Truist Park stadium (formerly SunTrust Park).
  • Atlanta History Center
    Includes exhibits on the antebellum South, a research center, a garden library, and an 1845-era demonstration farm with a blacksmith and smokehouse.
  • Atlantic Station
    Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment area.
  • Bodies: The Exhibition
    Permanent anatomical exhibition, rated one of the top field trips by educators in Georgia.
  • Brewery Tours
    Atlanta is home to more than a dozen breweries, most of which offer tours and tastings.

  • Centennial Olympic Park
    Home of the 1996 Olympic games, and now a popular public space  in the midst of downtown Atlanta, and next to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
  • Center for Puppetry Arts
    The largest organization dedicated to puppetry in the US, with a museum including a large collection of Jim Henson puppets, performances, and educational activities.
  • Chattahoochee Nature Center
    127-acre nature preserve and educational facility with walking trails, animals, and exhibits.
  • CNN Studio Tours
    (As of March 3, 2020, studio tours were suspended due to an abundance of caution regarding the coronavirus, so check ahead of time before planning a tour.)
  • Doll’s Head Trail
    A small trail in the middle of Constitution Lakes Park at the site of an abandoned 19th century brick factory. The trail has been gradually built up with a collection of found art made from doll parts and other trash that had been left at the site.
  • Fernbank Museum
    Natural sciences museum with a 3-story atrium showcasing a life-size skeleton of an Argentinosaurus dinosaur, and acres of nature trails.
  • Georgia Aquarium
    One of the world’s largest aquariums, housing a vast array of species and focused on research and conservation.
  • High Museum of Art
    Museum known for its diverse art collection & modern architecture by Richard Meier & Renzo Piano. The museum is accessible from the Arts Center MARTA station (on the red line, which also goes near the hotel).
  • Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
    Museum including documents and a replica of the Oval Office.
  • Lake Lanier
    Enormous reservoir (58 square miles) formed when the Buford Dam was built in 1956, and fed by the Chestatee River. The lake is now a popular vacation area surrounded with parks, shopping, dining, trails, boat tours, and art galleries. Small businesses around the lake offer opportunities to rent kayaks and canoes, or to take stand-up paddle boarding classes.
  • Lenox Mall
    Upscale shopping and dining complex.
  • The King Center
    Museum focused on the history and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta
    Family entertainment center featuring displays, 4D films, children’s activities and rides, and gift shop. Located inside Phipp’s Plaza.
  • Michael C. Carlos Museum
    Emory museum of ancient art featuring Greek, Roman, Indian, and Egyptian collections.
  • Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
    Small gallery featuring rotating exhibitions that explore the impact of design on art and life.
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
    Artifacts, arts, and photos relating to the history of civil rights in America and the progress of human rights around the world.
  • Oakland Cemetery
    Historic 1850s cemetery known for its beautiful gardens and sculptures, important residents (notably, Margaret Mitchell), museum gift shop, and special tours such as “Crime Through Time” and “Malts and Vaults: Where Beer Meets History.” The visitor’s center / gift shop has self-guided walking tour maps available, as well as a collection of local history books and themed gifts. Popular restaurants next to the cemetery include Ria’s Bluebird, Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House, Revelator Coffee, and Doc Chey’s Noodle House.
  • Old Fourth Distillery Tour
    Atlanta’s first (legal) distillery since 1906. The distillery produces vodka and gin using sustainable, non-GMO sugar cane with zero waste byproduct. Every bottle of O4D is made by hand using a custom, handmade copper still.
  • Phipp’s Plaza
    Upscale shopping center.
  • Ponce City Market
    Artisan foods and goods in this marketplace inside the historic Sears, Roebuck & Company building.
  • Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
    A history of paper with more than 2,000 books, papers, tools, machines, and manuscripts. Located in the Georgia Institute of Technology.
  • SCAD FASH: Museum of Fashion + Film
    Showcases gowns and designer garments throughout film history.
  • Six Flags Over Georgia
    290-acres of roller coasters, kids’ rides, and water park rides!
  • Starlight Drive-In Theatre
    Classic 1949 drive-in movie theatre (updated with digital projection on all four screens) with first-run movies / double-features and a snack bar.
  • Stone Mountain
    Stone Mountain is the largest solid granite outcropping in the country, in the middle of a park full of multi-use trails, golf courses, and lakes you can kayak or canoe on. Hike or take the suspended cable car to the top of the mountain for a magnificent view of the state, climb the rope bridges and net tunnels of Geyser Towers, walk through the treetops on the SkyHike, take a boat tour, or shop artisan crafts and fudge in the historic village.
  • William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
    Photographs, documents, and memorabilia depicting the Atlanta Jewish experience.
  • World of Coca-Cola
    Memorabilia and exhibits about Atlanta’s hometown soft drink. Taste more than 100 international beverages produced by The Coca-Company.
  • Zoo Atlanta
    Large, modern zoo dedicated to conservation, education, research, and protection. Located in the lovely 131 acre Grant Park.

Food / Beverage

Dine-Arounds: Sign up for a group outing on Friday night!

 

Crowne Plaza Ravinia
The hotel has three dining options: Lightwell (breakfast, cafe, espresso, cocktails), Parkwoods (lunch, dinner, and drinks), and Parkwoods Backyard (outdoor seating and beer garden open 3pm-11pm, with Happy Hour and music on Thursdays). Room service is available from 6am-11pm, and there is a 24-hour marketplace stocked with grab-n-go healthy snacks and drinks.  Guest rooms are furnished with refrigerators for your convenience.

There is also a stand-alone Starbucks next door to the hotel.

 

Neighborhoods