Location: Stone Mountain
Top Things to do in Stone Mountain
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What to do and see in Stone Mountain, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Stone Mountain is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The population was 5,802 at the 2010 census. Stone Mountain is located in the eastern part of DeKalb County and is a suburb of Atlanta. It lies near to but does not include the geological formation Stone Mountain.
Restaurants in Stone Mountain
1. Stone Mountain Carving
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 923 reviews
A huge carving of three Confederate heroes, Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis, on the face of the mountain.
Reviewed By Ayla M - Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
This is an amazing mural. This was a treat on our trip. If you are a history buff it’s a must see. Love it!!
2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Open to one and all, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was inaugurated in August of 2007 after only 17 months of construction time utilizing 1.3 Million volunteer hours. The Mandir 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.
Reviewed By Nicki K - Atlanta, Georgia
I recently got to visit the gorgeous, elegant Hindu temple again. It's that wonderful not to show visitors, especially those into Bollywood. We wanted to wear sarees, start striking a pose, and take pictures.
I've been going since it first opened in 2007. I got to see just land in Lilburn behind Walgreens, across the street from Publix turn it into one of the most gorgeous temples ever. Many volunteers made this possible.
A lot of people do not realize that you do *not* have to be Indian or even Hindu to enter. Just visit, with an open heart and mind. Yes, it's gated but the guard will just ask for your name and let you through. Simple as that. You would think something so gorgeous, you would have to pay a fee. Every now and then, when the temple host a 5k, they will ask for a donation but you don't have to give but I donate during that time.
Another thing, during Diwali (Hindu Festival of Lights), usually in late October to early November, there's a huge Diwali festival with fireworks. It's jam packed with police officers directing traffic. Many visitors will park as far as Bryson Park to catch the charter bus to attend this festival. If you haven't passed the temple at night, you will miss all the different colors that flashes, you'll see the temple turn red to blue to purple to yellow, you name it. Just so gorgeous. Makes me want a DSLR just to capture these moments. My regular digi and phone don't do justice.
You can go inside the Mandir! Yes, there's more to the exterior beauty, you see the inner beauty. Before going in, you must take off your shoes. There are slotted shelves for you to store away your shoes. There's even a sink to wash your hands. In the summertime, if you're dress in skimpy outfits (really short shorts, cleavage, lots of skin), you will be asked to cover up. No worries, a blanket or cloth will be provided. Yes, I was one of those :/
Do visit when sacred shrines are open! You get to see what really goes on, When you don't, the shrines are closed and locked. You won't see the prayers, especially with some of the men doing a certain prayer bow (looks almost like a form of exercise). There are donation boxes at each of the shrines if you want to donate. I've donated a few times to Rama & Shiva (popular & famous couple of Hinduism), Ganesh (elephant god), & Hanuman (monkey god), only cause I've seen them in Bollywood movies. Don't judge.
The only downfall is that you cannot take pictures inside the temple. There is a point where you cannot step beyond to take pictures too. Even though I sadly wish I could, I respect and understand.
There's a gift shop where you can visit. Indian snacks are also available for sale. If you are really hungry, go across the temple, still in the gated area, to Baps Shayona to grab some appetizers. I love their samosas and pistachio ice cream.
Another tidbit I learn about the temple is that it's Gujarati. If you're not into the Indian culture like I am, it probably doesn't mean anything to you but to me, it did. There are also classes to learn how to speak and write Gujarati.
Yeh Mere India. I love this place. I feel so serene when I come here and always take visitors and never have anyone been disappointed.
BTW, it's FREE. No admission prices. If you would like, you can donate inside the temple.
3. Your Dekalb Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
Reviewed By Brittany D
They don't always have a consistent inventory, but it's worth getting the bulk of your meats and produce here. Love how most of their foods are natural or organic and all the produce says exactly where it's imported from. To me it's important to know where your food comes from and this market is very transparent. They have a large fish and meat section with their poultry being all natural. Their high turn over of products due to the constant masses of people shopping their keeps things coming in fresh. Well worth checking it out!
4. Room Escape Atlanta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Room Escape Atlanta is a leading provider of interactive reality escape productions. Participants must use their wit, sleuthing skills, team work and sheer determination to find clues, solve puzzles and unlock the ultimate door which will unleash them to freedom all within 60 minutes.
Reviewed By Jpazdzior - West Yellowstone, Montana
Had an early release day from school and brought my middle school Girl Scout troop down for the Zombie Room Escape. It was the ONLY thing that they had all agreed they really wanted to do. As leaders we were hesitant because it was an hour drive and fairly expensive for a GS activity ($28) but so glad we did it. We had 12 girls who wanted to go and needed 2 adults in the room as well, so we broke them into 2 groups of 6 girls + 2 adults. Glad we didn't have 12 people in the room or someone would have been crushed. By the last 5-10 minutes the zombie can reach the whole room so you have to run around the whole time (and scream if you are a 12 yr old girl) so it was crazy!
The clues were hard and we needed lots of hints, so its very hard to get out in the hour with the added pressure of the zombie. But its not dark or really even scary, but somehow everyone gets caught up in the fear of getting out if the zombie touches you and your adrenaline is sky high.
The zombie and lab assistant were terrific and very accommodating of our group. Even let us meet together in the lobby to share cupcakes with the second group before they went in.
I would not have felt comfortable leaving there in the dark with young girls, but the 4:00 or 5:45 times were great. I'm sure the girls won't forget it!
5. Amazing Escape
Overall Ratings
5 based on 111 reviews
Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a unique and memorable experience full of puzzles, riddles and clues while bringing people together for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Reviewed By ShowTheWorldYouCare - Georgia
My family has been to at least 4 Escape rooms, and in different states. Comparing to other escape rooms, this is on the lower end of the list. The prior escape room I went to had two rooms to look for clues, which made it more challenging and we were able to use a walkie-talkie's. This place also has a 45 minute maximum in the room which under their FAQ on their website it says an hour. All the other places we have been to are an hour. I DID NOT like this at all. One of the hints wasn't helpful because we didn't have one of the items it said we should have and they put what you need on a TV screen, not talking in person. They can hear you though. Once they heard your frustration, they typed on the screen what you need to do. The music that was playing on the TV was very loud and we also had a hard time thinking. Some of the numbers were hard to read on the items (like they had been worn off a bit). With all the escape rooms popping up around the Atlanta area, I would definitely seek out others. It is easy to get to off the interstate though.
6. Yellow River Game Ranch
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 179 reviews
A 24-acre animal preserve with a wide variety of local species.
Reviewed By jenned17 - Conyers, Georgia
I took my nephew to the Yellow River Game Ranch on a July morning before it got too hot. The admission fee is more than reasonable and they have crackers, carrots, apples, etc. for purchase to feed the animals for a reasonable price. The animals we saw seemed hungry and were eager for attention. The bears, deer, goats, alpacas, sheep and bison were cool to see up close. Sadly, there were several exhibits overgrown, abandoned and in need of TLC. A few of the exhibits had spoiled food out for the animals. The rabbit enclosure had only one rabbit and there was an abundance of chickens, roosters and peacocks, if that's your thing. Bring bug spray! We were eaten alive by mosquitoes and gnats in the hour we were there. I wish they would invest in some upgrades to the park for future generations to enjoy. The whole place needs a facelift, from repaying the walkway to painting and cleaning up the animal exhibits. We enjoyed it for what it was, but it has potential to be so much better with some reinvestment and marketing.
7. Decatur's Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By Linda T - Atlanta, GA
Decatur Square is not, in itself, a destination, but a good central location to enjoy music from the nearby gazebo, gain access to the Marta train, and stroll to the many local restaurants and pubs. Eddie's Attic, a local sports and acoustic music venue, is a local favorite-- reserve a table early! It's an open air plaza where people occasionally get warmed up by the music and spontaneously dance. Pedestrian friendly and stress-free.
8. The Garden Enthusiast - Backyard Nature Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Rob P - Savannah, Georgia
Great selection of bird feeders, seed, and other bird and garden paraphernalia.
Staff is knowledgeable and passionate.
Prices are a bit steep, but it is all quality top of the line products, including the seed itself.
I can tell that the birds are more "enthusiastic" over this high quality seed..
9. Stone Mountain Park SkyLift Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By Hspringer1
My family really enjoyed the skylift! They loved getting to walk out and enjoy the view from so high up. Their are snacks and a gift shop at the top too!
10. Stone Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Stone Mountain Park is Georgia's most visited attraction, drawing nearly 4 million guests each year. With over 3,200 acres of natural beauty, the Park is a unique and fun destination where families and friends can enjoy the outdoors together, while experiencing an exciting variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. It's home to the worlds largest LaserShow Spectacular, tons of attractions, two championship golf courses, a campground and two Mariott hotels.
Reviewed By Hurricanesclan - Selma, North Carolina
We enjoyed it. It was a very clean park with enough activities to keep the kids busy all day. Food inside was expensive so you may want to pack your own.
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