There’s more to prom weekend than the big dance. Sure, it’s a momentous event that you’ll always remember, but there’s lots of fun to be had pre- and post-prom. Looking for a cool place to take a selfie? How about a place to hang out with friends and reminisce about your high school years? This guide offers some ideas.
Pre-prom picnic: Grab a picnic basket and blanket then head to Chattahoochee Bend State Park for a fun, fabulous day with your date or friends. Picnic tables and grills line the river and there's a picnic shelter with a large barbecue pit nearby. Add beautiful scenery and you have an ideal place to kick back and relax. Plus, it's a cheap date: parking is $5. 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan. www.gastateparks.org/chattahoocheeBend.
For thrill seekers: Ride, play and squeeze your date tight at Six Flags Over Georgia. Big, fast, gut-wrenching rides like Sky Coaster, a sensational skydiving experience that includes being harnessed to a friend or two and BATMAN™: The Ride BACKWARDS, a new, limited-time only ride featuring relentless loops and more—all in reverse, will keep your heart racing. Additionally, you can keep cool with water rides, buy souvenirs at gift shops and refuel on food, courtesy on-site restaurants. Before leaving, swing by one of the candy shops; your sweetie may appreciate the treat. Tickets are $42.99 - $62.99. 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell. www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.
Up-close and personal with nature: Reach new heights of adventure with a zip line canopy tour at The Sand Bar, which offers ten separate lines that zigzag across a forest, creek and river. Some memories are made to last a lifetime. Bring a GoPro and record your journey free of charge. Walk-ins accepted for the 1,200-foot duel line, which can reach up to 38 miles per hour; all other zip line excursions require RSVP. $49 - $79 per person. Guests must sign a waiver; check the site for age restrictions. 3435 King Hall Mill Road, Bowman. www.thesandbarbroadriver.com.
Picture perfect: Let's face it: the perfect selfie matters. Before making a grand entrance at prom, swing by the West Side Provisions District Bridge to take photos solo or with friends. Backdrops such as the Atlanta skyline and the actual bridge, which provides an artistic, industrious look, make for cool photo-ops and create smartphone and social media memories. Informal photos are free and permissible; professional photo shoots require property management approval. 1100-1210 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. www.westsidepd.com.
Catch the party bus: With music and colorful lights, party buses keep the party going whenever and whereever you are. One option is Topshelf Party Bus, Inc. During prom season, bus rentals are offered with a six-hour minimum. Any direction within 30 minutes of downtown Atlanta will cost $1,301.80-$3,750, including tax, fees and gratuity, soft drinks and water. Some packages include snacks. Each bus seats 16-50 people. 770-640-6008, www.topshelfpartybus.com.
Get the ball rolling: Trade dress shoes for bowling shoes, and gear up for a good time at AMF Woodstock Lanes, where music and glow-in-the-dark lights (Fridays and Saturdays) create a playful mix of camaraderie and competition. Entertainment options abound since there's time to show off your fancy footwork between strikes or play arcade games, pool or air hockey. If you work up an appetite from all this fun, comfort food is available. $12.92 per person includes two hours of bowling and shoe rental. Walk-ins are welcome, but large groups require an RSVP. 108 Woodpark Blvd., Woodstock. www.amf.com/woodstocklanes.
Post-prom party: Who: Your friends. What: House party. Where: Your place. When: Post-prom. Why: Celebrate good times with great people. Nothing says final high school hoorah like a good old-fashioned house party. Whether you send free, customized invites via www.Evite.com or purchase from Paper Source (www.papersource.com), this post-prom party can last all night long with food, beverages and games. Should you plan a sleepover, a promise of breakfast in the morning is always enticing. That's where Mom and Dad come in.
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