Here are some frequently-asked questions and answers to help you plan your reunion in Atlanta. If these don't answer your question, please contact us or post your question in our Reunions forum.
Also, check out 10 Ways to Get your Family Members Talking, Sharing and Having Fun!
What types of food do people like to eat at reunions, or while they are in town?
Southern-style and good comfort food are popular choices. Popular restaurants include Gladys Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken & Waffles; Paschal's Restaurant, where civil rights leaders ate and met during the 60s; and Justin's Restaurant & Bar, owned by Sean "Diddy" Combs. Others like to serve family reunion picnic foods like, fried fish, hamburgers and hot dogs. The Varsity is also a great place to visit where you can try their world famous chili dogs.
What are some of the most popular places in town for holding a reunion?
Have a picnic in the parks - Stone Mountain Park, Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Centennial Olympic Park, Zoo Atlanta, or Six Flags Over Georgia. Sun Valley Beach in Douglasville is also popular, as well as small community parks near hotels, like Welcome All Park in the airport area, all great for family fun.
How can people who are in town for a family reunion get a closer look at Atlanta?
Bicycle Tours of Atlanta offers a three- to four-hour tour of the city, with stops along the way. The In-Town Neighborhoods Tour is one of the best ways to learn about Atlanta's in-town neighborhoods, dining, shopping and entertainment. There also is an Old South and New Beginnings Tour that introduces you to the history and culture of Atlanta, from the Civil War through civil rights and beyond. Then, the Midtown Tour explores many of that area's amenities and also cycles through Virginia-Highland, Ansley Park and Piedmont Park. Family reunions can also hire tour buses that will definitely still drive you around.
What are other places people like to go to and see when they come to town for reunions?
Why not see a play? Theaters to check are True Colors Theatre Company led by Kenny Leon, 7 Stages Theatre, Legacy Theatre and Theatre in the Square in Marietta. Recently, a few family reunions got a chance to see "The Color Purple" at The Fox Theatre.
Where Should We Hold Our Family Reunion?
The ideal reunion site is one which is accessible and affordable for the majority of those people you want to attend. A place where everyone can be comfortable and enjoy their time together. When choosing a location for your family reunion, here are some things to consider:
• Distance - Will the family reunion be just one day, an entire weekend, or a full week? If you're planning a short reunion, most people probably won't be as willing to travel long distances to attend. Select a location close to the majority of family members - possibly a neighborhood park, family member's home or local hotel or restaurant.
• Convenience - How far will guests have to travel to get to your reunion location? If a number of them will have to travel by air, consider holding your family reunion in an area convenient to a major airport. A location that's accessible and easy to find means that more people will likely attend.
• Accessibility - Do you have people with limited mobility attending your reunion? Elderly relatives in wheelchairs or young children in strollers? Make sure that the location you choose will comfortably accommodate everyone who will attend. Children need safe, supervised areas in which to play, and seniors will welcome comfortable seating and nearby restrooms.
• Affordability - Cost -- including rental fees, food and parking fees -- is a significant factor for most family reunions. Make sure that the location you choose fits into your budget, as well as that of your relatives. Many facilities offer group discounts and package deals for family reunions.
• Accommodations - If your reunion is held in a setting that doesn't include overnight accommodations, make sure that a sufficient number of affordable rooms in local homes and hotels are available nearby.
• Features and Activities - Find a location that makes your reunion less of a meeting, and more of a destination. What attractions and activities does the reunion site and nearby area provide? Recreational activities such as boating, swimming, golf and camping can be fun when incorporated into a family reunion. People attending from outside the area may enjoy a location with nearby museums, historic sites, amusement parks, sports facilities and other attractions.
Be sure to ask about facilities such as parking, restrooms and, for outdoor reunions, alternatives in case of rain. And don't be afraid to make use of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for your location ideas, lodging and dining listings, and recreation and sightseeing opportunities.
Are you looking for someone? Lost relative?
Thousands of people hit the Internet every day in search of details on missing people. And more and more of these people are finding success with their search, using the Internet to find current data on missing people. If you're in search of a missing person, try the following strategies:
• Begin with obituaries. This may seem morbid, but because obituary and death notices often list multiple family members and friends, they are good for confirming that you have located the correct individual.
• If you suspect the person lives in a particular area, check for him or her in online phone directories. If you aren't able to locate them, try searching for an old address which can provide a listing of neighbors and/or the name of the person currently residing in the home, all of whom may know the whereabouts of your missing person. You may also want to try a reverse-lookup by telephone number or email address. Phone Directories on the Web
• Another excellent resource for locating addresses is the city or householder directory. City directories are similar to telephone directories except that they include more detailed information such as the name, address and place of employment for every adult within a household. City directories also have sections similar to yellow pages which list area businesses, churches, schools, and even cemeteries. Most city directories can be researched through libraries, though many more are making their way onto the Internet. City & Householder Directories
50 Fun Things
Squeeze 50 fun things to see and do into your
trip plans.
Atlanta CityPASS
Atlanta CityPASS is your ticket to eight top attractions.