A belle at Stone Mountain
The “theme” here is adventure with a generous subtext of Southern Pride. If you can call it subtext when there is a 90-foot-tall sculpture of Lee, Jackson and Davis literally carved into the granite spire that gives the park its name. It is the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world and, though it unabashedly celebrates Confederate heroes, Stone Mountain does so without being revisionist or myopic. Visitors here can stroll through the grounds of the Antebellum Plantation, which leaves little doubt as to the conditions commiserate with the Southern status quo at the time preceding the Civil War. And, during the war, the mountain carried the dubious distinction of supplying one perpetual need fueled by the War. Gravestones. Then, in 1865 Reconstruction engineers began to quarry the granite in Stone Mountain to help rebuild devastated Southern cities.
Sky Hike
WHAT TO DO
Sky Hike
It greets you right inside, just past the smiling guys who ask to snap your souvenir picture. Four stories high, a quarter mile of suspended bridges, ropes and climbing nets. Wear your closed-toed shoes and leave your acrophobia on the ground.
Ride the Ducks
The DUKW is an amphibious vehicle used by Allied troops during WW2. Today, the blocky but charmingly nostalgic “ducks” are used by theme parks to ferry guests. A family favorite here, the reservations-only tour takes visitors across the park grounds and out on the lake for an “amphibious adventure” where riders can hear humorous stories and learn historical facts about Stone Mountain Park.
Ride the Ducks
Scenic Railway
This choo-choo tour may not be as visually stunning as its name implies, but it is a perfect opportunity to beat the heat, get off your feat and get a restful introduction to the 3,200-acre Park. You will be glad for the breeze as the open-air train winds round the mountain, through frontier “towns” and north Georgia forest. Plan this for the middle of your day.
Summit Skyride
A must on your visit to Stone Mountain, the Summit Skyride is an Alpine cable car that carries guests to the top of the mountain. Stand at the edge and see all the way to Atlanta. Have your camera ready on the motion setting and capture hawks gliding on the breeze. Then slip inside the gift shop for a slushie and a super pretzel, simple pleasures that make even sore-footed dads feel like a kid again…at least, it worked for me.
Summit Skyride
The LaserShow Spectacular
This attraction remains Stone Mountain’s perennial big draw. At 26 years and counting, the “world’s longest running laser show” is a truly unique cultural event. During the preshow, music plays as teens toss footballs and Frisbees while their younger siblings chase each other around and their parents and grandparents relax in camp chairs or lounge on blankets in the grass. Here and there moms get up to groove to the music with their kids, only their glo-bands visible in the failing light. All of this works together to create a timeless family picnic feel while the crowd waits for the sun to fall behind the horizon.
When the party music stops the crowd falls silent, expectant. Scattered applause can be heard in a darkness lit only by glo-bands, lighters and cell phones. Then the first lasers slash across the mountain and the crowd cheers.
The LaserShow Spectacular
Yes, the show rocks, but it also has soul. Elvis croons the “An American Trilogy” then Ray Charles and Willie Nelson share “Georgia on My Mind.” And it has heart. A salute to everyday heroes is backed by the “Heroes Medley”, a mix of Aaron Copeland, Whitney Houston and Michael Bolton. The patriotic theme carries into “The Star Spangled Banner” and fireworks create an authentic rocket red glare.
Priority seating for the laser show can be reserved on the veranda of memorial hall
Then the fiddle starts. The Devil has gone down to Georgia, and the crowd explodes. As Charlie Daniels saws on the fiddle the crowd cheers the boy named Johnny and they boo Old Scratch, whose bow drawn across the strings always makes “an evil hiss.” Despite recent updates to the show, this segment has remained unchanged for decades. In the words of one park worker: “They would riot if we took that out.”
Haunting sea creatures, whimsical cartoon characters, everyday heroes and, of course, Johnny and the Devil are all rendered brilliantly as they move across the mountain, expertly conducting your emotions in the process. You will certainly laugh, you may find yourself tearing up a bit…and you will definitely look forward to visiting again.
Soldiers and Settlers walk among the crowds
During the summer (May 28th to August 7th) the LaserShow begins nightly at 9:30 p.m. The rest of the year the show only runs on Saturdays and holiday weekends, beginning at dusk.
SPECIAL EVENTS
In addition to the regular attractions, there is always something special going on at Stone Mountain. Click over to http://festivals.stonemountainpark.com/ to see what’s on the agenda this year.
WHERE TO EAT
Mama Mia’s (www.mamamiasofstonemountain.com)
Located in Stone Mountain Village since 1978, this tasty Italian joint relocated to Mountain Park. And they took their terrific lasagna with them. Huge portions. Amazing food, whether you order the spaghetti and meatballs, chicken alfredo…well, just about anything on the menu. Come hungry and be prepared to waddle out patting your belly. Mama Mia, indeed! Located at 5394 Five Forks Trickum Rd. Lilburn, Georgia 30047. Call 770.469.1199.
Metro Café Diner (www.metrocafediner.com)
Do not let the name fool you. This is no roadside greasy spoon. In addition to an all-day breakfast menu, Metro serves a great lunch and dinner selection, featuring American and Greek fare, in a casual atmosphere. The desserts, which entice from the glass case as you walk in the door, are heavenly and the full bar can be just what the doctor ordered after a long day at Stone Mountain Park. Located at 1905 Rockbridge Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. Call 770.879.0101.
Village Corner (www.GermanRestaurant.com)
This German restaurant, bakery and tavern serves heaping helpings of, well everything, but specializes in gemütlich, a Deutsch expression that conveys being comfortably at home. That is, if your home serves delicious German favorites, Continental delights, amazing desserts and a full selection of Bavarian draft beers. If you have never experienced authentic hand-rolled Danish pastries filled with homemade filling, treat yourself. Located at 6655 James B Rivers Memorial Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Call 770.498.0329.
WHERE TO STAY
Stone Mountain Park Campground (www.stonemountainpark.com)
Stone Mountain Park Campground
- Full hookups: Water, sewer & electric (50 amp)
- WiFi & Cable TV
- Pull-thru sites and big rig access
- Waterfront lake access with plenty of shade trees everywhere
- 3 Hiking trails: Nature Garden, Songbird Habitat and Cherokee
- Family & pet friendly
Located inside the Stone Mountain Park gates at 4003 Stonewall Jackson Dr.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083. GPS: 33.811058, -84.129436. Call 770.498.5710 for reservations or information.