Unique Party Places

By Collin Kelley and Kathy Dean

Whether you’re planning a family reunion, holiday gettogether, anniversary celebration or any other special event, there are several unique spots in the north Atlanta metro area that will fit the bill, and some may even surprise you.

200 Peachtree

The elegant and historic former home of Davison’s and Macy’s department stores now hosts all types of celebrations, family gettogethers and corporate events. It’s set on the city’s most famous street in the heart of downtown. Go to 200Peachtree.com to get details.

Academy of Science

The Academy of Science at Georgia Tech in Midtown is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for weddings, receptions and other gatherings. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it boasts Italian marble floors and the chandelier featured in the film “Gone with the Wind.” Click on academy. gatech.edu for more info.

ART Station

Stone Mountain’s ART Station was originally the terminus for the Atlanta Rapid Transit, and now it serves as a contemporary arts center. Gatherings can be set in the theatre, rehearsal space, main art gallery or any other number of spaces, depending on your needs. Artstation.org is the place to learn more.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

It’s hard to imagine a more magical place than Callanwolde. Located in Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood, the magnificent Gothic-Tudor style mansion is situated on a 12.5-acre estate of landscaped gardens and wooded grounds. Info available at callanwolde.org.

Centennial Olympic Park

This 21-acre legacy from the 1996 Olympic Games is available for fundraisers, festivals, receptions and more on the lawns and in the pavilions or amphitheater. For more info, visit gwcca.org/park.

Center for Civil and Human Rights

The downtown museum provides unique spaces to accommodate your next event, with a one-of-a-kind experience in the midst of history. Available spaces include the lobby, event rooms and galleries. Visit civilandhumanrights.org to learn more.

College Football Hall of Fame

If you’re looking for some pigskin flavor for your event, look no further than the College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta. It offers 50,000 square feet of event space that can house up to 3,500 people. Information at cbhall.org.

Fox Theatre

The Midtown icon not only hosts big concerts, Broadway shows and films, but it’s also available for private events in the elegant Egyptian Ballroom, Grand Salon & Terrace, Auditorium and Landmarks Lounge. For more, go to foxtheatre.org

HealiUm

The HealiUm Center in Candler Park transports visitors to a brightly colored, creative world. Many rooms are available for rental, including the art gallery, sanctuary, music/performance space and Spiritual Zen room. Details at healiumcenter.com.

Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art

The classic revival style building has rich architectural details like a marble foyer and hardwood floors—and you and your guests will be surrounded by a celebrated collection of American fine art. Marietta Square’s Glover Park, with a central fountain and two gazebos, is only a block away. Get more info at mariettacobbartmuseum.org.

Michael C. Carlos Museum

With floor-to-ceiling windows, chandelier lighting and the classic elegance of a Steinway grand piano, Carlos Museum’s Ackerman Hall offers an elegant atmosphere for celebrations, corporate meetings and other special events. The museum is conveniently located in Druid Hills. Go to carlos.emory.edu for more information.

Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum: Scarlett on the Square

Just steps away from the historic Marietta Square, the museum recreates the antebellum South for a memorable backdrop to any event. Learn more at gwtwmarietta.com.

Piedmont Park

The Midtown park has venues perfect for everything from weddings and anniversary parties to charitable events. Whether you want to be on the dock at Lake Clara Meer or inside Magnolia Hall, the park may be your setting for a unique gathering. Visit piedmontpark. org to find out more.

Southeastern Railway Museum

Set on a 35-acre site in Duluth, the Southeastern Railway Museum features about 90 items, including historic Pullman cars and classic steam locomotives. For a touch of vintage elegance, plan to set your next event in one of the Museum’s rental spaces. Two authentic railcars are available for parties, as is an outside rustic pavilion. Go to train-museum.org for details.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

The Kennesaw educational institution is a memorable setting that evokes the spirit of

Georgia’s bygone era. Check out southernmuseum.org for more.

Zoo Atlanta

If you want a little wildlife at your celebration, Zoo Atlanta facilities can handle daytime and evening events for 20 to 5,000 people. More info at zooatlanta.org.