Enjoy the Rites of Spring in Atlanta

What comes to mind as you think of spring in Atlanta? As a native Atlantan, I have a couple Atlanta traditions that pop into my head, including the Dogwood Festival and the Atlanta Steeplechase.

Just as Washington, D.C., celebrates its cherry trees each spring as thousands of people gather in our nation’s capital, Georgia celebrates the dogwood trees as they bloom around Atlanta. And so began a tradition in Atlanta 75 years ago. I remember the hubbub around the Dogwood Festival and the moving of the event to Lenox Square in 2008 because of the drought. It just was not the same as strolling through Piedmont Park to see the work of various local artists, listen to music and eat your way through the streets. But they brought it back to Piedmont Park, and you can go see everything this festival offers starting tonight, April 15, through Sunday, April 17. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

As for the Atlanta Steeplechase: This year marks its 46th year as an Atlanta tradition. Picture ladies in sundresses and those huge “Kentucky Derby” hats, while the men gather in their seersuckered pants. This is one of the best people-watching events in Atlanta each year. And people go all out. They don’t refer to this event as “the best lawn party in Georgia” for nothing. Expect party tents galore with everything from coolers of beer and wings to champagne and caviar. Oh, and there are horse races going on as well.

Unfortunately, I am out of town for this weekend’s top two Atlanta spring traditions, but Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine and Best Self Magazine will be hitting both events. Come find us this weekend, and enjoy how Atlanta rings in the spring. I am sure our crew will be telling some stories as well on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

What are your favorite memories from these Atlanta spring traditions? Let us know by leaving a comment.