If the post-binge-watching blues have gotten you down now that Netflix’s most popular TV series’, Bridgerton and Stranger Things, have wrapped up their latest seasons, then we’ve got some great news. You can still experience the whimsy of Shondaland’s England regency-era world at The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience or fight off Vecna with El and the gang at Stranger Things: The Experience in Atlanta right now. The entire drive from Charlotte to Atlanta is only 4 hours away, so why not make a weekend out of it? We’ve got the full details on how to experience the magic of these two Netflix originals, plus, the best things to do in Atlanta when you’re not fighting off demogorgons or preparing to meet Her Majesty the Queen.
1. The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience
Dukes and debutantes, gather your finest attire (dresses, tiaras, suits, and wigs) and make haste to Pullman Yards for an extravagant ballroom party. Produced by Fever and Netflix, this exquisite Bridgerton Experience makes guests feel like they stepped into 1813 Regency England, with plenty of interactive moments you’ll want to capture on your phone to remember them for a lifetime. Strut down the string-lit Wisteria Tunnel, imbibe themed cocktails, and dance the night away at an extravagant ballroom with a checkered dance floor and a dazzling chandelier dripping with purple florals. Don’t forget, if you happen to catch Queen Charlotte’s eye, you’ll have the chance of being crowned the diamond of the evening.
2. Stranger Things: The Experience
This past season of Stranger Things was an emotional ride, and if you’re not ready to say goodbye to the gang until the fifth and final season airs, head to Atlanta for Stranger Things: The Experience for one last adventure. Become part of the gang and unlock your special powers as you fight off Demogorgons, infiltrate Hawkins labs to uncover its secrets, and defeat Vecna. In return for your bravery, you’ll get to enjoy a sundae at Scoops Ahoy, play games at the Arcade, and look through the Stranger Things Experience’s merch.
3. Take a Food Hall tour
After experiencing the world of Hawkins with the gang, you’ll probably be working up an appetite. If you’re in Atlanta for the weekend, it gives you ample time to explore one of the city’s amazing food halls. Ponce City Market has been converted from a historic Sears building to an amazing food hall and community space. Or, check out The Krog Street Market, which used to be a factory, built in the 20s, and has since been converted into a popular dining spot where you can try anything from Cuban to Sichuan to Indian to Tex Mex.
4. Learn all about this form of storytelling at the Center for Puppetry Arts
If you haven’t noticed in today’s day and age, puppetry is a dying art but luckily, there’s a museum in Atlanta dedicated to conserving this unique form of storytelling. Watch fun puppet shows of history’s oldest stories, like The Tortoise, The Hare & Other Aesop’s Fables, or participate in educational workshops like Puppetry 101 or learn Marionettes work. This is a great activity for anyone who may want to indulge their inner child.
5. Get your thrills at Six Flags Over Georgia
Charlotte may have Elitch Gardens, but it doesn’t have the world-class roller coasters that Six Flags, the Thrill Capital of the South, does. If you’re still wanting to test your bravery even further after fighting off Vecna with the gang, wake up bright and early for a day of terrifying roller coasters and shocking thrill rides that’ll leave you feeling exhilarated.
6. Visit Zoo Atlanta
The Atlanta Zoo is the city’s wildest way to spend a weekend afternoon and is a wonderful place to learn more about animals from around the world, plus wildlife and habitat conservation. If you and the kids want an up-close look, there’s a few interactive and one-of-a-kind experiences to try, like the giraffe feedings, wildlife presentations, and up-encounters with elephants, lemurs, tortoises, and giant pandas in their habitat.
7. Visit the World of Coca Cola
Atlanta’s the only city with a museum dedicated to America’s best known soda brand. You can learn about the longstanding history of Coca Cola, try different-flavored versions of the popular soda from around the world, and even try out their scent exhibit that’ll train your nose to pick out specific flavor profiles.
8. Wander Atlanta’s gorgeous Botanical Gardens
After enjoying a luxurious evening at a stunning Regency-era ballroom at the Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience, extend the feeling of royalty even further by visiting the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Explore indoor and outdoor gardens, special events like special cocktails you can try among the flowers, and enjoy beautiful garden sculptures fit for a queen that you can’t see anywhere else.
9. Spend the afternoon shopping in the city’s best vintage stores
If you’re trying to impress the Queen at the Queens’ Ball, we’d recommend dressing to the nines in your best Regency core. That means elegant fans, bedazzled brooches, and floor-sweeping gowns to dance the night away in. There’s plenty of fabulous boutiques and vintage stores where you can find attire from a bygone era, like Psycho Sisters, a vintage store with tons of jewelry, or the Clothing Warehouse in East Atlanta, where staff can help you get the Bridgerton look.
10. Relax at the Georgia Aquarium
After a long weekend of dancing at the Queen’s Ball and unlocking your secret powers, you might want to spend some time relaxing at the serene Georgia Aquarium. Get up close with some of the ocean’s most beautiful sea creatures like Whale Sharks and tropical fish or enjoy live encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and penguins.