Once I moved and began scoping out places to stay for my Atlanta work trips, I quickly realized how many non-hotel options exist.

Nothing says vacation like a day spent poolside, and just because you’re staying close to home doesn’t mean relaxing pool days are out of the question. Atlanta has a number of pools open for the public to use for some optimal lounge time.

A vacation challenge can be deciding where to eat. Having become a Southern food mecca, Atlanta has endless enticing options throughout its neighborhoods.

You’ve made plans to stay in town, but what should you do? Here are our top picks:

Just 45 minutes north of Atlanta, Lake Lanier is the place to be for a summertime getaway. Whether you book a stay at the Lanier Islands accommodations, rent a lakehouse or stop by for the day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Looking for an escape to wine country? Look no further than the many vineyards in our own backyard.

Want to get out of the house but not travel too far? All within a two-hour drive of Atlanta, these resorts might leave you never wanting to vacation outside of the state again.

There’s something for everyone to explore in Atlanta, whatever your interest. During your staycation, plan to visit areas you may not regularly go to or don’t normally have time for.

Getting outside comes with a wealth of benefits – vitamin D, connecting with nature, stress relief, being away from screens and space to let the mind wander.

A friend recently posted a montage of excerpts from a Jim Carrey commencement speech in 2014, and I’ve been completely mesmerized. The topic was love vs. fear, and it’s made me think about how I make decisions. What’s my filter? Am I taking the easier path out of fear?

Did someone say National Ice Cream Month? As if I needed another excuse to stuff my face with all my favorite flavors.

As part of the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival at the Fox Theatre, the 1962 classic film “To Kill a Mockingbird” returns to the big screen on Sunday, July 14, at 6:30PM.