Fun on the Fourth: Atlanta Holiday Guide

3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (map)

Giving Buckhead a proper fireworks display (largest in the Southeast) for the last 50 years, it's tough to go wrong at the 4th of July celebration at Lenox Square Mall. Tikes can enjoy the Kids Zone and 'rents have reason to dance to cover icons Party on the Moon. Festivities kick off at 6pm and wrap up at a reasonable 10pm.

7561 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168 (map)

Can you get better American entertainment than with speed-seeking thrill rides, picnic lunches and fireworks? We think not. An all-you-can-eat luncheon goes classic style with pulled barbecue pork, hot dogs, baked potato salad and fizzy refreshments. Ride the coasters (but let that food settle first) until dusk and enjoy a spectacular fireworks show.

437 Moreland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307 (map)

For the youthful set, Star Bar sets the all-day pace with a Big 4th in Little Five Points party. Starting at 3pm and going deep into the night, buzz bands like Constellations and legends like James Hall perform while dunk tanks, burgers and snow cones provide plenty of 21+ amusement. No "official" fireworks here, but the entertainment should be well worth the $8.

Hwy 78 E (Exit 8), Stone Mountain, GA 30087 (map)

Why have one night of fireworks when you can have 3? Atlanta's favorite family-friendly giant stone park does fireworks (post laser show) July 3rd through the 5th. Parking prices are raised to $10 per car and we suggest getting there a bit on the early side. Plus this gives you time to set up a picnic or have the tikes devour bad-for-you treats like Dippin Dots or Mexican churros. It IS a holiday afterall.

18th St NW, Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA 30363 (map)

No better way to take in the color of Atlanta's most freak-tastic hood than via Brewhouse patio in Little Five Points. Enjoy lunch and a few refreshing Pain Killer cocktails before heading a few doors down for the Star Bar Big 4th Party. Afternoon and evening entertainment that has no kids involved will be well worth the $8 admission for the Atlanta single set.

640 N Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)

Boasting a light cafe menu and summer-y cocktails like the grapefruit rosewater martini, Cafe di Sol is not only Virginia Highlands' best patio but it's also in one of the city's best shopping strips. Vintage stores, high-brow boutiques and gift shops mix it up dangerously among the Highland bar drag. Shopping and drinking, how American!

1238 Dekalb Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307 (map)

Is there anything more American than barbecue on July 4th? We think not. Rising from catering company to one of our city's finest 'cue joints, Fox Bros' trackside patio provides a cool setting for throwing back smoky goodness in the form of chicken, ribs and pulled pork. The Tomminator (tots covered in brunswick stew and melted cheese) and the spicy-yet-smoked chicken wings get our vote for reasons to go.

500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (map)

We love the Park Tavern as a kick-starting early option for the 4th of July because you can watch runners of the 40th Peachtree Road Race exhaustingly finish the 6.2 mile jaunt as you sit, drink and eat. Plus we think the Tavern's afterparty is a perfect excuse to high five and drink with strangers.

3377 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30316 (map)

Those wanting a club option, or just looking to avoid the kid scene at neighboring Lenox Square should look no further than Whiskey Blue. The top floor bar in the W Buckhead will have a well-dressed crowd and sophisticated cocktails. The rooftop patio just adds another reason to scope those fireworks from a distance.