by Ann E. Smith

Created on: July 15, 2009

One of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals in Atlanta, Georgia, is the scenic Piedmont Park. Located in Midtown and just blocks away from hotels like the Four Seasons and the W, this 189-acre park is Atlanta's version of Central Park.

Below is a guide to things to do in Piedmont Park.

* Walk, jog, bike or rollerblade.

Piedmont Park is an active park, and people largely use it as a place to exercise. Whether you go on a weekday morning or a Saturday afternoon, you will see lots of folks getting some form of exercise.

Walking and jogging are particularly popular, and you will quickly understand why when you see the park. It is filled with winding paved paths, and these paths are often wide enough to accommodate cars.

You can create many routes for a walk or jog. While the park is largely flat, there are plenty of hills and stairs to keep your workout as strenuous as you need.

However, if you prefer a flat walk, there is a really nice track in the Active Oval. This track forms a large loop and is ideal for putting in some laps. It was installed by the Atlanta Track Club and is filled with a comfortable gravel-like substance.

* Play kick ball or soccer.

The Active Oval also contains lots of space for a game of kick ball or soccer. This gorgeous open area is highly popular on summer evenings. Amateur teams enjoy pursuing their sport in this part of the park, which is ideal for such activities.

* Have a picnic.

Piedmont Park has a couple of lakes, so you can enjoy a picnic near the water. If you prefer a grassy knoll, that's an option, too.

And what better place for a picnic? The park contains gorgeous flowers and trees, including magnificent magnolias. And its backdrop is the cityscape of Midtown Atlanta, which is breathtaking.

* Go swimming.

Piedmont Park is home to a public pool, and a really nice one at that. The pool re-opened in June 2009, after massive renovations. It is a beautiful facility and one that will help your family beat the Southern heat.

While admission to the pool is not free, it is very reasonable. You can check pricing online at www.piedmont.org.

* Play a game of tennis.

Piedmont Park not only features a pool. It also has public tennis courts. So grab your racket and a friend for a game of tennis. You can then go cool off in the pool.

* Enjoy a delicious pizza and cold beer.

Sitting on the park is Quattro, a charming and friendly casual Italian restaurant. You can enjoy the nice patio at Quattro or sit inside at the adorable bar.

The staff is friendly, and the food is very good. Whether you are craving a gourmet pizza, a panini or freshly prepared salad, you find it at Quattro. And that makes for a relaxing way to end a fun day at the park.

* Attend a special event.

Throughout the year, Piedmont Park hosts a variety of special events, including art festivals and concerts. In August 2009, for example, Sir Paul McCartney will be performing in a Green Concert to raise money for the park.

* Take pictures.

The park is an ideal place to take pictures, whether you are seeking ones to mark an engagement or to capture your children at a certain age. One of the favorite spots for photo taking is the park's gazebo.

* Play.

Piedmont Park is a great place to relax and play. There is a large playground for children, and it is filled with sand for soft landings. Or enjoy throwing a Frisbee or ball with your family or friends.

And you can also play with your furry friends at Piedmont Park, as it features a special doggie park. Dogs can run loose in this section of this area and make all kinds of new friends.

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