Rather than dwelling on that lost hour of sleep, focus on the additional daylight that allows us to spend more time outside enjoying the gorgeous Georgia weather.

Spring is upon us and as we move forward into those longer days, there are more than enough outdoor activities to keep you and your family busy around Metro Atlanta, many of which are pet-friendly and free to enjoy!

Atlanta is surrounded by ample views of its natural beauty and plenty of popular hiking trails. One standout place to visit is Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, near Traton’s Olde Anderson Estates and Harrison Oaks communities. Just north of Atlanta, Kennesaw Mountain offers trails that range in difficulty from the two-mile Kennesaw Mountain Trail to its 16-mile trek from the park’s Visitor Center south to Cheatham Hill and Kolb Farm. In addition, a paved roadway leads visitors straight to the top so everyone can enjoy  the breathtaking views.  Kennesaw Mountain is a pet-friendly, day use only park, open from dawn to dusk.  

If water sports are more your style, Lake Acworth is the spot for you.  A short drive from the McClure Farms community, Lake Acworth is a 260-acre, manmade lake located southwest of Acworth, adjacent to Lake Allatoona. Fishing, boating and Acworth Beach in Cauble Park are just a few activity options available at Lake Acworth. The beach area features a white sand beach as well as a roped off area for swimming, while the surrounding park offers a volleyball net, playgrounds, picnic areas, public restrooms and more.  Public parks are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and fishing is allowed year round with a valid state-issued fishing license.

Another exciting place to visit in Atlanta is the Atlanta Beltline, “Where Atlanta Comes Together”. Spanning 22 miles of unused railroad tracks, the Atlanta Beltline circles the core of Atlanta’s in-town neighborhoods and offers a variety of dining venues, Art on the Beltline as well as biking, walking and running trails along plenty of open green space and parks.

While out enjoying the longer days, consider moving closer to the action with a new Traton home. For 45 years, Traton Homes has been building quality communities throughout Metro Atlanta, with prices ranging from the $290,000s to $900,000s. Traton is known for its desirable locations, superior value and attention to detail. For more information, visit www.TratonHomes.com or call 770-427-9064.