In between stressing over your mortgage payment, gas bills, and long commutes, keep money in your wallet by exploring all the free attractions Atlanta has to offer.  From tours, art, wine, and more, you can say, “The best things in life are free” and truly mean it.

Belt Line Tours – See what all the buzz is about with Atlanta’s proposed Belt Line. This free, 3-hour tours start at 9:15am on Friday and Saturday mornings from the Inman Park - Reynoldstown MARTA Station.  Visit www.beltline.org for more information.  

Castleberry Hill Art Stroll – Take a stroll through one of Atlanta’s hippest neighborhoods, Castleberry Hill.  Peruse local artists, learn more about photography and art techniques, and get to know the creative community.  Visit www.castleberryhill.org for upcoming events.

The Vineyard Wine Market – The Atlanta Wine Club frequently features free events including wine tastings and classes.  You can also learn about the art of serving wine for different occasions, wine organizing, cooking with wine, and how wine is made.  Visit www.thevineyardwinemarket.com for more information.

Piedmont Park – One of the busiest parks in the Southeast, Piedmont Park offers more than biking, playgrounds, jogging paths, and recreation.  Stop by for free events including PAWsitive Empowerment and guided walking tours.  Tours meet at the visitor center at 11:00am on the first and third Saturdays of the month between May and October. Visit www.piedmontpark.org for more information.

Grant Park – Hit the park for an end of summer bash with the Summer Shade Festival for live music, artist’s market, children’s activities, and vendors. Visit www.grantpark.org for more information and other free events.

The Oakland Cemetery – A garden cemetery in an urban oasis, this historical haunt is home to Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell, and Maynard Jackson among other notable Atlantans. Stop by to peruse the grounds for free or opt for admission based events include walking tours, Sundays in the Park, 5k races, Halloween tours, and more.  Visit www.oaklandcemetery.com for more information.

East Atlanta Village Farmer’s Market – From May through November every Thursday, join the crowds in East Atlanta Village from 4:00pm to dusk.  Browse fresh produce, listen to live music, watch street performers and browse the crafts.  You can also pick up free information about local EAV events, join the Farmer’s Market Book Club, and more.  Visit www.farmeav.com for more information.

Georgia Governor’s Mansion – Get inspired on a tour mixed with history, politics, and architecture at the governor’s mansion. Free public tours are available year-round on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10:00am and 11:30am. Visit http://gov.georgia.gov for more information.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site – Pay your respects to MLK’s birth home in the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood.  Free park ranger led tours are available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.  Visit www.nps.gov for more information.

Centennial Olympic Park – Enjoy free music, family fun days, and special events year-round.  An upcoming ESPN and Chic-Fil-A college kick-off will entertain crowds with interactive games, entertainment, and special guests. Visit www.centennialpark.com for a list of upcoming events.