Get ready for the holiday season in Atlanta this year with Falcon Charter Bus! We’ve prepared a list of some of the best holiday events in Atlanta for 2022. From holiday lights to special holiday-themed shows and even shopping, we’ve got the best things to do in Atlanta this holiday season ready for you. 

And if you’re looking to rent a charter bus in Atlanta this holiday season for an event, let us know by giving us a call at 404-400-3545. As a leading charter bus company in the Southeast, we can connect you to an Atlanta charter bus rental that’s perfect for your group. From 18-passenger minibuses for smaller occasions, to 56-passenger charter buses for larger groups, we’ve got it all. 

Holiday Nightlife Events in Atlanta

Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Buckhead, Atlanta
Saturday, December 10 from 5:00 PM-12:00 AM

Dress in the ugliest holiday sweater you can find, and join the 8th annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl and After Party. Participating bars will have discounts on signature drinks, and you can play holiday-themed trivia at select bars to win prizes. Register for the event early to get some special Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl swag. Meet new people, try some of the city’s best bars and drinks, and have a holly jolly good time!

Address: Multiple
Phone: 678-243-8639

Holiday Lights in Atlanta

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Multiple Dates

Every year, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is aglow with thousands of sparkling holiday lights. From a lighted tunnel you can walk through, to the greenhouse glittering with green lights, it’s one of the most stunning light displays in all of Atlanta. Their most recent addition to this yearly tradition is a giant light curtain of more than 70,000 lights, the largest of its kind in the world, which twinkles to the beat of popular holiday songs. The lights usually start around mid-November, meaning you can jumpstart your holiday light-seeing early this year.

Address: 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 404-876-5859

Stone Mountain Christmas
Stone Mountain
Multiple Dates

Stone Mountain, one of the biggest attractions outside of Atlanta, celebrates the holidays in style every year with Stone Mountain Christmas. The Musical Frosted Forest is a wonderland walkthrough experience mixing cheerful holiday lights and tunes for an immersive experience. New this year is the World’s Largest Christmas Light Show, where favorite holiday songs are brought to life with videos, special effects, and a fireworks display for the finale. Kids will love the Dino Glow Experience, where the Stone Mountain dinosaurs get into the holiday spirit. In addition to the lights, enjoy live entertainment like the Tinseltone Carolers, a Christmas Parade, a comedy performance of A Christmas Carol, and an outdoor movie showing of The Polar Express.

Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: 800-401-2407

Atlanta Family Holiday Events

The Polar Express in Concert with Atlanta Symphony
Atlanta Symphony Hall at Woodruff Arts Center
Saturday, November 26 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, November 27 at 2:00 PM

Experience The Polar Express, a holiday movie that is loved by many, in a brand new way with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Georgia Tech Choirs will perform every note from the score while the film is projected onto a 40-foot-tall screen for a holiday movie viewing experience like no other. Kids and adults alike will be charmed by the beautiful score and immersive experience that the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra brings.

Address: 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 404-733-4900

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Center for Puppetry Arts
Multiple Dates

You may think you know puppets, but that’s because you’ve never been to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. Their puppet shows are like no other, and their Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer show is no exception. The classic holiday tale is brought to life with the magic of puppets for a show everybody in the family will enjoy. Keeping in line with the anti-bullying and inclusive message that the show delivers, you can opt for sensory-friendly shows on select dates for children or family members with special needs.

Address: 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 404.873.3391

Holiday Shopping in Atlanta

Georgia Festival of Trees
Georgia World Congress Center
Multiple Dates

Go shopping for a good cause at the World Congress Center this holiday season for the Georgia Festival of Trees. Every day from November 19 to November 27, you will find Christmas trees available for auction, live music and entertainment, kids’ activities and games, gift shops and goods from local artisans, food, and more. All proceeds benefit Wellspring Living, an organization that supports survivors of human trafficking in Atlanta.

Address: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: 404-717-2534

Piedmont Holiday Gift Market
Piedmont Park
Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Get your holiday shopping done early and support local Atlanta artisans at the Piedmont Holiday Gift Market! The brand-new event will include goods from 175 local artists at Piedmont Park in Midtown, including painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers, leather and metalworkers, jewelers, and crafters. Plus, enjoy some hot cocoa and holiday music while you shop. There are bound to be the right gifts here for everyone on your nice list!

Address: 1320 Monroe Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: 404-873-1222

Holiday Shows in Atlanta

The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Fox Theatre
Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30 PM

The classic Christmas show gets a modern upgrade in this performance at the Fabulous Fox  Theatre. The Hip Hop Nutcracker features an all-star lineup of a dozen dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, who is considered one of Hip Hop’s founding fathers. The remixed and dynamic performance celebrates Atlanta’s cultural roots while staying true to the spirit of the holidays.

Address: 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Phone: 855-285-8499

iHeartRadio Jingle Ball
State Farm Arena
Thursday, December 15 from 7:00 PM-11:00 PM

Attend the holiday season’s biggest bash in Atlanta with the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball. For more than 20 years, the Jingle Ball has been in cities all over the country, and on December 15 this year, it’s coming to Atlanta. Don’t miss a chance to see some of music’s biggest stars performing their best hits. Some of this year’s standouts include Ava Max, Macklemore, Sam Smith, and Pitbull.

Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-878-3000

Get in the Holiday Spirit with Falcon Charter Bus

Need group transportation in Atlanta this holiday season? Falcon Charter Bus has got you covered. Ditch MARTA or rideshares and give us a call at 404-400-3545. We can set you up with a customized charter bus rental in Atlanta that’s perfect for your trip. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7, so just give us a call with your itinerary when you’re ready to book your Atlanta bus rental. Happy holidays!

From the mysterious happenings of Miami to Atlanta’s top-notch haunts, the Southeast is full of spooky destinations worth visiting all year round—but especially as October approaches.

And Tampa is no different!

While the city has plenty of curated ghost tours to choose from, we at Falcon Charter Bus make it easy to craft your itinerary and explore Tampa’s most haunted destinations all at your own pace. Give us a call at 813-944-3146 once you have a headcount and a rough itinerary, and we’ll be happy to connect you with a Tampa charter bus rental that fits your number of passengers comfortably and operates on a schedule you set! We’ve helped all sorts of travel groups find comfortable group transportation services throughout the Southeast, and we’ll be happy to provide a fast and free bus rental quote to help make the planning process that much easier.

Here are just a few potentially haunted destinations you’ll want to add to your spooky Tampa bus rental itinerary:

Ybor City

Ybor City is a must-see historical stop for any first-time visitor to the Tampa Bay area—even if some of your group members are not into spooky haunts. This area was founded in 1885 by Spanish cigar manufacturer Vicente Martinez-Ybor, and quickly became one of the first Southern industrial towns mostly occupied and owned by immigrants. The once-lucrative cigar businesses stationed here earned Tampa the title of the “Cigar City,” and over the decades the immigrant populations that call this neighborhood home have permanently shaped the culture and economy of the city.

But let’s be honest, haunted locales make any history tour more interesting! Swing by the site of the old Florida Brewing Company building (it’s now a law office and the tallest building in the neighborhood—you can’t miss it) for the chance to meet the ghost of a drunken bar patron, who often tried to chat in Spanish to folks walking by.

As far as parking a charter bus goes, Ybor City is one of the easiest spaces to do so in all of Tampa. Free bus parking is available a couple of blocks away from the Ybor City State Museum.  If a member of your group has mobility concerns, keep in mind that the cobblestone walkways may be difficult to navigate on foot. In that case, coordinate with your ADA-compliant bus rental to drop you off right in front of your destination before your bus driver parks in the designated motorcoach zone.

Tampa Theatre

Address: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

As if the statues, gargoyles, and delicate architecture isn’t hauntingly beautiful enough, the 1926 Tampa Theatre has seen its fair share of paranormal activity over the decades.
For example, Foster “Fink” Finley worked here for 20 years as a projectionist—and some say he never left. Staff members have heard doors slamming and have witnessed the power cutting out while no one else is around. Perhaps most spookily, though, folks claim to have seen Fink’s cigarette smoke still billowing out of the projection booth like it did when he was alive, and plenty of audience members have noted the back two rows of the balcony (nearest the projection booth) smell like cigarette smoke.

Groups can tour all of the Tampa Theatre (not just the spooky parts) by reserving a 90-minute Balcony to Backstage Tour offered most mornings at 11:30. A veteran guide will walk you through the facility’s storied history, the iconic architecture, and offer to play a tune on the Wurlitzer pipe organ. Or, if you’d rather catch a show here, group tickets are available for most live performances and film screenings if you call ahead of your visit. Just be wary if you happen to be assigned to seat 308—a ghostly apparition of a man in a fedora has been spotted there multiple nights, and it would be rude to take an occupied seat.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Address: 7508-7534 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Fun fact: the structure you see today spanning Tampa Bay is not the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The first iteration was struck by a freighter in 1980, collapsing part of the bridge in the process. 35 people died in the incident, including a full greyhound bus. Today, fishermen near the bridge sometimes feel the strong breeze of a big bus passing by and smell gasoline, even when traffic is minimal.

And while Tampa residents say to be wary of hitchhikers in any given locale, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge gives even more reasons to stay alert. Both toll workers and motorists have reported seeing a woman walking alone on the bridge late at night. Those who have slowed down and stopped to offer her a ride see her climb into the passenger seat but disappear before leaving the bridge.

If your group wants to plan a visit along this scenic and haunted bridge, you’ll need to pay a small toll (not included in the price of your reservation) and ride across in your charter bus rental, as there is no pedestrian access. Whether you have a charter bus in St. Petersburg on the north end or in Bradenton on the south end, the bridge’s modern design and towering height offer amazing views of the bay—and perhaps a specter or two if you’re lucky.

Plant Hall at the University of Tampa

Address: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Before this grandiose college hall became part of the University of Tampa campus, Henry B. Plant Hall was once known as the Tampa Bay Hotel. This Victorian destination resort offered 511 rooms and waterfront R&R for the wealthy guests who stayed here. Perhaps it’s for the splendid views and relaxing memories that many guests have seemed to return from the afterlife!

For decades, UT students have reported seeing a tall, shadowy man wandering through the halls of the Plant building with white hair, a brown suit, and a wide-brimmed hat that covers most of his face. While some say this is the spirit of the charismatic Henry B. Plant himself, others say he’s just shy—as long as you don’t make eye contact or stare at him for too long, the spirit will leave you alone.

In addition to holding active college offices for the university, today Henry B. Plant Hall houses one of the oldest still-working elevators in the U.S. and a museum centered around Victorian tourism and the building’s role in the Spanish-American War. The spirit activity spotted in this hall is not documented to be threatening, so feel free to plan a spooky field trip here with peace of mind. From January to November, schools, youth programs, and scout programs with 10 or more kids are welcome to book docent-led tours of the exhibits at least 2 weeks prior to their visit.

Plan a Spooky Tour of Tampa by Bus Rental

Whether you’re exploring the town with dedicated ghost hunters or spicing up a return trip to Tampa with some off-the-wall spookiness, Falcon Charter Bus will make it easy to explore all the haunted sites and history the Bay Area has to offer.

Call our 24-hour reservation team at 813-944-3146 whenever you’re ready to get started, and we’ll be happy to walk you through minibus shuttle and charter bus rental options that are tailored to your group’s itinerary needs.

Planning on travelling to Miami soon with a group to escape the cold? You are in luck! Miami offers plenty of affordable activities for groups, including many incredible outdoor restaurants and even some special holiday activities. Enjoy beautiful beaches, delicious food from across the globe, and tons of activities for all ages.

Falcon Charter Bus can help make your group’s trip as smooth as possible by providing affordable, safe, and modern charter buses for groups of all sizes. All you need to do is call 305-359-3962 whenever you are ready to learn more. Our experienced reservation agents are available 24/7, have worked with tons of groups on every type of trip, and can offer you a free, no-obligation quote on a charter bus rental for Miami.

One of the many things that Miami is famous for is its incredible Cuban and Latin American cuisine. For more than 50 years, it’s been known as a city with the best Cuban sandwiches, sizzling steak fajitas, sweet sangrias, and other Cuban and Latin American favorites.

In this blog post, we will explore the best Cuban food in Miami, and the best Latin American food. Let’s dive in!

Islas Canarias Restaurant

Boasting the best and most authentic croquetas outside of Spain, Islas Canarias has two locations in Miami, both family owned and operated. Offering recipes prepared with care and passed down from the Cuban owners from generation to generation, Islas Canarias is one you won’t want to miss during your food tour of Miami.

Address: 13695 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175 and 3804 SW 137th Ave, Miami, FL 33175

Mofongos Restaurant

Boasting a perfect five-star rating on Tripadvisor, Mofongos Miami is one cuisine spot you’ll want to put on your list. Serving authentic Puerto Rican food in a warm and inviting environment, Mofongos is famous for their cocktails, especially the pina coladas, and their plantains, and their alcapurria.

Address: 1644 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

CVI.CHE 105

Known as “Miami’s best Peruvian restaurant,” CVI.CHE 105 is an award-winning restaurant that serves seafood with a Latin flair. Their ceviche is the talk of the town, which makes sense given their name. Pair the ceviche with their delicious lobster, and to get a taste of all their ceviches, be sure to try the ceviche sampler.

Address: 105 NE 3rd Ave El 33131, Miami, FL 33132

El Palacio De Los Jugos

Located in an unpretentious and simple outdoor space featuring a BBQ Pit, El Palacio De Los Jugos serves the best chicharones (fried pork rinds) in town and plenty of outdoor seating for groups. For those looking for lighter fare, you can also enjoy a taste of the islands with fresh fruit and juices served onsite.

Address: 8700 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33174

Sergio’s

Sergio’s is a great Cuban spot that offers all-day breakfasts and late night dinners. Find Cuban favorites like vaca frita empanada with the special cilantro sauce, croquetas and tostones rellenos, and more health-conscious choices like cauliflower rice and fire-grilled vegetables. Diners praise the large portion sizes and the variety of dishes offered here.

Address: 3252 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145

La Rosa Restaurant

La Rosa is a favorite among Miami locals, known for its lively and upscale environment with a live piano player. Try their standout dishes: frita de carne, sopa de pollo, and bistec empanizado. Be sure to also try their paella, another highly talked-about dish. Reviewers also love La Rosa’s octopus and lamb shank.

Address: 4041 NW 7th St, Miami, FL 33126

Aromas del Peru

Another great spot for Peruvian fare, Aromas del Peru strives to bring “the heart of Peru” to Miami with traditional dishes in a down-to-earth atmosphere. The restaurant offers a selection of wines to pair with their dishes; be sure to try the Jalea, sushi, and the churrasco steak while you are there.

Address: 5757 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33144

Versailles Restaurant

Versailles Restaurant has been serving some of the best Cuban food in Miami for more than 50 years. Some customer favorites include the vaca frita, churrasco, camarones enchilados and plantain soup. There’s also a bakery attached to the restaurant, so be sure to pick up something sweet on your way out!

Address: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

El Mago de las Fritas

Looking for a no-frills eatery with good old-fashioned Cuban comfort food? Check out El mago de las Fritas for Cuban-style burgers, hotdogs, steak sandwiches, and more. For sweet offerings at this cafeteria, consider trying their flan or their fruit milkshakes – they offer papaya, mango, and banana, among others.

Address: 5828 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33144

Dine in Style with Falcon Charter Bus

Ready to eat your way through Miami’s incredible Cuban and Latin American dining scene? Let Falcon Charter Bus save you and your group the headache of logistics and book one of our charter buses for your trip to Miami today! Just call 305-359-3962 any time and we can get started. Happy travels!

The holidays are coming up fast—and even if you and yours want to play it safe this season, Tampa still has so much to offer! We here at Falcon Charter Bus have put together this guide to the best socially distant holiday activities in Tampa so your learning pod, coworkers, family and friends, or senior group can celebrate safely and with peace of mind.

Need a lift to your favorite Tampa holiday events? We’ve got you covered there, too! Our large network of coaches and 24/7 support team mean we can find your group nearly any kind of minibus or charter bus rental you might need. Rather than braving public transit during a pandemic or putting miles on personal vehicles, rest assured that your bus rental will be thoroughly sanitized before you board. We’ll even work with you to enforce whatever COVID-19 safety measures you want aboard your Tampa charter bus—from mask mandates to hand sanitizing stations and more!

Now, let’s get to merry-making!

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

November 12 – January 2

335 acres of holiday lights, a festive locomotive ride, and tons of holiday shopping opportunities? You can find it all at Busch Gardens Tampa this holiday season! While many folks flock to this popular theme park for holiday fun this time of year, most of the celebrations and attractions are outside—so as long as you mask up while indoors and avoid the worst of the crowds, an excursion here should be relatively COVID-friendly.

After singing along to carols aboard the decorated train and saying hi to the giraffes, rhinos, and zebras, make time to catch one of the many holiday shows Busch Gardens has to offer. From gravity-defying ice skating performances to storytime with Mrs. Claus, there’s something for groups of all ages at Busch Gardens’s Christmas Town.

Face coverings are recommended at indoor events, but many of the festive activities will be taking place outdoors.

The Winter Village

November 19 – January 2

If your group would rather stay close to downtown, this annual extravaganza will surely keep you entertained—all without leaving Tampa city limits. This year, the Tampa Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will come alive with holiday fun for all ages, including showcases from 7 local boutiques and plenty of gingerbread and hot chocolate to go around!

Oh, and did we mention there’s ice skating? The Winter Village’s motto is “if you can walk, you can skate” (though the rink is ADA-accessible as well). So regardless of your skill level or age, all skaters are welcome to glide along to the bright lights and cheerful music. Admission to the rink is $17 and includes the rental of a pair of skates, though we suggest bringing your own and keeping your distance from other skaters to ensure social distancing.

Tampa Christmas Parade and Santa Fest

December 4

Locals and visitors alike won’t want to miss this beloved Downtown tradition. The parade steps off on the corner of Morgan Street and Madison Street at 1:30, then travels west to Ashley Drive before turning North and concluding on Cass Street. The parade committee recommends that spectators view the parade from Madison Street. This road makes up a majority of the parade route, so your group will likely have more space to spread out and keep your distance from other spectators along this stretch.

After you’ve gotten your fill of parading floats, dance teams, and drum lines, be sure to stick around—Santa Fest kicks off in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park after the parade ends! There, you can enjoy live musical performances, treat the kids to a make-and-take craft session, and take a photo with Santa himself. When the sun starts to set, Mayor Castor and Santa will light up the park’s Christmas tree and a free screening of The Grinch will play into the night. All activities are outdoors, and masks or face coverings are encouraged when interacting with vendors.

Lighted Boat Parade

December 18

Because nothing says “Christmas in Florida” like a parade of bedazzled boats! Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade takes place the Saturday before Christmas and kicks off at the southern tip of the Davis Islands. Anywhere along the Heights would also provide great visibility of the boats, though the most popular spot to view the festivities is along the Convention Center basin. To maintain social distancing, we recommend having your bus driver drop off everyone at the designated unloading zone outside the Convention Center and walking toward Sparkman Wharf, where there will likely be sparser crowds.

Jingle Bell Bazaar At Centennial Park

December 12

The historic district of Ybor City is great for sightseeing tours with out-of-towners—so after you’ve walked around and taken in the sites, plan to unwind at this free outdoor event in the neighborhood! Family-friendly dance and music performances will add a lively backdrop to your time perusing local merchant booths, snacking on food truck cuisine, and crafting holiday decorations with the kids. And even better—Historic Ybor City is one of the most motorcoach-friendly neighborhoods in Tampa! Ask your charter bus driver to drop everyone off on the corner at 9th Avenue and 16th Street before parking your bus rental along 12th Avenue, between 17th and 15th Street.

3rd Annual Merry Beach Market

December 3

Looking to support local creators during your holiday shopping outings? Venture over to R.O.C. Park in Madeira Beach! Here, over 50 local vendors are expected to set up shop at this outdoor holiday market along the waterfront. Even if you’re not here to shop, consider swinging by to let the kids run around the designated play area or to enjoy a brew or two at the pop-up beer garden. (Should you need a safe ride home, by the way, we recommend reserving a private bus rental to avoid waiting around for multiple rideshares!)

Jingle All The Way with a Tampa Bus Rental

Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Let the Falcon Charter Bus team handle your transportation logistics and keep everyone together in a sanitized shuttle, so your group can focus on making memories and exploring the city. We can even set you up with a ride that offers an AUX port for on-the-road caroling and a DVD player with TVs for holiday movie marathons!

Call 813-944-3146 today to learn more about our minibus and charter bus options and to receive a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your Tampa charter bus needs.

Looking for a safe and socially-distanced group vacation destination that isn’t your typical go-to in Orlando? Look no further. Whether you’re looking to plan a group holiday in an open-air or outdoors location, or thinking more along the lines of an all-inclusive and private gathering at a resort or conference center, Falcon Charter Bus Orlando can point you in the right direction—and get you there too. We’ll pair you with a private charter bus rental perfect for your group, and hit the road to your choice of one of the best Orlando holiday spots that are just as much fun under the sun as any day at Disney or Universal.

Outdoor Orlando Parks & Destinations

If you’re looking for an open-air holiday spot where it’s easy to stay socially distanced, Orlando is stocked full of outdoor destinations and open acres of adventure. Plan a safe group gathering like a family reunion picnic or destination wedding around any of these Orlando hotspots off the beaten path:

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden

Head to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden for a fun-filled, family-friendly group holiday. Not only will you enjoy meeting dozens of exotic animals (like cheetahs, giraffes, and rhinos), you can also go zip-lining, feed the giraffes, or stroll the butterfly garden. For a group gathering, reserve an event space at the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center. The banquet-hall-sized Safari Room is perfect for a corporate conference, while the Gazebo Courtyard is best for tying the knot, and the fully covered Rainforest Pavilion is a beautiful spot for a company picnic or family reunion.

For your safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the zoo has closed or modified some attractions and activities, and indoor dining remains closed. It’s also highly recommended for guests to wear a mask (especially while indoors), but it is not mandatory for those who are fully vaccinated. The zoo and garden are approximately 30 minutes North of Orlando, so to make your visit a full Orlando holiday experience, book a block of rooms at a hotel or resort in the city and enjoy a comfortable private charter bus ride to and from the zoo.

Address: 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. Sanford, FL 32771

Phone: 407-323-4450

Lake Eola Park

Located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a great inner-city oasis for socially-distanced activities in sunny Florida. Plan your visit around a city event like the annual Fiesta in the Park, or make your own fun by reserving a private venue for a family picnic, wedding, conference, or other group event. To make a full holiday of your visit, reserve a block of rooms for your group at any nearby, downtown hotel (like Embassy Suites or the Grand Bohemian) and use your charter bus rental for easy group transportation back and forth.

Address: 512 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801

Phone: 407-246-4484

Old Town

In the mood for an upbeat amusement park with some old-school charm? You’re in luck. Just south of Orlando in nearby Kissimmee lies Old Town, an 18-acre outdoor entertainment district known for one-of-a-kind shopping and dining, classic fun rides and arcade games, and weekly vintage car shows. Reserve a private event space for a birthday party, family reunion, corporate team-building event, or whatever brings your group together for a day (or four).

You’ll stay COVID-19-safe with Old Town’s precautions in place, like continuous cleaning, hand-sanitizing stations around the property, and merchants adhering to CDC recommendations. Make your visit a proper holiday with a group stay at a nearby hotel or resort and easy group transportation with your Falcon charter bus rental.

Address: 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Phone: (407) 396 4888

Orlando Holiday Resorts

Part of the appeal of a stay at Disney World or Universal Studios is living the luxe resort-life where everything from food to fun is just a stone’s throw away. If you’re looking for an alternative Florida vacation destination that’s still deserving of the same hype, plan a stay in Orlando at a spacious holiday resort fit for your group’s getaway.

Reunion Resort & Golf Club

If you really want to holiday in Orlando in style with your group, look no further than Reunion Resort. You can choose from more than 200 villas or vacation houses to stay in, and plan family-friendly group activities on the golf course or at the water park, at one of six on-site restaurants, or around one of the ten community pools.

Plan in advance and book a holiday event space for your group trip. Whether you’re on the market for a small corporate retreat or a company-wide annual conference, you can reserve event spaces (from meeting rooms to ballrooms) on-site for any group size. For your awareness: to make your stay more comfortable and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, some operation hours have been adjusted, and some amenities (like the rooftop pool, spa, and fitness classes) are reduced or closed.

Address: 7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Phone: 833-258-0472

Discovery Cove

Paradise comes to you at Discovery Cove, where your group can have an all-inclusive tropical island vacation just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish, sunbathe on a white-sand beach, and enjoy unlimited food and drink. Plan a group event for a gathering of anywhere from 15 to 1,300, including a complete park buyout for the ultimate corporate retreat or private gathering.

While Discovery Cove doesn’t have overnight accommodations onsite, they do offer vacation packages with partner hotels at SeaWorld—and yes, it includes length-of-stay admission to SeaWorld Orlando. If you’d like to take advantage, plan a day to load up your charter bus rental and bring the group to a day at SeaWorld.

Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

Phone: 407-513-4600

The Grove Resort & Water Park

Looking for fun for the whole family? Adults and kids will be happy, safe, and comfortable during their stay at The Grove Resort & Water Park. There’s no shortage of things to do on-site, from swimming in and lounging around three full-sized pools to fishing and playing watersports on Lake Austin. Reserve two- and three-bedroom suites (with complimentary admission to Surfari Water Park) for your group that are fit with fully-equipped kitchens and a full-size washer and dryer for a comfortable stay.

You can also book private event spaces like premium meeting rooms for a corporate conference or a lush Garden Terrace for an open-air wedding. And if the resort still doesn’t have enough for you? Take your charter bus rental to any unique, Orlando-area attraction like the President’s Hall of Fame or Orange County National Golf Center. For your reference: during the COVID-19 pandemic at The Grove Resort, facial coverings are highly recommended for all guests, hand-sanitizing stations are available around the property, and contactless experiences are encouraged using the resort’s phone app.

Address: 14501 Grove Resort Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Phone: (407) 545-7500

Book Your Orlando Holiday Charter Bus Today

Ready to finish planning your Orlando adventure beyond the walls of Disney World or Universal Studios? Whether you’re coming from Orlando itself, or need to make the trek from Tampa, Miami, or Tallahassee, we have comfortable, sanitized, and safe group transportation to accommodate any group for any reason. Give Falcon Charter Bus a call today at 866-217-2168 to book the perfect bus for your next holiday in Orlando.

No one knows what the holidays will look like this year—but that doesn’t mean you can’t make tentative plans to get you and yours in the holiday spirit. Besides, some of the Atlanta area’s best seasonal holiday attractions are outdoors and social distance-friendly!

We’ve put together this list of some of the best outdoor holiday events within driving distance of Atlanta. So round up your close friends, family, or established pod and start planning your yuletide celebrations:

COVID-19 Precautions

Before planning your holiday getaway, keep in mind that many attractions within the Atlanta area may still be closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and many more may close or alter availability between now and the holiday season. While traveling in a large group is not advised, if you’re on the road with a smaller group and wish to see the holiday sights, the Falcon Charter Bus team can help you do so safely.

When you rent a charter bus or minibus through our network, you can rest assured that all high-touch surfaces like hand rails are sanitized regularly. We can also accommodate any onboard requests and restrictions you or your destination needs to put into place. Whether it’s a preboarding temperature check, hand-washing stations, disposable face coverings, or a staggered seating chart, our team will work with you to ensure everyone arrives safe and with peace of mind.

If you have any questions or concerns about our COVID-19 safety protocols, cancelation policy, and rental rates, please give us a call at 404-400-3545 for more information.

Take in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

With 30 acres to wander through and dozens of themed gardens to explore, paying a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Midtown is always a good idea—but the holiday season brings even more reasons to stop by!

The annual Garden Lights Holiday Nights spectacle is a great opportunity for kids and kids-at-heart to enjoy festive botanical displays, model train villages, and larger-than-life sculptures made of thousands of twinkling lights. A majority of the lights are visible from the outdoor walking trails, which are restricted to one-way traffic to encourage social distancing.

While the lights return to the gardens on November 13, tickets for this event are available starting October 1 and often sell out quickly—so mark your calendar! It’s also worth noting that minibus and oversized vehicle parking are not permitted in the gardens’ designated parking zones. Your bus driver will likely need to drop everyone off at either the main entrance or through the South Service gate off Piedmont Road, at the rear of the gardens. From there, your bus rental will need to organize off-site parking while you enjoy the lights—likely at the Georgia World Congress Center Marshalling Yard four miles away.

Explore the Callaway Gardens

Address: 17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822

While this resort offers 2,500 acres of gardens to explore year-round, between November 19 and January 3 this Pine Mountain getaway sparkles with holiday cheer. Literally!

The Fantasy in Lights exhibition is one of the most acclaimed ride-through holiday light experiences in the region, earning the title as one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Light Displays in 2020. After your spectators have ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the twinkling illuminated forest, the 200-yard field of lights, and the tallest Christmas tree in the South, take some time to explore the holiday market, grab a cup of cocoa with Mrs. Claus, and stop for a photo with Santa—all within social distancing protocols, of course.

Temperature checks and masks are required to view the lights by trolley and to walk through the tented Christmas Village. They are not required, however, if you plan to drive through the lights in your own vehicle—which can include a private bus rental! Call Callaway Gardens at 1-800-543-7121 to inquire about the motorcoach drive-through packages available for the 2021 holiday season.

Root for Your Home Team at the SEC Championship

Address: 125 Ted Turner Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

For many Southern folks, the holiday season is synonymous with catching the biggest football games of the year. Who knows if 2021’s SEC finalists will hail from universities in Athens, Tallahassee, Nashville, or beyond—but no matter who you root for, Falcon Charter Bus can make the trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium a comfortable one.

The semi-enclosed stadium itself may be packed with fans come gameday (and therefore perhaps not the safest in the midst of a pandemic), but that doesn’t mean a tailgate with your established pod is off the table. Ask your rep about booking a charter bus rental to act as your fan group’s home base, so you’ll have plenty of storage for coolers and tents as well as free WiFi and a clean restroom once you park and set up.

Take a Ride on the Blue Ridge Holiday Express

Address: 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a special experience for winter visitors who ride the rails between November 11 and December 31—complete with hot chocolate and clear views of the North Georgia mountains without too much tree cover.

But if your group is seeking a more festive adventure (or simply don’t have time for the 4-hour regular ride along the railway) be sure to stop by between November 26 and December 23 to check out the Holiday Express. For the experience, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway decks out each train car with glittering lights, plays Christmas music for in-cabin sing-a-longs, and plenty of holiday sweets, jingle bells, and activity packets for the kids.

Visiting with 15 or more people? Take advantage of discounted train ticket rates by placing a group reservation! For more information and details as to where your charter bus driver can park your coach rental, call the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway ticket office at 877-413-TRAIN.

As of the time of this writing (August 2021), the Blue Ridge Railway is subject to the 100-day mask mandate put in place by the TSA. And while things may change between now and the holiday season, be prepared to fill out a COVID-19 symptom questionnaire before boarding and to wear a facemask while aboard the train.

Celebrate the Holidays Safely in Atlanta

Whenever your small group of merrymakers is ready to start planning for the holiday season, Falcon Charter Bus will be here to help. Our 24/7 customer service line and network of buses big and small make it easy to book reliable transportation year-round and throughout the holiday season. From caroling with your youth group to setting up reliable DDs for your company holiday party, let the pros handle your transportation logistics so you can get back to making the most of the season!

Call 404-400-3545 today for a free and personalized bus rental quote for your next Atlanta group trip.

At the heart of the Deep South, Atlanta’s called Hot-lanta for a reason: the summer swelter brings most outdoor diners to the safety of indoor air conditioning. But when the weather is nice, it’s well worth dining outside in the City in the Woods. From high-brow eateries on the riverfront to cozy garden-esque brunch spots, there are plenty of outdoor dining options for your Atlanta eaters to enjoy the scenery, some good food, and good company.

We may be biased, but we at Falcon Charter Bus believe that leaving the transportation to the pros is the best way to take in Atlanta’s outdoor dining scene. Instead of arranging a carpool, hailing multiple rideshares, or having to navigate MARTA after a few glasses of wine, a reliable charter bus or minibus shuttle will be waiting for you—no matter where you dine.

Call 404-400-3545 to learn more about our Atlanta bus rental services, and keep reading to learn more about the best group-friendly outdoor dining spots in the city:

Bread & Butterfly

Address: 290 Elizabeth St NE F, Atlanta, GA 30307

Atlanta loves to brunch, but very few places in town provide a brunch experience quite like this trendy cafe. While this French-inspired bistro offers a variety of innovative, locally sourced plates into the late evening, the breakfast menu here truly shines. Drop by any day except Monday to dig into omelettes du jour, soft scrambled eggs and cold-smoked trout, quiche, pancakes, or a drool-worthy steak and eggs plate with mixed greens.

When it comes to seating, your brunch enthusiasts will have their choice of the bright and airy sunroom or the spacious patio. The only downside? As of this writing (June 2021), B&B is not taking reservations, so you’ll likely need to get there early and pull up a table or two if your group would like to dine together.

Charter bus rental tip: Street parking in Inman Quarter can fill up quickly—so rather than driving and parking a bunch of cars, renting a motorcoach may be a better alternative. Your driver can drop everyone off within walking distance of this popular bistro and be ready to pick everyone up once they’ve had their fill of brunch-time favorites.

Canoe

Address: 4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Canoe is a local favorite for rehearsal dinners and private family dinners out—and for good reason. This New American restaurant offers elegant farm-to-table dishes, such as seasonal charcuterie selections, house-smoked salmon, and slow-roasted lamb ribs. To top it all off, this high-end restaurant offers one of the best patio views in the city, overlooking the Chattahoochee River.

What really makes this place stand out, though? The River Garden, which doubles as an event venue for weddings, fundraisers, and large-scale soirees year-round! The outdoor space can accommodate between 30 to 140 guests inside the luxury garden tent—positioned on brick pavers with a tent liner, chandeliers on dimmer switches, and pole curtains. When you contact Canoe to reserve the space, be sure to inquire about the live entertainment package and in-tent climate control to keep your guests comfortable.

Charter bus rental tip: Rather than having your guests have to worry about parking in Canoe’s small lot, reserve a shuttle service on your wedding day. That way, you won’t be bombarded with a dozen “Where’s the venue?” texts on your big day and no one will arrive late to your ceremony or reception.

Bar Mercado

Address: 99-V, Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Krog Street Market’s fall hall is definitely worth visiting if you’re hungry and traveling with a crowd that has diverse palates—but this vendor in particular is an excellent choice if you want to dine al fresco.

Bar Mercado has started pivoting from Spanish cuisine to a more Latin-inspired menu in recent years, so your dinner party can chow down on a variety of small plates like paella, street corn, sweet plantains with crema, and provoleta. In any case, you can expect an eclectic and airy atmosphere and a rotation of weekly drink specials if you choose to stop here for drinks after work or a casual weekend get-together.

Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall

Address: 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

If your group has worked up an appetite after a stroll along the Beltline—one of ATL’s most popular greenspaces—consider stopping at this quaint patio space on mile marker 9.25 of the Eastside Trail. This casual New American joint caters to those nostalgic for the days of summer camp, serving up dishes it dubs “elevated campfire cuisine” in dining spaces like screened porches and picnic-style tables with umbrellas.

The adults in your crowd won’t want to pass up ordering a local craft beer, wine, and cocktails from the outdoor bar made out of a vintage camper. Aside from drinks, Ladybird specializes in sharable plates. Oh, and did we mention it’s dog-friendly? Bring your pups and cozy up next to a fire pit for pimento cheese fritters, homemade jerky, or their famous backyard BBQ board.

Want the space all to yourself? Ladybird can accommodate parties and events of all sizes, so swing by for a relaxed office luncheon or a few brews with your extended family.

Anis Cafe and Bistro

Address: 2974 Grandview Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

On a quiet side street in Buckhead, you’ll find this charming bistro in a converted house that’s been renovated to look like a French Provincial home. Dine on rustic French cuisine like croque monsieur with Black Forest ham or truite meunière with roasted artichokes amid Parisian decor and weekly live Brazilian jazz.

As for the patio space, Anis goes out of its way to make the outdoor dining section as romantic as possible. Groups can reserve the garden-like balcony space or the full ground-floor patio along with a three-course meal and bar access.

Charter bus rental tip: Worried about your dinner guests getting home after too many glasses of French wine? We recommend reserving a minibus shuttle to act as your DD for the evening. A professional bus driver will ensure everyone has a reliable ride home, and your guests can relax in a comfortable cabin rather than wait on the curb for multiple rideshares to show up.

Bangkok Station

Address: 550 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Wanting Thai food? Atlanta has plenty of eateries to satisfy your cravings. Wanting Thai food in an outdoor setting? Few places offer a patio as picturesque as Bangkok Station!

This Buckhead haunt serves up authentic Thai dishes with a modern twist. Your diners are sure to be charmed by the railroad-inspired decor and warm ambiance, but the patio is really where this restaurant’s atmosphere shines. The outdoor dining space here is open and airy, with furniture that looks like it was pulled from the pages of a Restoration Hardware catalog. Dining groups who frequent Bangkok Station love spreading out across the tables, ordering a round of tropical cocktails for the table, and enjoying plates of boat noodles, massaman curry, lemongrass soup, or matcha green tea cheesecake.

Stress-Free Group Dining Shuttles through Falcon Charter Bus

Now that you have an idea of where you can host your next outdoor dining event, all that’s left to do is figure out how everyone will get there Luckily, Falcon Charter Bus is here to help! We pride ourselves on pairing groups of all sizes with the ideal transportation plan to make their travels easy. And with a network of over 3,000 vehicles and a 24/7 reservation team, renting a charter bus or minibus in Atlanta has never been easier.

Give us a call at 404-400-3545 to start planning your Atlanta dining experience. All you need is a headcount and an itinerary to receive a free, no-obligation quote for your personalized bus rental.