A Peace Offering: Your Stress-Free Guide to Serenbe

Being serene when you’ve got the wee ones around can be a challenge, unless, of course, you’ve ever spent time at Serenbe. Sure, you’re more likely to achieve a Zen-like tranquility if you go there sans small set—but an easy, breezy, and peaceful (on kid scale) experience is possible even with the baggage in the backseat. Read on to get the inside scoop on day-tripping to the modern Mayberry with your houseful of mayhem.

What Is It?
Serenbe is a lot of things. It is a planned community dedicated to preserving the greenspace of at least 70% of its 1000 acres. It is a mix of residential and commercial spaces (think Rosemary Beach meets Austin, Texas). And it is an event destination for theater, the farmer’s market, live music events, corporate retreats, and private functions.  But for ATL mommies with tots in tow, it’s an easy drive, a wide open space, just the right amount of agricultural adventure, and farm-fresh fun.

Where Is It?
Located 30 minutes south of the airport, Serenbe is an easy drive from Atlanta. Because much of what you’ll want to try with the kiddos is located outdoors, you’ll want to get an early start to your day. Try to arrive between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll make it in time for the Serenbe Playhouse production of The Wizzard of Oz, which runs about an hour long. The kids will love the runway-style stage because every seat (in the pine straw, so be sure to bring a blanket to sit on) is a front row seat. Running until August 2nd, The Wizzard of Oz is reason enough to make a trip down.

TIP: Bring hats, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and fans (if you’ve got ‘em). Even though the production takes place under a canopy of Georgia pines, the littles will wiggle less if you come prepared for the summer heat. But even if they wiggle, you’re in the right spot. This is more Summerstock than Broadway. It can’t get any more relaxed.

What Kids Love
If you can make a trip on a Friday or Saturday, The Wizard of Oz is a sure bet for wow factor. Beyond the production, your kids will think they’ve won the lotto when they realize that there are trampolines imbedded in the hillside in The Grange green space (just in case the sandbox and perfect hill to roll down doesn’t impress them). Take a picnic or head to the Farmhouse for a farm to table fried chicken lunch (Saturdays and Sundays only) before trolling the chicken, rabbit, and hog pens.

TIP: The tree house located behind the Inn is way cool, but it’s reserved for Inn guests only. However, there are woods to explore nearby and plenty of wide open spaces to race in.

What You’ll Love
Other than a break from PBS Kids one morning? You’ll love the chance to explore something new with the littles that’s as easy as it is cool. Not sure your kids are up for a sit-down lunch at the Farmhouse (although it’s very kid friendly) but certain you can’t commit to packing a picnic on your way out of the door? Be sure to hit The Blue Eyed Daisy to eat al fresco or get it to go. Don’t leave without running into the boutiques in town center for a little retail serenity.

TIP: Resource, an eclectic boutique for hip mommas and their houses, has kids books and toys for sale so you’ll experience a little bit of retail serenity while the littles browse the shelves. And everyone will love the ice cream, candy, and chocolate covered pretzels at Selborne Sweets.

What You’ll All Love
Looking for a little shared excitement? Have a houseful of cowboys and cowgirls? Explore Serenbe with the kiddos by horseback on horses as chill as the staff who’ll guide you.

Summer Camp
In June and July, kids ages 3-12 can experience the camper’s life at Camp Serenbe during weekly sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Want to make it a family experience? Family Getaway packages are available that include camp for the kids and family accommodations at The Inn at Serenbe. Imagine that, would you? Mom and dad get a little quality time together while someone else wears your littles out on the farm and returns them to you smiling and smelling like a real kid.

Have you taken the tots to Serenbe yet? Share your secrets with us in the comments section below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of the author and Serenbe via Facebook