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Seasoned travelers have put together “bucket lists” of places one should see before dying. It’s not really necessary to contemplate one’s last breath to think of not-to-be-missed adventures. There are many right here in DeKalb County. Rather than spread the list over a lifetime—who knows how long that will be?—why not pledge to see some DeKalb County’s treasures before the summer ends?

Here’s our list. It’s far from all-inclusive, but it’s a starting point.

Stone Mountain Park – Stone Mountain is a natural wonder that has attracted visitors for more than two centuries. Now the centerpiece for one of Georgia’s grandest state parks, Stone Mountain offers an unmatched combination of natural and manmade delights. Especially not to be missed is the park’s signature event—the summer laser show, upgraded this year with a spectacular blend of sights and sounds unlike any other in the world.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center – The handsome 1920 Tudor-style mansion is worth a visit for its period charm alone, but such events as the summer Jazz on the Lawn series make it irresistable.

Wonderland Gardens and the Porter Sanford Center - Described as a “self-sustaining, hands-on green space destination and community resource that connects people to nature,” Wonderland Gardens is a south DeKalb gem. Adjacent to it is the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center that houses high-quality theater and community events.

Decatur Court House Square – The Court House Square area is a pleasant place to spend time eating and shopping throughout the year, but events such as the Decatur Beach Festival on June 17 this year and the Pied Piper Fourth of July Parade are when the area truly shines.

The International Corridor – Along Buford Highway visitors can shop and sample the world without leaving DeKalb. Authentic Asian, Mexican and South American cuisine, clothing and home décor can be found is restaurants and shops in the Plaza Fiesta area.

Fernbank – At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, guests can visit the main theme exhibit, “A Walk through time in Georgia” as well as children’s discovery rooms and an IMAX theater. Nearby Fernbank Science Center is home to one of the nation’s largest planetariums.

ART Station - Housed in the old trolley station in Historic Stone Mountain Village, this non-profit center hosts a number of delightful, often Southern themed, productions in its intimate theater. There also are visual arts and learning opportunities, including lunchtime events that offer snippets of current cultural events.

Arabia Mountain Heritage Area - Anytime of year is perfect for exploring the wonders of the Arabia Mountain area. Natural, historical and cultural resources are available for recreation, environmental education and heritage preservation. The area includes Arabia Mountain Park with 2,000 acres of granite outcrop, wetlands, pine and oak forests, streams and a lake.

Dunwoody Nature Center – Since 1990, Dunwoody Nature Center had existed as a 22-acre park that serves as a natural classroom for environmental education. It features a wetland boardwalk, woodland and stream trails, display gardens and a picnic meadow.

The DeKalb Farmers’ Market – Explore the aisles of fruits and vegetables, an international array of cheeses, spices, meats, seafood, coffees, teas and wines from around the world. The market is staffed by people from all over the world who wear tags with their names, country of origin and languages they speak.