By Mike Cordak, RICP®
As a financial advisor who specializes in advising my fellow Delta pilots, I’m aware of how difficult it can be to find a balance between a busy schedule and meaningful vacation time. Woodstock, Georgia, provides just the right combination of adventure and relaxation. It’s the ideal destination for a weekend escape or extended stay.
These are my five favorite things to do in Woodstock. Each suggestion is sure to please a wide range of interests and will no doubt offer a welcome distraction from your busy flight schedule.
1. Discover the Woodstock Arts Center
If you’re an art lover, the Woodstock Arts Center is a must-see. This cultural gem does an outstanding job of promoting the arts within the community. The center often hosts performances, exhibitions, and workshops. If you’re a fan of culture, trust me, you could become a frequent visitor here. The eclectic schedule of artistic events and programs are sure to attract your interests.
The Arts Center mostly exhibits works by local artists, making it a popular spot for both emerging talent and seasoned artists. Visit Woodstock Arts Center’s website for the latest events and exhibitions.
2. Visit the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market
For fresh produce and local culture, you can’t beat the Farm Fresh Market. This market (open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) is a great way to meet your neighbors and simultaneously get some of the freshest produce around. As a busy professional yourself, you’ll love the market’s convenient selection of goods and the chance to sustain local farmers.
You’ll find a wide range of freshly picked fruits and vegetables, handmade goods, and bakery items all made from scratch. If you have a special occasion coming up, it’s also a great place to find a one-of-a-kind present. For the most recent updates and information about vendor schedules, visit the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market web page.
3. Explore Downtown Woodstock
In downtown Woodstock, you’ll find an active combination of restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions. As a pilot who understands quality and charm, you’ll adore the variety of self-sufficient stores and handmade shops. You can find everything from vintage keepsakes to artisan jewelry, making it the perfect for a spot for a relaxing stroll.
When you start your tour at the old Woodstock Train Depot, you might notice that it’s now a gathering spot for locals. Next, check out the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. It’s within walking distance of the train depot and is the go-to place for theatrical productions and local art exhibits.
There are some wonderful restaurants downtown. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or foreign cuisine, you’ll find tons of options. To learn more, check out the downtown district web page.
4. Unwind at Lake Allatoona
For another wonderful spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, Lake Allatoona is just a short drive from Woodstock. Depending on your mood, you can enjoy a variety of water activities, including boating, swimming, and fishing.
For a more relaxed experience, consider taking a lazy canoe or kayak ride. The lake is a great spot to relax and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings. Visit the official website of Lake Allatoona for additional details on events and rentals.
5. Check Out the Outdoor Fun at Olde Rope Mill Park
Olde Rope Mill Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re a hiking or biking enthusiast, this beautiful park has several moderate hiking and mountain bike paths. Or if you’re in the mood for a peaceful picnic, you can easily find the perfect spot by the river. This park offers the perfect combination of a relaxing pace and strenuous physical activity.
For further details on park amenities and trail maps, visit Olde Rope Mill Park’s website.
Reach Out
If you have any questions about managing your finances while enjoying your time off, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Optimum Wealth Management, we specialize in providing tailored financial guidance to Delta pilots, helping you pursue your financial goals while enjoying the finer things in life.
To schedule a complimentary meeting, get in touch online, call (678) 778-2694, or email mcordak@optimumwlth.com.
About Mike
Mike Cordak is founder and owner of Optimum Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor serving the financial, retirement, and wealth planning & management needs of airline pilots—from hiring all the way through the transition to retirement and beyond. As a Delta pilot himself for more than two decades, Mike’s goal is to cultivate authentic life-long relationships with pilots to help them and their families create, grow, and preserve their wealth. As someone familiar with the pilot lifestyle and their unique goals and concerns, he offers a different investment strategy than the average advisor. Combining a fee-only business model with a fact-based tactical investment management style, he creates an environment that allows him to fulfill his mission of bringing clients financial peace.
Mike received his finance degree from Gies College of Business – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before pursuing a career as a pilot. After losing the defined-benefit plan at his airline in 2006, he entered the financial industry, inspired to create his own firm and take control of his finances to pursue financial stability after retiring as a pilot. He obtained the Retirement Income Certified Professional® designation, which means he has a legal and ethical duty to put clients’ interests first.
Mike and his wife, now empty nesters, love getting together with their kids as often as their schedules allow. Outside of reading financial news, he enjoys flying his own plane, golfing, hiking, skiing, and playing tennis and pickleball. He also can be found enjoying good wine and food, spending time at the beach, or traveling to foreign countries. He also has an interest in the Atlanta Mission, which helps out homeless people, the Woodstock City church, and contributes to various young people going out on mission trips and working on college campuses. To learn more about Mike, connect with him on LinkedIn.
