Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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One thing the common observer immediately notices about Atlanta is the plentiful amount of trees. The greenery is the scenery, as they say.
A recent report from Nearmap, a location intelligence and aerial imagery company, shows the Top 25 Leafiest Capital Cities in America.
What Are Cities With The Most Trees And Leaves?
Atlanta makes the top five in the list, which highlights the country’s top 25 leafiest capital cities.
In Georgia’s largest city, which has been called the “city in a forest,” one reason why it can be compared more “leafy” than most is the region’s tree canopy.
It’s another reason why Atlanta has some of the best parks in the Southeast.
The results of the study were compiled through Nearmap’s proprietary aerial imagery technology and location data from its Nearmap AI platform.
The report identified the top 25 leafiest capital cities and their percentage of total residential tree coverage as:
- Charleston, West Virginia (74.7%)
- Tallahassee, Florida (56.1%)
- Little Rock, Arkansas (54.9%)
- Raleigh, North Carolina (54.7%)
- Nashville, Tennessee (53.5%)
- Atlanta, Georgia (53.1%)
- Annapolis, Maryland (51.0%)
- Concord, New Hampshire (49.2%)
- Jackson, Mississippi (47.5%)
- Augusta, Maine (46.3%)
- Jefferson City, Missouri (43.3%)
- Austin, Texas (43.2%)
- Olympia, Washington (42.9%)
- Columbia, South Carolina (40.1%)
- Richmond, Virginia (39.9%)
- Albany, New York (39.1%)
- Montgomery, Alabama (34.9%)
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana (34.1%)
- St. Paul, Minnesota (33.2%)
- Des Moines, Iowa (31.4%)
- Topeka, Kansas (30.6%)
- Indianapolis City, Indiana (29.5%)
- Springfield, Illinois (27.7%)
- Frankfort, Kentucky (26.3%)
- Columbus, Ohio (26.1%)
Final Word
The Nearmap study is the first and only research of its kind in the U.S. using a high-resolution data set to compare total residential tree cover across capital cities for insurers, commercial construction companies and governments.
Check out the Atlanta forest, which has fresh fruits and vegetables you can purchase.
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With the weather being so nice day in and day out, you may want to get on the water this weekend. Boating is a lot of fun, but it can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
This article will go over some boating safety tips to protect yourself while on the water.
How To Be Safe While Boating
If you’re looking for cool things to do, boating can be a fun and enjoyable activity, but it is important to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some tips on how to be safe in a boat:
First, Check the Weather
No matter if you plan to head to Lake Lanier or another body of water in Georgia, it’s always a good idea to use caution in bad weather. Avoid boating in bad weather conditions, and be aware of changing weather conditions while on the water. Thunderstorms, high winds, and other weather conditions can create dangerous boating conditions.
Take Safety Precautions In Stormy Weather
If you’re boating in stormy weather, the safety precaution that should be taken first by a boat operator is to ensure that all passengers on board are wearing their life jackets. Stormy weather can create rough and unpredictable water conditions, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, and wearing a life jacket can significantly increase the chances of survival in case of an emergency.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Keep a lookout for other boats, swimmers, and obstacles in the water. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Wear A Life Jacket
Always wear a properly fitting life jacket when boating. In the event of an accident or emergency, a life jacket can save your life. Here are some life jackets for sale:
Airhead Trend Life Jacket, Coast Guard Approved
Mens Neoprene Wakesurf Comp Vest
Follow Boating Regulations
Be familiar with boating regulations in your area and follow them at all times. This includes speed limits, no-wake zones, and other boating rules.
Don’t Drink And Boat
Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous. Alcohol can impair judgment, reaction time, and balance, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
In Georgia, drinking in boating runs afoul of the state’s Boat Safety Act, which strictly outlaws anyone from boating under the influence (BUI) — “that is, operating any boat, sailboat, personal watercraft, water skis, sailboard or similar device while intoxicated,” the statute says.
Check Your Equipment
Before heading out on the water, make sure that all your boat’s equipment is in good working condition. This includes lights, horns, life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment.
If you find any gear that’s not up to snuff, don’t hesitate to go back to the shore to get it checked out. The last thing you need is defective equipment in a boat.
Final Word
Before operating a boat, many state-regulated lakes and rivers will require that you take a boating safety course. You should do this to learn about safe boating practices and regulations. Many states require boaters to complete a safety course before operating a boat.
By following these tips and practicing safe boating habits, you can help ensure a fun and enjoyable boating experience while reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Want to enjoy more outdoors fun? Here’s what to know about a Georgia hunting license.
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Atlanta, Georgia is a wonderful city to explore no matter if you’re driving or taking an Uber or Lyft, but for an intimate look at the city, the best way to go is via bicycle. Visitors to Atlanta or homegrown residents can bike the city.
This article will tell you how to explore Atlanta on a bicycle.
Bike Tour: What To Do In Atlanta
Taking a simple bike ride is a great way to see the Atlanta’s landmarks and attractions while enjoying some fresh air and exercise.
Here are some tips on how to explore Atlanta via bike ride:
Plan Your Bike Ride
As fun as riding a bicycle is, you need to plan your journey. The last thing you want to do is spin your time and energy pedaling around the city and getting lost.
Some places to ride your bike in Atlanta include:
- Ponce City Market
- Oakland Cemetery
- Cyclorama
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Pullman Yards
- Piedmont Park
- The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
- The Georgia Aquarium
- The World of Coca-Cola
Before you hit the road, plan out your route using a map or a GPS app. Consider the distance, terrain, and traffic flow, as well as any bike lanes or trails that may be available.
Rent a Bike
If you don’t have your own bike, there are several bike rental options in Atlanta, including bike-sharing programs like Relay Bike Share, as well as rental shops like Atlanta Bicycle Barn and Bicycle Tours of Atlanta.
After you rent a bike, you’ll need to find the city’s protected bike lanes, which can be found by using GPS or Google Maps. On a smartphone, you’ll need to tap on the layers icon, then tap “bicycling”. On a PC, hover over the layers icon in the bottom left corner, and then click on “biking.”
Wear A Helmet
Make sure to wear a helmet for safety purposes. You can also wear other protective gear such as knee and elbow pads, especially if you plan to bike on more challenging terrain.
Here are some safety-built helmets to choose from:
Schwinn Thrasher Adult Lightweight Bike Helmet
Basecamp Bike Helmet
Since we’re on safety, it’s also a good idea to obey traffic laws. Obey traffic signals, use hand signals to indicate turns, and stay on designated bike lanes or trails.
Stay Visible
Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights on your bike to ensure that you are visible to drivers and pedestrians.
Final Word
Biking around Atlanta can be a very fun way to see the city’s sights and experience its sounds. Because it may take you some time, we advise that you bring some water and snacks. Stay hydrated and fueled by bringing plenty of water and snacks with you on your ride.
Also, don’t hesitate to take breaks when you need to. Atlanta has many parks and green spaces that are perfect for taking a break and enjoying some scenery. Consider stopping at Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Beltline, or the Freedom Park Trail.
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Atlanta is the official food hall mecca. Another Atlanta food hall, Privi, is set to open in South DeKalb County after construction, which began this spring, is complete.
Privi is being built by Stonecrest Resorts, which has been completing the project in phases. The 143,000-square-foot structure constitutes a renovation of Sears at The Mall at Stonecrest.
Privi Food Hall Set To Open At Stonecrest
Privi is not just a food hall. It is a multi-use development that includes two phases:
- The 25,000-square foot SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium opened in November 2021.
- In the second quarter of 2023, the 50,000 square foot food hall, complete with health and wellness concepts, meeting and workspace for creatives, a 6,000 square-foot live music venue and event space complete with retail shops, will open in 2024.
The nearly $20 million development’s food hall will be located on the second floor of the mall and boast a mosaic of diverse restaurants.
For now, 13 eateries are planned for the food hall include Dope Coffee, The Original Hot Dog Factory and the Atlanta Breakfast Club, to name a few.
There will also be a craft bar, golf simulator suites, a daiquiri bar, and a fine dining restaurant planned to open by spring 2024. “The goal is to offer a foodie paradise that will attract people eating on the go, family outings, meeting with friends, date nights for couples, or celebrating a special occasion,” Osiris Ballard, co-owner of Good Food & Company, the hospitality group and curator of the food hall, said in a written statement.
Privi, a reference to the words privilege and privy, has made deals to bring in some high-profile tenants. As of now, none is higher than SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium.
Other Privi tenants include the following businesses:
- An art gallery
- Baldwin’s Literary Social Bookstore
- Garden Life Juice Bar
- The Exposure Hub
- 101 TKO Radio
- 3 Degrees Infrared Sauna Studio
- Picasso’s Splat Room
- The Lion’s Cage MMA & Fitness Gym
To draw interest, Privi had an R&B concert on May 13 and plans a celebration in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary on May 20.
Final Word
In addition to the food hall, Privi will also include TRYP by Wyndham: The capstone achievement of the Priví project will be the completion of the TRYP by Wyndham Hotel providing 110 guest rooms, a full-service bistro, a roof-top bar, and additional meeting space. TRYP will be the first full-service hotel in Stonecrest and is a part of Wyndham’s new Black Ownership & Lodging Development (BOLD) Initiative.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
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Johns Creek, Georgia will be the location of the first Capital Tacos restaurant in the Peach State. The Florida-based company announced earlier that it was making a major expansion in Georgia.
Capital Tacos’ Johns Creek location is set to open on May 25, 2023. Shortly after that, another location will open in Peachtree Corners. The company sees metro Atlanta as a major cog in its growth plans.
The eatery specializes in a Tex-Mex cuisine, which they take seriously.
Here is what it says on the restaurant’s website: “Every item on our menu is made from scratch and grilled up to order. From starters to munch while you wait, to award-winning flavor profiles and inventive meals that simply don’t follow the rules.”
Capital Tacos Expands In Metro Atlanta
Launched in Land-O-Lakes, Florida, Capital Tacos has taken its time with expansion plans. After the pandemic subsided, the eatery figured the time was right.
“Our goal was always to get the company to a point where we can get the Capital to as many people around the region, the state and the country as possible,” co-owner Josh Luger told the Tampa Bay Times. “We’ve had, not exaggerating, literally hundreds of requests for stores and franchises across the state and country from folks who visit the store or know us over the years.”
Now it’s Atlanta’s turn to experience food on a “Capital” level.
Where is Capital Tacos In Johns Creek?
Capital Tacos in Johns Creek is located at 11160 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097. Here’s a map to help you find your way.
Final Word
Atlanta may be known for its Southern staples, but the city has some great restaurants that serve tacos as well.
If you want to check out some other romantic restaurants in Atlanta, these are hard to beat. But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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Kick off Mother’s Day Weekend by enjoying a stage play featuring super mom and CEO (Gagnant Media) Michelle Taylor Willis, as she debuts as the lead in Never Play With A Woman’s Heart.
The dramatic play is directed by producer and actor Dana S. Hubbard. The show has already enjoyed widespread success in other markets, with consecutive sold-out shows.
Never Play With A Woman’s Heart features a cast of professional actors, including Andre Pitre (Tyler Perry’s “I Don’t Want To Do Wrong,” and David E. Talbert’s “Love in the Nick of Tyme,”) and Atlanta’s own, Michelle Taylor Willis.
The show tells the story of Myles Stewart (Andre Pitre), a newly-released convict who’s made a deal with the devil, Courtney Dennis (Tasha René), the vengeful assistant warden responsible for getting 10 years shaved off his prison sentence. Being caught in a web of lies, lust, and betrayal, will he break free from her reign, or will he learn that the aged-old adage still holds true—that you should “Never, ever play with a woman’s heart”?
Where To See Never Play With a Woman’s Heart In Atlanta
You can come see Never Play With a Woman’s Heart May 11-14, 2023 at the Southwest Arts Center in South Fulton, Georgia.
Single tickets range from $40 to $45 and are available for purchase online at danashubbardpresents.com.
Where Is The Southwest Arts Center Located?
The Southwest Arts Center is located at 915 New Hope Road SW, Atlanta, GA 30331. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Stage plays and other entertainment productions are part and parcel when you come to Atlanta. The film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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If you’re moving to Georgia, for a new job maybe or for business, one of the first things that would come to your mind is- whether to buy a home or rent one? It’s a complex question, and for many reasons. Financially, for instance, you need to think it through and take your time, because buying a house isn’t the same as buying a new pair or jeans or shoes. A house
demands a massive investment, even if you are taking a home loan.On one hand, you could think that renting a house is economical and hassle-free. On the other hand, you could read about Atlanta 2023 housing outlook and think that buying one at least ensures your money is going into a valuable asset that you can sell down the road to reap profits and secure a comfortable retirement. To help you get out of this difficult dilemma, we need to take a closer look at the benefits of renting vs owning a house in Georgia:
Pros of Buying a Home in Georgia
The following are some of the main reasons you should buy a home instead of renting one: Real Estate Collateral Just like the stock market and commodities market, the real estate market goes through ups and downs. However, if we look at the long-term trends, it shows that real estate investments generally grow over time. Many financial experts believe that real estate investments are safe and give good returns when held for a long term. Furthermore, you can increase your home equity even if you have bought a home through a home loan. When your equity ownership in the house increases to 20%, you can leverage it to refinance your home or make home improvements.
Tax Benefits
Certain tax benefits are available to homeowners and not renters. For instance, when you purchase a home, you can deduct the mortgage interest and property income from your taxable income. This benefit is called mortgage loan interest deduction. If your home qualifies as a homestead, you can also get a reduction in the property taxes you are required to pay.
Full Control
As the owner of the house, you’re free to do whatever you want with it. You can repaint the
rooms, install new lighting fixtures, upgrade appliances, and more. You don’t have to take
permission from anyone, and not have to worry about any landlord interfering with your
private life. You can make the house truly your own and live freely.Additional Income
An owned property can also be leveraged as a secondary source of income. You can move out of the house and then rent it on Airbnb or some other online marketplace. You can also choose to live in the house and rent out a room or an entire floor if you don’t have the need for it. Depending on your location and property’s condition, you can make decent money out of this. If you want a ballpark figure, you can also use a Airbnb calculator. There are many of these on the Internet.
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Pros of Renting a Home in Georgia
There are many benefits of renting a house also. These are:
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Easy to move
You don’t have to make a long-term commitment when you rent a home. You have to live in the property only till the lease expires. When that takes place, you’re free to move to a new property or a new city entirely. So, it’s a lot easier to move into a rented property compared to a purchased property.
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No maintenance hassles
When you live in a rental home, you don’t have to bear the responsibility of maintenance and repairs for the most part. It’s your landlord who has to take care of all this. You don’t have to apply for new utility connections with the government, nor do you need to worry about everything being up to code. You just live in the house and go about your life.
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Small financial burden
If you’re on a limited budget, then renting a house is far easier than buying a home. This is because, to move into a rented home, you just need to make a refundable security deposit, and pay broker’s fees (although you can save this too by doing house hunting yourself and contacting the landlord directly). You may have to buy renters insurance though, which is generally good for you anyway. Renters insurance is not required by law in Georgia, but your landlord might specificaly require it.
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No concerns of depreciating property value
With fully-owned property, you have to deal with real estate market uncertainties. It’s a real possibility that the house you buy loses its value over time and you have to sell it at a loss. Since a rented home is not an investment, you don’t need to worry about crashing the real estate market or return on your payments.
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Easy to move around
As mentioned earlier, a purchased home is a serious commitment. You can’t expect to move again after you move into the property. So, it can be really difficult if after moving you don’t like the place, maybe because of unruly neighbors, local crime rates, traffic or any other reason. On the other hand, if you live in a rented home, you can easily and frequently change your location as per your needs.
Bottom Line
Georgia is one of the most beautiful US states where opportunities and the nicest people galore. How can you not love the southern hospitality and southern cuisine here? That said, your location will play a big role in your overall experience. So, compare all your options based on your budget and requirements, and apply the information we’ve shared above. It will surely make the process a lot easier. Good luck!
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A new Atlanta restaurant called Carmel is set to open in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. A coastal-inspired restaurant is owned by Oliva Hospitality Group (Aziza and Bellina Alimentari among others).
The concept will draw heavily on the coastal vibes of cities and environments near large bodies of water. That’s what Carmel and its food will feel and taste like.
“Our take on coastal cuisine is less about a specific suite of recipes or from a particular region,” Oliva Hospitality Group Founder and Owner Tal Baum says in a written statement.
When Is Carmel Opening In Buckhead?
Carmel is opening Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in Buckhead Village. The hours of the restaurant will be:
- Monday – Thursday 11am – 11pm
- Friday – Saturday 11am – Close
- Sunday 11am-9pm
In charge of designing the restaurant will be Smith Hanes Studio, which will draw from coastal influences throughout the Mediterranean and California. Think open-air establishments that carry the breeze and aroma of the kitchen at the same time.
Where Is Carmel Located?
Carmel is located at 3009 Bolling Way NE, Suite G130, Atlanta, GA 30305. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Bite
Depending on how it goes, we may have to add Carmel to the best restaurants in Buckhead.
Only in Atlanta can the casual observer find specialty food shops, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, farmers’ markets and farm stands all at an affordable price point.
But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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The popular FX show Atlanta has won a Peabody Award, it was announced on Tuesday, May 9. It is a prestigious honor for the show, which wrapped after four seasons last fall.
Atlanta also won a Peabody in 2016, its inaugural season. The 2023 awards have 35 winners across all genres of TV entertainment.
The series, created by actor and singer-songwriter Donald Glover, delves into the lives of three friend navigating life in Atlanta.
The awards said the show allows Glover to play “a shiftless Princeton dropout trying to manage his cousin’s burgeoning rap career, won a Peabody for its first season in 2016 for its sharp, evocative depiction of its eponymous city and the cast of characters making their way through it. Now, in its final seasons, the groundbreaking series has transcended its original success by introducing an anthology-style structure in season three that deviates largely from the central cast, allowing the final two installments of Atlanta to display a wealth of creativity and insight.”
What Streaming Service Is Atlanta On?
Because of streaming rights, a lot of content is restricted in the United States, but available elsewhere. Atlanta FX is one of those shows that is pretty easy to watch — outside the continental U.S.
For those in America, Atlanta FX is available on two streaming services: Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
If you have a subscription to Hulu, you can watch Atlanta FX on demand.
If you have Amazon Prime Video, you can watch Amazon FX for a fee.
On Prime Video, Atlanta FX costs:
- $2.99 an episode
- $17.99 for a whole season
It’s funny how that works, but that’s how it operates. If you don’t want to pay for Hulu, try this free streaming hack. -
You already know that Atlanta is a city in a forest, but that wilderness — and adventure — extends throughout Georgia. The good news is that there are so many cool things to do in Georgia outdoors.
Looking for an outdoors adventure in the Peach State? This article will tell you the best things to do outside in Georgia.
1. Hike The Bartram Trail
Photo credit: Instagram The Bartram Trail is pathway in Rabun County, Georgia that features several natural features that are beautiful treasures such as waterfalls, mountains, rivers and more.
Book a Bartram Trail Hike adventure.
2. Atlanta Scavenger Hunt: Finding Peace in Piedmont Park
In Atlanta’s most beautiful park, look for clues in a classic scavenger hunt among landmarks and discover the history of the Piedmont Park. Book now.
3. Cloudland Canyon
View this post on InstagramHere’s what one visitor says about Cloudland Canyon State Park: “$5 entrance fee for gorgeous views and short, but rewarding trails. Trails are extremely moderate for an experienced hiker, but present diverse landscape. The trails were well marked, mostly clear from a lot of foot traffic and dirt. Look out for armadillos! We saw two while we were here. You’ll hear them rustling around. We enjoyed going all the way around the loop and then ending with a peek at both waterfalls which weren’t too full but couldn’t have fomo. Lots of stairs to the waterfalls as expected. Camping, RV spots, cabins+ available for an extended stay. The trails were lively with people and dogs enjoying the mild Tuesday afternoon. I do recommend! Views still available right off from the parking lot if you are not feeling a hike. Bonus is that the park also has a disc golf course.”
4. Fort Mountain State Park
View this post on InstagramHere’s what one visitor says about Fort Mountain Park. “We visited Fort Mountain State Park recently and we had a wonderful time. Since we have visited all 56 Tennessee State Parks we thought we would visit Georgia State Parks. We are glad we went here. We enjoyed seeing the 4 story look out tower. It was a hike to it but not to hard. There is a lot of history here and several plaques are placed so we could read them. From the tower we hiked to the over look. Wow. This has amazing views here. We also drove around the park and we saw a nice lake and campground. There is another trail that goes to a waterfall which is nice. Overall great experience. Can’t wait to go back.”
5. Tallulah Gorge State Park
View this post on InstagramHere’s what one visitor says about Tallulah State Gorge Park: “What an absolutely beautiful park. We spent two days at the park, walking trails and enjoying the sights and water, and we still didn’t get the opportunity to see everything. But what we did see was stunning!
There are miles of trails you can hike. Some are located on the north side and some on the south side of the gorge. Additionally, you can cross the gorge via the suspension bridge, and even go to the bottom of the gorge. That said, we didn’t go to the bottom – it’s only 100 passes a day, though they are free – but I imagine it’s awesome. And we are hoping to do that ourselves next visit. I highly, highly recommend you been in decent to good shape if you plan to go to the bottom because there are a lot of steps (over 1000 total down and back up) that you must climb to do so. We opted to go down to the suspension bridge and back up and it was quite a work out on its own.”
6. Sweetwater Creek
View this post on InstagramHere’s what one reviewer says about Sweetwater Creek State Park: “A very well-staffed park. Excellent signage to direct you on where to go. We only took the Red Trail to see the Mill Ruins on a quick visit, but I do recommend that one for beginner hikers! The path is nicely packed and wide for comfort without much of a grade. I was a little disappointed in all the fencing around the ruins keeping you from getting a closer look, but I totally understand the purpose of it being there. The water was lovely and calming also. I would recommend this spot for a nice, relaxing afternoon in nature.”
Final Word
The Peach State has some of the most beautiful sights you could ever see this time of year. Don’t let the nice weather pass you by. Pack your bags, plan a trip and get to going!
To save money, look for the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale. To keep costs down, use these travel hacks to save money and time.