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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If you hail a cab north of Atlanta, don’t be surprised if there’s potentially no one in the driver’s seat. As we previously reported, driverless taxis have arrived in metro Atlanta.
May Mobility, a leading autonomous vehicle technology company, has launched its first commercial driverless transportation service in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, just outside Atlanta.
This marks the company’s third driverless deployment in the United States, following successful trials in Sun City, Arizona, and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
May Mobility Driverless Rides Launch In Peachtree Corners
In partnership with Curiosity Lab, T-Mobile, and the City of Peachtree Corners, May Mobility has transitioned its service to fully driverless operations, providing public rides in its autonomous Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles.
The service operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering on-demand rides along Technology Parkway. Passengers can book trips through the May Mobility app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
Edwin Olson, CEO and founder of May Mobility, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “Peachtree Corners will be our third driverless operation, and we are excited to debut our first publicly available driverless service in the City of Peachtree Corners.”
He emphasized the importance of collaborating with cities and communities to address real transportation challenges.
Final Word
Looking ahead, May Mobility is working with the City of Peachtree Corners on future expansions and plans to introduce autonomous vehicles in metro Atlanta in partnership with Lyft later this year. Additional driverless operations in the U.S. are expected to be announced throughout 2025.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
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Southwest Airlines Co. is cutting approximately 1,750 leadership positions in a historic move to reduce expenses, marking the first layoffs in the company’s history.
While it’s too early to tell how many employees at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport will be affected, there is certain to be some.
The reductions, affecting 15% of corporate roles—including senior leadership and directors—will begin in late April and are expected to be largely completed by the end of June, the airline announced Sunday.
“This is a very difficult and monumental shift,” CEO Bob Jordan wrote in a letter to employees. “With the best intentions, the growth of our leadership and noncontract functions have outpaced our operation’s growth for many years.”
The job cuts are part of Southwest’s broader strategy to streamline operations and cut costs, aiming to become a “leaner, faster, and more agile organization,” Jordan said.
The announcement comes just a day before Southwest launches redeye flights, a key component of its Southwest. Even Better. initiative. The new overnight flights are designed to provide customers with more travel options, improve aircraft utilization, and strengthen the airline’s financial standing.
By optimizing fleet efficiency, redeye flights will help free up the equivalent of 18 aircraft, supporting modest capacity growth without requiring additional planes.
Final Thought
Few things can beat traveling with your significant other. Not only is there a sense of safety, but sharing beautiful sights and sounds can bring you closer together.
Traveling with your significant other is the best way to go. Looking for a destination? There are some great cities that you can vacation in for cheap right now.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlantathat are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
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The New Home Lot Supply Index (LSI) has reached 60.8, indicating a 1.7% decrease from the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. That being said, Atlanta has been found to have adequate lot supply, according to a recent report from Zonda, a real estate data services company.
This suggests that the market remains “significantly undersupplied” nationally, a trend persisting since 2017, according to new figures just released in February 2025. However, on a quarter-over-quarter basis, lot supply increased by 5.4% from the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a gradual improvement in availability.
Ali Wolf, chief economist at Zonda, noted, “Land and lot supply is at the healthiest levels we’ve seen in years.”
What Is the New Home Lot Supply Index?
The New Home Lot Supply Index measures the availability of developed lots for new home construction.
A higher index indicates a greater supply of lots, which can support more new home construction, while a lower index suggests a tighter supply, potentially leading to higher home prices and slower construction growth.
Between 2021 and 2022, builders were concerned about a potential shortage of buildable lots due to rapid demand growth. However, lot supply surged in late 2022 and early 2023 as consumer demand softened while lot development continued. Currently, the market is characterized by steady growth in both lot supply and new housing starts.
Lot Supply: A Snapshot of America
Year-over-year, lot supply tightened in most major metropolitan areas during the fourth quarter of 2024, with 17 out of 30 markets experiencing a decrease, down from 22 in the previous quarter.
Notably, Orlando, San Francisco, and Nashville saw the most significant loosening in land supply. In these areas, fourth-quarter housing starts varied compared to the previous year: Orlando experienced a 7% increase, San Francisco a 5% rise, while Nashville saw a 2% decline.
Atlanta Lot Supply Deemed Adequate
Three markets—Austin, Atlanta, and Dallas—are now considered appropriately supplied, while San Antonio remains slightly undersupplied. In the fourth quarter, housing starts increased year-over-year in three of these markets, with Austin being the exception. Vacant developed lots (VDLs) also rose in three markets, excluding Atlanta.
Atlanta Housing Market Trends
Population Growth: Atlanta has been experiencing significant population growth, driven by its strong job market, relatively low cost of living, and quality of life. This growth increases demand for housing.
Housing Demand: The demand for housing in Atlanta has been robust, leading to a competitive market for both existing homes and new construction.
Supply Constraints: Like many growing cities, Atlanta has faced challenges with land availability and zoning regulations, which can impact the New Home Lot Supply Index.
Construction Activity: Despite supply constraints, construction activity has been relatively strong, with developers working to meet the high demand for housing.
Factors Influencing the New Home Lot Supply Index include land availability, which is the amount of available land for development is a critical factor. Urban areas like Atlanta often face limitations due to geographic and regulatory constraints.
Another factor is zoning and regulations. Local zoning laws and building regulations can impact the ability to develop new lots.
Final Word
Total future lots, expected to be delivered over the next 12 to 18 months, increased by 13.2% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2024 but declined by 6.7% from the previous quarter. While the annual growth is notable, it’s important to recognize that the fourth quarter of 2023 represented a recent low point in the data. Overall, upcoming lots were 5.7% higher in 2024 compared to 2023 and 14.4% more in the fourth quarter of 2024 than in the same period in 2019.
In summary, while the national lot supply remains undersupplied, recent data indicates a positive trend toward increased availability, offering a more balanced outlook for future housing developments.
The Peach State’s largest city has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
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The 3rd annual Atlanta Black Expo, the largest showcase of mixed, non-industry specific black-owned businesses in the Southeast, will take place February 22-23, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Sponsored by Clover, a leading provider of cloud-based point-of-sale systems, the Expo will feature over 200 thriving small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.
The two-day event showcases a diverse range of local Black-owned businesses through engaging exhibits, interactive experiences, and dynamic activations; with an expectation to attract more than 3,000 attendees.
“The Atlanta Black Expo is a unique platform for supporting and celebrating local Black-owned businesses,” said Corey “NetworKing” Moore, who relaunched the Atlanta Black Expo concept in 2023. “We recognized a need for a centralized space where consumers could discover and engage with a diverse range of Black-owned businesses in Metro Atlanta. Our goal was to create an immersive experience that not only showcases these businesses but also celebrates the richness of Black culture.”
Moore is the founder of ProNetworker, a company that produces popular events such as TasteUrban, Urban Atlanta, and Women Who Network.
Atlanta Black Expo: What To Know Before You Go
The 3rd annual Atlanta Black Expo will kick off with a special VIP Reception on Saturday, February 22. This exclusive event, reserved for VIP ticket holders, sponsors, and partners, will feature opening ceremonies, a private food and beverage tasting, and a thrilling culinary competition.
The heart of the Expo lies on Sunday, February 23rd, where attendees will have access to a dynamic marketplace showcasing all of the local Black-owned businesses and exhibitors. Throughout the day, they will enjoy delicious food tastings, informative workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. The event also includes a Kids Business Expo, a fashion show, speed networking, and over 25 speakers.
Enriching the experience, attendees can explore the Black Art Expo, sponsored by Fulton County, a captivating showcase of Black art and culture. Additionally, an International Black Business Expo, sponsored by Go Global, expands the impact of the Expo to include global connections and business opportunities.
This is the first year the event is being held at the Georgia World Congress Center.. It was previously held at a different venue.
“We’re still a new event but we’re also a growing event. Every year we get more attendees and more businesses that want to be a part of what we’re doing. And we continue to exceed even my expectations,” Moore said.
This year’s partners for the 2025 Atlanta Black Expo include Atlanta Black Chambers, the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta.
Final Words
Black businesses in Georgia and elsewhere around the state need your support more than ever. If you’re going to support local businesses in Atlanta, the main thing you may want to do is just get out in the community. Go walking along the Beltline or in a local park.
If you’re interested in supporting some great places to eat in your local area, here are the best black-owned restaurants in Atlanta.
You also may be interested in the best black farms and farmers in Atlanta. And we can’t forget about the top grocery stores.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Black women entrepreneurs have been contending above their weight in Atlanta, Georgia when it comes to business, and not just here in Georgia, but across America.
According to a survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, only 21.4% of U.S. businesses are owned by women. In Atlanta, you may be curious to know what companies out there are black women-led businesses.
Support These Women-Led Businesses In Atlanta
For Black History Month, we will show you some of the women-led businesses Atlanta has so that you can patronize them. We’ve sourced many of these women-led Atlanta businesses from Instagram, one of the leading social media platforms in the world.
Let’s go….
3 Parks Wine Shop
451 Bill Kennedy Way SE Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30316 | (678) 349-7070
Sarah Pierre is the owner and managing partner of 3 Parks Wine Shop on Atlanta’s east side. Sarah knows her stuff and can show you the best wine for the occasion.How to Shop: 3parkswine.comDivine Dermatology
View this post on InstagramDr. Tunisia Cornelius, MD, FAAD runs a premier full-service skincare center at The Beacon development in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood. Check it out at 1039 Grant St SE suite a-11, Atlanta, GA 30315.Thicc Sticc
View this post on InstagramThicc Sticc, an early stage personal care brand startup based in Atlanta, is building their community so that they can sell products to those who engage with them.Luxefitt Co.
View this post on InstagramLuxxefit specializes in affordable bras for larger-chested women.Courtnie Kidd
View this post on InstagramThe business offers a Collection of Handcrafted Goods.
How to Support: Vida VIISustainAble Home Goods & Accessories
View this post on InstagramSustainAble Home Goods & Accessories partners with artisan entrepreneurs to bring their shared vision of durable products and sustainability to fruition. The business is located at 10625 Serenbe Ln. Unit C, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268.
Where to Shop: YourSustainableHome.com
Kandi Burruss
Kandi Burruss is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Georgia. Not only is she a successful singer and songwriter, but she also opens a retail store called Tags, a sex toy line branded as Kandi Coated and is the co-owner of Blaze Steak & Seafood in southwest Atlanta.
How to Support: TagsATL | BedroomKandi.com | Blaze Steak & Seafood
Arie Nicole | Fashion Footwear
View this post on InstagramHere’s what the single mother of four did to become success, according to Instagram. “How did I do it? With dedication and sacrifice….Opening my footwear store @shoparienicolefootwear in Atlanta was both exciting and scary at the same time but I knew that this was my beginning. I packed all that excitement and fear into one cup and added some sacrifice, persistence amongst many other things and turned my little small footwear boutique into a very lucrative small business. I’m thankful and grateful for every lesson and every dollar along the way. I know there’s more to come.”
Where to Shop: ArieNicole.comBites And Bevs Photography
View this post on Instagram
Madylnn E. Ross owns Bites and Bevs Photography. Here’s what she wrote recently on IG: “Food and beverage photography started out as a hobby 5 years ago and with the support of my friends, family and especially my fiancé, I have been able to make it my career. Covid took my clients thus me out last year, but by the grace of God and living in a open af city lol I’ve been back in full swing! Grateful. Cheers!”How to Support: madelynneross.com
Cherishingflo
View this post on InstagramSocial Media Coach and Manager for service based businesses, solopreneurs, and influencers!
Holland Group PR
View this post on InstagramHolland Group PR is a consultant agency that operates out of Atlanta and Chattanooga. They specialize in:
- Public Relations
- Brand Strategy
- Experiential Events
Operated by Kishana Holland, here’s what she says on IG: “Every business relationship is NOT a perfect fit, nor should it be. Realize what works for you & your business. And thank GOD for protection over what was never meant for you.”
How to Support: flowcode.com/page/hollandgrouppr
Dr. Aja Nicole
View this post on InstagramLifestyle Dentistry/Smyrna, GA
Home of the affordable Hollywood smile! Here’s Dr. Nicole’s message on IG:”Oh my gosh, back at it again”
Named “Metro Atlanta’s Coolest Dentist” by People You Need To Know Magazine.”How to Support: lifestyledentistryatl.com
Nicolette Michele
View this post on InstagramNicolette Michele is a high-profile social media manager in Atlanta. She specializes in:- Instagram Management
- Design
- She is the founder of @savvysocialite.co
Here’s what she says on IG: “When all that you could’ve ever imagined begins to unfold before your eyes all of a sudden there’s DISBELIEF. Why is that? We get so caught up in fearlessly desiring a multitude of things but when it happens we can’t wrap out heads around it.”How to Support: savvysocialiteandco.com/links
VBS Photographer
View this post on InstagramVBS Photography offers business and personal services, which include branding, headshots, professional headshots, and lifestyle portraits.Here’s what it says on VBS Photographer’s IG: “Let me help you tell your brand story through custom branding photography. I want to capture the essence of who you are, your personality, personal style and the work you love to do!”
How to Support: Email vbsohotography90@gmail www.vbsphotography.com.The Boss Architect
View this post on InstagramKendra Lewis is the Boss Architect. Here’s what she says on IG: “Entrepreneurship is not a solo sport it takes a village to run a successful business and your willingness to lean on that village.”
How To Support: training.kendrajlewis.com/live
Shapely Beauty Spa
View this post on InstagramHere’s what she says on IG: “I remind myself everyday “A negative mind will never give you a positive life”. So as I started to speak life & positivity into my dreams, I began to see my business blossom more & more each day. It’s all about believing in you.”
This business offers the following services:
- 𝙱𝚘𝚍𝚢 𝚂𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜
- 𝚄𝚕𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚘𝚗
- 𝙻𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚛𝙻𝚒𝚙𝚘
- 𝙱𝚞𝚝𝚝 𝙴𝚗𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝
- 𝙳𝚎𝚝𝚘𝚡 𝚃𝚎𝚊𝚜
- 𝚆𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚢
- 𝚂𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚃𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐
- 𝚆𝚊𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚃𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚜
How to support: Shop at shapelybeautyspa.com
Papier Doll Factory
View this post on InstagramThis business specializes in:
- Accessory Aficionado
- Photo Shoot Expert
- She helps women entrepreneurs SHOW UP online & in-person.
Where to Shop: Linktr.ee/papierdoll
Style By Melissa J.
Photo credit: Instagram Published Wardrobe Stylist and image consultant.
How to Support: Shop at melissajyoung.com
Glamorousanjewelz
View this post on InstagramGlamorous jewelry and accessories for the woman that dares to be different. We are all about being confident and embracing who you are.
“Be a ray of sunshine,” she says on her IG.
How to Support: Shop at glamorousanjewelz.com.Slutty Vegan (Pinky Cole)
View this post on InstagramPinky Cole has created a vegan food empire that began as a singular food truck. Now she’s doing million-dollar deals to expand her Slutty Vegan restaurants up and down the East Coast.North Atlanta Makeup Artist
View this post on InstagramBeauty, Cosmetic & Personal Care.How to support: tmbeauty.netThe Wig Dr. Hair Loss Center
View this post on InstagramThis business specializes in:- Luxe Wig Boutique East Cobb, Georgia
- Medical Wigs & Toppers. Offering Hair Loss Solutions & Medical Wigs
- Seen on The Drew Barrymore Show W/Gab Union
Dr. Erica Gamble saw wigs as a striking fashion accessory from an early age. But after a successful career and an earned doctorate degree, she decided to make an impact and change lives. The Wig Dr. doesn’t just provide wigs for men, women and children – it services a community of people losing hair due to Alopecia, Chemotherapy or other autoimmune diseases.
How to Support: wigdr.com
Yandy Smith-Harris
View this post on InstagramReality TV star Yandy Smith-Harris relocated to Atlanta a while back and has been focused on her skin care line.Here’s Yandy’s message: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment take the moment and make it perfect.”Where to Shop: Yelle.comHow Women-Owned Businesses Can Grow Their Businesses
Women-owned businesses can grow their businesses by applying for loans and grants with the Small Business Association (SBA).
The SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership is designed to aid women entrepreneurs through programs coordinated by SBA district offices. Programs include:
- Business training
- Counseling
- Federal contracts
- Access to credit and capital
How You Can Support Women Businesses In Atlanta
One way you can support women-led businesses is by promoting them on your social media. You can use such hashtags as:
Let’s not stop there. Raise awareness about women-led businesses by spreading the word among your network on the web as well as at home, work and school.
Final Word
Atlanta is full of amazing people doing some truly amazing things. No matter what you do, continue to support them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Georgia’s largest city has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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A special occasion is the perfect opportunity to take that special someone to a special restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia — and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Atlanta has a number of restaurants that cater to date nights or couples in love and the food reflects that: Hued lighting, soft music and dishes inspired from cultures around the world, these eateries are for lovers.
20 Most Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta
No matter if it’s the ambiance, menu or location, these places offer some of the most romantic culinary experiences in Atlanta.
Bone’s Restaurant
3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 237-2663
If you come for the king, you best not miss. This Buckhead institution is the defacto king of the city. With its succulent prime beef and seafood, it’s hard to beat. But you’d better get a reservation.
Chops Lobster Bar
70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 262-2675
If Bones is the king, then Chops is the president: confident, immaculate and sure in its power. Don’t be surprised to see a who’s who of old-school Atlanta in this classic chophouse.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Chops: “I was very impressed by this establishment. Upon arrival the valet was pretty hectic but worked out. Thank goodness I had reservations, my cousin and I were immediately seated and greeted by our waite team. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and was especially warm and welcoming. The Lump crab cake and Chilean sea bass was outstanding and the old fashion cocktail nice and strong. I knew it was time to go when they stopped filling our water glasses. Overall great experience.”
The Consulate
10 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Interior designer Douglas Hines and his wife Mei Lin, a chef with global influences, teamed up to open The Consulate in 2016 in Midtown. Before that, the Atlanta power couple opened Honey Bubble Tea in Poncey-Highland.
Make a reservation at The Consulate
If you want to experience different cultures through food, this couple has you covered. They plan to open as many as eight restaurants across the city.
9 Mile Station675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Atlanta, Georgia 30308 (770) 999-1532
Entrepreneur Kelvin Slater and wife Mandy have a hit on their hands with 9 Mile Station. Described as an “elevated beer garden,” 9 Mile Station is located on the rooftop of Ponce City Market in Midtown Atlanta.
Hal’s Steakhouse
30 Old Ivy Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 261-0025
This place is built for entertaining: Open-design lounge, live music, rooftop patio — oh did we mention how good the steaks are?
Make a reservation at Hal’s Steakhouse
A Yelper says: “”Oh and if you get there before 6 they have free appetizers during their happy hours.” Address: 30 Old Ivy Rd Atlanta, GA 30342.
The Lawrence
905 Juniper St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 961-7177
The Lawrence restaurant in Midtown has proven to be a reliable spot for romantic evenings. The menu lends itself to romance.
Make a reservation at The Lawrence
It doesn’t hurt that The Lawrence has one of the best beverage programs in all of the city.
Lazy Betty
1530 DeKalb Ave NE Ste F, Atlanta, GA 30307 |(404) 975-3692
Lazy Betty is a cozy space with lots of wood grain furniture and awesome food.
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Lazy Betty: “My wife and I dined at Lazy Betty’s recently. We sat at the Chef’s Table and and had the 10 course tasting menu. It was excellent! Every course had a unique and delicious burst of flavors with beautiful presentation. Aaron Phillips spoke with us frequently throughout the meal. He described each dish, answered questions, was very personable and engaging. The staff was excellent, friendly, helpful, and engaging. Both my wife and I agreed it was the best overall dining experience and food we have had in Atlanta. I strongly recommend trying them out!”
South City Kitchen
1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 873-7358
One of the best restaurants in Midtown Atlanta is South City Kitchen. So it’s no wonder that their chicken and waffles are in the upper echelon!
Read more: The best chicken & waffles restaurants in Atlanta
Two other locations in the metro area make South City Kitchen hands down the most romantic dining empire in Atlanta.
Make a reservation at South City Kitchen: Midtown
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about South City Kitchen: Midtown: “Most of the weekend I was pretty underwhelmed by the food in Atlanta. Until I ate at this place. This place is a amazing small little restaurant. It feels like a small house and the food is of the highest quality. Our server Gabriel provides 5 star service and the manager even greeted us. You have to try the cornbread. It was the best I’ve ever had so far.”
Sear
265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 586-6134
Sear, located inside the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta, offers the opulence and style to help you impress that special someone.
After a fresh redesign and menu remake, Sear gives its guests reimagined dishes and an artsy atmosphere tailor made for couples. Yes, every single time.
Sun Dial
210 Peachtree Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 589-7506
The Sun Dial atop the Westin Hotel offers brilliant views of the city and is probably the most romantic ambiance in downtown Atlanta. Is kind of hard to beat a spinning restaurant that shows you 360 degree views of the Atlanta skyline.
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Sun Dial: ” The atmosphere is incredible and the view is to die for! We had a full three course meal and loved all of it. Then we went up to the observation deck and took in the live music and the sites. I love how they give you a history of Atlanta with their interactive digital tour..”
Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint
200 Peachtree St. NW L05, Atlanta, 404-230-5853
Housed in a former Macy’s department store in downtown Atlanta, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is a favorite spot for tourists and business travelers.
Make a reservation at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint
Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is owned by Terry Harps, a former CPA who also presides over Global Concessions Inc., a multi-concept operator involved in dining options at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The restaurant opened in 2011 and is known for its live music on weekends.
New York Prime
3424 Peachtree Rd NE #100, Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 846-0644
This is the place you take your out-of-town guests to impress them. The steak is awesome, but the sides are out of this world.
Make a reservation at New York Prime
A Yelper says: “”The bar area is cigar friendly- which I love, but they have great ventilation if you don’t. The steaks have a great char.” Address: Monarch Tower 3424 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
3101 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 266-9988
If you want to gorge on flavorful meat, this venerable spot has an all-you-can-eat option that makes it a city favorite.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
2 Urban Licks
820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
2 Urban Licks is a great date night restaurant for a number of reasons: It’s a chi chi spot, the drinks are amazing and it’s a people-watching place.
Here is what one Google reviewer says about 2 Urban Licks: “It was a great casual place to celebrate our anniversary! Food was great! Beware though, the quantities are large! We decided to share 3 apps and an entree…even that was too much food.”
Coalition Food & Beverage
Coalition Food and Beverage is spread across 3,331-square-feet of space and seats approximately 150 diners, including a bar, outdoor dining and private dining.
While not as stiff and contemporary-looking as many of the restaurants you’d see in Midtown, Coalition at 50 Canton Street in Alpharetta strives for a more urban aesthetic and community feel.
White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails
270 Peachtree St NW, 100, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 524-7200
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about White Oak Kitchen: “I was staying in a hotel adjacent to this restaurant and went in for a late night bite and drink with my wife. We just wanted an appetizer and drinks but, what a creative selection, it was hard to choose just a few things. We got some wine and a couple of cocktails and the charred broccoli and carrots.”
Paschal’s
180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 30313
Intl Airport, Concourse B, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, N Terminal Rd Suite T120, Atlanta, GA 30320
Known as the kitchen of the civil rights movement, Paschals has had the most continuous success of any soul food joint in the city.
Founded by the Paschal brothers, James and Robert in 1947, this CastleberryHill eatery has long enjoyed strong support from Atlanta’s black community. Since 1947, James and Robert Paschal, The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy and Hosea Williams all planned protests in the back room while collard greens and corn bread baked only feet away from them.
Make a reservation at Paschal’s.
Today, Elby Marshall Slack is the only original member of the staff still there. Paschal’s has morphed into a mid-upscale eatery with a cosmopolitan clientele. But it still has some of the meanest soul food in the ATL. Best dishes include Gulf shrimp, chicken and Andouille as well as the Caribbean Fish Tacos.
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318
This West Midtown eatery has quickly stolen the hearts of soul food lovers in the city. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is run by Executive Chef and Owner Deborah VanTrece has become a culinary force in Atlanta. She also runs her own catering company Catering by VanTrece.
Make a reservation at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
One of the best restaurants for couples in Atlanta, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours has become known as an eatery that offers creative versions of Southern classics such as Jack Daniels Pecan Honey Chicken Wings and Sweet Tea Baby Back Ribs. Their Blue Plate Specials are great.
Final Bite
If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant to take a loved one, Atlanta’s dining scene is up to the taste. The most romantic spots don’t have to have red roses or fine china, but the atmosphere must be relaxed and subdued.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 20+ essential soul food spots in Atlanta
Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.
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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National Ice Cream Day is ways off and we’re wanting something cool and delicious to munch on.
When Is National Ice Cream Day?
National Ice Cream Day this year is Sunday, July 20, 2025 — but we don’t have to wait until then.
This article is going to show you where you can get the best ice cream in Atlanta.
Best Places To Get Ice Cream In Atlanta
Ice cream is one of those delicacies that bring out strong feelings from people. As you look through our list, these are the ones we’ve personally tried at AtlantaFi.com, so if you know others, please let us know.
Read to take a cool journey around some of the best ice cream spots in Atlanta? Let’s go…
Jake’s Ice Cream
660 Irwin St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (678) 705-7945
Here’s what one reviewer says about Jake’s Ice Cream: “Homemade flavors!! The time and quality of creamery makes this a special place. You’ll be reminded of grandma’s back porch ice cream machine with every spoonful!”
Kilwins Atlantic Station
1380 Atlantic Dr #14160, Atlanta, GA 30363 | (404) 817-7500
Here is what one reviewer says about Kilwins Atlantic Station: “This is definitely a chocolate lovers shop! They have many different chocolate choices, milkshakes, cookies, cakes, sundaes, brownies, popcorn, & so much more!! I adore this place, I have a strong sweet tooth and always come here when in the area.”
Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream
749 Moreland Ave SE # B102, Atlanta, GA 30316 | (404) 622-0210
Here’s what one reviewer says abotu Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream: “Great ice cream with new and interesting flavors!! The Heath and Butterscotch was delicious. My dog loved the whipped cream and her opinion is the only one that really matters.”Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
250 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 343-4837
Here’s what one reviewer says about Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream: “Sub Zero wasn’t our original destination. To avoid a long wait elsewhere I had my son check for ice cream shops nearby. We were not disappointed at all! Staff was very patient and helped wife and I decide on “sensation”. She had the Chocolate Conduction, I had the Peanut Butter Bonds, and our son created his own (Root Beer w/ Cheesecake). A little pricey, but all were very delicious! We’ll definitely visit this location again.”Wonderkid
777 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 | (404) 331-0909
Here’s what one reviewer says about Wonderkid’s soft serve options provided by King ofPops: “Wonderkid is such a unique place! The cashier was lovely and super helpful. Our food came out quickly and was DELICIOUS! My personal favorite part of our visit was the King of Pops soft serve. We will be returning in the future!”
Best Ice Cream Makers For Some DIY Ice Cream
If you want to know how to make ice cream at home, surely you want to know what the moms and pops are using. Here are the top ice cream makers from Amazon:
Cuisine Art Yogurt And Ice Cream Maker
Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Nostalgia 2-Quart Ice Cream Maker
Last Word
Whatever you do, don’t get too hot outside. If you enjoy the hot weather, chances are it’s because you know how to beat the heat with some cool, refreshing treats. The best ice cream can do that.
Aside from the best ice cream in Atlanta, the city has other treats and eats to offer.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
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The old saying “we all scream for ice cream,” will be heard anew this weekend as Pecan Jacks, a speciality ice cream and candy shop, opens its doors in West Midtown and joins the city’s best ice cream joints.
There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, February 16, 2025 at the new location.
Pecan Jacks is a a family-owned sweet shop serving up homemade alcohol-infused ice cream and handcrafted Southern treats like pralines, brittle, and more.
The owners, husband and wife duo Sherika and Mae Ekpo, are the first franchisees for the brand, which is expanding its Florida (Santa Rosa Beach, Sea Grove, etc.) footprint into Georgia.
Where Is Pecan Jacks Located in Atlanta?
Pecan Jacks is located at 800 Marietta Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
West Midtown has it going on these days, from new restaurants, places to chill and hang out and more.
Check out the best places to eat in West Midtown.
The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
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.
- WhereTo Eat In Atlanta
- The Best Atlanta Restaurants Near Atlanta
- Best Date Night Restaurants You Have To Try Right Now
Check out Pecan Jacks.
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The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. rightfully received tons of credit and recognition from his supporters, but none were more important to him than his wife, the late Coretta Scott King.
Not only is she one of the most iconic women to ever live in America, but along with her husband, she continues to be a charismatic force for good across the world.
You may know that she lived most of her adult life in Atlanta, Georgia, but there’s so much more you may not know. This article will shed some light on the woman behind one of modern history’s most respected leaders.
Best Coretta Scott King Quotes
Mrs. King left us with some indelible quotes that continue to inspire and motivate us years later. Here are some of her best quotes.
On Hate: Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.On Freedom: Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.On the importance of women in the movement: Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.On humanity: I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.On her in-laws: Mama and Daddy King represent the best in manhood and womanhood, the best in a marriage, the kind of people we are trying to become.Here Are 11 Things You May Not Know About Coretta Scott King
Coretta Scott was born in 1927 in Helberger, Alabama, about 40 miles northwest of Selma. Coretta‘s parents were Obadiah Scott and Bernice McMurry Scott.
She Was Valedictorian Of Her High School Class
Mrs. King was super-smart! She graduated as a valedictorian from Lincoln Normal School in 1945.
The school, which closed in 1970, was founded in 1867 by freed slaves as a school for black children.
Coretta Scott King Was Musically Inclined
As a young person, Mrs. King was skilled at playing various instruments in high school. She played trumpet and piano, sang in the chorus, and participated in school musicals.
When she enrolled at Antioch College, she studied music. She later would make history as she became the first non-white chair of an academic department in a historically white college.
She would later transfer from Antioch to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. That’s when she would meet her future husband.
She Babysat A Famous Actor
As a young professional, Mrs. King took up babysitting as a means to earn some extra cash. One family that employed her were the Lithgows family. Coretta would go on to babysit John Lithgow, who went on to become a famous actor in Hollywood.
(Another fun fact is that Lithgow is actor Brad Pitt’s uncle.)
Coretta Changed Her Wedding Vows
When the Kings were married, during the wedding there was one unique variation of the wedding vows: In an unusual move, Coretta had the vow to obey her husband removed from the ceremony.
Obviously, this didn’t mean a thing to MLK, who loved his wife more than anything in the world.
She Played A Major Role In The Passing Of The Civil Rights Act
Contrary to popular belief, Mrs. King was as much as a civil rights leader as her husband. She did as much as anybody to help get the Civil Rights Act passed.
“Not enough attention has been focused on the roles played by women in the struggle. By and large, men have formed the leadership in the civil rights struggle but…women have been the backbone of the whole civil rights movement,” she reportedly said.
After MLK’s Assassination, Coretta Sought A Woman To Take Her Place In the Movement
Not long after her husband’s assassination in 1968, Coretta approached the African American entertainer and activist Josephine Baker to take her husband’s place as leader of The Civil Rights Movement. After many days of thinking it over Baker declined, stating that her twelve adopted children (known as the “rainbow tribe”) were ” … too young to lose their mother.”[5] Shortly after that Coretta decided to take the helm of the movement herself.
She Founded The King Center In Atlanta
It is said that two days after MLK’s death, Mrs. King began plans to honor her husband with a lasting memorial.
As a leader of the movement, King founded the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta. She served as the center’s president and CEO
from its inception until she passed the reins of leadership to son Dexter Scott King. Today the King Center is the official memorial dedicated to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and center of nonviolent social change.
She Petitioned For Years For MLK Day
As far back as 1972, Mrs. King envisioned a national holiday to honor her husband.She openly opined that there should be a day on the American calendar to honor a black man “and, at this point, Martin is the best candidate we have.”
She petitions were eventually successful in 1986, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was made a federal holiday by President Ronald Reagan.
Oprah Helped Her Find A New Place To Live
In the 1990s, Mrs. King’s home has been hit by several burglaries, including one in which the intruder encountered her sleeping in her bed. After the incidents were highly publicized in the newspapers, media maven Oprah Winfrey paid for her to move into an expensive condo in Buckhead. Former tenants included Elton John and Janet Jackson.
There Is Also A Coretta Scott King Center
In 2005, Mrs. King gifted the use of her name to her alma mater, Antioch College at Yellow Springs, to create the Coretta Scott King Center, an experiential learning resource to address issues of race, class, gender, diversity, and social justice.
She Died In Another Country
After a series of mild strokes, Coretta Scott King traveled to Mexico to begin at the rehabilitation center in Rosarito Beach. She checked in under a fake name, but her real identity soon became known to her caretakers.
Inside the Oasis Hospital, she underwent holistic therapy for her stroke and advanced-stage ovarian cancer. She died on the late evening of January 30, 2006.
Conclusion
Coretta Scott King is one of the iconic figures of the 20th century. She will always be known as the heart and soul of the civil rights movement, but she was much more. She was a dedicated servant, leader, author, humanitarian, mother and American matriarch.
Other women of the movement helped to shape the world we live in right now. What they didn’t tell you about Rosa Parks.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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If you’re a fan of oysters (we are!) you’re going to love what’s cracking in February’s largest oyster fest: Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest.
The event is going to be filled with cold brews, cocktails, oysters, seafood from the Louisiana Gulf Coast and live music.
Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest: What To Know
Atlanta’s original Oysterfest is back for its 37th year, taking place on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the corner of Peachtree Street and 12th Street in Midtown, just two blocks from the Steamhouse Lounge’s iconic beach house.
Weekend tickets are on sale now for $25, plus fees, and include two days of live music. Single-day tickets for Sunday are available for $20, plus fees. Advance tickets can be purchased at steamhouselounge.com.
The event is for ages 21 and up, but festival-goers under 21 are permitted when accompanied by an adult 25 or older.
All attendees over 12 are required to have a ticket for entry. Please note that Oysterfest is cashless; all transactions at the gates, bars, and restaurants will only accept credit or debit cards. Attendees are encouraged to take MARTA to the 10th Street Midtown Station for convenience.
The festival will offer fresh oysters, seafood from the Louisiana Gulf Coast, Steamhouse’s legendary lobster bisque, and beverages available for purchase at bars and stations throughout the festival grounds.
The 37th Annual Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest benefits the Atlanta Leadership Club, Shells To Shore, and Giving Kitchen.
Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest: Music Lineup
The festival will feature a lineup of musical talent from across the country, including performances by Davis & The Love, Dumpstaphunk, Francisco Vidal, The Happy Hour, Kranberries, The Nth Power, Smokey Jones and The 3 Dollar Pistols, and Sucker Punch.
Explore Your Atlanta
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!
While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.
Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com: