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Are you ready for Atlanta’s new food hall? Halidom, which means sanctuary in Greek, is opening its doors in East Atlanta this week.
When Is Halidom Opening?
Halidom is having a soft opening May 20-22, 2024. The establishment will use that time to train the staff properly while giving you some tasty dishes you’ll no doubt fall in love with. Halidom’s official opening is May 24.
Halidom comes to us from entrepreneur Hal Blackman, founder of IST Management Services, a tech firm. If you haven’t noticed, the restaurant business has pivoted hard into technology since the pandemic, and that’s good news for food and drink lovers.
The food hall, spread out over two acres just off Moreland Avenue, has more than 300 seats, 11 stalls, and a bar. Its hours of operation are:
- Monday – Thursday 11:00am to 9:00pm
- Friday – Saturday 11:00am to 10:00pm
- Sunday 11:00am to 8:00pm
The food hall has positioned itself as an active partner in the Atlanta foodie’s daily life, hosting a slate of events like Soulful Mondays, Tequila Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays and Brunch La Rose on Sundays.
What Restaurants Are At Halidom?
- Luze Mexicano Cucino
- Mad Dad Phillys cheesesteaks
- Press Waffle Co.
- Locale Island Eats
- Luco’s Brooklyln Pizza
- Mango Indian Grill
- Wasabi Sushi & Ramen
- The French Fry Specialist
- Deallo’s Seafood
- Grind Time Coffee Co.
- Just Dogs ATL
- Bar La Rose
Where Is Halidom Located?
Halidom is located at 1341 Moreland Ave SE Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30316. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
The culinary excellence of Southern food is only part of the reason why Atlanta restaurants are having a moment. New entries into the restaurant entry, including steakhouses, seafood and fast-casual, represent a growing segment of the new Atlanta restaurants
Stay with AtlantaFi.com to learn more about Atlanta food halls and what’s next.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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Chain restaurants are having a tough time of late, and it’s hitting close to home for Georgia residents. Red Lobster recently announced that it was shutting down several locations across the nation, including some in Georgia.
Which Red Lobsters Are Closing in Georgia?
In Georgia, specifically metro Atlanta, these Red Lobsters are closing their doors permanently.
- 1050 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell
- 1956 W. Broad Street, Athens
- 2105 Veterans Blvd., Dublin
The restaurant announced the news days before Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy.
Why Is Red Lobster In Financial Trouble?
Red Lobster has run into financial difficulty after trying to avoid bankruptcy last year. The brand was purchased in 2016 by Thai Union, which had a minority stake in 2020 when the pandemic struck.
More recently, in March, the company tapped Jonathan Tibus, who is a guru in restructuring, as its new CEO. There is wide speculation that Red Lobster is preparing to file for bankruptcy.
Aside from the Georgia locations, here are the other states where Red Lobster locations will close.
Alabama
- 1805 Opelika Highway in Auburn
- 2027 Beltline Road Southwest in Decatur
California
- 1345 Dana Drive in Redding
- 6440 Redwood Drive in Rohnert Park
- 1400 Howe Avenue in Sacramento
- 8330 Mira Mesa Boulevard in San Diego
- 21233 Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance
Colorado
- 8268 East Northfield Boulevard in Denver
- 810 South Wadsworth Boulevard in Lakewood
- 9067 Westview Road in Lone Tree
- 4455 Wadsworth Boulevard in Wheat Ridge
Florida
- 340 West State Road 436 in Altamonte Springs
- 6910 West Newberry Road in Gainesville
- 1750 West 49th Street in Hialeah
- 10500 East Ulmerton Road in Largo
- 8003 Golden Sky Lane in Orlando
Idaho
- 2115 Thain Grade in Lewiston
Illinois
- 391 West Army Trail Road in Bloomingdale
- 3217 Vermilion Street in Danville
Indiana
- 1752 North Shadeland Avenue in Indianapolis
- 3009 Brittany Court in Elkhart
Iowa
- 3040 Dial Drive in Council Bluffs
- 941 East San Marnan Drive in Waterloo
Maryland
- 15700 Shady Grove Road in Gaithersburg
- 9011 Snowden Square Drive in Columbia
- 8533 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring
- 14368 Baltimore Avenue in Laurel
Michigan
- 4220 24th Avenue in Fort Gratiot
Mississippi
- 3897 Promenade Parkway in D’Iberville
New York
- 4010 Maple Road in Amherst
- 1 Miron Lane in Kingston
- 655 West Jefferson Road in Rochester
New Jersey
- 303 NJ-10 in Ledgewood
North Dakota
- 2675 32nd Avenue South in Grand Forks
Oklahoma
- 3112 Northwest Cache Road in Lawton
South Carolina
- 10000 Highway 17 North, Myrtle Beach
Texas
- 104 Texas 332 in Lake Jackson
- 3515 McCann Road in Longview
- 7835 Interstate 35 South in San Antonio
Virginia
- 119 Temple Lake Drive in Colonial Heights
- 2100 Richmond Road in Williamsburg
- 12580 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News
Washington State
- 3208 Northwest Randall Way in Silverdale
Wisconsin
- 2801 North Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa
- 3333 State Road 16 in La Crosse
Final Word
Red Lobster is not the only thing in town, thankfully. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
Make it an event-filled weekend and eat at an Atlanta restaurant near you.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.
More Food Coverage:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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Mardi Gras. Jazzfest. Bourbon Street. There are many reasons to visit New Orleans, Louisiana.
Atlanta, Georgia to New Orleans, Louisiana is a fun and eventful road trip. If you’re planning this trip, please know that you’re in store to experience some festive events like Mardi Gras, enjoy some sounds and taste some authentic cuisine.
In this article, we’ll go over some awesome things to know about your Atlanta-to-New Orleans trip.
Atlanta To New Orleans: Everything You Need to Know
First of all, you need to think about how you’re going to get from Georgia to Louisiana:
By Air or Car
No matter how you get there, you need to plan accordingly to not waste money on airfare or gas money or even on a rental car.
If You’re Flying
If you’ve decided to fly, you know that flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport run about $200 roundtrip.
A sampling of airfares from Google Flights showed one-way flights as low as $45 and as high as $177. These were all nonstop flights about three weeks out.
Airlines Best Departing Flights Airfare Spirit Airlines 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. $45 Delta Air Lines 2:42 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. $147 Delta Air Lines 8:18 a.m. to 8:49 a.m. $177 Frontier Airlines 6:25 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. $108 Southwest Airlines 7:40 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. If You’re Driving
If you’ve decided to get behind the wheel and drive the route, you should know that it’s a very picturesque drive the entire way.
What’s The Best Route To Take From Atlanta To New Orleans?
Here is the best route to take for your ATL to Nola trip.
- Start off on Interstate 85 South in Atlanta.
- Take it to Interstate 65 in Montgomery
- Keep driving until you hit Interstate 10 in Mobile
- Take Interstate 10 into New Orleans
The entire road trip should take about six hours.
Once you get to New Orleans, you’re either going to pull into your hotel or Airbnb (unless you’ve made plans to stay with friends or family).
Where To Stay In New Orleans
Photo credit: Troubadour Hotel Some of the most affordable places to stay in New Orleans include the Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome ($93 a night) or the Wyndham in the French Quarter for an even $100 a night and even the Quisby Hotel, which has rates starting at $68.
One of my favorites is the Troubadour Hotel New Orleans, which has rates starting at
To compare rates, go to Google Flights and plug in the length of your stay.
What To Do In New Orleans
Now it’s time to get to the nitty gritty. What are some things you can do in New Orleans? Here are several cool things to get into.
Pitot House
1440 Moss St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-0312
If you want a dose of antebellum history, the Pitot House in New Orleans fits the bill. The historic landmark is an 18th-century Creole colonial country home and makes for a great weekend stop.
Jackson Square
701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200
Jackson Square is a historic landmark in the heart of New Orleans. The site is the centerpiece is a beautiful park and holds unparalleled historic significance: It’s the site where the Louisiana Purchase was made official.
Here’s what one visitor says about Jackson Square: “Jackson’s square was beautiful. There wasn’t many people at 11:30 when we went but it was also about to storm. There is a farmers market a couple blocks away that is a must to go through. If you time it right you can watch the riverboat take off for a tour. Very pleased with how clean the park was and the music playing by live performers.”
Take A Swamp Tour
When you come to Nola, there are few things as bayou-authentic as a swamp tour. You’ll enjoy the time outdoors, get a real taste of the bayou and even get to see some alligators.
Here are some top swamp tour companies:
- New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours | (504) 571-9975
- Bayou Swamp Tours | (504) 370-8771
- Gators & Ghosts: A New Orleans Tour Company
Eat Some Beignets At Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is known around the world as having some of the best powdered dumplings — beignets — you can find outside of France.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cafe Du Monde. “What else can I say that hasn’t already been said. This place is an absolute must despite the touristy crowd. The jazz band that sits on the sidewalk out front adds the perfect level of cover from the hustling and bustling sounds of the street.”
Longue Vue House and Gardens
7 Bamboo Rd, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 488-5488
If you enjoy outdoor scenes, Longue Vue is a must-visit. The site is one of the most famous when it comes to natural beauty. The historic house museum is one of the most photographic places you can see in the city.
National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 528-1944
It goes without saying that the National WWII Museum holds many of the city’s secrets. Etched on the walls are the names of the proud war dead, heroes not only in New Orleans but across America.
City Park
One of the most photogenic places in New Orleans is City Park, located in the heart of the city. Spread out across 1,300 acres, City Park was created in 1854, making it one of the oldest parks in America.
See more of what to do in New Orleans.
Where To Eat In New Orleans
Now it’s time to eat. Of course, you’ve heard about the renown cuisine of the Big Easy. The first thing you may want to try is a po-boy. Here are some of the best places to grab a po-boy in New Orleans:
Parkway Bakery
538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-3047
Here is what one customer says about Parkway Bakery, which is the home of the po-boy: “My first trip to New Orleans and my first stop to eat was Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a Fried Shrimp Poor Boy Dressed. This and a Sweet Tea hit the spot. Great place to eat and a must if you are wanting a Poor Boy. I’ve been other places to get a Po Boy, but nothing like getting one in New Orleans. I highly recommend making a trip to Parkway and get your Poor Boy fix. Just need one in North Alabama. This was my first time dining here.”
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 899-9126
Here’s what one reviewer says about Domilie’s: “Great little place. Classic NOLA po-boys. Quick service. Was not dine in when we were there, but it was 70 degrees outside with clear blue skies and our crew got a variety of sandwiches: shrimp, roast beef, ham/cheese – they were all good. Great fries – very substantial.”
Guy’s Po-Boys
5259 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 891-5025
Here’s what one custome says about Guy’s Po-Boys: “Amazing! Loved our shrimp po boy! Cheese fries were nothing to write home about. Staff was super friendly and we loved this quaint spot!”
Johnny’s Po-Boys
511 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 524-8129
Here’s what one customer says about Johnny’s Po-Boys: “Best Po-boy I’ve ever had in my life. Gotta get the surf and turf.”
Killer PoBoys
219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 462-2731
Here’s what one customer says about Killer PoBoys: “We got the sweet potato po boy with collard greens and a black eye pea / pecan spread. Also got the pecan butter and jelly. Both were delicious. Definitely recommend this place.” See more of the best po-boy shops in New Orleans.
Final Word
No matter if you’re planning on staying in New Orleans for two weeks or a weekend, just know that you’re going to have a great time.
And as good as the food is and as rich as the culture is, it’s the people that make New Orleans a world-class city. They will show you a good time, recommend cool nightspots and advise you where to get “the good gumbo.”
Here Are The Best Places To Eat In New Orleans
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Atlanta-born rapper Childish Gambino has announced his New World tour taking place this year along with Willow and Amaarae. And yes, Atlanta is a city on the list. So is Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago and other big cities.
The rapper, aka, Donald Glover, also released his Atavista (3.15.20 reimagined versions) project, a favorite of his fans. The artist shared on social media that. “%his album is the finished version of “3.15.20”, the album i put out 4 years ago. there’s a special vinyl coming soon w/ visuals for each song. the all new childish gambino album comes out in the summer.”
Childish Gambino’s Tour Stops By Atlanta: When?
So when does Childish Gambino’s tour have a date in Atlanta? The tour stops by on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024.
Presale tickets began Wednesday 5/15, [and Amex card members] . The General sale begins Friday 5/17
American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public for North American, Australian and select UK dates.
Here are the complete tour dates:
North America Tour Dates
Oklahoma City, OK – August 11 – Paycom Center
Kansas City, MO – August 12 – T-Mobile Center
Milwaukee, WI – August 14 – Fiserv Forum
Columbus, OH – August 15 – Schottenstein Center
Detroit, MI – August 17 – Little Caesars Arena
Toronto, ON – August 18 – Scotiabank Arena
Pittsburgh, PA – August 20 – PPG Paints Arena
Philadelphia, PA – August 21 – Wells Fargo Center
Boston, MA – August 23 – TD Garden
Uncasville, CT – August 24 – Mohegan Arena
Brooklyn, NY – August 26 & 27 – Barclays Center
Washington, D.C. – August 29 – Capital One Arena
Raleigh, NC – August 30 – PNC Arena
Nashville, TN – September 1 – Bridgestone Arena
Atlanta, GA – September 2 – State Farm Arena
Tampa, FL – September 4 – Amalie Arena
Sunrise, FL – September 5 – Amerant Bank Arena
New Orleans, LA – September 7 – Smoothie King Center
Houston, TX – September 8 – Toyota Center
Austin, TX – September 10 – Moody Center
Dallas, TX – September 11 – American Airlines Center
Denver, CO – September 13 – Ball Arena
Salt Lake City, UT – September 14 – Delta Center
Phoenix, AZ – September 16 – Footprint Center
Los Angeles, CA – September 18 & 19 – Crypto.com Arena
San Francisco, CA – September 21 – Chase Center
Vancouver, British Columbia – September 23 – Rogers Arena
Portland, OR – September 24 – Moda Center
Seattle, WA – September 25 – Climate Pledge Arena
Calgary, Alberta – September 27 – Scotiabank Saddledome
Edmonton, Alberta – September 29 – Rogers Place
Saint Paul, MN – October 2 – Xcel Energy Center
Chicago, IL – October 3 – United CenterEurope Tour Dates
Lyon, France – October 31 – LDLC Arena
Milan, Italy – November 2 – Unipol Forum
Cologne, Germany – November 4 – Lanxess Arena
Hamburg, Germany – November 6 – Barclays Arena
Oslo, Norway – November 8 – Oslo Spektrum
Copenhagen, Denmark – November 10 – Royal Arena
Prague, Czechia – November 12 – O2 Arena
Berlin, Germany – November 13 – Uber Arena
Paris, France – November 19 – Accor Arena
Munich, Germany – November 21 – Olympiahalle
Brussels, Belgium – November 23 – ING Arena
Amsterdam, Netherlands – November 24 – Ziggo Dome
Manchester, England – November 26 – AO Arena
Glasgow, Scotland – November 28 – OVO Hydro
London, England – November 30 & December 1 – The O2
Birmingham, England – December 3 – Utilita Arena
Dublin, Ireland – December 5 – 3ArenaAustralia Tour Dates
Auckland, New Zealand – January 28 – Spark Arena
Brisbane, Australia – February 1 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Sydney, Australia – February 4 – Qudos Bank Arena
Melbourne, Australia – February 7 – Rod Laver Arena
Perth, Australia – February 11 – RAC ArenaAfter the New World tour jaunts through North America, the show continues in Australia and travels to Europe for a few dates.
Glover also released the video Little Foot, Big Foot to drum up attention for the tour.
Final Word
Did somebody say live music? That’s what Atlanta has a lot of. From the small cubby holes you’ll find in the suburbs to the elegant stages of Midtown and Buckhead, ATL has music for your ears. Check out our Atlanta Live Music Guide to see who’s performing where.
You might also enjoy some spoken word or jazz brunches that Georgia’s largest city has to offer. We get down not just on fun-filled weekends, but through the week as well.
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With the recent announcement that Chili’s is closing down in several U.S. cities, it stands to reason that there may be some trepidation among Atlanta foodies as to whether the popular restaurant will remain open in the metro area.
If you recall, some local Chili’s restaurants have already closed their doors around Atlanta.
- In 2019, the Chili’s at Lindbergh at 2440 Piedmont Rd in Buckhead closed for good.
- In June 2023, the Chili’s at 3625 Dallas Highway in West Cobb shut down.
- In August 2023, Chili’s at 4784 Ashford Dunwoody Road closed its doors.
Will Chili’s In Atlanta Remain Open?
It’s too early to tell whether any other Chili’s locations in Atlanta will close permanently, but with the recent reductions in business, it makes sense that more closures are on the way. Red Lobster is also closing some Atlanta-area locations.
With nearly 50 locations, Chili’s had its largest presence in Atlanta just two years ago.
Where Is Chili’s Bar & Grill Located in Atlanta?
As of now, there are a handful of Chili’s restaurants in Atlanta.
- Toco Hills: 2133 Lavista Rd. Northeast, Atlanta, GA
- Camp Creek: 3660 Camp Creek Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
- Mt. Zion: 2230 Mt. Zion Pkwy., Morrow, GA 30260
- Austell: 4145 Austell Road, Austell, GA 30106
- Stonecrest: 2920 Stonecrest Cir, Lithonia, GA 30038
- Town Center: 851 Cobb Place Blvd., Kennesaw, GA 30144
- Providence Square: 4111 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062
- McDonough: 1740 Jonesboro Road, McDonough, GA 30253
- Hiram: 5100 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram, GA 30141
- Peachtree City: 250 Market Place Connector, Peachtree City, GA 30269
If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.
More Food Coverage:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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HERide, Atlanta’s pioneering ride-sharing service committed to inclusivity and safety, has launched its service at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the company recently announced.
With the launch, HERide makes history as the city’s first female and LGBTQIA+ friendly transportation option to operate alongside industry giants Uber and Lyft.
Founded by minority entrepreneurs, HERide is dedicated to providing a safe, reliable, and welcoming experience for all passengers, with a special focus on serving women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
HERide’s arrival at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport marks a significant milestone for minority-owned businesses in the transportation industry. With a mission to prioritize safety and inclusivity, HERide has rapidly established itself as a leader in Atlanta’s ride-sharing landscape, offering an alternative option for travelers seeking a more personalized and secure transportation experience.
How To Sign Up for HERide
To sign up for HERide service, download the app (iOS or Android) and register inside the app.
Jillian Anderson, Chief Technology Officer at HERide, emphasizes the company’s commitment to leveraging innovative technology to enhance safety and security for passengers.
“At HERide, we prioritize the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology that leads to a safer ride-sharing experience for all. From advanced driver screening processes to real-time tracking and emergency assistance features, our platform is designed to provide peace of mind to our passengers at every step of their journey.”
In addition to its focus on safety, HERide has experienced remarkable growth since its inception, with traffic increasing by an impressive 175% since the introduction of airport signage at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
DeVynne Starks, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at HERide, attributes this success to the company’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its passengers.
“We are thrilled to see the tremendous response to HERide since our expansion to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and convenient transportation option has resonated with travelers, and we are proud to continue serving our community with excellence.”
Final Word
Entrepreneurs are flocking to Atlanta to make it happen. We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.
Not only does Atlanta have the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
More Articles Like This:
Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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The Atlanta Hawks made NBA history on Sunday, May 12, 2024, by winning the league’s draft lottery for the first time in the team’s history.
The Hawks had just a 3% chance of winning the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, but now that they’ve ended up with the No. 1 overall pick, questions emerge.
Who Should the Hawks Draft With the No. 1 Pick?
Basketball experts are looking for Atlanta to draft Alex Sarr, of the Perth (Australia) Wildcats. Sarr is seen as the creme of the draft because of his strong defensive skills and his shot-blocking ability.
Sarr is also known to play on both ends of the floor. He has a big body that is good for being downlow in the post, but still agile enough to shot around the block.
Here are some highlights of Sarr playing awesome basketball.
What Will Trae Young Do?
The Hawks superstar guard Trae Young has been mentioned as potential trade bait, but now the Hawks have some decisions to make.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski’s report during the lottery, there is a strong likelihood that the Hawks will involve Young in trade discussions this offseason.
Wojnarowski mentioned, “They were discussing Dejounte Murray in trade talks. I believe that the potential for trade discussions involving Trae Young this spring and summer is quite real as well.”
Young is under contract for three more years, with the final year being a player option. He is slated to earn $43 million in the 2024-25 season, prompting the Hawks to consider moving on from his hefty salary and focusing on building for the future.
Young signaled that he is open to change recently as well. He left his longtime sports agency Klutch, to sign with Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry.
Read More on Atlantafi.com’s Sports Page:
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The Flying Biscuit, one of the best breakfast spots in Atlanta, is celebrating its relocation with some specials for one day only.
The eatery is opening on Monday, May 13 in the space formerly occupied by Lazy Betty. To kick off the festivities, The Flying Biscuit is offering some $1 specials on some of the restaurant’s most popular menu items.
- Monday: $1 Flying Biscuit Breakfast and $1 Sausage Dog
- Tuesday: $1 Hangover Hash and $1 Wake Up Burger
- Wednesday: $1 Biscuit Eggs & Gravy and $1 Fried Green Tomato BLT
- Thursday: $1 Stuffed French Toast Breakfast and $1 Chicken Club Wrap
- Friday: $1 Shrimp & Grits Entree and $1 Hot-Lanta Sandwich
The new Flying Biscuit is located at at 1530 DeKalb Ave, SE. Here is a map to help you find it.
Did somebody say food specials? Here are the latest happy hours and food specials in Atlanta.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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So, you didn’t quite get to see the purplish aurora illuminating across the Georgia night sky for past few nights. Do you still have time to see the northern lights in Atlanta and elsewhere in Georgia? Yes.
Auroras illuminating the night skies across the United States are an ongoing festival for the eyes that will continue into May 13 and May 14, 2024, according to federal forecasters.
Apart from the U.S., there have been reports of sightings in Germany, Switzerland, China, England, and Spain. The timing is convenient for viewers, although those keen on spotting auroras may need to stay up late to catch the best views.
Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict that the geomagnetic storm activity that have given Georgians beautiful displays of northern lights will likely peak again on Monday and Tuesday, although there is a possibility of cloud cover on Monday night.
The latest updates from the center suggest that Earth may experience geomagnetic storm activity on Monday, potentially extending into Tuesday.
“
“The two maps show the aurora and viewline tonight (Sunday, May 12) and tomorrow night (Monday, May 13). The brightness and location of the aurora is typically shown as a green oval centered on Earth’s magnetic pole. The green ovals turn red when the aurora is forecasted to be more intense. Aurora can often be observed somewhere on Earth from just after sunset or just before sunrise. The aurora is not visible during daylight hours. The aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as much as a 1000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right,” the NOAA says.
How To See The Northern Lights Aurora In Atlanta, Georgia
It’s likely that you can’t see the northern lights with the naked eye in Georgia, but you can with your phone. Your cell phone does a much better job of capturing light, so video some footage of the night sky and take some photos and examine them.
Users on social media platform X showed off their northern lights photos all weekend. Here are a few faves:
Final Word
Lights are one thing, sights and sounds are another. Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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More people are starting to realize that the key to their futures lie in investing in their properties and starting farms to grow their own foods and crops. This article will go over everything you need to start your own urban farm.Here’s How To Start Your Own Urban Farm
When you think of urban farming, perhaps a person with denim overalls and a cowboy hat comes to mind, but that’s not reality. Urban farming is something that everyday people — teachers, doctors, tradesman and tradeswomen — engage in.
The reasons why you may be interested in urban farming include:
- An interest in sustainability
- A desire to eat organic foods
- A desire to support locally sourced fruits and vegetable producers
Whatever your reasons, urban farming has also become a social movement across many neighborhoods. That’s certainly true for Georgia’s largest city.This article will tell you the ins and outs of urban farming and whether it’s worth it. We’ll start with the basics and work our way to everything you need to know to start your first crop in your own yard.
What Is Urban Farming?
Urban farming refers to growing, tilling or working a small plot of land either for commercial gain, as a hobby or for agricultural or horticultural reasons. The “urban” part of urban farming doesn’t have to mean that you farm in the big city. You can do it anywhere.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold across America in March 2020, people have taken a renewed interest in urban agriculture. But which parts of farming are you truly interested in?
Urban farming basically covers two segments of agriculture:
- Gardens
- Farms
Let’s talk about both of these aspects of urban farming to get a better understanding.
Gardens
Across places like metro Atlanta, gardening has become one of the favorite pastimes in the pandemic.
Plant nurseries and home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have experienced a boom in sales as more people look to beautify their yards with blooms and shrubs.
There is also a movement to build and maintain community gardens throughout Atlanta. Here’s a list of some community gardens in Atlanta.
Top Community Gardens In Atlanta
- Cabbagetown Community Garden
- Blue Heron Nature Preserve
- Gilliam’s Community Garden
- Grove Park Community Garden
- Little Nancy Creek Park Community Garden
- Stone Mountain Community Garden
If you want to join a community garden, you can sign up by doing research on the organization that sponsors it. To find a community garden near you, visit CommunityGarden.org.
Farms
Community farming has also become a social movement across many neighborhoods. It used to be a rare sight for the neighbors to have chicken eggs or cow’s milk for sale, but that’s no longer the case!
Atlanta is the site of the nation’s largest food forest, which is largely maintained and serviced by volunteers.
Other private farms are looking to align with like-minded people to collaborate on food and soil projects.
“We are working hard to train more urban growers to help us produce an abundance of fresh food for the community during this time,” according to the website of Gilliam’s Community Farm. The Gilliams operate a three-acre farm on Atlanta’s west side.
Photo credit: Gilliam’s Community Garden Bobby L. Wilson is another business owner working In Southwest Atlanta to educate the masses about growing food.Wilson is CEO of Metro Atlanta Urban Farm. He co-founded the five-acre property in College Park, Georgia to teach local youth and families the benefits of sustainability.Here are some urban farms you need to know about in Atlanta:
How Much Do Farmers Make A Year?
The average urban farm brings in less than $54,000 a year, according to a survey from the British Food Journal.That figure includes Europe and North America.
For perspective, 75% of U.S. farms pull in less than $50,000 a year in sales, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
That may not be a lot of money for all the effort it will take, but we’ll talk about that later.
Is Urban Farming Expensive?
You may be wondering if urban farming is an expensive endeavor. When you add up the supplies you need to get started with a farm it can be very costly.
You could pay $500 to $800 for supplies, but spend up to $15,000 on land improvements, so it just depends.
Speaking of land, do you happen to have one to five acres of your own Georgia red clay, or do you need to buy it?
As you may know, unless you’ve inherited some heirs property, getting your hands on a viable piece of land could be difficult.
Still, don’t let that deter you. Georgia has plenty of cheap land you can use for your farm.
You also want to consider what natural features the land has. Does it have a creek or ravine trenching through it? Is there a pasture area? Is it hilly or in a flood zone? These are all questions you will need to know.
Places To Look For Cheap Land
Because of its climate, Georgia is an especially fertile place to grow fruits and vegetables.
Here are some online resources to research plots of land in Georgia.
Here’s what to know about buying land in Georgia. Once you’ve purchased your plot, it’s time to think about what you need to get growing.
How Do I Start An Urban Farm?
Before you even start to buy supplies for a farm, there are some expenses you will incur just to find out if you have adequate and productive land.
- You’ll need a soil test
- Also, you’ll need to test the site’s water quality
- A sizeable plot based on what you plan to grow
- Government resources for funding, etc. See pandemic resources here.
Here’s a helpful tool kit from the USDA.
Speaking of tools, here are some basic tools you may need when you’re just starting out.
5 Essential Tools For A Small Farm
Pickup Truck
You’re going to need to haul many things, including soil, feed or even more equipment. You can find a cheap truck on PickupTrucks.com for less than $3,000.
Garden Tools
You’ll also need a lot of tools. You can pick up some items that you can use around your farm at your local tools store or on Amazon:
Tractor
Yes, you may want to buy a tractor so that you can work your land as quickly and efficiently as possible. You can find tractors for sale online with prices going from $7,000 to $30,000.
Once you gauge whether you have what you need to start a farm (and applied for a federal grant) it’s time to choose what you want to grow.Decide What You Want To Plant
When it’s time to choose which crops to plant in your urban farm, remember to pick those that grow well in the region you live. Here’s what grows in Atlanta, Georgia.
You also need to know what crops need plenty of sun and which ones take shade. Plan accordingly. Here’s an example of some vegetables you may be able to plant in the city.
- Lettuces
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Onions
- Leeks
- Squash
Do You Really Want To Be A Farmer?
Do you have a green thumb? What is it about urban farming that inspires you? These questions are important because you may find that what you really want to do is plant a few vegetables in a flower bed and call it a day.
Before you spend big money on farming supplies, it might be a good idea to micro-farm first to see if you enjoy it and have the fortitude for a bigger endeavor.
I started planting bell peppers and tomatoes on a small piece of land in my backyard. They came out good!
Here’s what to plant in Georgia depending on the time of year.
Final Word
Have you always dreamed of starting an urban farm? With today’s technology and tools, planting your own crops is as easy as ever — but it takes a lot of work.
So is starting an urban farm worth it? It depends on your goals and expectations. If you’re trying to grow a small crop to feed your family, it’s very likely that you will succeed.If you’re trying to feed a village, you may find that you don’t have the time, money or resources to achieve that.One thing that is essential in starting off with a small farm for hobby or other reasons is that you network with other farmers. Join farming groups on Facebook or Google “farmers” in your local community. They will be able to help you and encourage you when you need it.But learning about the soil and how it produces is one of the best things you can do. Not only is it educational, but in many ways gardening is therapeutic.
