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Michael Penix Jr. named his personal favorite quarterbacks of all time. Two years later, the internet still cannot slander it.
On Friday night, B/R Gridiron resurfaced a 2024 clip of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. listing his top five favorite QBs. Detroit account Lil Woadie (@iHateYeahTeriq) quote-tweeted it with a four-word concession that immediately took off: “LMFAO my bad bro you slander proof.”
Michael Penix Jr. Names His Top Quarterbacks
The question in the original video was specific: personal favorite five quarterbacks of all time. Penix did not hesitate.
His list: Michael Vick, Teddy Bridgewater, Patrick Mahomes, Warren Moon, and Lamar Jackson.
That is not a Mount Rushmore of the position. It is something more interesting.
Why the list hits different
Penix grew up in Tampa watching Vick rewrite what a quarterback could look like in Atlanta. Vick was the first elite dual-threat star of the modern era, a left-handed cultural icon who made defenders miss in space the way few pocket passers ever have. For a young lefty who later ended up in the same city, the connection is obvious.
Mahomes and Lamar Jackson need little explanation. One is the best player of this generation. The other is the best dual-threat quarterback alive. Both belong on almost any “players I loved watching” list from someone Penix’s age.
Warren Moon is the history pick. Moon was a pioneer — a Black quarterback who dominated in the CFL before proving himself in the NFL, Hall of Famer, cannon arm, and one of the players who expanded what was possible at the position.
Then there is Teddy Bridgewater.
That is the name that makes people pause, laugh, and then decide they cannot actually roast it.
Bridgewater was a first-round pick out of Louisville, a high-school legend in Florida (Penix’s home state), and a player whose career was defined as much by resilience as production. He survived a gruesome 2016 knee injury, bounced around as a high-floor starter and backup, and became known as “Teddy Two Gloves.” He was never a superstar. He was a guy a lot of people rooted for. Putting him next to Vick, Mahomes, Moon, and Lamar is the kind of personal, regional, slightly unhinged choice that feels more honest than another recycled Brady-Montana-Manning ranking.
Replies to the viral post immediately zeroed in on it. “Teddy Two Gloves mentioned.” “You ight Penix.” The joke writes itself, and then it stops being a joke.
“Slander proof” is the point
Sports Twitter loves roasting bad lists. This one is hard to roast because Penix never claimed these were the five greatest quarterbacks who ever lived. He said they were his favorites. That distinction matters.
A greatest-of-all-time list invites arguments about rings, passer rating, era adjustments, and whether you value peak or longevity. A personal list invites questions about who you actually watched, who you wanted to play like, and who felt like they belonged to you. Penix’s answers track with a left-handed kid from Florida who grew up on Vick, admired another Florida product in Bridgewater, and then watched Mahomes and Lamar take over the league.
The 2024 comments section already had the usual complaints: no Brady, too many Black quarterbacks, Teddy does not belong. The 2026 reaction is different. People saw the same clip and mostly shrugged, then laughed, then admitted the list has a kind of integrity. You can disagree with it. You cannot really dunk on it without looking like you missed the assignment.
That is what “slander proof” means here. The take is so specific to the person that attacking it just reveals you wanted a different conversation.
The timing is not accidental
The clip first dropped in May 2024, right after the Falcons drafted Penix eighth overall. B/R Gridiron recirculated it in late September 2026, during a season in which Penix is still fighting for the job in Atlanta after injuries and a competition with Tua Tagovailoa. He had just played in a win over Green Bay. The old interview suddenly felt like a reminder of who he is when he is not being evaluated snap-to-snap.17
Penix has never been a conventional prospect. Left-handed. Injury history. Drafted over the objections of people who wanted the team to stay with Kirk Cousins. His favorite-QB list fits the same pattern: not optimized for approval, just his.
Most quarterbacks give safe answers in these interviews. Penix gave Vick, Teddy Two Gloves, Mahomes, Moon, and Lamar, in that order, with no hedging. Two years later the internet is still watching the clip and deciding it cannot be slandered.
Sometimes the most interesting list is the one that was never trying to win the argument.
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BARA, a Trinidadian restaurant specializing in bold island flavors, soft-launched its brick-and-mortar location in Atlanta on September 10, 2026.
Located at 999 Chattahoochee Avenue NW in Atlanta’s Westside (the same address previously associated with the Caribbean restaurant Negril), BARA marks a new permanent home for the concept after building a following through its food truck and appearances at Smorgasburg Atlanta.
BARA Opens in Atlanta
The soft launch event ran from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring Trinidad & Tobago cuisine, community vibes, and music by DJ Zess DJ TNT. The restaurant’s tagline captures its spirit: “Bold Flavors. Island Vibes.”
From Food Truck to Permanent Spot
Siblings and co-founders Malissa Browne and Peter Best bring more than 20 years of experience in Atlanta’s Caribbean dining scene. They previously worked with Negril (including its food truck and catering operations, plus sister locations in Brooklyn) before launching Bara ATL as a food truck focused specifically on Trinidadian cuisine in 2025.
While many local Caribbean spots emphasize Jamaican fare, Browne and Best set out to highlight Trinidad & Tobago specialties. Browne has noted that the foods share similarities with other Caribbean traditions but feature distinct standouts. The name “BARA” nods to the fried flatbread central to one of Trinidad’s most iconic street foods. The concept gained visibility as a vendor at Smorgasburg Atlanta, the weekly open-air food festival, where it offered items like doubles, roti, oxtail bowls, and later Bake & Shark.
The Menu and Experience
BARA serves vibrant Trinidadian street-food-inspired dishes and Caribbean comfort fare made with island spices. Signature offerings include:
- Doubles — a popular vegan street food of two soft fried bara flatbreads filled with curried chickpeas (channa), typically topped with tamarind sauce, chutney, homemade pepper sauce, and sometimes mango slaw or cucumber.
- Roti.
- Bake & Shark — crispy fried fish with fresh bake (fried bread) and island fixings.
- Oxtail bowls and other hearty, spiced preparations.
The restaurant emphasizes authentic flavors, good food, good people, and lively energy. It offers catering and has posted hours that generally run Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., and Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (closed Mondays; confirm current times). Early Yelp listings show a perfect 5.0 rating based on limited initial reviews for the Trinidadian concept.
A New Chapter for Atlanta’s Caribbean Scene
The move to a fixed location at 999 Chattahoochee Avenue NW represents growth from pop-ups and markets into a dedicated home. It expands options for authentic Trinidadian cuisine in a city with a strong and diverse Caribbean food presence. The soft launch invited the community to experience the flavors and atmosphere as BARA settled into its new space.
Diners interested in trying BARA can visit 999 Chattahoochee Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Follow @baraatlanta on Instagram for the latest on hours, specials, and events. The opening adds another distinctive cultural voice to Atlanta’s evolving restaurant landscape, bringing the bold tastes of Trinidad & Tobago to the Westside.
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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Through October 15, Dos Caminos is turning the table into a celebration of Mexican flavors and community.
The restaurant is offering a $45 three-course prix fixe menu, specialty cocktails, $25 off catering orders of $250 or more, and a $1 donation to LaAmistad for every prix fixe sold.
Dos Caminos Marks Hispanic Heritage Month With a $45 Prix Fixe Menu, Support for LaAmistad
The promotion is part of Dos Caminos Atlanta’s Hispanic Heritage Month observance, running from September 15 through October 15 at 1100 Peachtree Street NE. The seasonal menu highlights regional Mexican ingredients such as Oaxaca cheese, mole poblano, tomatillo salsa, and handmade corn tortillas, with dishes that have included Taquitos de Pollo, Camarones Alambres, Dos Enchiladas, and Carnitas Tacos.
Each prix fixe sold sends $1 to LaAmistad, an Atlanta nonprofit that provides tutoring, mentoring, and family support for Latino students. The catering discount gives hosts another way to join the celebration at a larger scale.
Guests can also receive $25 off catering orders of $250 or more during the celebration, making it easy to bring Dos Caminos’ modern Mexican flavors to Hispanic Heritage Month gatherings and events.
The prix fixe is built as a full three-course meal. Each one begins with chips and queso with ranchero salsa, then a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert.
Appetizers
• Taquitos de Pollo: Pulled chicken, sweet potatoes, crema, queso fresco, and tomatillo salsa
• Chopped Salad: Red wine vinaigrette, shaved radish, and cotija cheese
• Camarones Alambres: Pepper jack–stuffed, bacon-wrapped shrimp with chipotle BBQ glaze and pickled jalapeño
Entrées
• Dos Enchiladas: Pastor chicken, corn tortillas, Oaxaca cheese, crema, mole poblano, salsa verde, and sesame seeds
• Carnitas Tacos: Twelve-hour roasted heritage pork, green chile salsa, pickled red onion, handmade corn tortillas, rice, and beans
• Dos Quesadillas: Pulled pastor chicken, Mexican cheeses, pico de gallo, guacamole, charred serrano, and crema
Desserts
• Tres Leches: A classic favorite making its debut on Dos Caminos’ dessert program
• Churros: Served with cajeta and chocolate sauces
• Fried Ice Cream: A crisp-and-creamy finish
The seasonal offering highlights regional Mexican ingredients and house signatures, from mole poblano and Oaxaca cheese to handmade corn tortillas. Specialty cocktails round out the table for diners who want the full celebration experience.
Reservations and details are available through Dos Caminos Atlanta. The offer runs through October 15.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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Michael Penix Jr. waited nearly 10 months to get back on an NFL field. On Thursday night in Green Bay, the wait ended with a statement.
Making his first start since tearing his left ACL in Week 11 last season, Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception as the Atlanta Falcons rolled to a 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The win was Atlanta’s first of the season and a sharp contrast to the offense’s struggles in the first two weeks.
Penix Returns From ACL Rehab, Beats Packers
Penix was not ready for the preseason finale in August. Teammates recalled him becoming emotional in the locker room because he knew his body still needed more time. On Thursday, that patience paid off. After an interception on the opening series, he settled in quickly. Over the second and third quarters he went 13-of-15 with a touchdown and converted all five third-down attempts. His scoring pass was a 5-yard toss to tight end Austin Hooper just before halftime.
Drake London was the primary beneficiary, catching nine passes for a career-high 194 yards. Bijan Robinson added 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries. The combination of Penix’s accuracy, London’s production and Robinson’s workload produced the kind of balanced attack the Falcons lacked while Penix recovered.
Atlanta entered the game 0-2 after scoring just 16 points combined in its first two contests. Tua Tagovailoa was slated to start Week 1 but suffered an oblique injury days before the opener; Cooper Rush then dealt with back spasms. The result was an anemic offense that failed to take a red-zone snap for 27 consecutive series to start the season. That drought ended Thursday.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski praised the work Penix put in behind the scenes—extra weight-room sessions, treatments, and field work with only trainers present. Teammates described him as eager to return and important to the locker room. Penix himself pointed to finding a rhythm after the early interception and said the group still has plenty to clean up on film.
The Falcons remain a work in progress at 1-2, but the quarterback who spent the offseason rehabbing an ACL is now back under center. For one night in Green Bay, that was enough to revive the attack.
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West Midtown Restaurant Week is Atlanta’s newest neighborhood dining celebration, running September 20–26, 2026. The inaugural event brings together more than 30 restaurants across the west side for prix-fixe menus, shareable plates, tasting flights, and special cocktails.
Organized by Livable Buckhead (the group behind Buckhead Restaurant Week) in partnership with the newly formed West Midtown Alliance, the week aims to spotlight one of the city’s most dynamic food districts and drive traffic after a wave of restaurant closures in recent years. The alliance is led by chef-owners Anne Quatrano of Bacchanalia and Summerland and Steven Satterfield of Miller Union.
West Midtown Restaurant Week: Participating Restaurants
West Midtown has long mixed industrial character with high-end dining. The neighborhood now claims a high concentration of James Beard Award winners and Michelin-recognized restaurants, from longtime institutions to newer openings. During Restaurant Week, diners can explore that range in a single stretch—everything from Michelin-starred tasting menus to casual coffee counters, tacos, pizza, and late-night drinks.
Standouts include Bacchanalia, the celebrated fine-dining destination from Quatrano and Clifford Harrison; Miller Union’s seasonal Southern cooking; The Optimist’s seafood-focused fare; Cooks & Soldiers’ Basque pintxos; O-Ku Atlanta’s contemporary Japanese and sushi; and newer or neighborhood-favorite spots such as Summerland, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours (offering a $50 three-course menu), Muchacho, Lucky Star, and Taqueria del Sol.
Many restaurants are offering multi-course prix-fixe options at various price points, along with brunch, lunch, and dinner specials. Tables book up quickly, so reservations are recommended. The official site, westmidtownrestaurantweek.com, lets visitors search by cuisine, meal type, and price.
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Participating Restaurants
- Avize Modern Alpine
- Bacchanalia
- Barrel Proof
- Cheba Hut
- Chicheria Mexican Kitchen
- Cooks & Soldiers
- Drawbar
- The Daily – West Midtown
- E+ROSE
- Emmy Squared Pizza
- Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q at The Works
- Füm
- Ghee Indian Kitchen
- Grecian Gyro
- Holiday Bar
- Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
- Little Sparrow
- Lo Kee
- Lucky Star
- Miller Union
- Monday Night Brewing – The Grove
- Muchacho
- O-Ku Atlanta
- The Optimist
- Ormsby’s
- The Painted Duck
- Paya Thai Kitchen
- Pretty Hens Rotisserie
- Summerland
- Taqueria del Sol
- Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
- the Woodall
- Your 3rd Spot
The list reflects the official 2026 lineup announced by organizers. Individual menus and availability can vary, so check the event website or each restaurant directly.
West Midtown Restaurant Week runs through Saturday, September 26. Whether you’re after a special-occasion tasting menu or a casual neighborhood meal, the week is a concentrated chance to eat across one of Atlanta’s most interesting dining corridors. For the latest details and reservations, visit westmidtownrestaurantweek.com.
Final Word
Speaking of dining in 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.
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There is a particular kind of Friday that Atlanta does well: the lights go down a little earlier, the first glass of wine arrives before the week has fully left the body, and live music turns dinner into an evening.
That is the idea behind Soulful Sips: Residency with Desmond Champion, a weekly gathering at The Betty, the mid-century-inspired supper club inside Kimpton Sylvan in Buckhead.
Soulful Sips at The Betty: What To Know
Every Friday, The Betty leans into what it does best—warm lighting, a sophisticated but unstuffy room, chef-driven food, and a bar that treats cocktails and wine as part of the night rather than an afterthought. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Atlanta artist Desmond Champion takes the room, filling it with soulful live music that is intimate enough for conversation and rich enough to linger over.
Champion, a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, is the kind of performer who makes a restaurant feel like a listening room without turning dinner into a concert. The residency is built for date night, a low-key celebration with friends, or that first exhale of the weekend when you want the city to feel close and glamorous at the same time.
Wine first, then the night unfolds
The evening’s signature pour is a featured wine flight for $30, a three-glass introduction that travels easily from bright to velvety:
- Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc
- Whispering Angel Rosé
- Charles Woodson Intercept Pinot Noir
It is a flight designed to be shared, compared, and paced with the music—crisp enough to start the night, generous enough to carry it.
Beyond the flight, The Betty’s bar stays in motion with handcrafted signature cocktails and a chef-curated seasonal menu. The restaurant has long framed itself as a modern supper club: hearty, refined plates, shareable dishes, and a dining room that invites people to stay. Fridays now add a soundtrack to that formula.
A room made for lingering
The Betty sits at 374 East Paces Ferry Road NE, with its own presence inside the hotel rather than feeling like a lobby restaurant. That matters on a Friday. The setting is polished without being precious—mood lighting, a proper bar, and the sense that the night can stretch from a first sip to a last song.
Practical details help the romance along. Discounted parking is part of the residency, a small but meaningful courtesy in Buckhead, where the difference between a seamless night out and a logistical hassle often comes down to where you leave the car.
Why it works as a weekly tradition
Plenty of restaurants book a band. Fewer build a Friday identity around one. Soulful Sips works because the pieces fit: Champion’s residency gives the night a familiar pulse, the wine flight gives guests an easy way in, and the seasonal kitchen keeps the evening from feeling like a lounge set with food as an afterthought.
Come for the music. Stay for the Pinot. Leave with the feeling that Friday has a home now.
Make Residency with Desmond Champion your new weekend tradition at The Betty—live soul, fine wine, cocktails, and the kind of night that is meant to be remembered.
Final Word
If you want to check out some other spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
Atlanta has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year. The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers.
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.
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The Atlanta Falcons have named Michael Penix Jr. their starting quarterback for Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers, marking his 2026 season debut after a long recovery from a torn ACL.
The announcement came Monday, September 21, after Atlanta dropped to 0-2 with a 34-3 home loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons are the only team in the NFL that has not reached the red zone through two weeks, a symptom of turnovers and inconsistent passing play. And the 2026 schedule is about to get tougher.
Cooper Rush started both games and struggled badly against Carolina (10-of-17 for 86 yards, two interceptions, and a lost fumble) before being replaced by undrafted rookie Jack Strand.
Michael Penix Jr. to Return for Thursday Night Football
Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 draft, last started in Week 11 of 2025 before tearing his left ACL against the same Panthers team. He missed the final seven games after surgery and has been cautious in his return—this is his third major knee injury. He was cleared for 11-on-11 work late in training camp and has been a full participant in recent practices. Last week he said he was “close” and wanted to hit a few remaining technical goals before playing. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and the medical staff have now determined he is ready.
Tua Tagovailoa, signed in the offseason to compete for the job, has been dealing with an oblique injury and has not practiced since before Week 1. He is expected to be available as Penix’s backup. Rush could be inactive.
Penix’s career numbers through 12 starts: 2,757 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions. In 2025 he started nine games (3-6 record) and completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine TDs, and three INTs before the injury. His low interception rate that year ranked among the league’s best. He will now operate new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ scheme with first-round weapons Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts all healthy for the first time this season.
The game is Thursday, September 24, at 8:15 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field and will air on Amazon Prime Video. Green Bay is a 7-point favorite. For a Falcons offense that has scored just 16 points in two games, Penix’s arm talent and mobility represent the clearest chance to generate explosive plays and finally reach the red zone. Whether the short week and limited live reps after a long layoff allow him to produce immediately remains the central question.
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The Atlanta Braves are NL East champions again. On Sunday, September 20, they closed out a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros at Daikin Park, swept the three-game series, and claimed their seventh division title in nine seasons.
Atlanta Braves Win NL East Title Again
Mike Yastrzemski supplied the blow that decided it. After Ozzie Albies tied the game with an RBI single in a four-run sixth, Yastrzemski turned on a 1-2 fastball from Bryan King and drove it 373 feet to right-center for a three-run homer. Atlanta led 4-1 and never looked back.
Jose Altuve had given Houston a 1-0 lead with a homer in the fourth. Yainer Diaz added a solo shot in the eighth. The Astros left the bases loaded in the first and fifth, and Dylan Dodd struck out the side in the ninth for the save. The celebration followed immediately: hugs on the field, championship hats and T-shirts, and a team photo.
The Braves finished the day at 92-64. Philadelphia sat six games back at 86-70. Atlanta had already locked up a playoff berth on Friday; the clubhouse stayed relatively quiet then because the division title was the prize they wanted.
This one carries extra weight. Last year the Braves finished 76-86 and missed the postseason, snapping a seven-year playoff streak that included six straight NL East titles from 2018 to 2023. First-year manager Walt Weiss took over after Brian Snitker moved into an advisory role. Preseason forecasts were not kind. The roster still had to be patched together through injuries and midseason moves. They responded by taking first place on April 8 and holding it the rest of the way.
“This is what it’s all about,” Yastrzemski said. “It’s so hard to win baseball games in the big leagues because everybody is so good. It’s obviously not the end goal, but these are the times that you need to celebrate because it’s hard to get here.”
Weiss pointed to belief and competitiveness. “Coming off a tough year, I think a lot of it was getting them to believe that they were still really good.”
Starter Martín Pérez, a non-roster invitee who was designated for assignment in April, set the tone by stranding a bases-loaded jam in the first. Depth pieces such as Victor Mederos and Dodd did the rest. Yastrzemski, acquired during the season, homered three times on the Houston trip.
The title is Atlanta’s 24th division championship, tying the Dodgers for the most since divisions began in 1969. The Braves have now won the NL East 19 times in 32 seasons. With six games left, they hold the National League’s third-best record and are positioned as the No. 3 seed. That likely means a Wild Card Series at Truist Park against San Diego, Chicago, or Philadelphia. A first-round bye is still mathematically possible but would require catching Milwaukee or Los Angeles.
Pérez captured the mood afterward: “We’ve been fighting all year to get to this moment with this group of good guys and good coaches. Everything is good. And we’re not done yet.”
The champagne that sat unused after Friday’s clincher finally came out. For a franchise that has made October a habit, the work of getting back there after a lost season is complete. The next chapter starts in six days.
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Fly Seafood Market just celebrated a lively grand opening in Atlanta, and the team is already thanking the crowd that showed up.
That spot is the original Fly Seafood location, the one that built a following by serving oversized Cajun- and Creole-style seafood boils out of an Exxon gas station.
Fly Seafood Market Grand Opening: What To Know
The formula is simple and loud: snow crab clusters, shrimp, lobster tails, turkey necks, mussels, salmon, and more, typically piled with corn, potatoes, broccoli, garlic egg, butter, and the house “crack” seasoning.
Noodles are a popular add-on. Signature plates include the 3K Plate (snow crab, lobster tail, and half-pound of shrimp) and the turkey neck plate.
The grand-opening energy fits the brand. Hot 107.9 promoted the event with live DJ sets, first-10-eat-free and next-10-get-30%-off deals, and a call for people to pull up for crab boils. Comments on the reel were full of congratulations, pride, and requests for more locations—especially closer to McDonough. Regulars already call out the turkey necks as some of the best in the city.
Fly Seafood is no longer a one-stop operation. Besides the Atlanta gas-station original, there are locations in Kennesaw (465 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway NW) and Decatur (4845 Flat Shoals Parkway). Hours vary by store; the Atlanta spot is commonly listed around 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with later hours some nights at the other locations. Takeout and delivery are available through platforms like Toast and DoorDash.
Where Is Fly Seafood?
The restaurant is located at 1152 Michael Langford Drive (also given as 1152 Pryor Road SW), Atlanta, GA 30315.
The appeal is the combination of generous portions, heavy seasoning, and an unexpected setting. People drive in from other states for the plates; locals treat it as a destination even though it sits inside or beside a gas station. The new-opening reel is less a formal announcement than a victory lap: the crowd came, the hosts showed up, and the team is already talking about the next chapter.
If you’re heading over, go for a loaded plate, expect a line on busy days, and order in person if you want the full experience. The address is 1152 Pryor Road SW / Michael Langford Drive, Atlanta. Check current hours before you go.
Atlanta has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year. The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers.
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.
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Whether you’re a local or visitor, there are plenty of outdoor activities to get into in Atlanta, the “City in a Forest” vibe, blending natural beauty with excitement. We’ve got just the things to do, whether it’s a month from now or this weekend.
In 2026, whether you’re seeking a quick weekend getaway or a full-day adventure, the areas surrounding Atlanta offer world-class hiking, water sports, wildlife encounters, and scenic drives—all within 1-2 hours.
Many options remain free or low-cost, making it simple to explore mountains, rivers, lakes, and state parks without breaking the bank.
Best Outdoor Activities in Atlanta
All the outdoorsy adventure you could want is right there, and some of it is free or cheap. This article is going to show you some of the best fun things to do outdoors inside and outside Atlanta.
But if you want to stray from 285 a bit, here are several cool outings that you can get into with your BFF, significant other or your family and it will be free or be pretty cheap.
Run Through A Corn Maze
Take the family or friends just outside Atlanta to a corn maze for some awesome outdoors fun. Here are some of the best corn mazes near Atlanta.
Go On A Wild Animal Safari
If you want to see zebras, big cats and the whole wild nines, there’s no better place for outdoor actitives than Wild Animal Safari.
From the comfort of your own vehicle, you can travel through the 3.5-mile drive experiencing hundreds of animals you’d see in different spots around the world.
At Wild Animal Safari, many of the animals will come right up to your vehicle for a greeting. That means you could find yourself up close with a bison, camel, a watusi, a zebra.
How Much Does Wild Animal Safari Cost?
Prices for Wild Animal Safari range from around $25 to $29 per individual. Here is a price breakdown:
Admission Gate Price Online Price Adult – Single Admission $29 Seniors – 65+ $24 Children (3 – 12) $24 Toddlers (2 & Under) Free Wild Animal Safari charges $5.25 a bag for animal food.
Wild Animal Safari boasts more than 75 species spread out over 500 acres and your kids will love it. too.
North Georgia Day Trips: Helen, Blue Ridge & Dahlonega
Photo credit: Playhouse Media - Helen (1.5 hours): Bavarian-style village with mountain views, tubing on the Chattahoochee, and hiking.
- Blue Ridge (1.5–2 hours): Scenic railway rides, orchards, trout fishing, and cooler mountain air.
- Dahlonega (1.5 hours): Wine country tastings with vineyard hikes and Gold Rush history.
These charming towns make perfect 2026 day trips combining outdoors with dining and shopping.
Okefenokee Swamp Park (Longer Adventure)
Four hours south in Waycross, glide through prehistoric swamps teeming with alligators on guided boat tours. Each trip varies with wildlife and guide stories. Admission fees apply—check for 2026 rates.
Date Night River Trips
If you’ve ever wanted to be on the water with the one you love, you can do it right here in metro Atlanta. As a matter of fact, you can hit the waves at the Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, Georgia 30075. Tickets go fast for Canoe With CNC events, so act with haste.
Atlanta Beltline Walks
Running and walking the Beltline has become one of the city’s most fun activities. It’s also one of our best places for an early morning jog in Atlanta.
The Atlanta BeltLine—a 22-mile network of multi-use trails connecting 45 neighborhoods—continues expanding in 2026 toward full completion around 2030.
Walk, run, bike, or skate the Eastside and Westside Trails, passing street art, public parks, breweries, and hidden green spaces.
Join guided sunrise hikes or night walks for a unique vibe. It’s free, pet-friendly, and perfect for photography. Connect to Piedmont Park or the new Westside Park (former quarry site) for even more outdoor fun. Ideal for morning jogs or family outings.
This is an invigorating way to start your day and take in the colorful art installations. Hiking in the morning will boost your energy level and increase your ability to focus throughout the day.
Climb Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain is the largest landmark in Georgia. Located in DeKalb County, the mountain provides some of the best views in the metro Atlanta area.
Just 20 minutes east of downtown, Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction and a must-do for things to do outside Atlanta.
Tackle the challenging 1-mile Summit Trail up the 1,686-foot granite dome for panoramic skyline views. Prefer an easier option? Ride the Summit Skyride cable car.
In 2026, enjoy expanded trails, the scenic railroad loop, and evening laser light shows. Early mornings beat the crowds. Entry fees apply; check for current rates and events.
Tackle the 1-mile Summit Trail up the iconic 1,686-foot granite dome for panoramic views of Atlanta’s skyline. The steep, rocky path tests your endurance, and at the top, you can catch the evening laser light show. It’s a classic adventure just 20 minutes east of downtown. Expect crowds on weekends, but early mornings offer solitude.
Take A Self-Guided Tour Of Oakland Cemetery
The historic cemetery just east of Atlanta’s center has a literal who’s who of Atlanta and Georgia nobility, and it’s all there to see. If you’ve got a pair of walking shoes and want to see the names behind Atlanta history, you don’t need a tour guide (Although their audio tours are great). The cemetery is located at 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week.
Visit Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Park located in the center of downtown Atlanta rose at the height of the city’s resurgence on the national scene. Gifted with the 1996 Summer Games, Atlanta build up and build out and never looked back. Today, the most visible vestige of that momentous time still stands with Centennial Olympic Park.
Want to get out in downtown Atlanta? Tour the grounds and see water spouts that delight the kids, historic markers and red clay bricks that mark the philanthropic effort the area’s families engaged in to make the city a winner.
Hike Arabia Mountain
Venture 20 minutes east to this national heritage area for a 2-5 mile hike over ancient granite outcrops, meadows, and along the South River. Look for diamond mines, paddle the river, or geocache—it’s less crowded than Stone Mountain but equally rewarding with 360-degree views and biodiversity.
Ride The Skyview Ferris Wheel
A heartbeat away from the Olympic Park landmark is one of the newest attractions downtown, the Skyview Ferris Wheel.
Towering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park, the SkyView Ferris wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas.
How Much Does The Skyview Ferris Wheel Cost?
If you’re wondering how much does the Skyview Ferris Wheel costs, here are the prices:
- Adults pay $14.50 plus tax
- Seniors (65+) pay $12.50 plus tax
- Children pay $9.50 plus tax
- Kids under age 2 are FREE
Zip Line At Historic Banning Mills
Soar across Georgia’s longest zip line canopy tour (over 39,000 feet total) in the Chattahoochee Hills, 45 minutes southwest of Atlanta. This Guinness World Record experience includes aerial obstacles, a massive climbing wall, and kayaking options. It’s ideal for thrill-seekers looking for a full-day eco-adventure with treehouse stays available.
Guided Swamp Tours
About four hours from Atlanta, you can tour some of Georgia’s most swampy waters in Waycross, Georgia. There in the Okefenokee Swamp Park, visitors will be instantly transported into a prehistoric environment, populated by living dinosaurs – alligators. Tour routes may vary with water levels, weather, and wildlife activity.
Every tour is different as each guide brings his or her own perspective to your swamp experience. Most of our guides have family roots in the Okefenokee, they were born and raised here, and several have been leading swamp trips for 30 years or more. Here’s the price of admission.
Visit Great Wolf Lodge
This indoor water park is about an hour from Atlanta in LaGrange, but it’s worth the drive. At Great Wolf Lodge, there are tons of kids activities to engage in, from Storytime to the Camp H.O.W.L. Kids Club to the Lunch Lineup and more. There’s also shopping and dining at several restaurants and stores on the lodge.
Here are directions from Atlanta to Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, Georgia.
You can save 25% when you stay two or more nights at Great Wolf Lodge. Also, you can save 50% when you book more than 60 days out! Read more.
Walk Up Amicalola Falls
Don’t go chasing waterfalls, at least not unless it’s the Amicalola, which is Cherokee for “tumbling waters.” The falls are comprised of seven cascades at Amicalola Falls State Park. At 729 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in the state.
Located in the Northeast Georgia Mountains north of Dawsonville, the park and falls are a perfect family destination for the adventure set.
Here are some other Georgia state parks to visit.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Known as that fancy schmancy place where cool people have weddings and dinner parties, Atlanta Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful venues in Atlanta. Everywhere you look, there’s lush greenery and blooms. Spread out across 30 acres in Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden has special events on the regular and is a great place to catch some fresh air and admire nature’s beauty.
Go Fishing
Photo by Berkan Encelek from Pexels If you have your fishing license, visit one of Georgia’s lakes and go fishing. Here are the top spots to go fishing in Georgia.
Know of any other cool spots in metro Atlanta or Georgia? Let us know in the comments.
Pro Tips for Outdoor Adventures Near Atlanta in 2026:
- Check Georgia State Parks for First Day Hike events or annual passes to save on multiple visits.
- Download apps for trail maps (AllTrails) and real-time river conditions.
- Visit weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds, especially at popular spots like Stone Mountain.
- Pack water, sunscreen, bug spray, and sturdy shoes. Many areas offer free parking or low entry fees.
- For the latest updates on trails, events, or weather, visit exploregeorgia.org or individual park sites.
Atlanta’s surrounding outdoors deliver adventure for every fitness level and interest—whether it’s a free BeltLine stroll or an adrenaline-fueled zip-line. Plan your 2026 escape today and experience why Georgia ranks high for outdoor recreation.
Final Word
Believe it or not, a lot of people still haven’t ventured outside much in more than two years. Are you ready to enjoy Atlanta’s great outdoors? There are a lot of fun things to do and sights to see!
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
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. The Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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