• Chattahoochee nature Center events

    Chattahoochee Nature Center Kicks Off 50th Anniversary with Birthday Celebration

    2 Min Read

    Roswell, GA — The Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) is marking a major milestone this summer, and Atlanta-area nature lovers are invited to join the fun as the beloved environmental education organization celebrates 50 years of connecting people with the outdoors.

    The festivities begin on Wednesday, June 24, with CNC’s Official 50th Birthday Celebration at Camp Chattahoochee. From 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., guests can step back in time and experience a nostalgic “camp like it’s 1976” evening filled with hands-on activities and classic outdoor fun.

    Chattahoochee Nature Center Celebrates 50th with Official Birthday Celebration at Camp Chattahoochee

    Highlights include:

    • Trying your hand at archery and canoeing
    • Tie-dyeing a commemorative bandana
    • Gathering around a campfire for s’mores
    • On-site food truck for dinner and more evening treats

    The event promises a perfect blend of adventure, creativity, and community spirit on CNC’s scenic 127-acre campus along the Chattahoochee River.

    Ticket Information

    • General Public: $25
    • CNC Members: $20
    • Children 16 and under: $15
    • Children 2 and under: Free

    Walk-up tickets will be available pending space. Attendees are encouraged to purchase in advance for the best experience.This birthday bash launches a full weekend of anniversary events, including a 1970s-themed Sunset Sips gathering on June 25 and a free community celebration on June 28.

    The milestone year underscores CNC’s half-century of environmental education, wildlife rehabilitation, and fostering a love for nature in North Atlanta families.

    chattnaturecenter.orgFor more details on the 50th anniversary events, the full schedule, or to purchase tickets, visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center website at chattnaturecenter.org. Follow CNC on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the celebrations. Whether you’re a longtime camper, a nature enthusiast, or looking for a memorable evening with family, this is one birthday party you won’t want to miss. Happy 50th, CNC!

    There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.

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  • Drew Sidora divorce finalized

    Drew Sidora Divorce From Husband Ralph Pittman Finalized

    3 Min Read

    After more than three years of a very public and often messy split that played out both in Fulton County courtrooms and on Real Housewives of Atlanta, Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman’s divorce is now final.

    Drew Sidora Divorce From Husband Ralph Pittman Officially Finalized: Atlanta Home, Child Support, and Asset Split Revealed

    A Georgia judge signed off on the dissolution of the marriage on June 8, 2026, bringing an end to one of Atlanta’s most closely watched celebrity divorces. As AtlantaFi has reported throughout the long-running battle—including the recent temporary eviction scare in May—financial disputes, custody arrangements, and the fate of the couple’s $1.9 million Atlanta-area home remained at the center of the fight.

    Here’s what the final decree includes, according to court documents circulating online and confirmed by multiple sources close to the case:

    • Child Support: Drew Sidora has been ordered to pay Ralph Pittman $2,218 per month in child support for their two younger children.
    • The Atlanta Home: Ralph Pittman was awarded ownership of the couple’s $1.9 million marital home in the Atlanta area. However, he must pay Drew approximately $145,000 for her equity interest in the property.
    • Vehicles: Drew keeps the Cadillac Escalade. Ralph receives the Porsche Taycan and Cadillac XT5.
    • The Family Dog: Drew was awarded the family dog.
    • Spousal Support: Neither party will receive spousal support.
    • Name Change: Drew’s last name has been officially restored to Jordan.

    The settlement comes after months of back-and-forth court filings, temporary custody orders, and public statements from both sides. AtlantaFi first covered the couple’s cohabitation drama last year when Ralph was living in the basement of the same home while Drew occupied the main level—a situation that became a recurring storyline on RHOA.

    Tensions escalated further in early 2026 when a judge temporarily ordered Drew to vacate the property by May 31 due to the couple’s ongoing financial entanglements. That order was reversed just days later in a last-minute court reversal, allowing Drew to remain in the home temporarily while the final terms were worked out.

    Fans and followers of the show have reacted strongly to the news online, with many noting the financial implications for both parties. Drew, who has continued filming RHOA and pursuing other projects, will now move forward without the marital home that once symbolized the couple’s “dream life” in Atlanta. Ralph, who has been more low-key since the separation, gains primary ownership of the property but assumes responsibility for the mortgage and the $145K payout to Drew.

    The couple, who share sons Machai and Aniya (Drew also has an older son, Josiah, from a previous relationship), had been navigating joint legal custody arrangements amid the prolonged proceedings. Court records cited past issues with school attendance as a factor in the physical custody decisions.

    While the divorce is now legally complete, the story is far from over for Atlanta’s reality TV circle. Drew has hinted at new chapters in her personal and professional life, and the upcoming RHOA reunion is expected to revisit the drama in full view of cameras.

    AtlantaFi will continue to follow any further developments, including potential updates on the home sale or future co-parenting arrangements. For now, the long Atlanta-based chapter of Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman’s marriage has officially closed.


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  • 880 North opening

    Atlanta’s English Avenue Neighborhood To Celebrate Grand Opening of 880 North

    2 Min Read

    ATLANTA — OaksATL Community Development will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week to mark the completion and grand opening of 880 North, a pioneering mixed-use infill project in Atlanta’s historic English Avenue neighborhood.

    The development transforms a long-vacant site into six affordable housing units, affordable commercial space for small businesses, and community-serving amenities.

    Designed as a first-of-its-kind project for the area, 880 North aims to deliver much-needed housing and economic opportunity while preserving the character of Atlanta’s Historic Westside.

    Atlanta’s English Avenue Neighborhood To Celebrate Grand Opening of 880 North, a New Model for Affordable Mixed-Use Development

    Community leaders, project partners, elected officials, neighborhood stakeholders, and residents are expected to attend the ceremony. Attendees will commemorate the milestone and highlight the project’s focus on creating affordable housing and supporting local businesses without displacing existing residents.

    The initiative underscores a growing emphasis in Atlanta on equitable redevelopment strategies that prioritize long-term community stability. By redeveloping underutilized land into integrated housing and commercial space, 880 North serves as a potential model for similar efforts across the city’s Westside neighborhoods.

    Further details about the event, including the exact date and time of the ribbon-cutting, are expected to be released by OaksATL Community Development in the coming days.

    Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.

    See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.

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  • Lenox Square Soccer Ball Donation Drive

    Lenox Square Launches Soccer Ball Donation Drive to Equip Young Athletes

    2 Min Read

    ATLANTA — Lenox Square is launching a community donation drive for new soccer balls to support young athletes with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, timed to coincide with major international soccer events coming to the city this summer.

    The drive runs through Friday, July 31. Shoppers can drop off new soccer balls of any size in designated bins located throughout the Mall Level at Lenox Square or at the Mall Management Office on the Market Level near the Dining Pavilion restrooms.

    Lenox Square Soccer Ball Donation Drive to Equip YMCA Youth Athletes

    “Our city is stepping onto the global soccer stage, and we want Atlanta’s youth to be part of the moment,” said Sean Carroll, general manager at Lenox Square. “That is why supporting the YMCA of Metro Atlanta to put soccer balls in young hands is a goal worth scoring. With the tournament and the Peachtree Road Race drawing thousands of visitors to our center, we invite everyone to give back to the organization that has shaped Atlanta soccer for decades.”

    The YMCA of Metro Atlanta, the city’s oldest nonprofit dedicated to community service, has deep roots in local youth soccer. The organization began offering programs in the 1960s in Decatur and has grown into the region’s leading provider of youth soccer, with locations across Metro Atlanta. It continues to focus on making the sport accessible at every stage of youth development.

    “As the birthplace of youth soccer in the U.S., we’re proud to continue making the game affordable, inclusive and accessible,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “The generous support of Lenox Square and our community is integral in helping kids to get involved in soccer, learn and grow as part of a team and build fundamental skills that set them up for success.”

    As Atlanta prepares to host high-profile soccer matches this summer, the partnership aims to ensure local children are not left on the sidelines, equipping more young players with the basic gear needed to participate in the sport.

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  • RHOA star spangled mess

    Fireworks Fly in RHOA Season 17, Episode 10 – ‘Star Spangled Mess’

    2 Min Read

    The peaches are serving fireworks and Fourth of July vibes (a little early) as The Real Housewives of Atlanta delivers another explosive episode airing Sunday, June 7 at 8/7c on Bravo (and streaming next day on Peacock).

    Episode Preview: Star Spangled Mess

    Shamea Morton Mwangi steps into the spotlight as she throws a surprise party for her husband Gerald.

    What’s meant to be a celebratory night quickly turns into a hotbed of speculation about her personal life. Whispers and side-eyes are guaranteed as the ladies dig into what’s really going on behind the scenes.

    Meanwhile, tensions continue to simmer among the group:

    • Pinky Cole takes on a new behind-the-scenes role, but her efforts don’t exactly land well with Drew Sidora, leading to more friction in an already strained dynamic.
    • K. Michelle makes it crystal clear she’s not buying what Drew is selling — and she’s ready to vocalize it without hesitation.

    Expect classic RHOA chaos: glittering glam, pointed confrontations, lingering grudges from recent cast trip drama, and plenty of “who said what” text message fallout. With Porsha Williams navigating her post-divorce era, Phaedra Parks bringing her signature shade, Angela Oakley keeping it real, and the rest of the cast (including Kelli Ferrell and friend Cynthia Bailey) stirring the pot, this episode looks primed to deliver the mess fans crave.

    What to Watch For

    • Surprise party shade and personal life rumors swirling around Shamea.
    • Pinky vs. Drew round (who knows how many?).
    • K. Michelle serving unfiltered truth bombs.
    • Possible cross-cast interactions and lingering beef from prior episodes like the Dallas getaway and sound bath breakdowns.

    Season 17 has been a rollercoaster of new beginnings, old drama, and fresh faces like Pinky Cole and K. Michelle shaking up the established group. Tonight’s episode promises to keep the momentum going strong as the ladies head toward the latter part of the season.

    Don’t miss it — grab your peach, pour something strong, and get ready for the fireworks. Because in Atlanta, every party is a potential powder keg.

    Tune in at 8/7c on Bravo!

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  • Drew Sidora Lipo

    RHOA’s Drew Sidora Flaunts Her Dramatic New Body One Week After Lipo 360 Procedure

    3 Min Read

    Real Housewives of Atlanta star Drew Sidora is turning heads once again—this time with a bold body transformation that has the internet buzzing.

    On Sunday, she shared a stunning new look from the “Drop It With Drew” fitness instructor that revealed a shapely figure due to a recent lip procedure.

    The images quickly sparked conversation among fans, with many noting her newly sculpted figure.

    Drew Sidora Lipo Results: RHOA Star Shows Progress After Procedure

    The second photo in the post is a direct screenshot of Sidora’s own Instagram update, where she officially confirmed the procedure: “drewsidora New body: Lipo 360 ✨ @mia_aesthetics Wit @drfasusi_mia.”

    In her caption, the RHOA cast member kept it real and transparent about the recovery process:

    “Still swollen, but these are my results just one week post-op with my shaper on. The transformation is already taking shape, and I’m excited to see how everything settles over the next few months.
    This is only the beginning! 👏 I can’t wait to take you all along on this journey and share the real experience the highs, the healing process, the tips, and everything in between.
    Body reveal coming soon, along with content showing you all the ins and outs of my recovery and results. Stay tuned! 💕
    #Lipo360Journey #PostOpRecovery #BodyTransformation #ResultsLoading”

    The accompanying photo shows Sidora in a form-fitting chocolate-brown long-sleeve bodysuit, standing in what appears to be a green-screen studio. She’s getting her makeup touched up by a glam artist while rocking long, voluminous wavy hair, gold statement jewelry, and a confident pose that highlights her newly contoured waist, lifted backside, and overall hourglass silhouette. The tight shapewear clearly accentuates the results of the Lipo 360—a popular procedure that removes stubborn fat from the entire midsection (abdomen, flanks, and lower back) for a dramatic “snatched” look.

    Fans in the comments of the post had plenty to say. Some cheered her on with messages like “Come on new body” and “oh yes drew look good,” while others drew comparisons to fellow RHOA star Porsha Williams, joking that Drew is “morphing into Porsha.” A few noted the timing, referencing Sidora’s recent financial headlines, but the overwhelming vibe was one of excitement for her transformation.

    This isn’t the first time Drew has been open about her body and wellness journey on RHOA. Known for promoting fitness through her “Drop It With Drew” brand, she has long emphasized health, confidence, and self-improvement. The Lipo 360 appears to be the next chapter in that evolution—one she plans to document fully for her followers.

    Sidora teased that a full “body reveal” is coming soon, along with behind-the-scenes recovery content. Until then, the single week-post-op snapshot is already generating major buzz and proving that Drew is stepping into a new era with confidence and curves.

    What do you think of Drew’s Lipo 360 glow-up? Let us know in the comments!

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  • Uncle Nearest finds a buyer

    Uncle Nearest Finds Buyer: Troubled Whiskey Brand Set for New Ownership

    3 Min Read

    In a significant development for one of the American whiskey industry’s most culturally resonant brands, the court-appointed receiver for Uncle Nearest has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to sell the core assets of the business.

    The sale includes the Uncle Nearest brand itself and the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Excluded from the deal are assets of the associated entity Grant Sidney (also linked to founder Fawn Weaver), along with a property in Massachusetts and the brand’s Cognac holdings in France.

    Uncle Nearest Finds Buyer: Background of Financial Turmoil

    Uncle Nearest rose to prominence as a premium Tennessee whiskey brand that highlighted the historic contributions of Nathan “Nearest” Green, recognized as the first known African-American master distiller in the United States. Under Fawn Weaver’s leadership, the brand achieved rapid growth, expanding distribution across the U.S. and internationally.

    However, the company faced severe financial challenges. In August 2025, lender Farm Credit Mid-America filed a lawsuit alleging default on substantial loans (reportedly exceeding $100 million in some coverage). Philip Young was subsequently appointed as receiver, taking control of the business from Weaver.

    Weaver attempted to end the receivership, but a court ruling on May 27, 2026, rejected her efforts. The court noted that the business had been losing approximately $134,999 per week on average under prior management.

    Details of the Prospective Buyer

    The buyer has requested confidentiality under a non-disclosure agreement until the transaction closes, which the receiver expects could take about 45 days. However, key details about the buyer’s identity and intentions have been shared.

    The purchaser is described as an investment firm with African-American ownership and leadership. It has committed to maintaining the current Uncle Nearest workforce and honoring the brand’s cultural significance—particularly the legacy of Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green.

    This alignment with the brand’s founding ethos could provide continuity and renewed stability for employees and stakeholders.

    What’s Next

    The deal remains non-binding at this stage, meaning it is still subject to due diligence, final negotiations, and court approval. Additional details are expected to emerge once the purchase is finalized and confidentiality lifts.

    Fawn Weaver, who had been vocal on social media about the proceedings earlier, has remained largely silent following requests for gag orders in the case.

    Industry observers will be watching closely to see how the new ownership stewards this historically significant whiskey brand. Uncle Nearest’s story—from rapid ascent to receivership and now potential rebirth—reflects both the opportunities and risks in the competitive premium spirits sector.

    The Nearest Green Distillery, a key asset in the sale, has been central to the brand’s identity and visitor experiences. Its inclusion should allow the new owners to continue production and tourism operations without major disruption.

    This transaction marks a potential turning point for a brand that has captured significant attention for its storytelling and whiskey quality amid its well-publicized challenges.

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  • Spelman College names roboticist Ayanna Howard president

    Spelman College Names Roboticist Ayanna Howard as 12th President

    4 Min Read

    ATLANTA — Spelman College, the renowned historically Black liberal arts college for women, has appointed Dr. Ayanna Howard as its 12th president. The announcement marks a significant step for the institution as it seeks to blend its strong liberal arts tradition with cutting-edge preparation for an AI-driven future.

    Dr. Howard, currently the dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University (where she holds the Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair), will assume the role on August 1, 2026. She succeeds Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, who has led the college since the 2024 resignation of former President Helene Gayle.

    With robot dogs patrolling Atlanta parking lots now, the hire makes sense. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Howard.

    Spelman College Names Roboticist Ayanna Howard President

    “I believe in AI. I believe in robotics. I believe in the benefits just like I believe in education and the limitless potential of the next generation of diverse engineers,” Howard has said.

    A Trailblazer in Robotics and AI

    A nationally recognized roboticist, artificial intelligence expert, entrepreneur, and educator, Dr. Howard brings an extraordinary breadth of experience to Spelman.

    “As a child, I wanted to build a bionic woman,” she wrote in an essay. “I identified robotics as the one field that could allow me to do that… It was the idea of using robotics to save the world, while still being a human, that interested me.”

    Her career includes work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (1993–2005), where she served as a senior robotics researcher and deputy manager in the Office of the Chief Scientist. She later held leadership roles at Georgia Tech, including chair of the School of Interactive Computing and founder/director of the Human-Automation Systems Lab.

    In 2013, she founded Zyrobotics, a Georgia Tech spin-off company that develops mobile therapy and educational products for children with special needs, leveraging her research in human-centered robotics. She also co-founded Black in Robotics, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the field.

    Howard’s appointment is seen as a powerful signal for empowering Black women in STEM. Her vision aligns closely with Spelman’s mission: preparing students to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving technological landscape while honoring the college’s 145-year legacy of academic excellence and leadership development for Black women.

    Deep Personal and Institutional Ties

    Dr. Howard has longstanding connections to Spelman. Her mother taught at the college, and Howard herself served as the first outside funder for Spelman’s SpelBots robotics team, which has competed internationally. She has expressed deep enthusiasm for returning to Atlanta and contributing to the institution that shaped so many leaders.

    “I am excited for this opportunity to serve the students, faculty, and staff at Spelman College as their new president,” Howard said in a statement. “I want to thank the incredible community at Ohio State and in the College of Engineering for the success we have achieved together.”

    Interim President Rosalind Brewer and Ohio State leadership praised the appointment. Brewer and the Board of Trustees highlighted Howard’s brilliance as a leader, while Ohio State’s interim executive vice president and provost, Trevor Brown, wished her “tremendous success.”

    Vision for the Future: Liberal Arts Meets Technology

    Howard aims to strengthen Spelman’s ability to address the tech challenges ahead by integrating liberal arts education with innovation in robotics, AI, and human-centered technology. This approach represents a departure from Spelman’s traditional focus, but many see it as a strategic evolution for producing graduates ready to shape an increasingly automated world.

    Reactions and Some Concerns

    The appointment has been widely celebrated by the Spelman community, alumni, and STEM advocates who view Howard as a role model for young Black women. However, a small number of voices have raised concerns about AI’s societal impacts, tying into broader local and national debates about technology, ethics, and community effects.

    Overall, the selection of Dr. Ayanna Howard signals Spelman College’s commitment to innovation while staying rooted in its core values of empowerment, excellence, and service. As she steps into the role this August, the institution looks forward to a new chapter under her leadership.

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  • avoid I-285 weekend closure

    Mission: Avoid I-285 This Weekend

    5 Min Read


    Lara Croft always rose to the challenge when faced with tough odds like a spiked pit, or a closed interstate. This weekend, Atlanta adventurers, you’re in the same boat, er, car. The Georgia Department of Transportation has sealed off a massive stretch of I-285—both northbound and southbound—between Cascade Road (Exit 7) and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (Exit 9) from 7 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday.

    It’s part of the ongoing Westside reconstruction, and the detours are already snarling the entire perimeter like a bad curse from an ancient tomb. But fear not, fellow raiders. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Mission: Avoid I-285.

    Mission Avoid I-285 Closure Begins

    Forget the rolling boulders of bumper-to-bumper traffic. We’ve mapped out an epic weekend of hidden gems, legendary eats, and zero perimeter peril—all safely tucked inside the city’s beating heart. Channel your inner Lara Croft, grab your metaphorical whip (or a MARTA Breeze card), and let’s raid Atlanta the right way.

    The Briefing: Why I-285 Is the Ultimate Trap This Weekend

    Construction crews are pouring fresh concrete and fixing bridges on that two-mile west-side stretch. No traffic gets through—period. It’s called the I-285 weekend shutdown and officials are urging everyone to steer clear, and for good reason: the ripple effect is hitting I-20, I-75/85, and every neighborhood road in between. This is your cue to stay off the perimeter entirely.

    https://atlantafi.com/i-285-weekend-shutdown/

    Think of it as skipping the collapsing temple hallway and heading straight for the treasure chamber.

    Quest 1: The Atlanta BeltLine Expedition (Zero Highway Required)

    Atlanta Beltline trail
    Photo credit: Beltline.org

    Lace up your boots and hit the Atlanta BeltLine—Atlanta’s very own ancient trade route, now a 22-mile trail of street art, parks, and pure adventure. Start at the Eastside Trail near Ponce City Market. Stroll or bike past murals that look like they belong in a lost Mayan ruin. Grab a picnic blanket and claim a spot overlooking the skyline.

    Pro tip from Lara herself: The BeltLine is your grapple hook. No cars, no stress, just pure exploration. On Saturday, swing by the Blooms Market at Ponce for local makers, live music, and blooms that rival any jungle canopy.

    Quest 2: Piedmont Park Pilgrimage & Green Market Raid

    Things to do in Atlanta on a Sunday - walk PIedmont Park

    Saturday morning at Piedmont Park is your chance to uncover seasonal treasures. The weekly Green Market (9 a.m.–1 p.m.) is packed with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and food trucks—perfect fuel before you conquer the rest of the day.

    Spread out on the grass like you just escaped a boulder chase. Rent a paddleboat on the lake, join a free yoga session if the schedule aligns, or simply people-watch while pretending you’re surveying a forgotten civilization. It’s the ultimate recovery spot after dodging downtown traffic.

    Quest 3: Little Five Points & East Atlanta Village – The Bohemian Tomb

    criminal records in Atlanta is the best

    Head east to Little Five Points for the real underground adventure. Vintage shops, record stores, and street performers turn this neighborhood into a living museum of cool. Grab a coffee, hunt for quirky souvenirs, and catch whatever live music spills out of the clubs. Nearby East Atlanta Village offers the same vibe with a side of legendary people-watching. It’s the perfect low-key raid—no tickets, no lines, just pure Atlanta soul.

    Quest 4: Atlanta Botanical Garden – Nature’s Hidden Chamber

    things to do with friends in Atlanta, Georgia
    Photo credit: Playhouse Media

    If you crave a lush, otherworldly escape, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is calling. Wander through the tropical conservatory, the Japanese garden, and the new orchid exhibit. It’s like stepping into the lost city of Shambhala—minus the booby traps.

    Bonus: The garden’s right off the BeltLine, so you can chain this quest with your market run.

    Feast Like a Victorious Raider: Where to Eat (All Inner-City Safe Zones)

    After a full day of adventuring, you’ve earned a proper banquet. Skip the drive-thru frustration and hit these perimeter-free power-ups:

    • Ponce City Market Food Hall – The ultimate post-raid buffet. Choose from Southern fried chicken, international street eats, fresh gelato, or even Oprah-approved favorites. Rooftop views and people-watching included. It’s the feast hall every Tomb Raider dreams of.
    • BoccaLupo in Inman Park – Michelin-recommended Italian-American magic just steps from the BeltLine. Handmade pastas, killer meatballs, and a cozy vibe that feels like a secret base camp.
    • Virginia Highland neighborhood spots (especially during Saturday’s Porchfest) – Live music on actual porches, pop-up food vendors, and neighborhood restaurants serving everything from craft cocktails to elevated Southern classics.

    Atlanta Neighborhood Eats: Where To Find Food & Drink Close To You

    Pro move: Pair any meal with a local brew or a sweet tea as strong as Lara’s resolve.Final Boss Tips from the Tomb Raider Handbook

    • Transport hack: MARTA rail and the BeltLine are your best friends. Leave the car in the garage like a cursed artifact. (Eat at these restaurants near MARTA stations).
    • Real-time intel: Check 511 or the GDOT app, but only to confirm you’re staying far away.
    • Mindset: Treat every detour-free street as a new path to glory. This weekend isn’t about fighting traffic—it’s about conquering Atlanta on your own terms.

    Adventurers, the perimeter may be closed, but Atlanta’s heart is wide open. Go forth, explore, eat like champions, and return Monday with stories worthy of the Croft family journal.

    Mission: Avoid I-285 – Complete. Stay safe out there, Atlanta. And remember: In the words of the ultimate raider… “A wise adventurer never takes the obvious path.” —Your AtlantaFi.com team (with a little help from Lara’s spirit)

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  • I-285 shutdown weekend

    I-285 Weekend Shutdown: What To Know, Where To Go

    3 Min Read

    Drivers rolling around Atlanta’s westside this weekend should plan extra time or choose alternate routes.

    The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will close a stretch of I-285 traffic between Cascade Road (Exit 7) and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (Exit 9) in Fulton County beginning on Friday at 7 p.m. and lasts until Monday at 5 a.m.

    Avoid I-285: Your Mission This Weekend

    I-285 Weekend Shutdown: How To Survive on Atlanta Road

    GDOT spokesperson Maria Delgado said, “We strongly encourage everyone to leave early, use real-time navigation apps and consider public transit or carpooling where possible.”

    I-285 Weekend Shutdown: What Drivers Can Expect:

    I-285 in Atlanta

    Detours and Alternate Routes:

    • Southbound Traffic: Diverted off at I-20 (Exit 10A) to the I-75/I-85 southbound bypass.
    • Northbound and Westbound Traffic: Diverted off at SR 166/Langford Parkway (Exit 5).
    • Local Traffic: Expect severe congestion on surrounding surface streets and intersecting routes like I-20, I-75/I-85, and Langford Parkway.

    GDOT and Atlanta Police are urging caution in construction zones and reminding drivers that speeding fines double in active work areas. Tow trucks will be stationed nearby for quick clearance of any incidents.MARTA rail and bus service will run on regular holiday schedules with no direct impact from the closure, though riders should check marta.com for any adjusted bus routes near the Perimeter.For live traffic updates, drivers can dial 511, visit gdot.org, or follow

    Follow GDOT on social meida and download the Georgia 511 app. The agency says the roadway is scheduled to reopen on time Monday morning barring any weather delays.This is the second in a series of planned I-285 weekend improvements that began last year as part of the multi-year Top End project. GDOT officials say the work is critical for long-term safety and traffic flow around Atlanta’s busiest loop.Mother’s Day travel tips from AtlantaFi:

    • Leave for brunch reservations 45–60 minutes earlier than usual.
    • Consider restaurants inside the Perimeter or south of I-20 to avoid the closure entirely.
    • Have a backup plan — many families are already shifting plans to Saturday instead of Sunday.

    Stay with AtlantaFi.com for live updates throughout the weekend. We’ll have traffic cameras, detour maps and on-scene reports as the closure begins tonight. Safe travels, Atlanta — and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms hitting the road this weekend.

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