-
A packing list can make your travel itinerary seem lighter and so much easier. If you’re planning on flying from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport or another airport, you’ll need one.
No matter if you plan to travel within the United States or abroad, you need to be able to bring all your necessary items with you.
What You Need For Your Essential Packing List
We’ve listed everything you need, from the smallest items to the must-have things for your trip. We’ll also show you an essential packing list for all your needs.
As with all things travel, you need to stay safe from COVID-19, so that means:
- Make sure you sanitize your belongings
- Bring masks and gloves with you on your trip
- Continue to keep your 6 feet in distance from other travelers
1. Make Sure Your Passport Is Current
Photo credit: Nicole Honeywill / Sincerely Media / Unsplash The most important thing you’ll need in your packing list before you leave the country is a valid passport. Contrary to belief, many people think that if their passport expiration date is good at the time of their departure, they’re safe — but that’s not true.
Your passport needs to be current for your whole trip, but not only that: The U.S. Department of State recommends that your passport be good for six months after your trip.
That way, if something happens, say, you get injured and need to be hospitalized for some time, your stay in the country will remain legal.
2. Call Your Financial Institution
Photo credit: Dane Deaner / Unsplash The second thing you need to do is let your bank know that you’re going out of town. This way, they won’t view any credit card charges or withdrawals in another country as suspicious.
Here are the customer service numbers for some major banks:
- Wells Fargo: 1 (800) 869-3557
- JP Morgan Chase: 1 (800) 935-9935
- Citibank: 1 (800) 374-9700
- PNC Bank: 1 (888) 762-2265
- Bank of America: 1 (800) 432-1000
3. Withdraw Some Cash
It’s hard to know how much money you’re going to need for your trip because it’s going to be based on how many days you’ll be there as well as what you’ll do.
No matter what the amount, you’re going to need to carry some hard cash so don’t forget to withdraw some before you leave the United States.
If you wait to get cash in a foreign country you’re going to unnecessarily subject yourself to some expensive fees.
Better yet, get yourself a Charles Schwab account, where all withdrawal fees or free or reimbursed.
4. Complete These Home To-Dos
Photo credit: Trung Thanh / Unsplash Around the house you’ll want to take care of some important things while you’re away. Don’t forget to:
- Water the plants
- Turn off the air conditioner or heater
- Turn the porch light on
- Make arrangements for someone to feed your animals
- Set your email to auto-respond
5. Get Travel Insurance
Photo credit: Court Cook / Unsplash If you’re going out of town for a lengthy period, it may make sense to get some travel insurance. The reason why this is important is because it’s a good chance your own medical insurance doesn’t cover out-of-the-country trips.
Go to InsureMyTrip.com to compare prices on some of the best policies out there.
Now let’s get into the many things you need for an international trip before you leave:
International Travel: Here Is Your Ultimate Pack List COSMETICS & TOILETRIES CLOTHES & APPAREL ELECTRONICS Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Dental Floss Shoes / Sandals / Flip-Flops Cell Phone / Tablets / Laptops Deodorant / Shampoo / Soap Socks / Underwear / T-Shirts / Panties / Bras Batteries / Adapter Brush Set / Comb Pack Dress Shirts / Casual Shirts Memory Card / Pre-Paid SIM Card Lotion / Gel /Moisturizer / Sunscreen Jeans / Shorts / Dresses / Skirts Guidebooks / Maps / E-Books Shaving Razor / Makeup Supplies Jackets / Sweaters Headphones / Ear Buds Get A Travel Bag That Works For You
Buy Now
There are good travel bags and there are bag travel bags. You’ll want one that fits the size of carry-on and checked bags.
Here are some good ones:
- Women’s Pink Weekender Travel Bag
- Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag
- Samsonite Checked Medium Bag
- Puma Men’s Contender Duffle Bag
- Rockland 19 inch Tote Bag
Want more options? Check out our Travel Luggage Guide.
A Good Camera Is A Must
Buy Now
If you think that a regular schmegular cell phone will do the job, you’re only partially right. A Pixel 4 or iPhone 11 will give you some great upclose shots, but if you want panoramic shots and photos that show depth, you’ll need a professional camera. Here are some of our favorite travel cameras:
- Digital Vlogging Camera 24 MP Ultra HD
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 90
- Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera
- Nikon CoolPix B500 Digital Camera
- Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
No matter where you go, you’ll want to save money on your trip. If you haven’t purchased your plane tickets yet, here’s how to save money on airfare.
No matter if you’re traveling out of Atlanta or another international airport, we’ve got some travel trips you’ll need if you want to save money.
Travel hacks and other tips can help you save big when you’re leaving from Hartsfield. Learn more by sticking to AtlantaFi.com.
Not only is it 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
-
Choosing high-quality luggage is a smart choice, providing better reliability, convenience, and protection for your items. It enhances your travel experience by making it more enjoyable, seamless, and stress-free, letting you focus on the journey instead of worrying about your luggage.
While it’s true that travel right now is getting more expensive, having the best luggage can give you peace of mind.
This article will show you some of the best carry-on luggage brands that you can buy at some of the best prices you’ll find online.
Best Carry-On Luggage Brands For Your Travel
Most major airlines require that your carry-on bag be 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters) including handles and wheels.
If you’re planning a trip in the near future, keep these bags in mind:
Here Are The Best Luggage Brands
Here Is The Best Carry-On Luggage
The best carry-on luggage brands come in different shapes, sizes and materials, but they should all work within your budget. We’re going to show you some affordable bags that do just that.
Are you interested in trying to save money on travel this year? One main way you to save is on luggage costs.
Here are the best carry-on luggage along with reviews from real people:
DELSEY PARIS Chatelet Air 2.0 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Here’s what one reviewer says about eBags: “I have had this bag a year or so now, and must say it’s great. There is some serious capacity to this bag, with very smart compartments which you can use for storing all kinds of things for easy access. Particularly like the like the hook in one of the front compartments for attaching your keys.”
Kenneth Cole REACTION Madison Square Lightweight Hardside Chevron Expandable Spinner Luggage
Pathfinder Gear 36 Inch Rolling Drop Bottom Duffel, Olive, One Size
Bric’s Milano Unisex By Bric’s Ulisse 28″ Expandable Spinner
Here’s what one reviewer says about this Bric’s luggage bag: “Love this suitcase-easy to handle-has plenty of packing space but wonder why there is no zipper pulls with inside zippers.”
Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels – 31″ 120L Foldable Weekender Bag
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Eagle Creek bag: “This is one of the only suitcases that meets international flight size requirements for carry on luggage. The wheels and handle work well. However, the handle takes up a large amount of space in the suitcase and the spacing of the handles makes packing anything else awkward. The zippers are also fragile and a bit hard to zip.”
TUMI – Voyageur Celina Backpack – Travel Backpack for Women
Here’s what one reviewer says about this Tumi bag: “This is the perfect back pack for me. Not to big, and not to small. I used this as my carry on for a recent flight. The material is easy to clean. There are 2 zippers at the top of the main compartment that go to each side so it opens wide and it is easy to get into the bottom of bag.”
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Carry-On
Here’s what one reviewer says about this Briggs & Riley bag: “Pretty nice but expensive bag.
Quality appears to be very good. CX feature great.
Once and for all, this bag does not measure 21 inches tall overall!
Ground to top of bag 21 inches, handle extra is making it just under 22 inches.
Lack of side and bottom handles and outside ID card also detract.”How Do You Know Your Luggage Is High Quality?
There are several ways to know whether you have well-made luggage or not.
In many cases, you can tell good luggage by the quality of the zipper. Also, the handle should be made out of a material that is easy on the skin and isn’t prone to ripping at the seams.
You’ll also want to pay attention to whether the exterior is soft or a hard shell, which would protect your belongings better.
How To Choose Good, Quality Luggage
Choosing quality travel luggage can make your trips much smoother. Here are some key tips to help you pick the perfect bag:
1. Consider the Type of Luggage
- Carry-On: Ideal for short trips or avoiding checked baggage fees. Check airline size restrictions.
- Checked Luggage: Great for longer trips when you need more space.
- Duffel Bags: Lightweight and versatile, perfect for casual travel or road trips.
- Backpacks: Excellent for adventure or budget travel.
2. Durability is Key
- Material:
- Hard-Shell (Polycarbonate or ABS): Offers better protection for fragile items but may scratch.
- Soft-Shell (Nylon or Polyester): More flexible, often lighter, and easier to fit in tight spaces.
- Zippers: Look for sturdy, smooth-gliding zippers. YKK zippers are a good benchmark for quality.
- Handles and Stitching: Ensure handles are sturdy and stitching is reinforced.
3. Check the Wheels
- Spinner Wheels (4 wheels): Provide 360-degree maneuverability and are easier to move.
- Roller Wheels (2 wheels): Better for rough terrain but require more effort to pull.
- Test the wheels for smooth rolling and stability.
Final Thoughts
Are you wondering if it’s time for you to travel again? Perhaps, it’s been a while. The only way to do so comfortably is to have the right luggage.
The primary purpose of luggage is to protect your belongings during travel. Good-quality luggage provides better protection for your items, especially fragile or valuable possessions. It is designed with features like padded compartments, internal straps, and secure closures to keep your belongings safe and secure. This reduces the risk of damage, breakage, or loss during transit.
No matter what type of luggage you buy, airlines prefer soft luggage rather than hard suitcases. The softer your bags, the less damage they are likely to incur.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting 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
-
A new variant of COVID-19 has been identified by researchers even as warmer weather spreads across the hemisphere.
As of June 2, 2025, the most recently identified COVID-19 variant widely discussed is NB.1.8.1, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, according to news reports.
New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads Across U.S.
The new variant has been detected in California, Washington state, Arizona, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Arizona, and Hawaii, and more places. The good news is that scientists from China, where it was first found, report that the illness is not as severe as some variants that have emerged previously.
“Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily,” Subhash Verma, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News. “In other words, it is more transmissible.”
The new variant was first detected in samples collected on January 22, 2025, and designated a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 23, 2025.
According to available data, the symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are broadly similar to those of previous Omicron subvariants, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract.
What Are the Symptoms of the New COVID Variant?
Here’s a list of common symptoms of the new COVID variant based on current reports:
- Fever or chills: Often a low-grade fever, though it can vary in intensity.
- Cough: Typically mild, but persistent in some cases.
- Sore throat: A common early symptom, often reported as scratchiness or irritation.
- Runny nose or nasal congestion: Similar to symptoms of a cold.
- Fatigue: General tiredness or weakness, which may be pronounced.
- Muscle aches or body aches: Soreness or discomfort, particularly in the back or limbs.
- Headache: Can range from mild to moderate.
- Shortness of breath: Less common than with earlier variants but may occur, especially in severe cases.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, noted in some instances.
- Loss of taste or smell: Less frequent than with earlier strains like Delta, but still reported in some cases, particularly with variants related to JN.1.
Key Observations:
- Similarity to Prior Strains: Experts, including those from the CDC and WHO, indicate no evidence of distinct or more severe symptoms with NB.1.8.1 compared to other Omicron subvariants. The symptom profile aligns closely with what has been observed in recent years.
- Variability: Symptoms can vary depending on factors like vaccination status, age, overall health, and whether someone is immunocompromised. Mild symptoms are common in most cases, but severe illness remains a risk for high-risk groups, such as the elderly or those with underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).
- Incubation and Duration: Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure and may last from a few days to two weeks, depending on severity and individual response.
Will the New COVID Variant Show Up in Georgia?
it’s too early to tell whether the new variant will emerge in Georgia, although with Atlanta having the world’s busiest airport, there’s a good chance.
A source from the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer notes that local cases in Georgia have not been confirmed, though it highlights the variant’s presence in the U.S. and advises residents to stay informed.
Given the variant’s detection in international travelers and its spread in 22 countries, it’s possible it could emerge in Georgia, but as of the latest available data, no cases have been explicitly reported there.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
-
Recording artist Cardi B is speaking about her financial affairs in a rant she posted on social media in response to shenanigans from her estranged husband OffSet.
The former Migos rapper and Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, purchased a Buckhead mansion in 2019 when they were newlyweds. Since then, the couple have split due to marital issues, including allegations of cheating.
Cardi’s latest tirade, this one expletive-laden, was sparked by a request for spousal support by OffSet’s attorney.
Talking on Spaces, Cardi B addresses Offset’s request for spousal support, saying she didn’t initially ask for child support to end their marriage quickly and has kept their house open for him to see their children, despite his infrequent visits. She says “It is not one day that he not allow to see my kid,” highlighting her efforts to facilitate his access.
She also details the extensive expenses she covers for their children, including a $45,000 school fee, a $3,000 weekly babysitter, and additional costs for tutors, piano lessons, and security due to threats against their daughter. “My kids got their own driver. The kids driver is on a retainer for ten thousand dollars a month.”
Cardi’s home is in one of the most expensive homes in Atlanta.
About the Atlanta Mansion, Cardi B Says:
- “The Atlanta house you have for me with the bill. The last year you have left me with the kids bill.”
- “Everyone had go over here and clap shit the fuck up cause at the end of day I’m paying for the bill in that shit cuz you haven’t paid shit for a whole year.”
- “But you know what you harass me so much with my when we were my nigga there I just want peace I want peas you wanna be with your bitch in this house all right fine just please leave me alone.”
Here is what Cardi had to say:
Cardi said last year that she no longer wanted the Atlanta home, but evidently she’s still paying for it.
Cardi has moved on, posting a provocative photo of herself with NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who she’s been seen with publicly a handful of times.
This is getting juicy.
-
This weekend, don’t miss Reggae Fest – The Return of Vybz Kartel in downtown Atlanta. The star-studded event is happening at downtown Atlanta’s largest concert venue, State Farm Arena.
One of the biggest reggae artists out now, Vybz Kartel, aka Adidja Azim Palmer, was born January 7, 1976, in Kingston, Jamaica. Known as Vybz Kartel, he’s a prominent Jamaican dancehall deejay, often called the “Worl’ Boss” or “King of Dancehall.”
How To Get Tickets
Available through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $70 and averaging $758 for premium options like floor seats. Buy tickets here.
Various tiers (Bleachers, Grand Stand, Infield, Centre Stage, Cycle Track) offer different experiences, from lively to close-up views.
Kartel gained prominence in the early 2000s with his debut album Up 2 Di Time (2003). His music blends dancehall with reggae and R&B influences, characterized by provocative lyrics, braggadocious delivery, and themes ranging from party anthems to social commentary on working-class struggles.
His notable tracks include “Clarks” (2009), “Romping Shop” (2009, featuring Spice), “Summertime” (2011), and “Fever.” His collaborations include artists like Major Lazer, Rihanna, and Missy Elliott.
What To Expect from the Show
A high-energy reggae concert celebrating Vybz Kartel’s return, featuring live performances and a festive atmosphere. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster; prices vary.
How To Get To State Farm Arena
State Farm Arena is located at 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303.
State Farm Arena, located at 1 State Farm Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, is in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park District. Here are your best options for getting there, tailored for a traveler possibly heading to a concert or event, as inspired by your interest in vibrant experiences like the Salar de Uyuni:
1. By Public Transit (MARTA)
MARTA is the most stress-free way to avoid downtown traffic and parking hassles, especially during events.
- Subway: Take the Blue or Green line to the GWCC/CNN Center Station, which is directly across the street from the arena (a 1–2 minute walk). Alternatively, you can get off at Five Points Station (Red, Gold, Blue, Green lines), then walk about 6–8 minutes (0.4 miles) or transfer to a westbound train to GWCC.
- From Key Stations:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: Take the Red or Gold line north to Five Points, then transfer to the Blue/Green line west to GWCC (30–40 minutes, $2.50 one-way).
- Doraville Station (if coming from outside the perimeter): Free parking available, then take the Gold line to Five Points and transfer (45–50 minutes).
- Bus: Lines 26, 55, or 94 stop near the arena. Closest stops include Forsyth St @ Alabama St (4-minute walk) or Marietta St @ Centennial Olympic Park Dr (4-minute walk).
- Tips: MARTA can get crowded after concerts, but it’s safer and cheaper than driving during events. Buy a Breeze Card in advance to avoid ticket machine lines.
2. By Car
Driving offers flexibility but comes with traffic and parking challenges during events.
- Directions:
- From I-75/I-85: Take Exit 249C (Williams St) from the north or Exit 249D (Spring St) from the south. Spring St turns into Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW; turn right on Baker St, then left on Marietta St to reach the arena.
- From I-20: Take the exit for I-75/I-85N toward Atlanta, then follow Exit 249D (Spring St) and the same route as above.
- Parking:
- Pre-purchase parking through ParkMobile to save time and money. Options include:
- State Farm Drive: Steps from the arena, uncovered, $10–$30 depending on the event.
- Diamond Deck (100 Lower Andrew Young International Dr): VIP parking with player/artist entrance, <1-minute walk.
- Sapphire Deck (127 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW): Across the street, <5-minute walk.
- Ruby Lot (199 Alabama St SW): Below street level, <5-minute walk.
- All lots offer ADA parking, but prices vary by event, and traffic can be gridlocked if there are simultaneous events at nearby venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Pre-purchase parking through ParkMobile to save time and money. Options include:
3. By Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Drop-Off: Rideshare drop-off is typically at the Andrew Young International Blvd entrance, near Gate 4, a short walk to the arena.
- Cost: From Midtown, expect $10–$15; from the airport, $30–$40, depending on surge pricing.
- Tip: Post-event pickup can be chaotic. Walk a few blocks away (e.g., toward Centennial Olympic Park) to avoid crowds and surge pricing.
Final Word
ortunately, there are other ways and venues to enjoy live music in Atlanta. Our Atlanta Live Music Guide lets you know every week and each fun-filled weekend who’s playing and where.
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.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:
-
The Virginia-Highland Summerfest is happening in Midtown Atlanta this weekend.
The festival features three days of activities, including over 250 arts and crafts vendors, live music from local and regional performers, food trucks, and a kids’ zone. The 5K run is a highlight for active attendees. Free admission makes this a must-visit for a quintessential Atlanta experience.Keep reading to find out some key things to know about the event, which is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
The Virginia-Highland Summerfest runs at the following times:
- June 6, Friday Night Kick-off: 6pm – 9 pm
- June 7: Saturday Festival: 10am – 10pm
- June 8: Sunday Festival: 11am-5pm
The festival will feature fine artists, live music, a KidsFest, and lots of food festival vendors to Virginia Highland, plus a Peachtree Road Race qualifying 5K run!
Virginia-Highland Summerfest: Everything To Know
The Summerfest will include a lot of cool things to see, eat and enjoy this year, from arts and crafts from some of the best artists and makers in the Southeast to live entertainment.
5K Race
For more than 30 years, Summerfest has included one of the best races in Atlanta, the 5K Race, which is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier.
The 5K race begins at the eastern end of the festival just one block east of the intersection of Virginia and N. Highland.
Want to cheer on the runners? The gun goes off at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Live Music
As always, there will be live music made up with some of the most eclectic bands you should know about.
Fine Art Market
Features artwork from some of the best artists in the southeast and beyond. It is not juried this year and there will be no awards.
Makers’ Market
Includes handmade items such as soaps, lotions, candles, pet items, plants and delicious consumables such as nuts, chocolate, jams, honey, etc. These vendors are not allowed to sell t-shirts, clothing, crafts of any kind or home objects such as furniture or decorative objects, drinks, non-packaged food or toys.
Where Will Virginia-Highland Summerfest Be Located?
The Virginia-Highland Summerfest will take place at Virginia Ave. between Barnett St. and Arcadia St. at John Howell Park. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Festival organizers say to use “Virginia Avenue at N. Highland Avenue 30306” as the destination for the festival
Final Word
Atlanta has plenty of things to do this weekend. Don’t sit this one out. While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
-
What’s in a name? Well it depends. With June here, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun.
The perennial storm season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, uses a predetermined list of names maintained by the World Meteorological Organization.
The list for 2025, recycled from 2019 with one replacement (Dexter for Dorian due to its retirement after the devastating 2019 hurricane), includes 21 names.
Hurricane Season: What Are the Named Storms for 2025?
These names are assigned to tropical storms or hurricanes when they reach sustained winds of at least 39 mph. Here is the full list of named storms for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season:
– Andrea
– Barry
– Chantal
– Dexter
– Erin
– Fernand
– Gabrielle
– Humberto
– Imelda
– Jerry
– Karen
– Lorenzo
– Melissa
– Nestor
– Olga
– Pablo
– Rebekah
– Sebastien
– Tanya
– Van
– WendyIf more than 21 named storms occur, which is rare (only happening in 2005 and 2020), a supplemental list of names will be used, starting with Adria.
The names Van and Wendy are notable as they have never been used for Atlantic storms since the list’s inception in 1983.
Forecasts predict an above-average season, with 13–19 named storms expected, based on projections from NOAA, Colorado State University, and other meteorological agencies.
-
Mercedes-Benz is moving its North American headquarters to metro Atlanta, where it already has its administrative operations in the U.S., the company recently announced.
The move will add around 500 jobs to the facility and be a boob to the local economy.
Where Is Mercedes-Benz Moving in Metro Atlanta?
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its existing U.S. headquarters in Sandy Springs, which will centralize key corporate functions, including financial services and corporate operations, at its “1MB” facility in Sandy Springs, which has been its U.S. headquarters since 2018.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz plans to establish a new multi-million-dollar Research & Development (R&D) hub nearby.
The consolidation is expected to be completed by August 2026. The move involves relocating up to 500 jobs, primarily from the company’s financial services headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and other U.S. locations, to the Sandy Springs facility and the new R&D hub.
Why Is Mercedes-Benz Moving its HQ to Metro Atlanta?
Consolidating operations in metro Atlanta allows Mercedes-Benz to bring teams closer together, enhancing agility, speeding up market delivery, and improving customer experience.
Atlanta’s location is also strategic, being closer to the company’s growing Southeast customer base, the port in Brunswick, Georgia, and its manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which produces half of the vehicles sold in the U.S.
Sandy Springs Attracting Fortune 500 Businesses
Several companies have recently moved their headquarters to Sandy Springs, Georgia, taking advantage of its business-friendly environment, infrastructure, and proximity to Atlanta. Here are some notable examples in addition to Mercedes-Benz:
- Asbury Automotive Group: In November 2024, Asbury Automotive Group, a major U.S. franchised automotive group, announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Sandy Springs. The company purchased the former Newell Brands headquarters at 6655 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., with the move anticipated for late summer 2025, bringing 350 new jobs to the area.
- Kumho Tire U.S.A.: In May 2025, Kumho Tire U.S.A., an Atlanta-based tire manufacturer, relocated its headquarters to Summit Perimeter Campus in Sandy Springs. The new 14,000-square-foot facility offers more space and improved amenities for employees.
- Inspire Brands: In August 2018, Inspire Brands, which manages restaurant chains like Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, opened its global headquarters in Sandy Springs. This move created over 1,100 jobs and involved a $32 million investment, though it’s slightly less recent than the others.
- Newell Brands: While Newell Brands has been based in Sandy Springs for some time, in June 2024, the company reaffirmed its commitment by signing a 180,000-square-foot lease at the Queen Tower in Concourse Office Park for its global headquarters, retaining 890 jobs and adding 165 new ones.
Final Word
In addition to a top restaurant spot, Sandy Springs has become a hub for corporate headquarters, with its strategic location, tax incentives, and access to a skilled workforce making it attractive for businesses. These relocations highlight the city’s growing role as a corporate destination in the metro Atlanta area.
Atlanta has just what you need, not just today but every weekend. From exploring the city’s diverse restaurant scene to taking in a beautiful park greenspace or even checking out the hidden gems, Atlanta has some of everything.
-
Face creams can improve skin texture and tone, too. Ingredients like retinol or peptides stimulate cell turnover and collagen production, smoothing fine lines and firming the skin over time.
In this article, I’m going to show you some of the best face creams on the market. No matter what age you are, taking care of your skin with the very best women’s products is a necessary regimen if you want to look your best.
What Are the Best Face Creams for Aging Skin?
You can order these face creams for the internet for fast delivery and very little hassle.
L’Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Cream
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm
Olay Regenerist Mineral Sunscreen Face Moisturizer
Pond’s Dark Spot Corrector Clarant B3
Eucerin Q10 Anti Wrinkle Face Cream Bundle
Final Word
The Atlanta beauty industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, and you can bet that a large part of that involves the skin care segment.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a grooming regimen. Yes, you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.
-
Georgia State University has been on a torrid pace of expansion in and around downtown Atlanta. The largest plans include significant changes around Hurt Park and Woodruff Park, transforming the greenspaces into central hubs that encourage student engagement and strengthen GSU’s efforts to create safe, inviting and comfortable spaces for the community.
The redevelopment of Hurt Park involves demolishing Georgia State’s Sparks Hall to extend the campus Greenway across Gilmer Street, linking it with Hurt Park. The reimagined Greenway will feature an elevated plaza, improved walkways, and a vegetated buffer along Courtland Street.
Also, located in the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Preservation District, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza (FSL Plaza) would be erected on the site of the building located at 148 Edgewood.
Photo credit: Georgia State University
But there is now an effort underway to save the building from being touched by Georgia State.
According to Jeff Notrica, a Georgia-based historic property preservationist and President of Inman Park Properties, Inc., 148 Edgewood Avenue NE is more than just a building. It’s a rare survivor—a steadfast sentinel—enduring on a street scarred by a Federal highway cutting through its heart and the devastation of urban renewal that demolished much of Atlanta’s Black business and residential areas. Now, it faces an unnecessary final threat: demolition by Georgia State University.
Preservationists: Don’t Touch 148 Edgewood Avenue
“Let us be clear—148 Edgewood is a contributing structure to the Martin Luther King, Jr. – Local Landmark District, designated in 1989,” he says in a recent news release. “It lies squarely within a protected zone that commemorates one of the most vital and historically rich Black communities in the United States. The building’s destruction would not only diminish the physical fabric of this district, but would also deepen the slow erosion of its soul—piece by piece, building by building.”
Preservationists, including the Atlanta Preservation Center (APC) and figures like Notrica, view these demolitions as unnecessary losses of Atlanta’s dwindling historic fabric, particularly in areas impacted by past urban renewal and highway construction that devastated Black business and residential districts.
GSU’s response includes a proposal to replace 148 Edgewood with a Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza, featuring a mural commemorating the building’s façade, but preservationists, including APC’s David Mitchell, argue this does not adequately honor the site’s history and advocate for adaptive reuse to maintain architectural diversity and economic benefits.
More changes are on the way: GSU’s $107 million “Building Pathways for Success” initiative, funded in part by an $80 million Woodruff Foundation gift, aims to transform the campus into a vibrant “college town” by 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Key projects include razing Sparks Hall, the university’s first purpose-built structure from 1955, and 148 Edgewood Avenue, a nearly century-old building in the Martin Luther King Jr. Landmark District, to expand the campus Greenway and create a “Panther Quad” with enhanced greenspaces and pedestrian areas.
Georgia State has been expanding outward since acquiring land in the heart of downtown Atlanta off Peachtree Street. Now much of the plans stretch toward the Old Fourth Ward and into areas deemed historic.
The redevelopment of Hurt Park involves demolishing Georgia State’s Sparks Hall to extend the campus Greenway across Gilmer Street, linking it with Hurt Park. The reimagined Greenway will feature an elevated plaza, improved walkways, and a vegetated buffer along Courtland Street.
At the north end of Hurt Park, the 100 Edgewood building will gain a dining area and gathering space, solidifying its role as a key part of the new campus core. Renovations to the building’s first four floors will modernize classroom spaces and add interconnecting stairways for better circulation.
Final Word
The tension between GSU’s downtown Atlanta campus expansion and historic preservationists stems from the university’s plans to demolish historic buildings to make way for modern developments, which preservationists argue erases significant cultural and architectural heritage.
They argue that buildings like 148 Edgewood, a rare survivor of these disruptions, hold significant historical value and could be adaptively reused to preserve the city’s character while meeting GSU’s needs. The APC has expressed hope that GSU’s plans could incorporate preservation, citing the university’s past adaptive reuse of buildings like the Hurt Building and 25 Park Place.
The conflict reflects a broader debate: GSU’s vision for a modern, student-centric campus versus preservationists’ emphasis on retaining Atlanta’s historic identity, especially in a city with a limited stock of historic structures.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
