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It’s no secret that Atlanta restaurants are serving Thanksgiving meals, but you may have the notion — chef skills – to cook your own turkey this year.
In this article, we’ll show you a simple way to cook a turkey at home. Following these steps, your bird will be done in no time.
Because we’re in Atlanta, we’re going to make a “Dirty Bird” turkey, which means we’ll season it with Kosmos Dirty Bird Seasoning, one of our favorites.
Turkey can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it a versatile ingredient for many dishes. It can be roasted, grilled, smoked, or braised. It can also be used in salads, sandwiches, and soups.
How To Cook a ‘Dirty Bird’ Turkey: Atlanta Recipe
When cooking turkey, your goal is to achieve a heat that gives you a texture that is both tender and juicy. White meat, which is found on the breast, is lower in fat and therefore more prone to drying out. Dark meat, which is found on the legs and thighs, has more fat and is therefore more moist and flavorful.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey:
Ingredients:
- 1 turkey, thawed and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 bunch of fresh herbs, such as thyme, sage, and rosemary
Equipment:
- Roasting pan
- Roasting rack
- Meat thermometer
- Baster
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavity and discard.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey with softened butter.
- Rub the turkey down with Kosmos Dirty Bird Seasoning.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with the onion, lemon, and herbs.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast the turkey for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
- Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes.
- Cover the turkey with aluminum foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Enjoy your delicious roast turkey!
Final Word
Cooking a turkey can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. When cooked properly, turkey can be a very delicious and flavorful meat.
Make sure you enhance the turkey’s flavor by adding your choice of herbs and spices. Common seasonings for turkey include salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
More Food Coverage:
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With Thanksgiving here, it’s time to craft your Atlanta travel game plan if you’re headed here for the event-packed weekend. Consider this article a guide to getting to where you need to go this holiday season.
Thanks to Google Maps, we have some traffic and travel data to help us find our way. The site has supplied us with data to get a closer look at when, where and what to visit during Atlanta’s holiday season.
We’re also going to cover:
- Best times to get on and off the road
- Atlanta places to visit for the holidays
- Atlanta places to eat during the holidays
When To Avoid Traffic
Because we know that I-285 goes around and around, we want to make sure we don’t get caught up in gridlock. If you’re planning on leaving for a Thanksgiving road trip, here’s what to know:
- Nationally: The day before Thanksgiving between 3 and 4 p.m. is the worst time to travel (by 6 a.m., you’re good)
- In Atlanta:
- The best time to leave before Thanksgiving is Thursday at 6 a.m.
- The best time to leave after Thanksgiving is Sunday at 6 a.m.
- The worst time to leave before Thanksgiving is Wednesday at 3 p.m.
- The worst time to leave after Thanksgiving is Sunday at 3 p.m.
How To Avoid The Holiday Crowds
Who likes loud noises and throngs of people? Few adults, that’s who. Because public places are going to transform into bustling spaces full of people, you need to know when to go out and about:
To find this out, Google looked at Popular Times data at key holiday destinations during Thanksgiving week to find when the crowds tended to swell.
Google analyzed when crowds usually grow at five of the largest holiday-heavy places in Atlanta: Bakeries, grocery stores, liquor stores, movie theaters, and shopping centers.
Here’s When To Go Out & About in Atlanta
- Bakery: The best time to visit a bakery is on Thursday at 9 a.m. (least crowded). The worst time is on Wednesday at noon (most crowded).
- Grocery store: The best time to visit a grocery store is on Thursday at 7 a.m. The worst time is on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
- Liquor store: The best time to visit a liquor store is on Tuesday at 10 p.m. The worst time is on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
- Movie theater: The best time to visit a movie theater is on Tuesday at 11 a.m. The worst time is on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
- Shopping center: The best time to visit a shopping center is on Thursday at 7 a.m. The worst time is on Wednesday at noon.
- Black Friday: On Black Friday, the best time to visit a shopping center is at 8 a.m. The worst time to visit a shopping center is at 3 p.m.
Here Are Atlanta’s Popular Places
Google Maps also was able to pinpoint some of the most popular places in Atlanta during the Thanksgiving travel season.
Atlanta Falcons Vs. New Orleans Saints
Photo Credit: AtlantaFi.comThe Atlanta Falcons face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023 in a key matchup for both teams. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. ET in Glendale. Get tickets.
Need streaming options? You can watch the Falcons game for free here. Watch immediately upon signup.
Not going to the game? Watch the Falcons at these Atlanta bars.
Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria
300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318
Holeman and Finch Public House
2277 Peachtree Rd NE Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30309
Want more food options in Atlanta? Here are ATL restaurants open for Thanksgiving.
Popular Atlanta Attractions Thanksgiving Week
Zoos and museums will see huge crowds over Thanksgiving weekend as people visit the city’s downtown area.
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Being under water isn’t usually a good thing, unless it’s at the Georgia Aquarium. Get tickets.
Beyoncé By Candlelight
If you’re a member of the BeyHive, you’ll love this Candlelight Concert featuring all of Beyoncé’s hits. Great for date night and more. Get tickets.
World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Photo credit: Youtube.com The World of Coca-Cola is a tourist magnet, and that ain’t about to change anytime soon. Here’s how to go.
Tutankhamun
Experience the tomb of Tutankhamun, a wonder of one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, in all its splendor. Get tickets.
Van Gogh
If you’re the artsy type, you’ll love this immersive Van Gogh experience being offered in Atlanta. Get tickets.
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Zoo Atlanta can get wild, if you know what I mean. Here are 7 things to know before you go.
Most Popular Shopping in Atlanta
There are plenty of cozy fall activities you can get into in Atlanta. Here are a few great places to go:
- GameStop
- Barnes & Noble
- Sam Ash Music Stores
Want to know what’s on sale right now? Check out these deals in Atlanta.
For more information and to see specific data for other U.S. cities, visit www.mappingthanksgiving.com.
Explore Atlanta Proper
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. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
- For a month’s view: The Official Atlanta Events Calendar
- For a more immediate look, check Things to do in Atlanta This Week
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The percentage of consumers leaning on restaurants for their Thanksgiving feasts continues to rise year over year, but economic unease has them cutting back on spend whether they are ordering out or cooking at home.
More than half of U.S. consumers (53%) plan to order takeout or delivery from restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, up from 37% in 2024 and 32% in 2023.
Another 5% expect to dine in person at a restaurant on Thanksgiving, on par with last year and below a high of 17% in 2023 as more consumers opt for comforts of home.
Thanksgiving Dinner: Dine In or Out?
That is according to a nationwide study of U.S. consumers, conducted from November 16 to November 17, 2025, by restaurant tech leader Popmenu.
A majority of consumers (59%) plan to reduce their spend on Thanksgiving dinner this year compared to 2024. On average, they expect to spend $165.
What’s behind the shift from home-cooked to restaurant-made?
When asked why they were turning to restaurants for all or part of their Thanksgiving meal, consumers said they want to spend more time celebrating the day, avoid headaches and manage costs.
- 63% want to enjoy the holiday and not worry about cooking
- 40% believe it’s cheaper or costs about the same to buy all the ingredients and cook at home
- 35% don’t want the hassle of buying the ingredients and cooking themselves
- 26% would rather have a professionally cooked meal
- 19% are too busy to prepare a meal or dish
Where are consumers cutting back?
Consumers say they are decreasing their spend on Thanksgiving this year because groceries have become too expensive (69%), their household budget is tighter (58%) or they are being more conservative with finances due to inflation and concerns over the economy (31%).
To manage Thanksgiving expenses, consumers say they are taking the following actions:
- 39% plan to reduce the number of side dishes and desserts they serve
- 33% are celebrating the holiday with fewer people
- 31% are buying less expensive brands of food and beverages
- 29% are asking guests to bring a dish
- 26% are choosing recipes with fewer or cheaper ingredients
- 19% are serving a less expensive main dish
Consumers also say they are eliminating the following to make their Thanksgiving meal more affordable:
- 31% – Mac ‘n cheese
- 28% – Cranberries
- 26% – Sweet potatoes
- 23% – Pumpkin pie
- 22% – Corn
- 19% – Green beans
- 15% – Turkey
What are consumers serving?
Turkey will continue to be the star of the show with 84% of consumers planning to serve it, followed by ham (46%) and chicken (19%). Other dishes guests can expect to see on some tables include lasagna or another pasta dish (15%) and even pizza, tacos and chili or stew. Nearly 1 in 5 consumers (19%) expect to have a fast food dish on the table this year.
“What we hear from Thanksgiving hosts every year is a growing desire to spend more time visiting with guests and enjoying the holiday than sweating in the kitchen,” said Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu. “This year’s study also shows elevated concern over household economics—causing consumers to cut back on some holiday favorites, hunt for special deals from restaurants and adopt other strategies to keep expenses in check.”
Popmenu offers the following tips for consumers still finalizing dinner plans:
- Align your menu and budget. Use grocery store apps to total the prices of ingredients you need to buy and compare that to what a ready-made meal from a restaurant may cost. The professionally cooked meal may be easier on your budget and stress level.
- Order directly from the restaurant’s website. Not only will you find full menus and limited-time Thanksgiving specials, you can set a preferred pickup time for your meal and skip third-party fees. You can also see dish photos, portion details, allergens and more.
- Set up an alert. Use platforms like OpenTable to view openings nearby. Automated alerts make it easy to snag a table as soon as one becomes available.
Popmenu conducted an anonymous, nationwide study of 1,000 U.S. consumers, ages 18 and older, from November 16 to November 17, 2025.
Where To Eat in Atlanta for Thanksgiving
Read our guide on Atlanta restaurants serving Thanksgiving meals.
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In a move that’s set to shake up the local entertainment scene, Atlanta-based social media powerhouse Fanbase is teaming up with powerhouse producer Ty Walker and executive producer Keisha Perry Walker to roll out a fresh slate of microdramas starting next year.
The collaboration, announced today, spotlights the city’s growing clout in digital storytelling, bringing high-stakes, emotion-packed shorts straight to fans’ phones.
Fanbase, the innovative platform founded by Atlanta native Isaac Hayes III — son of the legendary soul icon Isaac Hayes — is no stranger to empowering creators.
Now, it’s diving headfirst into the booming world of microdramas: ultra-short, scripted series crafted for on-the-go viewing, think gripping tales that hook you in under 10 minutes.
Launching exclusively on the app in Q1 2026, these series will champion diverse voices and multicultural narratives, creating a pipeline for indie filmmakers and production outfits to shine.
At the helm is Ty Walker, the veteran producer behind hits like Imperium and Kevin Hart’s Die Hart franchise, leading the charge through his Braveheart Entertainment banner. Joining him is Keisha Perry Walker of Wild Peach Studios, a key executive producer whose expertise in nurturing bold, inclusive content aligns perfectly with Fanbase’s mission.
Together with Hayes, they’re not just producing — they’re building an ecosystem that could put more Atlantans back to work amid Hollywood’s ongoing challenges, from strikes to streaming shifts.
“This partnership with Fanbase lets us introduce a new kind of storytelling that delivers maximum emotion in minimal time,” Walker said in a statement. “We’re excited to push creative boundaries and spotlight compelling voices in this evolving space.”
Hayes echoed the enthusiasm, highlighting how Fanbase’s built-in tools for short-form video, creator subscriptions, and app development make it the ideal launchpad. “The microdrama genre is scaling fast, and Fanbase is the perfect home,” he added. “
Development is already underway inside the app, and we are excited to partner with Ty and Keisha at Braveheart and Wild Peach.”
As microdramas explode globally — captivating audiences from Seoul to São Paulo — this Atlanta-rooted venture positions the Peach State as a frontrunner in the U.S. market.
It’s a win for local talent, too, offering fresh gigs for actors, writers, directors, and crew in a format that’s as accessible as it is addictive.
For more on Fanbase and upcoming series, download the app or visit fanbase.app. Stay tuned to Atlanta Daily Buzz for updates on how this homegrown project unfolds.
Final Word
The vast majority of dramas filmed in Atlanta, won’t be done on an app. Georgia has been a favorite location for TV productions since the state instituted generous tax breaks for film companies that agree to shoot locally. Projects from CBS, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the latter part of the year and the foreseeable future.
Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.
Coming 2 America is just one of many films filmed in Atlanta. See our Movies Page for more.
Are you interested in becoming an actorin Atlanta? You’re in the right place!
With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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Atlanta’s own Elle Duncan is poised to redefine streaming sports coverage as the new face of Netflix’s burgeoning sports division, according to The Athletic.
The Emmy-nominated anchor, who cut her teeth in the Peach State’s bustling media scene, is reportedly leaving her prominent role at ESPN to helm the streaming giant’s push into live sports and analysis, sources confirmed to The Athletic.
Elle Duncan: The New Face of Netflix Sports?
For Atlantans, Duncan’s ascent feels like a homecoming story on steroids. Born and raised in the city she now calls home, Duncan launched her broadcasting career right here in 2003 as a 20-year-old intern for the syndicated sports talk radio show 2 Live Stews on 790/The Zone.
What started as fetching coffee and screening calls quickly evolved into on-air contributions, where her sharp wit and infectious energy caught the ear of producers. “Atlanta gave me my first break, and I’ll always be grateful for the grit and grind of starting out in a city that demands excellence,” Duncan reflected in a 2021 interview, crediting the local airwaves for honing her unfiltered style.
By 2005, Duncan had leveled up to a seven-year gig at V-103 (WVEE-FM), Atlanta’s powerhouse urban radio station, where she juggled traffic reporting with entertainment anchoring.
Listeners tuning in for morning rush-hour updates on I-85 snarls were just as likely to hear her dishing on the latest Falcons drama or Hawks highlights. She even moonlighted as a sideline reporter for the Atlanta Hawks, bringing her charisma courtside during the team’s gritty playoff runs.
espnpressroom.com It was a far cry from the polished ESPN sets she’d later command, but those early days in Atlanta’s competitive media market — sandwiched between radio booths and traffic choppers — built the foundation for her national stardom.
Elle Duncan: From Atlanta To Bristol
A University of West Georgia journalism grad, Duncan carried her Southern roots to Boston in 2012, joining NESN as a sports anchor and reporter. There, she covered everything from Red Sox heartbreak to Bruins triumphs, earning her stripes before ESPN came calling in 2016.
Since then, she’s been a fixture on SportsCenter, co-hosting the 6 p.m. edition and launching hits like the YouTube series First Take Her Take alongside Andraya Carter. Her bold takes on women’s sports, social justice in athletics, and unapologetic commentary have made her a fan favorite — and occasionally a lightning rod, as seen in recent backlash over an on-air quip.
Now, at 42, Duncan is betting on the future of sports media with Netflix, a platform that’s aggressively expanding beyond binge-worthy docs like The Last Dance into live events. Think NFL games, tennis majors, and perhaps even a slice of the NBA — all under her steady hand. While details of her exact title and start date remain under wraps, insiders say she’ll oversee content strategy, on-air talent, and the streamer’s signature blend of storytelling and spectacle.
sports.yahoo.com Her departure leaves ESPN’s SportsCenter lineup in flux, but for Duncan, it’s a chance to pioneer in a space where streaming meets sports like never before.From dodging potholes on 11 Alive’s traffic desk to anchoring Netflix’s sports empire, Elle Duncan’s journey is peak Atlanta: resilient, innovative, and impossible to ignore.
As the city that launched her watches with pride, one thing’s clear — the girl from Georgia is about to take the world stage by storm. Stay tuned, folks; this is just the tip of the binge.
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Oh, honey, grab your popcorn because the queen of Old Lady Gang just dropped a bombshell that’s got the entire Peach State buzzing! Kandi Burruss, one of the most loved alums of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, finally broke her silence on her impending divorce from husband Todd Tucker during a raw and real Amazon Live session.
And let us tell you, it’s messier than a Bravo reunion twist.
In the emotional clip that’s already racking up views faster than a Cynthia Bailey wig reveal, Kandi gets candid with her “Amazon family,” admitting she’s been riding an emotional rollercoaster.
Kandi Burruss Breaks Silence on Divorce
“I’m up and down,” she confesses, her voice cracking just enough to remind us she’s human under all that glam. “Going through a divorce is definitely not the easiest thing.” But the real gut-punch? She confirms she filed papers this Friday—yes, the same week we’re all supposed to be thankful—but stresses this split has been simmering like a pot of her famous burrata for months.
“This has been brewing for a while,” Kandi reveals. “All the times you’ve seen me online like… all of it means nothing. I have been going through it. Life has been lifing.”
Watch the video here to see her tell her side:
For those living under a rock (or just binge-watching RHOA reruns), Kandi and Todd tied the knot back in 2014 in a fairy-tale Bahamian wedding that had us all ugly-crying. The power couple built an empire together—think Bedroom Kandi toys, that iconic restaurant empire, and raising their blended fam of four kids like total pros.
But whispers of trouble have been floating around ATL’s elite circles for ages: financial flubs with restaurant ventures, those shady RHOA storylines hinting at bedroom woes, and Mama Joyce’s not-so-subtle side-eyes that could curdle sweet tea.
Fans have long speculated if Todd’s “yes-man” vibes turned into something more sinister, especially after Kandi’s recent lawsuits over unpaid rents on her spots. Coincidence? Or the final straw in paradise lost?The video, shared by celeb gossip mavens
Users on social media quickly offered support as Kandi has done to others in the past.
Social Media Reacts
@graciejones730, urged, “Kandi you got this. But if you need to cry go for a ride, a walk, cry in the shower… Don’t hold your tears in.” Others weren’t so gentle—
@Sweetfancyface dragged up old RHOA beef, wondering if Kandi regrets how she shaded Phaedra Parks during her Apollo divorce: “She said the same thing… kicking it with friends made it lighthearted but she still hurt.” And let’s not forget the prayer warriors:
@toyaluvxo quipped, “Mama Joyce and her prayer warriors about to have Todd ass fighting every weapon. And they will prosper! Poor Kandi, she don’t deserve that!”Speculation is running wild— is this the end of an era for RHOA Season 16? Will Andy Cohen swoop in for an emergency sit-down? (
@StaceyRuschQVC is already calling for it: “I need Andy and a camera.”) And
@Jaycee761060 went full detective: “Tbh I think money is a big part… those businesses Todd kept pushing to open failing was the final straw.” Ouch. But through the drama, Kandi’s resilience shines—Taurus stubbornness at its finest. As
@IAmKingTez put it, “That’s why I love @Kandi she so real… Stay strong kandi hope it all gets better.”
Kandi, if you’re reading this (and girl, we know you are), Atlanta’s got your back. You’ve slayed bigger dragons than this. Now spill more tea on the next Live—we’re tuned in, mics hot, and ready for the full download. What’s your take on this RHOA earthquake? Hit the comments and let’s gossip!
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Get ready to warm up the holiday spirit! Livable Buckhead is bringing back the popular Hot Chocolate Crawl on Peachtree on Saturday, December 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The family-friendly event invites Atlantans and visitors alike to bundle up and stroll along one of the city’s most iconic corridors while sipping seasonal drinks and soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Hot Chocolate Crawl in Buckhead
The self-guided crawl winds through the heart of Buckhead, with stops at participating shops, restaurants, and venues along Peachtree Road, Lenox Square, and Phipps Plaza.
At each designated location, participants can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate – some classic, some spiked with specialty holiday cocktails for the 21+ crowd.
Local musicians will be stationed along the route, performing everything from holiday classics to upbeat acoustic sets, adding a live soundtrack to the evening.
Admission to the Hot Chocolate Crawl is completely free, making it an affordable way to kick off the holiday season.
Those who want a keepsake can check in at the main entrance of Lenox Square and make a suggested $5 donation to Livable Buckhead. In exchange, crawlers receive a commemorative ceramic campfire-style mug – perfect for refills along the route or for cozy nights at home long after the event.
The evening wraps up with a festive after-party in the elegant Great Hall lobby of the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. Guests can mingle, enjoy additional treats, and snap photos with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the beloved “MiguElf” character, ensuring plenty of holiday cheer for kids and adults alike.
“Livable Buckhead’s Hot Chocolate Crawl has quickly become a can’t-miss tradition,” said Denise Starling, Executive Director of Livable Buckhead. “It’s a wonderful way for the community to come together, support local businesses, and celebrate the season in the heart of one of Atlanta’s most vibrant districts.”
The event also highlights Livable Buckhead’s ongoing mission to create a more walkable, connected, and sustainable urban environment. Proceeds from mug donations help fund green spaces, pedestrian improvements, and community programming throughout the year.
Event Details at a Glance
- What: Hot Chocolate Crawl on Peachtree
- When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Where: Peachtree Road, Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and surrounding Buckhead area
- Check-in: Lenox Square main entrance
- Cost: Free admission; optional $5 donation for commemorative mug
- After-Party: Great Hall lobby, InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
Participants are encouraged to dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes, and consider using rideshare or public transit, as parking in the area can be limited during the busy holiday shopping season.
For the latest route map, participating locations, and any weather-related updates, visit livablebuckhead.com or follow Livable Buckhead on social media.
Mark your calendars – Atlanta’s sweetest holiday stroll is just around the corner!
Final Word
As the city lights up with yet another special event this weekend, remember: Safe driving is the real treat. For more tips on navigating safely around the city, read our Atlanta Traffic Guide.
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Cooler weather is coming this week as Georgia’s fall foliage materialize on the trees, bushes and other plants.
Do you want to know where to go to see the best of the fall colors? This article will show you where to go!
There’s also quite a bit of fall fun to be had. Autumn is a beautiful time in Georgia, from pumpkin patches to apple-picking outings and more.
These Awesome Georgia Fall Photos Show Autumn Is Here
To celebrate autumn in Georgia, we’d like to show you some of the best fall colors and scenery around Georgia right about now.
1. Lake Herrick – Athens, GA
Lake Herrick sits in Oconee Forest Park, one of the most beautiful recreational areas in Georgia. Along with taking in the beautiful sights, you can also engage in walking, trail running, birdwatching, and fishing.
2. Glenwood Park, Atlanta
Nestled on Atlanta’s eastside, Glenwood Park offers Atlantans tree-lined streets and a lively oasis right there in the city. Beautiful trees dot the landscape, afforded the patient viewer ample opportunity to see some beautiful leaves.
3. Chattahoochee National Forest — North Georgia
The Chattahoochee National Forest encompasses more than 750,000 acres of mountainous forest land in the northern tip of the state. There’s plenty of bucolic places to watch nature do its thing, including around the Conasauga and Etowah rivers.
4. Amicalola Falls State Park – Dawson County, Georgia
Amicalola Falls State Park is spread across 829 acres between Ellijay and Dahlonega in Dawsonville. The place gets its name the term in the Cherokee language that means “tumbling waters.” The park is renown for its 729-foot waterfall, which is Georgia’s highest.
5. Emory University – Brookhaven, Georgia
City folks unaccustomed to rural life will be able to find some beautiful natural scenes much closer to Atlanta. The grounds of Brookhaven’s Emory University is a must-visit for fall lovers everywhere.
6. Providence Canyon State Park – Lumpkin, Georgia
The natural beauty of Providence Canyon, which many refer to as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” holds its own when it comes to brilliant fall colors. This Lumpkin County paradise is one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.”
7. Atlanta, Georgia
Back to the city we go! Atlanta may not have tall mountains or really steep hills, but the places is practically an urban forest, and that makes there are plenty of places to see the fall colors of the trees, including in the city’s best parks.
The Georgia fall will have more beautiful scenes to see as the autumn progresses. Why not find outdoorsy things to do to join in on the fun?
The fall weather also means it’s time to dress the part. You don’t want to be caught outside with Daisy Dukes on in this weather.
Up next: Fall Sweater Weather Options
When Does Fall Start In Georgia?
Fall may officially start after September 22, but in Georgia, the weather and temperatures have a mind of their own. It has gotten cooler since, but in mid-November is when you’ll really feel it.
While Atlanta benefits from a sub-tropical climate, the farther you travel up I-85 and I-75, the cooler it gets. This is partially because of the higher elevations as you get into the foothills of the Smokey Mountains.
The weather for Georgia as a whole is dependent on how close you live to the coast or the interior bordering Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama and Florida.
Where is Georgia’s Fall Line?
Georgia’s fall line refers to subterranean shoreline under the ocean. Georgia’s fall line stretches 20 miles and divides the state’s Coastal Plain from its Piedmont region.
If you want to know where Georgia’s higher elevation begins, it’s in the Piedmont. This is where rivers, streams and other bodies of water have the fastest currents, which cause the water to “fall.”
Looking for some autumn fun in Georgia? Don’t miss these fall festivals. Also, don’t forget to keep up with the fall foliage map.
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.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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In a concrete jungle era where skyscrapers often overshadow nature, Atlanta stands as a breathtaking exception – a sprawling metropolis enveloped by a lush, living canopy.
Dubbed the “City in a Forest,” Atlanta boasts the highest urban tree canopy cover among major U.S. cities, with over 52% of its land shaded by trees.
Atlanta is America’s Most Forested City: Here’s How
This verdant distinction isn’t just aesthetic; it’s a testament to strategic urban planning, historical preservation, and a deep-rooted Southern affinity for greenery that cools the city, combats climate change, and enhances residents’ quality of life.
According to a comprehensive analysis by the U.S. Forest Service and i-Tree Tools, Atlanta’s tree cover clocks in at 52.1%, outpacing other large American cities in a study of 20 urban centers.
This places the Georgia capital – home to more than 500,000 residents – at the forefront of urban forestry, where mature oaks, magnolias, and pines form natural corridors that mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife amid the buzz of BeltLine trails and bustling boulevards.
The city’s leafy legacy traces back to its founding in the 19th century, when railroads carved paths through rolling Piedmont forests. Unlike many industrial hubs that bulldozed nature for development, Atlanta’s leaders recognized the value of its trees early on.
The 1996 Centennial Olympic Games spurred a massive tree-planting initiative, adding over 4,000 saplings and cementing the city’s green ethos. Today, organizations like Trees Atlanta continue this work, planting thousands of trees annually and advocating for canopy preservation amid rapid growth.
But Atlanta’s crown as the greenest major city comes with challenges. Urban expansion threatens to nibble at the edges of this forest, particularly in underserved neighborhoods where canopy cover lags behind wealthier areas – a disparity highlighted in broader urban equity studies.
Climate change exacerbates risks, with pests like the emerald ash borer and extreme weather testing the resilience of Atlanta’s arboreal guardians.
To put Atlanta’s achievement in perspective, consider how it stacks up against peers. The i-Tree study reveals a clear leader in the Peach State, but other cities are making strides in their own right.
Most Forested Cities in America
Below is a ranking of the top 10 most forested major U.S. cities based on tree canopy cover percentage from the analysis:
Rank City, State Tree Canopy Cover (%) 1 Atlanta, GA 52.1 2 Nashville, TN 49.8 3 Pittsburgh, PA 41.6 4 Albuquerque, NM 38.1 5 Minneapolis, MN 34.1 6 Portland, OR 30.9 7 Baltimore, MD 28.5 8 Kansas City, MO 28.0 9 Boston, MA 27.9 10 Houston, TX 27.4 These figures underscore Atlanta’s edge, but they also highlight opportunities nationwide. For instance, Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain lends itself to steep, wooded slopes, while Portland’s eco-conscious policies have boosted its rankings through aggressive planting programs.
Yet, as urban populations swell – projected to hit 90% of Americans by 2050 – maintaining and expanding canopy will be crucial for public health, with studies linking higher tree cover to lower rates of heat-related illnesses and improved mental well-being.
Final Word
As Atlanta eyes its tercentennial in 2035, city officials are doubling down on green initiatives, including a goal to plant 30,000 trees by decade’s end and incentives for developers to integrate native species.
In a nation grappling with environmental pressures, the City in a Forest offers a blueprint: proof that urban growth and natural splendor can coexist, one leaf at a time.
For more on urban forestry trends, visit resources from the U.S. Forest Service or Trees Atlanta. Atlanta isn’t just surviving in the forest – it’s thriving within it.
Check Out Our Atlanta Travel Guide
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Bumper-to-bumper traffic is a part of everyday day life in Atlanta, Georgia, but one way you can save time is to take Interstate 285 for your travels.
Do you need to drive on metro Atlanta’s circular highway, this article will help you.
Interstate 285: Things You Need To Know
More than 2 million are said to drive on I-285 every day, coming from as far away as southern Tennessee and western Alabama. Our ATL traffic guide shows you how to navigate around it.
The highway encompasses Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties and parts of Atlanta, Decatur, Clarkston, Vinings, Hapeville, College Park, Dunwoody and Doraville.
When Was 285 Built?
The first phase of I-285 was built in 1963 as part of the federal highway system to overhaul interstate travel around the nation. The interstate officially opened on Oct. 15, 1969.
The idea of 285 arose from plans for a loop around the city devise by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
How Many Miles Around Is 285?
I-285 is 66 miles around, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. While the freeway touches Atlanta and DeKalb counties, it technically does not enter Cobb or Gwinnett counties, the two other major metro Atlanta jurisdictions.
I-285 is connected to three other federal highways, I-75, I-85 and I-20. Another major state road that cross 285 is SR 400, where the toll used to be.
What Time Is The Best Time To Drive Through Atlanta?
If you have to go straight through the middle of the city, it’s best to travel early through Atlanta. I don’t mean 8 a.m., but 5 or 6 a.m. at the latest.
The earlier you travel, the easier it is to get through without gridlock. Around 7 a.m., the rush hour begins and won’t subside until around 10 a.m.
A recent study confirms peak travel times through Atlanta.
If you want to know what the interstate looks like before you travel, go to some of the TV stations that will tell you, like:
One of the most prominent areas of I-285 is Spaghetti Junction. It is the I-85 interchange with I-285. If you want to know how to drive in Atlanta, you need to put safety first… and pray!
How Long Does It Take To Ride Around I-285? Let’s See
When you drive in Atlanta, you may think your fellow motorists are in a race, but Interstate 285 is a true racetrack.
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.
As the city lights up with yet another special event this weekend, remember: Safe driving is the real treat. For more tips on navigating safely around the city, read our Atlanta Traffic Guide.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
- Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
- Check out these FREE events in Atlanta
- Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL
