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Dolly Parton was a Tennessee original, but Georgia has spent the last day mourning her as if she belonged to the Peach State too. The country music titan died Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Within hours, Georgia-born and Georgia-based musicians — from country radio fixtures to Atlanta R&B royalty and hip-hop stars — began saying what her songs had always made feel obvious: she was theirs as well.
Parton’s Georgia story started before most of the tributes did. In 1966 she and Carl Dean slipped across the state line and married at Ringgold Baptist Church, a quiet elopement that the north Georgia town still treats as civic history. She later filmed Joyful Noise and Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings around metro Atlanta, played Georgia Tech’s Alexander Memorial Coliseum in 1977, and, in 2002, invited Midtown drag performers onstage at Center Stage to sing “Jolene.” Those ties help explain why the grief here has felt so personal.
‘A rhinestone example of what it means to be giving’
Jennifer Nettles, the Sugarland frontwoman who came up in Atlanta, knew Parton as more than an influence. Nettles portrayed Parton’s mother in the NBC films Coat of Many Colors and Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. After the news broke, she wrote that the world was better because Parton had been in it.
“She was a singing, dazzling, rhinestone example of what it means to be giving, kind, generous, gracious, and loving,” Nettles said. “She leaves us an artistic legacy that will never even remotely be rivaled, and moreover, she showed us what it means to be a leader of culture and an ally to those who need it most. And she did it all with a twinkle in her eye.”
Zac Brown: “She was a real angel long before now”
Zac Brown’s connection was more recent and more intimate. The Georgia bandleader shared the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stage with Parton at her 2022 induction and recorded the 2025 collaboration “Butterfly” with her. In his tribute he reached first for faith, then for the studio memory.
“She was a real angel long before now. Her faith was number one. There will never be another Dolly Parton,” Brown wrote. “Pure talent, pure soul, pure love. She lived by example. My wife and I are heartbroken but so blessed to know her heart. … She sang her heart out on Butterfly, and I will never forget the first time that I heard what she sang on it.” He added that she would want people to “be true to who we are, and show each other love and kindness.”
Jason Aldean and Cole Swindell: doors she kicked down
Macon native Jason Aldean, posting Tuesday night, treated the word “legend” as something that had been overused until Parton made it exact.
“The term ‘legend’ gets thrown around a lot these days but she really was,” Aldean wrote. “An icon to the entire entertainment industry, especially the Country Music family. I had the privilege being around her a few times over the years and she was truly a bright light that shined just a little brighter than anyone else in the room. … Rest easy Dolly and thank you for the contributions you made and the doors you kicked down for all of us that came after you.”
Glennville’s Cole Swindell kept it shorter and just as final, calling Parton “one of a kind.”
Atlanta across genres: Gladys Knight and Lil Nas X
The remembrances did not stay inside country radio. Gladys Knight, one of Atlanta’s defining voices, remembered Parton as a peer and a model. “Dolly was one of a kind and the ultimate role model for women both in and out of our musical industry,” Knight wrote. “I admired her in every way possible.” Parton had covered Knight’s “Midnight Train to Georgia” on a 1977 television special — a small, elegant loop between two Southern catalogs.56
Lil Nas X, the Atlanta artist who recast “Jolene” in 2021, posted a photo of himself with Parton and a caption that needed no extra ornament: “THE ONE AND ONLY! FLY HIGH MISS DOLLY!”30
The Atlanta tribute circuit felt the loss in a more workaday way. Katie Coleman of the metro Atlanta band Run Katie Run has spent the past year leading the Dolly show Here I Come Again after years of playing Dollywood. “She’s just been such a model of what it means to have insane integrity,” Coleman told CBS Atlanta. “Like, start with kindness in every situation, and love and acceptance. … I wasn’t ready. That was the first thing that crossed my mind. I wasn’t ready for her to be gone.” At the Atlanta Eagle, a Midtown gay nightclub that has long claimed Parton as an ally, staffer Richard Ramey put it more bluntly: “She never turned her back on us. Never.”55
An older Georgia circle
Some of the Georgia connections predate the social-media era. Atlanta’s Brenda Lee knew Parton when both were young Nashville hopefuls in the 1960s and later recorded with her on the 1982 album The Winning Hand. Clarkdale musician Ray Stevens produced Parton’s early single “Dumb Blonde,” the song that first announced she would not be reduced to the joke in its title. Those names remind listeners that Parton’s Georgia story is not only condolence posts. It is also a working history of Southern studios, television specials, and shared bills.30
Former longtime Atlanta resident Elton John, who crossed paths with the city during his own years here, called her “a giant of an artist — unique and irreplaceable.”
What Georgia is holding onto
Gov. Brian Kemp called Parton an “American treasure” whose loss is felt “all the more in the South where she was so deeply loved.” Ringgold’s mayor, Kelly Bomar, said the town would keep the marriage story, the mural, and the annual Dolly Days festival as local inheritance. Those civic notes sit beside the musicians’ words without competing with them. The artists keep returning to the same few qualities: the songs, the work ethic, the refusal to sneer, the habit of opening doors and then leaving them open.32
Parton’s family has asked that memorials go to the Imagination Library rather than flowers. In Georgia, that request lands with extra weight. The program sent books into counties that still talk about her as the woman who married in Ringgold and then spent a lifetime making sure other people’s children could read. The artists remembering her this week are not only saluting a catalog. They are describing a neighbor who made Southern show business look like generosity with sequins on it.
There will be more official tributes — the Grand Ole Opry has already set a dedicated night — but the Georgia chorus is already clear. Nettles thanked her “for everything.” Brown said there will never be another.
Aldean thanked her for the doors. Knight called her the role model. Lil Nas X told her to fly high. In a state that produces country, soul, and hip-hop in the same week, that range is the point. Dolly Parton made room for all of it, and Georgia’s musicians are answering in the only language she would have trusted: they are saying her name, and then they are going back to work.
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In a late-night decision that could mark a turning point for professional hockey in Georgia, the Alpharetta City Council has approved a bold redevelopment plan for the aging North Point Mall.
The vision: transform the once-thriving 1990s shopping center into a vibrant, mixed-use entertainment district anchored by a major arena designed specifically to attract a National Hockey League franchise and restore big-league hockey to metro Atlanta.
Alpharetta Clears Path for North Point Mall Transformation—Aiming to Bring NHL Hockey Back to Metro Atlanta
Atlanta-based developer Jamestown LP, working with property owner New York Life, plans to convert the roughly 100-acre site into a walkable destination featuring apartments, hotels, restaurants, retail, a theater, and—at its heart—a hockey complex. Central to the proposal is a roughly 20,000-seat NHL-ready arena, complemented by a community hockey rink, all aimed at positioning Alpharetta as a compelling home for a new NHL team.
After hours of debate and public comment, the council approved the plan 4-3 just after 1 a.m. Tuesday. Officials and developers describe the project as a potential economic game-changer for Alpharetta, with Jamestown CIO Tim Perry calling it “potentially the greatest economic impact vote maybe in the history of Alpharetta.”
North Point Mall opened in 1993 and once stood as a premier retail destination in north Fulton County. Its glory days have long faded, and city leaders see this redevelopment as the key to a renaissance—one that could finally bring professional hockey back after the departures of the Atlanta Flames (who left for Calgary in 1980) and the Atlanta Thrashers (who relocated to Winnipeg in 2011).
Key conditions attached to the approval include a requirement that an NHL franchise must be awarded to the site before apartments can be occupied. Even so, City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom emphasized that the mall is ripe for revival regardless: “The mall, a great mall, I remember the day it opened. But it’s sort of run its course. And it’s prime for redevelopment opportunity, whether it’s this opportunity or a different opportunity.”
The broader vision draws inspiration from successful mixed-use sports districts and includes additional entertainment venues such as a music hall and performing arts center, along with hotels, office space, parks, plazas, and trails. Proponents argue this combination would create a year-round destination that draws regional visitors while delivering sustained economic benefits.
Competition remains in the picture: another development group is pursuing a pro-hockey team just six miles north in Forsyth County. Yet the Alpharetta approval represents a significant local commitment to making North Point the focal point for returning the NHL to metro Atlanta.
With zoning now advanced, the next steps involve further planning, design, and the ongoing effort to secure an NHL franchise. For hockey fans across the region, this vote keeps alive the hope that the sport’s return to Atlanta is closer than ever—centered on a reimagined North Point that could once again put metro Atlanta on the NHL map.
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Target has apologized and removed a children’s Halloween costume from sale after widespread criticism that the design evoked racist stereotypes associated with blackface and 19th-century minstrel shows.
The product, listed as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume” (or similar variations such as the Kids’ Circus Glow Clown Costume Bodysuit), was part of the retailer’s seasonal Hyde & EEK! Boutique private-label brand and sold for about $25.
Target issues an apology and pulls a children’s Halloween costume after backlash over its resemblance to blackface and minstrel imagery
It featured an orange-and-black clown-style outfit, black gloves, a small top hat, and a mesh mask or face covering shaped like a wide, exaggerated grinning mouth with large teeth. A promotional image on Target’s website showed a Black child modeling the costume, sometimes in a pose that critics compared to Jim Crow-era caricatures.
Social media users quickly shared screenshots and argued that the combination of elements—particularly the dark face covering, oversized smile, gloves, and presentation—mirrored historical minstrel-show imagery that caricatured and demeaned Black people. Minstrel shows were a form of 19th-century American theater built around such stereotypes.
On Monday, August 24, 2026, Target confirmed it had stopped selling the item and issued a statement acknowledging the mistake. “As a company, we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” the company said. “The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”
The product listing was deleted from Target’s website. The controversy adds to a series of recent reputational challenges for the Minneapolis-based retailer, which has faced criticism over its handling of Pride merchandise in prior years and changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Some observers linked the oversight to those earlier shifts, while others noted the company’s rapid response in pulling the item and issuing an apology.
Target has not provided further details on the design process or the specific individuals involved in approving the costume. The retailer operates roughly 2,000 stores across the United States.
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Atlanta-based streetwear and sneaker boutique Wish has announced it will permanently close at the end of 2026, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most influential cultural and style destinations. The Little Five Points staple, a fixture for over 20 years, will shut its doors on December 28.
Atlanta’s Wish Boutique to Close
Founded and led by Lauren Amos with business partner and CEO Julie Hogg, Wish has long stood out as a woman-owned luxury streetwear and sneaker boutique in a space traditionally dominated by other voices.
Located at 447 Moreland Avenue in the heart of Little Five Points (in a building that previously housed the local Carnegie Library), the store became far more than a retail outlet. It evolved into a hub where fashion, art, music, and community intersected—celebrating limited-edition sneakers, carefully curated designer pieces, local talent, and global brands while fostering a distinctive creative energy unique to Atlanta.
Amos, who took the reins in 2004 after graduating from the Atlanta College of Art, helped grow Wish into a successful destination known for exclusive drops, thoughtful collaborations, community events, and a welcoming atmosphere that drew both longtime locals and visitors. The shop’s impact extended beyond commerce: it helped put Atlanta on the map for streetwear culture and supported artists, musicians, designers, and the broader creative class.
According to Amos, the decision to close stems not from financial struggles but from “monumental life changes” for her and Hogg. “I’m sad and I’m happy. It’s like we are all sad and we’re all happy. This isn’t easy. This wasn’t an overnight decision,” she told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The pair described the choice as deeply personal after years of dedicated work building the business.
For many Atlantans, the news lands as a genuine loss. Wish was more than a place to shop—it was a cultural landmark that reflected and amplified the city’s style and creative spirit. As one longtime admirer put it simply: a huge loss for the city. “I loved that boutique man.”
Amos has expressed hope that a young, cool, creative person will step into the space and build something new. In the months ahead, the team plans to celebrate the store’s legacy with staff, regulars, and the community that helped sustain it for 22 years. While the physical doors will close, Wish’s influence on Atlanta’s fashion and cultural landscape is likely to linger long after the final sale.
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ATLANTA/DALLAS — Several passengers were reportedly injured Friday when a laptop caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight from Atlanta to Dallas-Fort Worth, filling parts of the cabin with smoke before the crew contained the blaze.
American Airlines Flight 2398, an Airbus A321 carrying 133 people, departed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport around 5:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 21.
Laptop Catches Fire on American Airlines Flight from Atlanta to Dallas
About 30 minutes before landing, a passenger’s laptop began smoking and erupted in flames, according to accounts from those on board and air traffic control audio.
Passenger Jessica Irgens, who was seated nearby, described the scene as “absolutely terrifying.” “I just saw the smoke first, and then it all happened really fast,” she told ABC’s Good Morning America. “He was trying to get it away from him into the aisle.” Other passengers assisted as heavy smoke filled the area, and Irgens said some people later had their hands in bags of ice and appeared visibly shaken.
The pilot radioed air traffic controllers about a cabin fire toward the rear of the aircraft. Flight attendants worked to extinguish it and ultimately secured the device in a specialized thermal containment bag designed for lithium-ion battery incidents. The pilot reported that four to five passengers may have suffered burns, primarily to their hands, and requested medical personnel meet the plane.
The aircraft landed safely at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport around 8 p.m. ET (approximately 6:55 p.m. local time) and taxied to the gate under its own power. Emergency responders met the flight. American Airlines said one person was treated on scene and released. Airport officials confirmed the same, noting the injuries were minor and no hospital transport was required.
In a statement, American Airlines said: “American Airlines Flight 2398 landed safely at DFW after reports of smoke from a customer’s device during landing. We thank our crew for their professionalism and swift response to quickly contain the device.”
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. Lithium-ion batteries in personal electronic devices have been linked to multiple smoke or fire events on passenger aircraft this year, according to FAA data.
No further injuries were reported, and the plane arrived without additional incident.
Traveling with your significant other is the best way to go. Looking for a destination? There are some great cities that you can vacation in for cheap right now.
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The Battery Atlanta is a vibrant mixed-use entertainment district in the Cumberland area of Cobb County, anchored by Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. Located at the intersection of I-75 and I-285 (roughly 12 miles from downtown Atlanta), this walkable destination offers far more than baseball.
Check Out the Best Things to Do at The Battery Atlanta
With restaurants, shops, live music, interactive experiences, outdoor spaces, and year-round events, it delivers a complete day-or-night outing for families, couples, groups of friends, and sports fans alike.
Here are some of the top things to do.
Catch a Braves Game (or Watch Outside the Park)
Truist Park is the centerpiece. On game days the entire district buzzes with energy. Even without tickets, you can settle on the lawn or Plaza Green and watch on the giant LED screens while enjoying the atmosphere. Pre- and post-game, the surrounding restaurants and bars fill with fans. Stadium tours are also available on non-game days for a behind-the-scenes look.
Dine and Drink
The Battery features a strong mix of chef-driven and casual spots. Standouts include Antico Pizza Napoletana for wood-fired Neapolitan pies, Superica for Tex-Mex and margaritas, C. Ellet’s Steakhouse for upscale Southern fare (including jazz brunch), Yard House for an extensive beer list and American favorites, Garden & Gun Club for craft cocktails and Southern dishes, and El Super Pan for Latin-inspired sandwiches and tapas. Other options range from sports bars like Walk-On’s and Live! at The Battery to sweet stops such as Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and River Street Sweets. Many places offer patios ideal for people-watching. Reservations are recommended on game days and weekends.
Experience Live Entertainment
The Coca-Cola Roxy, a roughly 3,600–4,000-seat venue, hosts concerts, comedy, and special events across genres. Park Bench offers live music and piano-bar vibes. Live! at The Battery and PBR Atlanta add high-energy options, including mechanical bull riding and watch parties. Outdoor stages and plaza performances (often free) frequently feature local musicians, DJs, and more.
Play and Interactive Fun
- Punch Bowl Social: Bowling, arcade games, karaoke, shuffleboard, darts, and a full menu in a lively social setting.
- The Escape Game Atlanta: Immersive themed escape rooms for teams of 2–8.
- Sandbox VR: Advanced full-body motion-capture virtual reality experiences.
- Good Game powered by Topgolf Swing Suite: Virtual golf and sports gaming with food and drinks.
- Great Big Game Show: Competitive team-based game-show experiences.
- Muse Paintbar: Guided paint-and-sip sessions—no experience needed.
- Battle & Brew: Gaming bar for video games alongside drinks.
Shop
Browse the Braves Clubhouse Store for official team gear, Baseballism for baseball-inspired apparel, the Mizuno Experience Center for sports equipment, DressUp for trendy clothing, Sugarboo & Co. for home décor, and other boutiques and specialty retailers.
Enjoy Outdoor and Family Spaces
The Plaza Green and Georgia Power Pavilion offer open areas for picnics, relaxing, or watching games on the big screen. A splash pad (typically open spring through fall, weather and events permitting) is popular with kids. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park provides additional play space on select non-game weekends. The district is pet-friendly (leashed dogs welcome). Free or low-cost community events such as outdoor yoga, farmers markets, movie nights on the green, and seasonal festivals (food, music, holiday celebrations) occur regularly.
Catch a Movie or Stay Overnight
Silverspot Cinema provides a upscale theater experience with reclining seats and in-theater dining. For longer visits, the Omni Hotel at The Battery and nearby Aloft offer convenient lodging so you can extend the fun into a staycation.
Practical Tips
- Parking: Multiple decks (Red, Green, Purple, etc.) typically offer two hours free on non-event days; event/game-day rates apply closer to first pitch or showtime. Check current details before arriving.
- Getting there: Accessible via car, CobbLinc buses, MARTA connections, rideshares, and the Cumberland Circulator.
- Open container: Limited open-container rules apply within the district (check official policies).
- Best times: Game days are electric but crowded; non-game days and evenings are more relaxed for dining, shopping, and activities. Check the official events calendar at batteryatl.com for the latest lineup of concerts, markets, watch parties, and festivals.
Whether you’re cheering on the Braves, solving an escape room with friends, painting with a drink in hand, or simply strolling the plaza with ice cream, The Battery Atlanta delivers a self-contained entertainment experience that works for nearly every interest and group size. Plan ahead via the official site for hours, reservations, and schedules—then show up ready to explore.
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
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Georgia has some hidden gems when it comes to state parks. When is the last time you ventured into the adventurous Georgia outdoors?
This article will tell you all about some of the best state parks in the Peach State.
Don’t think that you have to travel far from Atlanta to enjoy these great parks — they’re closing than you think! Here are some of the best state parks in Georgia that are close to Atlanta:
But first, more Travel Content:
Best Atlanta Festivals To Attend 5 Ways To Save On Your Next Trip 40 Things To Do In The Fall In Georgia Atlanta Travel Guide: How To Navigate And Save Looking For The Best State Parks In Georgia? Read This
In this article, we’re going to show you some of the best state parks in Georgia. Gas up the vehicle and get ready to go!
All of these Georgia state parks are within 90 miles (an hour and a half tops) of Atlanta city limits. That makes them easily accessible by driving around I-285, I-85, I-75 and I-20.
No matter if it’s summertime or fall, you’ll enjoy the lush scenery in the heart of Georgia’s state parks.
Here Are Some Of The Best Sites To See Georgia Foliage
Georgia has elite foliage, if you didn’t know. We begin with one of the most beautiful state parks in Georgia and the home of the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River:
Amicalola Falls State Park
Here’s what one reviewer says about Amicalola Falls. “Beautiful falls with beautiful views around. Hiking is fun here and there are steps that you can take to go top of the falls. My 2year old kid did climbed easily 425 steps. There is plenty of space for picnic and spent valuable time there. All aside weather was just right. Overall it was a fabulous experience.”
2. Anna Ruby Falls (Twin Waterfalls)
Here’s what one reviewer says about Anna Ruby Falls. “Picturesque waterfall with a visitor’s center accessible by driving through Unicoi State Park.”
3. Black Rock Mountain
Here’s what one visitor says about Black Rock Mountain State Park. “Beautiful campground and state park! Our site was nice and shady. Just be warned, you will have to walk uphill to get to your site if you aren’t near the bottom. Not a big hill, but it’s uphill, none the less. Beautiful views were everywhere! The hiking trails are also pretty steep, but nothing too bad if you are a seasoned hiker.”
4. Vogel State Park
“Beautiful park. Camped here for 6 nights. Nice staff. Bathhouse was clean,” says one visitor. “They have several INDIVIDUAL bathrooms with a private shower, toilet and sink. It’s not community like a locker room. I absolutely love that!!! Number 68 was the best spot for us. It sits adjacent to the Bathhouse and our neighbors were not on top of us. The park has plenty of hiking paths, a man made beach and swimming area, paddle boating and a beautiful lake and waterfall. They have signs posted for black bears and copperhead snakes. We saw none, thank God! Beautiful and serene place. Would definitely return!”
5. Brasstown Bald
Here’s what one visitor says about Brasstown Bald State Park. “Finally made the trip back up there after many years too long of an absence. Much is still the same as I remember it with still some of the best views in North Georgia.
As of 10/5/22, there’s a $7 per person entrance fee. The walk-up trail is a nice paved path beginning between the gift shop and restroom facility. (Highly recommend the gift shop, lots of cool and unique items!) It’s about a half mile trek going constantly uphill to the top (a slight workout!), but a shuttle bus is also available if preferred.”
6. Cloudland Canyon
Here’s what one visitor says about Cloudland Canyon State Park: “$5 entrance fee for gorgeous views and short, but rewarding trails. Trails are extremely moderate for an experienced hiker, but present diverse landscape. The trails were well marked, mostly clear from a lot of foot traffic and dirt. Look out for armadillos! We saw two while we were here. You’ll hear them rustling around. We enjoyed going all the way around the loop and then ending with a peek at both waterfalls which weren’t too full but couldn’t have fomo. Lots of stairs to the waterfalls as expected. Camping, RV spots, cabins+ available for an extended stay. The trails were lively with people and dogs enjoying the mild Tuesday afternoon. I do recommend! Views still available right off from the parking lot if you are not feeling a hike. Bonus is that the park also has a disc golf course.”
7. Fort Mountain State Park
Here’s what one visitor says about Fort Mountain Park. “We visited Fort Mountain State Park recently and we had a wonderful time. Since we have visited all 56 Tennessee State Parks we thought we would visit Georgia State Parks. We are glad we went here. We enjoyed seeing the 4 story look out tower. It was a hike to it but not to hard. There is a lot of history here and several plaques are placed so we could read them. From the tower we hiked to the over look. Wow. This has amazing views here. We also drove around the park and we saw a nice lake and campground. There is another trail that goes to a waterfall which is nice. Overall great experience. Can’t wait to go back.”
8. Tallulah Gorge State Park
Here’s what one visitor says about Tallulah State Gorge Park: “What an absolutely beautiful park. We spent two days at the park, walking trails and enjoying the sights and water, and we still didn’t get the opportunity to see everything. But what we did see was stunning!
There are miles of trails you can hike. Some are located on the north side and some on the south side of the gorge. Additionally, you can cross the gorge via the suspension bridge, and even go to the bottom of the gorge. That said, we didn’t go to the bottom – it’s only 100 passes a day, though they are free – but I imagine it’s awesome. And we are hoping to do that ourselves next visit. I highly, highly recommend you been in decent to good shape if you plan to go to the bottom because there are a lot of steps (over 1000 total down and back up) that you must climb to do so. We opted to go down to the suspension bridge and back up and it was quite a work out on its own.”
9. Sweetwater Creek
Here’s what one reviewer says about Sweetwater Creek State Park: “A very well-staffed park. Excellent signage to direct you on where to go. We only took the Red Trail to see the Mill Ruins on a quick visit, but I do recommend that one for beginner hikers! The path is nicely packed and wide for comfort without much of a grade. I was a little disappointed in all the fencing around the ruins keeping you from getting a closer look, but I totally understand the purpose of it being there. The water was lovely and calming also. I would recommend this spot for a nice, relaxing afternoon in nature.”
10. Stone Mountain Park
One reviewer says this about Stone Mountain Park: “Our first time coming by to see Stone Mountain. $20 Vehicle Entry, was well worth the drive, literally around the entire mountain. Beautiful landscape, everywhere you look. We arrived very close to dark and were thrilled to find out that they close at midnight! The Lift to the top and Gift Shop were certainly closed by the time we arrived, but we were able to navigate a well-lit sidewalk, to get a bit closer to the carving. Really pretty area, very nice folks. Absolutely worth the stop!”
Georgia contains tens of thousands of acres of natural beauty with a wide variety of fun family activities and things to do in the Atlanta.
Final Word
You can have a great time in the Georgia outdoors.
No matter if you’re a visitor to the state or a family looking to bring the kids out for a day of fund and children’s attractions, you can find tons of outdoor recreational activities including kayaking, SUP, championship golf, hiking, biking, and more around Atlanta.
Up next: 10+ things to do in Georgia that are fun & outdoorsy
https://atlantafi.com/adventurous-and-outdoorsy-things-to-do-in-atlanta/
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
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.
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If you’ve ever tried navigating Atlanta with a GPS or asked a local for directions, you’ve probably encountered the city’s most famous quirk: streets named Peachtree seem to be everywhere. Turn left on Peachtree, continue onto Peachtree, then take a right onto… another Peachtree. It’s enough to make newcomers wonder if half the city’s road signs share the same name.
So, how many Peachtree streets are there actually?
How Many Streets Are Named Peachtree in Atlanta? Around 71
The most frequently cited figure is 71 streets, roads, avenues, drives, lanes, and similar thoroughfares in the Atlanta metro area that include some form of “Peachtree” in their name. This number is often attributed to the Atlanta Regional Commission and is echoed by the Atlanta History Center and numerous local publications.1
Exact tallies can vary slightly depending on the criteria used:
- Whether the count covers just the City of Atlanta limits or the broader metro area.
- Whether directional variants (e.g., Peachtree Street NE vs. Peachtree Street SW) count as separate streets.
- Whether minor residential courts or short connectors are included.
Atlanta Magazine’s own survey found about 40 such streets before even clearing the Perimeter (I-285), noting that the full metro total is higher and that the classic “71” figure is approximate and somewhat dated. Other sources describe “over 70,” “around 60–70,” or simply “dozens.” The consensus remains clear: Peachtree-named roads are unusually abundant.
One True Peachtree Street (and Many Relatives)
Locals usually mean one primary corridor when they simply say “Peachtree.” Peachtree Street begins near Five Points in downtown Atlanta, runs north through Midtown, and continues into Buckhead, where it becomes Peachtree Road after crossing Peachtree Creek. Farther north it transitions into Peachtree Boulevard and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, forming a long continuous spine of roughly 18 miles under shifting names.
A separate West Peachtree Street runs roughly parallel through downtown and Midtown. Other well-known variants include Peachtree Battle Avenue, Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Hills Avenue, Peachtree Center Avenue, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, and many residential streets such as Peachtree Circle, Peachtree Drive, and Peachtree Lane.
Entire communities also carry the name: Peachtree City (a planned suburb south of Atlanta) and Peachtree Corners (to the north).
Why So Many Peachtrees? (It’s Not Really About Peaches)
Georgia is the Peach State, yet Atlanta’s street-naming obsession has little to do with actual peach orchards. The name traces back to a Muscogee (Creek) settlement near the confluence of Peachtree Creek and the Chattahoochee River. The Muscogee called the site Pakanahuili, commonly translated as “Standing Peach Tree.” Some historians suggest it may originally have referred to a “Standing Pitch Tree” (a pine used for resin or pitch), with “peach” emerging through later mistranslation or adaptation by English-speaking settlers.
In the early 19th century, the U.S. military established Fort Peachtree nearby. The old Native trail that connected settlements became an important early road. As Atlanta grew from a railroad terminus into a major city, developers and planners repeatedly borrowed the evocative name “Peachtree” for new streets, creating the dense web of variations that exists today. The name gained further cultural weight through Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and the annual AJC Peachtree Road Race, one of the world’s largest 10K events.
Ironically, actual peach trees are scarce along most of these streets—though temporary plantings have occasionally appeared for promotional events.
Navigating the Peachtree Maze
For visitors, the abundance of similarly named roads can be confusing. A few practical tips:
- Specify the full name and neighborhood (e.g., “Peachtree Street in Midtown” or “Peachtree Road in Buckhead”).
- West Peachtree is a distinct street from Peachtree Street.
- Peachtree Road is the northern continuation of the main Peachtree Street corridor.
- When in doubt, ask a local which Peachtree they mean—or rely on precise addresses and GPS.
Atlanta’s Peachtree streets are more than a navigational oddity. They form a living reminder of the city’s Indigenous roots, its 19th-century origins, and the way a single evocative name can shape an entire urban identity. Whether you’re running the Peachtree Road Race, exploring downtown skyscrapers, or simply trying to find your hotel, you’re almost certainly on—or near—a Peachtree of one kind or another.
In short: there is one primary Peachtree Street, but roughly 70 variations that keep the name alive across metro Atlanta.
Aside from Peachtrees, Georgia’s largest city is full of sweet treats. Have you seen the donut shops in Atlanta? But there’s more: Our Ice Cream Guide will put a few calories on you.
Wondering what’s new? Check Out Our New Atlanta Restaurant Guide.
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Some Of the Wonderful Things To Do in Buckhead
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The Real Housewives of Atlanta drama never really stays on the stage. Even after leaving the show, Kandi Burruss found herself pulled back into the mix when K. Michelle’s “Mean Girls of Atlanta” remark during the Season 17 reunion started circulating—and Kandi isn’t holding her tongue.
During Part 1 of the RHOA Season 17 reunion, Shamea Morton explained that certain women in her circle (referencing Kandi and others) weren’t thrilled about her growing close to K. Michelle. K. Michelle’s response? A pointed “The Mean Girls of Atlanta.” While she didn’t name Kandi directly, the timing and context left little room for interpretation in many viewers’ eyes—and clearly in Kandi’s.
Kandi Responds to K. Michelle’s Mean Girls of Atlanta Comment
Kandi addressed the shade head-on during an appearance on The Big Tigger Morning Show. When co-host Francesca Amiker brought up the reports that K. Michelle had labeled her a “mean girl,” the longtime RHOA alum kept it straightforward:
“I personally feel that mean girls can’t call other girls mean girls. It doesn’t work like that,” Kandi said. She added that if she’s being called a mean girl, then K. Michelle has been one too, pointing out the singer’s history of going after people on camera, calling them out of their names, and more. “If I’m a mean girl, she was a mean girl, too.”
Kandi also clarified her personal approach: “If you are not nice to me, I am not nice to you.” She described herself as a straightforward Taurus who matches energy rather than seeking out conflict.
The clip of her response quickly spread across X (including the one shared by accounts like @TheRhoaTalk), reigniting talk of the longstanding friction between K. Michelle and parts of Atlanta’s entertainment circle.
K. Michelle’s response and the deeper history
K. Michelle wasted little time firing back on X. She denied ever calling Kandi a mean girl specifically, writing that she’s “been calling the same two girls mean girls for years”—widely understood by fans to refer to longtime points of tension with Rasheeda Frost and Toya Wright (both connected to the broader Atlanta scene and Kandi’s orbit).
She didn’t stop there, throwing additional shade at the morning show host with a jab about someone allegedly calling Kandi “Tigger’s side piece.”
This latest exchange isn’t coming out of nowhere. The underlying issues between K. Michelle and Kandi’s circle stretch back years in Atlanta’s music and reality TV world. Kandi has long been known for her loyalty to her friends, including Rasheeda, with whom K. Michelle has had public and private clashes. Earlier in Season 17, tensions flared when Shamea left a hangout with K. Michelle to meet Kandi—without inviting the new Housewife—prompting questions about why certain doors stayed closed. Shamea later noted Kandi’s fierce loyalty as a factor.
Fans have also pointed to older drama involving mutual acquaintances and public accusations that have kept the sides from fully aligning. While Kandi and K. Michelle have both spoken respectfully of each other’s music careers at times, the personal and social circles have remained complicated.
For now, Kandi has made her position clear without diving into a full-blown war of words: energy gets matched, and labels like “mean girl” cut both ways. With the RHOA reunion still fresh and K. Michelle continuing to address the fallout, this chapter of Atlanta drama shows no signs of quieting down anytime soon.
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Kelli Potter’s ongoing legal battle with Gary L. Tolliver has escalated, with the latest collection effort now reaching the production company behind The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
On August 17, 2026, a Summons of Continuing Garnishment was filed in Fulton County State Court naming Truly Original, LLC as the garnishee. Tolliver is seeking to collect an $83,699 judgment against Potter through the move.
Kelli Potter’s RHOA Income Targeted In Legal Drama
The filing orders Truly Original to answer the court and disclose whether it holds or owes any property, money, or other financial interests belonging to Potter (also known as Kelli Potter-Ferrell) or her company, Kooking with Kelli INC.
Notably, the documents specifically reference potential “contractual payouts, episodic appearance fees, talent compensation, production fees, or residuals” that may be owed to Potter or her company. That language places her Real Housewives of Atlanta-related earnings squarely in the crosshairs of the collection effort, as Truly Original produces the long-running Bravo series.
Under the terms of the continuing garnishment, Truly Original would be required to withhold and accumulate any qualifying contractual payouts, production fees, episodic talent compensation, or residuals owed to Potter or Kooking with Kelli INC. The obligation begins upon service of the summons and continues through the 179th day thereafter.
The production company has 45 days after being served to file its initial answer with the court. The summons warns that failure to answer or comply could result in a default judgment against Truly Original for the full approximately $83,000 amount.
The development marks a significant turn in the dispute, directly linking Potter’s television income to Tolliver’s collection push. Further updates are expected once Truly Original responds to the court.
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