Category: Atlanta

Milton, GA – The sprawling North Atlanta estate once owned by Gary Rossington, the legendary founding guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the band’s longest-serving member, has been re-listed for $7 million following a significant adjustment to preserve its peaceful character.

It’s just the latest Atlanta celebrity mansion on sale in recent months.

Rossington, who passed away in 2023 at age 71, and his wife Dale assembled this remarkable 68-acre retreat starting in 1997, when they purchased the initial 7-acre parcel (including the existing main house) for around $1 million.

Scroll down to see the address, in case you want to ride this Atlanta weekend.

In Milton, Buyer Can Get a Slice of Lynyrd Skynyrd History

Over the years, they added adjoining lots to create what the family affectionately called their “sanctuary” – a private haven where the Southern rock icon could escape the spotlight, fish on his beloved lake, and work in his personal music studio.

Originally listed at the end of 2023 for $12 million as the full 68-acre property, the estate drew interest primarily from developers eyeing subdivision potential.

In a move that honors the Rossingtons’ vision of protecting the land’s natural beauty, about 32 acres (including half of the spring- and creek-fed lake) were recently sold in mid-December for $4.7 million to a family planning to build their own home.

The buyers shared the family’s sentiment, reportedly unwilling to see the mature trees cleared for development.

The remaining 36-acre portion – now on the market for $7 million – includes all the structures, the natural waterfall, the pool, and half of the stocked lake complete with two docks (one covered with two slips, the other floating).

This prime section offers buyers a rare chance to own a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history without the full original scale.

The centerpiece is the 7,500-square-foot traditional-style main house (built in 1990), featuring five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, a grand great room with fireplace, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, study, and a spacious deck overlooking the waterfall and pool area added by the Rossingtons.

The lower level boasts an entertainment space with a wet bar, billiards area, fireplace – and the modest music studio where the guitarist crafted and practiced his iconic riffs.

Additional perks include a separate ranch-style guest house, a suite above the two-car garage, and endless privacy amid mature forest and rolling terrain – all just 35 miles north of downtown Atlanta in upscale Milton.

For Lynyrd Skynyrd fans, music enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a luxurious, nature-immersed retreat with celebrity pedigree, this updated offering provides an exclusive opportunity to own “Free Bird Estate” (named after the band’s timeless anthem) in its more intimate, protected form.

Listing agent Cynthia Chandlee of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty highlights the property’s special appeal: “Gary loved to fish—fishing was his world,” she notes, referencing Rossington’s habit of catch-and-release with his favorite lake resident, a fish he named “Walter.”

Whether you’re drawn by the Southern rock legacy, the serene lakefront lifestyle, or simply the chance to live in a true North Atlanta sanctuary, this estate remains one of the area’s most distinctive properties now available.

Final Word

The Gary Rossington estate in Milton, GA — now reduced to approximately 36 acres with all structures, half the private lake, the waterfall, pool, and more — remains actively listed for $7 million through Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty.

For full details, photos, and to schedule a private viewing of this iconic Southern rock sanctuary (affectionately known as “Free Bird Estate”), check out the official listing here: Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty.

Big mansions not your thing? Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.

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

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Happy New Year, Atlanta! As we kick off 2026 on this federal holiday, many essential services are closed, but plenty of spots around the city remain open for your post-celebration needs — though hours are often reduced.

Here’s a local guide to what’s open and closed in the metro area today.

Major Closures

• Banks — Most bank branches, including major ones like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others, are closed in observance of the federal holiday. Online banking and ATMs are still available.
• U.S. Postal Service — All post offices are closed, and there is no regular mail delivery. Priority Mail Express may still be delivered in some cases.
• Stock Market — U.S. stock exchanges are closed; trading resumes Friday, January 2.
• Shipping Services — Standard UPS and FedEx pickup and delivery services are unavailable. Many UPS Store and FedEx Office locations are also closed.
• Wholesale Clubs — Costco and Sam’s Club locations remain closed.

Retail & Shopping

Many major retailers are open, often with modified hours. Always double-check with your local store, as hours can vary by location:

• Walmart — Open regular hours (typically 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for supercenters).
• Target — Open with regular hours in most locations.
• Home Depot — Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Lowe’s — Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Kohl’s — Open (often 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but confirm locally).
• Best Buy — Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Other stores like Macy’s, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshall’s, and many malls are generally open with adjusted hours.

Grocery Stores

Most grocery chains are open, but many close earlier than usual:

• Kroger (and family stores) — Open with regular or slightly reduced hours.
• Publix — Most stores close at 7 p.m., but Atlanta-area locations stay open until 8 p.m.
• Whole Foods — Open, typically 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Walmart and Target grocery sections — Follow their regular store hours.
• Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and some others may be closed or limited.

Restaurants & Fast Food

Most eateries are open, though many operate on reduced or holiday hours — check your local spot:

• Chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A (most locations), Waffle House, Zaxby’s, and IHOP are generally open.
• Sit-down spots such as Chili’s, Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse, and others are serving, often with adjusted schedules.

Pharmacies & Other Essentials

• CVS and Walgreens — Most stores are open, though pharmacy hours may be limited or closed at some locations. Front-store shopping is usually available.
• Alcohol Sales — In Atlanta, liquor stores (package stores) and grocery/convenience stores can sell beer, wine, and spirits today (Thursday) from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., per standard Georgia and city rules. No holiday-specific closures apply for off-premises alcohol on New Year’s Day.

Federal and state government offices are closed, and public transit (like MARTA) typically runs on a Sunday/holiday schedule — check the MARTA app or website for exact times.

Stay safe and enjoy the first day of 2026, Atlanta! If you’re heading out, call ahead or check online for the most up-to-date hours at your favorite spots. Here’s to a great year ahead! 🎉

In a festive nod to Atlanta’s vibrant Black-owned business scene, Fawn Weaver, the trailblazing founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, made waves in South Fulton this week with intimate bottle-signing events.

She will hold a bottle signing on Thursday, Dec. 11 at World of Beverage at Camp Creek in East Point. Starts at 5 p.m.

The celebrations, centered around Fairburn and Camp Creek, highlighted special holiday releases and the enduring legacy of the brand inspired by the first African-American master distiller, Nearest Green.

Uncle Nearest Founder Meets Fans at South Fulton Bottle Signing

On Wednesday, December 10th, Weaver kicked off the series at The Tap House in Fairburn, a cozy local spot known for its craft brews and community vibe. Joined by Victoria Eady Butler, the brand’s master blender and a rising star in the spirits world, the duo signed bottles of Uncle Nearest’s highly anticipated Cognac Cask release.

This limited-edition expression, finished in French cognac barrels, offers notes of rich vanilla, dried fruit, and a smooth, oaky warmth—perfect for holiday toasts or gifting under the Georgia pines.

The energy was electric as fans lined up for personalized autographs, snapping photos and sharing stories of how Uncle Nearest has become a staple in Atlanta’s cocktail culture.

“It’s more than whiskey; it’s a story of resilience and excellence,” Weaver shared during the event, her enthusiasm infectious amid the holiday lights strung across the venue.

Weaver shared an Instagram post of the event, posting this message: “WooooW! First ATL signing is in the books! Thank you for showing up and showing out! To every mayor, council member and city leader who came out to encourage me and to make sure I knew—you don’t play about me—based on a single IG posted 24 hours ago: Honored. Grateful. Amazed.”

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The festivities continue on Thursday, December 11th, at Camp Creek World of Beverages, a go-to liquor haven for southwest Atlanta shoppers.

During the event, one man said that he knew Weaver from school in 6th, 7th and 8th grade. This is how it went:

Here, too, Weaver and Butler will delight attendees with signings and tastings, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to honoring Nearest Green’s pivotal role in shaping American whiskey history.

These events underscore Uncle Nearest’s deep ties to Atlanta, where the brand has championed diversity in an industry long dominated by tradition. Weaver, whose entrepreneurial journey began with a quest to uncover Green’s overlooked contributions to Jack Daniel’s, has turned Uncle Nearest into the fastest-growing independent American whiskey brand.

This holiday pop-up series not only celebrated that success but also infused South Fulton with a dose of holiday cheer and cultural pride.

For those who missed out, select bottles remain available at participating retailers, while Uncle Nearest continues its mission to rewrite spirits history—one signature at a time.

Despite her good cheer, Weaver is involved in a controversial asset protection case with her lenders.

As Atlanta gears up for the season’s final hurrahs, events like these remind us why our city’s spirit (pun intended) is unmatched. Follow @atlhaps for more on community spotlights, holiday happenings, and the stories shaping our neighborhoods.

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In the heart of downtown Atlanta, at the corner of Peachtree and Ellis streets, stands a 15-story building that has borne witness to both glamour and unimaginable horror.

Now known as the Ellis Hotel, this structure was once the Winecoff Hotel – a beacon of early 20th-century luxury that became the site of the deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history on December 7, 1946.

Nearly 79 years later, the tragedy continues to shape fire safety standards nationwide and serves as a somber reminder of how quickly complacency can turn deadly.

The Winecoff Hotel: A History

In the early 1900s, downtown Atlanta pulsed with post-Reconstruction energy. Peachtree Street, the city’s grand artery, was transforming from a dusty thoroughfare into a commercial powerhouse.

The area around what would become 176 Peachtree lay just north of the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District, a hub of late-19th-century brick buildings housing banks, shops, and offices.

Pioneer hotel builder William F. Winecoff envisioned a luxurious retreat for Atlanta’s elite. 

A ‘Fireproof’ Icon Rises in Atlanta

Opened in 1913, the Winecoff Hotel was designed by renowned architect William Lee Stoddart and quickly established itself as one of Atlanta’s tallest and most prestigious buildings.

Boasting 15 stories and a steel-frame construction clad in brick and terra cotta, it was marketed aggressively as “absolutely fireproof.”

This claim stemmed from its non-combustible exterior and structural materials, which met the building codes of the era. On a compact lot of less than 5,000 square feet, the hotel was exempt from requirements for multiple stairways, fire escapes, or sprinklers – a loophole that would prove catastrophic.

The Winecoff catered to travelers, holiday shoppers, and locals drawn to downtown Atlanta’s vibrant scene.

Its location near department stores like Davison’s and the Loew’s Grand Theatre – where Disney’s Song of the South was screening – made it a hub during the post-World War II boom.

Guests included families, businessmen, and even the hotel’s founders, W. Frank Winecoff and his wife Grace, who resided in a penthouse apartment.

With only one central stairway, two elevators, and no automatic alarms or suppression systems, the hotel relied on its “fireproof” reputation.

Interior finishes – wallpaper, carpets, and furnishings – were highly flammable, but this went largely unquestioned in an era before widespread fire safety reforms.

The Night the Flames Consumed Everything

The fire ignited around 3:15 a.m. on a chilly Saturday, December 7, 1946, likely on the third floor in a hallway mattress.

Theories abound: a discarded cigarette, electrical fault, or even arson tied to a late-night card game. Whatever the spark, the blaze spread with terrifying speed.

The open stairwell acted like a chimney, funneling superheated gases and smoke upward through the building’s core.

Of the 304 guests asleep that night, panic erupted as corridors filled with choking smoke.

Many were in town for Christmas shopping or the YMCA Youth Assembly at the state Capitol – including 30 of Georgia’s brightest high school students.

Screams echoed down Peachtree Street as trapped occupants smashed windows and hurled mattresses in desperate bids for survival.

Atlanta Fire Department engines arrived within minutes, mustering 385 firefighters, 22 engines, and 11 ladders.

But the hotel’s height outstripped their equipment; aerial ladders reached only the eighth floor. Rescuers extended ladders from the adjacent Mortgage Guaranty Building, forming human chains and using nets to catch jumpers.

Bystanders, including off-duty soldiers, held nets as bodies plummeted – some missing by inches and crashing onto marquees or pavement.

Amateur photographer Arnold Hardy captured the chaos, snapping a Pulitzer Prize-winning image of a woman mid-fall. Firefighters battled for over two hours in freezing temperatures, rescuing about 120 uninjured but forever scarred.

The Night That Changed Everything

At 24, Hardy was returning home around 3:30 a.m. from a date at a downtown dance hall. Hearing fire sirens, he phoned the station and learned of the blaze at the Winecoff Hotel on Peachtree Street.

Grabbing his camera and five flashbulbs, he cabbed to the scene—the first photographer there. In the pitch-black frenzy, guests leaped from windows or dangled from bedsheet ropes.

Hardy offered aid to firefighters, who declined, so he focused his lens.

One bulb exploded in the cold; he fired off shots of horrified faces in windows.

With his last bulb, he aimed upward, timing a shutter release to capture a woman plummeting feet-first from the 11th floor. Her skirt billowed, revealing white underpants against the flaming facade—a raw, unflinching image titled “Death Leap From Blazing Hotel.”

Developing the film in Tech’s darkroom by 6 a.m., Hardy sold three photos to the Associated Press for $300 (about $4,800 today).

The AP wired it nationwide; it graced front pages and magazine covers, humanizing the Winecoff’s 119 deaths.

Initial reports claimed the woman died on impact. In reality, she was Daisy McCumber, a 41-year-old from Vidalia, Georgia, who survived with shattered bones, internal injuries, and eventual leg amputation.

Embarrassed by the exposure, McCumber avoided publicity until her 1992 death.

In 1947, Hardy’s photo earned the Pulitzer—the first for an amateur—plus five other top awards.

A Devastating Toll: 119 Lives Lost

By dawn, the fire had claimed 119 lives – 41 from burns, 32 from suffocation, and 26 from falls or jumps. Another 65 were injured.

Among the dead: the Winecoffs themselves, suffocated in their penthouse; 17-year-old Christine Adams Hinson, a Youth Assembly delegate; and former Miss Atlanta runner-up Margaret Wilson Nichols, who fell from the seventh floor.

Survivors recounted harrowing escapes: tying bedsheets into ropes, crawling through smoke-filled halls, or leaping into nets.

One intoxicated guest slept through the ordeal unharmed. Firefighter R.B. Sprayberry, who helped recover bodies, never spoke of the night again.

Aftermath: A Nation Awakens to Fire Risks

The Winecoff disaster, coming months after deadly blazes in Chicago and Dubuque, shocked America.

The president convened a national fire safety conference, and cities rushed to update codes.

Georgia enacted a building exit law requiring multiple egress routes, effective on the fire’s first anniversary.

Nationally, standards mandated sprinklers, fire-resistant doors, alarms, and retrofits for older buildings – debates once dismissed as unconstitutional takings.

The hotel reopened in 1951 after renovations but struggled, closing in the 1980s.

It sat vacant until 2007, when a $23 million rehab transformed it into the boutique Ellis Hotel – complete with sprinklers, modern alarms, and fireproof materials. Today, it honors the past with a historical marker dedicating the site to victims, survivors, and rescuers.

Legacy: Safer Skies in the City Too Busy to Hate

The Winecoff fire remains the deadliest hotel blaze in U.S. history, a testament to its profound impact. It spurred the professionalization of firefighting, statewide training requirements, and innovations like self-closing doors.

Atlanta’s skyline, now dotted with high-rises, owes its safety to those lost that night.

What Is the Site of the Winecoff Hotel Today?

As Atlanta grows, the Ellis Hotel stands as a resilient symbol.

Visitors can stay in rooms with views of Peachtree, but the echoes of 1946 linger – urging vigilance.

“We were all spared for a reason,” survivors have said. In a city that rose from ashes before, the Winecoff reminds us: Fireproof is a promise only as strong as the precautions behind it.

For more on Atlanta’s historic fires, visit the Georgia Historical Society marker at 176 Peachtree St. NE.

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