Category: Atlanta

Black History events are happening all across metro Atlanta this year, including in Bartow County.

On Saturday, February 22, in Downtown Cartersville, Black Bartow Events will hold its 4th Annual Black History Parade and Pop-Up.

Cartersville To Celebrate Black History

The parade starts at 1:30 p.m. The starting point of the parade is the Tabernacle Baptist Church Parking Lot located at 31 Douglas Street, Cartersville, GA

Route: Church Street, Erwin Street, Cherokee Avenue, Bartow Street, Main Street & Tennessee Street.

The parade itself will feature the Jonesboro High School Majestic Marching Cardinals, as well as floats, dance teams and more. Following the parade, Cartersville’s Friendship Plaza will play host to live music, food vendors and pop-up shops owned and operated by locally-owned and operated Black businesses and nonprofits. 

Cartersville itself is a hidden hub of Black history, including the massively influential Summer Hill school and community, the grave of Melvinia ‘Mattie’ Shields, the Black Pioneer Cemetery, and many other moving stories and landmarks now memorialized in the area.

In particular, downtown Cartersville is home to one of the Toni Morrison Society’s Benches by the Road to honor the generations of the Black diaspora that passed through the Cartersville Train Depot. 

Final Words

If you’re going to support local businesses in Atlanta, the main thing you may want to do is just get out in the community. Go walking along the Beltline or in a local park.

If you’re interested in supporting some great places to eat in your local area, here are the best black-owned restaurants in Atlanta. 

You also may be interested in the best black farms and farmers in Atlanta. And we can’t forget about the top grocery stores.

Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Two of my favorites Buckhead restaurants — Gypsy Kitchen and Southern Gentleman — are poised to reopen to the public on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

After a brief closure in January for essential HVAC system upgrades, Gypsy Kitchen and The Southern Gentleman are set to unveil a refreshed interior featuring a brighter color palette and design enhancements that create a more inviting and contemporary atmosphere.

To celebrate the reopening, Gypsy Kitchen is offering guests a complimentary hummus and flatbread per table during the week of February 3-11.

Additionally, on Friday, February 7, the restaurant will host a Big Reveal Party, featuring passed hors d’oeuvres in the bar area, half-priced bottles of wine throughout the evening, live music from 5-8 p.m., and other surprises.

The Southern Gentleman will welcome patrons back with a special Welcome Back prix-fixe menu available from February 3-11. Priced at $40 per person, the menu includes guest favorites and a preview of upcoming spring dishes, such as Little Gem salad, deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, braised short ribs, Creole-spiced redfish, pineapple-glazed pork chop, and shrimp and grits. The featured beverage is the Simply Southern old-fashioned, crafted with Southern Proper Hospitality Group’s Knob Creek Private Barrel bourbon, bacon fat-washed with candied peppercorn bacon, priced at $18.

The January closures allowed both establishments to modernize their HVAC systems, ensuring a more comfortable and climate-controlled environment for guests, especially during warmer months. Kim Fong, Southern Proper Hospitality Group’s director of art and style, also took the opportunity to update Gypsy Kitchen’s interior design, introducing softer, more feminine touches to brighten the space.

Chris Hadermann, Southern Proper Hospitality Group managing partner and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the updates, stating, “Our team has spent the past few weeks immersed in a design refresh for Gypsy Kitchen. While it was a small window of time, that focused attention will significantly impact the atmosphere and guest experience.”

citybiz.co

Gypsy Kitchen is located in Buckhead Village at 3035 Peachtree Road, NE. For more information, call 404-939-9840 or visit gk-atl.com.

The Southern Gentleman is situated at the same address. Reservations can be made online or by calling 404-939-9845. To learn more, visit thesoutherngentlemanatl.com.

If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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Snowfall made its triumphant return to parts of Atlanta midday Tuesday as a polar chill churned through the Southeast. Much of Atlanta, including Fulton, DeKalb got more snow just under two weeks after the initial snow that the area experienced.

South of Interstate 20, you can expect 2-4 inches, while northern suburbs above Alpharetta can expect just a dusting.

Atlanta Metro Area: Where It’s Not Snowing

Snow is accumulating in the city proper, Decatur to the east and the southern suburbs, including College Park, East Point and Fairburn.

Atlanta Metro Area: Where It’s Not Snowing

Just into Cobb County and the northern suburbs of Fulton, there is no snow.

Atlanta’s weather can be a chameleon with different shades and moods depending on the day, time and season. To get an accurate forecast, we’ve compiled weather data to show you what’s the weather like in Atlanta right now.

Atlanta’s Weather Right Now

Currently, Atlanta is experiencing frigid conditions as temperatures hover around 24 degrees. warm and humid conditions.

For the next few days, expect similar cold winter weather patterns with highs only in the 30s with frequent cloud cover, but no more precipitation expected.

Snow this evening will give way to partly cloudy conditions late. Very cold. Low 13F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 100%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.

The National Weather Service says roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are slick and hazardous. Travel is not advised. The hazardous conditions will continue to impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.

Atlanta meteorologists say snowfall will accumulate quickly, but will stop before 8 p.m. Then that’s when ice becomes a problem.

Winter Weather Closings in Atlanta

for Fulton County Schools, Wed., Jan. 22 is a remote learning/workday for students & staff. Teachers will provide instructions. All extracurriculars, after-school care, & meetings are canceled. Board Members Gillespie (D1), Gregory (D3), & McCabe (D5) will hold remote community meetings.

Atlanta Public Schools: Out of an abundance of caution due to inclement weather, schools and district offices will be closed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. – All school, extracurricular, and athletic activities are canceled. – Schools will communicate continued learning plans. – Annual Duty employees are to work remotely.

Looking for something to do in inclement weather? Check out our Atlanta Rainy Weather Guide.

The College Football Playoff for the National Championship has come down to this: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes.

If you’re like the rest of us, we can’t come to Atlanta to go to the game, but we can watch it and stream it online.

How To Watch the 2025 College Football Playoff

• Teams: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
• Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025
• Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
• TV channel: ESPN

A History: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

The football history between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish is rich and marked by some memorable matchups. While not as frequent as some other rivalries, their meetings have been important and often captivating, as both programs are among the most storied in college football.

Here’s a summary of the key moments and the history between the two teams:

Early Encounters

The first meeting between Ohio State and Notre Dame occurred on November 25, 1921, at the Columbus, Ohio, where Notre Dame won 21–13. This marked the beginning of a rare but significant series of games between the two prestigious programs.

20th Century Matchups

Throughout the 20th century, the two teams faced each other on a limited basis, as both programs primarily built their schedules around other regional and national powers. However, the games they did play were often competitive and saw both teams making their marks as elite football programs.

• 1935 Sugar Bowl: Ohio State and Notre Dame met in the Sugar Bowl (January 1, 1935), a major postseason game. The Buckeyes came out victorious 21–13, giving them an early sense of national prominence. This was one of the first major postseason encounters between the two schools.
• 1950s–1970s: There were occasional meetings, but both teams often had different conference alignments and varied levels of prominence in terms of national rankings. Notre Dame was an independent team, and Ohio State was part of the Big Ten Conference. However, even in this era, they occasionally met in bowl games or high-profile regular-season contests.

21st Century and the Resurgence of the Series

The rivalry between Ohio State and Notre Dame became more pronounced in the 21st century, as both teams’ programs returned to national prominence in the college football landscape.

• 2006 Fiesta Bowl: One of the most famous recent matchups occurred in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl, which was the BCS National Championship Game. The Buckeyes, led by head coach Jim Tressel and star quarterback Troy Smith, entered the game undefeated and as the #1 team in the country. However, Notre Dame was no slouch and was led by coach Charlie Weis and quarterback Brady Quinn. The game was highly anticipated, but Ohio State triumphed 34–20, securing their national championship appearance.
• 2023 Matchup: One of the most recent matchups between the two teams occurred in the 2023 season in a highly anticipated regular season game. This game was a primetime showdown and ended with a tight finish, in which Ohio State came out victorious, 17–14, in a thriller. The game saw intense defensive play and some spectacular individual performances.

Key Themes in Their Rivalry:

1. Coaching Legacies: Both teams have long-standing coaching legacies. Ohio State’s Woody Hayes, Earle Bruce, and Jim Tressel and Notre Dame’s Knute Rockne, Lou Holtz, and Brian Kelly have each shaped college football history.
2. National Title Implications: Some of the games have carried serious national title implications, especially in the BCS era, and both programs have national title aspirations, which raises the stakes when they meet.
3. Notre Dame’s Independence vs. Ohio State’s Big Ten Membership: The two teams don’t play each other regularly because of Notre Dame’s status as an independent, while Ohio State is in the Big Ten. This makes any matchups between the two highly anticipated, as they only meet on occasion in bowl games or scheduled non-conference games.
4. Prolific Players: Both schools have produced some of the most talented players in college football history. Ohio State has had players like Eddie George, Chris Spielman, and Chase Young, while Notre Dame has boasted players like Joe Montana, Tim Brown, and Rudy Ruettiger.

Statistical Overview:

• Series Record: As of the latest games, Ohio State leads the all-time series against Notre Dame in terms of wins, but the series is closely contested.
• Key Bowl Games: Several high-profile bowl matchups have been crucial moments, such as the 2006 Fiesta Bowl and other bowl games.

Future of the Rivalry

The rivalry is expected to continue in the coming years, with the teams scheduled for future non-conference games. The occasional crossover of schedules and the constant shift in college football’s playoff structure means that Ohio State and Notre Dame will likely meet again under high stakes.

In short, while the Ohio State–Notre Dame rivalry may not have the same regularity as some other college football rivalries, it has produced many memorable games and remains an important intersection of two of college football’s most prestigious programs.

One of the top questions many Americans have right now is, “Am I getting a stimulus check in 2025?”

The IRS says that the checks will begin going out this month to about 1 million Americans who didn’t receive them in 2021.

How Much Are the 2025 Stimulus Checks?

The 2025 stimulus checks are up to $1,400 and are a part of the Recovery Plan Act that Congress passed in 2021.

How Do I Qualify for the 2025 Stimulus Check?

You don’t have to do anything to receive the stimulus check. The IRS will send them out automatically to those who didn’t receive them a few years back.

The payments will be automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check; eligible taxpayers will also receive a separate letter notifying them of the payment, the IRS says in a press release.

The payments represent the unclaimed Recovery Rebate Credits by eligible people on their 2021 tax returns.

“Looking at our internal data, we realized that 1 million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a December statement.

“To minimize headaches and get this money to eligible taxpayers, we’re making these payments automatic, meaning these people will not be required to go through the extensive process of filing an amended return to receive it,” Werfel said.

Oysterfest is once again happening in Midtown Atlanta for 2025. There will be an abundance of deliciously raw, grilled and fried oysters, along with live music and plenty of drinks.

This event is one of the best things to do in Atlanta this weekend, so you won’t want to miss it.

Oysterfest In Atlanta: Everything You Need To Know

Atlanta’s only official Oysterfest is where you can get steamed, fried, and raw oysters. Not an oyster fan? You’ll also enjoy the mimosas, brunch punch, seltzer and other fine beverages.

Date & Time:

Sun, Feb 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Location:

500 10th St NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30309,  Corner of 10th and Monroe

Here’s a map to help you find it.

Oysterfest will feature delicious shellfish, a full bar and live music. There will be an abundance of deliciously raw, grilled, and fried oysters and shucking will begin at 1 p.m.

Get Tickets Here

Tickets are now available for advance purchase and this event will sell out so get them now!!

First, to find all the cool things happening in Atlanta this weekend, all you have to do is take a look at downtown area. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown Atlanta often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:

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• Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL

It all comes down to the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the college football national championship. So how can you support the Dawgs here in Atlanta if you don’t have a ticket? You go to the nearest bar and cheer on the red and black.

We’ve got some suggestions on where the food and drinks will be flowing and the quarterbacks will be throwing (on large-screen TV). Here are some facts about the game:

When Is The College Football Championship Game?

The Championship Game is Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

The Fighting Irish will play the Buckeyes for the national championship in the inaugural College Football Playoff.

20 Bars: Where To Watch The Big Game In Atlanta

This is a must-watch game, but where? Here are the best Atlanta sports bars to watch the Big Game.

These watering holes as well as bars, taverns and food halls have some of the best food as well, so you can enjoy these bowl match-ups.

Manuel’s Tavern

602 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 3030 | (404) 525-3447

While not a “sports bar,” in the real sense, Manuel’s has a TV so that you can keep up with the game, and more importantly, enjoy the camaraderie of the community like you can’t at other places.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Manuel’s Tavern. “We love Manuel’s Tavern. So iconic and such amazing history. A great watering hole with good food and service. Can’t go wrong here. Ordered the club sandwich. Excellent! The steak fries were a bit cold and seemed quite old, but I’m giving them a pass. They took great care of us today.”

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern

• Atlantic Station: 245 18th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
• 1221 Ashford Crossing, Atlanta, GA 30346
• 6690 Town Square, # 420, Alpharetta, GA 30005

HobNob has three locations — Midtown, Dunwoody and Brookhaven — where the  average gridiron fan can enjoy game-day faves such as shots, creative cocktails and cool craft brews. The Brookhaven restaurant has even installed an additional large-screen TV for fans to see the action on the football field in HD.

Marlow’s Tavern

2355 Cumberland Pkwy SE Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30339

Marlow’s Tavern has multiple locations in the metro area. All of them are excellent game-night food spots. The eatery has several flat screen plasma TVs, booze and classic dishes to keep even the most uninterested fan rooting for more.

Stats Bar: This popular Marietta Boulevard sports bar is taking reservations for the big game. “Don’t get left standing tomorrow,” the eatery says. #STATSBrewpub #ATL #BeDowntown

Atkins Bar

794 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 876-7249

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is offering game-time grub, a large beer selection and several big TVs for the ultimate food fan.

Box Car

1000 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, (470) 788-8171

Box Car is a Hop City concept that sits right off the Beltline in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood. The place can be electric during big game nights, so come early.

Hawkers Asian Street Fare

661 Auburn Ave NE Suite 180, Atlanta, GA 30312 |  (470) 809-1586

Speaking about the Beltine line: Hawkers has become a go-to place for sports events in Midtown. Add to the equation the Asian street food, and you’ve got a winner.

Fado Irish Pub

933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 260-7910

Fado Irish Pub is place to be to watch the game and down a Guinness pint at the same time. The Midtown location as well as one at The Shops at Buckhead.

Dantanna’s

3400 Around Lenox Rd #304, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 760-8873

Dantanna’s restaurant features an upscale spot to watch the game and enjoy some top-notch food. Located in CNN Center in downtown Atlanta as well as in Buckhead, Dantanna’s has an exetensive menu with spirited drinks and a rowdy atmosphere — perfect for watching the games!

STATS Brewpub

300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 885-1472

Hooters in downtown Atlanta

209 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, Ga 30303

El Super Pan at The Battery

The U Bar

3515 Camp Creek Pkwy #50-70, East Point, GA 30344, (404) 349-2301

 

The premiere sports bar at Camp Creek, the U Bar features cool music, wings specials in a club environment that is packed on the weekends.

One Google reviewer says: “Pretty lit. Moreso a place to socialize, eat and watch games. Music was good . You can dance but Its not a club. Hoped this helped. Oh and 10 for women 20 for me. I heard they have good wings.”

 

Popular party spot with sports, DJs & dancing, with drink specials & a full menu for dining.

The Tavern

3560 Camp Creek Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30344, (404) 349-9285

The Tavern, known as Camp Creek’s OTHER sports bar, has events almost every weekday night, including karaoke, drink specials and more.

One Google reviewer says: “The lemon pepper and hot mixed wings are AMAZING. I also enjoy their karaoke nights which are live and many patrons participate so it makes me feel okay because I can’t sing to save my life. I’d definitely recommend checking them out on Wednesday night and enjoy the atmosphere.”

Hudson Grille

942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (404) 892-0892

Topgolf caters not to the golf fan so much, but the sports fan. With flat-screen TVs at every station, you can swing clubs or sit back and enjoy your game when you want it. Inside at the bar, you can see multiple screens from several vantage points while you eat and drink.

Here’s why one Google reviewer says this is one of the best sports bars in Atlanta:: “This is a really fun place for all age groups. If golf is not your thing, they also offer table tennis or ping pong upstairs and pool tables downstairs. The putting area is spacious. Of course it is outdoors, but they offer large heat lamps directly over the seating area. There are two levels to the seating area. The first is a high bar with chairs. The second is a u-shaped outdoor sofa with a center table. All food and drink orders can be placed from your bay. For each game, each player gets 20 chances to “put the ball in the hole”. You can take all 20 swings in a row or rotate players as you’d like. If you aren’t interested in playing any of the game options, you can also dine in or have a round at the bar. Enjoy!”

Taco Mac

933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (678) 904-7211

 

With eight locations in Atlanta, including in Midtown on Peachtree and in Dunwoody, Taco Mac is a sports fan’s favorite place to watch the NBA playoffs or any sports event. Featuring the most expansive beer menu of any Atlanta sports bar, Taco Mac is the perfect place to enjoy a craft beer, malt, ale or IPA with your buffalo wings.

 

One Google reviewer says: “Fast and delicious food. Live music on Friday night. Very personable servers. Really great fajitas. They are very open to accommodating changes to menu. One of my favorite places to eat.”

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

2830 Windy Hill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067 | (770) 984-8899

Here’s what one reviewer says about Pappadeaux: “Delicious cuisine and excellent presentation. Drinks were excellent. Great tasting and the right amount of kick for what was ordered. Wait staff attentive professional and courteous. It was pretty busy but we received all of our food and drinks in a good amount of time without excessive wait times.”

6 Feet Under

685 11th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 810-0040

437 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 523-6664

Here’s is what one reviewer says about 6 Feet Under: “The food and drinks were good. I had fried catfish meal; and enjoyed it. The restaurant was full which said something. I will definitely go back next time I’m in town try other dishes.”

Agave

242 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 588-0006

Here is what one reviewer says about Agave restaurant: “Love this place! Sit at the bar for full view of kitchen magic or have a seat in the dining area. Great drinks, love the skinny margaritas and I love the food here. Had lobster tail and the scallops with spicy grits. Perfect, all of it from service to food and drinks and friends. Thanks for a fun night out.”

Dave & Buster’s

There are four Dave & Buster’s in metro Atlanta:

• 2215 D and B Dr SE. Marietta, GA 30067 |  (770) 951-5554
• 239 Hwy 81 W, McDonough, GA 30253 | (770) 282-3900
• 6500 North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30022 | (678) 256-1100
• 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy Suite 441, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 | 678) 847-5400

Here’s what one reviewer says about Dave & Buster’s: “I haven’t been here but I’ve been here. If that makes since. I was out shopping and stopped inside since it was inside the mall I was in. We walked around the whole place in awe. I haven’t seen so many games. And I love video games. It definitely looks like a lot of fun and I’m ready to experience some. Everyone from kids to the adults were enjoying themselves. We’re going back to experience it ourselves. But the atmosphere is out of this world. So much to do in this facility.”

 

 

Final Word

Read more: 5 essential soul food spots in Atlanta

At these eateries, patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.

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