Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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If you’ve looked at your Georgia Power bill lately, you know that there are perhaps some improvements you can do to reduce the hit to your wallet.
This article will show you some ways to cut your energy bill at home.
1. Check Your Insulation
Make sure the insulation in your attic is adequate for the size of your home. Insulation This aids in minimizing the loss of heated or cooled air and alleviates the strain on your system.
Various alternatives exist for enhancing insulation in pre-existing structures. You can opt for professional services like blown-in insulation, or take the do-it-yourself approach. However, if you choose the latter, ensure to wear appropriate gloves and a mask for safety.
2. Upgrade Your Lights
Conventional incandescent light bulbs exhibit significant inefficiency, with a staggering 90% of the energy they consume being dissipated as heat.
That’s why people are getting away from incandescent bulbs, with compact fluorescent and, eventually, LED bulbs becoming the preferred alternatives.
Best LED Bulbs
Here are some LED Bulbs that will last longer and save you money.
Energetic 24-Pack A19 LED Light Bulb, 60 Watt
Feit Electric Smart Light Bulbs with RGB Color
Sunco 10 Pack Vanity Globe Light Bulbs G25 LED
While the initial investment for upgrading to these newer technologies may be relatively high, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs due to reduced operating expenses. The efficiency disparity between incandescent and CFL/LED bulbs is substantial. Additionally, LED bulbs boast an extended lifespan, leading to savings by reducing the frequency of bulb replacements.
3. Watch the Use Of Your Appliances
Appliances are the #1 thing that runs your energy bill up the most. Here are some appliances to keep an eye on.
- Air conditioner
- Water heater:
- Lighting:
- Refrigerator:
- Washer and dryer
4. Switch To a Smart Thermostat
These days, high-tech thermostats are not only more convenient (many of them can be operated via app), but they give you more efficient use of your heating and cooling, which saves you money.
Here are a couple of high-tech thermostats that we like:
Ubipol Smart WiFi 7 Day/4 Periods Programmable Touchscreen
Honeywell HomeWi-Fi Smart Color
Remember to cut off or lower the temperature of your thermostat at night to reduce your bill.
Final Word
Reducing the thermostat setting during unoccupied hours or at night can result in approximately 1% in savings for every degree lowered over an eight-hour period. For instance, lowering the thermostat from 72 to 65 during the night could potentially save you $70, assuming an annual heating cost of $1,000.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar is shutting its doors at the end of 2023, the restaurant’s parent company confirmed in a news release.
Seed Hospitality Group said that it has “made the difficult decision” to close Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar on December 30, 2023.
Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar Closing Down
Sister restaurants Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar will continue to serve the East Cobb Community.
“It is with humble gratitude that we announce the closing of Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar,” Chef Doug Turbush said in a written statement. “As we approached the end of our current lease term at the close of this year, we were faced with a difficult and challenging decision. After careful consideration and reflection, we have chosen to not renew our lease and will be closing our doors after dinner service on Saturday December 30, 2023.”
Turbush opened East Cobb’s Seed Kitchen & Bar in November of 2011. The eatery combines a modern playful approach to American cuisine in an atmosphere as casual as it is stylish. In 2013, the restaurant group expanded their culinary footprint and Stem Wine Bar joined the family as a restaurant that embodies inspirations from collective travels to the wine bars, tapas bars and restaurants of Spain, Italy, France, New York and San Francisco.
Three years later, Seed Hospitality Group welcomed Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar to Marietta in early 2016.
Since opening, Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar has become an East Cobb staple, boasting fresh fish and oysters flown in daily from the coasts, offering simple and elegant dishes centered around the restaurant’s wood-fired grill. Their patio transformed into Pop’s, a New England-style lobster shack pop-up offering takeout, curbside pickup, and outdoor dining every Saturday and Sunday in the summer.
“We extend immeasurable thanks to the East Cobb community and everyone that has dined with us. We are grateful for your continued support and loyalty, and we are truly honored to have served you,” Turbush went on to say. “You have trusted us with your most treasured memories, from birthday and anniversary celebrations to first dates and many other moments that we will continue to cherish. Although we may be closing, we are not saying goodbye to the memories and relationships that have been forged here.”
If you’re a health nut and want more local healthy food choices, perhaps you’ll be interested in our Guide to Local Farmers Markets.
We also have special coverage of Black Farmers In Atlanta as well as How To Keto In Atlanta.
More Food Coverage:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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With Thanksgiving just a bit away, now’s the time to put together your Atlanta 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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Atlanta will be the host city for the opening match of the 2024 Copa América, the world’s oldest soccer tournament, which will be held in the United States.
The announcement was made by CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation. The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Colombia.
If you want to know more about Copa América and Georgia’s largest city, keep reading.
What Is The Copa América?
The Copa América is a major international soccer tournament that has been held since 1916. It is the oldest continental soccer championship in the world, and it is considered to be one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport.
CONMEBOL’s 10 South American national teams are set to participate in the Copa América next year along with six national teams with CONCACAF (The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football).
When Will The Copa América Take Place In Atlanta?
The opening match is scheduled for June 20, 2024 in downtown Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United FC, the city’s soccer club. The match will mark the start of the 48th edition of the world’s oldest soccer competition for National Teams.
Atlanta’s entry into the Copa América will be the first time that the tournament has been held outside of South America.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a state-of-the-art stadium that has a capacity of over 71,000 people. It is home to the Atlanta United MLS team and the Atlanta Falcons NFL team.
Final Word
Atlanta is for tourists, but it’s also for locals. If you want to explore Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new things happening in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
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if you’re visiting Atlanta soon or just want to take in some Martin Luther King Jr.-related history on Auburn Avenue, you’d better hurry. The birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is set to be close for up to two years due to renovations, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
The home, a Queen Anne style structure, is set to close to the public on Nov. 27, 2023, the NPS said in a press release.
Some of the work that needs to be done on the home includes interior wall replacement, adding a crawlspace, exterior painting, driveway, window and door repairs and more.
The NPS bought the King home in December 2018 and has been charged with its upkeep ever since.
How Touring The MLK Birth Home Works
The park ranger-led tour is free and lasts approximately 30 minutes during which time you will learn about the life of a young MLK.
The home is typically open for tours on a daily basis, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, with the first tour at 10:00 am and the last tour at 4:00 p.m. Tours are limited to 15 people.
Here is some history on the MLK birth home that some may not know.
What Was MLK’s Birth Home Built?
The MLK birth home was built in 1895 by a white family. In 1909, the two-story frame was bought by the Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, who was pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Williams paid $3,500.
The Rev. Williams lived in the home with his wife Jennie Celeste and their 6-year-old daughter Alberta Christine.
On November 25, 1926, Christine wed Michael Luther King at her father’s church. The couple would move into Christine’s parents’ home.
Over time the Kings would have three children born in the home, Willie Christine, Michael Jr. (later known as Martin Luther King, Jr.), and Alfred Daniel.
In 1968, MLK Ir. would be assassinated outside a Memphis hotel. His mother Alberta would be killed years after her son.
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Ziggi’s Coffee is embarking on a massive expansion in the Southeast with Georgia’s largest city as the centerpiece.
The coffee company is planning to open about 50 locations of Ziggi’s Coffee in metro Atlanta. The move is the company’s most ambitious growth strategy ever.
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey, expanding Ziggi’s Coffee throughout the bustling city of Atlanta with a milestone of a development deal signing,” Brandon Knudsen, Ziggi’s CEO and co-founder said in a company press release. “This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our customers. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and creating meaningful connections remains at the center of who we are, and we can’t wait to serve the Atlanta community with our 50 new locations.”
Founded by husband and wife team Brandon and Camrin Knudsen, Ziggi’s prides itself on being one of the finest locally-owned coffee shops in America.
The coffee craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a rise in coffee and tea shops in recent years.
Check out the best coffee shops In Atlanta.
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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Another top West Atlanta eatery and bar is here.
Just weeks after Little Sparrow, the much-heralded new Atlanta restaurant from acclaimed chef Ford Fry began serving, its sister eatery Bar Blanc was set to open on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.
Bar Blanc is located just upstairs from Little Sparrow in the Westside Provisions development.
What Is Bar Blanc?
Bar Blanc is a steak friterie from Fry’s Rocket Farms Restaurant Group. The eatery has a prix fixe menu heavily influenced by French and New York cuisine.
Where Is Bar Blanc Located?
Bar Blanc located at 1198 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, Ga. 30318.
The spot is closed on Sundays and Mondays and operates from 5-11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Final Bite
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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Chick-fil-A is making plans to expand in Midtown Atlanta with a second restaurant on Ponce de Leon Avenue, AtlantaFi.com has learned.
The new eatery’s design will be innovative and different any other Chick-fil-A in that it won’t have drive-thru lanes, according to news reports.
New Chick-fil-A Slated For Poncey-Highland Area
Chick-fil-A has been tinkering with the designs of its new stores since the COVID-19 pandemic forced them and other eateries to serve customers in a contactless way. The Atlanta-based company has challenged its engineers to come up with new and innovative ways to serve customers quickly without long lines wrapping around the building and into traffic.
The new spot will be in the heart of Atlanta’s Poncey-Highland neighborhood, which has become a food corridor of sorts.
The building is expected to cost $6.5 million, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. which reports that Chick-fil-A boght the former Dugan’s in March 2023.
Dugan’s has since relocated to the Northlake Mall area.
The news comes just months after Chick-fil-A opened its first eatery on Ponce four blocks from Dugan’s.
Where Will The New Chick-fil-A On Ponce Be Located?
The new Chick-fil-A on Ponce will be located in the space formerly occupied by Dugan’s sports bar at 777 Ponce De Leon Avenue. Atlanta, Ga. NE 30306. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Bite
Chick-fil-A is an Atlanta institution, so another one in the city proper can’t hurt.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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If you own a home, sooner or later you’re going to have some plumbing problems. It’s not necessarily anybody’s fault, except the pipes in your newer or older home. That’s when you may need a plumber.
Looking for a plumber in Atlanta or any other metropolitan city can be difficult, if you don’t know how to get around it. Courtesy of our Home Improvement series, we can help you.
This article will show you step-by-step how to hire a plumber for your home or business.
The reason why you need to be careful with who you hire to fix your pipes is because there are a lot of scammers out there. But let’s start with the problem and go from there.
Identify Your Plumbing Issue
To the best of your ability you need to find out what exactly is the problem with your plumbing. Is there a leak? Do you have water damage on a floor, the ceiling or between the walls?
Determine the specific plumbing issue you need to address. Is it a leak, a clogged drain, a water heater problem, or a larger plumbing project like a bathroom remodel? Understanding your needs will help you find a plumber with the right expertise.
Shop For a Plumber
It’s time to go plumber-shopping. You can do this online but you also need to gather recommendations from friends, family and associates.
Seek recommendations from people who have had positive experiences with plumbers in your area. Personal referrals can be valuable because they have the trust factor.
The easiest way to compare plumbers is to get online and do research. Use online platforms, such as review websites like Yelp, Angie’s List, or the Better Business Bureau, to find highly-rated plumbers in your locality.
If you can, interview multiple plumbers. Contact several plumbers to discuss your project. Ask about their experience, qualifications, and if they have experience with the type of work you need.
Inquire about their availability and rates for service calls or estimates.Check Their Credentials
What you want is a licensed contractor who knows how to do the job you want. Some plumbers specialize in different areas. Some may only do construction. Others may be geared toward bathroom remodels. Don’t skip the opportunity to verify that the plumber is licensed to work in your area. Contact your local licensing board to confirm their credentials.
Ensure the plumber carries liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to protect you in case of accidents or damage on your property.
Once you’ve checked the credentials of a plumber it’s time to contact them to see if they have the time, skills and availability to solve your plumbing issue.
Contact the Plumber
Maintain open and clear communication with the plumber throughout the project. Discuss the timeline, any potential issues, and ensure you are both on the same page regarding the work to be done.
Ensure that the plumber will obtain any necessary permits for your project. They should also adhere to local building codes and regulations.
Request Written Estimates
Because plumbers you talk to are going to tell you what you want to hear, make sure you get everything you want in writing.
Ask for written estimates from the plumbers you are considering. Make sure the estimates are detailed, outlining the scope of work, materials, labor costs, and any potential additional charges.
Compare the estimates to determine the most reasonable cost.Sign a contract that includes all project details, payment terms, start and completion dates, and any warranties.
Don’t Forget About References and Reviews
Request references from the plumber and contact them to inquire about their experiences and satisfaction with the plumber’s work.
You’ll also want to research online reviews and ratings to gauge the plumber’s reputation and reliability.
Agree On Payment
After a conversation of all the expenses involved in the job, it’s time to agree on the cost of the plumbing job.
Avoid paying the full cost upfront. Payment schedules should be based on project milestones, with the final payment made upon satisfactory completion of the work.
Don’t be afraid to ask about guarantees and warranties. Inquire about any warranties or guarantees on the work performed. A reputable plumber should stand behind their work and materials.
Communicate Early and Often
While the job is being done, you’ll want to stay in open communication with the plumber to head off any issues or unexpected problems that arise.
After the work is completed, it’s up to you to perform a final inspection to ensure that the plumbing issue has been resolved to your satisfaction.
Leave a Review and Feedback After the Job Is Done
Consider leaving a review or providing feedback on the plumber’s performance. Your feedback can be helpful for others in need of plumbing services.
Final Word
Hiring a qualified and reputable plumber is crucial to ensure that your plumbing issues are addressed professionally and efficiently. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want and that includes:
- Asking for written estimates
- Asking for references
- Telling the plumber what you want
By following these steps, you can make an informed decision and find a plumber who meets your specific needs.
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What do you know about Queen City cuisine? If your cup does not runneth over with the latest and greatest chef and restaurant
Savor Charlotte, an immersive taste of Charlotte’s awesome epicurean experiences, is coming to Atlanta.
When Is Savor Charlotte Coming To Atlanta?
On November 9, 2023, Savor Charlotte will bring its dynamic food and drink landscape to Atlanta as a dozen of the city’s pioneering culinary tastemakers converge for a one night only experience.
Savor Charlotte will take place at six Atlanta restaurants:
- Grana
- Mission + Market
- Southern National
- The Chastain
- The Woodall
- Tio Lucho’s
The food and beverage menus will be exclusively crafted at each restaurant, spotlighting the talents and pairings of Charlotte’s innovative culinary community. Bookings are now available through each restaurant link on SavorCharlotte.com.
“The Queen City has so many talented, passionate and inventive chefs and mixologists who are making our region a dynamic culinary destination and adding so much to our quality of life,” Tom Murray, Chief Executive Officer at The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), which is bringing the event to Georgia, says in a press release. “We are excited to showcase Charlotte’s unique flavors and diverse tastes in Atlanta, and hope the experience will inspire guests to plan a visit so they can enjoy our city and culinary offerings firsthand.”
The pairing of six of Atlanta’s top restaurants with Charlotte chefs and mixologists offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for restaurant goers to get an exceptional taste of Charlotte’s culinary scene. The six chef, mixologist and restaurant collaborations include:
- Grana – Chef Brittany Cochran of Stagioni and mixologist Justin Hazelton of Top Shelf Co.
- Mission + Market – Chef Chris Rogienski of Supperland and mixologist Yoshi Mejia of Creative Consulting CLT
- Southern National – Chef Oscar Johnson of Jimmy Pearls and mixologist Stefan Huebner of Dot Dot Dot
- The Chastain – Chef Chris Coleman of Goodyear House and mixologist Bob Peters of Built On Hospitality
- The Woodall – Chef Sam Diminich of Restaurant Constance and mixologist Amanda Britton of Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
- Tio Lucho’s – Chef Bruce Macchiavello of Yunta and mixologist Morgan Styers of Merchant and Trade
Charlotte has an eclectic mix of epicurean adventures ranging from internationally inspired dishes to local farms and everything in between. From recently announced James Beard Award nominees to perpetually creative mixologists, Charlotte remains at the forefront of travelers’ minds as a must-visit culinary destination. Savor Charlotte is a testament to the inspirational work of those who define the flavor of the Queen City.
The ‘Savor Charlotte’ Atlanta culinary adventure is easy to experience. Diners interested in tasting the eclectic mix of Charlotte dishes and beverages can reserve a table directly at one of the six participating restaurants. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged, as space is limited.
Final Bite
Charlotte has a great reputation when it comes to food. It’s almost like you can say Charlotte and Atlanta are cuisine cousins.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?