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Fleurs de Villes, the internationally renowned immersive floral show that has captivated audiences across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, is making its Atlanta debut at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead.

The event, titled Fleurs De Villes Downton Abbey, will be making its Atlanta run from April 2-6 and is being presented in anticipation of the September release of the third film inspired by the beloved TV series.

Fleurs De Villes Downton Abbey To Make Atlanta Debut

Guests will experience 12 stunning fresh floral mannequins, each representing the show’s iconic characters and period fashion.

“We are thrilled to partner with Fleurs de Villes to host another celebrated floral show in Atlanta,” said Lindsey Jones, area director of marketing at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. “This event offers our community a unique and immersive experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.”

The floral creations will be displayed across Mall Level 1 at Phipps Plaza, offering visitors a chance to admire the detailed and imaginative designs brought to life by Atlanta’s top florists.

“After the success of last year’s Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE exhibition, Phipps Plaza was the perfect choice for our Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey tour,” said Karen Marshall, co-founder of Fleurs de Villes. “The luxurious setting complements our vision, transporting visitors to the early 20th century through the artistry of floral design.

From elegant gowns to period uniforms, each mannequin reflects the dedication and creativity of the talented local florists who made this exhibition possible.”

Participating floral designers include Ansley Maynard Flowers, Ebonee Benson Designs, Epting Events, Gresham’s Florist of Atlanta Since 1913, Morning Glory Floral Design, Rose Jasmine Flowers and Decor, Rhapsody in Blooms, Sugared Florals Studio, and Summer Breeze Flowers & Gifts.

In addition to enjoying Fleurs de Villes’ renowned floral mannequins, visitors can attend free floral demonstrations on Saturday, April 3rd, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A pop-up flower market featuring local florists will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., offering fresh blooms for purchase.

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the talented floral designers behind Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., gaining insight into their creative process and the inspirations behind their intricate designs.

Throughout the exhibition, attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite floral mannequin for a chance to win a luxurious two-night stay in Nobu Hotel Atlanta’s Zen Suite, complete with complimentary valet parking and breakfast for two. Additionally, visitors can explore a special floral installation in the Nobu Hotel lobby throughout the event.

This marks the second collaboration between Fleurs de Villes and Phipps Plaza, following the success of last year’s Atlanta premiere of Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE. Atlanta serves as the second stop on the Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey 2025 global tour, which will span ten cities across three countries, including the United States, Canada, and England.

Final Word

There’s a lot more to Atlanta than Buckhead. 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!

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.

NCAA March Madness is coming to State Farm Arena and everybody’s gonna have a ball: Atlanta will host the South Regionals of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, which will be played at Georgia Tech.

 The Sweet 16 games began on March 28, followed by an Elite Eight game on March 30 at State Farm Arena.

NCAA Men’s Schedule: Who’s Playing This Weekend?

Sunday, March 30 (Elite Eight)

• Sunday, March 30 (Elite Eight)
• (1) Houston 69, (2) Tennessee 50
• (1) Auburn vs. (2) Michigan State, 5:05 p.m. | CBS

The college basketball action is bringing national attention, economic boosts from visitors, and excitement for sports fans, cementing Atlanta’s role as a key player in the “March Madness.”

The Final Four is scheduled for Saturday, April 6.

Watch March Madness At These Top Atlanta Sports Bars

To find out where the bars are that have huge TV screens, good drinks, great food, accommodating servers, hip bartenders and more. We culled numerous reviews from our friends at Yelp, Google and TripAdvisor. This is what we came up with. Here are the best Atlanta sports bars to watch the NCAA tournament.

STATS Brewpub

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, bhas 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

Hudson Grille has three locations in Atlanta, one downtown, one in Midtown and the other one in Brookhaven. Huge TV screens at every turn and good food make this one of the best Atlanta sports bars to enjoy the game.

One Google reviewer says: “Food is always great along with service and overall atmosphere. I personally come here frequently during football season because it is home to Raven Nation South, located in the upstairs area of the bar. I love the sports atmosphere that Hudson Grill provides.”

Yard House

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.

One Google reviewer says: “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 NFL playoffs, the Hawks 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 accommodate changes to menu. One of my favorite places to eat.”

Last Words

The good thing about Atlanta is different sports bars are aligned with different teams. (Don’t go to Copeland’s on South Cobb Drive unless you’re an LSU/Saints fan).

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We all know Wayfair for those particular items not sold at your local Walmart or Target, but now the retailer is launching in the physical space. The company has picked Atlanta for the site of its second brick-and-mortar store.

This will be the second large-format retail store for Wayfair, a leading home goods e-commerce company.

When Will Wayfair Open in Atlanta?

Set to launch in 2026, the 150,000-square-foot store will be located at The District at Howell Mill, offering shoppers an extensive selection of home products in an immersive, in-person shopping experience.

The District at Howell Mill shopping center is located at 1801 Howell Mill Road NW. This site is a former Walmart location that closed in 2023 after a fire in 2022.

The expansion follows the success of Wayfair’s first large-format store in Wilmette, Illinois, which opened in May 2024 and significantly boosted regional sales.

Since its launch, Illinois sales have grown over 15% faster than the national average, reinforcing the company’s confidence in brick-and-mortar expansion. However, Wayfair’s stock has struggled, dropping more than 50% in the past year, though analysts remain optimistic about a potential rebound in profitability, per InvestingPro forecasts.

Liza Lefkowski, Wayfair’s vice president of merchandising and stores, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience by blending its vast online catalog with a hands-on retail setting.

Strategically positioned in Atlanta’s Upper Westside, the new store will offer easy access from I-75 and serve key neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, and downtown. Additionally, its proximity to Wayfair’s fulfillment center in McDonough, GA, is expected to enable faster delivery for larger items.

If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.

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The hottest sport right now in Atlanta is pickleball. From old tennis courts on the southside to shiny, new facilities on the northside, pickleball is king.

Now a new facility is bringing the popular sport to the West End in a large way. The Dill Dinkers Pickleball Club opened the first week in April in the West End. It’s the first Dill Dinkers franchise in metro Atlanta.

The club, which is being brought to us by husband-and-wife regional developer duo Daniel and Laura Hardeman and their team, is in a former industrial building that’s being remade by Lee + White owners Ackerman & Co. 

Dill Dinkers Pickleball Club in Atlanta: What To Expect

Some features of the Dill Dinkers Pickleball Club facilities include these features:

• 11 championship-sized courts with Pro-Cushion surfaces and fencing
• Climate-controlled environment
• Event spaces for birthday parties, corporate events, and more
• Pro shop with paddles, apparel, and accessories
• Ball machine for members and non-members
• Large bathrooms with space to change

Other amenities 

• Clinics, lessons, leagues, and social events
• Business advertising
• Event rentals

Pickleball’s popularity

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. 

Where Is Dill Dinkers Pickleball Club Located?

Dill Dinkers is located at 1200 White Street SW, Suite 1000 Atlanta, Georgia 30310. Here is a map to help you find it.

Final Word

Atlanta’s West End is in the middle of transformational change right now, which aim to enhance the area’s character and amenities as travelers look to explore the city. Some key components of the development plans include retail expansion, plans for approximately 125,000 square feet of retail space, including a grocery store, fitness center and local boutiques.

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Another one bites the dust, as they say. And unfortunately, there are less margaritas in the world today than yesterday. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

And yes, the On the Border restaurant in Buckhead on the Buckhead Loop closed abruptly on March 6, 2025. You’ll have to go elsewhere for the best Mexican food in Atlanta.

On The Border Closes in Atlanta; Company Files Bankruptcy

The filing occurred on March 4, 2025, in the Georgia Northern District Bankruptcy Court. This actifollows a period of financial difficulty attributed to escalating labor costs, decreasing customer traffic, and inflationary pressures, leading to a “rapid loss of liquidity” in recent months.

The company, owned by Atlanta-based OTB Holding (an affiliate of Argonne Capital Group), reported assets and liabilities ranging between $10 million and $50 million.

Which On the Border Locations Are Closing?

Additionally, On The Border had closed more than a dozen locations across the United States in the weeks leading up to the bankruptcy filing, reducing its footprint to approximately 66 locations as of March 2025, from over 120 at the end of 2023.

Confirmed Closures in 2025:

1. Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center, Phoenix, AZ – Closed permanently before February 25, 2025.
2. 5005 E Ray Rd, Phoenix, AZ – Listed as permanently closed by February 25, 2025.
3. Mesa, AZ – Reported closed by March 1, 2025, as part of the Arizona shutdowns.
4. Peoria, AZ – Reported closed by March 1, 2025, as part of the Arizona shutdowns.
5. Woburn, MA – Closed permanently by February 25, 2025; the last Massachusetts location.
6. West Springfield, MA – Closed shortly before February 25, 2025.
7. Columbus, OH (4175 Morse Crossing) – Closed by February 26, 2025; the only Ohio location.
8. Lubbock, TX (6709 Slide Road) – Closed permanently on February 8, 2025.
9. West Des Moines, IA (Jordan Creek Town Center) – Closed permanently by February 25, 2025.
10. Orange, CT – Closed permanently by February 28, 2025, amid national shutdowns.
11. Long Island, NY (both locations) – Closed permanently in February 2025.
12. Biloxi, MS – Last Mississippi location closed permanently by March 6, 2025.
13. All Georgia Locations – Closed by March 6, 2025, as reported in connection with the bankruptcy filing.

What Is a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a form of bankruptcy protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that allows a business (or, less commonly, an individual) to reorganize its debts and operations while continuing to operate, rather than shutting down entirely. It’s often referred to as a “reorganization bankruptcy” and is designed to give a struggling company a chance to restructure its finances, reduce debt, and emerge as a viable entity. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:

Key Features of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy:

1. Reorganization, Not Liquidation:
   • Unlike Chapter 7 bankruptcy, where a business typically closes and its assets are sold off to pay creditors, Chapter 11 focuses on keeping the business alive. The debtor proposes a plan to restructure its debts and operations, aiming to return to profitability.
2. Debtor-in-Possession:
   • In most cases, the company filing for Chapter 11 (the “debtor”) retains control of its operations as a “debtor-in-possession” (DIP). This means management continues to run the business under the oversight of the bankruptcy court, rather than a trustee taking over.
3. Filing Process:
   • The process begins when the debtor files a petition with a bankruptcy court, either voluntarily or, in rare cases, involuntarily (forced by creditors). The filing includes detailed financial statements, lists of assets, liabilities, and creditors.

On The Border closed more than a dozen locations in the weeks leading up to its bankruptcy filing on March 4, 2025. The chain’s operational footprint dropped from over 120 locations at the end of 2023 to approximately 66 by March 5, 2025, indicating significant closures beyond those individually listed above. However, exact addresses for all closures are not universally specified in available reports.

Arizona Closures: Reports indicate that most, if not all, Arizona locations closed by early 2025, though only Phoenix, Mesa, and Peoria are explicitly named.

Georgia Closures: All Georgia locations were shuttered by the time of the bankruptcy filing, though specific cities are not detailed in the provided data.

Ongoing Process: The Chapter 11 filing suggests further closures may occur in 2025 as the company reorganizes, but no specific “planned closures” beyond March 6, 2025, have been publicly confirmed at this point.

Final Word

The closing of On the Border locations is a sad one but it aligns with a broader trend of casual-dining chains, such as Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, and Buca di Beppo, seeking bankruptcy protection over the past year amid challenging market conditions.

If you didn’t know, Atlanta’s restaurants are a vibe. And they have everything from authentic dishes to James Beard-nominated chefs helming the kitchens.

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Dog owners in Atlanta now have a fresh spot to sip their favorite drinks while their pups romp, get pampered, or enjoy daycare.

Skiptown, the city’s latest haven for dogs and their humans, has officially opened its social club bar in Kirkwood, pouring everything from local draft beers to wine, frozen cocktails, seltzers, and spirits.

Skiptown Opens Social Club Bar in Kirkwood

Beyond the bar, Skiptown boasts a sprawling outdoor dog park, daycare and boarding options, plus grooming and training services—making it a one-stop hub for pet lovers.

“What makes Skiptown special is the community we’ve fostered,” CEO Mike Rotondo says in a statement. “It’s not just a drop-in spot for a quick drink or park playtime. Our regulars trust us with grooming, daycare, boarding, and training. After our soft launch late last year, our staff—aka ‘Skippers’—know every pup by name. We’ve built a family-like vibe where members, Skippers, and dogs all feel at home, especially now with our new bar.”

The social club’s bar menu shines with 24 tap options:

• 18 beers
• Three ciders
• Three wines (rosé, white, and sparkling brut)

Guests can sip in the 3,000-square-foot indoor bar or the 13,000-square-foot outdoor park. Skiptown leaned hard into local flavors, teaming up with Atlanta Hard Cider for gluten-free picks like Honey Bee, Crisp Apple, and Peach, and Monday Night Brewing for beers like 404 Atlanta Lager and Death Raptor. The focus on Atlanta-based brands keeps the vibe rooted in the community.

“We prioritized local brews and drinks for our menu,” explains Kirkwood General Manager Stacy Pruitt. “It’s about celebrating Atlanta ties, serving up beers brewed right here, and supporting nearby businesses.” That local love pairs with a lineup of creative cocktails—think frozen “Barking Berry” with berry purée, Bacardi coconut rum, and Chardonnay, or “Paw-rific Peach” with peach purée and Deep Eddy Peach Vodka.

Beyond taps, Skiptown mixes in national partnerships with Jack Daniel’s and Bacardi for canned cocktails like Jack and Cokes and Piña Coladas. Non-drinkers aren’t left out, with mocktails like “Sunrise” and Poodle Punch, while pups can even snag a puppaccino. It’s a midweek (or any day) win for Atlanta’s dog crowd—Wednesday included.

Final Word

Skiptown’s social club features the Skiptown bar, three TVs, numerous tables with seating for over 50 guests, and an additional seating bench next to the bar complete with charger outlets.

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