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The Kemp Administration has made good on its promises to reward ordinary Georgians for their extraordinary acts.
Governor Brian Kemp recently announced $1,000 bonuses for all state employees. The money will go to state teachers and other state employees.
When Will Georgia State Employees Receive Their Bonus?
State employees are expected to receive their $1,000 bonus on their last paycheck of December 2023.
Most school teachers and administrators will get their bonus after January 1, 2024, according to state officials.
The “state employee retention pay supplement” of $1,000 is for each of the roughly 112,000 state employees and 196,000 educators and school support staff across the state.
Final Word
If you’re thinking about traveling abroad, make sure you get your passport, as soon as you can.
To save money, look for the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale. To keep costs down, use these travel hacks to save money and time.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
More Articles Like This:
Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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Ammazza, one of the best pizza joints in Atlanta’s Inman Park, is closing its doors at year’s end. The pizza place recently shared the news that it was closing shop on Edgewood Avenue.
Ammazza has become popular for its housemade pizzas with cured meats from local charcuterie The Spotted Trotter.
Why Ammazza Pizza Is Closing Its Doors
Ammazza posted on social media the following message:
To all our loyal patrons, Ammazza Edgewood will be permanently closing its doors on December 31st. It has been an honor serving you the highest quality pizza for over 11 years. While Edgewood has been our home since the beginning. Our lease is ending and we must leave. Ammazza has been made possible by the efforts of so many people. Hundreds of individuals over the last 12 years sacrificed their time and energy to make Ammazza possible. The gratitude is beyond words. Thank You to everyone for all of your contributions. There’s still a few weeks left to come have a pizza and let us serve you before this chapter ends. We hope to see everyone in the future in a new location, but until then, Thank You to everyone for your long time support.
The new Atlanta restaurant closed for a spell but re-opened in March 2019 new and improved.
We’ll miss Ammazza, which specialized in wood fired, thin, crackly-crusted pizzas in an open, neighborhood-friendly space.
Where Can I Find Good Pizza In Atlanta?
With Ammazza out of here, you may be wondering where to find great pizza in Atlanta. We’ve got you.
Antico Pizza Napoletana
1093 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 724-2333

Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Antico Pizza: “Pizza was delicious and freshly baked! Tried 3 diff kinds. Loved the side condiments- you can help yourself too incl fresh chopped garlic, grated parmesan cheese and more. So good on the pizza.”
Ammazza Pizza
591 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 835-2298

Here’s what one reviewer says about Ammazza Pizza: “Just the perfect ambience! You’ve tried the rest now try the best! The food will not disappoint! Didn’t even get a chance to take a picture because I started digging in immediately! GO NOW!”
O4W Pizza
3117 Main St, Duluth, GA 30096 | (678) 587-5420

Here’s what one reviewer says about O4W Pizza. “The classic pizza is pretty good. But the Grandma Pizza (with added shredded mozzarella) is absolutely outstanding! The flavor and crust is something I’ve never quite had before. The crust alone is so unique I’d say it’s magazine worthy. Give it a try!”
Final Taste
Pizza is an Atlanta staple no matter what side of town you’re on. Read our guide on Atlanta’s best pizza places.
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Spending as little as you can on travel is a must for the budget-conscious traveler, so travel hacks are a necessity.
One of the most infamous travel hacks is the practice of skiplagging, also known as hidden city ticketing.
What Is Skiplagging?
Skiplagging is when you buy an affordable ticket that includes one or more stops with the intention of getting off the plane during one of those times.
Some people have said that they’ve saved as much as 75% on airfare by Skiplagging, so it’s definitely something you should looking into.
Is Skiplagging Illegal?
Skiplagging is not against the law, but it is not looked upon favorably by airlines.
Skiplagging is frowned upon by the airline industry because they end up with vacant seats while in flight.
The practice also throws off the aircraft’s capacity log. But the main reason why airlines don’t like it is because it runs afoul of many airlines’ carriage rules.
Carriage rules dictate the policies of airlines when it comes to who they can and can’t carry aboard their aircraft.
If you choose to do Skiplagging, here are some tips:
Always carry a carry-on bag only: Skiplagging doesn’t work if you check your bags because they will he brought to the final destination.
Last Words
If Skiplagging is something you want to do to save money, know that different airlines handle it differently.
Some may try to ban you if they find out about Skiplagging. Others have been known to even try to bill you for the empty seat.
That’s why you should use Skiplagging rarely, if ever.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
More Articles Like This:
Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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Do you want a durable wig that is easy to style? Belle Tress has built a reputation for being one of the best brands in the wig business.
Some wigs are conventional in the sense that they only look good on one kind of head shape. Belle Tress wigs are different: They look good on differently shaped heads and are known for looking real.
The Best Belle Tress Wigs You Can Buy Right Now
This article is going to show you some of the best styles of Belle Tress wigs on the market. If you don’t know much about the brand, Belle Tress is a premium wig company that specializes in high-end hairpieces.
Belle Tress Wigs: A History
Belle Tress is a company founded by entrepreneur Julie Min, who runs the business out of Southern California.
The company gained a footing in the industry by supplying hairpieces to a who’s who of Hollywood, which it has done for more than four decades.
After Hollywood success, Belle Tress expanded by becoming a direct importer of wigs from overseas manufacturers.
Ready to see some of the best Belle Tress hair designs on the market?
Here Are The Best Belle Tress Wigs For Sale
To own a Belle Tress wig is to harness a multi-dimensional like the Café Collection colors and more. The brand is also known for having the softest texture in the industry.
Let’s look at a few of the best Belle Tress hairpieces.
Hollywood by Belle Tress Collection Classic Collection
Sassy Cut Belle Tress Collection Classic Collection
Tea Leaf Layer Collection Café Collection
Lady Latte Belle Tress Collection Café Collection
Blonde Envy by Belle Tress Collection Classic Collection
Anatolia Belle Tress Wig
Final Words
When it comes to hairpieces, Belle Tress is hard to beat. The brand’s signature lace fronts offer a very natural look and are easy to style.
But you may be wondering how to care for a hairpiece. Here’s how to care for a wig.
But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.
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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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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





