Category: Recreation

As the new year begins, many couples are planning one of life’s biggest moments: the marriage proposal.

The food has to be amazing, the views must be outstanding. And the Atlanta venue has to be topnotch. The help? Superb. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the top places in Atlanta to propose.

In this article, we’ll cover the top places to get engaged in Atlanta as well as what to consider before you do.

Here Are the Best Places To Get Engaged in Atlanta

Many of these places are not only great for proposing, but make for some of the best wedding venues in Atlanta as well. Have a look:

Fox Theatre

75 14th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-881-9898

Here’s what one reviewer says about the Fox Theatre: “One of the best and magical venues in Atlanta. I have seen amazing concerts, plays and other performaces there. The staff is professional and kind to the people. The atmosphere is electric and the vibes are always beaming in that place.”

Four Seasons Hotel

75 14th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 | 404-881-9898

Here’s what one reviewer says about the Four Seasons in Atlanta: “Attended a wedding here over the weekend. The service was very professional and the staff were all exceptionally kind and helpful.”

Georgia Aquarium

225 Baker St NW Atlanta, GA 30313 | 404.581.4000

Here’s what one Google reviewer says about the Georgia Aquarium: “Absolutely incredible. The entire place is beyond cool but the theater type room with the wall of glass is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. Even without that this would still be the best aquarium you’ve ever been to but that just puts it over the top. So much to see there this really is a “must see” when you’re in the area. Just phenomenal.”

The Loft at Castleberry Hill

“We celebrated our one year anniversary in January at this venue and it was amazing!”says a Google reviewer. “The food and staff were so amazing my guests are still talking about them both. Hats off to the secruity guard who made everyone feel so warm, even though it was cold that night. I highly recommend this venue for all occasions, you will not be disappointed.”

Southern Exchange Ballrooms

200 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303 |  (404) 522-5522

Southern Exchange Ballrooms is a magnificent venue located in the Westin Peachtree Plaza that comes alive in the spring, summer and fall with lush greenery and beautiful colors for outdoor weddings.

The Piedmont Room

500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (470) 443-9108

Here’s what one reviewer says about The Piedmont Room in Atlanta: “I attended a wedding at this venue. Beautiful decorated, incredible flow and the staff was phenomenal!! Nene is a real one, truly! She was incredibly helpful and attentive! only issue is probably that the restaurant below was loud during the ceremony, but that is probably just a timing issue and certainly didn’t interrupt anything!”

The Ritz-Carlton, Downtown Atlanta

181 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 |  (404) 659-0400

Here’s what one guest says about The Ritz-Carlton downtown: “My stay at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta was exceptional from the moment I arrived. The bellman was warm and personable, and every staff member I encountered was polite, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. I requested a lower-level floor, and the team accommodated it without hesitation.”

What To Consider Before Booking a Wedding Venue

Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most exciting—and crucial—steps in planning your big day. It sets the tone for your entire celebration, influences your décor, guest experience, and even your budget.

With 2026 trends leaning toward intentional, sustainable, and immersive spaces like historic properties, tented outdoor setups, and nature-immersed locations, it’s more important than ever to think carefully before signing that contract. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the key factors to consider.

1. Budget and Hidden Costs

Your venue often accounts for a significant portion of your wedding budget—typically 40-50% when including rentals, catering, and add-ons. Start by determining how much you can allocate, then ask about the full pricing structure.

• What is the base rental fee, and does it vary by day of the week, season, or time?
• Are there additional charges for service fees, corkage, cake-cutting, overtime, or setup/teardown?
• Does the package include essentials like tables, chairs, linens, or lighting?

Pro tip: Off-peak dates (weekdays, Sundays, or winter months) can offer substantial discounts, and all-inclusive venues might save money in the long run.

2. Capacity and Guest List

Have a rough guest count early—aim for an estimate before touring venues.

• What is the maximum capacity for seated dinners, cocktail-style receptions, and ceremonies?
• Is there a minimum guest requirement?
• How does the space feel with your expected numbers—cozy or cramped?

In 2026, micro-weddings and multi-day events are rising, so consider venues that allow flexibility for intimate gatherings or weekend buyouts.

3. Availability and Flexibility

Popular venues book 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak seasons.

• Is your preferred date (or backup dates) available?
• Can you hold the date tentatively?
• If planning an outdoor ceremony, what’s the rain plan (indoor backup or tent options)?

Current trends favor versatile spaces like greenhouses or tented gardens for weather-proof elegance.

4. Style and Vision Alignment

Does the venue match your aesthetic—rustic barn, elegant ballroom, beach sunset, or modern greenhouse?Visit in person to feel the vibe, and envision your décor. Read reviews for real couple experiences.With trends toward vintage-glam historic sites and immersive natural settings, prioritize spaces that feel authentic to you.

Final Thoughts

Tour multiple venues, bring a checklist of questions, and trust your instincts. Review the contract thoroughly—deposits, cancellation policies, and insurance requirements—before committing.

The right venue will not only look stunning but also make your day seamless and joyful. Happy planning—your perfect “I do” spot is out there!

In the annals of Atlanta’s dark history, few chapters are as chilling and unresolved as the saga of the Atlanta Ripper.

Between 1911 and 1912, with possible extensions from as early as 1909 to 1915 or even later, a shadowy figure—or perhaps multiple perpetrators—stalked the streets of the city’s Old Fourth Ward and surrounding areas, preying on young Black women.

Terror in the Shadows of Early 20th-Century Atlanta

This series of brutal murders, often compared to the infamous Jack the Ripper killings in London just two decades prior, left at least 20 to 24 victims in its wake and instilled fear in Atlanta’s Black communities during an era already fraught with racial tension.

The Atlanta Ripper’s crimes remain one of the city’s most infamous unsolved cases, a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized groups in the Jim Crow South.

Drawing from historical records, newspaper archives, and scholarly accounts, this article revisits the timeline, victims, investigation, and lingering mysteries surrounding these heinous acts.

Historical Context: A City on Edge

The murders unfolded against the backdrop of a deeply divided Atlanta. Just five years earlier, in 1906, the city had endured a horrific race riot that claimed the lives of 25 to 40 Black residents and devastated Black-owned businesses.

Racial tensions simmered, with segregation laws enforcing stark inequalities.

The Old Fourth Ward, a poor and dimly lit working-class neighborhood, became the primary hunting ground for the killer.

Many victims were young Black or mixed-race women employed as domestics, laundresses, cooks, or seamstresses, often walking home alone at night after long days serving white households.

As historian Jeffery Wells notes in his book The Atlanta Ripper: The Unsolved Case of the Gate City’s Most Infamous Murders, “We had a serial killing episode here in Atlanta in the early 1900s… At a time when the African American population in Atlanta was already nervous due to the growing racial tension, the stories of the atrocities committed by the infamous Jack the Ripper in London were still fresh on everyone’s mind.”

This context amplified the panic, as whispers of a “Black Jack the Ripper” spread through newspapers like The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution.

The Murders: A Pattern of Brutality

The killings typically occurred on weekends, under the cover of darkness in unlit alleys, wooded areas, or near railroad tracks.

Victims suffered debilitating head wounds from blunt objects like bricks, rocks, or train coupling pins, followed by slashed or slit throats.

Some bodies were mutilated further—stabbed, disemboweled, or even set on fire—and shoes were often removed or cut off, with personal items like hair combs scattered nearby.

The first widely attributed murder was that of Maggie Brooks, 23, found on October 3, 1910, with a fractured skull near railroad tracks.

However, some accounts trace the spree back to Della Reid in April 1909, discovered in a trash pile.

The pace quickened in 1911:

• January 22, 1911: Rosa Trice, 35, a laundress, found with a crushed skull and slashed throat after being dragged from the street.
• May 1911: Mary “Belle” Walker and Addie Watts, both with throats slashed; Watts, 22, was struck with a brick and pin.
• July 1, 1911: Lena Sharpe killed; her daughter Emma Lou survived a stabbing and described the attacker as a tall, slender Black man in a broad-brimmed hat.
• July 11, 1911: Sadie Holley, nearly decapitated with a head fracture.
• August 31, 1911: Mary Ann Duncan, throat slit between railroad tracks.

Other victims included Eva Florence, Minnie Wise, Mary Putnam (whose heart was cut out), and Laura Blackwell in 1917, whose body was burned. By some counts, unnamed victims pushed the toll higher, including a 15-year-old girl near the Chattahoochee River.

The Investigation: Bias and Dead Ends

Atlanta police were overwhelmed, lacking modern forensic tools and facing a surge in other crimes.

Racial prejudice played a significant role; officials often dismissed the killings as “drunken arguments” or “Saturday night violence” in Black neighborhoods, with one judge claiming there was “no such thing as a Black Jack the Ripper.”

Community leaders like Reverend Henry Hugh Proctor advocated for Black detectives to build trust and gather information, even holding meetings to encourage cooperation.

A $25 reward was offered after Sharpe’s murder, and Mayor James G. Woodward intensified efforts amid business concerns over the city’s reputation. atlanta.capitalbnews.org +1 Threatening notes signed “Jack the Ripper” appeared in 1914, warning of more killings.

Despite this, the white press often blamed victims or alcohol, while Black communities lived in fear.

Suspects and Arrests: No Closure

Several men were arrested, but none were convicted for the full series:

• Rosa Trice’s husband was briefly held but released.
• Henry Huff, linked to Sadie Holley via bloody clothes and scratches, was indicted but acquitted as killings continued.
• Todd Henderson was identified by Emma Lou Sharpe and seen near crime scenes but maintained innocence and was not convicted.
• Henry Brown, arrested for Eva Florence’s murder with bloody clothing, confessed under duress but was acquitted.
• John Brown was convicted for Laura Blackwell’s 1917 axe murder, possibly linked to others involving fire.

Some husbands or partners, like those of Lucinda McNeal and Ida Ferguson, received life sentences amid doubts of fairness.

Historians debate whether one killer, copycats, or unrelated domestic violence accounted for the deaths.

Legacy: Forgotten Victims and Enduring Questions

Over a century later, the Atlanta Ripper case remains unsolved, its victims largely forgotten without memorials or markers.

As one account poignantly states, “Their lives and their deaths were shrouded in neglect, buried by indifference, and disappeared from collective memory.”

The murders predate the more infamous Atlanta Child Murders by decades, yet they highlight persistent issues of racial injustice in criminal investigations.

Today, researchers like Wells and bloggers reconstructing the cases from archives keep the story alive, urging Atlantans to remember these women and the systemic failures that denied them justice.

In a city that has evolved dramatically, the Atlanta Ripper serves as a somber historical footnote, a call to confront the past’s shadows.

In the heart of the bustling Atlanta metropolitan area, where skyscrapers pierce the skyline and traffic hums along I-75, nature offers a surprising escape: rolling hills and prominent peaks that provide breathtaking views, rich history, and a touch of wilderness.

While Atlanta itself sits in the relatively flat Piedmont region, its sprawling suburbs—stretching into Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties—boast some of the highest natural elevations in the core metro area.

Atlanta’s Suburban Summits: Majestic Heights Beyond City Lights

These “suburban summits” aren’t the towering giants of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, but they rise dramatically above the surrounding terrain, offering hikers, history buffs, and families a quick getaway from urban life.

At the top of this list is Kennesaw Mountain, the undisputed king of suburban Atlanta’s peaks.

Standing at an impressive 1,808 feet (551 meters) above sea level, this monadnock— an isolated hill rising abruptly from a plain—marks the highest point in the urban and suburban core of metro Atlanta.

Located between the vibrant suburbs of Marietta and Kennesaw in Cobb County, just 25 miles northwest of downtown, Kennesaw Mountain isn’t just a geological marvel; it’s a living testament to the city’s Civil War heritage.

The mountain played a pivotal role in the 1864 Atlanta Campaign, where Confederate forces under General Joseph E. Johnston dug in to defend against Union General William Tecumseh Sherman’s advancing army.

The ensuing Battle of Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864, was one of the war’s bloodiest engagements, claiming over 5,000 lives in a single day of brutal frontal assaults.

Today, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves 2,923 acres of battlefield, complete with interpretive trails, monuments, and a visitor center that draws more than a million visitors annually.

Hikers can tackle the 1.2-mile Cheatham Hill Trail or the steeper 0.7-mile path to the summit, where panoramic views stretch across the suburbs to glimpses of the Atlanta skyline on clear days.

But Kennesaw isn’t alone in its lofty prominence. Nearby peaks like Sweat Mountain and Little Kennesaw offer equally compelling adventures, blending natural beauty with suburban accessibility.

Sweat Mountain, at 1,688 feet, is a favorite among amateur radio enthusiasts and birdwatchers, its summit dotted with rock outcrops and remnants of old communication towers.

Just south, in DeKalb County’s Stone Mountain Park, the massive quartz monzonite dome rises to 1,686 feet, famous for its controversial Confederate carving but beloved for its laser light shows and 5-mile walk-up trail. Stone Mountain also has an insane, crazy past.

These peaks provide vital green spaces amid Atlanta’s rapid suburban growth.

As the metro population swells past 6 million, trails on these hills serve as urban oases, supporting biodiversity from wild turkeys to rare orchids while promoting mental health through outdoor recreation.

Recent initiatives by the National Park Service and local conservation groups aim to expand trail networks, ensuring these heights remain protected for future generations.

Whether you’re seeking a history lesson, a strenuous workout, or simply a sunset vista over the city, suburban Atlanta’s peaks deliver. As we head into the holiday season, lace up your boots—winter’s chill makes for fewer crowds and crisp, clear views from the top.

The 5 Highest Peaks in Suburban Atlanta

Here’s a quick guide to the top five, ranked by elevation. All are accessible within a 30-45 minute drive from downtown Atlanta, with public parks or trails available.

For more details on trails and park hours, visit the National Park Service website or local suburb recreation departments. Stay safe out there—Atlanta’s suburbs may be hilly, but they’re worth the climb!

Final Thoughts

As the city lights up with yet another special event this weekend, remember: Safe driving is the real treat. For more tips on navigating safely around the city, read our Atlanta Traffic Guide.

More from AtlantaFi.com:

• How Long Does It Take To Drive Around I-285?
• Moving To Georgia: Everything You Need to Know
• Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL

AtlantaFi.com is your source for hyper-local stories in the Peach State. Have a tip? Email us at news@atlantafi.com.

The most highly anticipated barbecue joint is days away from mouth-watering fruition in Atlanta. Pittmaster John Lewis is opening his new Atlanta restaurant next week in Atlanta’s Ansley Mall, bringing Central Texas-style barbecue with it.

Lewis Barbecue To Host Grand Opening ‘Rib Pull’ on Dec. 8 in Atlanta

A grand opening and “rib pull” ceremony is slated for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025. Ansley Mall’s recently opened BeltLine pedestrian bridge makes for a perfect “bridge to barbecue” by directly connecting the Northeast Trail to Lewis Barbecue Atlanta.

Speaking exclusively to AtlantaFi.com, Lewis said that he’s been in the barbecue business professionally since 2009.

He grew up in El Paso, Texas and at the age of 18, moved to Austin, where he began to make El Paso-style Mexican food. After opening in three restaurants across the Southwest and Southeast, he knew Atlanta was a place he had to set up shop. “I like the food scene here. I wanted to be part of it.”

The eatery’s opening comes just weeks after Lewis Barbecue earned a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand distinction, recognizing the restaurant for its superior quality food and great value.

In a Facebook post last year, the eatery posted this message:

Sending out the smoke signal! We’re thrilled to announce that Lewis Barbecue will open an Atlanta property next year. This will be our third outpost and first in the Peach State and we can’t wait to bring smoked brisket and ice-cold beers just off the Beltline.

We’re setting up shop in Ansley Mall and while we still have a way to go with construction, we’re hoping to launch in 2025. In the meantime, we’ll be announcing some pop-ups in the area and can’t wait to get involved in the ATL community soon.

What To Expect From the Menu at Lewis Barbecue

Lewis, who will be serving up his signature brisket, pork spareribs, pulled pork, turkey, and hot guts sausage, complemented by sides such as potato salad, collard greens, and fries cooked in tallow.

The restaurant will also feature a full bar and desserts like banana pudding. This marks Lewis Barbecue’s first Georgia location.

“We smoke our meats for 18 hours in our custom-built pits because we believe barbecue is all about patience. But, Atlanta, you’ve waited long enough to indulge—it’s salvation time,” Lewis says in a written statement. “We cannot wait to share our authentic Central-Texas approach to barbecue right in the heart of ATL.”

Where Is Lewis Barbecue Located at Atlanta?

Lewis Barbecue is located in Ansley Mall at 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Here’s a map to help you find it.

Final Word

Atlanta’s BBQ scene offers a variety of regional styles, from tangy, vinegar-based Carolina sauces to sweet, tomato-based Georgia-style ribs.

Restaurants like Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Heirloom Market BBQ, and DAS BBQ serve everything from pulled pork and brisket to smoked wings and ribs, appealing to diverse tastes. This variety, highlighted in Yelp reviews and X posts, allows BBQ joints to cater to both purists and those seeking innovative twists, like Korean-inspired BBQ at Heirloom. Check out the best BBQ joints in Atlanta.

More From AtlantaFi.com:

• What You Need To Know About Ice-Skating At Ponce City Market
• How Many Food Halls Are In Atlanta?
• Cool Things To Do In Midtown Atlanta

In a move that’s rippling through Midtown’s bustling streets, the beloved Publix supermarket at Atlantic Station is set to shutter its doors for good on December 27, 2025.

The store has been open for nearly two decades of serving shoppers fresh subs, local produce, and that signature Publix smile.

The announcement, which caught many longtime customers and employees off guard, marks the end of an era for the vibrant mixed-use development that’s become a cornerstone of urban Atlanta living.

The 30,312-square-foot store, which opened in 2005 alongside the launch of Atlantic Station itself, has long been a go-to spot for residents in the district’s thousands of apartments, office workers along 17th Street, and visitors drawn to the area’s shops, dining, and green spaces.

Why Is the Publix at Atlantic Station Closing?

But Publix cited a “number of factors” in its decision to close, including the store’s compact footprint and challenging parking layout—issues that have long frustrated regulars navigating the multilevel garage and pedestrian-friendly design.

“We’ve been privileged to serve the Midtown community at the Publix at Atlantic Station for almost two decades,” a Publix spokesperson said in a statement. “While it is always a difficult decision to make, we have decided to close this store on December 27, 2025.”

Employees at the store were notified Monday morning, with Publix emphasizing its commitment to its workforce amid the changes.

“”In our 95-year history, Publix has never had a layoff,” the statement continued. “We will offer associates at the Atlantic Station location positions at neighboring stores if they so desire.”

For many staffers, that means potential transfers to nearby locations like the larger Publix at The Plaza Midtown (just 1.5 miles away at 950 W. Peachtree St. NW) or the Howell Mill Village store (2.5 miles distant).

Shoppers, however, face a more immediate inconvenience, with five other Publix outlets within a two-mile radius but none as conveniently embedded in the Atlantic Station ecosystem.

The closure comes at a time of flux for the grocery sector in metro Atlanta, where rivals like Kroger have shuttered underperforming stores earlier this year in areas like Lindbergh, Brookhaven, and Decatur.

Publix itself is closing another small-format location at Shallowford Exchange in Chamblee around the same time, signaling a broader strategy to consolidate in favor of bigger, more efficient spaces.

What’s Next for Atlantic Station?

Atlantic Station’s tight-knit layout, while innovative for walkability, may simply no longer align with the modern grocery model’s demands for expansive aisles and ample parking.

For the community, the loss stings. “This Publix was more than a store—it was a daily ritual,” said longtime resident Jonelle Dennis, who lives in a nearby condo and relies on it for quick runs to grab ingredients for her family’s empanadas. “The parking’s a nightmare sometimes, sure, but it’s right here. Now we’ll have to trek across Midtown or settle for the Target.”

Indeed, the on-site Target will remain open, offering some grocery basics, while a CVS pharmacy inside provides prescription services.

Broader options include a Whole Foods on 14th Street and a recently opened Lidl on Northside Drive, but the convenience factor for Atlantic Station denizens is undeniably diminished.

Atlantic Station Management (ASM) is framing the departure optimistically, viewing it as a chance to refresh the district’s retail mix.

“The retail industry is cyclical, and Atlantic Station continues to adapt in ways that strengthen our position as a leading mixed-use destination,” ASM said in a statement. “With the planned closure of Publix on Dec. 27, 2025, we have an opportunity to reimagine the space and consider concepts that will add new options and value to the surrounding community. Plans for the space will be shared as details are finalized.”

The development isn’t standing still: Recent openings have already brought the expanded Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United Team Store, the interactive Art Station ATL, and the budget-friendly MINISO.

Looking ahead, a second outpost of the iconic Busy Bee Cafe is slated for 2026, with more announcements expected early next year.

Speculation among locals and bloggers is rife—could a Trader Joe’s or another fresh-concept grocer fill the void? For now, though, the focus is on wrapping up strong before the holidays.

Final Word

As Atlanta evolves, so does its neighborhoods. The Publix closure underscores the challenges of blending urban density with everyday needs, but it also highlights Atlantic Station’s resilience.

Shoppers are encouraged to stock up on those holiday hams and bakery treats while they can—December 27 will be the last call for this Midtown mainstay.

AtlantaFi.com is your source for hyper-local coverage of the stories shaping our city. Have a tip? Email us at cj@atlantafi.com.