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One way we can save money is go use coupons, which come in electronic or paper form. Coupons are still one of the best ways to save on the items you buy.
This article is going to show you some of the best coupon sites with printable voucher codes you can use before you shop.
Best Coupons: Where Can You Get Discount Codes Online?
Here are the best coupon sites you can use immediately to save on your shopping bill.- Coupons.com
- Couponmom.com
- Groupon.com
- CoolSavings.com
- DontPayFull
- Hip2Save
- LivingSocial
- Retailmenot.com
- ShopAtHome
- SlickDeals
How To Get Deep Discounts At The Store
You may be wondering how to get deep discounts on items you buy everyday. Although it takes effort, finding deals isn’t brain science. Here are three ways to do it:
1. Go to the Clearance Section
Shopping out of the season is the #1 to get items for deep discount. The retailers have a vested interest in moving old stuff to clearance so they can make shelf space for new things.
2. Comparison Shop
If you don’t think you’re getting a good deal, compare the prices between multiple stores. You can do this by going online and doing the following:
- Pulling up the sales page of each competitor website
- Subscribing to different retailers and scanning their marketing emails for deals
3. Shop At The Right Time
Can your purchase wait until sales are abundant? We’re talking about the holidays toward the end of the year or even sales that correspond with a national holiday like July Fourth or Labor Day.
Sometimes, you can score some major deals just from timing your shopping around certain holidays when retailers drop their prices.
4. Ask the Store Manager
One of the easiest ways to get a discount is to ask the store manager for a discount. They know which products aren’t doing well and they may be willing to cut a deal.
Also, the manager may be able to tip you to the date when another item is set to go on sale.
Final Words
Coupons can save you big money at the grocery store. If you don’t use them — either the digital or print kind — you’re missing out on some major savings.
You can always save money if you put in the time and effort. The discounts are out there. You just have to find them.
Some stores will have outdated items in a special part of the store. Look for the discounts to save money.
Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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Celebrities love them some Atlanta. It’s quite possibly due to the huge homes you get out here. Or it could be the mild weather, or many the Southern hospitality. Whatever the case, famous people love to visit. But what hotels do celebrities stay in here?
As you might imagine, celebrities want to stay at top-notch hotels with amenities and security. Privacy is also a must for famous people who travel into the city.
Where Do Celebrities Stay When They Come To Atlanta?
Many people think celebrities stay in the largest most obnoxious hotels in the city when they visit Atlanta. The truth is that they often stay off the beaten path.
But of course, some of them, particularly if they’re looking to have a good time, will stay in hotels in downtown or Midtown.
There are some hotels that get more attention than others from celebrities. If you’re a star watcher, here’s where to go:
4 Seasons
75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 881-9898
Photo credit: 4 Seasons / Facebook Celebrities love to stay at the 4 Seasons because it offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta, but doesn’t scrimp on the amenities.
Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton is a go-to spot for celebrities because of its proximity to Atlanta’s core financial district and major companies along Peachtree Street. Celebrities are known to frequent the bar in the evenings.
Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 521-0000
Photo credit: Marriott Marquis / Facebook The Marriott Marquis is a favorite spot for celebrities, sports figures and leaders to stay when they visit Atlanta.
St. Regis
Eighty-Eight, West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 563-7900
Photo credit: St. Regis / Facebook The St. Regis in Buckhead is one of the nicest hotels in all of Atlanta. It offers an exquisite look at the city’s well to do. Among them will be a few celebrities who have chosen to stay in a place 20 minutes away from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Aside the hotels, the city has plenty of nice places to stay and numerous cool things to do.
Next: Yandy Smith-Harris Tells Why She Moved To Atlanta
Atlanta’s retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
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A highly acclaimed chef is set to helm the kitchen at one of Midtown Atlanta’s newest eateries: Hotel Granada.
When Is Hotel Granada Opening in Atlanta?
The eagerly awaited boutique establishment by Aparium Hotel Group, is set to open this August in Midtown Atlanta.
Joining the hotel’s leadership team is celebrated Chef Jaime Cubias, who will serve as Executive Chef and Rae Doyle, who has been named Director of Food & Beverage.
The 120-room, meticulously restored 101-year-old property epitomizes Aparium’s commitment to community engagement and authentic charm. At the heart of this experience is Pom Court, the hotel’s main restaurant, led by Cubias and Doyle.
Pom Court offers a unique indoor-outdoor dining experience, centered around a courtyard reminiscent of old-world European inns, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling energy of Midtown.
Photo credit: Jaime Cubias/LinkedIn
Cubias, born in San Salvador and raised in Miami, began his culinary journey in his mother’s kitchen, experimenting with diverse flavors from an early age. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Cubias has honed his skills in prestigious kitchens, including The Four Seasons Anguilla and The Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City. His Atlanta culinary experiences include notable establishments such as The Optimist, Waldorf Astoria, and Mandarin Oriental. With 18 years of culinary expertise, Cubias will lead Pom Court, offering a menu that blends Southern cuisine with vibrant Spanish flavors.
Photo credit: Rae Doyle/LinkedIn
Doyle, who hails from St. Louis, brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having held various significant positions in the Midwest. She holds a BA from Truman State University and an MBA from the University of Iowa. Her career includes roles such as F&B Manager at Hilton Des Moines, bartender at The Bartender’s Handshake, and Beverage Director and Marketing Manager at RoCA. Doyle’s accolades include a certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and multiple wins as the Winefest Des Moines ‘Iron Somm’. As the new Director of Food & Beverage at Hotel Granada, she oversees Pom Court and an upcoming cocktail bar, shaping the hotel’s culinary and beverage offerings.
Where Is Hotel Granada Located?
Hotel Granada is located at 1302 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. Here’s a map to help you find it
Final Word
Atlanta has become a haven of cool hotels, From the Signia Hilton downtown to Hotel Nobu in Buckhead, it’s safe to say that the lodgings industry is in good hands in the ATL. Check out our Atlanta Hotel Guide for a nice stay.
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The 15th annual BronzeLens Film Festival once again is happening soon in Atlanta. The event will gather throngs of film enthusiasts, actors, producers and more in the legal, entertainment, film, and television industry to mingle, celebrate and learn from one another.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 BronzeLens Film Festival held in Atlanta.
When Is the 2024 BronzeLens Film Festival?
The 2024 BronzeLens Film Festival takes place August 21 through August 25 in Atlanta, Georgia. Films in the 2024 BronzeLens Official Film Selections line-up include:
- Jamie Foxx is a producer for directors Nikki Lenette’s and Roger Ellis’ HAPPY SONGS ABOUT UNHAPPY THINGS;
- Ben Crump is a producer of director Ben Beder’s HOW TO SUE THE KLAN, and director Coke Daniels’ The WaterBoyz
- Jamie Lee Curtis is a producer of director Russell Goldman’s BURN OUT
- Deborah Riley Draper is co-director with Sabaah Folayan of RATIFY
- BronzeLens selected three films by Directors Ryan Justin Horne and Tyson Alan Horne, A HERO AMONG US, THE DANCER: THE BEAUTIFUL AND TRAGIC LIFE OF GERAUD ALEXANDER, and THE SOUTH GOT SOMETHING TO SAY, and;
- Morris Chestnut is a producer of director Jorge Sanchez’s THE ORIGIN
Festival Official Film Selections are comprised of over 140 films in categories that include short narratives, feature narratives, documentaries, short documentaries, dance, arts, web series, music videos, and students’ films from France, Spain, Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Iran, the Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Jordan and, Brazil.
“The quality of our 2024 film submissions exceeded our expectations,” said Kathleen Bertrand, BronzeLens Film Festival Executive Producer. “We are poised for an extraordinary 15th Anniversary Celebration for attendees to see masterfully produced films and partake in an elevated programming experience.”
For a full list of the 2024 BronzeLens Official Film Selections go to bronzelens.com/official-selections.
Here’s a snapshot of the 2024 BronzeLens Film Festival programming schedule:
Wednesday, August 21 through Sunday, August 25
Tara Atlanta serves as headquarters for BronzeLens 2024 Official Film Selections daily screenings and all panels and workshops.Saturday, August 24
BronzeLens Inaugural Filmmaker’s Sneaker Ball is a new BronzeLens signature event that is set to take place at Atlanta City Hall.Sunday, August 25
Cinema and Social Justice Sunday features films and conversations that address issues of social justice, and human and civil rights at the Tara Theater.BronzeLens Awards Show program is the culminating festival event at which the “Best of Festival” filmmakers, in their respective categories, and the best actress, and the best actor are honored. In addition, The Founder’s Award and the Chairman’s Award are presented to industry and community leaders for their contributions to the film and television industry. This year the BronzeLens Awards takes place at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center.
Final Word
Cool events are year-round in the city. Every Atlanta weekend has something cool to do. The city has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year.
The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers. Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots.
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There’s nothing better than a cheap apartment in Atlanta, except a cheap apartment in Atlanta with a pool.
This article will show you some of the best Atlanta apartments with pools where you can relax after a long day’s work or have some weekend fun.
Cortland at The Battery Apartments
900 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 877-390-2984
Not only does Cortland at The Battery have an awesome pool, but the complex is near SunTrust Park. That means all the sports, shops, restaurants and live music, and entertainment you could ever want is at your doorstep.Vireo at Piedmont Park
The Vireo at Piedmont Park is a a 21-story apartment complex in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. In addition to the stellar pool, The Vireo has
- Modern fitness center with outdoor terrace
- Rooftop grilling station & covered lounge area
- Outdoor fireplace & 2 fire pits
- Rooftop park lounge with games
- Beautifully landscaped courtyard and more
Allure Apartments at Brookwood
40 Peachtree Valley Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
The Allure Apartments offer one, two, and three-bedroom spaces for rent in one of the most thriving areas of Atlanta. The apartments have feature different types of floorplans, gourmet kitchens, custom cabinetry, private balconies/patios, and an awesome pool.
Post Peachtree Hills Apartments
350 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30305
Post Peachtree Hills is located in a quickly-changing area of Buckhead with new townhomes being built a quarter of a mile away. But you can get away from the bustling sound of progress by relaxing in the Post Peachtree Hills pool.
Post Midtown Atlanta Apartments
33 11th St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309
Post Midtown Atlanta Apartments also has a really great pool that can take your mind off the worries of the day. Located in the center of Midtown, this Post property is above par for the area.
Skyhouse Midtown Apartments
1080 W Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30309
Skyhouse Midtown gives you amenities in the sky, including a rooftop Resort-Inspired Poolside Lounge, sky gym, skycafe and other nice touches to enjoy the downtown Atlanta skyline.
Nine15 Midtown Apartments
915 West Peachtree St. NW / Atlanta, GA 30309
NIne15 Midtown Apartments have some of the best amenities in Atlanta. In addition to being on its way to getting LEED certified, the apartments feature a plush pool, Quartz countertops in the kitchen, beautiful wood-style flooring and tailored carpet in the bedrooms.
W Hotel Midtown
188 14th Street NE Atlanta, GA 30361
One of the best rooftop pools in the city can be found at the W Hotel Midtown. The outdoor bar and scenery make this a must-visit destination for pool lovers.
Icon Apartments Midtown
22 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Icon has an 11th floor pool terrace with clear edge spa, barbecue grills, games area, Al fresco dining space, poolside cabanas, and more right there in MIdtown near 14th Street.
Mezzo Apartments
2171 Peachtreet St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Mezzo Apartments is situated amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta and offers a relaxing respite from the busy city center. The pool at Mezzo is a needed creature comfort.
Last Words
Georgia’s largest city has plenty of nice apartments to choose from. But you don’t want to just settle for anything. Take your time and research each property you have your eye on.
For more buying tips, Read Our Apartment Guide.
Up next: How to rent an apartment in Atlanta
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Trying to book a hotel but you notice that the prices are out of this world? It’s time to use your smartphone to get cheaper lodging.
Instead of overpaying for an expensive stay, there are still some ways you may be able to snag a last-minute hotel stay for cheap.
Last-Minute Hotel Bookings: There’s An App For That
Before you spend any money on the first hotel you see online, take a few minutes to download a few of the best apps for last-minute bookings. In this article, we’ll tell all about the top apps for cheap lodgings.
The good news is that there are several free apps that show you hotel discounts on unsold rooms in five-star hotels, resorts and even little boutique hotels.
Let’s take a look at these travel apps, which all have at least 4-star reviews.
Last Minute Hotels Booking App
Last Minute Hotels Booking App, as you can tell by the name, another one that shows you cheap books for the current week. It’s available via Android or iOS. and works as a browser extension for your Chrome or Windows app.
Here’s what one user says about the app: “What a great app it is! This app is very smooth to browse and it gives exact and current hotel deals. I had booked a hotel last night through this app. Through this app you will easily find the best hotel in your nearby and within your budget too. Moreover, this app includes exclusive discounts and promotions on hotels that usually not found on other websites. And thanks to the developers also for such a excellent interface.”
One:Night
One:Night is an app that allows you to find last-minute books and check in at 3 p.m. the same day. Download it for iOS and Android.
Here’s what one reviewer says about One:Night: “If you’re into being very spontaneous while traveling & aren’t on a budget, this app is definitely for you! Not great for price-checking or being picky by any means, but is certainly good for those looking for something adventurous on a random night to spice things up.”
HotelTonight
The HotelTonight app is a great way to save money and time on hotel lodgings. Available for iOS and Android, HotelTonight shows you deals for tonight, tomorrow and this week all at the tap of a button.
Here’s what one reviewer says about HotelTonight: “Like it so far. I was referred this app by a Delta flight attendant. I like that it shows me boutique and basic hotels in the same feed. I get a nice selection of hotels. I always check Google to see if I’m getting a good deal and it appears as though I am. I recently booked a last minute stay a really cute hotel in ATL. The prices do fluctuate so I didnt book too far in advance. Although the check in process wasn’t as smooth as other bookings, it all worked out.”
What Is The Best Time To Book A Hotel?
According to NerdWallet, hotel rates were about 13% less expensive when booked 15 days before compared to four months before. Booking last-minute can save travelers an average of $30 per night, the site says.
When Is The Cheapest Day To Book A Hotel?
Although your travel plans may dictate when you need to book your hotel, the Travel Pricing Outlook from Airlines Reporting Corporation and Expedia site that travelers typically get the cheapest hotel rates on Friday nights.
Of course, you can always search for room specials to see if you can get a lower rate.
Final Word
Remember to visit TripAdvisor to read reviews about the places you want to stay. You’ll get candid reviews from real customers who spend money staying there
Always pay for your hotel with a credit card. That way, you have a track record of your transaction. If you pay with cash, there’s a chance that the front desk clerk could be tempted to take the money and run!
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.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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Are you ready for Atlanta’s new food hall? Halidom, which means sanctuary in Greek, is opening its doors in East Atlanta this week.
When Is Halidom Opening?
Halidom is having a soft opening May 20-22, 2024. The establishment will use that time to train the staff properly while giving you some tasty dishes you’ll no doubt fall in love with. Halidom’s official opening is May 24.
Halidom comes to us from entrepreneur Hal Blackman, founder of IST Management Services, a tech firm. If you haven’t noticed, the restaurant business has pivoted hard into technology since the pandemic, and that’s good news for food and drink lovers.
The food hall, spread out over two acres just off Moreland Avenue, has more than 300 seats, 11 stalls, and a bar. Its hours of operation are:
- Monday – Thursday 11:00am to 9:00pm
- Friday – Saturday 11:00am to 10:00pm
- Sunday 11:00am to 8:00pm
The food hall has positioned itself as an active partner in the Atlanta foodie’s daily life, hosting a slate of events like Soulful Mondays, Tequila Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays and Brunch La Rose on Sundays.
What Restaurants Are At Halidom?
- Luze Mexicano Cucino
- Mad Dad Phillys cheesesteaks
- Press Waffle Co.
- Locale Island Eats
- Luco’s Brooklyln Pizza
- Mango Indian Grill
- Wasabi Sushi & Ramen
- The French Fry Specialist
- Deallo’s Seafood
- Grind Time Coffee Co.
- Just Dogs ATL
- Bar La Rose
Where Is Halidom Located?
Halidom is located at 1341 Moreland Ave SE Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30316. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
The culinary excellence of Southern food is only part of the reason why Atlanta restaurants are having a moment. New entries into the restaurant entry, including steakhouses, seafood and fast-casual, represent a growing segment of the new Atlanta restaurants
Stay with AtlantaFi.com to learn more about Atlanta food halls and what’s next.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
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The Atlanta Braves are already one of the best teams in Major League Baseball this year. If you can’t go to the games, you can cheer them on by watching them on a big screen TV at your local bar.
Atlanta’s bar scene has greatly grown over the past few years. We’re going to show you some of the best Atlanta bars to watch the Braes win! You can watch the Braves game today or any other day, sign up for FuboTV and watch for free.
Here Are The Best Atlanta Bars To Watch Braves
These watering holes as well as bars, taverns and food halls have some of the best food as well, so you can enjoy these bowl match-ups.
Your 3rd Spot
400 Chattahoochee Row NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (770) 230-3033
Photo credit: Your 3rd Spot Here’s what one customer says about Your 3rd Spot. “Hands down the BEST customer service I have experienced! Jessica, our event planner was always on top of everything and accommodated all of my requests for my daughter and son in laws event. Our server for the night I believe her name was Sabrina (sorry!) she was phenomenal, everyone always had a drink, checked on us through out the evening and always with a smile!
“The food: WOW, just wow. I can not say enough about the food here. Friends and family raved about it the next day.”Box Car
1000 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, (470) 788-8171
Box Car is a Hop City concept that sits right off the Beltline in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood. The place can be electric during big game nights, so come early.
Hawkers Asian Street Fare
661 Auburn Ave NE Suite 180, Atlanta, GA 30312, (470) 809-1586
Speaking about the Beltine line: Hawkers has become a go-to place for sports events in Midtown. Add to the equation the Asian street food, and you’ve got a winner.
Fado Irish Pub
933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (404) 260-7910
Fado Irish Pub is place to be to watch the game and down a Guinness pint at the same time. The Midtown location as well as one at The Shops at Buckhead.
Dantanna’s
3400 Around Lenox Rd #304, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 760-8873
Dantanna’s restaurant features an upscale spot to watch the game and enjoy some top-notch food. Located in Buckhead, Dantanna’s has an extensive menu with spirited drinks and a rowdy atmosphere — perfect for watching the games!
STATS Brewpub
300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, (404) 885-1472
The go-to sports bar in downtown Atlanta, STATS is a short walk from the Omni, CNN Center and College Football Hall of Fame. Inside the brewpub, customers can try their hand at tabletop beer taps and exquisite food with screens all around to watch the games.One Google reviewer says: “This place was incredible! Service was excellent, food was amazing! There were so many delicious looking things on the menu that my waitress had to help me out with a recommendation. I’m glad I listened to her, the BBQ Brisket Burger was out of this world. The fries were really good too. And then she talked me into getting the key lime pie, it was every bit as good as everything else was. I will definitely go back whenever I’m in Atlanta again.”Hooters in downtown Atlanta
209 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, Ga 30303
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Hooters is especially designed for big sports games. Because of its high-profile location, this downtown Atlanta Hooters regularly gets Atlanta fans as well as that of the opposing teams.The U Bar
3515 Camp Creek Pkwy #50-70, East Point, GA 30344 |(404) 349-2301
The premiere sports bar at Camp Creek, the U Bar features cool music, wings specials in a club environment that is packed on the weekends.One Google reviewer says: “Pretty lit. Moreso a place to socialize, eat and watch games. Music was good . You can dance but Its not a club. Hoped this helped. Oh and 10 for women 20 for me. I heard they have good wings.”Popular party spot with sports, DJs & dancing, with drink specials & a full menu for dining.The Tavern
3560 Camp Creek Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30344 | (404) 349-9285
The Tavern, known as Camp Creek’s OTHER sports bar, has events almost every weekday night, including karaoke, drink specials and more.One Google reviewer says: “The lemon pepper and hot mixed wings are AMAZING. I also enjoy their karaoke nights which are live and many patrons participate so it makes me feel okay because I can’t sing to save my life. I’d definitely recommend checking them out on Wednesday night and enjoy the atmosphere.”Hudson Grille
942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 892-0892
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
261 19th St NW #1100, Atlanta, GA (404) 815-8990
Thanks to an awesome Midtown location (there’s another one at The Battery next to SunTrust Park) and above-average beverage program, Yard House at Atlantic Station has a devoted following among sports fans. The stylish sports bar’s patio is a great people-watching spot and the burgers, steaks and tacos on the menu make this place a must-visit to watch the NFL playoffs.One Google reviewer explains why this is one of the best sports bars in Atlanta: “Happening place with excellent food! You just can’t go wrong with Yard House. We visit Atlanta every year at Christmas time, and Yard House has become a family tradition. The menu is extensive and everything we’ve tried has been delicious! They have an excellent Happy Hour … that includes a HUGE selection of 1/2 price appetizers. I think we have literally ordered everything on the happy hour menu! You can’t beat the price!”
Topgolf
1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, (404) 475-4000
Topgolf caters not to the golf fan so much, but the sports fan. With flat-screen TVs at every station, you can swing clubs or sit back and enjoy your game when you want it. Inside at the bar, you can see multiple screens from several vantage points while you eat and drink.Here’s why one Google reviewer says this is one of the best sports bars in Atlanta:: “This is a really fun place for all age groups. If golf is not your thing, they also offer table tennis or ping pong upstairs and pool tables downstairs. The putting area is spacious. Of course it is outdoors, but they offer large heat lamps directly over the seating area. There are two levels to the seating area. The first is a high bar with chairs. The second is a u-shaped outdoor sofa with a center table. All food and drink orders can be placed from your bay. For each game, each player gets 20 chances to “put the ball in the hole”. You can take all 20 swings in a row or rotate players as you’d like. If you aren’t interested in playing any of the game options, you can also dine in or have a round at the bar. Enjoy!”
Taco Mac
933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (678) 904-7211
With eight locations in Atlanta, including in Midtown on Peachtree and in Dunwoody, Taco Mac is a sports fan’s favorite place to watch the NBA playoffs or any sports event. Featuring the most expansive beer menu of any Atlanta sports bar, Taco Mac is the perfect place to enjoy a craft beer, malt, ale or IPA with your buffalo wings.One Google reviewer says: “Fast and delicious food. Live music on Friday night. Very personable servers. Really great fajitas. They are very open to accommodate changes to menu. One of my favorite places to eat.”Read more: 5 essential soul food spots in Atlanta
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.
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With the making of a new Hulu documentary about Freaknik, the roving street party is getting more attention than it has in 30 years.
Freaknik — Freaknik (/ˈfriːknɪk/; originally Freaknic) is a 1980s-90s era annual spring break party for black college students that grew into one of the largest rolling street parties in America.
The documentary is set to be released in the coming weeks, but there’s a lot to unpack.
Freaknik: How It Began
This article will provide an unofficial history of Freaknik, the famous and infamous rolling party that snared Atlanta traffic and turned highways into parking lots and dance floors.
The origins of what would become Freaknik can be traced to 1983, when dance clubs made up of students from the Atlanta University Center began throwing parties. This was the height of the pop-locking craze and a few years after aspiring filmmaker Spike Lee had left the AU Center’s Morehouse College.
One group in particular, the D.C. Metro Club, conceived of a party coinciding with spring break in April. It’s name was “Freaknic,” a play on the words “freak” and “picnic.”
Party flyer from the early 1980s.
The president of the D.C. Metro Club, Schuyla Goodson, is credited with coming up with the term “Freaknik” on the grounds of Spelman College.
There is some debate over where the inaugural Freaknic was held, but many say it was at John A. White Park near the AU Center.
The first “Freaknic” party was attended by around 150 people and became an annual event, but the D.C. Metro Club got in trouble with Spelman College. Then-President Johnetta B. Cole banned the group for the legal risk that Freaknic posed as the parties grew larger and larger.
Through the late 1980s, AU Center officials tried to sanitize the event, renaming it “Black College Spring Break,” with an obvious appeal to HBCUs in the MEAC, SWAC and various small black colleges and universities scattered around the South.
As the number of visitors to Atlanta began to swell each year, the behavior of the attendees began to worsen. As does everything in the South, the discussion began to take on racial undertones and then overtones.
“Most of the white establishment wanted Freaknik to end pronto,” said Fred Richard, a Grambling State University alumni, who now lives in suburban Atlanta after going to grad school at Clark. “We partied so hard in Atlanta because we didn’t want to go to Daytona Beach; we wanted to have fun here like they were doing in Florida.”
Race Becomes A Factor
Atlanta’s African-American lawmakers, all the way from council-men and -women to others in high positions around the city’s mayor, tried to balance their obligations to keep law and order by extending a welcome mat to the party-goers, which were overwhelmingly black.
But news broadcasts would often lead with the arrests and images of rowdy behavior from the crowds of students in town for the raucous weekend. Resentment from residents in Atlanta’s top neighborhoods slowly began to boil as negative news reports about Freaknik began to circulate.
The issue was illustrated best by then-Councilwoman Carolyn Long Banks, who told the Times, “There is a fear of the congregating of more than one or two black people in any given area. It has become a racial issue for some of the neighborhoods. These kids are the black cream of the crop, and if they are not treated well, there is little hope for the rest of us.”
In the early 1990s, the AU Center dance clubs, fraternities and sororities all tried to milquetoast the “Freaknik” name — downplay it and rebrand it “Freedom Fest was one attempt) — but it was too late. College officials, engaged in feeble attempts to refocus the then-highly sexualized party weekend, tried bonding it to a job fair, step shows and other collegiate events, but to no avail.
Music And More Began To Change
In 1990 and 1991, Freaknik was still just another black spring break function, the likes of which students at Winston-Salem and Norfolk, Virginia, were used to.But by the end of 1991, a wave of misogyny would sweep through rap and hip-hop music. Instead of the conscious, pro-black vibes that came to characterize much of the popular music, the tunes turned to darker themes, often fueled by weed smoke.“The music definitely played a role in how people started acting,” Wilson said. “Instead of bumping Public Enemy or listening to some words by Sistah Soulja, gangsta rap exploded. Everybody was on that NWA, West Coast, all that stuff.”But it wasn’t just gangsta rap. Florida’s Miami bass, New York’s lyrical hip-hop and the South’s own SouthernPlayalistic vibes were all contributing. You can’t have a party without the music.Another culprit was the mob mentality: A common scene for Freaknik was to see a jam -packed street with people on the hoods of the cars and loud music. Women would be dancing on the cars or next to one and they would be surrounded by ogling and touchy-feely men with video cameras.“In a lot of ways, what set Freaknik off in the early 1990s was the videotape footage. Like the videotape beating of Rodney King that set off riots, when people from all these different cities came back home and showed their friends the video footage of Freaknik, it exploded.”
According to media estimates, about 100,000 people attended Freaknik in 1993. The next year, that numbered had doubled to 200,000 although arrests were cut in half.As Olympics Neared, Atlanta Wrestled With Its Image
At the crux of many civic debates, was this question: What kind of city was Atlanta trying to be? A party city or one that was brand-safe for big business?
“You have to understand,” said Tony Robinson, a barber from Atlanta, who went to Clark Atlanta in the late 1980s. “In the early 1990s, Atlanta was in the midst of remaking itself for the Olympics.”
In 1994 and 1995, the city was being flooded with new money and was trying to put on its best face. But this rolling black street party would churn through every year and make national headlines for all the wrong reasons.
A New York Times article from that time says, “Young people showing off their late-model luxury cars in caravans tied up major arteries for about five miles north of downtown. But the police managed to channel most of the impromptu motorcades out of residential areas. Mayor Campbell acknowledged that “there were no streets which could contain the cars and the young people’s determination to stay in their cars and to see and be seen.”When visitors began to pour into Lenox Square, the mall of Atlanta’s wealthy, the affluent residents began to complain about the traffic outside the structure. Instead of a place to shop, the weekend brought thousands of people-watchers and rowdy behavior.Atlanta’s City Council and Mayor Bill Campbell, who was elected in 1994, began to get criticized for allowing the city to be overrun with “hoodlums” and party-goers who would go inside stores to gaze but wouldn’t shop.
Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell in 1996.
Tug Of War: Atlanta Politics Meets Freaknik
The city’s white business leaders began to push for an all-out ban on Freaknik, putting tremendous pressure on Atlanta’s black leadership, which was starting to feel the heat.In front of the microphones, Atlanta’s black leaders were politically correct when asked questions about Freaknik and public safety.“We welcome anybody coming to this event who is law-abiding,” said Atlanta Police Chief Beverly Harvard. “We will not tolerate the violation of this city.”
Privately many of them wondered how long they could last as political piñatas.
“If our event goes poorly as a result of the Freaknik crowd, it would seriously jeopardize my ability to come back,” Campbell said in March 1995, one month before the event. “So Atlanta does have a lot riding on the success of this.”
Freaknik: Business and Residential Resistance
One neighborhood, Inman Park, even sued the city to keep it off-limits from visitors. Spurred by Atlanta’s business elite, the City of Atlanta began to turn against Freaknik at least to some degree. Some Atlanta students said race was a major factor.Quoted by the Washington Post at the time, Samuel Bell Jr., who was student body president at Clark Atlanta University, said, “These students are, supposedly, the future leaders of our nation, and what are they saying, that we’re going to loot and pillage the village? It’s an atrocity.”The city responded by denying permits to party organizers and offering underwhelming support to the few activities that happened to be sponsored. Police officers blocked entry into whole neighborhoods and made some streets one ways around the AU Center.“Remember, this wasn’t Miami. This wasn’t Jacksonville or even Galveston, where there’s a beach. Atlanta is all asphault,” said Robinson. “Half of the city — and you know which half — just couldn’t understand what all these black people were doing down here.”Inside City Hall, leaders tried to soften the mayor’s stance, saying that the students should be welcomed by the city, but that their energy should be channeled into a more positive direction.C.T. Martin, an elder statesman on the city council, said then, “I understand the mayor’s predicament, but this is the home of Martin Luther King and six black institutions of higher learning, and we owe it to the parents of these young people to cradle their children while they are here.”Atlanta Turns On Freaknik
“There is nothing for people to do,” Lori Dodson, a Spelman student at the time, told the Times. “We had events scheduled but we had to cancel them because of the city.”While there was sporadic violence connected to the event each year, Atlanta officials touted the success of letting students flock to the city, but kept them driving in circles by routing them to the highways and away from prestigious areas. Faced with no where to go, many revelers congregated in parking lots and just partied in their cars and on the streets.To save face, Atlanta officials stopped providing the press with crowd estimates, which would only fuel the naysayers. Still, the police would shut down around 200 blocks of city streets to curtail cruisers during the three-day weekend.“They tried to stop it before it got started,” Corey Griffin, a reveler from Dalton, Georgia, told the Times at the time. “I think it’s nice to come down here and spend some money. But I felt I was unwanted.”Soon Campbell and city officials made it ther mission to deny any permit associated with the words “Freaknik” or “Freaknic.”As the 1990s closed, Freaknik became a shadow of itself and all but died out except for the occasional brash party promoter.“Few issues in the city of Atlanta have been as divisive in the last 10 years,″ Campbell told the Associated Press in 1998. “It is a very difficult weekend even under the best of circumstances.″“In Atlanta, Freaknik became a curse word,” said Monica Wilson, who traveled to the annual party each year from 1993 to 1996 as a student at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.With no public safety support, sponsors or organizers, Freaknik, seen as a headless monster, began to unravel and die out.Final Word
What began as a party for collegians quickly morphed into a weekend of unabashed street partying. Among the city’s business leaders, the sentiment was that Atlanta was built for a lot of things, but it wasn’t built for that.Crowds particularly gathered around city landmarks like Underground Atlanta, Piedmont Park, Old National Highway, the AU Center and Peachtree Street, the city’s main vein.All but dead, now the name “Freaknik” still pops up every now and then, but it’s in reference to its heyday, circa 1994 and ’95. It is the party that time forgot. -
If you’re looking for an outlet for the Atlanta weekend, jazz at the High Museum of Art is surely one of the best ways to do it in Atlanta.
One of the cool things to do in Atlanta on Fridays — the third Friday of every month — is to come out the jazz at the High. Hosted by Jamal Ahmad from Jazz 91.9 WCLK, Atlanta’s jazz station, the event is filled with music, drinks, art and always a great lineup featuring different styles of jazz, from free jazz, bebop to swing, and more.
Seating for Friday Jazz is limited and opens at 6 p.m. There is no reserved seating. Standing room is plentiful. Friday Jazz is FREE with Museum admission and FREE for members.
What Are Some Cool Things To Do In Atlanta On A Friday Night?
Check Out the SkyView Atlanta
Take a ride on the SkyView Ferris wheel for stunning views of the city skyline illuminated at night. It’s a great way to see Atlanta from a unique perspective.
Enjoy Nightlife in Buckhead
Photo credit: Playhouse Media The Buckhead neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and lounges offering live music, dancing, and cocktails.
Check out the coolest things to do in Buckhead.
Catch a Show at The Fox Theatre
The historic Fox Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. It’s a beautiful venue with a rich history.
Explore the Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is a popular pedestrian and bike trail that offers a unique way to experience the city at night. The trail is lined with art installations, restaurants, and bars.
Final Word
Yes, Atlanta has a lot of things to do and see.
As a bonus, you can go to Midtown and check out the city’s largest market. Ponce City Market is a food hall and shopping complex housed in a historic building. It offers a wide range of dining options and often hosts events and live music.
Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.
If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.
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