In 1959, Paschal’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop opened at 830 Hunter Street. The new facilities were financed with a $75,000 loan from Citizens Trust Bank in conjunction with Atlanta Life Insurance Company. This was one of the largest loans made by the bank at that time, according to the restaurant’s website.
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There are few things as exciting as traveling abroad to a foreign country. If that’s in your plans, you’ll want to learn how to do it the right way.
In this article, we’re going to go over everything you need, from the smallest items to the must-have things for your trip.
At the bottom, we’ll also give you a FREE printable essential packing list for all your travel needs. But first, you need to know about general COVID protocols outside of the United States: In most cases, you no longer have to complete a multi-day quarantine after traveling to a destination.
Now let’s go over five things you need to do before your trip.
1. Make Sure Your Passport Is Current
Photo credit: Nicole Honeywill / Sincerely Media / Unsplash The most important thing you’ll need before you leave the country is a valid passport. Contrary to belief, many people think that if their passport expiration date is good at the time of their departure, they’re safe — but that’s not true. Your passport needs to be current for your whole trip, but not only that: The U.S. Department of State recommends that your passport be good for six months after your trip. That way, if something happens, say, you get injured and need to be hospitalized for some time, your stay in the country will remain legal. Here’s where to renew your passport in Atlanta.
2. Call Your Financial Institution
Photo credit: Dane Deaner / Unsplash The second thing you need to do is let your bank know that you’re going out of town. This way, they won’t view any credit card charges or withdrawals in another country as suspicious. Here are the customer service numbers for some major banks:
- Wells Fargo: 1 (800) 869-3557
- JP Morgan Chase: 1 (800) 935-9935
- Citibank: 1 (800) 374-9700
- PNC Bank: 1 (888) 762-2265
- Bank of America: 1 (800) 432-1000
3. Withdraw Some Cash
It’s hard to know how much money you’re going to need for your trip because it’s going to be based on how many days you’ll be there as well as what you’ll do. No matter what the amount, you’re going to need to carry some hard cash so don’t forget to withdraw some before you leave the United States. If you wait to get cash in a foreign country you’re going to unnecessarily subject yourself to some expensive fees. Better yet, get yourself a Charles Schwab account, where all withdrawal fees or free or reimbursed. Here’s how to avoid overdraft fees from your checking account.4. Complete These Home To-Dos
Photo credit: Trung Thanh / Unsplash Around the house you’ll want to take care of some important things while you’re away. Don’t forget to:
- Water the plants
- Turn off the air conditioner or heater
- Turn the porch light on
- Make arrangements for someone to feed your animals
- Set your email to auto-respond
5. Get Travel Insurance
Photo credit: Court Cook / Unsplash If you’re going out of town for a lengthy period, it may make sense to get some travel insurance. The reason why this is important is because it’s a good chance your own medical insurance doesn’t cover out-of-the-country trips. Go to InsureMyTrip.com to compare prices on some of the best policies out there. Now let’s get into the many things you need for an international trip before you leave: Here’s why you need travel insurance right now.
International Travel: Here Is Your Ultimate Pack List
COSMETICS & TOILETRIES CLOTHES & APPAREL ELECTRONICS Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Dental Floss Shoes / Sandals / Flip-Flops Cell Phone / Tablets / Laptops Deodorant / Shampoo / Soap Socks / Underwear / T-Shirts / Panties / Bras Batteries / Adapter Brush Set / Comb Pack Dress Shirts / Casual Shirts Memory Card / Pre-Paid SIM Card Lotion / Gel /Moisturizer Jeans / Shorts / Dresses / Skirts Guidebooks / Maps / E-Books Shaving Razor / Makeup Supplies Jackets / Sweaters Headphones / Ear Buds Don’t Forget The Sunscreen
Protection from the sun is vital when you’re on the beach or just out in the summer heat. You don’t want to get skin cancer or start peeling just from being out and about. Here are some sunscreens that are great for your face.
Safe sea SPF50+ 3.4 oz. Tube Sunscreen – Jellyfish and Sea Lice Protective Lotion
Banana Boat Sport Ultra Reef SafeSun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion | Vegan and Reef FriendlyReef Safe Sunscreen SPF 30+ All NaturalThinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen – SafeGet A Travel Bag That Works For You
Buy
There are good travel bags and there are bag travel bags. You’ll want one that fits the size of carry-on and checked bags. Here are some good ones:
- Women’s Pink Weekender Travel Bag
- Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag
- Samsonite Checked Medium Bag
- Puma Men’s Contender Duffle Bag
- Rockland 19 inch Tote Bag
A Good Camera Is A Must
Buy
If you think that a regular schmegular cell phone will do the job, you’re only partially right. A Pixel 4 or iPhone 11 will give you some great upclose shots, but if you want panoramic shots and photos that show depth, you’ll need a professional camera. Here are some of our favorite travel cameras:
- Digital Vlogging Camera 24 MP Ultra HD
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 90
- Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera
- Nikon CoolPix B500 Digital Camera
- Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Last Words
Don’t let the travel season get away from you without thinking seriously about taking a trip abroad.
So you’re thinking about taking a trip abroad. First of all, congratulations! Before you spend any money, you should look into saving as much as you can.
No matter where you go, you’ll want to save money on your trip. If you haven’t purchased your plane tickets yet, here’s how to save money on your next trip.
No matter if you’re traveling out of Atlanta or another international airport, these travel trips will save you money. Now are you ready for your FREE digital gift?FREE DOWNLOAD: PACKING LIST (PDF)
Travel hacks and other tips can help you save big when you’re leaving from Hartsfield. Learn more by sticking to AtlantaFi.com.Read more from AtlantaFi.com: -
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.
More Food Coverage:
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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 like to nerd out on the scientific things in life, then you’ll love the Atlanta Science Festival. The event, presented by Delta Air Lines, is one of the best festivals in Atlanta.
When Is The Atlanta Science Festival?
The Atlanta Science Festival takes place March 9 – 23 this year and promises to be a science-filled adventure.
Here’s what’s in store if you decide to attend the festival.
GEORGIA TECH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING DAY
Saturday, 03/09/2024 – 10:00am to 2:00pm
Kickoff the 2024 Atlanta Science Festival with Georgia Tech!
Whether you’re interested in robotics, brains, biology, space, art, nanotechnology, paper, computer science, wearables, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or systems engineering, there will be activities for you!
Visit campus for hands-on STEAM activities, exhibits, demonstrations, opportunities to meet student researchers, learn about the research, and so much more happening at Tech.ANIMALS IN MOTION: BIOMECHANICS DAY AT ZOO ATLANTA
Saturday, 03/09/2024 – 11:00am to 12:00pm
Ever wonder how orangutans swing, or how an elephant trunk works? Join us at Zoo Atlanta to celebrate the diversity of animals on Earth and the incredible ways they move. With help from biomechanics experts at Georgia Tech, guests can participate in live demonstrations and presentations sure to generate excitement about biomechanics and applications in Bio-inspired Design.
ATLANTA FERMENTATION FESTIVAL
Sunday, 03/10/2024 – 12:00pm to 7:00pm
For the love of fermentation! Fermentation Fest in conjunction with Atlanta Science Festival is a family event providing education, hands-on fun, and a diverse experience for all ages.
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024
ADVENTURE LAB AT MASON MILL
Tuesday, 03/12/2024 – 7:00am to 7:00pm
You are invited on a secret adventure on the trails of Mason Mill Park. The Adventure Lab app will guide you to special natural and historic sites in the forest. Using your phone’s GPS technology and your brain, locate the secret destinations, learn about nature, and answer a question to prove you were there.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024
ADVENTURE LAB AT MASON MILL
Wednesday, 03/13/2024 – 7:00am to 7:00pm
You are invited on a secret adventure on the trails of Mason Mill Park. The Adventure Lab app will guide you to special natural and historic sites in the forest. Using your phone’s GPS technology and your brain, locate the secret destinations, learn about nature and more.
Those are just some of the things you’ll learn at the Atlanta Science Festival. Check out the full schedule.
Final Word
The Festival is brought to you by Science ATL and community partners, with generous support from presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines, founding partners Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, as well as other sponsors like NCR Foundation, UPS, Lenz Marketing, Cox Enterprises, Kennesaw State University, Lockheed Martin, Mercer University, and many more.
Atlanta 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. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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Atlanta’s history is full of treasures that are still with us in one form or another. One of the more astonishing relics from the Jim Crow era is The Negro Travelers’ Green Book: The Guide to Travel and Vacations.
The Green Book was an important part of American-American safety during a period of oppression, racism and discrimination.
The book was first published in 1954 by New York City’s Victor Hugo Green, an African-American who was a mailman and travel writer based in Harlem.
In this article we’re going to look at the most famous Atlanta locations mentioned in The Green Book.
Here Are All The Green Book Locations In Atlanta
Atlanta played a pivotal role in Green Book locations for hotels, restaurants, beauty salons and barber shops.
This list is not an exhaustive one showing all of the Atlanta locations. For that, we recommend you buy the literal Green Book to benefit its publisher. Here it is below:
Not unsurprisingly, many of these sites were located in the Sweet Auburn district. This area was a black section of the city just east of downtown that thrived amid Jim Crow.
Hotel Royal
214 Auburn Ave NE Atlanta, Ga
This hotel located in the Citizens Trust Bank building was originally called the McKay Hotel, but was changed in 1949 to Hotel Royal.One year later, Carrie Cunningham, a former circus performer, bought the Top Hat Club and renamed it Royal Peacock. Under the control of “Mama” Cunningham, it became a top-tier music venue on the “Chitlin Circuit.”Cunningham’s daughter Delois Scott said this about the famed Auburn Avenue institution: ““In some of the articles that have been written about the Royal Peacock, it has been likened to the Apollo, but the Peacock was the Peacock, and the Apollo was the Apollo, in my estimation. Everybody calls the Royal Peacock the ‘incubator’ for artists. When Little Richard first started playing here, he was an unknown. When Ray Charles was first starting out and unknown, he played here. James Brown, unknown. Gladys Knight and Pips, unknown. Nat King Cole played here before he even started singing. He was just playing piano in the Nat King Cole Trio — I have the picture, from those days before he sang.”The Royal Peacock would become a top venue for live performances in the South. The likes of Etta James and more would stop by to hone their skills on their rise to stardom.‘Mack Hotel’
548 Bedford Place, Atlanta, Ga. 30312
Bedford Place no longer exists. It is now Central Park Place and lofts and apartment complexes dot the landscape. This street is in the heart of Midtown Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward.Bedford Place used to be a longtime residential area for blacks under the poverty line. Nearby, there are still some pockets of disenfranchisement that exist.‘Shaw Hotel’
245 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, Ga.
Photo credit: Google Maps From its address, this building appears to be part of a block of buildings constructed by black millionaire entrepreneur and former slave Alonzo Herndon, the founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company.In the Green Book, the listing says “Shaw” for reasons not apparent. I have not been able to find a “Shaw Hotel” in any historical information.Butler Street YMCA
22 Jesse Hill Jr Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Photo credit: aaregistry.com The Butler Street YMCA was known as the “Black City Hall” for much of its existence. In addition to being a meeting place for the city’s black leaders, The Y had some mean basketball going on inside.So much so that a Butler Street YMCA team often scheduled against collegians, according to the Black Fives Foundation, a historical group.Butler Street was later renamed in honor of civil rights activist and businessman Jesse Hill, who actually lived at the YMCA for a time.Waluhaje Hotel Apartments
Photo credit: Google Maps The Waluhaje Hotel Apartments were constructed by Atlanta developer Walter H. “Chief” Aiken in the early 1950s.
The name Waluhaje originated came from combining the first two letters of the names of Aikens (Walter), his wife (Lucy), and two of her siblings (Hazel and Jefferson), according to AtlantaTimeMachine.com.This building now serves as home offices for the Atlanta Job Corps.Suttons restaurant
Photo credit: Google Maps Suttons was a restaurant known across the country as a place African-Americans could get a good home-cooked meal.It was owned by one Scottie Sutton, who was affectionately called “Ma” Sutton.Here’s an account from the book, “Living Atlanta: An Oral History of the City, 1914-1948” by Clifford M. Kuhn on Ma Sutton told by one Horace Sinclair:“They called her Ma Sutton,” recalls Sinclair. “Everybody all over the country would come to Atlanta and go get a decent meal at Ma Sutton’s. She would really set the table. You’d get everything on the table just like you would be at home, serve yourself. You’d have meats and vegetables of all kinds, light rolls, cornbread, coffee, milk or tea. She’d even put preserves on the table, all that stuff.”Paschals Bros restaurant
180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 3031
837 Hunter St. Atlanta, Ga.
Photo credit: Google Maps The most famous black restaurant in Atlanta, Paschals traces its roots back to 1947. That’s when brothers James and Robert Paschal opened their first location at 831 West Hunter Street.Paschals became an unofficial meeting place for the civil rights movement.Today Paschals is located on Northside Drive in Castleberry Hill section of downtown Atlanta. The famed eatery is one of the best black-owned restaurants in Atlanta.‘The Blackeret’
848 Mayson Turner Rd, Atlanta Ga. 30314
The Blackeret was a tavern located on Mayson Turner Road not far from black Atlanta’s educational center of colleges and universities.
Poro Beauty Parlor
250 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, Ga. 30303
Photo credit: Google Maps The Poro Beauty Parlor sprang up at 250 Auburn Avenue when Ella Martin moved o Atlanta in 1930.
Martin was a representative of the Poro Beauty College founded by black cosmetics pioneer Annie Malone out of St. Louis, according to the book “Historical Roots of the Urban Crisis: Blacks in the Industrial City 1900-1950.”
None other than Madame C.J. Walker began her career in beauty products as a selling agent for Malone’s Poro business. Walker would go on to build her own hair care empire within the African-American community and the world.
Walker’s impact on the U.S. hair care industry is undebatable. Right off Auburn Avenue, the Madam CJ Walker Museum sits at 54 Hilliard St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
Atlanta Daily World
145 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Photo credit: Google Maps The Atlanta Daily World, the city’s oldest black newspaper, has a long and rich history of documenting the plight of African-Americans and the world around them. This was also a place of unrequited truth for blacks traveling through town looking for some news.
The newspaper was founded August 5, 1928 by William Alexander Scott II, a 26-year-old wonderkid with keen business sense.
Headquartered on Auburn Avenue, Scott would go on to circulate The Chattanooga Tribune, The Memphis World, and The Chattanooga Tribune, establishing the first chain of African American newspapers.
Final Thought
Auburn Avenue has been overshadowed lately by other streets with headline-grabbing development, but it holds a special place in the hearts of native Atlantans.
If you have a chance to visit, patronize one of the businesses on Auburn Avenue. Stop in and take a look at The Apex Museum or other historical places there.
And don’t forget to read the book below.
In the 1950s, Auburn Avenue was once known as “the richest Negro street in the world.” The moniker “Sweet Auburn” was purportedly coined by John Wesley Dobbs, the grandfather of the city’s first black mayor Maynard Jackson.
The rest, as they say, is history.
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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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A road trip can be just the thing to explore the sites and sounds of a large city in the United States.
The travel website Skyscanner released new results based on car rental searches for the top 10 performing pickup cities over the last 10 weeks.
About 40% of the more than 1,000 survey participants said that they were “very likely” to travel by car once they were decide where they want to go. But where?
Here Are The Top Cities For Road Tripping
- New York
- Denver
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Orlando
- Washington
- Chicago
- Newark
- Atlanta
- San Francisco
Road Trip 101: What To Do Before You Hit The Road
As always, if road tripping is something that you plan to do in the near future, always put safety first. That means you should always:
Get Your Vehicle Ready
- Check your tire pressure
- Get an engine checkup
- Pack your bags for the road
Pack Your Bags Properly
There are good travel bags and there are bag travel bags. You’ll want one that fits the size of carry-on and checked bags.
Here are some good ones:
- Women’s Pink Weekender Travel Bag
- Plambag Canvas Duffle Bag
- Samsonite Checked Medium Bag
- Puma Men’s Contender Duffle Bag
- Rockland 19 inch Tote Bag
Save On Gas
If you’re wondering what it takes to save money on gas, here are three suggestions you can put to good use.
- Use a Gas App
- Pay With Cash
- Join A Rewards Program
Pack Your Snacks
To save money on food costs, you could choose to bring your own snacks. You can buy a variety pack of chips that is cheaper than buying individual bags.
You can also opt for healthy snacks like protein bars and variety packs of chocolate bars.
Final Word
Thanks to falling gas prices, road trips are popular again. If you’re thinking about taking a road trip, Atlanta is a top destination.
No matter if you’re traveling domestically or internationally (which means you’ll need your passport) it’s a good idea to save money when and where you can.
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.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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One thing about the best places to eat in Georgia’s largest city is that they all represent for Atlanta. No matter if it’s a seafood joint, gluten-free options or some chicken wings, they are true to Atlanta and combine excellent customer service with tasty good.
This article will show you where in Atlanta you can have an excellent dining experience with top-notch food and drinks.
Here’s Where To Eat In Atlanta Right Now
No matter where you’re from, there are always a few dishes that you prefer over others. And so, we’ve designed this resource to cater to your plate-to-mouth desires.
Georgia is on your mind, but has it ever been on your plate? I’m talking about locally sourced ingredients that taste as authentic as the Georgia clay.
Our Best New Restaurants of Atlanta E-Book covers all the hot spots that have opened over the past year that you should check out.
Want to eat out on the town? Indulge in your personal food preferences by going on a personal food tour without having to compromise with others, whether it’s choosing your favorite cuisine or treating yourself to a special meal.
Dining out in the city can also provide a chance to peop
We’ve organized this in order of the Big 4 — Seafood, Fried Chicken, Steak and Brunch — with a side of Vegan for good measure.
Table of Contents:
Seafood
OK, so Atlanta is not a coastal city, we get it. But that doesn’t mean the largest city in the Southeast can’t truck or fly a few fins in on a daily basis. Here are Atlanta’s best seafood joints right now:
McKinnon’s Louisiane Restaurant
3209 Maple Dr. Atlanta NW | (404) 237-1313
McKinnon’s Louisiane Restaurant has been a Cajun mainstay for over four decades. Located at , McKinnon’s is the place to go for Louisiana-style Bourbon Street Scallops, crabmeat au gratin and more.
Here’s what one reviewer says about McKinnon’s: “We recently enjoyed an entertaining evening with a group an McKinnon’s. The owner Aziz greeted us and made sure we were well attended to. I did not know this was one of the oldest restaurants in Atlanta! They had live music and a lovely atmosphere. Thanks for a wonderful evening!”
Louisiana Bistreaux
Atlanta Locations:
- 1375 Virginia Ave, East Point, GA 30344 404-762-6755
- 1496 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030, 404-963-1463
- in Buckhead inside a Hampton Inn hotel 404) 941-9545
Here’s what one reviewer said about Louisiana Bistreaux: “Absolutely loved the music & our server Theo was the best. I had looked into coming here for our dinner before flying out on vacay. I am so glad we did. We had the oysters both raw & broiled w/ garlic & parm…OMG so so good. So good we order another dozen after our 2 half dozens of each. The oysters were huge fresh & juciy. I had the crawator grouper which was absolutely mouth watering delicious. The flavor & the grouper coated in the chip crust was amazing. My husband has the cajun BBQ shrimp….so good. Full of flavor. Afterwards we stuffed ourselves with beignets. Definitely recommend to enjoy a meal here.”
Atlanta Fish Market
265 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 262-3165
“I had the Blackened Mahi Reuben sandwich. This might have been one of the best sandwichs I have ever had. It was a thick cut of Mahi with a slaw on rye,” says one patron.
Here are some excellent seafood places in Atlanta.
Fried Chicken
There are few things that unite Atlantans like some good fried chicken. Here are some top places to visit right now.
Buttermilk Kitchen
4225 Roswell Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30342 678.732.3274
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Buttermilk Kitchen: “With an ever changing menu based on what’s fresh and available, Buttermilk continues to be my go-to spot and recommendation for brunch in Atlanta. Their homemade Chicken Biscuit with red pepper jam is a keepsake that, if the option is available, is a must try.”
Try this great fried chicken in Atlanta.
Busy Bee
810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | (404) 525-9212
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about the fried chicken at Busy Bee: “This time the wait wasn’t too long. The fried chicken and iced tea, were on point, as usual. I can never tire of the excellent service, personable staff and exquisite soul food. YESSSSSS!”
Steak
There are few things as powerful on a plate as a brownish blackened, glistening steak. Thankfully, Atlanta restaurants know the recipe.
Bone’s Restaurant
3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 237-2663
If you come for the king, you best not miss. This Buckhead institution is the defacto king of the city. With its succulent prime beef and seafood, it’s hard to beat. But you’d better get a reservation.
A Yelper says: Bones Salad will change how you feel about salads, and it’s a crime to not try either the french onion soup or the lobster bisque.” Address: 3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Blue Ridge Grill
1261 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 | (404) 233-5030
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Blue Ridge Grill: “Absolutely love this place. Busy, bustling, friendly – awesome food, equally awesome staff and service (thank you Angelica, our wonderful server). Everything is great, including a wonderful wine list.”
Make a reservation at Blue Ridge Grill
Chops Lobster Bar
70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 262-2675
If Bones is the king, then Chops is the president: confident, immaculate and sure in its power. Don’t be surprised to see a who’s who of old-school Atlanta in this classic chophouse.
Check out these top steak places in Atlanta.
Brunch
Brunch is one of those times on the weekend where you can catch with the girls, party in the day and unwind from the treacherous week. In Atlanta, brunch isn’t a place; its a state of mind.
Let’s check out the hot brunch spots right now.
Park 75
75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 253-3840
Photo credit: Cafe 75 / Instagram Park 75 is located in the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown. This upscale restaurant is popular among business travelers. Brunch menu faves: House Smoked Salmon, Eggs Benedict, Egg White Frittata.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Park 75: “THE MOST AMAZING place to go for an upscale brunch in the city. It comes with a higher price tag than most brunch but it is worth it. Located in the Four Seasons hotel in Midtown. The seafood spread is insane. Everything I ate was made to perfection and the service is exquisite!”
The Spice House
2247 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311 | (404) 254-2153
The Spice House in Cascade offers live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday. Brunch faves include the Shrimp and Grits, Crab Cakes and the Bottomless Mimosas.
Here’s what one reviewer says about The Spice House: “Excellent food. Great drinks that you feel after just 1! And great live music on Sunday when I went! It’s authentic Haitian good. Get the black rice and oxtails!”
Vegan
If you’re health-conscious and looking for a place to eat, there’s no need to worry. Atlanta has many great vegan spots. Here are a few:
True Food Kitchen
3393 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 3058B, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 481-2980
Here’s what one customer says about True Food Kitchen: “Literally the best meal and best service I’ve ever had. I’ve been in the industry for over 8 years and have never left a restaurant feeling so welcomed and satisfied. Nicole and Heath went well out of their way to make sure we enjoyed ourselves. Pro tip: Get the Cauliflower app (literally the best thing I’ve EVER tasted and I don’t even like cauliflower that much) and ask for Nicole, a SERIOUSLY wonderful server. Couldn’t rate this place higher and can’t wait to visit again.”
Herban Fix
565 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 815-8787
Here’s what one customer says about Herban Fix: “Herban Fix is definitely my favorite vegan restaurant. This was my third visit & I got the scallion pancake, soy fish and caramel cake… I’m convinced you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. I don’t even like kale and I would marry the kale I had today. Jimmy is also the best server I’ve had at any restaurant; the service here sets an unbeatable precedent. “Compliments to the chef” isn’t enough for the incredible experience Herban Fix offers. Can’t wait to come back!”
Gutierra Vegan Mexican
1038 White St SW Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30310
Here’s what one customer says about Gutierra Vegan Mexican: “Best vegan food in Atlanta! It soooo good! Not only that the customer service is A1! I stalk the Ig to see when he’s open! Thank you so much for your food and amazing service!”
Best vegan and pescatarian food in Atlanta.
Final Word
There is simply no way to encapsulate the many flavors and different types of cuisine represented in Atlanta’s restaurant scene. But if you’re looking for a place to eat, one of the restaurants on our list can satisfy you totally. And we haven’t even told you about the city’s stable of soul food joints. If you want a stiff drink, there’s some awesome and storied watering holes as well. What’s the point? The point is that Atlanta’s food and drink scene scene is popping!
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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When the weather gets cold and the pipes freezing in your home become a concern, it’s time to call a plumber. Do you know how to choose a reputable one?
In this article, we’ll cover some things to consider before hiring a reputable plumber.
Choosing a good plumber is important to ensure that your plumbing issues are addressed effectively and professionally. Here are some tips for selecting a reliable plumber:
Make Sure The Plumber Is Licensed And Insured
If your plumber doesn’t have the necessary paperwork to be working, you run a huge risk when it comes to liability.
Ensure that the plumber you choose is licensed and insured. Licensing ensures that the plumber has the necessary training and meets the required standards, while insurance protects you in case of any accidents or damage during the job.
Make Sure Your Plumber Is Experienced
While it’s not necessary that your plumber be a journeyman, you do what to make sure he or she has many years on the job. Typically, you’ll want to hire someone who is no longer an apprentice.
Look for a plumber with a good reputation and years of experience in the field. Check online reviews, ask for references from friends or family, and research the plumber’s history to gauge their reliability and expertise.
Make Sure Your Plumber Is Responsive
For jobs that may take more than a few hours and more than a day, it’s important that your plumber is communicative and lets you know what’s happening when you inquire.
Consider the plumber’s availability and response time, especially if you have an emergency situation. A plumber who can respond promptly to your needs can save you time and prevent further damage.
Check Prices
Like any other profession, some plumbers are out to make an exorbitant buck. You can likely find an affordable Atlanta plumber by reading reviews.
While cost shouldn’t be the only factor, it’s important to get quotes from multiple plumbers and compare their prices. Be wary of unusually low prices, as they may indicate subpar workmanship or the use of low-quality materials.
Inquire about any guarantees or warranties offered by the plumber for their work and the parts they use. A good plumber should stand behind their work and be willing to address any issues that arise after the job is complete.
Professionalism and Communication: Look for a plumber who is professional in their communication and conduct. They should be courteous, responsive to your questions, and able to explain the problem and their proposed solution clearly.
Final Word
One more thing you’ll want to do before hiring a plumber: Check if the plumber offers the specific services you require. Some plumbers specialize in certain areas, such as residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, or emergency services.
By considering these factors and doing thorough research, you can select a plumber who meets your needs and provides reliable service for your plumbing issues.
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