• best state parks in Georgia

    10 Of The Best State Parks In Georgia

    10 Min Read

    The Peach State has some of the most beautiful state parks in the Southeast. When is the last time you ventured into the adventurous Georgia outdoors?

    This article will tell you all about some of the best state parks in the Peach State.

    Don’t think that you have to travel far from Atlanta to enjoy these great parks — they’re closing than you think! Here are some of the best state parks in Georgia that are close to Atlanta:

    But first, more Travel Content:

    Best Atlanta Festivals To Attend
    5 Ways To Save On Your Next Trip
    40 Things To Do In The Fall In Georgia
    Atlanta Travel Guide: How To Navigate And Save

    Looking For The Best State Parks In Georgia? Read This

    In this article, we’re going to show you some of the best state parks in Georgia. Gas up the vehicle and get ready to go!

    All of these Georgia state parks are within 90 miles (an hour and a half tops) of Atlanta city limits. That makes them easily accessible by driving around I-285, I-85, I-75 and I-20.

    No matter if it’s summertime or fall, you’ll enjoy the lush scenery in the heart of Georgia’s state parks.

    Here Are Some Of The Best Sites To See Georgia Foliage

    Georgia has elite foliage, if you didn’t know. We begin with one of the most beautiful state parks in Georgia and the home of the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River:

    1. Amicalola Falls State Park

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    Here’s what one reviewer says about Amicalola Falls. “Beautiful falls with beautiful views around. Hiking is fun here and there are steps that you can take to go top of the falls. My 2year old kid did climbed easily 425 steps. There is plenty of space for picnic and spent valuable time there. All aside weather was just right. Overall it was a fabulous experience.”

    2. Anna Ruby Falls (Twin Waterfalls)

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    Here’s what one reviewer says about Anna Ruby Falls. “Picturesque waterfall with a visitor’s center accessible by driving through Unicoi State Park.”

    3. Black Rock Mountain

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    Here’s what one visitor says about Black Rock Mountain State Park. “Beautiful campground and state park! Our site was nice and shady. Just be warned, you will have to walk uphill to get to your site if you aren’t near the bottom. Not a big hill, but it’s uphill, none the less. Beautiful views were everywhere! The hiking trails are also pretty steep, but nothing too bad if you are a seasoned hiker.”

    4. Vogel State Park

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    “Beautiful park. Camped here for 6 nights. Nice staff. Bathhouse was clean,” says one visitor. “They have several INDIVIDUAL bathrooms with a private shower, toilet and sink. It’s not community like a locker room. I absolutely love that!!! Number 68 was the best spot for us. It sits adjacent to the Bathhouse and our neighbors were not on top of us. The park has plenty of hiking paths, a man made beach and swimming area, paddle boating and a beautiful lake and waterfall. They have signs posted for black bears and copperhead snakes. We saw none, thank God! Beautiful and serene place. Would definitely return!”

    5. Brasstown Bald

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    Here’s what one visitor says about Brasstown Bald State Park. “Finally made the trip back up there after many years too long of an absence. Much is still the same as I remember it with still some of the best views in North Georgia.

    As of 10/5/22, there’s a $7 per person entrance fee. The walk-up trail is a nice paved path beginning between the gift shop and restroom facility. (Highly recommend the gift shop, lots of cool and unique items!) It’s about a half mile trek going constantly uphill to the top (a slight workout!), but a shuttle bus is also available if preferred.”

    6. Cloudland Canyon

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    Here’s what one visitor says about Cloudland Canyon State Park: “$5 entrance fee for gorgeous views and short, but rewarding trails. Trails are extremely moderate for an experienced hiker, but present diverse landscape. The trails were well marked, mostly clear from a lot of foot traffic and dirt. Look out for armadillos! We saw two while we were here. You’ll hear them rustling around. We enjoyed going all the way around the loop and then ending with a peek at both waterfalls which weren’t too full but couldn’t have fomo. Lots of stairs to the waterfalls as expected. Camping, RV spots, cabins+ available for an extended stay. The trails were lively with people and dogs enjoying the mild Tuesday afternoon. I do recommend! Views still available right off from the parking lot if you are not feeling a hike. Bonus is that the park also has a disc golf course.”

    7. Fort Mountain State Park

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    Here’s what one visitor says about Fort Mountain Park. “We visited Fort Mountain State Park recently and we had a wonderful time. Since we have visited all 56 Tennessee State Parks we thought we would visit Georgia State Parks. We are glad we went here. We enjoyed seeing the 4 story look out tower. It was a hike to it but not to hard. There is a lot of history here and several plaques are placed so we could read them. From the tower we hiked to the over look. Wow. This has amazing views here. We also drove around the park and we saw a nice lake and campground. There is another trail that goes to a waterfall which is nice. Overall great experience. Can’t wait to go back.”

    8. Tallulah Gorge State Park

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    Here’s what one visitor says about Tallulah State Gorge Park: “What an absolutely beautiful park. We spent two days at the park, walking trails and enjoying the sights and water, and we still didn’t get the opportunity to see everything. But what we did see was stunning!

    There are miles of trails you can hike. Some are located on the north side and some on the south side of the gorge. Additionally, you can cross the gorge via the suspension bridge, and even go to the bottom of the gorge. That said, we didn’t go to the bottom – it’s only 100 passes a day, though they are free – but I imagine it’s awesome. And we are hoping to do that ourselves next visit. I highly, highly recommend you been in decent to good shape if you plan to go to the bottom because there are a lot of steps (over 1000 total down and back up) that you must climb to do so. We opted to go down to the suspension bridge and back up and it was quite a work out on its own.”

    9. Sweetwater Creek

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    Here’s what one reviewer says about Sweetwater Creek State Park: “A very well-staffed park. Excellent signage to direct you on where to go. We only took the Red Trail to see the Mill Ruins on a quick visit, but I do recommend that one for beginner hikers! The path is nicely packed and wide for comfort without much of a grade. I was a little disappointed in all the fencing around the ruins keeping you from getting a closer look, but I totally understand the purpose of it being there. The water was lovely and calming also. I would recommend this spot for a nice, relaxing afternoon in nature.”

    10. Stone Mountain Park

     

     
     
     
     
     
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    One reviewer says this about Stone Mountain Park: “Our first time coming by to see Stone Mountain. $20 Vehicle Entry, was well worth the drive, literally around the entire mountain. Beautiful landscape, everywhere you look. We arrived very close to dark and were thrilled to find out that they close at midnight! The Lift to the top and Gift Shop were certainly closed by the time we arrived, but we were able to navigate a well-lit sidewalk, to get a bit closer to the carving. Really pretty area, very nice folks. Absolutely worth the stop!”

    Georgia contains tens of thousands of acres of natural beauty with a wide variety of fun family activities and things to do in the Atlanta.

    Final Word

    You can have a great time in the Georgia outdoors.

    No matter if you’re a visitor to the state or a family looking to bring the kids out for a day of fund and children’s attractions, you can find tons of outdoor recreational activities including kayaking, SUP, championship golf, hiking, biking, and more around Atlanta.

    Up next: 10+ things to do in Georgia that are fun & outdoorsy

    https://atlantafi.com/adventurous-and-outdoorsy-things-to-do-in-atlanta/

    Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace

    Looking for some autumn fun in Georgia? Don’t miss these fall festivals. Also, don’t forget to keep up with the fall foliage map.

    There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.

    Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Kandi and the Gang reality TV show

    Kandi And Todd Tucker Dish On Kandi & The Gang TV Show

    3 Min Read

    Reality TV and entrepreneurial couple Kandi and Todd Tucker are cooking up something good with their latest TV show, Kandi & the Gang.

    The celebrity couple sat down with Atlanta radio station V-103 recently to dish on their new Bravo TV show, which looks to be an instant hit.

    How Did Kandi & The Gang Come About?

    “You just figure with Kandi’s crazy family and our crazy staff, they were born for TV, and mixed with food and fun, I was like, ‘Man, this is a great show’,” Todd told the TV station. “It took a little while for Bravo to know what to do with it, but now we’re here.”

    Todd actually came up with the restaurant concept of Old Lady Gang, which is one of the top black-owned restaurants in Atlanta. He also shepherded the concept onto the TV screen.

    “When you come up with an idea and to really see it transform and finally get on TV, I’m like, ‘Wow, did I come up with this? Not too bad,” he said. “But once you come up with one, you gotta come up with the next one.”” he said.

    When Does Kandi & The Gang Come On?

    Kandi & the Gang comes on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo TV. The show is part of a 10-episode production deal struck between Bravo’s Andy Cohen imprint and Kandi.

    Listen to Kandi and Todd’s interview on V-103 along with the TV show’s theme music, which Kandi wrote and sung

    Credit: V-103 (Atlanta) 

    Host name: Jarard J 

    How Many Restaurants Do Kandi And Todd Have In Atlanta?

    Kandi Burruss and Todd have two very successful restaurants, Old Lady Gang, which has multiple locations, and Blaze Steak and Seafood, which is located off Cascade Road in southwest Atlanta.

    The first Old Lady Gang eatery opened in 2016; Blaze opened in 2020.

    Do Kandi And Todd Want To Open More Restaurants?

    Todd definitely sees himself as head of a restaurant empire. On a recent episode of RHOA, he says: “I’ve made more money than I’ve ever made in my life off of restaurants.”

    When Kandi mentions that she thought his real passion was his “TV show ideas” and “movie ideas,” Todd says this:

    “That’s what I wanna do. It’s okay if I make money doing restaurants … I can stack my money and just finance my own movie.”

    Final Word

    Kandi and Todd aren’t the only Atlanta celebrities with notable restaurants. These famous people have local food spots.

    Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

    Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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  • Atlanta Safari Park

    Atlanta Safari Park Opening At The End Of March

    2 Min Read

    Are you looking for a “wild” time in Georgia? And no, we’re not talking about the Atlanta nightclub scene. When we say wild, we’re talking wildlife, including zebras and other animals up close and personal.

    Put this experience on your list if you love animals. The park sits on 156 acres between Atlanta and Greenville, South Carolina.

    Atlanta Safari Park is set to open on March 31, 2023 and its guaranteed to be an adventurous thing to do.

    Atlanta Safari Park Opening In March 2023

    If you’re thinking about planning a visit to Atlanta Safari Park, you should know that it’s open seven days a week. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The last vehicles are admitted at 4 p.m. each day.

    You might be curious to know what you can do at Atlanta Safari Park. Here are some activities you are your children will love to do:

    • Feed the Animals such as Giraffes (Souvenir Cup Included) and more.
    • Go on a Wagon Tour around the park, taking in the many sights.

    How Much Do Tickets Cost At Atlanta Safari Park?

    Tickets at Atlanta Safari Park are $12.99 to $15.99 for general admission and $11.99 to $14.99 for groups. Here is a breakdown:

    • General Admission
    • Adults (13-64)- $15.99
    • Seniors (65+)- $14.99
    • Children (3-12)- $12.99
    • Under age 2 — free

    Where Is Atlanta Safari Park Located?

    Atlanta Safari Park is located at 6210 GA-326, Commerce, GA 30530. Here is a map to help you find it.

    Final Word

     If animals approaching your vehicle, make you uncomfortable we advise you to use caution when feeding the animals.

    Ok, so the Atlanta Safari Park isn’t exactly in Atlanta, but it’s a really fun thing for kids to do in Georgia. If you want to experience something a little more close to the city, check out Six Flags Over Georgia.

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  • Ryan Cameron opens Dough Boy pizza in Atlanta

    Ryan Cameron Opens Dough Boy Pizza In Atlanta

    4 Min Read

    Renown Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron has joined Atlanta’s celebrity-owned restaurants business as a franchisee: The entrepreneur and Majic 107.5 97.5 host recently opened Dough Boy Pizza in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Dough Boy, which was founded by Chef Erica Barrett, first opened in Birmingham, Alabama. Cameron’s new pizza place opened on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2023. Barrett recently posted on Instagram how proud she was of Cameron bringing the business to Atlanta.

    Chef Erica Barrett, Ryan Cameron Bring Dough Boy Pizza To Atlanta

    “Today we made history for Black History Month! You are my first franchisee of a Black – Owned Pizza Chain. We are just getting started. Your drive is remarkable and what we are building will change the restaurant fame forever. Congrats . Let’s move this Dough!” she said.

    Photo credit: Instagram

    Speaking to Good Day Atlanta, “Dough Boy is what we call first and foremost a smart restaurant and a restaurant of the future. It has a self-ordering kiosk; we don’t have any cashiers,” she said. “It’s a ventless solution, so we don’t have any vent hood, so it’s a really cool concept. You get great pizza in three minutes. It’s fast-food pizza, but it’s fresh,” she said.

    Ryan Cameron Opens Pizza Joint In Atlanta

    “A major standout is that the entire restaurant is technology driven – that won me over,” said Cameron, according to Franchising.com. “There will be no cashiers so customers will order directly from electronic kiosks – and the entire restaurant will run on digital screens.”

    The veteran-owned parent company which originally opened in Birmingham, Alabama, focuses on homemade dough rolled in cornmeal and hand tossed.

    What’s On The Menu At Dough Boy Pizza?

    Dough Boy Pizza specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza with unique toppings complete with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, breadsticks and more. The restaurant also has plenty of gluten-crust options. 

    “Our crust comes from Italy and it’s also vegan,” Barrett added. “What pizza shop do you have across the U.S. where all of our standard is vegan crust?”

    Where Is Dough Boy Pizza Located In Atlanta?

    Dough Boy Pizza is located in Atlanta at in The Gallery at South DeKalb at 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034. Here’s a map to help you find it.

    Final Word

    If you really love pizza, check out our guide on the best pizza places in Atlanta.

    Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.

    Don’t sleep on our list of the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and the top Southside Atlanta restaurants, which is seemingly growing by the month.

    The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s  food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.

    Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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  • Here are the best restaurants in Buckhead for 2020

    Best Restaurants In Buckhead (Updated)

    7 Min Read

    If you’re looking to make a big impression on where you dine, a Buckhead restaurant can go a long way.

    Not many parts of the city reflect affluence like Atlanta, Georgia’s Buckhead area. But it’s not only the homes and boutiques. It’s the restaurants, which are some of Atlanta’s best.

    This article is going to show you where all the top restaurants in Buckhead are located as well as real-life reviews of the dining experience.

    Here Are The Best Restaurants In Buckhead

    The good thing about Buckhead restaurants is that many of them are upscale, so if you’re trying to make a statement with a date or celebrate a life event, these are the best restaurants to go to:

    Zakia

    3699 Lenox Rd NE Ste 3, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404-433-2180

    Zakia opens in Atlanta's Buckhead district
    Photo credit: Zakia

    Zakia is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant that leans into its Lebanese roots with nicely sized portions and a great atmosphere.

    Here’s what one customer says about Zakia. “Beautiful restaurant from the design to the food, service, and overall atmosphere. I only have a few interior design/decor pictures to show, but the plating was just as perfect. Every detail was thought of for Zakia. Cant wait to be back soon.”

    Isla & Co.

    56 E Andrews Dr NW STE 17, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 228-4060

    Isla and Co. is one of the best new restaurants in Buckhead

    Isla & Co., an Australian-inspired restaurant, opened in Buckhead on Thursday, December 8, 2022.

    The eatery comes from Parched Hospitality Group, which previously opened restaurants in the Northeast. This time, PHG is betting on Australia-like fare to lure Atlantans to the table. Read more about the menu and location of Isla & Co.

    Bistro Niko

    3344 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 261-6456

    Bistro Niko is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Bistro Niko: “The ambiance was phenomenal. It felt upscale and casual at the same time. Our server wasn’t very attentive, but he was cordial. The food was good, but not good enough to justify the price. I was a little underwhelmed, but it was still an enjoyable time overall. The portion sizes are fairly small (the appetizers are just as big). The descriptions on the menu are a bit misleading.”

    Bone’s Restaurant

    3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305  (404) 237-2663

    best steakhouses in Atlanta - Atlanta Restaurant Makes OpenTable's 100 Best Restaurants for Wine Lovers in America

    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.

    Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft

    1745 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (678) 539-6181

    Tuk Tuk Thai restaurant in Atlanta

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft: “Beautiful view with excellent food. We spent Christmas Eve here and weren’t disappointed with anything. The service was beyond great and the cocktails well made (Lychee Martini pictures).”

    Peach Cobbler Cafe

    2221 Peachtree Rd NW Suite G, Atlanta, GA 30309 |  (404) 351-0450

    Peach Cobbler Cafe opens in Buckhead

    Here’s what one reviewer says about the Peach Cobbler Cafe. “1st time customer because of the radio commercial. I am completely satisfied! The food was EXCELLENT! Customer service good and ample parking in good location. We got the fried salmon OMG!…Fried shrimp NEVER had them that good, meatloaf I NEVER eat others meatloaf, and son got 1/2 slab rib. The mac&cheese, collards, and corn muffin was better than mine. Thank you, it feels good to spend my money on good food obviously made with love. Oh, the peach cobbler and red velvet cake was really good and not that sweet.”

    26 Thai Kitchen & Bar

     541 Main St NE F170, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 400-5995

    Best Asian food in Atlanta - 26 Thai Kicthen and bar

    26 Thai Kitchen & Bar is classic upscale thai restaurant located at Lindbergh Station in Buckhead.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about 26 Thai Kitchen: “The green curry was superb. This dish was not as spicy as I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised as It had a well balance of flavor. The service was very professional and my server Rika was knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant had an upscale vibe which was an excellent touch. I would highly recommend dinning here for a tremendous Thai experience.”

    Louisiana Bistreaux Seafood Kitchen

    3312 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404) 941-9545

    Louisiana Bistreaux is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Louisiana Bistreaux: “I’ve been to the East Point location before, however this is my new favorite! The shrimp and grits and maple bourbon chicken are excellent. The shrimp and grits has a nice kick and the chicken is sweet and salty. Fresh. Our server was attentive and the place is spotless. Will return.”

    Chops Lobster Bar

    70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305  (404) 262-2675

    The Best Steakhouses In Buckhead, according to Yelp

    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.

    Reserve a table at Chops

    A Yelper says: “We had the calamari as our appetizer and for the meal I had the prim rib dip with au jus on the side along with a variety salad.” Address: 70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.

    Southern Gentleman

    3035 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 939-9845

    Southern Gentleman: best bars in Buckhead

    Located at The Shops at Buckhead, Southern Gentleman restaurant offers the elegance of fine dining combined with the best of Southern cooking.

    For brunch, the Monte Cristo, which I’ve personally tried, is like no other.

    Here’s what one Google reviewer says about the Southern Gentleman: “bsolutely excellent service!! An ideal of Southern hospitality! Great atmosphere, including the background music and the perfect outdoors patio. Highly recommended for brunch, especially if you have a bigger group (i.e. 6 or more people).”

    Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

    3101 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305  (404) 266-9988

    best steakhouses in Buckhead, best steakhouses in Atlanta

    If you want to gorge on flavorful meat, this venerable spot has an all-you-can-eat option that makes it a city favorite. A Yelper says: “”Averages around $60 per person but none disagrees that the experience is well worth the higher cost.” Address: 3101 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305.

    Make a reservation at this restaurant

    Atlas

    88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 600-6471

    Atlas is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta

    Atlas is an upscale restaurant located in the St. Regis hotel in Buckhead.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about upscale restaurant Atlas: “service that the hotel is known for. Loved the ambiance of the Garden Room Restaurant. Walked in to what seemed to be a beautiful atrium connected to a grand home, just with a bar. Decor well thought-out with beautiful plants, artificial and live.”

    Seasons 52

    3050 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 846-1552

    best restaurants in Buckhead: Seasons 52

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Seasons 52: “with a warm friendly greeting. Even though we were 30 minutes early for our reservations we were escorted to our seats as soon as we arrived. This was a big plus for me. The service was absolutely phenomenal. Our server Ross was polite and attentive. The food was stunning both in presentation and flavor.”

    Final Word

    If you want to experience the best of fine dining in Atlanta, the place to go is Buckhead. The city’s wealthiest ZIP codes have diverse options when it comes to restaurants.

    Only in Atlanta can the casual observer find specialty food shops, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, farmers’ markets and farm stands all at an affordable price point.

    But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.

    Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

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  • best live music venues in Atlanta, Georgia

    Here Are The Best Live Music Venues In Atlanta

    5 Min Read

    If you’ve ever just wanted a place to chill and listen to music, Atlanta, Georgia has quite a few options. While it’s not quite the live music mecca you’d experience in some other Southern cities like Nashville or New Orleans, Atlanta holds its own.

    This article will list some places in Atlanta that offer live bands, vocalists performing across several genres. There are seedy joints, upscale big band-type options as well as restaurants, taverns and banquet halls that offer jazz and R&B standards for you to enjoy in Atlanta on the weekends.

    What Are The Best Live Music Venues In Atlanta?

    Let’s get into some of the best live music venues in Atlanta and how to get there:

    Apache Cafe

    393 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 594-1170

    Apache Cafe: Best spoken word venues in Atlanta and live music

    If you want to enjoy one of the city’s musical gems, Apache Cafe is the place to go. Aside from being the venue where India Irie was discovered, patrons will enjoy the daily happy hour, food and drinks.

    With a weekly schedule of events that features Pangea’s Afrosocial, spoken word, karaoke, art, live music and more, this place is a must-visit. See upcoming events.

    Blind Willie’s

    828 North Highland Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306 |  (404) 873-2583

    Blind Willies -- Atlanta music venues

    The world-renown Blind Willie’s is the premiere spot in Atlanta for some down-home blues music. See upcoming concerts.

    Center Stage / The Loft

    1374 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 |  (404) 885-1365

    Center Stage / The Loft - best music venues in Atlanta

    Center Stage is one of the most accessible places in Atlanta to hear some live music. National acts on the pop music and hip-hop scene regularly come through to perform. 

    The Loft is a more intimate music venue adjacent to Center Stage. It’s a standing-room only place that allows the venue to transform into a gigantic dance floor. See upcoming shows.

    City Winery

    650 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 946-3791

    City Winery Wine Down Weekends In Atlanta info, schedule

    Update: This venue is temporarily closed. City Winery in Midtown Atlanta has some of the biggest acts week in and week out. If you want to see a top-notch live show, City Winery is the place to be. See their schedule.

    Coca-Cola Roxy

    800 Battery Ave SE #500, Atlanta, GA 30339 | (470) 351-3866

    Best live music venues in Atlanta: The Coca-Cola Roxy

    The Coca-Cola Roxy is a spacious venue at the Battery across the street from SunTrust Park, where the Atlanta Braves play. The Roxy plays big-name acts and packs a crowd on the weekends. See Coca-Cola Roxy events.

    Kat’s Cafe

    970 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 347-2263

    things to do in Atlanta at night - Kat's Cafe: Live Music, Food, Drink, Info In Midtown Atlanta

    If you’re looking for a lively night of creative arts, Kate’s Cafe in Midtown Atlanta may be just the thing. Neatly tucked away amid some residential homes at 970 Piedmont Ave NE, a short distance from 10th Street, Kat’s Cafe live music bar and restaurant is definitely one of those cool things to do in Atlanta on any day of the week.

    Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre

    5239 Floyd Rd SW, Mableton, GA 30126 | (770) 819-7765

    Mable House Barnes Amphitheater - live music venues in Atlanta

    The Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre draws some major acts to southern Cobb County. If you live out that way, Mable House packs a crowd. See events here.

    Northside Tavern

    1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 874-8745

    best music venues in Atlanta - Northside Tavern

    Northside Tavern in West Midtown is a great place to catch some live music and enjoy some good food at the same time. This is Atlanta’s unofficial “home of the blues” powered by house band Mudcat. Check out their calendar.

    The Tabernacle

    152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 659-9022

    The Tabernacle - Atlanta live music venues

    Update: This venue is temporarily closed. The Tabernacle in downtown Atlanta draws some big acts every week. You can see their event schedule to find someone you no doubt know. See event information.

    Terminal West

    887 West Marietta St NW C, Atlanta, GA 30318 |  (404) 876-5566

    Terminal West - best Atlanta music venues

    In West Midtown, Terminal West is a best-kept secret when it comes to places with live music in Atlanta. See Terminal West events.

    The Masquerade

    50 Lower Alabama Street, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 577-8178

    Atlanta live music venues: The Masquerade

    The Masquerade is a huge music venue for rockers, metal fans and alternative music. You’ll frequently get the hip-hop groups to perform there as well. See upcoming shows.

    Red Light Cafe

    553-1 Amsterdam Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 874-7828

    Red Light Cafe: Best Atlanta music venues

    Red Light Cafe in Midtown Atlanta is your place to go to see local rock acts, reggae and other alternative vibes. Check out the Red Light Cafe events calendar.

    State Farm Arena

     1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 878-3000

    Philips Arena To Be Renamed State Farm Arena

    Aside from Mercedes Benz-Stadium, State Farm Arena is the largest concert venue in Georgia. A-List acts have performed there since State Farm Arena was built. See their concert schedule.

    Variety Playhouse

    1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 524-7354

    Variety Playhouse - Atlanta music venues

    This old movie theater acts as a concert hall for local acts as well as visiting musicians. This intimate venue can hold more than 1,000 people and is in a central location. See who’s playing at Variety Playhouse.

    Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry

    3116 Main St., Duluth, Ga. 30096 | 678-892-6373
    Eddie Owens Presents Red Clay live music venue
     
    Here’s what one visitor says about Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Foundry.  “ This music hall is medium sized as they come and they are constantly showing unique musicians! This is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy a good concert. I’ve met the owner here, Eddie Owen and he is one of the most genuine venue owners I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He also hires kind and happy people as well!”

    Final Act

    Do you love live music? Atlanta, Georgia has plenty of places to enjoy live musical performances around the city.

    Atlanta has so many things to do no matter what you’re into: live music, sports, recreation, shopping, etc.

    Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:

    Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

    2 Comments
  • Slutty Vegan opens on Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta

    Slutty Vegan Opening A Georgia Tech Location In Midtown Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Slutty Vegan is going back to college, or, technically the Institute of Technology! The popular restaurant is opening on the Georgia Tech campus in Midtown Atlanta.

    The restaurant confirmed the news on social media, saying that “the cat’s out of the bag,,” after Eater Atlanta broke the story. Slutty Vegan has long been one of the best vegan burger joints in the city and now that it’ll be accessible in Midtown, that’s even better.

    Slutty Vegan Opening On Georgia Tech Campus This Spring

    Slutty Vegan-Georgia Tech is set to open in March 2023, according to the publication. The opening will usher in a busy year for Slutty Vegan founder and CEO Pinky Cole, who continues to be aggressive with expansion.

    Buoyed by the success she’s had in the Atlanta market, Cole at one point was embarking on a plan to open as many as 13 restaurants over the next couple of years, we previously reported.

    With restaurants going bonkers in Atlanta’s Westview neighborhood, Old Fourth Ward and a funky bar concept in Ponce City Market. there’s nothing but momentum to build on.

    Where Is The Georgia Tech Slutty Vegan Located?

    The Slutty Vegan on the Georgia Tech campus is located at 351 Ferst Dr., Atlanta. Here’s a map to help you find it.

    Final Word

    Slutty Vegan has been a huge success since it opened in early 2019. Cole, a former TV producer, began the eatery as a food truck specializing in plant-based burgers.

    Slutty Vegan is a welcome addition to the food landscape in Midtown Atlanta, which has its share of seafood, steakhouses and more.

     

    The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.

    The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.

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  • How to find unclaimed property in Atlanta, Georgia

    How To Find Your Unclaimed Property In Georgia

    2 Min Read

    If you’re looking for some new assets in your life, one relatively untapped resource is the state. Where you reside may have some unclaimed property waiting on you.

    Let’s clear something up first: When we talk about unclaimed property in this article, we’re talking about money: Bank accounts held by financial institutions and other businesses who have lost contact with you.

    Searching for your own money won’t cost you a thing and we’ll touch on that a bit more later.

    Search To Find Unclaimed Property In Georgia For FREE

    Some types of unclaimed property include:

    • Wages
    • Savings accounts
    • Customer refunds
    • Accounts payable
    • Insurance payments
    • Shares of stock
    • Escrow funds
    • Royalties and contents from safe deposit boxes.

    In Georgia, the overwhelming majority of personal property is referred to the state after five years of inactivity — of course there may be exemptions.

    To find out if you have some unclaimed property in Georgia, you can go to the Georgia Department of Revenue website. But before you do, there’s two things you need to know:

    1. You will need to have the decedent’s name, Social Security Number and/or the estate’s Federal Employer Identification Number begin the search.
    2. You will be required to submit a printed Claim Form.

    To find out if you have some unclaimed property in Georgia, click the link below:

    Georgia unclaimed property search free

    These funds may be in the form of cash, stocks, bonds, securities, insurance benefits etc.

    To make sure that you don’t lose track of your funds or property, it’s good to maintain accurate records for important documents like contracts, insurance policies, bank account numbers, stock certificates and more.

    Up next: How to find your unclaimed money in Georgia for FREE

    Are you trying to become more financially literate? Check out Money Mondays at AtlantaFi.com, where we’ll share strategies to save and make cash.

    If saving money is something you’re serious about, AtlantaFi.com has a lot of resources to help you.
    Read more:
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  • Whataburger opens in Vinings, Ga.

    Whataburger Opens In Woodstock

    3 Min Read

    What a year 2023 is shaping up to be for Whataburger. The burger chain continues its aggressive expansion plans in metro Atlanta with the recent opening of its Woodstock location during the last week of January.

    When Whataburger opened its Kennesaw location earlier this winter, the place had long lines stretching onto the highway. You can expect similar scenes at the Woodstock restaurant, which was supposed to open in late 2022.

    Here’s what one customer says about the experience:

    “For this to be a new location I wasn’t mad at the wait . It took about 30 minutes in the drive thru. Everyone was nice . My only down fall was I had to ask for my pies as they were forgotten but that’s ok it was a simple mistake and my chicken sandwich I asked for the regular and they gave me the spicy but besides that everything else was great for the restaurant to not even be open a week … keep up the good work.”

    The new Woodstock Whataburger is drive-thru only for now. Plans to open the dining room have not been announced.

    Where Is The Woodstock Whataburger Located?

    The Woodstock Whataburger is located at 9766 Ga-92 in Woodstock, Ga. 30188. Here is a map to help you find it.

    You might be wondering what’s so special about Whataburger. Is it the sauce? The meat? People are crazy about Whataburger. In essence, it’s because you can customize your burger just how you want it. It’s a really customizable menu.

    What’s On Whataburger’s Menu?

    Whataburger menu
    Photo credit: Whataburger.com

    Many people may think that Whataburger only serves burgers, but that’s not the case. You can also order:

    • Breakfast like the Bacon Breakfast Bowl or Sausage Breakfast Bowl
    • Sandwiches like a Patty Melt or Honey BBQ Chicken Strip
    • Desserts like a Hot Apple Pie, Brownie, Cookies and More
    • Salads like a Cobb Salad, Garden Salad and more.
    • Sides like French Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Onion Rings, Apple Slices and more.

    Where Will Whataburger Open Next In Metro Atlanta?

    Here are the other metro Atlanta Whataburger locations due to open soon:

    Whataburger plans to open its first Atlanta area restaurants in these locations:

    2023

    • 503 Lakeland Plaza, Cumming, Ga. 30040
    • SEQ Buford Dr and Exchange Dr, Buford, Ga. 30519
    • 3321 Lexington Rd, Athens, Ga. 30605
    • 3201 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, Ga. 30606
    • 100 Pottery Rd, Commerce, Ga. 30529
    • 15 Wallace Blvd, Dawnsonville, Ga. 30534

    Final Word

    Burgers are one of our favorite things to eat here in Atlanta. Check out our guide on best burger joints in the city.

    Whataburger is among many food franchises that are exploring expansion in metro Atlanta’s restaurant scene.

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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  • MARTA guide to Atlanta

    Your Guide To Riding The MARTA Train Around Atlanta

    4 Min Read

    If you love to travel to check out restaurants to eat at in Atlanta, then MARTA is your friend.

    This article will tell you everything you need to know about MARTA train, including how to board and where it runs.

    MARTA: Everything You Need To Know

    MARTA, or the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, is the easiest way to travel around Atlanta. Its four rail lines (red and gold (north/south) and blue and green (east/west) will take you to every quadrant within the city limits.
    Even with easy access to the city’s surrounding areas, you could get lost if you don’t know where you’re going. Read on to see what MARTA is all about and how to ride it with confidence.

    Where Does MARTA Run In Atlanta?

    MARTA runs north, south, east, west and northeast and mostly within the perimeter of the city limits of Atlanta. Technically, there are some train routes that go to suburban cities as well like Doraville, Sandy Springs and Decatur.

    For the most part, the MARTA train stays within the city of Atlanta while the many bus routes take you beyond the Interstate 285 loop, which is the unofficial border.

    MARTA map
    Photo credit: MARTA

    Is MARTA Safe?

    MARTA is one of the safest public transportation systems in America. Although there have been some headline-worthy incidents, compared to other big cities, MARTA is one of the safest rail systems there is.
    If you happen to witness an incident that needs to be reported, MARTA has blue phones on site for police emergencies and they also are for contacting MARTA Police directly. The white phones are courtesy phones for asking any general questions.
    Like most major U.S. cities, you can find a uniformed police officer at  every bus, train station and parking lot.

    How Much Does MARTA Cost?

    MARTA’s costs vary depending on your destination, age and more. In general,, Children 46 inches and under can ride MARTA or the Atlanta Streetcar for free (limit two children per paying adult). Here are the fare prices to ride MARTA:
    Standard FaresPrice
    Regular Fare$2.50
    Atlanta Streetcar Regular Fare$1.00
    Senior Citizens, Disabled Riders and Medicare Recipients$1.00
    MARTA Mobility$4.00
    MARTA Passes are also available for discounted rates:
    • 1 Day Pass — $9.00
    • 2 Day Pass — $14.00
    • 3 Day Pass — $16.00
    • 4 Day Pass — $19.00
    • 7 Day Pass — $23.75
    • 10 Trip Pass — $25
    • 20 Trip Pass — $42.50
    • 30 Day Pass — $95

    About Breeze Cards And Breeze Tickets

    Breeze cards are what MARTA fares are paid with. Breeze cards are $2 and may be reloaded for up to 3 years, whereas Breeze tickets are $1 for single-use only. MARTA fare is $2.50 for a one-way trip — but you can switch up your options depending on your destination and how you want to get there.

    Fares are loaded onto a Breeze Card/Ticket and can be paid with cash or debit/credit cards at Breeze Vending Machines or RideStores. If you pay with cash on a bus you will still need a Breeze Card/Ticket to receive your transfer.

    Does MARTA Run 24 Hours A Day?

    MARTA does not run 24 hours a day, but it runs throughout most of the day. Depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend, MARTA may run up to 2 a.m. on most nights. The train typically begins service at 6 a.m.

    How Frequent Does MARTA Run?

    • 5-6am — Approx. 20 mins
    • 6am-7pm — Approx. 15 mins
    • 7pm and later — Approx. 20 mins

    What To Do If I Have a Disturbance on MARTA

    From time to time, you may come across a person on MARTA who is intent on causing a disturbance. What should you do?

    If it’s someone who’s more of a nuisance than a threat, ignore him or her. If you feel that your life is threatened, that’s another matter.

    Feel free to connect to a MARTA Police dispatcher directly by calling 404-848-4911 or texting 1-877-371-8477 In cases where it’s not an emergency, feel free to ask a nearby MARTA employee for assistance. Dialing 911 on your phone will connect you directly to a local jurisdiction’s dispatch, not MARTA Police.

    Final Word

    MARTA is a great way to go to and fro around Atlanta. If you’re using it after dark, be careful around Five Points MARTA station, which is a bit for sketchy than some of the neighboring stations (Georgia State, GWCC/CNN and Peachtree Center).

    Check out our Atlanta Travel Guide for more ways to get around Georgia’s biggest city.

    Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.

    See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.

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