Category: Things To Do

With the Turkey Day nearly here, local shoppers are making last-minute trips to Atlanta grocery stores for the Thanksgiving holiday. But before you go there, you should ask this question: Are they open?

This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Thanksgiving Day store hours for the major supermarket chains around Atlanta.

Is Walmart, Publix, Kroger, Whole Foods And More Open For Thanksgiving?

On holidays we know that grocery store hours tend to change. Some stores are closed, while some adjust their hours to remain open just a while.

For the latest information, you should call your local grocery store to see if they have changed their hours on any particular day.

Quick Links: Grocery Store Holiday Hours

• Costco
• Publix
• Sam’s Club
• Walmart
• Whole Foods

What Are Costco’s Holiday Hours?

Costco usually stays open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. For Thanksgiving, the store will be closed.

What Are Publix’s Holiday Hours?

Publix locations around metro Atlanta are closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Florida-based store typically closes for Christmas as well.

Sam’s Club Holiday Hours

Sam’s Club has altered its operating hours during the holidays, including on Thanksgiving, The store will be closed so that store associates and other workers can enjoy the day with their families.

Here are Sam’s Club’s holiday hours in Atlanta:

• Nov. 23: Closed – (Thanksgiving Day)

Is Walmart Open On Thanksgiving?

Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Aside from Christmas, it’s the only day of the year when Walmarts all over are shut down.

Walmart Holiday Hours:

• Nov. 28: Closed (Thanksgiving Day)

Whole Foods Holiday Hours

Whole Foods is operating on modified hours during the holidays, including on Thanksgiving,

Here are Whole Foods holiday hours in Atlanta:

• Nov 28: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Thanksgiving Day)

What’s Open On Thanksgiving In Atlanta?

In addition to major groceries stores, the following stores are also open for Thanksgiving:

• Big Lots
• CVS
• Dollar General
• Dollar Tree
• Family Dollar
• Rite Aid
• Starbucks
• Stop & Shop
• Walgreens
• Wegmans

Final Word

Stores are becoming packed with people shopping for what’s on sale. If you need to make your way to the grocery store, you might be wondering when the particular location near you opens and closes.

If you need any last-minute items, you can rest assured that gas stations will be open. But many drug stores, including CVS, Rite-Aid and Walgreens will all be open on Thanksgiving Day.

Again, for specific stores near you, it is best to give them a call before you get in your car and drive there.

If you’re serious about finding some deals, Atlanta has a bunch of malls as well as antique shops and consignment stores to find some great sales. Always see if you can comparison shop to find the deals.

Looking to Shop Electronics? Check Out These Deals

So you’re down for a nice, long walk in an open greenspace in the center of downtown Atlanta, Georgia? Say less. 

Centennial Olympic Park is one of the best parks in Atlanta and one of the most notable landmarks in the Southeast.

Centennial Olympic Park: What To Know

Centennial Olympic Park is a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike, with several unique features that make it a cool place to visit.

When it was constructed before the 1996 Olympics, contributors could buy bricks with their names engraved on it along the 22-acre park’s many pathways. If you gave for the cause, you can find your brick at the park easily.

Is Centennial Olympic Park Free To Visit?

Centennial Olympic Park is free to visit. Its operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Here are a few things that make Centennial Olympic Park special:

1. History: The park was created for the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta, and it remains an important symbol of the city’s Olympic legacy. Visitors can see remnants of the Olympic Rings and the Olympic Cauldron, which was used during the opening and closing ceremonies.
2. Music and Events: Centennial Olympic Park is a popular venue for concerts and events, hosting many outdoor concerts throughout the year. The park also hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the Fourth of July Celebration and the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival.
3. Interactive Fountains: The park features two interactive fountains that are popular with kids and adults alike. The Fountain of Rings is a large fountain that shoots water up in synchronized patterns, and the Legacy Fountain is a smaller fountain that shoots water up in a more playful manner.
4. Green Space: Despite its location in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park offers a large amount of green space for visitors to enjoy. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables, as well as a variety of gardens and landscaping features.
5. Location: Centennial Olympic Park is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, making it easily accessible to visitors and locals alike. It’s also surrounded by many other popular attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.

Where Is Centennial Olympic Park Located?

Centennial Olympic Park is located at 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Here’s a map to help you find it.

https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3316.9551374769258!2d-84.39671818524211!3d33.76182514042678!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88f5047e4c3e95e5%3A0x5cb746ed6144237!2s265%20Park%20Ave%20W%20NW%2C%20Atlanta%2C%20GA%2030313!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1679262658076!5m2!1sen!2sus
Overall, Centennial Olympic Park is a unique and enjoyable destination in Atlanta, with a rich history and plenty of amenities for visitors to enjoy.

Final Word

Atlanta’s downtown area is a bunch of fun. Aside from tourist spots, you can find quite a few great restaurants in downtown Atlanta.

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.

More From AtlantaFi.com:

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

It’s getting cold outside but that doesn’t mean the kiddos can’t have fun. In Atlanta, there are tons of fun things, events and recreational activities for kids to do.

Let’s look into some fun things to do in Atlanta with children and the family. You may also enjoy these top Georgia festivals.

Fun Things To Do In Atlanta With Kids

The city has a lot of fun things to do for people with children. Check these out:

Escape Room Adventure In Atlanta

The Escape Game Atlanta features an epic 60-minute private adventure that allows you to choose several situations from which to use your wits against. Book now.

Visit the Titanic in Atlanta

Check out the Titanic in Atlanta, an an immersive expedition to the depths of the infamous ship’s history. You’ll see life-sized recreations of rooms, immersive video animations, and 3D views place you onboard the ship as a passenger. Get tickets.

Van Gogh

If you’re the artsy type, you’ll love this immersive Van Gogh experience being offered in Atlanta. Get tickets.

Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive VR Expedition to Ancient Egypt

Ever wanted to see the Pyramids of Giza — in Atlanta? This revolutionary virtual reality immersive experience takes you back to the golden age of ancient Egypt, allowing you to explore the depths of the iconic pyramids, decipher hieroglyphs. Get tickets.

World of Coke

Atlanta is the home of Coca-Cola so it’s no wonder that the World of Coke is here! Check out this downtown Atlanta museum showcasing the history, heritage and future of the most popular soft drink in the world. Bring the whole family out to enjoy memorabilia, interactive exhibits and more on weekends.

The site gets tens of thousands of visitors annually, solidifying its reputation as one of the top fun things to do in Atlanta year by year. 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Zoo Atlanta promises the wildest time in the city. With more than 1,500 animals, including a world-class panda exhibit, in modern habitats, the zoo is one fun hoot. ? Buy tickets for Zoo Atlanta.

On the weekends, join hundreds of families as they peruse through the park-like settings and gawk at antelopes, zebras, gorillas and more. Even in the Atlanta summer heat, the zoo guarantees a good time. The zoo is a short walk from iconic Grant Park and is in a revitalized area. 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.

See more things to do at Zoo Atlanta here.

Centennial Olympic Park

The largest park in downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park was birthed for the 1996 Olympics. The park now hosts private events, concerts and is full of serene walking paths and water gardens. During the warm months, bring the kids out to enjoy the Fountain of Rings. Come out at night or on the weekends to see the stars illuminate the site.  265 Park Avenue West, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Got children? Then you’ll love the Children’s Museum of Atlanta in downtown Atlanta. Among the fun things to do here are tons of rides, interactive activities for the whole family and more. The museum features 30,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, including an indoor playground, sand table and more. The museum is appropriate for children ages 2 to 8. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Fernbank Museum is a kid favorite for one reason only: The gigantic dinosaur bones in the museum’s centerpiece.

In addition to educational science exhibits, Fernbank has a really cool IMAX theatre that shows some jaw-dropping films and documentaries. Get tickets here.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium and continues to be a must-see for children. The exhibits are cool and easy to digest to kids of all ages.

Where else can they see a whale shark in the United States?

Ponce City Market

This Midtown Atlanta landmark is a welcome respite from the uptight restaurants children often have to go to with their parents. Ponce City Market isn’t open air, but it might as well be, with the high ceilings and all. Kids also love the ice cream and gelato spots there.

Want a real treat? Go to the top floor of Ponce City Market to Skyline Park, which has a slide, putt-putt golf, games and prizes.

Six Flags Over Georgia

If your little one enjoys thrill rides, Six Flags Over Georgia has just what they need for a heart-racing good time. New rides include the Pendulum, the Southeast’s largest swing ride, and the reimagined Screampunk District. Get tickets here.

Andretti Karting and Games

Andretti Karting and Games is the place to go if your kid loves to drive like Speed Racer. If you plan to visit, here’s the location and info: 1255 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30062 | (678) 496-9530.

Skyline Park

Children all over Georgia love it when they get to go to the Ponce City Market Rooftop. That’s where Skyline Park, and its huge slide, is located. If you plan to visit, the address is 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.

Treetop Quest

Metro Atlanta Locations:

• Dunwoody: 2341 Peeler Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338 | (770) 365-0356
• Gwinnett: 2020 Clean Water Dr, Buford, GA 30519 | (404) 277-6113

Only at Treetop Quest, can children (and parents) enjoy fun in trees, including ziplining.

Adventure Air Sports

If you have some athletic-type children that are into sports, Adventure Air Sports would be the ideal place to take them. The Kennesaw trampoline park is perfect for the family. 425 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW #3500, Kennesaw, GA 30144 | (678) 384-2020.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is one of the most beautiful natural settings in the Southeast. What better place to bring the kids so they can frolic in the lush grasses or at the foothills of the mountain. If you plan to visit, Stone Mountain Park is located at  1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

One of the most popular spots for kiddies in Atlanta, LEGOLAND offers quite a respite for shopping-weary kids. If you plan to go, it’s at 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 |  (404) 848-9252.

Take Them Fruit Picking

Metro Atlanta has plenty of places to take your young one to get some fresh air outside and pick fruits and vegetables. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor activities:

• Best Pumpkin Patches In Georgia
• Where To Pick Apples in Georgia
• Best Corn Mazes In Georgia

Swim In an Atlanta Pool

Atlanta has many public pools that offer a great chance to get some fun in the water. Check these pools out.

Play Some Hoops

Atlanta has several cool basketball courts that you can take your children to if they love to play. Here’s where to hoop.

Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace

If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Atlanta with the kids, you should know that you have plenty of options. The children may be yours every day or just on the weekends. Either way, they need to have fun. Here are fun things to do in Atlanta with kids.

First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!

Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit to a craft brewery in the city. 

Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

• Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
• Things To Do This Weekend in Atlanta
• Feeling Adventurous in Atlanta? Check Out These Outdoorsy Activities

The cool weather has set in quite nicely for one of the top food events of the city: the Atlanta Chili Cook-off.

This family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 12–4 PM at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, Georgia.

The event features over 50 chili recipes from amateur chefs, restaurants, and caterers, and attendees can vote for their favorite. General admission tickets are $15, and VIP tickets are $30. 

Here are some tips for participating in or hosting a chili cook-off:

Rules

Some rules for chili cook-offs include using commercial chili powder but not complete commercial chili mixes, and cooking in a sanitary manner. 

Judging

Judges typically taste the chili individually and anonymously. To win, chili should look good, smell good, and taste good, and it should retain its quality while hot, warm, lukewarm, and cool.

Explore Your Atlanta

Atlanta has just what you need, not just today but every weekend. From exploring the city’s diverse restaurant scene to taking in a beautiful park greenspace or even checking out the hidden gems, Atlanta has some of everything.

First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are.

Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

• Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
• Read our Atlanta Weekend Guide
• Where To Eat in West Midtown Atlanta
• Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL

Atlanta, Georgia is the nation’s day party capital: Vibe-heavy food and music affairs that go on all day until the night every weekend.

Day parties became popular on college campuses when university officials instituted curfews on university property. The parties soon began to pop up in nightclubs in college towns.

These days it’s a small thing to catch a day party in a large metropolitan city like Atlanta.

What Can You Expect At A Day Party?

A typical day party is a experiential dining .event that caters to all the senses. In addition to premium food and drinks, many day parties have hookah available for select tables.

What separates this scene from a regular restaurant episode? The music! Day parties are just that — parties — which means you can expect a wide range of music, including Reggae. Soca. Afrobeatz. Hip Hop and RnB tunes from the DJ.

Let’s look at some of the most popular day parties that frequently occur in Atlanta:

Boogalou Restaurant & Lounge

239 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 464-7705

What one reviewer says about Boogalou Lounge: “My son suggested this place for Mother’s Day brunch and I was so impressed. The food was delicious, the service was fantastic and the atmosphere was on-point. I had the seafood omelette with grits and a lobster tail on the side and the glass of strawberry mimosas just topped it off. My son had the seafood omelette & grits as well along with chicken wings and French toast. He boasted about the chicken wings were fried perfectly and French toast was delicious. The food portions were so much that I needed a to-go box. For my first time, I really enjoyed myself.”

Hookah: Yes

Parking: $40

Vision Lounge

2520 Piedmont Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30324

Here’s what one partyer says about Vision Lounge. “The pictures online look much better. Chill laid back spot. The food was cool. The lamb chops were good but the mash potatoes were cold. The fries tasted like they were cooked in old oil. My burger was off but I can’t put my finger on it. Everyone liked their food besides for the plastic forks we were given . Our waitress was amazing.”

Hookah: Yes

Parking: $40

Cafe Circa Atlanta’s #1 Saturday Day Party

464 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | : (404) 477-0008

Here’s what a reviewer says about Cafe Circa: “We had a lot of fun, and the food was amazing and worth the return, alone. We had salmon n grits & whole wings with¹ french toast. So full of flavor! The advertising about the Brunch Mimosa R&B Day Party needs to be made clear as there was some confusion about this. It would have been nice to hear more R&B during the event. The DJ played a lot of hip-hop, catering to his own liking, but once he started playing R&B, the customers lit up, danced, and really appeared to be having a great time. Once the rooftop opened, we went up and planned to hang up there a while longer, but they turned off all heaters, which made it cold and uncomfortable, so we left. We will definitely return again now knowing what to expect.”

Hookah: Yes

Parking: $40

Club EMBR

1136 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 

What the parties at EMBR are like: “We definitely had a time here! Great way to kick off Nurses Week or whatever occasion you guys want to celebrate! Our server was really good to us! I can’t remember her name but I remember her saying she is from St. Martin! So if you see this review, give her a raise Embr! The prices were reasonable for the section and the chicken tacos were fire. Will definitely be returning!”

Hookah: Yes

Parking: $40

Pure Lounge & Hookah Bar

1594 Woodcliff Dr NE A, Atlanta, GA 30329 |  (404) 600-6390

Here’s what one reviewer says about Pure Lounge: “I’ve been here twice and both times I’ve enjoyed myself. It’s a cool vibe, a little out there but you’ll be able to listen to some good music and chill. If you’re there past 12am just know things are about to get routy because of the club next door.”

Hookah: Yes

Parking: $40

Suite Food Lounge

375 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 577-2500

Here’s what one reviewer says about Suite Food Lounge: “It was a wait for the food however the waiter was good with updating us. Once the food came out I had ordered the Bourbon Salmon and Shrimp I was worth it!!! So delicious! With mash potato’s and asparagus it was warm would have been nice to be hot that’s the way I like my food. Hubby had the wings and they were good too. Nice ambiance like the R&B music they played we had an early reservation at 6:30 so it wasn’t so busy cause this place gets really busy as it gets later.”

Hookah: Yes

Parking: $40

Traffik Kitchen and Cocktails

1100 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, Ga. 30309

Here’s what one clubgoer says about Traffik: “I would describe this place as your typical nightclub in ATL. Nothing spectacular just a big room, bar, and a dj of course. I actually ended up here for a bar hopping event but this is a club! I was there early maybe 7pmish on a Saturday and I’m sure they turn up at night. I gave it 3 stars because they had 1 bartender for a whole bunch of people so they wait for a drink was long. The DJ was good for the most part, plenty of seating on an elevated level and ground level. The drinks I had were good but this place is just not for me …wouldn’t recommend for 30+ age group. Again if you enjoy nightclub, clubbing, you’ll probably enjoy but it’s just 1 big room, a bar, and it only had 2 stalls in the bathroom to accommodate a club thought that wasn’t good and hopefully they have more bartenders at night but she was nice.”

Hookah: Yes

Parking: $40

Why Atlanta Is The Day Party Capital

Day parties are huge in urban metropolitan cities like Houston, Baltimore and New Orleans, but there’s nothing like the ones in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta’s strong collegiate presence, especially the Atlanta University Center (AU) which serves students at Spelman College, Morris Brown College and Morehouse College, makes the city a hotbed of activity when it comes to nightlife events.

It was just a matter of time before day parties became the norm in the warmer months of the city.

Final Word

Thinking about going to a day party soon? You’d better save up your cash. Day parties can be expensive. Not only will there typically be a price of admission (unless you RSVP). there will be a parking fee.

One of the biggest expenses will be the drinks and food you buy. Most day party menus have entrees that are $20 and up and include shrimp and lobster.

Want to know more about Atlanta’s nightlife? Here are the best clubs in ATL.

If you’re new to Atlanta and are hungry, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:

Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

• Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
• Check out these FREE events in Atlanta
• Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL