Cobb Life - Summer 2024

CL COBB LIFE

EXECUTIVE

PUBLISHER

Otis Brumby III

GENERAL MANAGER

Lee B. Garrett

V.P. OF CONTENT

J.K. Murphy

Cobb Life is published nine times a year by the Marietta Daily Journal and distributed to more than 25,000 homes and businesses.

To subscribe, email circulation@cobblifemagazine.com or call 770-795-5001.

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Send letters to the editor, article pitches and any other content queries to Skyler Heath at sheath@mdjonline.com cobblifemagazine.com

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR

Skyler Heath

CONTRIBUTORS

Pamela Dabrowa, Matthew DeBusschere, Skyler Heath, Lisa Mowry, Jon Styf

PHOTOGRAPHY

Pamela Dabrowa, Robin Rayne

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Windsor Armour, Beth Poirier

ADVERTISING STAFF

V.P. OF SALES

Bob McCray

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Becky Opitz, Ginny Hrushka, Paula Milton

GRAPHICS/LAYOUT COORDINATOR

Beth Poirier

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Windsor Armour, Erin Barkwell, Tona Deaton, Jennifer Hall

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Dave Gossett

Features

10 Recipes

From blackberry coconut mojitos to Cuban sliders, Matthew DeBusschere aka Marietta Food Guy has curated two Havana-inspired recipes that are sure to elevate your next pool party or summer soiree.

14 Staycation

Who says summer vacations require a plane or road trip? From roaring ‘20s-style speakeasies and oasis gardens to rooftop bars overlooking the Atlanta skyline, these four Atlanta-area hotels are stylish, unique and worth checking out for a close-by experience — go for the night, have dinner or even stay for a while.

22 Saint + Goldie

From the crack of the bat and roar of the crowd at Truist Park to the bustling dining and entertainment ecosystem at The Battery Atlanta, Braves Country is a cherished sanctuary for Georgians, whether a sports enthusiast or not. But for a few hundred Cobb Countians, they get to call the thriving district home, taking the work-live-play concept to a whole new level. Hear from Battery residents on the perks and charm of calling Braves Country home.

For Cobb natives Caroline Gordon, Bri Williams and Liz Sicard, childhood dreams aren’t just fleeting fantasies — they’re the driving force behind their business, Saint + Goldie, a new lifestyle boutique on Sessions Street. Discover how the trio’s dream came to fruition, and how the Marietta community rallied behind them to make it a reality.

40 Brews

It’s summer, which means now’s the perfect time to head to a brewery, grab a unique brew and relax. Check out a business spotlight on three local breweries, and let the summer fun begin.

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Havana Inspired HotWeatherRecipes

Written and Photographed by MATTHEW DEBUSSCHERE AKA MARIETTA FOOD GUY

It’s summer, the season of backyard cookouts and pool parties. My summer gatherings are typically relaxed and lighthearted. I make sure to have refreshing drinks and easy snacks for guests.

In thinking about what recipes to offer you all, I immediately thought of a new drink I recently added to our spring/summer menu at my restaurant, Marietta Melt Yard. I was trying to find a fun way to use up a bunch of coconut syrup, while keeping the drink seasonal. I landed on a mojito, a perfect hot weather cocktail, originating from Cuba. By using coconut syrup, this drink ends up having a creamier look and taste than a classic mojito, which is traditionally made with rum, lime, sugar, mint and club soda.

A friend of mine who used to manage Third Door — an elevated cocktail speakeasy on Marietta Square — told me the best way to make new and unique drinks is to take a classic recipe, and start substituting different ingredients in it. I followed his advice and substituted coconut syrup and blackberry liqueur for sugar. I found that this revision maintains the sweetness of a traditional mojito, but also infuses some really interesting flavors. The end result is a blackberry coconut mojito, which I think would also make a really great popsicle flavor.

Blackberry Coconut Mojito

Ingredients:

1.5 oz white rum (like Bacardi)

.25 oz Creme de Mure (a blackberry liqueur found at Whitlock Package)

.25 oz REAL Coconut (a brand of pureed coconut syrup found on Amazon)

1 oz lime juice

Club soda

Sprig of mint

Directions:

Combine all ingredients (except soda) into a cocktail shaker, shake, strain/pour over ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with a lime wedge and bit more of your mint. Cocktail should have a creamy pink look to it. Enjoy!

When thinking of ideas for a fitting food recipe for this issue, I Googled “food that pairs with a mojito.” The results were tons of delicious Cuban foods, which makes sense. I love Cuban sandwiches, and remembered my wife making some really yummy Cuban sliders for an Easter gathering we had earlier this year. We have four young kids, so keeping things easy is always important, but we also love food and take pride in what we offer our guests.

The second recipe is for making bulk Cuban sliders, a dozen or more at a time. It’s just as easy as making a single sandwich, but the trick is to buy a pack of those delicious King’s Hawaiian Rolls, and cut the entire pack down the middle without splitting off each roll one at a time. Essentially, you treat the entire pack of rolls as if it was just two slices of bread and you’re making a giant sandwich.

You can follow the recipe “as is,” or play around with it, substituting different pickled items — like pickled jalapenos or red onions — and switching up the meat. For this recipe, I went with sliced deli ham, which is always easy to find, but you could use pork, or also add on chicken or turkey as a secondary protein. This snack won’t take you much time to prepare and is always a hit at my house.

I hope these recipes find you well and help you supplement an easy, breezy summer!

Cuban Sliders

Ingredients:

Kings Hawaiian Rolls

Sliced Ham

Swiss Cheese

Pickles

Grainy Mustard (or whatever type you enjoy)

Mayo

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping all the rolls connected, slice the entire pack through the center, so that you end up with all the tops together and all the bottoms together (like 2 large pieces of bread).

Spread mustard on the inside of one half and mayo on the inside of the other half. Cover the bottom half with Swiss cheese, then ham, then pickles. Layer more Swiss again on top to make these sliders extra yummy.

Once all ingredients are layered on the bottom half, add the top back on and place the now reconnected pack of sliders onto a sheet tray or aluminum pan. Cover loosely with foil and heat in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melted.

Matt DeBusschere

is the co-owner of Marietta Melt Yard. He has worked in the restaurant industry for more than 15 years. Follow his Marietta food journey on Instagram @mariettafoodguy

Stupendous Staycations

Written by Lisa Mowry

These Atlanta-area hotels are worth checking out for a close-by experience:

Go for the night, have dinner or even stay for a while

Ilove Atlanta, but not always the traffic. A solution is to drive somewhere and stay put — and better yet, explore a part of metro Atlanta that might not normally be on your radar. These four destinations are stylish and unique, with plenty to do close by and delicious restaurants to explore.

Intercontinental Hotel, Buckhead

Great for: Girlfriend Getaways

This high-rise luxury hotel in the heart of Buckhead has always been a signature destination in Atlanta, and now it’s gotten a major interior design refresh. Named the top Atlanta hotel in 2023 by readers of “Travel & Leisure” magazine, the Intercontinental is a splurge, and worth it.

My college friend and I checked into the hotel midafternoon and were immediately impressed with the lobby and surrounding Great Hall, with its marble floors, large-scale contemporary crystal chandelier and cozy sitting areas. Every seating area is surrounded by potted plants that make you feel like you’re in a conservatory.

We stayed on the 21st floor, which is the club level. Aside from the views of Buckhead and Atlanta at every turn, this private space with complimentary cocktails and light bites is always a special occasion. Rooms are as plush as you’d think, with thick robes, slippers and spacious bathrooms. First off, for the afternoon, take a trip to the hotel’s spa, a quiet place tucked-in away from the bustle of hotel life, all the better with a welcome glass of champagne. Afterward, hit the hotel’s saltwater pool or shower up and head to happy hour on the club level.

Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, The Americano, is a special experience, partly because of the stunning interior design, but also thanks to the food from James Beard-winning chef Scott Conant, who mans the menu. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean seafood and steaks with an Italian twist. Even if you’re not spending the night at the hotel, The Americano is worth a visit.

(Top) The Great Hall in the Intercontinental Buckhead is that just-right mix of both traditional and contemporary styles with its warm colors, fascinating art and an elegant background of plants and flowers.

Photo by Lisa Mowry.

(Bottom Left to Right) Sultry and intriguing in design, The Americano restaurant in the Intercontinental Buckhead is a destination. Our favorites were the wedge salad and Dutch Harbor Halibut — with a couple of selections from their extensive wine and cocktail list.

Photo by Lisa Mowry.

Room with a view…the upper floors of The Intercontinental offer a birdseye view of the busy streets of Buckhead. Photo by Lisa Mowry.

The saltwater pool at The Intercontinental is open year-round.

Photo by The Intercontinental Buckhead.

travel

The Hamilton

Ilove exploring all the different neighborhoods in metro Atlanta, so staying at The Hamilton offers a chance to walk around downtown Alpharetta and not have to rush back home. The hotel itself is a welcome addition to the vibrant city, with plenty of areas to gather for a cocktail or visit with your friends, but beyond the doors is the sprawling success story of Alpharetta. The Hamilton and a grassy courtyard area in the town square are two anchors to this Hallmarkesque little town, with dozens of shops, restaurants and breweries filling the side streets. Other nearby attractions — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre and Avalon, for instance — are a quick drive.

The Hamilton hotel opened recently, but its classic architecture and room with a vintage touch make it seem like an older resident in the area. Art by local artists fill the walls, while industrial touches and high ceilings add a loft-like feeling to the common areas.

We had a drink and light bites at Carrie’s Conservatory in the hotel, then headed to its sister destination, The Roaring Social. This charming speakeasy lives up to its 1920s vibe, complete with a secret password to get in (get the scoop from the hotel), live music, craft cocktails and even a vintage-style bowling alley. It’s a lot of fun, and an ideal reason to have a nearby hotel room, since the place gets hopping late in the evening. The next morning, check out the hotel’s restaurant, Fulton’s Public House, for breakfast or venture out to one of the nearby spots such as Maple Street Biscuit Company.

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(Top) The exterior of The Hamilton Hotel in Alpharetta has arched windows and architectural features from a different era, but it’s a newish hotel in the heart of lively Alpharetta. Photo The Hamilton Hotel.

(Bottom) As part of the secrecy of The Roaring Social speakeasy, you might not even notice its front door on the street, where it’s disguised as a vintage clothier. Photo The Roaring Social.

The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel

An Anniversary Getaway

The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel does something that seems impossible in bustling Buckhead: it carves out a little oasis of gardens in the courtyard of the hotel. My visit to this Kimpton felt in many ways like going back in time, from its laid-back outdoor areas to the mid-century vibe. The building itself dates from 1952 and was once a residential apartment structure (Kimpton Hotels are known for repurposing existing buildings). Wood and green accents fit with its earthy, vintage style.

Head to the ninth floor for a view, cocktails and light bites. The cheeky rooftop bar, St. Julep, starts off quietly at 5 p.m., but then becomes a happening spot with a DJ on the weekends as a hot place to be seen. Its colorful mural and mid-century touches are definitely Instagram-worthy.

Downstairs, The Betty serves as the hotel’s main restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Its sultry decor and old-school touches, like a jazz band on Thursdays, and menu items, such as Oysters Rockefeller and prime rib, are intentionally a walk back in time.

(Top) The rooftop panorama from the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel gives you a sweeping view of Buckhead. Photo Lisa Mowry.

(Bottom) Atlanta’s reputation as “a city within a forest” is alive and well in the garden area at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel, right in the heart of city life.

Photo Lisa Mowry.

The Signia Hotel

Imagine ending the day with a view of downtown Atlanta’s twinkling skyline, then waking up as the buildings come alive and traffic begins to wind its way into town. An overnight at The Signia Hotel is all that and more, and a reason the first large hotel in 40 years to grace the downtown skyline is big news.

This new Hilton hotel is part of the sports and business campus in the city that includes Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena and nearby Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame and the Georgia Aquarium, making it an ideal epicenter for a trip downtown. I loved staying there as a local but also seeing all the out-of-towners —girls volleyball teams from all over the U.S. and tech-conference attendees, for instance — as good people-watching.

The hotel’s 976 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows for impressive views, one side looking right into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and a host of in-room perks, but you’ll want to explore outside the room, as well. The fitness center, multiple porches and outdoor swimming pool all come with the downtown view and have that new-hotel freshness.

When it’s time to eat, you can go in several directions. The casual and sports-barvibed Nest on Four has a whopping 45 TVs and gastropub treats such as short rib poutine tater tots, making it a good option for larger groups or a pre-game lunch. The buzzworthy Capolinea — bright and airy with a special menu that celebrates Mediterranean food with all sorts of twists — is a special treat. Make sure to start with the Pane e Burro bread with its chili butter and herb olive-oil garnish, check out the roving martini bar for a custom cocktail, go for a seafood dish such as Halibut Crudo and by all means, make room for one of their gorgeous desserts.

Great for: a family trip

The new Signia Hotel in downtown Atlanta is now a 42-story focal point of the skyline. Built on a foundation for the former Georgia Dome, the hotel is walkable to most attractions— including its neighbor, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Photo: Signia Hotel/Adam Goldberg Photography

The Signia Hotel

(Left) The lively bar area outside Capolinea restaurant in The Signia Hotel is a winning combination of architecture/interior design, creative cocktails and downtown views. Photo Lisa Mowry (Right) Hotel rooms at The Signia Hotel are tastefully

but the real stars are the magnificent city views. Photo: Signia Hotel/Adam Goldberg Photography

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From left, Cobb natives and best friends Liz Sicard, Caroline Gordon and Bri Williams are living their childhood dream come true with Saint and Goldie, their new lifestyle and home boutique that opened in January on Sessions Street. The namesakes of their business are Liz and Caroline’s grandfather, Saint, and grandmother, Goldie, whom they happily shared with childhood friend and now co-owner Bri.

SAINT

How a Marietta trio’s childhood dream transformed into a thriving reality

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA DABROWA

For Cobb natives Bri Williams, Liz Sicard and Caroline Gordon, childhood dreams aren’t just fleeting fantasies — they’re the driving force behind their business, Saint and Goldie, a charming lifestyle boutique nestled in the heart of Marietta.

“It’s been a sweet dream since we were kids,” muses Bri, 35, one of the three co-founders of the boutique, which opened at the beginning of 2024 on Sessions Street.

Representing decades of friendship, dress-up days and a shared vision, their dream took flight sooner than they ever expected, thanks to a fortuitous encounter with Katie Pfister, co-owner of Sessions Stand, a beloved community coffee shop and bakery. After hearing murmurs of the trio’s boutique aspirations through mutual acquaintances, Katie said she saw potential synergy between their vision and her newly expanded location.

“It felt right from the beginning,” Katie recalls.

Sessions Stand’s new 5,000-square-foot location now offers expansive indoor and patio seating and an expanded menu — it’s also seamlessly connected to Saint and Goldie, which, Katie says, was intentional.

“We wanted people to be able to walk back and forth,” she explains. “We just knew we would have to find the right people… to be comfortable with them having access to the space and carrying on the feel we have worked hard to create at Sessions. (Bri, Liz and Caroline) fit every aspect of what we could have hoped for.”

“We walked in (the space) and it felt like home,” Caroline says. “We were literally holding hands, and we were like ‘We’re going to make this happen!’”

Travel journals, sunglasses, crafted soaps and salts as well as imported scarves don the tables of Saint and Goldie. Co-owner Caroline Gordon’s background in fashion merchandising and business plays a large role in the charming shop’s inventory.

Through kitchen table discussions and countless cups of coffee, plans were made, dreams were refined and Saint and Goldie settled into its home next to Sessions Stand, opening to the public in January.

MARIETTA GIRLS

Named after their beloved grandparents, the idea for Saint and Goldie began when Bri and Liz forged a bond in sixth grade at McClusky Middle School. Caroline, Liz’s younger sister, completed their trio, and from there, a friendship blossomed. Today, they’re lifelong companions, having supported each other through college, marriages, children and careers.

“We really love and admire each other. This (boutique) is all those dreams coming to fruition,” says Liz, 34, who has lived within a three-mile radius of the store for the past decade.

At one point, the tight-knit trio lived at Brumby Lofts at the same time. They also call themselves “Marietta Girls,” a testament to the deep roots they’ve planted in the Gem City.

Bri, Caroline and Liz have different career experiences, ranging from wedding and event planning to interior design and fashion merchandising, but they all share a passion for creativity and expression.

“I love fashion,” Caroline says. “I played dress up every day as a kid, and I still get to do that as an adult.”

Coming from a behind-the-scenes retail occupation as well as a degree in fashion merchandising and business, Caroline plays a large role in the charming shop’s inventory, which features curated offerings, like travel journals, sunglasses and handbags, to name a few. Liz, a mother of three, continues to maintain her design company, Liz Sicard Designs, specializing

Trendy straw hats and bags greet customers as they enter the shop located at 397 N. Sessions St. in Marietta.

Cookbooks, olive oils and tasty vinegars make for fun gathering dips and entertaining. Saint and Goldie Boutique offers an array of cocktail add-ons for entertaining.

in interior design and textiles, all of which can be seen in the shop. Bri, a mother of two, also maintains her ongoing business, Bri Williams and Co., which offers full-service destination event and wedding planning. Customers will see Caroline in the shop during the week, while Bri and Liz handle the weekends, though shoppers can expect to see all three owners pop in and out most days.

“We are meaningful about the character, color and texture we offer here in the store,” says Caroline as her gaze sweeps over the boutique’s carefully curated shelves. “The products we’ve sourced have been very thoughtful and sustainable.”

The co-owners said their one-of-a-kind items are sourced both locally and overseas from countries, including Spain, Australia and Morocco.

“It gives me goose bumps to know that we have working relationships around the world,” Liz says.

Sisters Lisa Butler, who lives around the corner from Saint and Goldie, and Sarah Seo said they’ve frequented the shop over a dozen times and bought something every time.

“I really like their curations,” Sarah says, while purchasing a straw backpack, a colorful picnic blanket and a pair of sunglasses for an upcoming vacation. “They are unique and special. Every time I come in, there is something new and I like supporting local businesses.”

For the three co-owners, cultivating relationships with the community is at the forefront of their goals and aspirations for the budding boutique.

“We want to make Saint and Goldie a part of the community,” Bri said. “It’s kind of surreal because as of nine

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Saint and Goldie boutique offers items that cater to a wide range of budgets, from $6 greeting cards to $1200 furniture items.

months ago it was just that – a dream.”

“All my customers become my friends,” Caroline added. “Knowing the community supports us is so important.”

Amid the hum of conversation and scent of freshly-brewed coffee, Saint and Goldie isn’t just a boutique — it’s a reminder that, sometimes, childhood dreams do come true.

Saint and Goldie is at 397 Sessions St. NW Suite 200B in Marietta. For more information on Cobb’s new lifestyle boutique, visit their Instagram @saintandgoldie.

From left, Saint and Goldie co-owners Liz Sicard, Bri Williams and Caroline Gordon help to check out frequent shopper Sarah Seo and her infant, Maya, with their vacation necessities. The trio hopes their boutique becomes a fixture in the Marietta community.

2. Perhaps the most special of items are the candles dedicated to the co-owners’ elders Saint and Goldie, the namesakes of their lifestyle boutique.

3. Saint and Goldie shares a building with Sessions Stand, a Marietta coffee shop and wrasserie, whose owner, Katie Pfister, approached the women to launch their lifestyle boutique in a shared space. Connected by a hallway, it is easy to grab a coffee and peruse the enchanting store.

1. From left, Cobb natives and best friends Liz Sicard, Caroline Gordon and Bri Williams are living their childhood dream come true with Saint and Goldie.

4. A small sunroom houses in Saint and Goldie houses all types of children’s gifts, from books and hats to cameras and stuffed animals.

1.

2. 3. 4.

THE PERKS AND CHARM OF CALLING

BRAVES COUNTRY HOME

From the crack of the bat and roar of the crowd at Truist Park to the bustling dining and entertainment ecosystem at The Battery Atlanta, Braves Country is a cherished sanctuary for Georgians, whether a sports enthusiast or not. The Battery is a 2.5 million-square-foot mixed-use development where it’s possible to ride a mechanical bull, go to a baseball game, bowl a strike and catch a movie all in one trip — an impressive aspect that drew 10.3 million visitors to The Battery in 2023, according to Braves Development Company’s annual report.

For a few hundred Cobb Countians, though, they get to call the thriving district home, taking the work-live-play concept to a whole new level. Cortland at the Battery Atlanta is a three-building property in the heart of the district, yielding 531 apartment units just a stroll away from the stadium. The three buildings, dubbed “1st, 2nd and 3rd Base,” are the only residential-living properties inside the complex. With a wide array of amenities and services just steps from their front door, Cortland residents say Battery life is as convenient as it is fun.

The Battery Atlanta, anchored by Truist Park and the Braves, welcomed 10.3 million visitors to its district in 2023, most of whom were not residents of Cobb County, according to Braves Development Company’s annual fiscal report.

Photo courtesy of The Battery Atlanta

‘FROM MINORS TO MAJORS’

For Battery dwellers Marley Brown, 25, and Zane Malas, 27, living in a thriving entertainment district is no new concept. In fact, throughout their 20s, the couple said living amid the hustle and bustle was a personal preference.

“We’ve just always loved living in a work-live-play environment,” Brown said.

The couple, who met in their hometown while attending Milton High School, followed each other to the University of Georgia, where they lived together in downtown Athens.

After graduating from UGA, Brown and Malas moved to Augusta, settling into a quaint apartment overlooking the outfield of the Augusta GreenJackets, a Minor League Baseball team and Single-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

“We’ve always lived in places where there’s action going on,” Malas explained. “So, naturally, when we wanted to move to Atlanta, we were looking to find an atmosphere, activity and nightlife similar to what we experienced in Athens and Augusta.”

At first, the young couple wanted to rent a house in the heart of the city, but after scouring the home market and having no luck, they decided to explore alternatives in other pockets of metro Atlanta.

“We thought, ‘Let’s just get a really cool apartment in a really cool location,’” Brown said.

As “moderate baseball fans,” the couple said they weren’t magnetized to the district just for the Braves, but moving to their home turf was definitely a plus.

“Since moving to The Battery (in February 2023), we kind of joke around and say, ‘We went from the minors to the majors,’” Brown said.

Malas and Brown, who commute daily to work, said two major perks of living at The Battery is its connectivity and convenience. The district is nestled where Interstates 285, 75 and Cobb Parkway overlap,

Throughout their 20s, high school sweethearts Marley Brown and Zane Malas said they always gravitated toward living in work-live-play environments. So, when they decided to move back to Atlanta from Augusta in February 2023, The Battery Atlanta was among their top choices. They’ve called the district home ever since.

Photography by Robin Rayne

a main draw for residents and visitors alike.

“I think for a lot of Battery residents, whether you’re working on the southside of Atlanta or way up there on the northside, the Battery is a good location with all the highways and transportation,” Malas said.

Brown said she also appreciates The Battery’s walkability, comparing the district to accessible cities like New York City and Chicago.

“You have everything you need in a mile or so around The Battery that makes day-to-day life easier,” she said.

“Atlanta isn’t really like that — there’s a lot of driving. It’s also just a cool place to have friends over, especially since you can peek over the balcony and see the Braves stadium.”

“It’s also nice that we can take a couple steps to the bars and have some beers without worrying about Ubers or getting home safe,” Malas added.

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Eyes in the sky: Zane Malas and Marley Brown relax on their balcony at Cortland at The Battery Atlanta, soaking in their scenic view of The Battery, Truist Park and the Atlanta skyline.

Photography by Robin Rayne

Battery resident Lexie Quinton, 24, says shopping at Dress Up, a trendy women’s clothing store on Legends Place, is one her favorite activities as a resident of The Battery.

Photo by Skyler Heath

Photo by Skyler Heath

SUPERIOR PLUMBING IS PROUD TO

MARIETTA

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

THURSDAY JULY 4, 2024

PARADE & FESTIVAL AT 10:00AM

FIREWORKS SHOW AT DARK AT MARIETTA SQUARE

The Marietta Fourth of July Celebration is set on the beautiful Marietta Square. The celebration consists of 80 arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, all types of food, and entertainment throughout the day. The day concludes with an evening concert, followed by one of Metro Atlanta’s largest fireworks show.

ACWORTH

JULY 4TH CONCERT & FIREWORKS

THURSDAY JULY 4, 2024 | 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM AT CAUBLE PARK

Let freedom Ring! The City of Acworth and the Acworth Business Association are proud to present one of the largest fireworks extravaganzas in Metro Atlanta. Each year on July 4th, live music and fireworks take place at Cauble Park. Live music will start at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. (subject to change depending on weather). Admission to the event and concert is free!

A BRAVES FAN’S OASIS

Bryan Ballas, a Columbus native and avid Braves fan, moved to The Battery in December 2022. He wanted to buy season tickets without having to rideshare home after every ballgame. Another charming aspect, he said, was rent at Cortland was well-within his budget.

“Pretty much everything I need is within a mile of my apartment, so living here is just super convenient,” Ballas, 24, said. “I really don’t have to drive too much. If I want a quick snack, I just walk downstairs. Plus, where I live, I’m close enough to the park, but also not in the thick of it, so it’s not too loud.”

Though Ballas’ plans look different each week, he said they share a few common elements. If it’s baseball season and the Braves are home, Ballas will head downstairs and take a swift stroll to Truist Park, which is only 800 feet away from his apartment. If the Braves are away, he’ll set up shop with friends at Live! at The Battery, which is home to two popular entertainment hubs, PBR Atlanta and Sports & Social. Other days, Ballas will catch some rays at Cortland’s resort-style pool, grab a bite at one of the chef-driven restaurants or check out the latest offerings at Sitka, a new outerwear store that offers a wide array of hunting and outdoor gear.

“I think it’s a common misconception that only Braves fans live here — in my opinion, there’s a good mix of people living in The Battery because there’s just so much to do,” he said. “I know people that work some of the headquarters in the Battery, some who moved here for the Braves and others who wanted to live in the city, but not be downtown, downtown.”

Meanwhile, Lexie Quinton, a Dalton native and former Sandy Springs resident, moved to Battery in October 2023 to live in the heart of Braves Country and have an easier commute to work.

“I’m a huge Braves fan and so is my family,” she said. “Of course, nothing beats watching the Braves in the stadium, but The Battery is just a great atmosphere, even if you’re not going to a game. It’s almost impossible to get bored here.”

‘DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD’

While Battery life has its perks, residents say there are some drawbacks to calling the district home. For Brown and Mallas, who have spent the duration of their 20s living in vibrant community hubs, the hustle and bustle is starting to get old.

“Zane and I are in the phase of life right now where we’re sort of ready to settle down into a quiet house,” Brown explained. “It’s a double-edged sword because you get the bustle when you want it, but it’s also there when you’re trying to relax.”

Traffic in the district is another common factor expressed among Battery residents.

“Traffic, obviously, really depends on the day and if (the Braves) are home or away,” Ballas said. “If you’re trying to leave the Battery on a weekday after a game, you’re looking at around 20 minutes. Now if it’s a weekend game, don’t even try.”

“If there’s a game, I can expect to wait 45 minutes to an hour after I arrive at Cumberland Boulevard just to get home,” Marley said. “Then if we ever want to have friends over and realize there’s a game, we say ‘Well, guess we can’t have friends over.’”

For Quinton, she says the only caveat of living at The Battery is the lack of guest parking, particularly when there’s home games or concerts at Coca-Cola Roxy.

“Guest parking is really the only downside I can think of,” Quinton said. “But other than that, I love it here and definitely plan to stay a while.”

When Batterygoer Lexie Quinton is craving a sweet treat, she says she goes to Jeni’s Splendid Icecream, which is conveniently located across the street from her apartment.

Photo by Skyler Heath

Battery residents and couple Zane Malas and Marley Brown unwind after a long day with brews in hand as their dog, Stew, attempts to snag a taste and join the fun.

Photography by Robin Rayne

is home to a slate of culinary, entertainment and beverage offerings, including ASW Distillery, which boasts a fullservice tasting room and outdoor patio with signature spirits and cocktails available, a private event space and its vodka/gin still.

3.. Farmers Market: On select Sundays all summer, The Battery Atlanta hosts a farmers market on the Plaza Green, with local vendors offering prepared foods, farm-fresh produce, artisanal bread and baked goods, wellness products and more. 2024 farmers market dates are June 9 and 23, July 14 and 28, Aug. 11 and 18 and Sept. 22.

1. Yoga presented by Kaiser Permanente: Battery residents and visitors alike can start off the week stress-free with a free, hour-long yoga class every Monday evening on the Plaza Green through Sept. 9.

2, ASW Distillery: The Battery Atlanta

Photos courtesy of The Battery Atlanta

1. SITKA Gear - The world’s most advanced technical apparel for Big Game, Whitetail and Waterfowl hunting. Photo from Facebook.com/sitkagear

2. Muse Paintbar, which recently opened in The Battery Atlanta, offers a paint-and-sip experience for all ages and skill levels.

3. Battle & Brew boasts 40 gaming stations, 55 TVs, a PC battle arena and several immersive gaming lounges for large groups and private parties.

Photos courtesy of The Battery Atlanta.

The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park is constantly evolving, with new businesses, entertainment spots and eateries joining its lineup every year, and 2024 is no exception. Here are some new additions to The Battery Atlanta for the 2024 season, provided by Battery officials:

SITKA Gear

an industry leader in technical hunting and outdoor gear, opened at 455 Legends Place Suite 850. sitkagear.com

Sandbox VR

a virtual reality gaming experience, opened at 925 Battery Ave. SE Suite 1170, where players step into virtual worlds and become the heroes of their own adventures. sandboxvr.com/atlanta

Battle & Brew

a new gamer bar and restaurant concept, opened at 925 Battery Ave. SE Suite 1125. battleandbrewbattery.com

Muse Paintbar

a paint-and-sip experience, is set to open in May on Heritage Court next to Lush Nail Bar. musepaintbar.com

Cultivate Food + Coffee

a modern eatery and coffee shop, opened in May in a 5,432 square-foot space below OrthoAtlanta. Foodies can expect dietary-friendly choices, including vegan and gluten-free options, along with a dinner menu, full bar tag-lined “Cocktails and Kindness” and Halal items throughout their menu.

cultivating.co

Good Game

powered by Topgolf Swing Suites, now features The Cutwater Cocktail Bar, a new walk-up bar along Battery Walk. The bar will showcase the entire range of Cutwater’s ready-to-drink canned cocktails and specialty cocktails crafted using Cutwater’s spirits. goodgameatl.com

summer’s brewing

Hopping around Cobb County’s brewery scene

WRITTEN BY JON STYF

It’s summer, which means now’s a great time to head to a local brewery, sip on a unique brew and relax.

Local breweries are the closest you can get to buying your merchandise at the source, since taprooms started being able to sell their own brews up to 3,000 barrels a year with the passage of Senate Bill 85 in 2017. Luckily in Cobb

County, with an impressive lineup of more than 15 independent brewing companies, there’s no shortage of suds to be sipped this summer.

“Making the beer and selling it direct is really the best business model,” said Joe Uhl, owner of Kennesaw’s Horned Owl Brewery.

Here’s a look at a few of Cobb County’s unique breweries, in no particular order.

Horned Owl Brewery

Horned Owl Brewery

2765 South Main St. Kennesaw, GA 30144

Owner: Joe Uhl

Brewmaster: Eric Geralds

Opened: November 2020

Website: hornedowlbrewing.com

Contact: 678-354-5005, info@hornedowlbrewing.com

Must Try: Raptor (West Coast IPA), Owlet (Hefeweizen), Mango Feathers (New England IPA), Cover of Night (Schwarzbier).

Food: The HOB Eats menu includes hot dogs, pretzels, flatbreads, tots and buffalo chicken dip.

Must see: Monthly themed trivia, music bingo Thursdays, live music Fridays.

You might see a Kennesaw brewery with an owl logo and think it’s a wink and a nod to the Kennesaw State Owls. But you’d be off because Horned Owl Brewing gets its name from the German translation of owner Joe Uhl’s last name which, you guessed it, means owl.

Uhl was a long-time business professional who owned several Cinnabons before working on the corporate end for Beef O’ Brady’s. Meanwhile, he spent several years looking for the right area for a local brewery, coming close to a deal on Marietta Square, in Smyrna or in Roswell or Alpharetta.

You probably have seen Horned Owl rocking on the Fourth of July or at Big Shanty Fest, but the tough part is drawing in customers when there aren’t big happenings in downtown Kennesaw, which sees a lot less foot traffic than the Marietta Square.

Late 2022 and 2023 were hard times for the business, but Uhl gave adding some food options and buying the building next door for an event space a try. Those choices paid dividends immediately and Horned Owl has only gotten better.

“We made a simple concept and then, immediately, went from being down a whole bunch (all of 2023) to putting food in October to being up a bunch and we’ve been up since,” Uhl said. “It’s kept us open.”

Watch the event calendar for monthly themed trivia. The December Christmas Vacation night was a hoot (get it?).

Brewmaster Eric Geralds keeps bringing the Horned Owl favorites you know, but don’t be afraid to try something different — like the Cover of Night Schwarzbier that might be outside your comfort zone.

Patrons enjoy a Mango Feathers (New England IPA) and a Talon (Seltzer with Cherry) at Horned Owl Brewing in Kennesaw.

1. Owl Brewing’s HOB Eats serves a hot dog loaded with chips for $11.99.

2. Picnic tables adorn the front of Horned Owl Brewing in Kennesaw.

3. Horned Owl Brewing’s Raptor West Coach IPA is one of the brewery’s most popular brews.

4. Horned Owl Brewing’s Cover of Night (Schwarzbier - Black Lager) is a unique favorite at the brewery.

5. Mango Feathers New England IPA is also available in cans at Horned Owl Brewing.

6. Horned Owl Brewing has dart boards and an event space.

Frog Rock Brewery

FROG ROCK BREWERY

2764 Broad St. Austell, GA 30106

Co-Founder: Andrew Lundstrom

Head Brewer/Co-Founder: Ryan Hall

Opened: August 2023

Website: frogrockbrewingco.com

Contact: info@frogrockbrewingco.com

Must Try: Austell La Vista (Mexican Lager), Chronic Happiness (West Coast IPA)

Food: Food trucks on weekends, Mexico Lindo (free delivery)

Must see: The .25-acre lot outside features bocce ball, a fire pit and regular Saturday concerts along with a five-part summer concert series.

Frog Rock Brewery offers 16 different varieties of uniquely Happy Beer, brewed fresh with Lithia Spring Mineral Water.

The founders of Frog Rock Brewery are looking to bring a little fun and happiness to downtown Austell while touching on the area’s history.

Lithia Springs was once known for, you guessed it, the spring. It was first a Native American sacred medicinal spring and in the 1890s, it became a fashionable place to stay on the train line to Atlanta at the Sweetwater Park Hotel. Presidents, Mark Twain and the Vanderbilts allegedly stayed at the hotel.

But it burnt down in 1912, was never rebuilt, and the source of the town’s name became an afterthought. Frog Rock Brewery takes its name for the effigy near the spring where the brewery gets its source water.

Why does that matter? Because the water has lithium, sulfates and minerals that other beers don’t have, leading the founders to call it Atlanta’s healthiest beer (they made a fun YouTube video about it).

Frog Rock is a gathering spot, with Saturday concerts on the outdoor stage, and its founders are working with companies like Greystar (Elan Brookwood and Elan Sweetwater Creek) attempting to create a family-friendly environment and encourage more restaurants and businesses to join them in pumping life into downtown Austell.

“We’re trying to bring all of that back to life and bring downtown Austell back to life,” said head brewer Ryan Hall. “It’s one of the last untouched train towns in Cobb County.”

The beers have fun, often amphibian-themed names like Pursuit of Happiness, Frogtality, Fortune Farmhouse, Smiling Turtle Cream ale, Fightin’ Frogs, Double Banjo DDH IPA and Fountain of Youth.

It started with an idea from co-founder Andrew Lundstrom and, when they started brewing in April 2023, it was clear they were onto something.

“It turned out to make a really good beer and added a lot of unique character to the beer,” Hall said.

That’s why I’m proud to be here to help life go right™ – and to support Cobb County. If there’s anything you need, call me.

The interior of Frog Rock’s taproom.

Frog Rock’s taproom overlooks the most active train track in the Southeast.

Frog Rock’s .25-acre Beer Garden offers ample room for the whole family to relax.

Ironmonger Brewing

Ironmonger Brewing

2129 Northwest Parkway

Suite 105, Marietta, GA 30067

President: Joe Schaar

Opened: 2016, expansion after ownership change in 2019

Website: ironmongerbrewing.com

Contact: 678-742-8551

Must Try: Billet Blood Orange Ale, Leeroy Jenkins, Toasty Marshmallow Winter Stout

Must see: Ax-throwing, including glow throw on Fridays and all-you-can-throw on Tuesdays

Ax-throwing and beers, what could go wrong?

The reality is, Ironmonger president Joe Schaar says the brewery has never had an incident. The unique 17,000-square-foot Marietta space, which started as a warehouse and sold wholesale beer, has evolved into a larger event and ax-throwing space with 20 targets, where people rent a lane for an hourly rate, get a coach to help them out on technique and ensure safety, and have a loads of fun.

Schaar said that axe-throwing is a learnable skill, his 83-year-old motherin-law recently learned, and to him it’s more like a fly-fishing motion than throwing darts.

“We have done leagues in the past and the accuracy of some of these people is

insane,” Schaar said.

Schaar, who is a degreed brewmaster from Chicago’s Siebel Institute, opened several breweries before Ironmonger and considers the operation “kind of old school” in its brewing philosophies to creatively fill the brewery’s 18 taps.

IPAs remain the most popular beers at Ironmonger, but Schaar highlighted Ironmonger’s Leeroy Jenkins dry brown ale and the Billet Blood Orange Ale, which uses a fresh blood orange puree brought in from Oregon, as examples of the brewery’s philosophy.

“It brings a wonderful effervescence to the beer,” Schaar said. “Most people think the bitterness in the beer comes from the hops but, in this particular case, a large portion of the bitterness comes from the bitter taste of the blood orange puree.”

Drinking beer and throwing an ax are two American pastimes that can be done simultaneously at Ironmonger Brewing and Distilling.

The brewing and distilling company, nestled on Northwest Parkway in Marietta, boasts a wide array of 18 craft beers on tap, from seasonal IPAs and seltzers to winter stouts with marshmallow flavor profiles.

IPA: Bitter beer made extra strong and hoppy and often containing powerful and fruity flavors.

STOUT: Heavy and strongly-flavored dark beers, with imperial styles often carrying higher ABV and named for the old Russian Empire.

PILSNER: Light-colored, crisp lager invented in 19th-century Europe that quenches thirst while being noticeably hoppy and pale gold in color.

AMBER LAGER: Made with malted barley that’s been toasted, can taste light and crisp, but contains caramel, toffee and toast aroma.

PORTER: Beer with a thicker body and silky mouth feel that can also add nutty and earthy flavors.

Source: The Beer Store, thebeerstore.ca/ articles/beer-types-and-styles

Ironmonger’s Billet Blood Orange Ale is a popular summer hit not only among Cobb Countians, but also

Ironmonger staff Gabriel, Amber, Christina,Jessica and Stephen raise their pints and toast to brews.

PAGE WATTS

Seasoned travel writer and Atlanta local Paige Watts has spent a decade writing about all things travel. She chronicles her journeys on her blog, paigemindsthegap.com, where she highlights the joys of visiting Southern destinations. In addition to her blog, Paige has written for a number of online and print publications, including The Culture Trip, Matador Network, Epicure & Culture, MSN, and Travel The South. She received a double Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Evansville in creative writing and literature, with a minor in international studies.

CL: How did the idea for “What’s With Atlanta?” come about?

PW: I started my travel blog, PaigeMindsTheGap. com, in 2013 when I first studied abroad in college, and over the years it has developed from a simple travel diary to a website full of helpful tips and itineraries for destinations all around the world.

When I moved to Atlanta in 2016, I naturally started to focus heavily on Atlanta content and things to do near the city and around Georgia. I’ve always wanted to write a book, so writing about Atlanta and all I’ve learned since moving here just seemed like a logical next step. Plus, I’ve had this buildup of random facts about Atlanta that never made it into blog posts, and I really needed an outlet for them.

I contacted Reedy Press because I love their local interest books. They had a few titles they were considering for Atlanta, one of which was “What’s With Atlanta?” I love the “What’s With” concept because it’s like a book of trivia, perfect for all the little tidbits that have been living rent free in my head since moving here. And a book full of trivia is perfect for people who have moved to Atlanta, like myself, or for locals who have lived here their whole lives. It’s just as useful even if you’re only visiting.

CL: What separates this book from other pieces you’ve written? What connects it?

PW: I get to go into a lot more history in this book than I typically do writing for my blog. With a blog post, people usually want to see just the highlights of what to see or do in Atlanta, what’s worth their time and what’s not. That doesn’t give me a lot of space to go into some of the more fun, random facts. With this book, I can get more

in-depth with the facts, figures, and the stories of Atlanta’s famous places. In the book, I can recommend Mary Mac’s Tea Room and also get into the history of tea rooms and female-owned restaurants in Atlanta in the 1940s.

But the book isn’t a heavy read by any means. Even though it has a lot of history, the entries are still quick and easy to digest. And you’ll be a pro at any Atlanta-themed trivia event!

CL: What can readers expect from your book?

PW: Readers can expect answers to all their questions about why Atlanta is the way that it is. Why are there so many streets named Peachtree, why is Atlanta traffic so bad, how did the Braves end up here, what ever happened to Underground Atlanta, why did someone build the Big Chicken?

I tried to cover a little bit of everything, though I’m still filing away new questions every once in a while for a volume two! The book covers transportation, with topics like the traffic, Peachtree Street, and what ITP and OTP mean. There’s a section on one-of-a-kind Atlanta treasures where I touch on the big attractions in Atlanta like the Georgia Aquarium and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Park. I cover festivals and events from Music Midtown to the Peachtree Road Race. The book touches on the weather, Atlanta’s architecture, acceptable nicknames, and famous foods and restaurants. There’s a section for sports with plenty about the Braves. I cover important historical events from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement to the Olympics, and I talk about famous Atlanta people from MLK to Margaret Mitchell to Tyler Perry.

CL: How does inspiration strike you?

PW: As a travel blogger, I like to give people the same travel tips I would find useful. I find inspi -

ration in the places I visit, the questions I have when planning a trip, or the issues I run into as I travel. I try to answer common questions, anything I see people having trouble with navigating a certain destination. I find inspiration in my own research and in the questions my friends and family ask me. Sometimes I’m like their own personal travel advisor! But that gives me a good jumping-off point for what answers people are looking for when they travel.

CL: Do you have any rituals/best practices for writing?

PW: I typically need to be in my own space in order to write. I have my desk set up just so, and if I try to write anywhere outside of my own space, I feel stunted and unfocused. I find I have to start out with a little organization first before I can let the creativity really come as it may. I make my headings or my titles first, get a bit of an outline going, and then let the rest come out naturally. Since I write mainly about destinations I’ve actually visited, I find that once I start writing, the words flow by themselves because I’m just recounting my experience and recalling the tips that I thought were most helpful.

Even with writing about places in Atlanta that I haven’t yet been, I found that I’m familiar enough with the city that once I did all the research and got myself a nice heading written, I knew exactly how I wanted the section to flow and the writing came easier. Sometimes it’s just getting started that’s the hardest part.

CL: What advice can you share with other local aspiring authors?

PW: Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Try to find other like-minded people who you can ask questions and share your wins with. It’s helpful

to have a community to support you through the book writing, publishing and marketing processes.

I also recommend having someone who is not a writer read your drafts. It’s great to have a writers’ group who can critique your work, but I think it’s just as valuable to have someone with no knowledge of the editing and publishing world read your draft. They’re going to be more like your average reader, so they can give you that fresh perspective.

CL: How has your environment influenced your work?

PW: Living in Atlanta always keeps me with something to write about. Atlanta is such a great city, and there are so many diverse people, lots of festivals and tons of interesting events going on that I get so many ideas for new things to write about every day. With so many places within a short distance around Atlanta to explore, I’ll always have plenty more to discover. Having traveled so extensively, I can also see what sets Atlanta apart from other cities, and what’s not so different from everywhere else. When you get into some of the things that Atlanta has, like a really large urban tree canopy or a puppetry museum or the headquarters for the CDC, it’s like “yeah, I didn’t expect that, what is up with that?”

CL: What’s your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite?

PW: My favorite part of travel writing is helping people. I know for many, trying to plan a trip can be very daunting or overwhelming. And especially lately, there’s so much information out there that’s not even written by a real person or by someone who knows the area, and the information is wrong or outdated.

So I want to be the person you can go to for actual help planning a vacation. You don’t have to go through all the work of researching and planning a destination because I’ve already done it for you, and here’s an itinerary that’s actually feasible because I did it myself. I like being the friend you can go to for travel advice.

CL: Who are you currently reading?

PW: I’m currently trying to read through all the classic “Nancy Drew” books, the first 100. And I love collecting older formats of the books, so I’m also trying to find the first 34 books with the original text and read those alongside the revised text that’s published today. Those stories do get a little repetitive, so I take a lot of breaks. In between “Nancy Drew,” I’ve been reading the “Outlander” series and whatever other random books I’ve picked up from a library book sale or thrift store.

CL: Why did you start writing? What made you take the plunge?

PW: I’ve always written. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. I remember writing a story in second grade about an astronaut bear, the first bear in space. I wrote short stories in eighth grade that my friends added to their reading tracking sheets for English class. I won short story awards in high school and majored in creative writing in college. When I studied abroad, it only made sense for me to document every step in a blog. So when I realized I could actually turn my blog into a business, it was life changing.

CL: What/who is your favorite book/author of all time? Why?

PW: I don’t really have any favorites. I like reading so many different books, and I’d rather read something new than read something again. I like the thrill of a new story. I like Shakespeare and Poe as much as I like a steamy vampire romance or a cheesy Nancy Drew mystery. If it’s a good read, it’s good enough for me!

CL: What makes your work stand out from other authors in the same genre?

PW: I feel like other Atlanta history books can get really heavy with the facts, but I tried keep my tidbits light and fun to keep readers from feeling bogged down. Each section is short and digestible. I’ve had people tell me that they like being able to read a section or two before bed and not feel overwhelmed with information but still feel like they learned something new. I’m also writing from a perspective of someone who has moved to the city, so I’ve been here a long time but I’m not a native. This has helped me bridge the gap between the things that newcomers to the city might want to know and what locals may have taken for granted. I’ve had Atlanta natives tell me they didn’t expect to learn anything new, and then they did, so I call that a success!

Turn Right at The Big Chicken

Marietta’s favorite roadside landmark

A 56-foot-tall steel-sided red chicken, with eyes and beak that move, stands on the corner of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road in Marietta. It has long been beloved by Marietta residents, with locals using the landmark for directions– “turn right at The Big Chicken.”

The Big Chicken was built in 1963 for a restaurant called Johnny Reb’s Chick-Chuck-‘N’-Shake. At the time, this part of Cobb Parkway was a newly constructed stretch, and restaurant owner S.R. “Tubby” Davis wanted to take advantage of his prime location with an eye-catching method of advertising. The building was designed by Georgia Tech architectural student Hubert Puckett. Not long after, Davis sold the restaurant to his brother who turned it into a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise.

KFC has kept the chicken façade, though inside it’s just a regular KFC where you can get all your Kentucky-fried favorites. A newspaper clipping displayed inside the restaurant reports that Colonel Sanders himself wanted the building torn down, but relented after learning that this location was the busiest KFC in the world.

After incurring storm damage and years of wear and tear in 1993, KFC considered tearing down the structure, but public outcry saved the chicken—including complaints from pilots who used the building as a reference point when landing. In 2017, The Big Chicken underwent a $2 million renovation, giving the façade a fresh coat of paint, updating the restaurant to KFC’s newest design, and incorporating a small gift shop where you can buy Big Chicken paraphernalia from socks to ornaments.

2024WINNER

COBB EATS’ DINING DEETS

compiled by skyler heath

From Nashville hot chicken and allday brunch to new — and returning — coffee joints, Cobb County has added several new eateries to its bustling dining scene just in time for summer. Check out the latest restaurant news below and get to eatin’!

Restaurateur Willy Bitter opened Howlin’ Willy’s Hot Chicken April 9 in the same shopping center as the east Cobb location of his popular fast food Mexican restaurant, Willy’s Mexicana Grill.

The east Cobb Howlin’ Willy’s, the restaurant’s fourth location in metro Atlanta, is the first standalone restaurant. The other three locations are situated within Willy’s Mexicana Grill outposts.

The restaurant serves fresh tenders and wings, and its menu includes a classic chicken sandwich, a chicken tender salad, sides such as fries covered in bacon bits and melted cheese, mac-and-cheese made inhouse, baked beans and coleslaw.

Alabama native Chris Foster has opened Phyllis Brunch in February on Cherokee Street, across from

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Foodies can expect a wide array of allday brunch, lunch and early dinner, with recipes from his mother, Phyllis Pressley. Whether you’re looking for Southern staples or a more refined take on brunch classics, everything —

down to the orange juice in your glass — is fresh, with no frozen ingredients and not even a microwave in the building.

Canton Road in Marietta is running on Dunkin’ Donuts — again. The Dunkin’ restaurant at 2885 Canton Road north of Piedmont

Howlin’ Willy’s Hot Chicken opened April 9 in east Cobb, featuring fresh tenders and wings, a classic chicken sandwich, chicken tender salad and sides, including fries covered in bacon bits and melted cheese and mac-and-cheese.

Chris Foster opened Phyllis in February, bringing his mother’s home cooking to Marietta. Here, he carries the shrimp skillet, which has sautéed peppers, red potatoes and chicken sausage covered in a Creole sauce.

The Dunkin’ at 2885 Canton Road reopened after a remodeling in April.

COBB EATS’ DINING DEETS

Road reopened in April after a remodeling. The remodeled Dunkin’ allows customers to order ahead on the Dunkin’ mobile app and pick up their orders in a mobile order pick-up area, allowing customers to get in and out faster.

restaurants across Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

Popular fast-food chain

Caribou Coffee has opened by Kennesaw State University’s main campus, its seventh location in metro Atlanta. The coffee house, at 3280 Barrett Lakes Blvd. in Kennesaw, opened March 20 in a space formerly held by a Burger King. The Kennesaw location is the second Caribou Coffee to open in the metro Atlanta this year, following a location in Milton that opened in January. Hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

People craving a sub sandwich have a new option in Powder Springs. Jersey Mike’s Subs, at 3721 New Macland Road, opened April 3 in the Publix shopping center. The new location is operated by Kalo Companies, a Tallahassee, Floridabased business that runs 64 other

Whataburger, which has a growing presence in Cobb, is now seeking a fifth location in the county at the site of the former O’Charley’s on

Sandy Plains and Shallowford Roads in Marietta. The other Whataburger locations in Cobb include two in Kennesaw, one on Cobb Parkway near Akers Mill Road and another the Acworth City Council recently approved, but has yet to be built.

Vehicles wait around the front of the new Caribou Coffee location at 3280 Barrett Lakes Blvd. NW in Kennesaw for their drive-thru orders.

A new Jersey Mike’s Subs, the ninth in metro Atlanta, opened April 3 in Powder Springs.

The site of the closed O’Charley’s at Sandy Plains and Shallowford roads, where Whataburger is asking for approval to build a new location — its fifth planned for Cobb — that includes a twolane drive-thru.

COBB EATS’ DINING DEETS

2400 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna 30080 Close to Cumberland Mall, Truist Park, and right off of I-75 470-308-3333 www.chowkingcobb.com

Come sample our Japanese sushi, Hibachi, and a variety of salads. With 250 items, we have a great selection of both Chinese & American food.

Taste of Marietta brings fun and flavor to Marietta Square

The spirits were flowing, the grills were fired up and the weather was picturesque as tens of thousands milled about Marietta Square on Sunday for Taste of Marietta.

The festival, presented by Superior Plumbing, offered local favorites like Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q, Piastra, Mac’s Chophouse and L on North, to name a few.

There were also food trucks offering twists on street food, from egg rolls to corn dogs.

For those wanting a taste of traditional carnival fare, they were not disappointed. Turkey legs, funnel cakes and fresh lemonade were spotted all over the Square.

Taste of Marietta is much more than just food, though, offering live entertainment, the Kid’s Alley and a vast array of nonfood vendors.

Admission to the festival, held annually in downtown Marietta on the last Sunday in April, is free, though food and drinks ranged in price from $2-$9.

Organizers said the crowd for the festival usually reaches about 35,000, and that was to be expected this year as well.

Several attendees were excited to try out new dishes they had not yet encountered.

Mariah Johnson got the sampler from Carbart’s K-Dogs, a Korean corn dog food truck dishing out mozzarella cheesestuffed dogs and traditional beef hot dogs fried in their secret batter and coated with panko, potato or a special Hot Cheetos option.

Carbart’s had a line crossing the entirety of East Park Square throughout the day.

Another popular spot was EggRoll Boyz, just across from the Korean corn dog spot, which offered specialty egg rolls. The jerk chicken iteration was a hit among those rolling with EggRoll Boyz on Sunday.

Faith Jones told the MDJ she had been to Taste of Marietta years ago, but that she had not made it back to the festival since before the COVID-19 pandemic — until Sunday.

She had just stopped at Gaston Street Eats Food Truck, which offered unique twists on Southern cuisine with inspirations from New Orleans, Atlanta, Savannah and Memphis.

Jones went with the “The Coastal,” a deconstructed shrimp boil with shrimp, andouille sausage, red potatoes and lemons alongside grit cakes.

Other popular dishes from Gaston included the “Granny’s Hangover Cure,” a fried mac-and-cheese ball over pulled pork with barbecue sauce and fried onions, and the food truck’s take on chicken and waffles.

“What better way to spend the day out enjoying life in good weather, than to be out here at the Taste of Marietta,” Jones said.

Faith Jones enjoying Taste of Marietta April 28.

Festivalgoers mill along West Park Square to partake in the numerous booths and culinary options as part of this year’s Taste of Marietta.

June/July

Inside Out 2

In theaters June 14

An all-new adventure inside the head of now-teenager Riley—who may or may not be feeling all kinds of new Emotions.

Janet Planet

In theaters June 21

In rural Western Massachusetts, 11-year-old Lacy spends the summer of 1991 at home, enthralled by her own imagination and the attention of her mother, Janet. As the months pass, three visitors enter their orbit, all captivated by Janet and her spellbinding nature. In her solitary moments, Lacy inhabits an inner world so extraordinarily detailed that it begins to seep into the outside world.

Daddio

In theaters June 28

New York City. JFK Airport. A young woman jumps into the backseat of a yellow taxi, the cabbie throws the vehicle into drive as the two head out into the night toward Manhattan, striking up the most unexpected conversation resulting in a single, epic remarkable journey.

Despicable Me 4

In Theaters July 3

The fourth installment in the popular “Despicable Me” franchise.

Twisters

In Theaters July 19

Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi (Golden Globe nominee Anthony Ramos, In the Heights) to test a groundbreaking new tracking system.

There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his stormchasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better. As storm season intensifies, terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed, and Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives.

June/July

Deadpool & Wolverine

In theaters July 26

The third installment of the famed mercenary

The Acolyte

Streaming on Disney+ June 4

An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master against a dangerous warrior from his past. As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems…

Under Paris

Streaming on Netflix June 5

Sophia, a brilliant scientist, comes to know that a large shark is swimming deep in the river.

Fancy

Dance

Streaming on Apple TV+ June 28

At the risk of losing custody to Jax’s father, Frank (Shea Whigham), the pair hit the road and scour the backcountry to track down Roki’s mother in time for the powwow. What begins as a search gradually turns into a far deeper investigation into the complexities and contradictions of Indigenous women moving through a colonized world at the mercy of a failed justice system.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Streaming on Netflix July 3

Detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back on the beat in Beverly Hills. After his daughter’s life is threatened, she (Taylour Paige) and Foley team up with a new partner (Joseph GordonLevitt) and old pals Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) to turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy.

Skywalkers: A Love Story

Streaming on Netflix July 10

To save their career and relationship, a daredevil couple journey across the globe to climb the world’s last super skyscraper and perform a bold acrobatic stunt on the spire.

Descendants: Rise of the Red

Streaming on Disney+ July 12

The “Descendants” movies unfurled an imaginative mythology of two new lands, idyllic Auradon and the ragtag Isle of the Lost, home to the teenage progeny of Disney’s most iconic characters and notably, its most notorious villains. The bold new story of “Descendants: The Rise of Red“ returns to these lands and also takes audiences through the rabbit hole to the hostile, unincorporated territory of Wonderland, a magical, mysterious place made famous in “Alice in Wonderland.”

The expansive new story finds polar opposites Red and Chloe crossing paths at a momentous celebration in Auradon when unexpected chaos breaks out. In order to prevent an impending coup, they must join forces to travel back in time, via a magical pocket watch created by the Mad Hatter’s son, to stop an event that would lead to grave consequences.

June/July RELEASES

Not in Love

By Ali Hazelwood

Releases June 11

Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought — until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down.

Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through - and he’s a man who gets what he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can’t stop thinking about. The woman who’s off-limits to him.

Crossroads

By Devney Perry

Releases June 4

A sweeping small-town romance about love, loss and a Montana legacy.

The Summer Escape

By Jill Shalvis

Releases June 11

Anna Moore didn’t just wake up one day and decide to go on a wild quest — especially since her life no longer lends itself to wild anything — so how in the world does she end up racing against the clock with Owen Harris, a sexy, enigmatic adventurist, to prove her beloved dad innocent of stealing a million-dollar necklace?

It’s all Wendy’s fault. Her older, bossy sister, who’s seven months pregnant and on bed rest in their small Lake Tahoe hometown, is desperate to clear their dad’s name. Owen though is convinced he’s guilty as hell and wants to return the jewelry back to its rightful owner—his elderly great aunt. Together they go on a scavenger hunt for clues to the past.

On opposing sides and suspicious of each other as they are, Anna and

Owen still can’t deny the inexplicable and explosive chemistry between them on this heart-stopping adventure, the outcome of which will prove the necklace isn’t the only thing stolen — their hearts have been as well.

Reckless

By Lauren Roberts

Releases July 4

The second heart-racing installment in this bestselling and sizzling fantasy romance trilogy. Perfect for fans of Red Queen and The Hunger Games.

The kingdom of Ilya is in turmoil…

After surviving the Purging Trials, Ordinary-born Paedyn Gray has killed the King, and kickstarted a Resistance throughout the land. Now she’s running from the one person she had wanted to run to.

Kai Azer is now Ilya’s Enforcer, loyal to his brother Kitt, the new King. He has vowed to find Paedyn and bring her to justice.

Across the deadly Scorches, and deep into the hostile city of Dor, Kai pursues the one person he wishes he didn’t have to. But in a city without Elites, the balance between the hunter and hunted shifts – and the battle between duty and desire is deadly.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

By Kimberly McCreight

Releases July 9

When Cleo, a student at NYU, arrives late for dinner at her childhood home in Brooklyn, she finds food burning in the oven and no sign of her mother, Kat. Then Cleo discovers her mom’s bloody shoe under the sofa. Something terrible has happened.

But what? The polar opposite of Cleo, whose “out of control” emotions and “unsafe” behavior have created a seemingly unbridgeable rift between mother and daughter, Kat is the essence of Park Slope perfection: a

happily married, successful corporate lawyer. Or so Cleo thinks.

The Briar Club

Kate Quinn

Releases July 9

Washington, D.C., 1950. Everyone keeps to themselves at Briarwood House, a down-at-the-heels all-female boardinghouse in the heart of the nation’s capital, where secrets hide behind white picket fences. But when the lovely, mysterious widow Grace March moves into the attic, she draws her oddball collection of neighbors into unlikely friendship: poised English beauty Fliss whose facade of perfect wife and mother covers gaping inner wounds; police officer’s daughter Nora, who is entangled with a shadowy gangster; frustrated baseball star Bea, whose career has ended along with the women’s baseball league of WWII; and poisonous, gung-ho Arlene, who has thrown herself into McCarthy’s Red Scare.

Grace’s weekly attic-room dinner parties and window-brewed sun tea become a healing balm on all their lives, but she hides a terrible secret of her own. When a shocking act of violence tears apart the house, the Briar Club women must decide once and for all: Who is the true enemy in their midst?

cobb life events

City of Austell Juneteenth Festival & Parade

Enjoy a Juneteenth festival and parade with the city of Austell on Saturday, June 15. The parade starts at 11:15 a.m. in downtown Austell and leads to Legion Park where the festival will last from noon to 7 p.m. Featuring live music, African drummers, stilt walkers, food vendors, story tellers, African dancers, face painting, arts & crafts and more, this celebration will be a blast for the whole family.

Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration

Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration will take place at Logan Farm Park on Saturday, June 15. The event opens at 5 p.m. with live music taking place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. The city of Acworth invites the whole community to bring blankets and folding chairs and join this celebration of freedom and respect for all cultures.

Food Truck Tuesdays

Enjoy Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays every Tuesday from May 7 through Sept. 24 (no event on July 4 or Sept. 6) at Taylor-Brawner Park from 5 to 9 p.m. This event is one of the best food truck event series around! Enjoy the offerings from a weekly gathering of quality mobile gourmet trucks and a bit of sweet mixed in and music, too. An assortment of fabulous food trucks will gather in the lower parking spaces adjacent to the playground and mini amphitheater at Taylor-Brawner Park beginning at 5 p.m. for your enjoyment. Taylor-Brawner Park is at 3180 Atlanta Road in Smyrna.

Summer Downtown Car Cruise

On Saturday, June 29, Acworth will host a Classic Car Cruise in Downtown Acworth. The event will be held from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at Logan Farm Park (4405 Cherokee St.). The Lake City Cruisers partner with the city and the downtown Acworth merchants to hold these Classic Car Cruises. The event is free to the public. A $5 entry fee is requested for all vehicles in the cruise. All proceeds go to the Horizon Field, an all-inclusive special needs sports facility in Acworth.

Cavetown & Mother Mother

English pop artist Cavetown & Canadian indie rock band Mother Mother are coming to Coca-Cola Roxy on Sunday, June 30. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $64 plus applicable fees.

cobb life events

The Strand presents:

‘Mamma Mia!’ And Margaritas Get ready to party it up with a margarita in one hand and your flashiest boa in the other with a showing of ‘Mamma Mia!’ at the Strand Theatre July 7 at 8 p.m. and ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ July 8 at 3 p.m. The Strand will again have a margarita bar to complement this big-screen showing of the beloved musical franchise. Tickets are $15 plus applicable fees. Come early for a free organ pre-show on the Mighty Allen Theatre Organ starting a half hour before showtime.

Fourth in the Park Festival

Join the City of Marietta for its 4th in the Park celebration Thursday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and includes a parade, free live concerts, arts and crafts show, food, carnival games and fireworks finale.

July 4th Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia

If there was ever a time to celebrate the thrill of freedom, this is it! Six Flags July 4th Fest, a top-down, bring-on-the-thrills, lightup-the-sky celebration of summer’s biggest holiday. Say ‘Happy Birthday America’ with screamin’ rides and spectacular fireworks at July 4th weekend at Six Flags Over Georgia!

Parks and Recreation Celebration

Join the City of Marietta for its annual Parks and Recreation Celebration July 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Glover Park in the Historic Marietta Square. The National Recreation and Parks Association promotes this month annually with a different theme relating to the positive impact made by parks professionals. This year the theme is “Where you belong.”

Southern-Fried Gaming Expo

The Southern-Fried Gaming Expo is a three-day, annual fan convention focused exclusively on gaming at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel and Cobb Galleria Convention Center. The familyfriendly expo boasts over 300 full-sized arcade games, pinball machines and console systems, along with tabletop gaming, vendors, wrestling, tournaments and more. The expo kicks off July 19 from 3 p.m. to midnight, following July 20 from 10 a.m. to midnight, and ending July 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Marietta’s

COBB SCENE Cobb Law Day Awards Luncheon 2024

Photography by CHANDLER BRIDGES

The Cobb Bar Association hosted its annual Law Day Awards luncheon April 26 at the Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta, recognizing the positive impact and outreach of its members and the public on the Cobb community.

1. Marietta police officer Paul Hill and K9 dog Barney, both of whom were awarded the Public Safety Officers of the Year award, pose for a photo with Judge Diana Simmons.

2. From left, Judge Henry Thompson and attorney Kim Frye.

3. From left, Carlos Rodriguez, Cindy Rodriguez and attorney Roger Rozen.

4. From left, former Juvenile Court Judge Jim Morris, Sue Strauss and attorney Charles Ford.

5. Retired State Court Judge Beverly Collins, attorney Tim Williams, attorney Patrick Longhi and retired District Attorney Pat Head.

6. Lawyers Joe Shelley and Ryan Patrick.

7. Cobb Assistant District Attorney Cindi Yeager and District Attorney Flynn Broady.

Eclipse creates community in Marietta

Photography by ANNIE MAYNE

The Great North American Eclipse sent swaths of America into midday darkness April 8, as the moon moved between the sun and the Earth. Cobb County saw somewhere between 81 and 86% of the eclipse’s totality, with the peak viewing time just after 3 p.m.

The last time Americans saw a solar eclipse was August 2017, and the continental U.S. won’t witness one again until 2044. The rare stellar show brought hundreds of residents to Switzer Library, where they watched in awe together.

1. Jordan Theaker helps his daughters Hallie (left) and Quinn see the solar eclipse at Switzer Library.

2. From left: Destiny Kosarick, Adam Kosarick and Claire Kosarick view April 8’s solar eclipse at Switzer Library.

3. Sisters Myalece (left) and Mia Perry view the solar eclipse at Switzer Library.

4. Chigoke Adoma views the solar eclipse April 8 at Switzer Library.

5. Marietta Councilman Johnny Walker shared this photo he took on Facebook, writing, “Not the Greatest but interesting to see the stars around this.” Special Photo: Johnny Walker.

6. Aubrielle Holmes views the solar eclipse at Switzer Library April 8.

2024 Taste of Mableton Parade

Photography by ANTHONY STALCUP

There was song, dance, food and plenty of festive attitude at the third annual Taste of Mableton, held April 20. Thousands filled the streets to watch the one-mile-long parade led by Mayor Michael Owens, who served as the event’s grand marshal. Owens led a cavalcade of hundreds, including the marching bands from South Cobb, Pebblebrook and Osborne high schools, and representatives of the Teótl Foundation, who wore traditional Mexican and South American garb while riding on horseback and dancing through the parade route.

1. The Pebblebrook High School Color Guard marches in Saturday’s Taste of Mableton parade.

2. The Osborne Marching Band performed at the Taste of Mableton parade Saturday morning.

3. Among those who took part in the Taste of Mableton parade were representatives of the Teótl Foundation, who wore traditional Mexican and South American garb while riding on horseback and dancing through the parade route.

Gala Raises Thousands for Cobb Veterans Memorial

Photography by ROBIN RAYNE

Hundreds gathered for the first “Building to Honor” Military Ball and Gala, hosted by the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation April 20 at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria. The black-tie affair raised money for the foundation’s three-pronged mission: building a memorial to honor Cobb’s veterans, educating children about the importance of the military and serving as a liaison between veterans and the resources that exist for them.

1. Vietnam War Army veteran Tom Wise and his wife Judy dance to 1940s-era tunes at the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation’s Military Ball and Gala at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest.

2. Judy Boyce, Linda Olatunde and Donna Kosicka hold baskets of poppies as the famed World War I poem “In Flanders Fields” is read to the crowd

Gala Raises Thousands for Cobb Veterans Memorial

Photography by ROBIN RAYNE

Hundreds gathered for the first “Building to Honor” Military Ball and Gala, hosted by the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation April 20 at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria. The black-tie affair raised money for the foundation’s three-pronged mission: building a memorial to honor Cobb’s veterans, educating children about the importance of the military and serving as a liaison between veterans and the resources that exist for them.

3. Retired Air Force Capt. Robert Groves toasts to the honor of veterans at the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation’s Military Ball and Gala at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest.

4. Gen. John Keane, U.S. Army, retired, was the keynote speaker at the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation’s Military Ball and Gala at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest.

5. World War II army veteran Charlie Duncan, 105, was among those present at the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation’s Military Ball and Gala at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest.

now & then

Six Flags Over Georgia delivering fun and thrills since 1967

If you live in metro Atlanta, it’s highly likely you’ve screamed your head off at Six Flags Over Georgia. The beloved theme park, founded on June 16, 1967 in Mableton, was the second Six Flags location to open its doors in the U.S., following the original Six Flags Over Texas, which opened in 1961. The park had 12 attractions, including the Log Jamboree, Jean Ribaut’s Adventure, the Six Flags Railroad and the park’s first roller coaster, the Dahlonega Mine Train, to name a few.

When the park opened in 1967, admission was just $3.95, according to MDJ archives. THEN PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MDJ, OLD MARIETTA FACEBOOK PAGE, DAVIS MCCOLLUM AND THE MARIETTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY.

The Great Gasp, a 225-foot-tall parachute drop ride, opened at Six Flags Over Georgia in 1976 and towered over the park until 2005 when it closed.

Parkgoers prepare to get soaked on the Log Jamboree.

The Dahlonega Mine Train, the park’s first rollercoaster, remains a huge draw to the park to this day.

The Great American Scream Machine is an iconic landmark of Six Flag Over Georgia, opening in 1973 as the largest roller coaster in the world. More than five decades – and several renovations later -- the Scream Machine remains a fixture of the Cobb-based theme park.

now & then

Six Flags Over Georgia delivering fun and thrills since 1967

Today, Six Flags Over Georgia is home to more than 45 rides and attractions, including 12 roller coasters, and a slate of food and beverage offerings, like Along the Rails Tavern, BoomTown Snacks, Daddy O’s BBQ, among others. Park admission is $79.99 at the gate.

NOW PHOTOS COURTESY OF COURTESY OF SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA.

The American Scream Machine, a classic wooden roller coaster, has been an instantly recognizable landmark for almost five decades of riders at Six Flags Over Georgia. It rolls out over 3,800 feet of track and climbs up climb up to 105 feet.

While most coasters start with a climbing hill, Dare Devil Dive pulls you straight up 95 feet of vertical track. You’ll then round the top of the spike and free-fall, all while curling back under the lift.

The Superman Ultimate Flight rollercoaster, which opened in 2002, doesn’t get its name for nothing — parkgoers enjoy the ride on their stomachs, getting to experience flying through the air just like Superman.

Among Six Flags Over Georgia’s impressive lineup of thrills, the theme park also boasts Hurricane Harbor, a water park that opened in 2014.

Goliath is the tallest roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, looming 200 feet above the ground and reaching speeds of up to 70 mph.