32 minute read
Georgia’s Fall Getaways
By Carol Wright
Where to Find Georgia’s Best Fall Colors
It’s one of the first things you hear newcomers to Atlanta say: “Wow, there are so many trees here!” It’s true. The city’s location in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains puts it in the heart of the nation’s largest urban canopy. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or just an afternoon drive, Atlanta is the perfect jumping-off point for taking in the fiery colors that are about to paint the region.
One thing you’ll need to know as you plan a leaf-watching trip here in Georgia: good things come to those who wait. While a hint of red or yellow shows up in early October, the color doesn’t hit its peak until late October or early November in the northern part of the state, and mid- to late November in the central and southern portions.
Now that you’ve got the basics, here are some suggestions to take advantage of Mother Nature’s spectacular show:
HELEN Located in White County, Helen is about 90 miles northeast of Atlanta. In addition to having wonderful autumn leaf views, the city itself, with its German architecture, is a sight to see. It’s billed as having “the charm of Bavaria, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains” and features a variety of activities. If you’re a wine or beer lover, there are four wineries/vineyards, two breweries and two wine tours.
The city and surrounding area offer eight different hiking trail sites. They also have several prime spots to view the fall foliage, including Smithgall Woods State Park, which offers the Laurel Ridge Trail for hiking.
Unicoi State Park & Lodge, located just two miles north of town, boasts Lake Unicoi and is within the Chattahoochee National Forest. The park offers hiking trails leading to Anna Ruby Falls and Helen. For visitors who want to stay overnight, the area has plenty of unique and varied lodging options. helenga.org
DAHLONEGA Located 71 miles north of Atlanta at the end of GA 400, with a downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dahlonega is famous for its history as well as its autumn allure.
Enjoy a rejuvenating trip along the area’s scenic roads—the Brasstown Bald Loop and
The fall foliage is visually abundant in Helen and surrounding White County areas.
Sliding down a zip line is among some of the unique outdoor attractions in Helen.
Fly fishing is a popular sport for visitors to Helen.
A breathtaking view of the Dahlonega region in autumn.
the Lumpkin-Union Loop—where arrays of seasonal colors greet you. The Brasstown Bald Loop takes you past Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, while the Lumpkin-Union Loop, meandering through the Appalachians, stays closer to town. Stop and check out vistas of waterfalls and lakes.
Many points of interest are situated on the loops. Among them are the Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center at Neels Gap, the only covered place on the Appalachian Trail, and the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center, the home of the poet and novelist, along the Brasstown Bald Loop.
While you’re here, you can spend a beauti ful fall day shopping the boutiques in town, sampling the offerings of the area’s picturesque wineries and, in a nod to the area’s history as the site of the first gold rush in the United States, try your hand at panning for gold. Who knows—maybe you’ll find a treasure?
Make your trip extra special with a stay at the Dahlonega Square Hotel and Villas, just steps away from the city’s historic town square. The lovely buildings date from the late 1800s, but the comforts and luxury are fully 21st century, including chargers for electric cars. The hotel features six double queen rooms, six king rooms and one king suite. Two hand-carved bars and Victorian décor grace the hotel, invit ing you to step back in time. The villas, with full kitchens in most, are beautifully decorated and rustic. dahlonega.org
The crisper fall air will no doubt whet your appetite, and the Yahoola Creek Grill is just the place, whether it’s a quick lunch, dinner or a relaxed brunch before you head home. Specialties like sweet tea chicken and waffles, salmon pasta and the perfect-for-fall Inside Out Grilled Cheese are served in a rustic setting that lets you take in the sweeping view of the forested mountains as you enjoy your meal. yahoolacreekgrill.com
AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK In the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest about 90 minutes from Atlanta, this popular park features 829 acres of mountain wilderness. The third-highest cascading water fall this side of the Mississippi River (729 feet) can be found here.
The park has many varieties of trails that give a close-up view of the changing leaf canopy, and activities abound. The whole family will enjoy the GPS scavenger hunt or learning about the area’s resident birds of prey from park staff. Gather around the fire at the Lodge for exciting stories and s’mores at Fire Pit Stories, told by a cast of spellbinding storytellers. amicalolafallslodge.com/ga-state-park
BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY One of the most memorable ways to enjoy the beauty of autumn is from the comfort of an open-air or enclosed climate-controlled, vintage train car. Offered from late September to midNovember, the Fall Foliage Tour on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway departs from the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge for a 26-mile journey to the Georgia-Tennessee line and back.
Once you arrive, you’ll have two hours to grab a bite, shop for crafts, handmade turquoise jewelry and antiques in the charming towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. Don’t for get to take a selfie while you stand in two states, straddling the “blue line.” brscenic.com
F.D. ROOSEVELT STATE PARK – PINE MOUNTAIN But north Georgia doesn’t have a monopoly on fall color. This west Georgia gem, about an hour and a half from Atlanta, is the largest state park in Georgia at 9,049 acres. Many visitors are amazed to find mountains this far south.
The Pine Mountain Trail System, rated as
Amicalola Falls State Park has plenty of trails to view the colorful foliage.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Fall Foliage Tour is a unique way to view the Georgia and Tennessee mountains.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park offers the Pine Mountain Trail, which includes 23 miles of paths to view fall's outdoor beauty.
one of the best-maintained in the state, wends its way among the hardwoods and pines. It’s a trail network of almost 40 miles. The Pine Mountain Trail, 23 miles long, includes seven loops of varying distances, so you can walk as much or as little as you like while getting up close and personal with the fall leaves. In addition, you can go birding, geocaching and horseback riding.
The area was also host to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his presidency. You can visit Roosevelt’s Little White House, built while he was gov ernor of New York in 1932, in nearby Warm Springs. gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt gastateparks.org/LittleWhiteHouse
BLANKETS CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS If bicycling among the festive colors suits your fancy, the trails of Blankets Creek will be a treat, located in Canton, about 45 minutes from Atlanta. You’ll find miles of mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to expert. Grab your helmet and head out for an exhilarating and scenic experience. sorbawoodstock.org/trails
Georgia is one of the best places anywhere to enjoy autumn. With so much beauty to explore, you’ll want to plan more than one “leaf peeping” trip every season, and you might even decide that it gives college football a run for its money.
GETTING STARTED GETTING STARTED HERE
MARTA
Mass Transit One way to avoid long commutes is to take advantage of the city’s local transit system, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Offering both train and bus service, MARTA is a convenient way to travel to downtown or the airport. The fee for traveling one way is $2.50 including transfers, and payment is even easier now with the Breeze limited-use and extendeduse cards. Weekly and monthly passes can be obtained at discounted rates. For fares, schedule and route information call 404- 848-5000 or visit itsmarta.com.
TO THERE
MARTA Rail Service Vehicle Emission Inspection Vehicles that are 24 model years old and later (except the three years prior to the current year) must be checked yearly for emission standard compliance. Visit a statedesignated inspection station for the service. Call 800-449-2471 or visit cleanairforce.com.
Driving Tips The Georgia DOT provides daily updates of road work, road closings and traffic delays, which are help ful when commuting. Updates can be obtained by calling (toll free) 877- 694-2511, by dialing 511 or by visiting dot.ga.gov.
Cherokee County
Old Sixes Mill
Located northwest ofAtlanta, Cherokee County gets its name from the original inhabitants of the area, the Cherokee Indians. The county seat, then called Etowah, was established in 1833 and renamed Canton in 1834. Today, the city is enjoying its greatest economic boom in its history since more than $60 million was invested in residential and commercial develop ment in 1998. Despite developing its own industrial base, Cherokee County remains idyllic and serene. Farming, especially poultry processing, remains a leading industry.
Canton and the neighboring community of Woodstock have seen tremendous growth as subdivisions crop up to accommodate newcom ers. In fact, nearly 60 percent of the county’s population are commuters. According to Zillow.com, the me dian value of homes is $283,573. Homes for well over $1 million can be purchased in such neighborhoods as Bradshaw Farm, BridgeMill and Towne Lake Hills.
Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92 traverse the county, affording resi dents easy access to Atlanta and the nearby attractions of Town Center Mall, Lake Allatoona and the North Georgia Mountains. Other great places QUICK INFO
County cherokeega.com
Neighborhoods cantonga.gov woodstockga.gov cityofballground.com hollyspringsga.us cityofwaleska.com
Median household income: $75,477
Median age of residents: 38
Population: 235,896
Sales tax: 6%
Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County 770-345-0400, cherokeechamber.com Property Taxes Per $1,000 of assessed value is: Unincorporated Cherokee County, $21.46; Incorporated Cherokee County, $21.46. Tax Commissioner: 678-493-6400
to live, work and play in Cherokee County include the cities of Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Waleska.
Neighborhoods Canton
Canton was incorporated in 1833 and renamed in 1834 at the request of two founding fathers who had visions that the town might become a silk center similar to what existed in Canton, China. Canton did become famous for its “Canton Denim,” known worldwide for the high-quality denim produced by Canton Cotton Mills.
Today, Canton is attracting new industry and residents. As a result, the city is reinvesting in its downtown. As part of its Streetscapes program, downtown Canton will be restored to its historic look and features a newly designed theater on Main Street. Lo cated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the banks of the Etowah River, Canton is a prime location for development.
Woodstock
Located 12 miles south of Canton , Woodstock is one of Georgia's top 10 fastest-growing cities and a community recently named one of the Top 50 Cities Places to Live in the U.S. by Money magazine.
Residents also enjoy easy access to 575 and 92, allowing short com mutes to Cobb and Fulton counties.
While affording convenience to big-city attractions, Woodstock still maintains its small-town appeal. Buildings dating back to 1879 characterize the downtown area, where antique and other specialty shops are located.
Various golf courses are located in Woodstock, including Arnold Palmer’s Eagle Watch, a course with wooded countryside views that is considered to be one of the top places to play in Atlanta. The 11,860-acre Lake Allatoona provides additional recreation. Woodstock is also conve nient to more than 13 state parks. N
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Cherokee County Schools Board of Education 770-479-1871 cherokee.k12.ga.us
Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Centers Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information
Avg. SAT Scores
Cherokee Co. Georgia National 23 7 6 4 $9,149 770-720-2112
1115 1048 1039
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.
UTILITIES &
CONTACTS
ELECTRICITY Amicalola EMC 706-253-5200 Cobb EMC 770-429-2100 Georgia Power 888-891-0938 Sawnee EMC 770-887-2363
GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.
TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV AT&T att.com Cobb EMC cobbemc.com Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com Direct TV directv.com Dish Network dish.com ETC Communications etcnow.com Spectrum spectrum.com TDS Telecom tdstelecom.com Windstream windstream.com
WATER
Cherokee County Water Authority 770-479-1813 City of Ball Ground 770-735-2123 City of Canton 770-704-1500 City of Waleska 770-479-2912 City of Woodstock 770-592-6006
HOSPITALS
Northside Hospital-Cherokee 770-224-1000 Wellstar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000
EDUCATION
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Cobb County Schools Board of Education 770-426-3300 cobbk12.org Elementary Schools 67 Middle Schools 25 High Schools 17 Magnet 6 Charter 1 Per-pupil expenditures $8,833 School and bus information 678-594-8000
Marietta City Schools Board of Education 770-422-3500 marietta-city-org Elementary Schools 8 Middle Schools 1 High Schools 1 Sixth-Grade 1 Magnet 1 Per-pupil expenditures $10,542 School and bus information 770-429-3110
Avg. SAT Scores
Cobb Co. 1114 Marietta City 1056 Georgia 1048 National 1039
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county. UTILITIES & CONTACTS
ELECTRICITY Acworth Power 770-917-8903 Cobb EMC 770-429-2100 Georgia Power 888-891-0938 GreyStone Power Corp. 770-942-6576 Marietta Power 770-794-5150
GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com. TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV
AT&T att.com Cobb EMC cobbemc.com Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com Direct TV directv.com Dish Network dish.com Spectrum spectrum.com
WATER
Austell Water Cobb County Water System Marietta Water Powder Springs Water Smyrna Water 770-944-4300 770-419-6200 770-794-5150 770-943-8000 678-631-5338
HOSPITALS WellStar Cobb Hospital 470-732-4000 WellStar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000 WellStar Windy Hill Hospital 770-644-1000
Cobb County
Cobb County came into being in 1832 when the state QUICK INFO redistributed land once part County cobbcountyga.gov of the Cherokee Nation. Neighborhoods austellga.org Named after Thomas Willis mariettaga.gov Cobb, the county experi smyrnaga.gov enced a devastating setback kennesaw-ga.gov during the Civil War when cityofpowdersprings.org most of it was destroyed smyrnacity.com during the famous Battle of Median household income: $75,654 Kennesaw Mountain. Median age of residents: 36.6
Today, Cobb County, Population: 755,754 located northwest of Fulton Sales tax: 6% County, is one of the state's Chamber of Commerce most thriving counties. With Cobb County a diverse economic base that 770-980-2000, cobbchamber.org includes jobs in the service, Property Taxes retail, aerospace and tech The property tax is $33.84 per $1,000 of assessed nology sectors, Cobb County value. Tax Commissioner: 770-980-2000 offers a quality of life unsur passed in the Southeast. Nearly $900 million has been spent on transportation improvements in Cumberland Mall, secluded sub recent years, allowing residents easy divisions in East Cobb and horse access to Atlanta and the commercial ranches in the northwest corner districts of Vinings Overlook, Cum of the county. The small towns berland Parkway and the prestigious of Marietta, Vinings, Smyrna and Platinum Triangle in the popular Austell still retain their Southern Galleria area. charm amidst urban settings. Ac
A variety of housing options cording to the Census Bureau, the exist in Cobb County, including median value of homes in 2018 luxury apartments and condos near was $237,800.
Truist Park
Neighborhoods Kennesaw
One of Family Circle magazine’s Ten Best Towns for Families, Kennesaw takes pride in its smalltown atmosphere and boasts abundant parks and greenspace, exceptional recreational programs and top-notch schools, includ ing Kennesaw State University. Kennesaw’s historic downtown features shopping, dining and at tractions such as the Smithsonianaffiliated Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive His tory, the Smith-Gilbert Gardens and nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
Smyrna
Rapidly defining what’s new and progressive in quality of life and citizen services, Smyrna delivers an amazing sense of style and love of life. The Market Village district, home to fabulous restaurants, bars and upscale shops and services, is the final piece of a master plan for success. Call it “Main Street USA” or “Disneyland,” but don’t overlook its charm and ability to offer the best in fresh, trendy lifestyle options. N
For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Website at
newcomeratlanta.com
DeKalb County
Located east of Fulton County, DeKalb County is the second larg est county in the state with a population of about 756,000. DeKalb County contributes to Atlanta’s status as an international city with its businesses and residences rep resenting more than 180 different countries and 140 languages.
DeKalb County prospers in
The US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention headquarters
part due to its excellent transportation system. Five major road arteries traverse the county: Interstates 20, 85, 285 and 675 and U.S. Highway 78. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is only six miles from DeKalb’s southern border and DeKalb Peachtree Airport, a general aviation field, is reported to be the second busiest airport in Georgia. DeKalb County is also a leader in the biomedical community with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquartered there.
The median value of homes in 2018, according to the Census Bureau, was $192,400.
Neighborhoods Decatur
The county seat of DeKalb, Decatur is a charming historic city known for its recreation and pedestrian-friendly streets. Its beating heart decaturga.com druidhills.org dunwoodyga.gov candlerpark.org stonemountaincity.org is the Courthouse Square, which features an eclectic mix of storefront boutiques and shops, restaurants and entertainment options. The square is also home to some beautiful public art, and hosts numerous festivals, town celebra tions and neighborhood events.
Decatur is home to a diverse population, attracting young profes sionals, families, retirees and bright young college students—the city is home to the prestigious women’s university Agnes Scott Col lege, and world-renowned Emory University is just outside the city limits. Older brick homes, smaller bungalows and cottage homes distinguish the com munity as well as the surrounding neighborhoods of Avondale Estates, Oakhurst
QUICK INFO County dekalbcounty.ga.gov Neighborhoods brookhavenga.gov
Median household income: $61,827
Median age of residents: 35.9
Population: 753,253
Sales tax: 8% Chamber of Commerce
DeKalb County 404-378-8000, dekalbchamber.org Property Taxes
The property tax rate is $44.39 per $1,000 of assessed value for unincorporated DeKalb County.
Tax Commissioner: 404-298-4000
and Candler Park. Dunwoody
In the northern corner of the county is Dunwoody, a popular neighborhood among both established professionals and young, upwardly mobile ones raising their families.
It is often referred to as the “tennis set” neighborhood because of its numerous rec reational outlets that include Windwood Hollow Park. Cul tural attractions include the Dunwoody Nature Center, the North DeKalb Cultural Arts Cente and the Spruill Gallery.
Brookhaven
One of Atlanta’s newest cities, Brookhaven incorporat ed in 2012. Its 12 square miles are a diverse mix of residents and amenities. In Brookhaven, there are pre-war estates; newer, thriving mixed-use developments; a country club; plenty of parks; and Buford
Highway, Atlanta’s most cultur ally diverse corridor, famed for its variety of ethnic cuisine. N
For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our website at
newcomeratlanta.com EDUCATION
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DeKalb County Schools Board of Education 678-676-1200 dekalbschoolsga.org
Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information
City Schools of Decatur Board of Education 76 19 22 $9,242 678-676-1305
404-371-3601 csdecatur.net
Early Learning Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information 1 7 1 1 $12,593 404-371-6677
Avg. SAT Scores
DeKalb Co. City of Decatur Georgia National
994 1177 1048 1039
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county. UTILITIES & CONTACTS
ELECTRICITY Georgia Power 888-891-0938 Snapping Shoals EMC 770-786-3484 Walton EMC 770-267-2505
GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.
TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV AT&T att.com Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com Direct TV directv.com Dish Network dish.com
WATER
DeKalb County Water System 404-371-2000
HOSPITALS
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston 404-785-5437 DeKalb Medical Center 404-501-1000 Emory University Hospital 404-712-2000 Piedmont Hospital and Medical Care Center 404-605-5000
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Forsyth County Schools Board of Education 770-887-2461 forsyth.k12.ga.us Elementary Schools 21 Middle Schools 10 High Schools 7 Charter 1 Academies 3 Per-pupil expenditures $8,220 School & Bus Information 770-887-2461
Forsyth County
Sawnee Mountain
Avg. SAT Scores
Forsyth Co. Georgia National 1162 1048 1039
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county. UTILITIES & CONTACTS
ELECTRICITY Sawnee EMC 770-887-2363 Georgia Power 888-891-0938
GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.
TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV AT&T att.com Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com Direct TV directv.com Dish Network dish.com
WATER
Forsyth County 770-781-2160
HOSPITALS Northside Hospital Forsyth 770-844-3200
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Founded in 1832, Forsyth County is located 42 miles north of Atlanta and is easily accessible via
The county had was rebuilt in 1905.
Forsyth County has an estimated population of about 237,000 and was ranked third in the state in terms of numeric growth between July 1, 2017
and July 1, 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It has more than dou Georgia 400. It was named after John about 100,000 individuals lived there. Forsyth, a longtime politician who A variety of housing options served as Georgia’s governor from exist in the county, including luxury 1827-29 and as U.S. secretary of state apartments and condos, with homes under Presidents Andrew Jackson priced from the $200s to over $1 mil and Martin Van Buren from 1834-41 . lion. The median home value is about
a trading path to the Cherokee Nation run QUICK INFO ning through it as early County forsythco.com as 1731 and was at Neighborhoods cityofcumming.net one time part of a large Median household income: $91,842 Cherokee County be Median age of residents: 38.2 fore it was split into 10 Population: 237,000 counties. During the Sales tax: 7% Civil War it was spared because Gen. Wil Chamber of Commerce liam Sherman and his Forsyth County Union troops did not 770-887-6461, focochamber.org go through the county Property Taxes on their March to the The property tax rate per $1,000 of assessed Sea. But in 1900 the value is $35 for incorporated Forsyth County; Forsyth County court $35 for unincorporated Forsyth County. house burned down; it Tax Commissioner: 770-781-2110
bled in population since 2000, when $282,000. The county offers shop ping at The Collection at Forsyth, Vickery Village and the Cumming 400 Shopping Center. Neighborhoods Cumming
The city offers lots of outdoor adventures with Lake Lanier of fering 59 square miles of places to swim, boat, walk and bike, plus the family friendly Cumming Aquatic Center and Water Park. Families can also take in a variety of events each year at the Cum ming Fairgrounds, which hosts the Cumming Country Fair & Festival in October and other affairs such as antique car shows and food truck Fridays. Indoors, the School Street Playhouse, an old school build ing dating back to 1923, offers plays, musicals, concerts and more throughout the year. Cum ming is the hometown for several celebrities including Zac Brown of the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band, Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, actress Kelli Giddish and the late comedian Junior Samples.
Coal Mountain
One of about a dozen unincorporated communities in Forsyth County, Coal Mountain was named after the Cole family, early settlers to the area whose name was spelled “Coal” in early re cords, according to Ken Krakow’s book, “Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins.”
Shake Rag
Another incorporated community is Shake Rag, which spreads into both Forsyth and Fulton counties. Also previously called Shakerag and Sheltonville, it had a post office established under the name Sheltonville in 1848 and stayed open until 1907. The name "Shake Rag" refers to a cloth held out as a signal to stop a train. N For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our website at
newcomeratlanta.com
Fulton County Schools Board of Education 470-254-3600
Fulton County serves as the cension, the historic Swan House fultonschools.org ter of the metro Atlanta area. With 90 and the Atlanta History Center. Elementary Schools Middle Schools 59 19 percent of the city of Atlanta, includ Buckhead is also an enterHigh Schools 18 ing the state’s capital building, lotainment and dining hotspot. Charter 10 cated within its borders, it sits at the With luxury hotels, shops, bars Centers 4 Per-pupil expenditures $10,609 hub of the area’s financial, transpor and more than 250 restau School & Bus Information tation, retail, communications and rants, the Buckhead area is a North 470-254-2970 South 470-254-6060 cultural services. A number of For magnet for young profession Atlanta Public Schools tune 500 companies, including the als.The neighborhood also Board of Education 404-802-3500 Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines offers numerous antique atlantapublicschools.us Elementary Schools 49 and UPS, are headquartered here. stores, art galleries and mall Middle Schools 12
More than one million people shopping at both Lenox High Schools 14 live in Fulton County, drawn by its convenience to Interstates 75, 85 and Square and Phipps Plaza. Piedmont Park Charter 18 Alternative 4 Per-pupil expenditures $11,263 285 and Georgia State Route 400. is home to about 64,000 residents, School & bus information 404-802-5500 According to the U.S. Census Bureau, drawn to its affordable housing, Avg. SAT Scores the median value of homes in the parks, shopping at North Point Mall Fulton Co. Atlanta Public Schools 1086 944 county is $290,400. and concerts at Ameris Bank Amphi Georgia 1048
Fulton is home to many of Attheatre. The city's historic downtown National 1039 lanta’s signature neighborhoods, boasts an appealing town PRIVATE SCHOOLS including its bustling downtown QUICK INFO square. Called Alpharetta Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county. district. Older neighborhoods like Inman Park, Grant Park, Candler County co.fulton.ga.us City Center, it features locally owned shops and UTILITIES & Park and Virginia-Highland offer Neighborhoods alpharetta.ga.us restaurants, and hosts CONTACTS affordable housing, pedestrianfriendly layouts and plentiful parks and recreational options. buckhead.net cityofmiltonga.us virginiahighland.com collegeparkga.com events year round. Johns Creek ELECTRICITY City of College Park 404-669-3759 City of East Point 404-270-7010 City of Fairburn 770-964-2244 Midtown is the heart of Atlanta’s eastpointcity.org Incorporated in 2006, City of Palmetto 770-463-3322 cultural scene, with the Woodruff Arts Center (home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony hapeville.org johnscreekga.gov roswellgov.com this thriving community of 84,000 was ranked fourth among 50 Best U.S. Cities Georgia Power 888-891-0938 GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit Orchestra and the High Museum sandyspringsga.gov to Live In by USA Today. newcomeratlanta.com. of Art) and the historic Fox The Median household income: $65,037 It boasts a diverse eco TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV atre, as well as a host of art gallerMedian age of residents: 35.5 nomic base, coupled with AT&T att.com ies. Midtown’s Piedmont Park, the Population: 1,050,114 a peaceful environment: Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com city’s most popular greenspace, Sales tax: 7.75%, Atlanta City: 8.9% the city contains over 400 Direct TV directv.com hosts many outdoor festivals and Chamber of Commerce acres of parkland and na Dish Network dish.com concerts. Greater North Fulton ture reserves and contains WATER 770-993-8806, gnfcc.com five access points to the Fulton County 404-612-6830 Neighborhoods Metro Atlanta 404-880-9000, metroatlantachamber.com Chattahoochee River. HOSPITALS Atlanta Medical Center 404-265-4000 Buckhead Buckhead is “where old South Fulton 770-964-1984, southfultonchamber.com Property Taxes Milton Also incorporated in 2006, Milton comAtlanta VA Medical Center 404-321-6111 Center for the Visually Impaired 404-875-9011 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta money lives and new money The property tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value is: bines a pastoral setting at Hughes Spalding 404-785-9500 parties,” according to the At $40.92 for the City of Atlanta; $29.18 for incorporated with forward-thinking Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta lanta Journal-Constitution. With its mixture of mansions and Fulton County; $40.76 for unincorporated Fulton County; $33.54 for Johns Creek; $33.91 for Sandy Springs. Tax Commissioner: 404-613-6100 city planning that offers what's been called "The at Scottish Rite Emory University Hospital Midtown 404-785-2273 404-686-4411 uniquely styled homes, Buck best quality of life in Grady Memorial Hospital 404-616-1000 head is a favorite among archiGeorgia." N WellStar North Fulton tecture and history buffs. Convenient to Georgia 400, Interstate 85 and Alpharetta For more counties and neighborhood Regional Hospital Northside Hospital Piedmont Hospital 770-751-2500 404-851-8000 404-605-5000 MARTA, it’s filled with high-rises, up One of metro Atlanta’s most information, visit our website at Shepherd Center 404-352-2020 scale restaurants, the Governor’s Manvibrant and affluent cities, Alpharetta newcomeratlanta.com Emory St. Joseph's Hospital 678-843-7001
Theater & Concerts
Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Coca-Cola Roxy
The tribute band performs at the Coca-Cola Roxy’s first live, socially distanced concert experience. Runnin’ Down a Dream: A Tom Petty Revue also performs. Oct. 9, 470-351-3866,
cocacolaroxy.com.
A Christmas Carol: The Live Radio Play, Alliance Theatre
This brand-new interactive experience transports audiences back in time to Victorian England. Bring the family to the Alliance’s drive-in theatre stage and enjoy this evening of stories, sing-along’s and honking horns from the comfort of your car. Plus, watch as a sound effect artist create the jangling of Jacob Marley’s chains! Dec. 1-31, 404-733-5000, alliancetheatre.org.
A Year With Frog and Toad, Synchronicity Theatre
The beloved children’s characters leap from the page to the stage in this fun-filled production of the Tony Award-nominated musical.
Dec. 11-Jan. 3, 404-484-8636, synchrotheatre.com.
Exhibits & Events
North Georgia State Fair Taste of the Fair, Jim R. Miller Park
Enjoy all your favorite fair foods, including
Experience one of the most famous stories of all time in a whole new way! This exhibit features gigantic topiary-like sculptures that bring the classic children’s tale to vivid life. Through
Nov. 1, atlantabg.org.
Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined, Atlanta Botanical Garden
funnel cake, corn dogs, turkey legs, pizza, Polish sausage, ice cream and more, at this drive-through fundraising event for MUST Ministries. Customers can choose between walk-up or in-car service. Sept. 25-27 and Oct.
2-4, northgeorgiastatefair.com.
Homeschool Days: Gloopy Glop (Halloween Version), Children’s Museum of Atlanta
This virtual program teaches kids about chemical reactions as they take part in a hands-on experiment creating a cool concoction called Gloopy Glop. Oct. 20, 404-659-5437,
childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
PHOTO: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Booth Photography Guild Annual Exhibition, Booth Western Art Museum
This juried exhibition showcases the work of members of the Booth Photography Guild, a group that meets monthly for educational programs about photography. Through Nov. 8,
770-387-1300, boothmuseum.org.
Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Children’s Books, High Museum of Art
This exhibit explores the events, people and themes of the Civil Rights Movement through one of the most compelling forms of visual expression, the children’s picture book. Through
Nov. 8, 404-733-5000, high.org.
17th Annual Kids’ Cowboy Up!, Booth Western Art Museum
Virtually peruse artwork created by members of the Cartersville Boys & Girls club and the Hands of Christ after-school program. Nov. 10-
Jan. 3, 770-387-1300, boothmuseum.org.
During this virtual workshop, kids will explore the book “Growing Vegetable Soup” to learn about where vegetables come from and how to grow a plant from a seed. Nov. 17,
404-659-5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
Locomotion: Railroads and the Making of Atlanta, Atlanta History Center
This new exhibition explores the role that railroad travel played in the formation of Atlanta. Climb aboard the cab of the restored Texas locomotive and view the Zero Mile Post, the famous railroad marker around which the city of Atlanta was built. Opens Nov. 17, 404-814-4000,
atlantahistorycenter.com.
Murmuration By SO-IL, High Museum of Art
This outdoor installation features a foliagefilled mesh canopy suspended over the High’s Carroll Slater Sifly Piazza. Created by the international architecture and design firm SOIL and partners Jing Liu and Florian Idenburg, this work evokes the lush tree canopies seen
This virtual workshop gives chemistry a makeover with a fun and safe experiment that will get your child excited about chemical reactions. Dec. 15, 404-659-5437,
childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
Made By Her Hands: The Beauty, Warmth and Stories of Local Quilting, Marietta Museum of History
This exhibit spotlights handmade quilts made by Cobb County women, who expressed themselves creatively through their intricate stitching and patterns and the fabrics that they used. Through March 28, 770-794-5710,
mariettahistory.org.
Andrews’ Raiders Room, Marietta Museum of History
This permanent exhibit recreates the decor of an 1860s hotel room much like the one James Andrews stayed in (located in the same building that now houses the museum) before taking part in a famous Civil War event known as the Great Locomotive Chase. Ongoing,
770-794-5710, mariettahistory.org.
Take a walk through history exploring millions of years of dinosaurs, reptiles and giant mammals. Stare into the mouth of a Tyrannosaurus rex, catch a glimpse of a saber-tooth cat and see how life on Earth began. Ongoing,
770-606-5700, tellusmuseum.org.
Millar Science in Motion Gallery: The Gail & Jim Spann Collection, Tellus Science Museum
This exhibit examines 100 years of changes in transportation technology, from vintage automobiles to air travel and even space travel.
Ongoing, 770-606-5700, tellusmuseum.org.
Pioneers, Influencers, and Rising Voices: Women in the Collection, High Museum of Art
In observance of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote, this exhibit features artworks made exclusively by women, drawn from the High Museum’s collection featuring influential artists. Ongoing, 404-733-5000, high.org.
Cheers! Trail Passport Weekend, Hendersonville, N.C.
PHOTO: Bill Russ
Shaheen Collection of French Works, High Museum of Art
This installation from the High Museum’s permanent collection focuses on French artwork of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. donated by Doris and Shouky Shaheen. Ongoing,
404-733-5000, high.org.
This multimedia experience spotlights showcases the fully restored cyclorama painting “The Battle of Atlanta,” which stands 49 feet tall, is longer than a football field and weighs 10,000 pounds.
Ongoing, 404-814-4000, atlantahistorycenter.com.
Fair Play: The Bobby Jones Story, Atlanta History Center
This exhibit examines the career of the inspirational figure who turned the sport of golf into a worldwide sensation. Jones remains the only golf er to achieve the Grand Slam by winning golf’s four major tournaments in the same calendar year. Ongoing, 404-814-4000, atlantahistorycenter.com.
Apple Season, Hendersonville, N.C.
Grab a basket and pick your own fruit, wander through a corn maze, experience a hayride, feed barnyard animals and even shoot an apple cannon! On-site bakeries press fresh cider and serve hot-from-the-fryer apple cider doughnuts. Through October, 800-828-4244,
visithendersonvillenc.org.
Experience a recreation of the Apollo 11 moon landing site, including a model of the lunar lander. Included with museum admission. Ongoing, Tuesdays through Sundays, 800-637-7223,
rocketcenter.com.
Explore the history of America’s “space race” and NASA’s plan to put a man on the moon and the International Space Station, and experience the mesmerizing view of a National Historic Landmark: an authentic Saturn V rocket, one of only three in the world. Included with museum admission.
Ongoing, Tuesdays through Sundays, 800-637-7223, rocketcenter.com.
Turning Point: The American Civil War, Atlanta History Center
View original artifacts including cannons, uniforms and swords, and learn about life on the front lines and on the home front as you immerse yourself in one of the nation’s largest Civil War exhibitions. Ongoing, 404-814-4000,
atlantahistorycenter.com.
A Short Drive Away
Tour 23 of Henderson County’s craft beverage producers, including breweries, cideries and wineries, and have your passport stamped at each one. This event also includes extra tastings, tours and small-scale events along the tour such as live music. Oct. 2-4, 800-828-4244, cheerstrail.org.
THE DETAILS LOCATION: 1 Depot St., Marietta, GA 30060 HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday, 11a.m.- 4 p.m. PHONE NUMBER: 770-794-5710 WEBSITE: mariettahistory.org
EXPLORING THE CITY’S RICH PAST
By Justine Lookenott
Marietta, a thriving suburb roughly a half-hour’s drive from the city of Atlanta, is a city with a rich past. And that history is on full display at the Marietta Museum of History, which offers a fascinating, in-depth look at the city’s past. The museum is located on the historic Marietta Square in the Kennesaw House, a building with some history of its own. It was used as a temporary hospital and morgue during the Civil War, leading to tales of ghost sightings.
Marietta and the museum itself both have strong ties to the Civil War. “Andrews’ Raiders Room,” one of the museum’s permanent exhibits, documents a famous episode of Marietta history. James Andrews and a group of Union soldiers stayed in a hotel in the building now known as Kennesaw House before attempting to steal a train, an event known today as The Great Locomotive Chase.
The museum explores other conflicts in the Military Gallery, with uniforms, weapons and more from both World Wars, the Vietnam and Korean Wars, the Persian Gulf War and the War on Terror.
One current exhibit, “Made by Her Hands: The Beauty, Warmth and Stories of Quilting,” focuses on handmade quilts, created by local women, as works of art.
The museum’s historical importance and reported sightings have drawn coverage from CNN, the History Channel and PBS, making this popular attraction a perfect stop for history lovers and supernatural enthusiasts.
