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Coffee Spot in Atlanta, GA | Wade Ford

Four Best Coffee Spots in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta and the surrounding area is home to wide variety of food choices. If you're looking for a new place for your morning eye-opener or midday pick me up, check out these coffee spots. They're perfect to sit for a minute or grab a drink to go. Rev Coffee Roasters Rev Coffee has been serving Smyrna since 2010. This aptly named location is open seven days a week. Monday through Friday, they're open 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Some of the menu highlights include a traditional cup of coffee, latte, mocha, and hot chocolate. You can also grab a bite to eat while you enjoy your coffee. They serve a variety of sandwiches as well as oatmeal for breakfast. If you're looking for lunch with your midday cup, check out their veggie sandwich or their Cuban. On-the-go options include a variety of offerings from their bakery case as well as fruit cups or chicken salad by the half pound. Brash Coffee Brash Coffee keeps eyes open in Atlanta. The company is known for working with the coffee farmers of El Salvador to source the best coffee possible. You can find their coffee in the Buckhead neighborhood at the Atlanta History Center Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. They open an hour later on Saturday and Sunday. If you find yourself in West Midtown and want some Brash coffee, head over to their original location. It's the bright blue refurbished shipping container in the Westside Provisions District. This location opens at 7:00 a.m. during the work week and 8:00 a.m. on the weekend. They close at 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. You can also enjoy Brash at home. They roast and ship six different coffee blends Monday through Thursday. Refugee Coffee Co. Refugee takes you outside downtown Atlanta to the small city of Clarkston. They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that balances feeding the community and taking care of it. This food truck is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The food truck offers a variety of coffees for an eye-opener on the go. They also provide free Wi-Fi for their customers. Beyond the truck, Refugee also provides catering services that bring the espresso to any event around town. They have been known to work weddings, festivals, and even film shoots. While they're serving coffee, Refugee has a larger mission. This non-profit focuses on taking care of the local refugee community. The garage location at 4170 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. provides a safe place for newly arrived refugees. While they're there, the company steps up and provides job training for new baristas. After they've finished training, they offer networking and job opportunities throughout the community. Whether you're in the heart of Atlanta or one of the surrounding communities, grab a cup of your favorite coffee and start your day on the right foot. Image via Matt Brown | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Best Auto Dealer in Cobb County Award Nomination in Smyrna, GA | Wade Ford

Help us Win 'Best Auto Dealer in Cobb County'!

We are happy to announce that Wade Ford has been nominated by the Marietta Journal for the Best Auto Dealer in Cobb County! It has been our pleasure serving this amazing community over the years, and we are honored to be considered for the title. Wade Ford has watched our community grow since our doors first opened in 1933. As the oldest operating Ford dealership in Georgia, we feel an incredible connection to the people and history of this great state. During the Great Depression, Wade Ford helped stimulate the local Atlanta economy through Model-T sales, and we’ve been involved in community outreach ever since. Supporting local education and athletic programs in our region, such as Campbell High School Athletics Program, South Cobb School Athletics Program, Kennesaw State University, and Smyrna Spartans Youth Sports, is incredibly important to us as a locally owned and operated business.   To our Cobb County friends and neighbors, we thank you for your years of patronage. If you would like to show support, follow the link below and vote for Wade Ford! Click here to vote!

Christmas Lights in Atlanta, GA | Wade Ford

5 Atlanta Christmas Events for the Entire Family

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family. There are several family-friendly events to attend in and around Atlanta. Let's discuss some of the events you should add to your holiday calendar. Victorian Christmas in Thomasville The town of Thomasville transforms into a charming Victorian Christmas village that the entire family will enjoy. Mom and Dad can enjoy a romantic carriage ride while the kids are engrossed in a screening of "Mickey's Christmas Carol." There are marshmallows for roasting and chestnuts for toasting as street performers sing all of your favorite Christmas songs. You don't want to miss the live Nativity or the many photo opportunities. Of course, Christmas in Thomasville wouldn't be complete without a visit from St. Nick. The Rock Ranch Christmas Lights Christmas just wouldn't be the same without festive light displays. At The Rock Ranch, you can take the family on a drive through over a mile of Christmas lights. You can also board the Christmas Express Train and experience falling bubble snow, a snowflake light tunnel, and a dancing light show. Don't forget to stop by the Holiday Shop, where you can purchase unique gifts. Grab a bite to eat at the Christmas Cafe. On Saturdays, the kids can have breakfast with Santa followed by arts and crafts in his magical workshop. Winter Wonderland at Fernbank The Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers activities for Christmas fans of all ages at its Winter Wonderland celebration. One highlight of the event is the special exhibit featuring decorated trees and cultural displays showing how Christmas is celebrated around the world. Mom, Dad, and the kids will want to put on their silliest sweaters for the Ugly Sweater Holiday Party. After the party, see if you can conquer the Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt. And don't forget to take a picture with the guest of honor, Santasaurus. Ponce City Market The Ponce City Market plays host to not one but two very special guests for the Christmas season. Not only can the kids get their pictures taken with Santa and give him their wish lists, but they can also visit with the Grinch in his lair. The Market Stage features choirs and bands performing classic Christmas carols. The entire family will enjoy gathering around the cozy firepits in The Tree Elves Holiday Forest to savor some hot cocoa and other holiday treats. Stone Mountain Christmas There is so much to see and do at Stone Mountain during the holiday season, that it might just be the ultimate Christmas destination. Hop aboard the Singalong Christmas Train for a 5-mile ride through some of Georgia's most beautiful Christmas light displays. Enjoy special performances of "The Littlest Christmas Tree" and "A Christmas Carol." Snack on delicious cinnamon bread and sugar cookies. The evening wouldn't be complete without the nightly Christmas tree lighting and parade. These are just some of the great Christmas activities Atlanta families can enjoy. Each of them provides the opportunity to create some very special moments and memories. Image via Desmond Williams | Licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

2018 Holiday events for your family

2018 Holiday events your family can go to near Atlanta, GA

Tis the season to go fun places, eat great food, and spend time with family. Check out these 2018 holiday events your family can to in or near Atlanta, GA! Holiday events near the Smyrna and Marietta area Holiday in the Park: 6 Flags is well established for being a great vacation destination. You have until January 3 rd to swing by the festively-themed park! Fantasy in Lights: A beautiful light display that has already started in November and goes until January 5 th. You have plenty of time to get to this great event at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Winter Wonderland: Fernbank Museum of National History is a great way to celebrate the holidays and combine learning about how different cultures celebrated them as well! This event lasts until January 6 th. Garden Nights, Holiday Lights: Another light display that started in November and goes until January 6 th. Don’t miss your chance to see this dazzling sight at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Rodolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: A puppet show at the Center for Puppetry Arts. This is a great way to entertain your kids this holiday season! Shows feature all days of December except for the 25 th. Read more: Top 3 filming locations in Atlanta, GA How to drive safely during the holidays Traffic and the holidays seem to go hand in hand. That’s why it’s important to be extra careful as you travel from one place to another. While you can’t control how other drivers behave, you can adjust your own driving style to be more cautious. Turn the music down and your phone off. Driving with distractions can be deadly. Don’t be hesitant to tell the kids or friends to pipe down if they are being too loud when you are driving. While that may not be ‘festive’, a car accident can ruin the holidays very quickly. Pay attention. Be aware of the cars around you and of smaller objects in the city like bicycles, people, and motorcycles, as they are more difficult to see. Don’t drive impaired. You may think you didn’t drink very much, but any amount of alcohol is too much when you are operating a powerful machine. Find someone else to drive if you are planning on drinking. We hope you have a great holiday here at Wade Ford. If you have any questions about good family vehicles don’t hesitate to contact us! We would love to tell you more.

Swan House in Atlanta, GA | Wade Ford

Top 3 Filming Locations in Atlanta, GA

Numerous film and TV productions have made Atlanta, Georgia, home. Whether your taste runs from Marvel superhero blockbusters or to more gritty, urban zombie action with “The Walking Dead,” you'll find something for everyone being filmed right here in Atlanta. Take a look at the top three filming locations. Pinewood Studios Pinewood Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia, is just a short drive from downtown Atlanta and is the central filming location for Marvel Studios. Perhaps you were thrilled by Spider-Man's exploits in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” or cheered for your favorite Avenger in the epic “Avengers: Infinity War.” Those films and many more were shot right here at Pinewood Studios. The studio also makes use of surrounding locales. For example, the Porsche Experience Center in Hapeville stood in for an airport during the filming of the climactic battle sequence in “Captain America: Civil War,” and the Sweet Auburn neighborhood in Atlanta stood in for Oakland in the opening and closing scenes of “Black Panther.” Your best bet to see all the fun superhero set locations is to take the Hero Tour from Atlanta Movie Tours. The Swan House at the Atlanta History Center If you or someone in your family is a big fan of Katniss Everdeen, then you're probably already aware that Atlanta was the filming location for several of the Hunger Games series of films. The Swan House stood in for President Snow's mansion during the “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” films. While Atlanta Movie Tours does offer Hunger Games-themed stops on their abovementioned Hero Tour, you might want to consider a more personal experience by stopping by the Swan House and taking a guided tour. Built in 1928, it's one of the most famous houses in Atlanta. Be sure to check out the farm and the museum for some interesting history about the house and Atlanta, as well. Senoia Is a Great Movie Locale Senoia is a small town about one hour south of Atlanta and has become a major filming location primarily due to AMC's highest-rated cable drama, “The Walking Dead.” If you've been following Rick and the rest of the survivors in Alexandria, then you've really been watching a neighborhood right here in Senoia. One of the easiest ways to see Senoia is through a tour. Atlanta Movie Tours offers three different zombie tours so you can see all the locations in Senoia. Another alternative is the Georgia Tour Company's Touring Dead Walking Tour where you'll not only visit filming locations for the TV show, but also other productions such as “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “Pet Sematary II.” Any big fan of “The Walking Dead” will want to stop by Nic & Norman's, a restaurant in Senoia part-owned by Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl on the show. Also, the Woodbury Shoppe is the go-to place for Walking Dead merchandise. The store is part-owned by Robert Kirkman, the creator of the Walking Dead comic book. When you're done visiting the top filming locations in Atlanta, make sure to stop by Wade Ford and see their extensive inventory of new and used vehicles. It's a great way to cap off your visit to Atlanta. Image via Jim Bowen | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Lunch in Smyrna, GA | Wade Ford

3 Best Spots for Lunch in Smyrna, GA

North of Atlanta, you'll find one of the fastest growing cities in the United States — Smyrna, Georgia. Combining a small town atmosphere with the convenience of being only 10 miles from a major metropolitan center, Smyrna offers its residents the best of both city and country living. If you're in the Smyrna area and you'd like to catch some lunch, we've got some great ideas. Here are three of the best spots for lunch in Smyrna. Muss & Turners Muss & Turners is a classic American restaurant with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for chicken, pork, beef, seafood, or even vegetarian options, this place has them all. Located on the Cumberland Parkway, Muss & Turners has an incredible selection of sandwiches and salads perfect for a sit-down meal or getting takeout on the run. Make sure to try The Burger, a beef patty with poblano pepper, cilantro aioli, and melted cheddar cheese. With Thanksgiving coming up, The Gobbler is another excellent selection, combining turkey breast, a Ritz cracker stuffing, lingonberry coulis, and a thyme aioli that will get you in the holiday spirit by the time you finish your first bite. Muss & Turners is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Mezza Luna Trattoria If you're in the mood for a wonderful Italian meal that will make you think you're in Rome, look no further than Mezza Luna Trattoria on Spring Road. Inspired by classical Italian dishes from Puglia and Lazio, there's no better place in town to get some delightfully fresh pasta or a succulent seafood dish. There are numerous pasta options for those looking for an Italian lunch. Pasta is plentiful, from a traditional spaghetti pomodoro to a rich, creamy fettuccine alfredo. Entrees include a moist and tender chicken parmigiana or a delightfully roasted salmon dish served with broccoli and a garlic spaghetti. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day except Sunday, where they serve dinner all day starting at noon. On the Bayou You never thought you'd find a taste of Louisiana in the heart of Georgia, right? Well, Chef Kevin Ruttley was born and bred on the Bayou, and he has made it his mission to bring delicious Cajun delicacies to Smyrna. Located on South Cobb Drive and open at 11 a.m. each day with lunch running until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, On the Bayou delivers an authentic Louisiana experience. In fact, part of what makes the restaurant so authentic is the seafood brought in from the Gulf and bread that Chef Ruttley has shipped in from the famous Leidenheimer Bread Company in New Orleans. You'll want to try a bowl of the special corn and crabmeat soup. Pair it with any of the eight signature po'boys and you'll end up with a lunch that's fit for a king. After you've had a great lunch in Smyrna, whether it's American, Italian, or Cajun, come on by Wade Ford and see our outstanding inventory of new and used vehicles. We love being part of the Smyrna community. Image via A.Robillard | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

back view of runners shoes on stand crouching on track

Family-friendly walk/run events on 2018 Thanksgiving Day in Atlanta, GA

Kick off your 2018 Thanksgiving Day with the Atlanta Track Club’s Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5k, One mile, or 50m Dash. Go outside for a refreshing run or walk and then a celebration afterward outside of the Georgia State Stadium, which used to be known as the Turner Field. Details of the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day race Location: Georgia State Stadium (Turner Field). Address: 755 Hank Aaron Dr, in Atlanta. When: November 22 nd (Thanksgiving Day) at 7:30 am. Parking: Free. Half Marathon: Ages 14+; Fees: $85-$95 (depending on registration date). Don’t forget to check out the long-sleeve Mizuno t-shirt and finisher’s medal you can get for this race. 5k: Ages 8+; Fees: $40-$50 (depending on registration date). The 5k is the other event that you can get a finisher’s medal and a long-sleeve Mizuno t-shirt. One Mile: Ages 6-14, 15+; Fees: Free 14 and under, $10 for 15+. You’ll get a finisher’s medal at the end of the race for ages 14 and under. 50m Dash: Ages 6 and under; Fees: Free. A finisher’s medal will be available at this race as well. The registration cut-off date is November 14 th, so if you are interested in participating in one of these races, you may want to register if you haven’t already. Read more: Is it Safe to Turn Your Childs Car Seat Around? Community Events near Atlanta, GA If you enjoy reading about community events and other tips such as this one, then be sure to check out the rest of our blog! For example; want to know 4 of the best simple home cooking restaurants in Atlanta for you to check out? You can find them on our blog! Is it time to get a new family SUV for your family’s sporting activities? Check out the 2019 Ford Escape, which is a spacious and powerful SUV that can get you from point A to point B without anyone feeling cramped from all the gear you need to cart around!

Chicken and Biscuits in Atlanta, GA | Wade Ford

The 4 Best Simple Home Cooking Restaurants in Atlanta

There is just something about home cooking. In the Atlanta area, even if you don't cook, you can still enjoy a meal that tastes like it was made right at home. From traditional Southern cooking to comfort food, there is a place where you can get it in Atlanta. Here are some of the best places to get simple home cooking. OK Cafe OK Cafe on West Paces Ferry Road is a Southern-style diner where you can get all your favorites. The country fried steak with cabbage is one of the local favorites along with the chicken biscuit. Make sure to get three-cheese macaroni for your side and the delicious cornbread to complete your meal. Another favorite menu item with both the kids and the adults is the corn. The cooks cut it right off the cob, and it is fantastic. Busy Bee Cafe The Busy Bee Cafe is a popular spot for students from the nearby university. Stop in here for ham hocks, chitlins, and meatloaf that tastes just like what you get at home. This is the place to go for fried chicken, and you can get it with your favorite sides. Choose from mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, fried okra, or collard greens, and don't forget your sweet tea to go with it. All the tables get cornbread to munch on while you wait for your food, and it comes with a whipped honey spread that is wonderful. No matter what you order at the Busy Bee, it will come out cooked to perfection. Daddy D'z Stop into Daddy D'z for some good old barbecue. This place doesn't look like much from the outside, but don't let that stop you from going in. Make sure to get the ribs or the 1/2 chicken, and get the mac and cheese to go with it. This place also serves a fantastic cornbread, and the collard greens are delicious. The hot sauce has just the right amount of kick, and the seasonings on the meat are just right. If this is your first stop in, you also need to try the que-wraps. These are a fried barbecue eggroll that comes with barbecue sauce for dipping. The servers at Daddy D'z are warm and friendly, and you can always count on a good meal. Paschal's Restaurant Pashcal's is the place to go if you're looking for home cooking in a more upscale atmosphere. Some of the traditional menu options include fried chicken, potato salad, and fried okra. You can also get a side of mac and cheese or fried green tomatoes. Head here for the Sunday brunch, and you can choose from a wide variety of options at the different stations for breakfast, comfort food, and salads. It is an all-you-can-eat buffet, so you can go up and try as many things as you want. IF you want real home cooking without having to do the cooking, try one of these Atlanta restaurants. Image via Jason Weaver | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

spooky moon with dark grass bats and trees

Family-friendly Halloween events to enjoy near Atlanta, GA in 2018

Get into a festive spirit with these Halloween events you and your family can enjoy in 2018 near Atlanta, GA. These are family-friendly events, so they are either for your kids or events where you can feel free to bring the kiddos along with you. Boo at the Zoo What is it? This is a costume party for the kids! There will be snacks, music, and characters for your kids to enjoy at the Atlanta Zoo. Where: Atlanta Zoo, at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE Atlanta. When: October 20 th & 21 st from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Halloween at Hogwarts What is it? You are never too old to enjoy Harry Potter. Now you can have a magical experience with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Costumes are encouraged, of course. Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street Atlanta. When: October 28 th at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. Trick or Treat at the Museum What is it? Your kids can enjoy a trick-or-treat experience like never before at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta! Where: Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW Atlanta. When: October 27 th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Read More: Take a trip to one of these 4 Georgia National Natural Landmarks Georgia A-Scary-Um What is it? Halloween-themed live shows and trick-or-treating. While this is a family-friendly choice, any adult over the age of 21 who wishes for a fun night of their own can go to Sips Under the Sea on Oct. 26 th. Where: Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. Atlanta When: October 6-28 th from noon-2pm, with trick-or-treating on October 31 st from 4-8pm. Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park What is it? You may have already heard about this festival that has parades, shows, and games. But if you haven’t already gotten a chance to go, it’s worth taking a look at! Where: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E Lee Boulevard Stone Mountain. When: September 22 nd to October 28 th from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm. Trick-or-Treat Trot and Family Festival What is it? A 5k and festival that has games and family-friendly activities like face painting. Where: Infinite Energy Arena Parking Lot, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth. When: October 20 th from 9:00 am to noon. Now that you know some places for a hauntingly fun experience, be sure to drive safe and have fun this Halloween season. If you find yourself in need of transportation, be sure to take a look at our new or used vehicles here at Wade Ford. You’ll be able to find a vehicle that is a great addition as your family vehicle.

SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA | Wade Ford

The Super Fan's Ultimate Guide to SunTrust Park

SunTrust Park is the brand-new home of the Atlanta Braves. It opened for its first regular season game on April 14, 2017, to a sellout crowd. The park offers a plethora of things to do before, during, and after the game to keep you constantly entertained. Artwork in the Ballpark SunTrust Park is filled with art from various artists almost anywhere you look, so try to catch a glimpse of some of these popular works. Tomahawk, which was designed by Jason Williams, is built out of over 17,000 LEGO bricks and located in the corridor of the main entrance. In the Champions Suites, there are more than 30 paintings and prints by Richard Sullivan that depict all three Brave's world championships. Ross Rossin is the sculptor behind the statue of Hank Aaron hitting his 715th home run, which is located right in the center of the Monument Garden. Alumni Sundays Every Sunday game at SunTrust Park holds a surprise for lifelong fans of the Braves. Alumni of the Braves come to the Georgia Power Pavilion in The Plaza at 11:30 a.m. to sign autographs for an hour. Lines start early, and not everyone is guaranteed to get their favorite piece of memorabilia signed, so be sure to get there early. Monument Garden Monument Garden is located in the lower level near section 125 and highlights the history of the Braves. You can check out the Braves Hall of Fame, where 31 members of the organization are immortalized with plaques showing their accomplishments. There is also a bat or glove to represent the 55 members of the Braves who are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Make sure to learn about the history and evolution of the 25 variations of the team uniform. Inside the Monument Garden is a special section called Memorable Braves Moments, which is filled with historical artifacts from the team. You can see the knee brace Sid Bream wore in the 1992 National League Championship Series (NLCS) game, Hank Aaron's 1974 jersey, a 1957 World Series ring, and Bob Horner's four-game-run bat and ball. Fireworks What better way to enjoy a Friday night at the ballpark than with a firework display after the game? After every Friday home game, fireworks are set off from center field. You can see the fireworks best from behind home plate. SunTrust Tour If you want to see behind the scenes at SunTrust, you can go on a tour almost any day of the year. During the baseball season, tours run Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. There are no tours on Sundays with home games or weekdays with afternoon games. During the off-season, tours are offered at the same times from Monday through Saturday. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $12 for children. When you go to a game at SunTrust Park, you are in for a fun-filled day at the ballfield. Sit back, watch some baseball, and enjoy your time in this beautiful stadium. Image via slgckgc | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Marsh Lands near Smyrna, Georgia | Wade Ford

Take a Trip to One of These 4 Georgia National Natural Landmarks

Georgia is a state full of natural beauty. Whether you are in the North, South, East, or West, you can find a National Natural Landmark to visit and explore. Okefenokee Swamp The Okefenokee Swamp straddles the border between Georgia and Florida, with the primary section of the swamp being in Georgia. The swamp was designated a National Natural Landmark back in 1974, and its name is roughly translated into “land of trembling earth.” The park isn't just a swamp; it also has lakes, forests, prairies, and jungles that can be explored. The Okefenokee is the largest swamp in North America and was used as a hiding place for Confederate deserters and Native Americans who fled the Trail of Tears. If you are looking for some activities at the swamp, visit the Okefenokee Swamp Park, which has airboat tours, observation towers, and wildlife shows. The swamp is also filled with animals, most of which you have to be very careful around. Be on the lookout for alligators, snakes, and panthers. Wassaw Island Wassaw Island is a National Wildlife Refuge that is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the East coast of Georgia. The refuge covers 10,000 acres of salt marshes, beaches, dunes, and maritime forests. The island was originally inhabited by Native Americans and hosted Confederate troops during the Civil War. The Parson family converted Wassaw Island into a refuge in 1969 to help preserve it. The island has many things to do for whoever can make it out there. There are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. If you are a turtle watcher, loggerhead sea turtles nest and hatch there during the night. You can camp at the cabin on the island and stay up late to try to catch a glimpse of them hatching. Unfortunately, the only way to get to the island is by private boat or arranging a charter. Panola Mountain Panola Mountain is located in Northern Georgia in Stockbridge. It has a peak that is almost 1,000 feet above sea level and covers around 100 acres. The mountain is technically called a monadnock, which is a small mountain that suddenly rises from a flat plain. Panola Mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Marshall Forest Marshall Forest is located in Northwestern Georgia and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966. Marshall Forest is the only virgin forest within city limits anywhere in the country and is one of the last old-growth forests in Georgia. The forest is 311 acres in total and was originally owned by the Cherokee Nation. The nation eventually sold the land to the Marshall family in 1880, who then helped to preserve it. There are over 50 different types of trees in the forest, multiple species of frogs and snakes, and a myriad of birds. You can access the forest through one of five self-guided walking trails that help you learn about the history and inhabitants of the forest. You can easily spend an entire day at any of these National Natural Landmarks, just soaking in the beauty and exploring. Visit any of these natural sites, and you'll be able to relax in nature.\ Image via TimothyJ | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

South City Kitchen in Smyrna, GA | Wade Ford

5 Best Smyrna Restaurants for a Special Occasion

The greater Atlanta region has a wealth of excellent dining opportunities, ranging from classic Southern cuisine to fare from around the world. Nowhere is this truer than in the city of Smyrna. We've selected a few of our favorite Smyrna restaurants to help you plan your next special occasion. Mezza Luna Nothing makes for a romantic dinner quite like authentic Italian cuisine. Visit Mezza Luna to try some of the area's best. You'll dine in a softly lit setting exuding warmth, and each course of seafood, pasta, or veal will surpass the last. Begin with a rich antipasto platter before moving on to a classic fettuccine Alfredo or risotto with mushrooms. And while Mezza Luna is especially renowned for its veal, you'll be just as pleased if you select salmon or flounder for your entree. Naturally, an extensive wine list is also available. South City Kitchen Soak up some of Georgia's unique Southern ambiance when you dine at South City Kitchen. Appetizers include local favorites like steamed mussels, jumbo lump crab cake, and seared scallops. Main entrees include Southern staples like buttermilk-fried chicken and creamy banana pudding. South City Kitchen also has its own selection of specialties, with options like pan-fried chicken livers and pulled pork. Round out your meal with a choice from the restaurant's enormous beer, wine, and cocktail list. Zama Mexican Cuisine Make your next special occasion a night to remember by choosing Zama Mexican Cuisine. This authentic restaurant strives to create an artistic, elegant atmosphere with tasteful decorations and inviting staff. The menu is comprised of specialties from southeastern Mexico, including tostadas, sopes, stuffed bolillo bread, and huarache. Of course, you can also enjoy familiar favorites like burritos, enchiladas, and tacos. Zama also has a robust menu of margaritas, imported beer, and wine. If your special occasion is a work-related function, you might even consider using Zama's catering services. Opa Greek Village Taverna Explore Mediterranean and Greek flavors at one of the most popular restaurants in Smyrna. Opa Greek Village Taverna has put together an inspired menu featuring classic dishes like gyros, moussaka, keftedes, tzatziki, and baklava. Enjoy a delicious pita-wrapped creation stuffed with gyro meat or souvlaki, or opt for a bigger menu item like lamb chops or a Greek-style rib-eye. If you're visiting on a particularly nice day, you can even dine outside at the restaurant's patio seating. C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar Enjoy fresh local seafood at this popular oyster bar The restaurant's owners were trained in French cuisine, and their expertise has led to a carefully crafted menu featuring simple, elegant seafood entrees. Don't miss the steamed sea bass or crab-and-Parmesan-crusted flounder. And while you might not be in New England, your taste buds won't know the difference when you bite into one of the restaurant's mouth-watering lobster rolls. If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, you'd be lucky to find yourself in the city of Smyrna. A meal at any one of these restaurants is sure to make for a wonderful memory. Image via Patricia Díaz | Licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

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