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Located just outside of Atlanta, Smyrna, Georgia is full of places to shop. Whether you're looking for a unique gift for someone or are just in need of retail therapy, Smyrna has some of the most charming shops to visit. Love Street Gifts and Heart and Sole Boutique Love Street Gifts has served Smyrna since 1999 alongside its sister boutique Heart and Sole, which sits just next door. Love Street is a small gift boutique with a colorful garden area off to one side on the exterior. Make time to browse the store for just the right gift or knickknack. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are nearby if you're looking for something in particular. You'll find all manner of things from rubber stamps, wall art, toiletry bags, shoes, jewelry boxes, and of course, plants and planters. Heart and Sole brings the uniqueness of its sister store to clothing and accessories for women. You'll find a great outfit for any purpose, whether it be a night out, something nice for work, or just a change of pace in your day-to-day wardrobe. Heart and Sole offers shoes and jewelry to complete an outfit, and they even sell some beauty products as well. Nest Home and Garden Another place to shop for unique items in Smyrna is Nest Home and Garden. They sell many items for the home, including wall décor and personalized serve ware. In need of a piece of furniture for your home? Check to see what Nest has to complete your design. You'll also find items like soaps and lotions, as well as jewelry. If you're on the lookout for baby items, stop by the Nest to find something special for a little one. If clothing is on your radar, don't miss the Nest clothing consignment boutique. They offer gently worn clothing, which means you can find some unique pieces. You can even turn in pieces from your own closet to make room for something new and make a little money at the same time. Read Shop The Read Shop in nearby Atlanta is a book lover's dream. It is a small book and coffee shop tucked inside of the Vinings shopping center. The shop is the perfect place to find coffee table books, travel books, magazines, fiction novels, and mystery novels. Once you find the perfect book or magazine, take a load off and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a good pastry. They have a good drink menu that includes coffee, tea, espresso, and cold brews featuring Stumptown Coffee. The Shop also offers a few gifts like water bottles, greeting cards, and coffee supplies like cups and French presses. Shopping doesn't always mean heading to a large chain store. Smyrna and the surrounding area is full of unique independent stores that have a little something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a gift, a good book to read, or a new outfit, you'll find the place to go in Smyrna. Image via Roel Wijnants | Licensed by CC BY-NC 2.0

Wade Ford was a proud sponsor and excited to take part in this year's Atlanta Mission 5K Race to End Homelessness. On February 17, 2018 Wade Ford staff joined thousands as the took streets of downtown Atlanta to run a race, in the cold, for those who sleep in the cold. Metro Atlanta is home to over 7,000 homeless individuals, people who face the perilous conditions of winter without a roof over their heads. Proceeds will cover shelter and services for someone who would otherwise spend the night in the cold, on the streets. Wade Ford staff met at 7 am at the Centennial Olympic Park and did a group stretch to warm up for the 5k. One of our runners came in 2nd place in his age group. At  Wade Ford, we understand that life can take some hard turns and families may go through unforeseeable and trying challenges. In those times it always helps to have the support needed to pull through. That’s where the Atlanta Mission comes in—a company that is always willing to go the extra mile to help families in times of need.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKhSX5JiRzo About the Atlanta Mission Since its 1938 beginnings, this nonprofit ministry has grown from a small soup kitchen to a multi-facility organization serving Metro Atlanta’s large homeless population. Today, Atlanta Mission provides emergency shelter, rehab and recovery services, vocational training, services, and transitional housing. We serve more than 1,000 homeless men, women, and children every day. Atlanta Mission meets each person where they are, in their unique circumstances, to provide customized services to help them overcome the cause of their homelessness. They invest in the spiritual, personal, and professional development of people, restoring and equipping them to intentional living. We believe that in empowering and coaching people toward excellence, we impact the quality of all we do. Various factors lead to homelessness — job loss, eviction, family tragedy, addiction, domestic violence, a major health condition, and more. The common denominator is a major crack in their life foundation. Our programs are multi-pronged and multi-layered, designed to meet people where life has led them.

With the holiday season in full swing, many of you are probably looking to get your New Year's plans set in stone. If you aren't sure what you're doing yet, you may want to check out one of these 2017-2018 New Year's Eve events happening around Smyrna, GA. La Pura Vida New Year's Eve Party La Pura Vida is hosting a New Year's Eve Party in Smyrna beginning on December 31, 2017 at 10:00 p.m. and ending on January 1, 2018 at 3:00 a.m. The event has a $20 cover charge and includes a free champagne toast at the countdown to midnight. 2nd Annual New Year's Eve Rooftop Ball Drop Creatwood Tavern, the only rooftop bar in Smyrna, is hosting a New Year's Eve party on the roof. The event begins with a free cocktail hour and food buffet at 9:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve and runs until 4:00 a.m. the following morning. The event includes a Ball Drop and a champagne toast at midnight as well as a live DJ. Reservations are highly recommended and admission costs $40 per person. New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Dinner On New Year's Eve, Maggiano's Little Italy is having a night of Murder and Mystery. Doors open at 6:25 p.m. with the show starting at 7:00 and running until 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $65 per person and include a three-course meal as well as an exciting show. The best part is you'll be home before the clock strikes midnight! New Year's Eve Great Gatsby Gala To ring in 2018, Ray's on the River is hosting a New Year's Eve Gatsby Gala from 9:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. The event, which costs $150 per person, features an open bar, plenty of hors d'oeuvres, and a midnight champagne toast. Not to mention, there will be live music by a 5-piece band, so you can dance the night away. Gatsby 1920s-era attire is highly encouraged. Reservations are required.

November Charity Events near Atlanta, GA Every day has the potential to be Giving Tuesday, all you have to do is find a cause or charity that you believe in and like and help support it—even if it's just raising awareness.  And this year, there are plenty of November charity events near Atlanta and Smyrna, Georgia. These events all have great meaning and are a fun way to show support.  And while there are quite a few this month, we are sharing only a few of the charity events that are happening in the area: Furkids Paws for Cocktails 2017 The Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters is having their annual Paws for Cocktails fundraiser on the 9 th.  This event will benefit the Rescue and their mission to help care for thousands of homeless pets in Atlanta.  The tickets will include live entertainment and music, delicious food, one free drink ticket.  Plus, there will be a silent auction to help raise money. Where: Park Tavern in Piedmont Park 500 10 th St NE, Atlanta GA When: November 9, 2017 Time: 5:30 PM to 10 PM Tickets: $35 in advance; available on their website Read More: 2018 Ford Escape Specs & Features 2017 DAV 5k Atlanta This is a run, walk, roll and motorcycle ride that honors veterans and thanks all who have served.  This event also raises awareness of the issues that our ill and injured veterans face every day.  It's presented by the Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit that helps more than 1 million veterans each year.  There will be a post party at the Park Tavern after the race to continue honoring our military service members. Where: Piedmont Park 1342 Worchester Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 When: This Veterans' Day - November 11, 2017 Time: Check-in at 7 AM; 9 AM start time Tickets: $30 for adults; $15 for youth Learn more about the 2018 Ford F-150 Giving Thanks Food Drive The Shabazz Media Group, a multi-media production company, is holding its first food drive in Atlanta.  This food drive is also a networking event and there will be celebrity guests attending, as well as sponsors and vendors.  This event will be to help families in need this Thanksgiving by coming together for a little party to gear up for the holiday season.  All proceeds and food donations will go to the Atlanta Food Bank. Where: Studio 630 630 Travis St, Atlanta, GA 30318 When: November 17 – 18, 2017 Time: 8 PM on the 17 th to 11 PM on the 18 th Tickets: $25 or free if you donate 4 non-perishable food items If you are in need of a new Ford model or your vehicle needs to be serviced, you can stop in or contact us and our professional staff will be glad to help. We at Wade Ford hope you have a great holiday season this November!

With Halloween 2017 quickly approaching, many families in the Smyrna, GA area are probably on the lookout for festive events for the kids. Here is just a sampling of the family-friendly events happening in Smyrna and the surrounding area to celebrate Halloween. You may also like: Best museums to visit in Atlanta, GA Children's Halloween Costume Parade On Saturday, October 28, Smyrna First Baptist Church is hosting a Children's Halloween Costume Parade. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot with the parade starting at 9:00 a.m. The parade will run north on King Street around Village Green Circle and end at the Veterans Memorial Lawn in Smyrna. Costumes will be judged on a variety of categories for children from newborns to 12 years old. Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta The Atlanta Zoo is hosting Boo at the Zoo on October 28 and 29 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy treats throughout the zoo as well as take part in various Halloween surprises and animal events each day. Halloween costume contests are scheduled to take place at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Check out the Boo at the Zoo event page to learn more. Boo Bash at Town Center at Cobb Boo Bash is taking place on Saturday, October 28 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Town Center at Cobb. Children are encouraged to attend the event in costume and prepare for fun activities, such as a bounce house, games, giveaways, and much more. Trick-or-treating will happen at participating stores. Cobb County Fall Festival of Fun at Jim Miller Park On Tuesday, October 31 from 4:30 until 7:03 p.m., the Cobb County Fall Festival is happening at Jim Miller Park. The free event includes a trick-or-treating alternative for local children as well as arts and crafts, games, inflatable rides, costume contests, a photo booth, and more.

Labor Day Events in Smyrna, Marietta and Surrounding Area Labor Day is a bittersweet holiday. With a long weekend and plenty of events, it feels great! On the other hand, it also signifies the end of summer's long days and constant activity stream. Although the weather becomes a little bit more hospitable, kids go back to school and we all have to start thinking about holiday shopping. Summer is great, and saying goodbye to it stinks. Lucky for us, the Atlanta area is full of great ways to spend this final summer holiday. Here are some great ways we can spend the long weekend and holiday hours! Art in the Park – Marietta Catch some great, original art and crafts in an expansive outdoor venue for Marietta's Art in the Park. This celebration lasts from Saturday through Monday and features local and national artists with a variety of fine arts on display at the historic Marietta Square downtown Marietta.  Art in the Park also features Chalk Spot, where artists of all ages can show off their artistic abilities on the spot, a food truck row and a convenient walk to museums and galleries downtown. More information about this event can be found on the Art in the Park website by clicking here. 19th Annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival – Pine Mountain If you've ever wanted to go up in a hot air balloon, well you're braver than any of us! The Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival south in Pine Mountain gives you the opportunity to witness these beautiful sky giants in flight. You even to try a tethered balloon flight yourself, but that's not really our speed.  Beginning on the first, the event goes through Labor Day and is definitely worth a stop. You can get more information on admission at the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival by clicking here. Taste of Soul Festival – Atlanta Come on down to one of Atlanta's oldest and most historic neighborhoods for the free Taste of Soul Atlanta festival. This day-long festival on Saturday the 2 nd, features a range of food, music and art with a soulful connection. Get more information directions at the Taste of Soul Atlanta website here. Wherever your long weekend leads you, we hope it's a great one for you and your family. We'll be right here on Tuesday when all of the Labor Day fun has subsided. If you have any questions, or are looking to schedule a test drive, contact us!

Best Golf Courses Near Atlanta GA Here in the middle of another Georgia summer, there is so much that people can go out and enjoy in the area. However, those looking for a relaxing time outside with some friends and family can enjoy a fun round of golf. There are so many great golf courses in the area, so we tried to only include public courses in this list so the most amount of people can enjoy playing there. Here are our recommendations for some of the best golf courses near Atlanta, GA. Legacy Golf Links & Driving Range Location: 1825 Windy Hill Rd, Smyrna, GA Website: Legacy Golf Links & Driving Range The Legacy Golf Links was designed by former professional golfer Larry Nelson, and is an 18-hole golf course right here in Smyrna, GA. Children and adults can also receive lessons to help them improve as a golfer, and people can also casually hitting some balls at the driving range. Cobblestone Golf Course Location: 4200 Nance Rd, Acworth, GA Website: Cobblestone Golf Course Further north of Atlanta is the popular Cobblestone Golf Course in Acworth, GA. Cobblestone was completely renovated in 2010 and has been continuously voted as one of the best municipal courses in the area for years. This course is another great place for fantastic golf lessons, as well as great for golf outings and other events. Read more: Best museums to visit in Atlanta GA. John A. White Golf Course Location: 1053 Cascade Cir SW, Atlanta, GA Website: John A. White Golf Course A great golf course for people of all skill levels, the John A. White Golf Course also offers a Loyalty Program that offers frequent golfers free rounds or balls for the driving range. Located in Atlanta, the John A. White Golf Course is another course you won't regret playing. Those were just a few of our recommendations for the best golf courses near Atlanta, GA. If we missed any of your favorites, be sure to let us and others know in the comments below. If you need a new vehicle that offers room for your golf bag, feel free to browse through our new Ford inventory.

Best Museums to Visit in Atlanta GA Being in a big city can be overwhelming for some people. With so much to see and do, it can be easy to miss out on a few of the highlights. In Atlanta, GA, there are plenty of museums covering a wide variety of topics that people can enjoy and learn at. We wanted to highlight some of the best museums to visit in Atlanta, GA. Fernbank Museum of Natural History Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA Website: Fernbank Museum of Natural History At the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, people can be treated to seeing some of the largest dinosaurs in the world, as well as plenty of other animal and culture-related exhibits and artifacts. The museum is also home to an IMAX Theater, 900-gallon saltwater aquarium and 65-acre hardwood forest. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a fantastic place to visit for people of all ages. College Football Hall of Fame Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA Website: College Football Hall of Fame Football fans won’t want to miss out on the College Football Hall of Fame & Chick-Fil-A Fan Experience. Visitors can learn about some of the greatest football players and coaches at the museum, as well as experience what it was like to be present during some of the greatest moments in college football history. People can also have fun by catching passes and kicking field goals. Read more: Wade Ford summer concert series near Atlanta, GA. High Museum of Art Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA Website: High Museum of Art The High Museum of Art hosts a collection of everything from classic to contemporary art. There will sure be something for everyone, as the museum has more than 11,000 pieces to see from all around the world. The High Museum of Art also offers new exhibits quite often, as there is always something special to see on the horizon.

Wade Ford Summer Concert Series Near Atlanta GA The Wade Ford Summer Concert Series is returning this summer, jam-packed with great live entertainment for everyone to enjoy. This year, the Concert Series will be starting on Sunday, May 14, so there is still plenty of time to buy your tickets for the summer event. Let’s take a look at what you can expect and who will be performing at the Wade Ford Summer Concert Series near Atlanta, GA. Who Will be Performing at the Wade Ford Summer Series? The annual Summer Concert Series will be held this year at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, a large outdoor concert venue in Mableton, GA, with 1,400 seats, as well as 1000 more lawn seats for people to enjoy the live entertainment. Starting off the Concert Series on May 14, are The Whispers, Alex Bugnon and Joey Sommerville. Read more: Easiest way to shop for cars near Atlanta, GA. Even if you happen to miss out on the live concert on May 14, the Wade Ford Summer Concert Series runs through September. Here is a list of the other acts performing at the Summer Concert Series this year. May 14 - The Whispers, Alex Bugnon, Joey Sommerville June 24 - Maya Leeks, Karen Briggs July 22 - Eric  Benet, Euge Groove, Terence Young August 26 - Mike Phillips, Loose Ends, Kendrid the Familyy Soul September 23 - Eric Roberson, Kenny Lattimore, Algebra & Jeff Bradshaw Visit www.wadefordconcert.com to get more info At Wade Ford, we are always happy to give back to our community and loyal customers with the annual Wade Ford Summer Concert Series near Atlanta, GA. If you wanted to keep up to date with more community events happening near the Smyrna, GA area, be sure to follow our blog. For more information about the Wade Ford Summer Concert Series, feel free to contact us at Wade Ford to answer any questions you may have.

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2017 Near Atlanta GA St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and what better way to celebrate the Irish holiday than to go out and grab a few drinks with your closest friends and family. We wanted to share some of our favorite local pubs so you can have a great time while you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2017 near Atlanta, GA. Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub Location: Various Website: Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub One of the most popular Irish pub chains near Atlanta, the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day over the course of Friday and Saturday. On Friday is the pub’s St. Patrick’s Day Indoor/Outdoor Bash, featuring live music, specials and giveaways. On Saturday at the location in Milton, GA, there is a St. Baldrick’s Head Shaving Event & St. Paddy O’Pedal Ride. Keegan’s Irish Pub Location: Various Website: Keegan’s Irish Pub Keegan’s Irish Pub is a family-friendly establishment with a ton of Irish charm. Keegan’s St. Patrick’s Day party will start on Thursday, March 16, and continue all weekend long. The celebratory weekend will consist of drink specials, traditional Irish food such as corned beef and cabbage, live music and more. Follow our blog for more information on holiday events near Atlanta. Fadó Irish Pub Location: 273 Buckhead Ave NE, Atlanta, GA Website: Fadó Irish Pub Created in 1996 by a small group of Irish entrepreneurs, the Fadó Irish Pub brings the best the best aspects of pubs in Ireland and brings them to Atlanta. The location is always a hotspot for St. Patrick’s Day because it helps capture the perfect Irish atmosphere. The Fadó Irish Pub tells the story of the strong Irish heritage with everything at their pub. While we couldn’t list all of our favorite places where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2017 near Atlanta, GA, you’re sure to have a great time at any one of these establishments. If you have a favorite place to visit for the holiday or have any fun St. Patrick’s Day traditions, let us know about them in the comments. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Things to do in Atlanta on Valentine's Day 2017 Valentine's Day is right around the corner which means you better start planning. Many couples partake in a romantic Valentine's Day meal but this year why not take it a step further and surprise your loved one with a day filled with fun and romance! There are plenty of things to do in the Atlanta area to make your Valentine's Day special so take a look at some of Valentine's Day date ideas in the Atlanta GA area. Cupid's Undie Run Have a little fun while supporting a great cause at Cupid's Undie Run! The 1-mile fun run benefits the Children's Tumor Foundation. Undies are encouraged but not required so get creative and have some fun with it. Take a look at their website for more information or to register for the run! Atlanta Ballet Fellowship Ensemble Snow White This is a great event for families looking to celebrate Valentine's Day together. This charming one-hour ballet version of Snow White is a great way to start your weekend. Take a look at their website for information on show times and how to get tickets. Scream in the Dark at Netherworld Haunted House Share an evening of dimly light rooms and monsters with your loved one at Netherworld Haunted House. For one night only navigate darkened corridors with only a small candle to light your way. This is a fun event that is perfect for the haunted house lover in your life. Valentines in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, cocktails, desserts and orchids! The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is one of the most romantic locations in the area and during their Valentines in the Garden event you can take a stroll through the Orchid Daze exhibit and enjoy delicious treats, drinks and more. View their website to purchase tickets. View More Community Events and Activities Posts from Wade Ford Here! From all of us at Wade Ford, we wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!

2016 Christmas Events & Activities Atlanta GA Christmas is right around the corner, and if you're looking for some festive fun over the holidays, Atlanta has much to offer. Take a look at some of the best events and activities in the area for 2016. 69th Macy's Great Tree Lighting • Lenox Square Mall November 20 • 7:00 pm Kick off the holidays at Macy's Great Tree Lighting at Lenox Square Mall. The event includes a pre-show concert, and the celebration will be capped off by a fireworks finale set to holiday music. (3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326) Children's Christmas Parade • Peachtree Street (Midtown Atlanta) December 3 • 10:30 am – 12:00 pm With floats, giant helium-filled balloons and marching bands, the Children's Christmas Parade will be the largest holiday parade in the southeast. Thousands of spectators will be lined up along the streets eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa and the official beginning of the holiday season in Atlanta. (Start: Peachtree St. and 16th St.; End: Peachtree St. and 5th St., Atlanta, GA 30308) Are you looking to buy a Ford vehicle in the Atlanta-area? Garden Lights Holiday Nights • Atlanta Botanical Gardens November 12 – January 7 • 5:00 – 10:00 pm The annual Garden Lights Holiday Nights features spectacular light displays throughout the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. In 2016, explore the new Walk of Flames and a newly expanded Tunnel of Light along with favorites such as the Orchestral Orbs, Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest and Model Trains that continue to make the exhibition a must-see holiday tradition. (1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309) Cirque Dreams Holidaze • Fox Theatre November 23 – 25 Now in its 8th year of multiple simultaneous touring productions, Cirque Dreams lights up the 2016 holiday season with its critically acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza. Be amazed by this holiday spectacle with over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 artists from every corner of the globe. (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) A Christmas Carol • Alliance Theatre November 25 – December 24 Join the Alliance Theatre for one of Atlanta’s most treasured holiday traditions — A Christmas Carol. Celebrate the holidays with the beloved Dickens classic in this Broadway-scale production with beautiful live music and an all-star Atlanta cast. (1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309) Here at Wade Ford, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. If you'd like to spend the holidays in a high-quality Ford vehicle, we'd be delighted to help you out. Contact us to find out about our current specials!