Newcomer's bi-monthly eNewsletter
Planning Your Move
TEMPORARY HOUSING SOLUTIONS: Relocating to a new city is always exciting, but there's a lot to think about, organize, prioritize and plan, not the least of which is where you're going to live. Possibly, your move comes with little advance warning, and your family will join you later. You'll need to find a place to stay during this transition. Finding temporary accommodation until you buy a house or until your new home is ready is key.Read more >>
Getting Started
ATLANTA'S HEALTHCARE NETWORKS: Whether you're planning a move to Atlanta or you're new to the area, you have important things to consider. You know you need to find a home, a school and a bank, but don't wait until you have an emergency or family illness to choose a healthcare provider, too. Moving to a new town is a great time to find a new healthcare network—and Atlanta has plenty to choose from! Read more >>
Natural Wonders and Breathtaking Views
Exploring Lookout Mountain
J
ust a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Lookout Mountain offers a wealth of diversions, from recreational activities and amenities to stunning displays of natural beauty. From the timeless splendor of Ruby Falls to the centuries-old wonders of Rock City and the gorgeous views of the Incline Railway, this landmark just over the border in Tennessee is the perfect choice for a weekend getaway.Rock City Gardens
High atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City Gardens is a captivating 4,100-foot walking trail filled with magnificent rock formations, deep crevices and lush gardens featuring more than 400 species of native wildflowers and vegetation. Each year, nearly half a million people explore colossal rock formations thought to be 200 million years old, and look out over Chattanooga Valley and Missionary Ridge, two Civil War battlefields.
Wandering the Enchanted Trail, which winds through the 14-acre property, visitors can experience such wonders as a 1,000-ton balanced rock, the Swing-A-Long Bridge that spans nearly 200 feet, and Lover's Leap, which offers a breathtaking view of seven states from above a 90-foot waterfall that cascades down Lookout Mountain. Younger visitors, meanwhile, delight in scenes and characters from their favorite fairy tales in Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village.
Named one of America's iconic places by National Geographic, Rock City hosts many special events throughout the year, including Rock City Raptors shows featuring live birds of prey, and the award-winning Enchanted Garden of Lights holiday extravaganza. www.seerockcity.com.
Ruby Falls
Deep in the heart of Lookout Mountain, in a limestone cave 1,120 feet beneath the surface, sits Ruby Falls, America's Tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public. Surrounded by unique rock formations, the sparkling, 144-foot waterfall flows from the roof of the cavern, with hundreds of gallons of water rushing past every minute on its way to the Tennessee River. Leading the way environmentally with 90 solar panels, Ruby Falls was named the first US attraction to receive Green Globe Certification for its efforts. As if that weren't enough, Ruby Falls also boasts ZIPstream Aerial Adventure, made up of suspended obstacle courses and tree-to-tree challenges with ladders, nets, walkways, bridges, tunnels and zip lines.Ruby Falls also hosts several special events throughout the year, including Lantern Tours and "Foto at the Falls" tours for photographers. Upcoming events include the Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern, a spine-tingling spectacle of frights that runs each weekend in October, and Ruby Red Christmas, with fresh fallen snow, horse-drawn carriages, carolers and a North Pole workshop for children, Fridays and Saturdays in December. www.rubyfalls.com.
Incline Railway
Billed as "America's Most Amazing Mile," the Incline Railway is a National Historic Site and National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark that has been delighting guests for more than 100 years. Departing from the lower train station in historic St. Elmo, the world's steepest railway takes passengers all the way to the top of Lookout Mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the Chattanooga Valley.
While there, visitors can also explore the battlefields at Point Park, where the Battle of Lookout Mountain—known as the "Battle Above the Clouds" because of the fog that sometimes descends halfway down the mountain—took place in 1863. www.ridetheincline.com.For more information about Lookout Mountain's attractions, events and amenities, call 800-825-8366 or visit www.lookoutmountain.com.
Atlanta Happenings
THEATER AND CONCERTS
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band, Fox Theatre
The singer and drummer, best known for his work with the Beatles, returns with the latest incarnation of his annual classic-rock revue. Personnel on this outing include Gregg Rollie (Santana, Journey), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Steve Lukather (Toto) and Todd Rundgren.
July 6, 800-745-3000, www.foxtheatre.org.
The B-52s, Fox Theatre
Formed in Athens in 1976, this quirky quartet enjoyed cult success with tracks like “Rock Lobster” before becoming a household name with the 1989 album Cosmic Thing, which yielded the hits “Love Shack” and “Roam.”
July 21, 800-745-3000, www.foxtheatre.org.
The Kingston Trio, Southern Ground Amphitheater
This legendary threesome was the No. 1 vocal group of the pre-Beatles era, responsible for the folk music revival of the 1950s and early ’60s.
July 21, 770-719-4173, www.southerngroundamp.com.
The Producers, Fox Theatre
The hit musical based on Mel Brooks’ classic film rolls into Atlanta for a limited engagement.
July 24-29, 800-982-2787, www.broadwayinatlanta.com.
The Zombies, Southern Ground Amphitheater
The reformed English rock group responsible for the hits “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season” makes a rare stateside appearance.
July 28, 770-719-4173, www.southerngroundamp.com.
First Friday Concert Series, Rome
This free concert series returns to downtown Rome, Ga., for its 14th year. Enjoy family entertainment every first Friday of the month, starting at 7 p.m.
July through September, 706-295-5576, www.romegeorgia.org.
EXHIBITS AND EVENTS
Powder Springs Independence Day Celebration, Powder Springs Town Square
This 16xth annual event features music by the Mustangs and Scott Thompson, and a fireworks display sponsored by Superior Plumbing. Admission is free.
July 4, 770-423-1330, www.cityofpowdersprings.org.
2012 Hospitality Highway Century Ride, Georgia Route 400
Ride your bicycle on one of the state’s best-known highways. This midsummer training ride starts in Roswell and winds through Sandy Springs, Milton, Johns Creek, Alpharetta and other scenic areas of North Fulton. Choose from 9-mile, 23-mile, 60-mile and 100-mile options. Open to anyone 12 and older.
July 8, 866-511-7742, www.ga400century.com.
2012 Jr. Lyric Summer Music Theatre Workshop, Murray Arts Center Campus
Give your child an experience he or she will never forget, as children ages 10-13 audition, rehearse and perform in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. while gaining professional theatre skills. Students will learn from working professionals, and by the end of the workshop they will have a professional headshot, short monologue and song prepared for future auditions. Enrollment is limited to 45 participants.
July 9-20, 404-377-9948, www.atlantalyrictheatre.com.
Gwinnett International Restaurant Week, Gwinnett County
Take a culinary trip around the world at this 6th annual event, as participating restaurants offer special three-course menus exhibiting international flavor. $21.21 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
July 23-27, www.gcvb.org/restaurantweek.
5th Annual Chattahoochee River Summer Splash, Chattahoochee River
Kayak, canoe or raft your way down six mils of the beautiful Chattahoochee River during this annual summer event. An afternoon of fun activities at Powers Island follows the float.
July 28, 770-528-1200, www.visitsandysprings.org.
American Legacy: Our National Parks, Booth Western Art Museum
View 100 paintings of some of the nation’s most beautiful national parks, painted by artists on location at each park.
Through Aug. 26, 770-387-1300, www.boothmuseum.org.
Wings Over North Georgia Air Show, Richard B. Russell Regional Airport
This inaugural air show features high-flying fun from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Black Diamond Jet Team, OTTO the Helicopter, hang-glider Dan Buchanan and comedy stunt flyer Kent Pietsch. The event also features a barbecue classic and auto show.
Sept. 28-30, www.wingsovernorthgeorgia.com.
Suwanee Farmers Market, Town Center Park
Browse and purchase fresh produce, baked goods and natural products at this popular market. Open 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 7 and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays (except for Suwanee Day, Sept. 15).
Through Oct. 6, www.suwanee.com.
Powder Springs Farmers Market, Downtown Powder Springs
For the third year, this market supports and promotes local farmers, home growers and purveyors of foods prepared with local products. Entertainment includes a ballet school exhibition and the Code Monaco band on June 7, and the Roman Festival Brass Band on June 28.
Through October, www.cityofpowdersprings.org.
Suwanee SculpTour, Suwanee
Downtown Suwanee’s walkable outdoor exhibit of original sculptures returns for a second year, featuring 15 all-new sculptures created by 11 artists, representing Georgia and five other states.
Ongoing, www.suwanee.com.
Southern Quilt Trail, Powder Springs
Tour this series of quilt patterns painted on the sides of historic barns and other buildings in an effort to promote and preserve the history of this traditional art form that has been handed down for generations.
Ongoing, 770-439-1780, www.southernquilttrail.com.
Our Top 5
Movie Theaters
1. The Fabulous Fox Theatre: Summer brings classic films and recent favorites to the largest screen and most dazzling theater in the city.
2. Regal Tara Cinemas: This small, quiet space showcases independent fare you won’t find at the multiplex.
3. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema: This Midtown favorite screens mainstream and alternative titles and features healthy snacking options.
4. Plaza Theatre: Classic décor, low prices and inventive programming make this a great alternative pick.
5. Starlight Six Drive-In Theatre: There’s nothing like watching a blockbuster from the comfort of your car—and for only $7, to boot.
