To help our readers keep up with what there is to do in and around Atlanta, as well as Georiga, I will be featuring Out And About Happenings in Atlanta and Georgia. This bi-monthly planner, if you will, has interesting events I've found that you (heck maybe even I'll go!) might be interested in visiting!
I'm probably just as guilty as many of you in not enjoying what my own city and state offer in the way of events or places to visit! Come along and check out some of these fun things happening in the first couple weeks of September!
September 4 - 6 A Very Un-Labor Day - Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge, Helena
Georgia has lots of state parks, and all of them offer a variety of things to do. This one, located in South Georgia is no exception.
*Golf on the 18-hole Wallace Adams course, with club house and golf pro
*Enjoy a scenic walk on the 2.6 mile Oak Ridge Trail
*A splashpad, complete with fountians for the kids to play in...
*60-room lodge with hotel-style accomodations, and restaurant the overlooks the golf course.
The Un Labor Day weekend will feature live animal shows, a mini-golg tournament, country/bluegrass music AND face painting!
For More Information about the Park and facilities, visit the Little Ocmulgee State Park website.
September 5-6 Love The Lake Festival, Cauble Park, Acworth
Wow! This event features over 100 arts and crafts vendors! When you're ready to refuel, festival favorites like polish sausage, burgers and hot dogs, b-b-q, ice cream and more will be available.
There will be two stages with entertainment, a ski/boat show, beach activities and a kids play area.
And....it's FREE admission! Ya gotta love that!
For more info, click on the logo!
September 5-7 Art in the Park, Marietta Square, Marietta
This 23rd Annual Event is held each Labor Day and is sponsored by the Marietta Business Association. It's another Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society!
A juried art show will feature 130 artists with everything from paintings and pottery to jewerly and sculptures.
Held in Historic Marietta Square, you can also take a walking tour of historic districts, and enjoy unique shops and boutiques as well.
The festival hours are 10am-5pm Saturday through Monday.
For more info, click on the logo!
If you didn't have any plans yet for Labor Day weekend, I hope this will give you some ideas! We'll feature more Out And About Happenings in Atlanta and Georgia later this month with other activities going on around the area!
Enjoy!
Ok Thom you say, "this event is so far away, why are you writing about it now?" With good reason, I say! The Taste of Atlanta, October 10-11 is an event worthy of noting on your calendar in advance. I mean, really, how many times have you wanted to go to something, only to say, "Gosh, if I had known about this sooner, I would not have made other plans." Well, now you know!
And even more exciting....Taste of Atlanta will be in my back yard, at Technology Square and the Georgia Tech Campus! The 8th Annual event is breaking it's own record with 80, yes, I said E-I-G-H-T-Y of Atlanta's favorite restaurants, all in a new 10 block, 8 acre location right in the heart of Midtown! I mean...really, can you imagine how long it would take you to get around to 80 Atlanta restaurants?
This event is such a unique opportunity, that it's rated a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society!
In another press release about the Taste of Atlanta, I read about a Amica Insurance Kids Avenue, but not sure what that will involve....maybe a place to drop the youngsters while Mom and Dad eat the food that the kids don't like? Let's hope so! (I'll give your more info on an update later!)
Additionally, a new Farm-To-Fresh Village will feature several restaurants that are on the cutting-edge of the sustainable movement. Not only will there be cooking demonstrations in this area, but a Farmers Market each of the two days with fresh fruits, veggies, and other locally grown products.
This year the event will be gated so a ticket will be required to gain access.
General Admission Ticket:
General Admission Tickets include 15 Taste Coupons
Must be 21 or older to purchase VIP tickets.
Taste Of Atlanta, October 10-11 Tickets are On Sale now, and can be purchased here.
The new location of the event, at Technology Square will make it much more accessable via MARTA trains, with stations on either side of the area, Midtown and North Avenue. So, you can leave the car at home (or at least in the burbs) and leave the driving to MARTA!
For my readers from outside the Atlanta area that might want to look at making this a weekend visit to Atlanta, here is a good resource for Hotels from the Georgia Tech website. Especially check out the newest addition to Midtown Atlanta, The Palomar Hotel.
Mark your calendars! I have....and you know what, I already have a schedule conflict with the World Tour Atlanta stop of DJ Tiesto. Have not figured out how I'm going to do this yet
Well, of course not ALWAYS speechless! Since blogging, I'm always "with camera" where ever I go, provided I don't forget it of course! I never know when that one shot might inspire a post.
Last weekend, while attending the Campaign For Atlanta's Mayoral Forums at the Carter Library, I captured this one.
Anyone want to venture on a caption?
"Looking for a Bench to call your own? Let The Thom And Ray Team help!"
Midtown Atlanta, and especially 10th Street at Piedmont Park will be come a dragstrip as the Red Bull SoapBox Race kicks off next Saturday, August 29th. The pits open at 11:00AM, the Opening Ceremony is at 12:45PM, and the first race starts at 1PM! This is gonna be SOOOOO COOL!
This Red Bull Sponsored event is not like the soapbox derby some may remember from their youth. Red Bull's race is a national race for amateur drivers. It's a unique non-motorized racing event that brings out the creativity of the teams in designing their cars, along with a skit they perform before they race.
A scan of the list of teams shows many of them from Georgia, but also Florida and Tennessee showed up on the list as well. Hundreds applied, but the final list was cut to just 50 teams!
Red Bull Soapbox Race will have 10th Street, between Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive closed on Saturday and will serve as the race course. A huge elevated ramp will be constructed to give the racers the speed needed to complete the course. (Needless to say, don't drive in Midtown next Saturday!)
Of course, Red Bull beverages will be out in force!
This is the first time this event has been to Atlanta. A search of the website shows they have not repeated a U.S. city...but maybe there is a first? Attendance is "forcasted" at 45,000 people, but they company organizing the event has staff, security, and porta toilets for 75,000. We shall see!
If you are planning to attend this event and are coming from outside Midtown, it is highly advised you use MARTA and exit at the Midtown Station. Parking will be at a premium, and neighborhood streets will be patrolled for illegally parked cars...and will be towed! Exit the MARTA station, walk east on 10th Street 3 blocks...and you will be there.
BEST OF ALL.....IT'S FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE! FREE! FREE!!!!
Here is a map of the event. And if you click on the Map, it will take you to the official website for the
Red Bull SoapBox Race
Saturday, August 29, 2009 11AM - 6PM
Midtown Atlanta - 10th Street
Real estate is really interesting, and Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus is even more interesting.
In our first series, we look at what we could buy for $100,000.
In our second series, we added a Zero and saw what $1,000,000 will buy us in a single family home or a condominum in Midtown Atlanta.
Now, Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus takes you to some amazing homes, priced at $10,000,000! I was even amazed myself! I have to confess that these homes are not in the Midtown area....our real estate has not gotten that pricey.....yet!
Ever notice you you can drive down a road, and not really notice all the real estate that is there? Well, here's a perfect example.
Located at 5501 Long Island Drive in the suburb of Sandy Springs is this little bungalow! Yeah, right! It's actually 6 bedrooms, 6 baths and 2 half baths, and sits on 11 acres on a lake. Yes, on a lake and in the middle of Atlanta! Who knew?
All this can be yours for just....
$10,000,000
The home was built in 2008, and has such features as an indoor pool with a retractable roof! Of course, it's gated and quite private, yet minutes to all of Atlanta's business centers.
Here's a view of the pool....
I can only imagine the cost to maintain a home like this....the listing shows the taxes for 2006 at $10,848.
Next, Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus takes you to the posh Buckhead neighborhood, and one of our newest buildings, Sovereign. This unique building is a combination of offices, retail and condominum homes. Especially cool for the condominums, since they start on the 28th floor and go up to the 50th Floor!
Located at 3344 Peachtree Road, this building is truly right in the middle of everything Buckhead!
This exciting, dramatic 2 story Penthouse is located on the 48th and 50th Floors. There is even an option for a private pool on the 50th floor terrace! Can you imagine a pool 50 stories in the air? WOW!
The floorplan allows the buyer to buildout and customize, so it's like a blank canvas! At 10,000 plus sq ft. it's no small canvas, including 3,000 plus sq. ft. of terrace space.
The home is listed as having 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 3 half baths.
And all this can be yours for.....
$9,520,000
This next home is worthy of an honorable mention. It's not located in Atlanta, but north of the City in Rabun County, with views to Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina! And what a place it is!
Situated on 62 acres, this private estate features 4 villas, a 15 suite lodge, chapel and event building. It is a Tuscan design. The list price actually includes Chota Falls, a wedding, reception and resort business component. What more can you ask for!
Listed at $10,000,000, it currently serves as a corporate retreat, special events and weddings facility. I wonder if you could make the payments off the business? Interested buyers should do some due diligence on the options available to them prior to purchasing the property.
As you can see, Midtown Atlanta Real Estate for $1 Plus can come in all shapes and sizes. And while many of the listings we've featured in the special series might be a bit more than you want to spend, The Thom And Ray Team are here to help you find just the right home or condominium, at the price that is affordable for you!
If you happen to be interested in any of these listings, or any other real estate you may be looking at, just click on the picture below to visit our website and learn more about The Thom And Ray Team, Midtown Atlanta and living in Midtown!
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Midtown Atlanta Real Estate "Real Estate For The Urban Lifestyle"....means Midtown Atlanta Real Estate! We LIVE, WORK and KNOW Midtown Atlanta! A dynamic, ever-changing part of Atlanta! Welcome Home!
"Midtown Atlanta...Manhattan of The South"
Once an area filled with boarded up buildings, vagrants and empty streets, Midtown Atlanta is now the Premiere location in Atlanta! The Midtown Alliance is guiding The Midtown BluePrint...and now Peachtree Street (also know as the Midtown Mile) is lined with luxury condominiums, office towers and retail shops. New construction continues, and in the next few years, Midtown will offer almost 1 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL SPACE....the size of Phipps Plaza in Buckhead! Cultural activities abound, from the Fox Theatre, High Museum, Alliance Theatre, and the Center for Puppetry Arts are just a few! New restaurants offer you dining options galore...and more open almost monthly! See the brick building on the left of the picture...that's OUR office....right in the Heart of the Mile!
Like to travel? The Midtown MARTA station is just across the street from Plaza Midtown...making those weekend getaways easy!
Midtown Atlanta...Manhattan of The South!!
The "A" on the Map is our office! Right in the Heart of Midtown Atlanta!
There is a very strong neighborhood association, Midtown Neighbors' Association, which works to improve the community through various community services, land use planning, review of liquor licenses for local businesses and safety. MNA also hosts two signature events each year, the Midtown Tour of Homes, and the Midtown Atlanta Shop And Dine Week! Both are ones you don't want to miss! And maybe, even become involved with!
Midtown Atlanta........Where YOU want to Be!
Want to see the FUTURE of Midtown Atlanta?
Just Click on the Picture Below for a Special Tour!
I've been a Resident of Atlanta for 16 years (the second longest place I've lived since growing up in Montana!) and to say it's changing...well! But, it's all exciting! Of course, we have growing pains, just like any big city does, but it's a great place.....Come on down....I'll give you a personal tour in my special real estate touring car....
In my time in real estate, I've learned "you cannot be everything to everyone." That being said, if I have a Buyer or Seller who want to buy a home, or list a home in an area of Atlanta I'm not familiar with, I won't do it. Call me crazy...think I am turning away business....NOT! I feel I will do a client/customer a BETTER service be referring them to an agent who knows the area they want to look in. On the flipside of that, I see agents work in my marketplace who have no idea what building is coming up next, or what's going on in the neighborhood.
I specialize in Midtown Atlanta! While most of this area is condominiums, I do keep abreast of single-family home neighborhoods close to Midtown, so that if my clients want to move from a condo to a home, I know of areas that would fit their needs. Again, I stay Inside The Perimeter (ITP) so I can focus on areas and know more about them.
Midtown is a dynamic, ever-changing neighborhood. Knowing my market, knowing my product, and knowing the area, are what I consider key factors that any home Buyer or Seller should be looking for when they select a REALTOR.
I bring my extensive Marketing and Sales background full circle from the hospitality industry to Real Estate. I previously held Sales positions with Hilton Hotels Corporation, Nikko Hotels North America, and most recently as President and CEO of Benott Hospitality Group, a consulting firm specializing in small hotels and motels. My marketing experience helps clients market and stage their homes for maximum exposure and maximum dollars!
While helping my clients market their homes, I also enjoy helping buyers find the "PERFECT" home. By listening and understanding what they are looking for, I use the latest technology to help them find their new home. My experience in Customer Focused Service training in the Hospitality industry for 20 plus years gives me a unique advantage when working with both Buyers and Sellers. I determine the needs of my Buyers, find the homes that have those features and benefits they are looking for, and then help them every step of the way, from contract to closing, and all the details in between. For Sellers, I identify the features and benefits of their home so we can market it more effectively.
Thom,
Kimberly and I wanted to thank you and Ray for all your help in our recent Atlanta real estate ventures.
We were impressed from day one with your excellent organization and professionalism. The booklet you prepared for us with the property photos and summaries was especially helpful when viewing multiple properties, more so since we were out of town and would not have the opportunity to visit frequently.
Kimberly and I were also very happy with your assistance beyond closing. It is obvious that your commitment did not end there, and we are grateful for the follow up you provided with our property even after we closed.
We would highly recommend you and Ray to any of our friends who would be interested in Atlanta real estate.
Thanks again,
Brad
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Bradley G. Goldberg, M.D.
www.coffeewomenscenter.com
Thom and Ray:
Thank you both so much for all you did to help me with the purchase of my condo at Spire Midtown. I cannot adequately express how much I appreciate your patience, expertise and counsel throughout the entire process.
Everything you did, from educating me on the basics of home buying to referring me to a superb mortgage broker, worked toward making me feel more comfortable and more confident about the pending purchase. I never felt like I was "just another client", since you were guiding me every step of the way.
And the result? I am the proud owner of an amazing condo in the heart of Midtown Atlanta! I have an incredible place to call home and entertain guests. Thank you again, and rest assured that I will refer you to friends and associates. I look forward to working with you again in the future.
Winston W. Chapman
My husband, Don Jones, and I are extremely happy to say that we sold our townhouse at The Dakota in Midtown Atlanta in 92 days in one of the most depressed real estate and stock markets in more than six years! Not only did it sell amazingly fast, it sold for 94% of our Listing Price!
One of the major contributing factors to our recent sales success was The Thom And Ray Team. They have an amazing combination of skill sets: Professionalism, Sales, Marketing, Market Savvy and Negotiating. We strongly recommend using The Thom And Ray Team adn would welcome an opportunity to answer any questions you may have.
Thom and Ray also handled the purchase of our new home at Viewpoint Midtown which was complicated by our purchaseof two units to be combined into one. At each step of the process, we received consisitent and professional advice and ended up purchasing at a very favorable price.
Peggy Denby, Executive Director, Keep Atlanta Beautiful
Note: Peggy (in Pink) and Don (white shirt) cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening Party for Viewpoint!
When my fiancée and I decided to move to California, we began to shop around for agents to help sell our condo. We were referred to Thom Abbott by a friend of my fiancées family and decided to use him as our agent after a brief meeting. Thom is extremely knowledgeable about the Midtown Atlanta market and impressed us with his ideas about how to market our condo. Thom held open houses and also created a flyer that was displayed for potential buyers to take home with them. 
My fiancée and I were selling our condo in a tough market when many homes were being foreclosed upon; however we had a steady flow of showings on a weekly basis. Thom was able to get feedback for us from other agents about what potential buyers liked/disliked about our unit and we were able to sell our unit in a just few short months. Whenever we had a question or concern, Thom was always easily reachable or got back to back to us in a very timely manner. I would highly recommend Thom as an agent and will definitely refer him as an agent to friends and family.
Peter and Kira Morris
To Whom It May Concern:
Thom and Ray were very proactive in helping me sell my condo in Midtown. I previously had my place on the market for a year and I never got a single offer.
The second time around, I hired Thom to list my place because he seemed very knowledgeable of the in-town market. He and Ray pulled out all the stops to get my place exposed to as many people as possible. They sent out promotional flyers, posted the listing on all the major websites, and held numerous open houses.
I was out of town during this time so they kept me informed of progress through email and phone calls. I was surprised, given the staggering slack in home sales, how many people they actually got to come through the doors.
After a few months we had a buyer. Thom negotiated the price and took care of all the contracts and paperwork, making the closing a hassle-free process. I was a first time home owner trying to unload a one bedroom condo in a troubled market; Thom and Ray were great partners to have on my side--I'd recommend these guys to anybody.
Kevin Manley Cornerstone Village Condominiums
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