Atlanta's favorite fall traditions
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Lovers of light jackets, cool breezes and blue jeans, unite. We have reached the magical moment in Georgia where Mother Nature says "you can stop sweating now."
Why it matters: Fall is packed with plenty of traditions to get people out of our houses and apartments and into cool and mild weather just before winter comes to town.
Mark your calendars and meet us out and about.
Feast on chili with friends
Wake up early, skip breakfast and head to Cabbagetown to feast on some of the best chili you'll probably have in your lifetime at Chomp & Stomp.
What's happening: Scheduled for Sat., Nov. 2, this beloved neighborhood festival includes chili, beer and music.
- Purchase your tasting spoon and sample chili recipes served up by amateur and professional chefs vying for prizes and bragging rights.
Pro-tip: Pace yourself and be patient with the contestants and volunteers serving up samples.
Explore Atlanta's dog parks without dying in the heat
Dogs love crunching leaves. Take your four-legged best buddy on a tour of metro Atlanta's best dog parks.
Zoom in: High on our list are Piedmont Park and Freedom Barkway in Atlanta, Brook Run Park in Dunwoody and Wills Park in Alpharetta.
💠Kristal's thought bubble: This is my favorite time of year to get outside with Hannah.
- We both take our allergy meds and set out to let her explore the world through sniffaris.
Pro tip: You still need to wear your sunscreen.
Hug your LGBTQ loved ones
You haven't seen a parade — or an outpouring of love and community — until you've attended Atlanta Pride.
Catch up quick: Several years ago, Atlanta Pride moved the LGBTQ festival from the sweltering summer to the more temperate October.
The big picture: The weekend festival includes concerts, vendors and galas to keep your calendar packed.
Hike the hills before sporting lederhosen in Helen
Hike Blood Mountain or Yonah Mountain for spectacular views of North Georgia's changing foliage — and brace yourself for the chaos of Oktoberfest in nearby Helen (happening now through Oct. 27).
Caveat: If walking through the faux Bavarian village's annual beer celebration proves too much stimulation for your senses, drive through on the town's main strip to soak in the party from the security of your car.
Zoom out: You can't go wrong opting to ride mountain roads and soak in changing leaf colors. Head to Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak, for a grand view.
Pro tip: Ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster, a gravity-powered thrill ride on elevated rails through the woods.
Scare yourself silly, buy a record and eat tater tots
No other fall event magically captures the grit, authenticity and originality of Atlanta's eastside like the Little Five Points Halloween Parade and Festival.
Zoom in: On Sun., Oct. 20, fright-loving creatives and businesses roll out their best PG-13 floats for a march along Moreland Avenue.
- Expect macabre marching bands, spooky characters and plenty of fun.
Yes, and: The weekend party includes a street festival and ample time to swing by Criminal Records or the Euclid Avenue Yacht Club.