Susan Swavely, Author at Secret Atlanta

Susan is proud to be an Atlanta-based writer. Originally from SC, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina with a double B.A. in English and Theatre. When she's not clicking away at a keyboard, Susan loves acting and film.

The Okefenokee Swamp becomes Georgia’s first & only UNESCO World Heritage site — joining ancient cities, national parks, & natural wonders

On Saturday, July 25th, the world recognized the cultural and natural significance of the Okefenokee Swamp, located in modern-day Georgia. The Okefenokee joins an impressive list of destinations from all...

Christmas Escapes Wellness & nature

This cozy holiday express train ride just 1.5 hours from Atlanta takes passengers on a stunning journey through the North Georgia mountains — Hot cocoa, jingle bells, holiday music, & a chance to see Santa Claus

What is the Blue Ridge Railway? The Blue Ridge Railway is a wonderful way to experience Blue Ridge, whether you’ve been before or this is your first time. Rides begin at the historic depot in downt...

Escapes Things to do Wellness & nature

The longest zip line canopy tour in the entire world is just 45 minutes from Atlanta — 10 miles of stunning zip lines and sky bridges

This summer, zip into a brand new adventure by checking out the world's longest zip line canopy tour! Located in Whitesburg, Georgia, this iconic adventure resort, Historic Banning Mills, offers a little...

Culture Things to do

NYC’s iconic Loc Fest is coming to Georgia this Sunday, just 30 minutes from Atlanta & it’s free to enter — a celebration of locs, natural hair & culture

This weekend, Loc Fest ATL is coming to town, and you don't want to miss out! This beautiful celebration of natural hair, locs and culture is the perfect way to spend your Sunday! Keep scrolling for all t...

Culture Things to do

The scariest haunted house in the southeast celebrates 30 years of monsters, mayhem, and nightmares — transforming from a small local haunted house into one of the most influential names in immersive horror entertainment

If you're already getting excited for spooky season, then we've got some great news for you! This year, NETHERWORLD, the nationally-acclaimed haunted attraction in Stone Mountain is turning 30... and to c...

Culture Sports Top news

A ‘dream come true’: Barbie® to release an Angel Reese Barbie Signature Doll alongside matching Reebok Angel Reese 1 Basketball Shoes — the world’s first Black WNBA player with a signature Barbie

Mattel just made a stunning announcement for ATL basketball fans. They're officially releasing a doll in the likeness of professional basketball superstar, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Angel Reese! Ke...

Escapes Wellness & nature

Skip the leaf peeping trips: head to Jekyll Island this fall to experience thousands of migrating birds & butterflies — a stunning stop along the Atlantic Flyway

As the weather cools off, lots of Atlantans will plan their leaf peeping trips to the mountains... but what if we told you there another fall trip you've gotta take? Instead of heading north, head to the...

POSTPONED: GDOT to shut down a 2-mile section of I-285 in Atlanta this weekend — here’s where the traffic will be the worst

Edit: this event has been POSTPONED. Get the updates on GDOT's website, here. Traveling on I-285 this weekend? Well, you might want to rethink those weekend plans. The Georgia Department of Transportat...

Atlanta’s oldest entertainment district in the heart of Downtown is searching for cool new businesses to move into the neighborhood — here’s what you need to know

The World Cup is now officially over, but that doesn't mean that the hustle and bustle in Downtown Atlanta needs to come to an end! In fact, as Downtown Atlanta continues to grow, one of the most famous a...

Things to do Top news

After a year of requiring tickets, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival will return to Piedmont Park for free in 2027 — here’s what you need to know

The iconic Atlanta Dogwood Festival is returning to Piedmont Park this April, and they've got some big news! After a ticketed event last year, the festival will return for FREE to Piedmont Park, with the...