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.

You can take a scenic summer train ride through some of the oldest mountains on Earth for $45, just 1.5 hours from Atlanta — 26 miles roundtrip of beautiful nature, winding rivers & rich wildlife

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind way to experience the majesty of North Georgia (and Tennessee), then a ride on the Blue Ridge Railway is perfect for you! This scenic tour winds through some of the o...

Culture Things to do

10 spectacular things to do this Fourth of July weekend in Atlanta — celebrate 250 years of America with a bang right here in the A

The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and here in the ATL, we've got tons of ways to celebrate our country's independence from England. And this year is a big birthday! Time to put 250 candle...

Secret Guides Things to do

Where to watch fireworks in Atlanta this 4th of July — from bangin’ neighborhood celebrations to the largest firework displays in the Southeast

It's almost the Fourth of July, and we're ready to celebrate! Nothing says Fourth of July quite like a spectacular firework show! If you're looking for the perfect spot to watch fireworks this 4th, don't...

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Clocking in at a whopping 1 million sq. ft., the largest furniture store in Georgia just opened 40 minutes from Atlanta — complete with an affordable in-store cafe with $3 (or less) pastries, a free supervised indoor kids’ space, & gorgeous home pieces

If you're looking to upgrade your space, look no further, Atlanta! Furniture store giant Living Spaces is moving in on the East Coast, and we couldn't be more excited. Keep scrolling to learn more about L...

What’s open & closed this weekend in Atlanta for the 4th of July? — What’s closed on Friday, July 3rd & Saturday, July 4th in Atlanta?

This weekend is the Fourth of July, and we're celebrating in a big way here in the ATL! Not only is it our Independence Day... but it's a big one! 250 years! But in between fireworks and festivities, you...

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Atlanta is one of the most educated cities in the U.S. — home to 2 of the top universities in the world

A new study by WalletHub ranks the most and least educated cities in the United States, and Atlanta ranks in the top 30, at #26! Keep scrolling to learn all about Atlanta and our city's education. Wher...

Culture Things to do

One of ‘America’s Most Spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks’ shows is a 6 day Fantastic Fourth Celebration right here in Atlanta — everything you need to know about Stone Mountain’s new 250th Drone & Light Show + Fireworks

This weekend is a very special 4th of July -- it's America's 250th birthday! And Atlanta is celebrating in a huge way! With everything from free admission to the Center for Civil and Human Rights to fun f...

Mayor Dickens issues an executive order to pause new self-storage developments in the city to protect ATL’s neighborhood growth — what you should know

Last week, Atlanta's mayor, Andre Dickens, signed an Executive Order establishing a temporary moratorium on new self-storage developments across the City of Atlanta. Wait... what's going on? Andre...

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Legal changes to Georgia’s medical cannabis laws begin July 1st, 2026 — here’s what you need to know

This year, the Georgia General Assembly and Georgia governor Brian Kemp signed SB 220 into law, which makes some changes to the state's current regulations surrounding the use of medical cannabis. Keep sc...

Culture Things to do

The National Center for Civil & Human Rights hosts Free Museum Admission Day for Independence Day — America at 250: A Weekend of Celebration and Reflection

This weekend is the United States' Independence Day, and it's a special one... this year, we're celebrating 250 years of Independence. To both celebrate and reflect on our shared history, the Center for C...