Georgia's Biggest Parade + Don McLean

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What's up, neighbors!

The Fourth lands on a Saturday this year, so we get the whole long weekend to enjoy it.

The one we keep circling back to is the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade. It turns 50 this year, it is the biggest Independence Day parade in the state, and it runs right down Mt. Vernon into the Village. We are planning to stake out a curb spot early, because Mt. Vernon closes around 8:30 and folks around here claim their favorite patches days ahead. Bands, floats, vintage cars, and a dunk tank for the kids at the festival after. Hard to beat, and it is free.

If you want fireworks that night, Sandy Springs throws its free Stars and Stripes party at City Green. Don McLean, the "American Pie" guy, plays at 8, and the show goes up at 9:30. Come hungry, there are food trucks.

When things slow down, Brooklyn Cafe over on Sandy Springs Circle is our dinner pick. People swear the crab cakes are the best in metro Atlanta. Just go Friday or Saturday, since they are closed Sundays.

Down below you will find the full July 3 to 5 planner, the local news worth knowing, a record shop worth the drive, and a cat named Traffic Cone looking for his person.

Stay safe out there, and happy Fourth.

- Andrew

When was the last time you actually looked at your homeowners policy?

For most folks in Atlanta and the Outside the Perimeter area, the honest answer is "when we bought the house." Which would be fine, except home values around here are up $150K to $200K+ since 2020. If your policy hasn't kept up, your dwelling limit is probably short of what it would actually cost to rebuild today. That gap won't show up on your bill. It only shows up when you file a claim, which is the worst time to find out.

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Parade: Mt. Vernon Rd to Dunwoody Village
Festival: outside the US Post Office in Dunwoody Village (1551 Dunwoody Village Pkwy)
Saturday, July 4
9:00 AM, festival to follow around 11:30 AM
Free
Learn More

This is the big one, and it's turning 50 this year. The Dunwoody 4th of July Parade started back in 1976 for America's bicentennial, and it has since grown into the LARGEST Independence Day parade in the state of Georgia. It's marking a half-century in the same year the country turns 250, aka you are not going to find a better reason to plant a chair on Mt. Vernon.

Here's what shows up: around 150 marching units, thousands of participants, and more than 30,000 neighbors lining the route. Floats, marching bands, vintage cars, clowns, animal units, all of it. This year's grand marshal is the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, the group that keeps the old landmarks standing, which fits the "Honoring the Past, Marching into the Future" theme perfectly.

The parade steps off at 9 AM at Mt. Vernon and Jett Ferry, runs 2.7 miles into Dunwoody Village, and wraps into a family festival by the post office with food, booths, and a dunk tank for the kids. Just know Mt. Vernon closes around 8:30, and people around here claim their favorite spots days in advance, so get there early. It's free, it's right in our backyard, and it only turns 50 once.

This is where you go when you want a real sit-down dinner without the drive into the city. It has been a neighborhood fixture on Sandy Springs Circle for years, the kind of contemporary American spot that works just as well for a date night, a catch-up with friends over wine, or a low-key family celebration. The staff knows what they are doing, and regulars keep coming back because the food is consistent.

The jumbo lump crab cakes are the thing everyone tells you to order, made with no fillers and gluten-free, and plenty of folks call them the best in metro Atlanta. Jack's Creole, the chicken and sausage over basmati rice, has its own loyal following. Save room for the key lime pie, which reviewers mention almost as often as the crab cakes.

One heads-up: they are closed Sundays for regular service, so plan your weekend visit for Friday or Saturday night. It can fill up, so a reservation is smart.

Price: $$$
Hours:
Mon 11 AM-9:30 PM
Tue-Thu 11 AM-10 PM
Fri-Sat 11 AM-10:30 PM
Sun closed
Website

Quick heads up: Mojo Vinyl is over in historic Roswell, just off the Canton Street district, so it's a bit of a drive from Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. Worth it if you love records.

Rand Cabus opened the shop back in 2011, betting that suburbanites like him would fall for the vinyl revival. He was right. The store is small and a little tucked away, but it's stocked with new and used vinyl across rock, jazz, blues, and alt-rock, plus audiophile turntables, art, and other odds and ends. Rand also buys record collections if you've got a stack you're finally ready to part with.

What people mention over and over is Rand himself. He knows music cold and will happily steer you toward something you didn't know you wanted, no pressure and no attitude. Regulars say it feels more like flipping through a friend's collection than shopping a store.

One thing to know before you go: parking in historic Roswell is tight. There's a small lot out front, and a sandwich board sign points you to the store in the corner of the building, since it's easy to miss.

Price: $$
Hours:
Wed–Sat 11 AM–6 PM
Sun 1–5 PM (closed Mon–Tue)
Website

4 beds
2.5 Baths
3,262 sq ft

A) $745,000

B) $775,000

C) $800,000

D) $849,000

A standing-room-only crowd, about 150 in the chambers and another 100 watching from the first floor of City Centre, turned out June 23 to oppose Brookhaven's property tax increase. The repeated refrain during public comment was "Read the room." Despite that, the council voted unanimously to adopt a millage rate of 3.850 mills, an increase of 1.233 mills, which the city's posted notice pegs as a 47.12% tax increase over the rollback rate.

City Manager Christian Sigman said the homestead assessment freeze has forced the city to raise the rate just to maintain current services, and the hike will generate about $6.6 million for 911 fees, building and park maintenance, health insurance, and contracted services. For a home with a fair market value of $800,000, the city estimates the increase at about $394.56. Officials note Brookhaven still has the second-lowest city millage rate in the area, behind Dunwoody.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

At the same June 23 meeting, residents in yellow vests packed the room to oppose the city's plan to rebuild Windsor Parkway between Ashford-Dunwoody Road and Lanier Drive, including a roundabout at Ashford-Dunwoody and a mix of sidewalk and shared-use path. Critics called the project "a yellow brick road to nowhere," citing tree-canopy loss, right-of-way takings, and a price tag that has climbed from about $4 million to $7.3 million. A petition opposing the plan has topped 510 signatures.

The council took no action after the presentation and public hearing. According to the city's project status report, right-of-way appraisals are complete, initial offers to affected homeowners were expected by June 30, and construction could begin in early 2027. Officials warned that major design changes could cost the project its Georgia DOT funding or restart the entire public process.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

The owners of Campus 244 have filed an application to redevelop a 13-acre tract along I-285, asking the city to rezone the land from Office-Institutional to Planned Development. The proposal from Georgetown Perimeter I, LLC calls for 600,000 square feet of office, 400,000 square feet of multi-family residential, 150,000 square feet of hospitality, and 50,000 square feet of food, beverage, and retail, with a targeted 2030 completion.

The application still needs review by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs before it advances. Campus 244 has already built out 12 adjacent acres, home to a 150-key Element by Westin hotel and restaurants including Stäge Kitchen & Bar and CT Cantina & Taqueria. A developer community meeting in February drew exactly one attendee, so residents who want input will want to watch the rezoning calendar.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Georgia DOT said on June 15 that crews on the multi-billion-dollar SR 400 Express Lanes project will keep working through Sandy Springs into mid-July, when the FIFA World Cup wraps, with extra congestion expected during peak periods and match days. Construction is now underway on six of the project's 16 roughly mile-long sections.

For Sandy Springs drivers, the nearest activity is around Exit 5 at Abernathy Road and the North Springs MARTA station, including barrier prep, lane striping, and new signage. Expect crews on the southbound shoulder between the Spalding Drive bridge and the Abernathy Road ramps as the project sets up future traffic shifts. Residents along the corridor have protested the design and neighborhood impacts.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Walkability has been a first-half priority for the Sandy Springs council, and at its June 2 meeting officials moved to accelerate path, sidewalk, and trail projects through better right-of-way coordination, neighborhood consensus, and staffing. At elected officials' request, staff raised the city's 2026 TSPLOST sidewalk budget from $12 million to $16 million, with another $4 million queued as a second-tier item. Since 2014, the city has spent more than $54 million on sidewalks, paths, and trails.

The council also approved $271,700 for phase two of the Lake Forrest Drive sidewalk from Mount Paran Road to the Atlanta line and Chastain Park, partly to relocate about 10 Georgia Power poles. The final right-of-way was expected to close within about two weeks of the meeting, with the construction bid going out on the same timeline and work set to start this year. One thing to watch in November: Fulton County voters decide whether to extend the 0.75% TSPLOST that funds much of this.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Some cats sit and ponder the meaning of life. This one screams at the refrigerator because it is humming. His name is Traffic Cone, he is a young orange tabby, and the volunteers describe him as a "tangerine-colored chaos goblin" who runs entirely on vibes. He stares down ceiling fans. He launches himself off the back of the couch for no reason and frequently misses the landing. He has accepted none of this as a problem.

Underneath the nonsense, he is a genuinely sweet boy. He is the first one at the door when you come home, aggressively affectionate, big on head-bumps and kisses, and packing what his foster calls major best-friend energy. He is house-trained, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, so the only thing he is bringing into your home is the comedy.

Here is the honest part: Traffic Cone wants to be your one and only. He does best as the solo pet in a home without other cats, and he is better suited to adults than to little kids. If you have been looking for a single goofy sidekick to follow you room to room, that is exactly the job he is applying for.

He is with Catz 4 Life, a foster-based rescue in Sandy Springs. Visits are by appointment, so the first step is their online adoption application, and they usually reply within a couple of days. Check your spam folder, because that is where their email likes to hide.

Catz 4 Life, Inc.
Sandy Springs, GA 30350 (foster-based, visits by appointment)
(404) 434-1559
Daily 8am-5pm by appointment

🎆 Fantastic Fourth Celebration - Stone Mountain Park | 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA | Attractions 10:30 AM-9:00 PM, drone and fireworks show 9:30 PM | Attractions ticket required, parking $20 | More: stonemountainpark.com
Runs nightly July 1-6, so Friday is a smart way to beat the July 4 crush. New for 2026 is a 250-drone show with lasers on the mountain face, flame cannons, and a fireworks finale.

💦 City Green Splash Pad - City Springs | 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA | 9:00 AM-10:00 PM | Free | More: sandyspringsga.gov
The fountains run free seven days a week, with restrooms next to the splash area and two hours of free parking in the deck below. Little ones who are not potty trained need a swim diaper.

🍑 Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo - Lenox Square | 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA | 10:00 AM-6:00 PM | Free | More: atlantatrackclub.org
Climate-controlled tents in the Macy's lot with booths from the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Atlanta United, plus giveaways and a photo with Bananaman. Free deck parking and a good break from the heat even if nobody is running the Peachtree.

🎆 DMC Concert and Fireworks - Atlanta Track Club at Lenox Square | 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA | 8:30 PM | Free for registered Peachtree participants | More: atlantatrackclub.org
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels of Run DMC plays the Peachtree start line, with fireworks over Lenox Square to close the night. Heads up, it is free only for registered Peachtree runners.

Saturday, July 4

🎆 Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration - City Green at City Springs | 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA | Green opens 4:00 PM, Don McLean 8:00 PM, fireworks 9:30 PM | Free | More: sandyspringsga.gov
The big hometown one. Don McLean (yes, "American Pie") plays before the fireworks, with 10+ food trucks doing backyard-BBQ duty. No tents or personal sparklers, and plan for road closures, so rideshare if you can.

🇺🇸 Dunwoody 4th of July Parade - Mt. Vernon Rd to Dunwoody Village, Dunwoody, GA | 9:00 AM, festival around 11:30 AM | Free | More: roughdraftatlanta.com
Billed as Georgia's largest Independence Day parade, and this is the 50th year. Marching bands, floats, and animal units head down Mt. Vernon to a festival in the Village. Grab a curb spot early; the road closes around 8:30 AM.

🎉 Annual 4th of July Celebration - Roswell Area Park | 10495 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM, fireworks at dusk | Free | More: roswell365.com
Live music from the 293 Band plus a giant fun slide, spin-art, stilt walkers, and free funnel cakes. No alcohol, dogs, or outside fireworks, so it stays mellow and family-first.

🐢 Creature Feature - Chattahoochee Nature Center | 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA | 2:00 PM | Included with admission, $20 adults, $14 kids 3-12 | More: chattnaturecenter.org
Meet one of CNC's ambassador animals up close and hear how it lives in the wild. Guided trail walks also run at 1:00 and 3:00, so you can pair it with a loop by the river.

🏖️ Ashford Park Splash Pad - City of Brookhaven | 2980 Redding Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA | 10:00 AM-7:00 PM | Free | More: brookhavenga.gov
Open seven days a week through September and free for all ages, so it is an easy stop when the kids need to burn off energy. Murphey Candler and Briarwood pools are open 11:00 to 6:00 if you want the full swim.

🍎 Shops of Dunwoody Farmers Market - Shops of Dunwoody | 5468 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM | Free | More: discoverdunwoody.com
A quieter Sunday-morning reset after the Fourth. More than 40 rotating vendors, a build-your-own bouquet bar, fresh mini donuts and lemonade, plus face painting and caricatures for the kids.

🍺 Food and Film Fridays - Pontoon Brewing | 8601 Dunwoody Place, Sandy Springs, GA | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM | Free | More: pontoonbrewing.com
Sandy Springs' first brewery runs a free outdoor double feature every Friday, and the late film leans grown-up. Food trucks, a small artist market, 15-plus beers on tap, and yard games. Bring a chair.

🥂 Independence Weekend at Your 3rd Spot - 400 Chattahoochee Row NW, Atlanta, GA | Full-venue watch party | Cocktails and food a la carte | More: sevenrooms.com
The Upper Westside social club leans into the weekend with DJs, free bowling, 100-plus games, and a red, white, and blue tasting menu. Good pick if you want a night that is more hangout than fireworks crowd.

🎷 Sunday Jazz Brunch - Louisiana Bistreaux | 237 Perimeter Center Pkwy NE, Dunwoody, GA | Opens 11:00 AM | A la carte | More: louisianabistreaux.com
Live jazz and Cajun brunch right at Perimeter, no long drive. Order the shrimp and grits or the crawfish omelette and split the beignets. Easy parking at the mall.

🎶 Sunday Jazz Brunch - Southern Art and Bourbon Bar | 3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA | 11:30 AM-3:00 PM | A la carte | More: chefartsmith.com
Chef Art Smith's Southern spot inside the InterContinental Buckhead does live jazz with brunch. The bourbon bar is the draw if you want a cocktail with your fried chicken. Dressier than your average brunch.

🍺 Sunday Funday - From the Earth Brewing | 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA | Opens 11:30 AM | Free to enter | More: ftebrewing.com
Roswell's neighborhood brewpub leans into Sunday with patio seating, a full kitchen, and live music most weekends. Check the events page for who is playing. Dog friendly outside.

This one is right in our backyard, and it is free. The City of Sandy Springs throws its annual Stars & Stripes party at City Green, and it has become the spot to be on the Fourth.

Gates open at 4 PM, so come hungry. There are more than ten food trucks lined up with street eats and summer treats, plenty of room for the kids to spread out, and a real festival feel as the evening builds. This year's headliner is Don McLean, the man behind "American Pie," which is about as on-the-nose patriotic as a Fourth of July concert gets.

Then at 9:30 PM, the fireworks go up. More than 13,000 of your neighbors turn out for this every year, so plan ahead. Parking and a free shuttle run out of Lake Forest Elementary from 4 PM to 11 PM, which saves you the headache of fighting for a spot near City Springs.

Bring chairs, bring the family, and stake out your patch of grass early. It is the easiest, friendliest Fourth in the Perimeter, and you cannot beat free.

Summer in Atlanta means afternoon storms, and afternoon storms mean wind and hail. Before the next big one rolls through, pull out your homeowners policy and find one line: does it cover your roof at replacement cost, or actual cash value?

Replacement cost pays to put a new roof on. Actual cash value subtracts years of wear and age first, which can leave you covering thousands out of pocket on an older roof. That one word is the whole ballgame if a storm takes your shingles.

While you have the policy out, walk the house with your phone and take a quick video of every room and the outside. If you ever file a claim, that two-minute video is the easiest proof you will ever hand an adjuster. Do it now, while the sky is clear.

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Inspire Brands runs its global support center right here at Three Glenlake Parkway in Sandy Springs, the corporate home of Arby's, Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, Baskin-Robbins, and SONIC. They have close to 90 corporate openings posted, with roughly 66 of them based in Atlanta, spanning accounting and finance, marketing and communications, analytics, HR, and operations. If you want a corporate seat without the long haul downtown, this is one of the biggest desk-job employers in Perimeter.

👉 Browse openings

Northside Hospital keeps a steady stream of openings across its Atlanta campus and outpatient sites, from registered nurses and surgical techs to medical assistants, patient access reps, and environmental services. RN roles require a current Georgia license (or eNLC privilege) and a BLS card by day one. Day, night, and PRN shifts mean it can flex around almost any household schedule, and the commute is hard to beat if you live near Pill Hill.

👉 Browse openings

City of Sandy Springs posts municipal jobs through its online Career Center, with recent openings spanning police officers, permit and code enforcement staff, urban planning, and IT support. These are full benefits, public-sector roles right at City Hall on Galambos Way. Good option if you want stable government work close to home.

👉 Browse openings

City of Brookhaven Police is hiring sworn officers with one of the more competitive pay packages around: recruits start at $59,410, with experienced officers earning into the $80,000s and Master Officers up to $101,603. Benefits include a take-home vehicle, a $1,000 monthly housing allowance, tuition reimbursement up to $8,600 a year, 13 paid holidays, and 20 to 30 PTO days. Non-sworn roles in records, CSI, crime analysis, and administration are also open.

👉 Browse openings

Bonus help (free): Goodwill of North Georgia runs 14 career centers offering free resume help, computer and printer access, job-search coaching, skills training, and job fairs, with extra support for veterans, people with disabilities, and job seekers returning to work. There is also a 24/7 virtual center, Career Connector, if you would rather start from home.

👉 Find a career center