Bistro VG, previously known as Van Gogh's, opened at 70 W. Crossville Road in Roswell in 2006.Adrienne Harris/Adrienne Harris/Special

Chef/owner Marla Adams has been serving up French classics at 471 North Highland Ave. NE in Virginia-Highland since 1992.Becky Stein/Becky Stein

Petite Auberge, which had been open in Toco Hill since 1974, merged withFrench restaurant Violette at 2948 Clairmont Road in Atlanta in early 2017.ADRIENNE HARRIS/Adrienne Harris/Special

Douceur de France Bakery, currently located at 277 South Marietta Pkwy SW in Marietta, has been serving up petit fours, pastries and croissants in since 2001 and also has a location at 1173 Alpharetta St. in Roswell...JOHN SPINK/AJC file photo

La Petite Maison started serving Southern French food at 6510 Roswell Road in Atlanta in 2007.Phil Skinner/AJC file photo

Alsatian fare has been at the menu at Cafe Alsace at 121 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. in Decatur since 1997.Brant Sanderlin/AJC file photo

Casual southern French bistro Anis Cafe & Bistro has been open at 2974 Grandview Ave. in Buckhead since 1994.Becky Stein/AJC file photo

Buckhead Life restuarant Bistro Niko opened at 3344 Peachtree Road in Buckhead in 2009.HANDOUT/AJC file photo

Atmosphere opened at 1620 Piedmont Ave. NE in Ansley Park in 2002.Becky Stein/Special

Henri's Bakery is not only the oldest French bakery in Atlanta, but also one of the city's oldest businesses. The bakery, which opened in 1929, was previously located at Peachtree and 10th streets, Rhodes Center...LOUIE FAVORITE/AJC file photo

Au Rendez-Vous opened in Brookhaven in 2002 and moved to its current location at 4102 Clairmont Road in Chamblee in 2013.AJC file photo

2 Sistas Soul Food sells tostones rellenos, adorable little cups of fried plantain filled with meat and served with a fresh cilantro-garlic sauce. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The samosa pav from Cherians International Grocery. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The brisket sandwich and other dishes at Pit Boss BBQ.Ligaya Figueras

BoccaLupoYvonne Zusel/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The Chile Colorado at Agavero Cantina will have you thinking Mexican next time you're caught in cold weather. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The bacon, fig and brie tartine at Amélie's French Bakery & Café. PHOTO COURTESY OF AMELIE'S FRENCH BAKERY & CAFEHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

Pastry chef Lasheeda Perry created the Biscoff Cream Pie at Bar Margot after she was inspired on a flight to Atlanta. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The Monday special at Bone Garden Cantina is a plateful of chimichangas. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

Botiwalla lamb burgers at Ponce City Market feature pronounced Indian flavors. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

Shrimp remoulade at Bread & Butterfly is light and elegant, but packed with plenty of flavor. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The elote creamed corn at DAS BBQ captures the flavor and flair of Mexican street corn. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

Chili con Queso Compuesto at the El Felix adds brisket, pico de gallo and guacamole. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The densely-packed falafel wrap at Grecian Gyro will only cost you $6. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

Squid ink spaghetti with calamari, Calabrian chiles and Thai basil pesto at La Tavola Trattoria. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The Tom Ka coconut soup at Little Bangkok is served in spectacular fashion. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The simply-named Empanada de Pollo at Loca Luna belies the complexity of flavors found inside. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The Blue Christmas at Miracle on Highland is actually a refined and delicious crab cake. COURTESY OF PARISH

The Pitssburgher at Roswell's Peach & the Porkchop. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The plantain empanadas at Porch Light Latin Kitchen have a decidedly rustic appearance. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The brown stew chicken with rice and peas and collard greens at Rodney's Jamaican Soul Food. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The mirza ghasemi at Rumi's Kitchen in Sandy Springs. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The Extra Spicy Dragon Toes at Six Feet Under may sound intimidating, but they're surprisingly well-balanced. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

Henri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The Pork Sung Roll at Sweet Hut is almost a brunch unto itself, and it's only a couple of dollars. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The bone-in curry goat combination meal with warm roti at Tassa Roti Shop in Marietta. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The Dat Ish Wrap from Tassili's Raw Reality is the size of a burrito and packs a heavy punch in terms of both flavor and satisfaction. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

Terri's Cafe loads its Kitchen Sink burger with toppings on a feta- and spinach-stuffed turkey patty. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The Baltimore Pit Beef sandwich at the Brake Pad in College Park. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The Imperial in Oakhurst goes all in with their Poutine de Georgia, french fries topped with pimiento cheese, beef gravy and bacon. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

A poké bowl topped with the PokéSpot's signature avocado boat. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The Boerewors Sandwich is a traditional sausage hoagie from South Africa. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The delightfully messy potato and chorizo pambazo from Tortas Factory del D.F. on Buford Highway. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The squash pie at True Food Kitchen is made with a filling of smooth, surprisingly creamy butternut squash, and is both vegan and gluten-free. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The Kitchen Sink Pizza at Urban Pie is a local take on the classic supreme pie. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The top-line menu item at Yumbii is the delicious Asian Rib-Eye Beef with Korean chili sauce and soy-sesame vinaigrette. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

Lobster Chowder, Puff Pastry at Marcel. CONTRIBUTED BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE

The Forbidden Rice bowl at Flower Child is like a guiltless, but still very tasty, version of your favorite Asian takeout. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLOWER CHILD

Chefs from Chai Pani prepare Pani Puri, with a sackful of empty puri waiting to be filled. COURTESY OF CHAI PANI

The Campfire S'mores Concrete from Shake Shack uses dark chocolate from Atlanta-based Xocolatl, making for an excellent autumnal treat. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAKE SHACK

A hotpot meal with herbal broth (left) and the vegetarian entree (right) at J's Mini Hotpot Deluxe. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

Meatball Tagine at Marrakech Express / Photo by Wyatt WilliamsLigaya Figueras/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

Cheese Puffs at Sushi Itto, a neighborhood restaurant at the intersection of Briarcliff and Lavista roads. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The BO-Mi, one of the more classic takes on the banh mi at a new Vietnamese joint called Bun Mi in south Buckhead.HANDOUT/Henri Hollis

Canoe's Peppercorn Crusted Kangaroo is balanced with playful Asian ingredients like wasabi and ginger. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

The Grateful Veg sandwich at Milton's Peace Love & Pizza doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it nails the formula for a great vegetarian sandwich. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLISHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

Mofongo at Buen Provecho / Photo credit: Wyatt WilliamsLigaya Figueras/Atlanta Restaurant Scene

The Alden, 5070 Peachtree Blvd., Chamblee. "...Keep an eye on Jared Hucks. Even if he doesn’t always reach them, he is a chef capable of great heights.” -- Wyatt WilliamsHenri Hollis

Anh's Kitchen, 855 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 2. Atlanta. "Sure, you can get better Vietnamese at other spots around the city. (I’m thinking of Buford Highway’s Pho Dai Loi on the low-budget end; Guy Wong’s elegant...HANDOUT/Wendell Brock

Annie Mae's Pantry, 1700 Northside Drive, Suite A7, Atlanta. "Andra Hall has lovingly crafted a Southern gem that’s eye-catching and unexpected: a slice of the sweet life on Northside Drive. You can bet her grandmother...HANDOUT/Annie Mae's Pantry

Ari Korean Steakhouse, 9700 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek. "This isn’t a steakhouse or a Korean barbecue restaurant, at least as I know them. That’s exactly why I’ve grown fond of Ari." -- Wyatt WilliamsHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

Bulla Gastrobar, 60 11th St. NE, Atlanta. "You’ll have no shortage of reminders of Bulla’s proper pronunciation. It’s a good word to remember, mostly because it is key to ordering the best plate of food you can...Henri Hollis

Cafe Raik, 1160 Old Peachtree Road, Duluth. "Only losers split an $8.95 shawafel. Tell your buddies to order their own and leave you be so you can scarf it down all by your lonesome." -- Wendell BrockHANDOUT/Wendell Brock

Chai Yo, 3050 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta. “It’s about exploring possibilities. The outlook is as fresh as the food.” -- Ligaya FiguerasHenri Hollis

Coalition Food and Beverage, 50 Canton St., Alpharetta. “There are plenty of spots on Canton and Main in downtown Alpharetta, but the wings at Coalition are calling my name.” -- Ligaya FiguerasHenri Hollis

El Super Pan, The Battery, 455 Legends Place, Atlanta. "Maybe it is greedy of me to say I want more, a longer menu, but the truth is that I’d take anything I could get from this place. I’m just glad it isn’t a...Henri Hollis

Euro Gourmet Grill, 488 Gwinnett Drive, Lawrenceville. "I plan to keep going back on the hopes of getting stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls and sirnica. What a happy day that will be." -- Wendell BrockHANDOUT/Wendell Brock

Ghion Cultural Hall, 2080 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta. "Both times that I left Ghion Cultural Hall after dining there, I experienced the same feeling of satisfaction and for the exact same reasons." -- Ligaya...HANDOUT/Ligaya Figueras

Golden Eagle: 904 Memorial Drive, Atlanta. "At the end of the evening, do yourself a favor and take his dessert advice: order the platter of cookies. It’s a spread of little things, chewy gingerbread and powdery...Henri Hollis

Irie Mon Cafe, 1800 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. "I’m not sure, though, how anyone could walk past the smoky aroma of that jerk chicken without wanting to go home with a plate of it. That’s what I’ll be coming back...Wyatt Williams / For the AJC/Wyatt Williams

Jok Ga a Dong Chim, 3751 Satellite Blvd., Number 600, Duluth. "But the dish that blew my ever-loving Southern white-boy mind was the spicy sea snails with cold noodles. You can get it paired with trotter, a setup...HANDOUT/Wendell Brock

La Imperial Tortilleria y Rostiseria, 6316 Buford Highway, Norcross. "La Imperial Tortilleria y Rostiseria (you will also find it online as Tortilleria Avorrate Imperial) is a one-stop shop in Norcross for all things...HANDOUT/Ligaya Figueras

La Mixteca Tamale House, 1185 Old Peachtree Road NW, Unit D, Suwanee. "As far as I’m concerned, the tamale bowl started at La Mixteca. Don’t dare pass this place by." -- Wendell BrockHANDOUT/Wendell Brock

Madras Mantra, 2179 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur. “I’d say stick with the flavors as the kitchen suggests them. Order the chole bhatura and you’ll be delivered a large platter bearing two deep-fried bhaturas...Henri Hollis

Mariscos El Sazon del Kora, 7130 Buford Highway, Doraville. "The shrimp cocktail is, like almost everything on the menu, served in very generous portion. The goblet is loaded with a thick red sauce and thick chunks...HANDOUT/Wyatt Williams

Mary Hoopa's House of Fried Chicken & Oysters, 2371 Hosea L. Williams Drive, Atlanta. " On a busy night, stay on the ship at Mary Hoopa’s and you’ll arrive, eventually, at a plate of fried chicken worth the journey...Mia Yakel

Mission + Market, Three Alliance Center, 3550 Lenox Road, Atlanta. “Despite looking a lot like its peers, Mission and Market is an uncommon place, indeed.” – Wyatt WilliamsHenri Hollis

Molly B’s, 1414 Andrew Young International Blvd., Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta. “I’ve had some fried chicken better than what is served at Molly B’s and plenty worse. On the other hand, I’ve never dined in a room...Henri Hollis

Momonoki, 95 Eighth St. NW, Atlanta. "Actually, (the husband-and-wife team of Jason Liang and ChingYao Wang) have created a pair of conjoined spaces that go together like his and hers towels: a restaurant and cafe...Mia Yakel/Mia Yakel

Mushi Ni, Global Grub Collective, 477 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta. "As it turns out, a couple of the most impressive offerings are vegetarian. The cauliflower bang bang, a bao stuffed with glazed, fried sweet...HANDOUT/Wyatt Williams

Next Door, 2131 Pleasant Hill Road, Number B3, Duluth. "As Atlanta’s Korean-American community grows, it’s delightful to explore a cuisine that is so much more than just table-top barbecue. " -- Wendell BrockHANDOUT/Wendell Brock

Noona, 3550 W. Lawrenceville St., Duluth. Sure, you can tuck in for a steak and a twice-baked potato. Or you can chill out at the bar as you sip an Asian Medicine and scarf down some kimchi fried rice. There are...Henri Hollis

Public Kitchen & Bar, 3500 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. “As I’ve noticed over the course of my recent meals, Public Kitchen’s sophisticated, stylish environs somewhat belie the fact that this is a middlebrow restaurant...Henri Hollis

Rose + Rye, 87 15th St. NE, Atlanta. "It is disconcerting that the service here can be so unreliable, because the food coming out of the kitchen is much better than that." -- Wyatt WilliamsHenri Hollis/Henri Hollis

Snackboxe Bistro, 6035 Peachtree Road, Doraville. "I look forward to watching this restaurant’s menu grow, though I think I’ll always be having a plate of nam khao. " -- Wyatt WilliamsHANDOUT/Wyatt Williams

Tiny Lou’s, Hotel Clermont, 789 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. “Still, I’ll be coming back to Tiny Lou’s. I’ll just be hoping that off nights like that go the way of the Clermont’s bad old days." -- Wyatt WilliamsTiny Lou's

The White Bull, 123 E. Court Square, Decatur. “Aspects like house-made everything, guaranteed freshness and vegetables that take center stage are areas where the kitchen, too, demonstrates capability and aspiration...Henri Hollis

Won Won Seafood Restaurant, 1600 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. "If I lived nearby, I would be a lunch and dinner regular. For now, dim sum is what makes Won Won worth the trip." --Wendell BrockHANDOUT/Wendell Brock

The dining space marries the kitchen and living room with a black-and-white motif that incorporates a cowhide rug. Debbie Galey refinished the wooden table to match the rest of the decor.Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

The stonework and bold angles rising out of a wooded lot drew in Mark Galey, who purchased the Sandy Springs home in 2015. His wife, Debbie, chose a gray-blue shade of Behr Premium Plus Ultra to refresh the exterior...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

The stonework and bold angles rising out of a wooded lot drew in Mark Galey, who purchased the Sandy Springs home in 2015. His wife, Debbie, chose a gray-blue shade of Behr Premium Plus Ultra to refresh the exterior...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

A red double-Adirondack bench and chair give the stone exterior a burst of color, underneath an abstract metal shark Mark Galey found fixed to a tree on a friend's property.Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

Around the fire pit, tractor seats found at what's known as "the world's longest yard sale" were the perfect seating solution. Painted red and fixed atop logs, the seats have the added ability to swivel.Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

The Galeys made or refurbished much of their unique furniture, including this piece of wood that Debbie covered in a thick layer of lacquer and turned into an outdoor bench. Behind the low fence, the couple's kayaks...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

Natural wood pieces are among the Native American decor that the couple uses in their home.Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

From a trip to the Petrified Forest in Arizona, a piece of petrified wood brings a pop of color and history to the living room. Text and photos by Fast Copy News Service's Kat Khoury and Reynolds Rogers.

Bold stitching in the Jesolo electric reclining sofa from Ashley Furniture HomeStore, which features a USB charger, helps tie the modern piece into the Native American-inspired living room, along with a cowhide...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

While much of the Native American and Western-themed art came from the couple's travels, some pieces, like skulls, antlers and rocks, were handed down to Mark Galey from his family.Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

Natural light floods the living space through the large windows during the day, illuminating the unique, carved steer-head Mark Galey found in Austin, Texas. The home, designed in 1962 by architect James Keelin...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

The Galeys expanded the bathroom by 4 inches and added elements like heated Schluter floors from Traditions in Tile and Stone, a raised Infinity by Marvin window for light and privacy, a Crowderslide accordion door...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

The Galeys have spent time collecting pieces that stand out, including the 1956 Buick hood ornaments repurposed as handles for the reclaimed wood door. Another door sports an antique pair of ice tongs welded into...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

The pew was once 20 feet long, but the couple shortened it, removed the padding and orange upholstery, raised it to a comfortable seating height and refinished with a distressed look. Brought from the old house...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

In the dining room and kitchen, a hue of Silver Dust (a Behr Premium Plus Ultra paint) is accented by dark furniture like the hutch, an antique auction find from Roswell that's been repurposed as a dry bar. Text...HANDOUT

Modern, white dining chairs and barstools at the kitchen island bring an element of sophistication and cohesiveness across the remodeled space. Text and photos by Fast Copy News Service's Kat Khoury and Reynolds...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

The Galeys kept the kitchen cabinets, but spruced them up with a fresh coat of Silver Dust, a Behr Premium Plus Ultra paint. Also original to the house are three skylights strategically placed for the best natural...Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

The Sandy Springs kitchen, illuminated by glass pendants and a window over the sink, is updated with stainless steel appliances by General Electric, LG and Kenmore.Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

In order to make a bedroom larger, a closet was removed where the bed now rests on the recessed wall. The result is a cozy space with a bright, coastal feeling.Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

The vintage bed frame in the master bedroom was updated by homeowners Debbie Galey. Text and photos by Fast Copy News Service's Kat Khoury and Reynolds Rogers.Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

Mark Galey owns Master Home Remodelers in Atlanta. He and his wife, Debbie, purchased their Sandy Springs home in 2015 and remodeled portions of it.Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reynolds Rogers

March 1964 -- The Kmart store at 4070 Bankhead Avenue. Atlanta area photographer Tracy O’Neal took a variety of pictures of Kmarts and, in the early ‘60s, Kresge stores around the metro area. Here are some of them...

March 1964 -- The Kmart store at 4070 Bankhead Avenue. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

May 1964 -- The Marietta Kmart store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

May 1964 -- Interior of the Marietta Kmart store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

November 1964 -- Night view of the large Kmart Plaza sign during the opening of the Cleveland Avenue SW store in Atlanta. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

November 1964 -- Exterior view of the new Kmart Plaza during the opening of the Cleveland Avenue SW store in Atlanta. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

November 1964 -- The staff poses for a group photo before the opening of the new Cleveland Avenue SW Kmart. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

November 1964 -- The Kmart Plaza store opening at Cleveland Avenue SW in Atlanta draws a large crowd. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

November 1964 -- Interior of the new Kmart at Cleveland Avenue SW in Atlanta during its opening. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

November 1964 -- Clerks help a shopper at checkout during the opening of the new Cleveland Avenue SW Kmart. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

November 1964 -- Clothing for sale at the Kmart store on Cleveland Avenue SW in Atlanta. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

July 1966 -- The Kmart Auto Service Center at 5925 Roswell Road. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

July 1966 -- Cash registers inside the Kmart at 5925 Roswell Road. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

July 1966 -- Interior of the Kmart at 5925 Roswell Road. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

July 1966 -- Records and paper towels for sale inside the Kmart at 5925 Roswell Road. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

July 1966 -- Interior of the Kmart at 5925 Roswell Road. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

The predecessors to Kmart were the S.S. Kresge Company stores. In 1899, Sebastian Spering Kresge founded what would become one of America’s largest discount retail chains. At its peak in 2000, Kmart operated 2,171...

1960 -- An S.S. Kresge Company store under construction. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- The new Kresge store as it looked when completed. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

May 1960 -- Kresge Stores employees pose for a photo at the North Decatur Road store in Decatur. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Interior of the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Interior of the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Interior of the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Interior of the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Interior of the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Interior of the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Interior of the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Interior of the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Interior of the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- The Decatur Kresge store’s snack bar. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- The lunch counter at the Decatur Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- The kitchen at the North Decatur Road Kresge store. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

1960 -- Another view of the Kresge luncheonette area. TRACY O’NEAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION / GSU

Friday Night football: Westminster linebacker Matthew Schmal (55) celebrates after Friday's 22-21 victory over GAC in Norcross. (Jason Getz/Special)

Westminster defensive back Charlie Edmiston (11) deflects a pass intended for GAC wide receiver Jake Floyd (3) in the second half of Friday's game in Norcross. Westminster prevailed 22-21. (Jason Getz/Special)

Westminster running back Will Hallmark (22) reacts after scoring a touchdown against GAC in the second half of Friday's game in Norcross. (Jason Getz/Special)

Westminster running back Will Hallmark (22) scores a touchdown against GAC defensive back Joseph Rose (15) in the second half at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga. Westminster won...

GAC running back Tyler Bride (4) is tackled by Westminster defensive back Chance Loeffler (12) and a teammate in the second half at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga. Westminster...

Friday Night Football: North Fulton foes square off as Milton faces Alpharetta. Alpharetta WR Robbie Ruppel (13) hangs on to a pass for a TD as Milton CB Uriah Mellem (12) defends. (John Amis/Special)

Milton WR Dylan Leonard (2) runs against the defense of Jackson Michaels (11) and Jared Rumph (6) during- high school football featuring Milton at Alpharetta on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. John Amis/Special

Alpharetta High School football team arrives for a high school football game against Milton on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. (John Amis/Special_

Milton's Hayden Hairston (35) celebrates after his field goal in Friday's game against Alpharetta. John Amis/Special

A football is shown before the high school football game against Westminster and GAC at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga. PHOTO / JASON GETZ

Milton CB Tyreek Rock (1) tries to get his hand on the ball before Alpharetta's Austin Frazier (24) - high school football featuring Milton at Alpharetta on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. (John Amis/Special)

Alpharetta's Kent Cherry rushes against Milton - high school football featuring Milton at Alpharetta on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. (John Amis/Special)

GAC defensive end Chris Hinton (74) warms-up before their game against Westminster at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga. PHOTO / JASON GETZ

GAC's Chris Hinton (74) pursues Westminster quarterback Parks Harber (6) in the first half of their game at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga. (Jason Getz/Special)

Westminster quarterback Parks Harber (6) eludes the tackle of GAC linebacker Choe Bryant-Strother (22) in the first half of their game at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga. PHOTO...

GAC wide receiver Jake Floyd (3) is tackled after a reception by Westminster defensive backs Chance Loeffler (12) and Michael Mahan (2) in the first half of their game at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August...

GAC quarterback Josh Rose (11) celebrates his rushing touchdown in the first half against Westminster at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga. PHOTO / JASON GETZ

Westminster quarterback Parks Harber (6) is tackled short of the goal line by GAC defensive back Ty James (13) in the first half of their game at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga...

GAC wide receiver Ty James (13) celebrates a touchdown reception with offensive lineman Addison Nichols (72) in the first half of their game against Westminster at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018...

Westminster running back Paul Weatherington (4) is tackled by GAC defensive back Evan Byrd (2) in the first half of their game at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga. PHOTO / JASON...

Westminster running backs Paul Weatherington (4) and Will Hallmark (22) celebrate Hallmark's touchdown in the first half in their game against GAC at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross...

Westminster wide receiver Nance Hill (21) and running back Paul Weathington (4) celebrate their win against GAC at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross, Ga. Westminster won 22-21. PHOTO...

GAC wide receiver Ty James (13) reacts after Westminster defensive back John O. Izlar (8) and teammates deflected a pass intended for James to turn over the ball in the closing minutes of their game at Greater Atlanta...

Milton QB Jordan Yates passes during Friday's game. (John Amis/Special)

Milton RB Joseph Charleston (28) reaches for a pass as Alpharetta LB Nick Haven (21) defends. (John Amis/Special)

The moon rises over Milton fans filling the stands at Raider Stadium Friday. (John Amis/Special)

GAC wide receiver Ty James (13) can't haul in a reception against the defense of Westminster defensive back Michael Mahan (2) in the second half at Greater Atlanta Christian Friday, August 24, 2018, in Norcross...

August 23, 1990 -- Jason James, 13, from Stockbridge, waits at the front gate to Fort Gillem in Forest Park with an American flag as convoys of the 101st Airborne stop for an overnight stay before continuing their...

August 26, 1965 -- Surprise, surprise! This view down Forsyth Street downtown proves whatever the decade, you won't catch a break from Atlanta traffic. GUY HAYES / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 25, 1943 -- In 1943, the Atlanta-Southern Dental College was almost altogether a training institution for the armed forces. Of the 374 students, 341 were members of Army and Navy training units taking as...

August 24, 1989 -- Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games members, including Billy Payne (front left), International Olympic Committee members and their party meet Thursday with Mayor Andrew Young in his office...

August 17, 1977 -- Oz Records on Peachtree Street remembers Elvis Presley with a marquee message. Presley died one day earlier, stunning the music world. BUD SKINNER / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVESajc staff

August 27, 1960 -- Presidential candidate Richard Nixon and wife Pat campaign in Atlanta during a downtown parade. John F. Kennedy ended up winning the state and its 12 electoral college votes. DOZIER MOBLEY / AJC...

August 30, 1961 -- Three African American students (Willie Jean Black, Donita Gaines, Arthur Simmons) leaving Northside High School (later North Atlanta High School) on the first day of its racial integration. Unlike...

August 1949 -- Pallbearers lead the casket of Margaret Mitchell during the funeral service at Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery. The author died on Aug. 16 when she was hit by a car on Peachtree Street in Midtown. AJC...

August 27, 1950 -- Carolyn Carter, the first woman photographer for The Atlanta Constitution, climbs atop a light tank. Willard Neal, at the right, wrote the story. AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 6, 1971 -- Walter Botts strikes his Uncle Sam pose during a visit to Atlanta. In 1938, artist James Montgomery Flagg was drawing an Army recruiting poster, and he asked Botts, a musician, to pose as Uncle...

August 16, 1949 -- Panoramic view of recently renovated Atlanta Municipal Market on Edgewood Avenue shows new lighting system and display stalls. Also known as the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, the building opened in...

August 5, 1984 -- Spiderman was one of the many superheroes, elves, dragons, and movie characters who appeared at that year's Atlanta Fantasy Fair in the Costume Contest. The Atlanta Fantasy Fair was held August...

Aug. 15, 1983 -- Dan Sweat speaks at a World Series Task Force press conference. The task force chairman, Shirley Franklin, stands to the right. The 30-member group was created to plan the city's celebrations in...Nona Boyd/AJC

Aug. 19, 1988 -- Cheshire Bridge Road just being Cheshire Bridge Road, with its hodgepodge of ethnic restaurants, bars and lingerie-modeling services. LOUIE FAVORITE / AJC FILE PHOTOLouie Favorite/AJC

August 1955 -- Workers move in to fill a huge chasm under Ponce de Leon Avenue across the street from where Mary Mac's Tearoom is today. The cavity at Penn Avenue extends 42 1/2 feet below the street and is 25 feet...Van Toole/AJC staff

August 11, 1989 -- Dale Murphy is congratulated by a team bat boy after his 376th homer, making him the all-time Atlanta Braves home run king. FRANK NIEMEIR / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 15, 1948 -- WSB-TV employees are shown broadcasting on location, the same year that the station was granted its broadcasting license. AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 2, 1926 -- Crowds throng the streets for the grand opening of the Sears, Roebuck & Co. building on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Sears remained in the building until 1987 before it became reborn first as City...Atlanta History Center

August 1966 -- Miss Freedom gets some attention from an unidentified worker on the Georgia State Capitol dome. DWIGHT ROSS JR. / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVESAJC

August 15, 1965 -- Two Atlanta police officers phone in to the station during the night watch. Only three years earlier, African-American APD officers were given the authority to arrest whites. MARION CROWE / AJC...

August 26, 1978 -- "When are we gonna BE there?" Visitors to Six Flags Over Georgia make their way via parking lot shuttles to the amusement park for a day of fun. A brochure from that year advertised attractions...

August 1930s -- Children swim and fish in Clara Meer at Piedmont Park. The stone bathhouse building in the background was constructed in 1926. AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 20, 1974 -- Two boys jump from twin diving boards at the Pittman Park pool. CALVIN CRUCE / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 1, 1966 -- An Atlanta Police sergeant looks over a reward poster for information on the Mary Shotwell Little disappearance. Little, a newlywed, failed to show for work in 1965 and has never been seen since...

August 1951 -- Atlanta Constitution editor/publisher Ralph McGill chats with poet Carl Sandburg. The two men became close friends after McGill interviewed Sandburg that year (perhaps during the meeting in this photo)...

August 6, 1978 -- Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson works at clearing kudzu during the First Annual Great Park Cross Country Run and Kudzu Kaper in East Atlanta. CHARLES R. PUGH JR. / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 14, 1945 -- A soldier and a woman embrace on V-J Day ("Victory over Japan Day") on Peachtree Street in Atlanta. That day, the Peachtree Street was mobbed with celebrants throwing confetti. AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 2, 1980 -- The Falcons' David Becker gets a drink of water during team workouts. That year, the Falcons would go 12-4 and finish first in the NFC-West. STEVE DEAL / AJC PHOTO ARCHIVES

August 25, 1946 -- Elias Nour rescues a dog on top of Stone Mountain. Nour, who moved from Lebanon to Stone Mountain at age 10, became famous for being an expert climber of the mountain. By the time of his death...

August 18, 1965 -- Southern-fried Beatlemania hit Atlanta Stadium during the Fab Four's U.S. tour. The band was only in town for 10 hours but the visit produced what the group called the best sound of their U.S...

August 1971 -- Richard Rich (left), chairman of the board of Rich, Inc. assists Willard G. Rouse, vice chairman of the board of Rouse Co., in unveiling Perimeter Mall's 30-foot papier mache ice cream cone, the symbol...Bita Honarvar/Special

Workers inspect the metal tubing created at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant in Cumming, Thursday, August 2, 2018. -- Text in this gallery by Michael E. Kanell and Alyssa Pointer, AJC. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA...Alyssa Pointer

Alejandra Ferrel welds metal tubing at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant. Ferrel is one of 300 workers at American BOA in Cumming who make metal “bellows” used as sleeves in vehicle engine and exhaust systems...Alyssa Pointer

Products created at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant in Cumming are displayed, including a metal cylinder covered in a braided metal tube. Half the steel used for the metal bellows comes from Europe and...Alyssa Pointer

Vincente Delphin, Jr., director of the automotive business unit at American BOA Inc., watches over production. American BOA hasn’t raised prices to cover the higher costs yet, but it needs to, Delphin tells the...Alyssa Pointer

Car, truck and auto parts manufacturers rely heavily on foreign-made steel and aluminum, which are now taxed an extra 25 percent and 10 percent. “The president is right to go after the bad guys in this, but I have...Alyssa Pointer

Tube Mill operator Steve Blakely inspects metal tubes before stacking them at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant in Cumming. The 54,000 auto industry jobs in Georgia account for more than 206,000 jobs in...Alyssa Pointer

Level three quality technician LaMar McDougal measures the width of the convolution of a metal hose. When tariffs hit, a small company may not be able to pass along higher costs, said Motor & Equipment Manufacturers...Alyssa Pointer

The president argues he can revive many of those lost industries by taking a hard line on U.S. trading partners and forcing them to renegotiate more favorable terms for American exports. President Trump instituted...Alyssa Pointer

Workers are busy at the Bellows Hydroforming area at the American BOA Inc. manufacturing plant. Nearly 24,000 people in Georgia work for more than 40 vehicle parts suppliers – nearly twice as many as just seven...Alyssa Pointer

Maya Patel, a kindergarten student in the dual language immersion program at Level Creek Elementary School, raises her hand during the first day of school at Level Creek Elementary School on Monday, August 6. Jenna...Jenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

Ana Fogle-Weekley, a kindergarten student, colors a picture during the first day of school at Level Creek Elementary School. Jenna Eason / Jenna.Eason@coxinc.comJenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

Kerri Griffin, a kindergarten teacher at Level Creek Elementary School, talks to her students, Ana Fogle-Weekley and Owen DeGeorge. Griffin teaches one of the dual language immersion classes. Jenna Eason / Jenna...Jenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

A young boy poses for a photo against the brick walls of Peachcrest Elementary School on the first day of school, Monday, August 6, 2018. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Peachcrest Elementary School assistant principal Stan Gaddis welcomes a student back for the new year. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Here’s the back to school scene at Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary in East Point. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Youngsters get a hearty welcome back. BOB ANDRES/AJC

A good breakfast makes for a great start to the school year. BOB ANDRES/AJC

One last hug before heading off to class. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Learning to line up and wait your turn is an important first lesson for kids. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Just about ready to head into the building after the first day’s bus ride. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Is summer break really over? Sigh... BOB ANDRES/AJC

First day back traffic: The school drop-off line. BOB ANDRES/AJC

The new year brings a mix of new faces and some of the older kids who have this school thing down pat. BOB ANDRES/AJC

Brumby Elementary School principal Amanda Richie greets students and parents as they enter the school during the first day in Marietta, Wednesday, August 1, 2018. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Students wait to be guided to their teachers during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

8/1/18 - Atlanta - Peyton Forest principal Cynthia Gunner, along with teachers and staff, gets ready to great students with a circus theme. It was the first day of school at Peyton Forest Elementary school, which...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Second grade teacher Megan Donnelly greets her students during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary School. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Donnelly (left) greets Aniya Bowden (right) during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary School. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Paraprofessional educator Purity Kamau (center) directs a group of second graders to their classroom during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary.  (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Second grader Aniya Bowden smiles at her desk before class begins during the first day of school at Brumby Elementary. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Robert Hill holds his grandson Scotty while using an umbrella to cover his granddaughter Jasmine as they walk to the entrance of Brumby Elementary School during the first day of school. Hill was at the school to...Alyssa Pointer

Seniors complete interactive math lessons during the first day of school at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Wednesday, August 1, 2018. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Students tour the hallway during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

An empty classroom is set up for the new school year during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

A class schedule is displayed during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Choir instructor Megan Schuitema listens as her students sing a scale during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Math teacher Amy Shaffer works with her students during the first day of school at Harrison High. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)Alyssa Pointer

Portia Langley, from Atlanta Stilt Dancing, was on hand to great Students at Peyton Forest Elementary. It was the first day of school at Peyton Forest Elementary school, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students walk through the Peyton Forest Elementary parking lot as they arrive for school with their families. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

The first school bus arrives at the school. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Kids and parents enjoyed the circus-themed welcome back. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

The Peyton Forest kids are all smiles, but a busy school day awaits. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Aleyah Jackson, 4, has breakfast in the cafeteria with her grandmother, June Crawford, as she starts her first day of Pre-K. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Xavier Williams, 5, is led by his mom as they search for his kindergarten class. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, wearing a Peyton Forest t-shirt, visited the school. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, wearing a Peyton Forest t-shirt, had chicken and waffles with the pre-k and kindergarten students. They also got popcorn. Carstarphen has visited various APS schools every year...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students are introduced to a math assignment in Hannah Reisman's class. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen helps London Williams with her math assignment in Hannah Reisman's class. “I think that the first day attendance, the first day participation -- whether it’s staff or students...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

You bet math is fun: The Peyton Forest kids didn’t waste any time getting down to the tricky business of addition. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students and their families arrive for the first day of school at Boyd Elementary School. Superintendent Meria Carstarphen continued her back-to-school tour of APS schools with a stop here. BOB ANDRES ...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen continued her back-to-school tour of APS schools with a stop at Boyd Elementary, and gave out stickers to students before visiting some classrooms. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC...Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen takes one of her traditional Day One selfies with students, staff and parents at Boyd Elementary. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Carstarphen greets students in Traci Cohen's 3rd grade class. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students in Traci Cohen’s 3rd grade class are introduced to Superintendent Meria Carstarphen. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Students are attentive to the day's lesson in Jenethia Forte's 4th grade ELA / Social Studies class. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COMBob Andres/bandres@ajc.com

Emily Costine, a kindergarten teacher at Level Creek Elementary School, helps her student, Leland Griffin, get in his seat. Jenna Eason / Jenna.Eason@coxinc.comJenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

Emily Costine, a kindergarten teacher at Level Creek Elementary School, helps her student, Arianna Sims, during the first day of school at Level Creek Elementary. Jenna Eason / Jenna.Eason@coxinc.comJenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

Carmen Herrera, a kindergarten paraprofessional teacher at Level Creek Elementary School, helps a student, Olivia Washington, in a dual language immersion class during the first day of school. Jenna Eason / Jenna...Jenna Eason/Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

James Jackson Elementary teacher Shandi Robbins gets a hug from a student on the first day of school Monday, August 6, 2018, in Jonesboro. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSchaefer

Para-pro Shaniqua Layne walks Kayla Tran into James Jackson Elementary. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

Kids head into James Jackson Elementary on the first day of school. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

Arturo Oliver and his wife Elizabeth walk their child Kayla into James Jackson Elementary. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

School crossing guard Freda Stafford directs traffic in front of James Jackson Elementary. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

Meanwhile, across the street from Jackson Elementary School, Zadyah Royster and Ahania Gover are dropped off at Jonesboro High School on the first day of school. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJCSteve Schaefer

The UGA Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Herpetology Program (http://srelherp.uga.edu) offers everything you need to know to stay safe around snakes. Make sure you visit their website for everything you’d ever...

SCARLET SNAKE -- They’re small and skinny and yes, it’s understandable that folks might mistake them for coral snakes, which are highly venomous. You won’t see them during the day since they’re active at night....

BLACK RACER -- Found from southern Maine to Florida, black racers are active during the day, make their homes in a variety of Southeast habitats and snack on insects, birds, rodents, amphibians, etc. But if you...

RINGNECK SNAKE -- As the name suggests, this common snake has a distinguishing ring around its neck and may have a yellow or orange belly. Northern ringnecks are found in the mountains while the southern subspecies...

EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE -- In Georgia, you’ll have to head south to find this large blue-black snake, the longest native to the U.S.. They’re active only in the daytime and they enjoy a nice buffet of varied prey --...

CORN SNAKE -- This is a juvenile, which looks quite different from...

... an adult. CORN SNAKES get a raw deal (or the business end of a hoe) thanks to often being mistaken for venomous copperheads. But look closely -- the corn snakes blotches are square; the copperhead’s are hourglass-shaped...

RAT SNAKES may be black, yellow or gray and have a wide range throughout the eastern and midwestern U.S. You’ll find them throughout the state of Georgia.  They also thrive in a variety of diverse habitats, from...

Here’s a juvenile RAT SNAKE, whose favorite snacks include small rodents and frogs as well as lizards. INFO BY: J.D. Willson.

The yellow RAT SNAKE is found along the Georgia coast. INFO BY: Trey Dunn - edited by Whit Gibbons.

You’ll find gray RAT SNAKES along the Savannah River in southern South Carolina and in south Georgia. INFO BY: Trey Dunn - edited by Whit Gibbons.

MUD SNAKES rarely come out of  the water, preferring to hide in the aquatic vegetation and various wetlands that make up their habitat. In Georgia, you’ll mostly find them to the south in the Coastal Plain. Amphibians...

This young MUD SNAKE has a vibrant red and black coloration. INFO BY: J.D. Willson.

RAINBOW SNAKES are, like mud snakes, rarely seen outside of the swamps and other water sources in which they live. As their name suggests, these snakes are multi-colored with black, red, pink and yellow scales....

With the nickname “puff adder,” the EASTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE sounds dangerous  and puts on quite a show when threatened, hissing and lunging as it spreads its head and neck skin like a cobra. But these non-venomous...

The SOUTHERN HOGNOSE SNAKE is far less common, found in the sandy and coastal areas of North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and some parts of south Alabama. They also enjoy snacking on toads and put on a threat...

The MOLE KINGSNAKE, though rarely seen, makes its home throughout the PIedmont region of the Southeastern U.S. While they spend  most of their time out of sight, you may run across them in open areas like fields...

If you fear venomous snakes, consider yourself lucky if you have a resident EASTERN KINGSNAKE in your yard. These big snakes eat copperheads, rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, along with other snakes, rodents and turtle...

The SCARLET KINGSNAKE is often mistaken for the venomous Eastern coral snake due to its coloration. As SRELHerp writes on its site, these snakes “typically have alternating bands of red, black, and yellow in which...

EASTERN MILKSNAKES , too, are often mistaken for venomous snakes -- specifically, the copperhead. But these harmless snakes are beneficial to anyone looking to keep rodent populations down. You’ll likely find them...

If it’s daytime and it’s hot, you may come across a COACHWHIP -- unless you’re in the North Georgia mountains. These long, slender snakes love sandy soils, such as those in the Georgia Coastal Plain region, and...

The RED-BELLIED WATERSNAKE makes its home in a large swath of south Georgia, excepting the deep southeastern area of the state. They’re found in lakes, creeks, rivers, wetlands and swamps. Amphibians and fish are...

Another non-venomous snake often mistaken for the copperhead is the BANDED WATERSNAKE. These snakes are harmless, however, unless you’re a fish or an amphibian and it’s a banded watersnake’s lunchtime. These water-lovers...

Here’s another look at the banded watersnake.

The GREEN WATERSNAKE is found primarily in Florida, but you’ll find them also in deep south Georgia and along the Savannah River area near the far southern tip of South Carolina. Swamps and marshes are their habitat...

NORTHERN WATERSNAKES are regularly mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth (water moccasin), but these hefty watersnakes are non-venomous. While cottonmouths are generally found only in Georgia’s Coastal Plain, northern...

BROWN WATERSNAKES are large, hefty snakes. Because they prefer fish as prey, they’re more likely to be found in reservoirs and other areas that are permanent water sources. These watersnakes live in the Piedmont...

You’ll find ROUGH GREEN SNAKES climbing in vegetation on the hunt for the insects and spiders they eat. These long, thin snakes are found throughout Georgia and are a protected species in the state. INFO BY: J.D...

Although non-venomous, PINE SNAKES are a threatened species in Georgia and are protected. They’re big, heavy-bodied burrowing snakes that will strike when approached. Pine snakes are found in Georgia’s Coastal Plain...

The STRIPED CRAYFISH SNAKE is found only in a small part of extreme southern Georgia and is a protected species. Rarely seen, these aquatic snakes mostly feed on hard-shelled crayfish (hence their name) or shrimp...

GLOSSY CRAYFISH SNAKES are more prevalent in Georgia’s Coastal Region than the striped crayfish snake, but are similarly water-loving and secretive. Like their striped cousins, they eat mostly crayfish and are rarely...

QUEEN SNAKES also primarily feast on newly molted crayfish, avoiding the hard-shelled variety. Less secretive than their glossy and striped cousins, queen snakes are mostly active during the day and are often found...

Rare in Georgia, the PINE WOODS SNAKE is found mainly in Florida and is also scattered along the Coastal Plain of the southeastern US. They prefer wetland margin areas and woodland habitats, eat other snakes along...

Unless you’re spending your days in boggy, highly-vegetated wetlands you’ll probably not see the BLACK SWAMP SNAKE. These small, black aquatic snakes with bright red bellies are found throughout Florida and along...

Odds are, you’ve come across a BROWN SNAKE while gardening or mowing the lawn or generally being outside in the spring and summer here in metro Atlanta. These shy, harmless snakes are unfortunately often mistaken...

REDBELLIED SNAKES make their home throughout the eastern US, excepting the Florida peninsula. Although related to the brown snake, redbellied snakes are creatures of the forest, generally spurning the suburbs where...

Small and similar in appearance to the brown snake, the FLORIDA BROWN SNAKE is far less widespread than its cousin. They’re found only along the extreme southeastern coast and Okefenokee area of Georgia and are...

SOUTHEASTERN CROWNED SNAKES are distinguished by the black bands on their heads. You’ll find them in a variety of southeastern US states, but they are absent from southern Georgia and the Florida peninsula. They...

Where the Southeastern Crowned Snake is absent, the FLORIDA CROWNED SNAKE is prevalent. They’re mostly found in peninsular central Florida (hence their name) and has been found in only a few extreme south Georgia...

EASTERN RIBBON SNAKES resemble their cousins, eastern garter snakes, but are more slender and are differently striped. They’re found throughout the eastern US, excepting the Appalachian Mountains. Semiaquatic, these...

It’s easy to see how EASTERN GARTER SNAKES and their cousins, eastern ribbon snakes, are confused. Both are distinctively striped, both prefer habitats near water and both feed on fish and amphibians. But garter...

In Georgia, the ROUGH EARTH SNAKE makes its home mainly in the central and southern areas of the state. It’s rare in the Piedmont region and is absent from southwest Georgia and peninsular Florida. These small,...

The SMOOTH EARTH SNAKE is a heavy-bodied snake with a pointed snout. More prevalent throughout the state of Georgia and the southeastern US, the smooth earth snake is, like its rough-scaled relative, absent from...

When the sun sets, Johns Creek homeowner Neelima Kanneganti said the view of the trees and sky through the 15 windows looks like an ever-changing painting.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A charcoal leather sofa from Macy's and creamy armchairs with a matching wood coffee table and side table from Z Gallerie offer seating without blocking the views in the two-story window-filled living room.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

An elephant statue from Pier1 Imports on a side table greets visitors, which Neelima Kanneganti said is similar to how horses and elephants are placed near the entrance of homes in India to greet guests.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photographer

The marble fireplace wall is flanked by an octagonal floor mirror from Z Gallerie and a modern canvas print, Luke II by Christie Adelle, in an alcove painted in Sherwin-Williams Black Fox.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A forged iron chandelier from RH soars in the two-story family room. A stone accent wall is a luxurious addition to the space. The tufted ottomans are from Wayfair.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

For its rustic glam interiors, Neelima Kanneganti combined a pair of neutral armchairs with nailhead studs with a throw pillows and a cowhide rug from RH. The stainless steel Winthrop Lantern from Z Gallerie, with...Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A rustic glam vignette in a room off the kitchen vignette includes a clock and mirror art from CB2 and golden animal skulls from Houzz.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The abstract canvas print by Christie Adelle is set in a alcove with more gold accessories, showing the home's rustic glam interiors.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photographer

Items from Z Gallerie outfit the living room. The wood coffee table from Z Gallerie holds a collection of coffee table books from Neiman Marcus while a golden cheetah and gold accessories are also from Z Gallerie...Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The transitional gray-and-white kitchen is highlighted with a waterfall Cambria quartz island in Torquay with four upholstered bar chairs with nailhead trim from Pier1 Imports.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

On the quartz island, the homeowners accessorized with a vase from Crate and Barrel filled with faux florals from Pier1 Imports and a wood bowl from Pottery Barn. Bells and whistles in the kitchen include a pot...Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The outdoor space is decorated with a bit of pattern, from the chevron rug, and a jolt of greenery, and the serenity of a Buddha statue, from Pier1 Imports.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A beaded chandelier from Progressive Lighting hangs above a dining table from Rooms To Go with upholstered chairs from Pier1 Imports. The horse statue is a Pottery Barn piece. A modern console from CB2 is nestled...Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photographer

The octagonal Axis floor mirror from Z Gallerie reflects the great room's rustic glam interiors.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photographer

Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The 4,300-square-foot home includes a home office, where a floral yellow and gray armchair is used as a desk chair.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The Johns Creek basement has been converted into a movie and game room with pool table and recliners.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

Neelima Kanneganti repeats the modern canvas print in the living room in the master bedroom next to a high-back, tufted chair.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A wing bed with button tufting from Havertys and crisp bedding from Kassatex with an embroidered triple-line detail give a classic touch to the master bedroom.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A navy and gold canvas print, Luke II by Christie Adelle, brings modern art into the room, which also has side tables from Ashley Furniture.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

A sunburst mirror from Z Gallerie adds glam above a chest of drawers.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

In the marble master bathroom, a Buddha statue from Pier1 Imports is positioned next to a freestanding tub as bamboo brings greenery into the space.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo

The five-bedroom, five-bath Johns Creek home was built in 2018 by Ashton Woods. Text by Marena Galluccio/Fast Copy News Service.Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo