Freaknik and 20 other things you won't find in Atlanta anymore

News

21 things you won’t find in Atlanta anymore

We’re still in Atlanta, Toto. But, things do look a little different...

We’re still in Atlanta, Toto. But, things do look a little different …

1. Buckhead Village club scene: The 8 acres of clubs and bars used to be the heart of Atlanta night life, but adeadly brawl outside Cobalt in 2000 involving the entourage of former Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis encouraged city leaders to put the kibosh on the raucous scene.

2. Freaknik: The college spring break picnic turned divisive street festival that snarled traffic and enraged many Atlantans in the mid-1990s waned until it eventually died in 1999.

3. Omni Coliseum: The arena hosted everyone from Elvis Presley to Michael Jackson to the Hawks and more, but was demolished in 1997 to make way for Phillips Arena.

4. Nancy Grace: Before she was the host of HLN's top-rated show, Nancy Grace served as a special prosecutor with the Fulton County District Attorney's Office for more than a decade.

5. Atlanta Fulton County Stadium: Before the Ted, Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium was home to the Atlanta Braves until it was demolished in 1997.

6. Carvers Country Kitchen: The Southern-fried food-scene staple closed in 2013 with plans to open shop just blocks away. However, months later, owners announced that the restaurant would not reopen and put the site up for sale.

7. Rich's department store, downtown: The beloved store was synonymous with Atlanta shopping from 1867 until it was acquired by Macy’s in 2005.

8. Maynard Jackson Jr.: Atlanta’s first African-American mayor died in 2003. The pioneer is buried in Oakland Cemetery.

Tales of the Okefenokee Swamp ride: The Six Flags Over Georgia ride debuted in 1967 and featured scenes from Uncle Remus stories. When vandalism and maintenance proved too big a challenge, the park dismantled the ride in 1980.

10. William Hartsfield: Atlanta’s longest-serving mayor (six terms) died in 1971.

11. Equitable Building (original): Atlanta’s first skyscraper was built in 1892, and demolished in 1971 to make way for the city’s newly emerging, modern skyline.

12. Ponce de Leon Park: The ballpark was home to the Atlanta Crackers from 1907 until it was demolished in 1966.

13. Macy’s department store, downtown: When it was built in 1927 (known as Davison's until 1986), it was the largest department store in the Southeast, but eventually closed its doors in 2003.

14. Atlanta Thrashers: Although the NHL franchise had a relatively short stint in the city (1999 – 2011), the team left a lasting impression on fans.

15. Mike Vick: In 2009, the Falcons released the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback amid felony charges of dogfighting, ending an 8-year relationship with the franchise.

16. Craig Kimbrel: In a shocking turn of events, the Atlanta Braves traded the premier closer to the Padres in April.

17. Airport “Spirit” mural: The large mural of the girl with outstretched arms and children splashing around in the Centennial Olympic Park fountains at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was covered by an ad for Porsche in May.

18. Georgia 400 toll plazas: Since the 400 extension opened in 1993, drivers had complained about the 50 cent toll. But, in 2013, collection ended and the toll plazas were torn down.

19. Here to Serve restaurants: In October, the conglomerate shut down 10 of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants, including Prime, Smash, Strip and Twist. About 1,000 employees were left confused and unemployed.

20. Ramblin’ Raft Race on the Chattahoochee River: The famed event kicked off Memorial Day weekend in the 1970s, and drew thousands of revelers each year. The race ended its long run in 1980 when the event swelled to unmanageable numbers, and officials stopped paying for security and cleanup.

21. 88.5/WRAS-FM daytime: Despite protests from students and the community, in June, Georgia Public Broadcasting took over Georgia State University’s beloved radio station WRAS-FM/88.5 FM from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The station had been on the air since 1971.

1/22

We’re still in Atlanta, Toto. But, things do look a little different …

Today's Gallery Headlines

Kennesaw State University new baseball facility

PHOTOS: A look at Kennesaw State baseball's new home

1h ago

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

Ice storm warning

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

More Galleries

PHOTOS: Georgia's first snowfall of the year

PHOTOS: Georgia's first snowfall of the year

Macon High School Restaurant

PHOTOS: The Compass Rose Cafe serves up quality food with heaping side dishes of life skills

Juwad Maynard holds a banner during a protest in Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, against the U.S. military action in Venezuela. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

PHOTOS: People gather in downtown Atlanta to protest U.S. military action in Venezuela

People prepare to run the Polar Opposite Peachtree Road Race on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Atlanta. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

PHOTOS: Thousands run AJC Polar Opposite Peachtree Road Race