Looking to add a little more flavor, fun and festivities into your life? Get out your calendar and prepare to set your taste buds ablaze by attending one of the many "Taste of" events happening around metro Atlanta this year. Sample culinary delights from the top local restaurants in and around metro Atlanta and show your support for charities, organizations and nonprofits.
Fulton County Tasting Events:
Atlanta Taste of the Nation. 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 20. $250 for general admission. Southern Exchange. 200 Peachtree St. N.W., Atlanta.. 30313. www.nokidhungry.org. This premier "Taste of" event not only features culinary treats from over 50 local restaurants, but also supports Share Our Strength's goal to end hunger in America. Help contribute to this cause by taking part in the live silent auction, which includes luxury culinary and travel packages. Enjoy world-class wines and hand-crafted cocktails while listening to live music. What a night.
Taste of East Point. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 6. Free entrance, food tickets $1. 1612 W. Cleveland Ave., East Point, Ga. 30344. www.downtowneastpoint.com. Nothing complements food like great art and music. At this year's Taste of East Point event, you can sample some of the best cuisine in town from local restaurants and food trucks while enjoying an eclectic array of musical talents and regional crafts and artwork.
Taste of Alpharetta. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 4. Free entrance, food tickets $.50. Historic Downtown, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009. www.alpharetta.ga.us. Alpharetta hosts some of the best chefs in town at this annual event, which delivers taste sensations from over 60 local restaurants. Watch the Culiary Competition while listening to live music, and make sure to bring the kiddos along to take part in the "Fun Zone," which includes a climbing wall, face paining, multiple obstacle courses and slides.
Cobb County Tasting Events:
Taste of Marietta. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 30. Free entrance, food tasting starts at $1. Historic Marietta Square. 50 Park Square, Marietta. www.tasteofmarietta.com. Held in the Historic Marietta Square, over 75 restaurants, food trucks and caterers showcase their culinary treasures. With over 70,000 expected visitors, try to arrive early to secure a parking spot, and plan on staying late to enjoy the sunset concert after you eat.
Taste of Acworth. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 15. Free entrance, food tasting starts at $1. Acworth Historic District. Main Street, Acworth. www.acworthbusiness.org. The Acworth Business Association and the City of Acworth sponsor this annual food tasting event to benefit local schools and charities. Get ready to have an amazing and unforgettable day with live music, over 150 food and business booths, a kid zone and even a dog show.
Taste of Kennesaw 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 4. Free entrance, food can be purchased for $1-$4. Downtown Kennesaw. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, Ga. 30144. www.kennesawbusiness.org.
With over 30 restaurants, the California Dreaming Beer Garden and football screening at the Ultimate Tailgating Experience, you'll want to spend all day at this year's Taste of Kennesaw. Proceeds from this event help create scholarships for local students and benefit charities and organizations such as the Jerry Worthan Community Christmas Fund and the American Legion Post 304.
Taste of Smyrna. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 16. Free entrance, food can be purchased for $1-$4. Downtown Smyrna. 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. www.smyrnacity.com.
Taste of Smyrna’s "Festival of Delectable" will take place in the heart of the Village Green in downtown Smyrna. In addition to noshing on dishes from more than 30 restaurants, the evening will entail a concert at 7 p.m. and kids entertainment throughout the night.
Gwinnett County Tasting Events:
Taste of Suwanee. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7. Free entrance, food tickets $1. Town Center Park. 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. www.tasteofsuwanee. Walk through the Artist Market while sampling treats from over 30 local Suwanee restaurants. If you're looking for a good calorie burn before you eat, come early to take part in the Taste of Suwanee 5K, which starts at 10:30 a.m. in front of the City Hall building.
DeKalb County Tasting Events:
Taste of Town Brookhaven. 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. May 20. $25 for general admission.
4330 Peachtree Road, Brookhaven. www.eventbrite.com.
Taste of Town Brookhaven is back for a third year, with food tastings from participating restaurants, beer, wine, music and prizes. The event will benefit LifeLine Animal Project.
All tickets include five food tastings. Additional food tasting tickets and beer/wine tickets available for purchase at event.
If you love food, make sure not to miss all the "Taste of" events in your area. From Southern cooking to world cuisine, you're sure to find delicious dishes you'll want to go back for again and again, and local restaurants that will quickly become your family's new favorites. Bon appétit!
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