Traffic alert: Atlanta prepares for debate, Copa America

🏔 Discover the magic of Lake Blue Ridge in this bespoke lakefront lodge, listed with Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty. Experience a luxurious lifestyle in the area’s most iconic home, offering panoramic sunrise and sunset views, a custom five-level log staircase, and expansive decks. The fully furnished retreat sits on the farthest point of the peninsula behind a gated drive, complete with an observatory tower, and a double slip two-story dock.

Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty is Fannin County’s No. 1 residential real estate company, proudly serving the North Georgia mountain communities.

👉🏼 Check out our current listings here.

2. USMNT seeks knockout spot in Atlanta Copa America game

⚽ The US Men’s National Soccer Team faces Panama tonight at 6 pm at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the second game of their Copa América campaign. (TV: Fox Sports)

This year’s event is only the second time the tournament has been held outside of South America in the past 50 years, and the US is looking to make a mark on home soil. A lot is on the line for the Yanks, with a win in this game guaranteeing a spot in the knockout round.

Anything besides a victory against Panama will leave the US needing a draw or win against formidable opponent Uruguay.

🏆 Learn more about the upcoming match here.

3. A newspaper blooms in Macon

🗞️ Macon, GA and Bibb County residents are getting a new news source that is bucking the trend of newspapers shrinking. The Macon Melody launched yesterday online and in print. Its 12-person newsroom focuses on community news, covering everything from the happenings in local government to heralding the latest in high school sports.

The Melody is part of the Georgia Trust for Local News, a nonprofit that owns and operates 19 community newspapers across Middle and South Georgia.

🌟 Rough Draft readers are invited to try one month of The Melody for free with the code “Draft.”

4. This Atlanta-based app wants to give you the data to find balance in the digital world

📱 It is a very 21st century conundrum. You have 15 minutes in between meetings. Or you’re trying to fall asleep. Or you are just bored in the middle of the day. And in those moments, you have a decision to make: Do you reach for your phone and aimlessly scroll?

Roots, an Atlanta-based startup, has a platform to help make that decision easier. The app is designed to help users set boundaries in the digital world in a tangible way that is often not provided on other screen time control options on the market.

In summer 2024, the Roots team is fully launching its platform. The app is now bringing users data-based insights, a digital dopamine tracker, and a “Monk Mode” option to help people get serious about mindful phone usage.

➡️ Read the full story here at Hypepotamus.

🏡 Imagine living in the 1920s with modern comforts in this timeless Druid Hills gem, listed with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. This architecturally significant home features charming period backyard details, a renovated chef’s kitchen, a porte cochère, and a private oasis near Emory Village and Morningside.

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5. Quick Bites

VIA SIDE DISH, A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER| SUBSCRIBE HERE

🍷 Rone Health is hosting a “Wine and Wellness” Rhône wine tasting event on Fri., June 28 at 3 Parks Wine in Old Fourth Ward. $10 gets you three Rhône Valley wine tastings and the chance to win various wellness prizes. RSVP for a complimentary B12 shot on your first appointment.

🍽️ Testarossa, a new venture from Bruce Logue and the team behind Inman Park’s BoccaLupo, sold out this week’s “test drive” event featuring a sample menu. Testarossa’s concept will involve expanding beyond a singular country’s cuisine in favor of fronting small dishes packed with flavor. Stay tuned to the BoccaLupo website for more updates.

🫑 Today is the last day to catch Session I of Fulton Fresh Mobile Market, a venture that travels to various sites and offers free produce, educational courses, and culinary demonstrations. An initiative by Fulton County’s Cooperative Extension, Thursday’s stops include Roswell and East Point. Session II will begin July 9 and run through Aug. 18; for more details visit here.

🇮🇹 Pochino Italy is now open in Kennesaw. The fast-casual menu includes dishes like pasta cacio e pepe, pinsa, and gelato cookie sandwiches for dessert.

🦀 Have a hankering for crab? Get ready for Atlanta’s second annual Crab Trap & Tap at Wild Heaven Beer on July 13. Maryland blue crabs, Low Country boil, Old Bay-rimmed EDB-micheladas, and additional brews are all on the menu, in addition to live music and backyard games. Tickets can be purchased here.

🦞 Or, if you need a lobster fix, join Dips Kitchen (pictured) for Lobster & Clam Chowder Roll night every Wednesday at their Buckhead Village location. Get details and reserve your roll ahead of time.

💎 Buckhead’s 103 West is in the midst of a mini-refresh this summer. Soon to welcome guests back to their ballrooms — now under new management with Novare Events — you can inquire about dates and ballroom availability here.

🍷 Tickets are now on sale for the Atlanta Wine Walk at Live! at The Battery on Aug. 31. General and VIP admission are available. Visit here to secure your spot.

🧑‍🍳 Pullman Yards is planning to start a restaurant residency program called Brick & Mortar. Located in the restaurant now known as Dailies & Sides, the program is an extension of Pullman Yards’ weekly Chefs Market & Bazaar. Serving as an incubator for burgeoning chefs, the first residency is expected to begin on Aug. 10.

🥖 Postino WineCafé – with locations in Buckhead and Midtown – is hosting its second annual “Battle of the Bruschetta” starting July 1. The summer-long, bracket-style competition is between four limited-time bruschetta recipes, with the winner earning a permanent spot on the fall Postino menu. Be sure to stop by and vote for your favorite contender – French Onion, Berry Mascarpone, Philly Cheesesteak, or Buffalo Cauliflower.

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📧 Today’s newsletter was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.