What You Should Know About The Winter Solstice
The days are short this time of year, but there’s an end in sight to these gloomy winter days. The Winter Solstice falls on December 21st, and it marks the longest night in our yearly rotation around the sun. After the solstice, we'll see the slow return of more daylight, and before you know it, winter will be over. Today, we have everything you need to know about the Winter Solstice!
What is the Winter Solstice?
Due to the earth’s tilt and the sun’s position over the northern hemisphere, it gets dark earlier and earlier. This continues until the Winter Solstice, when the sun is farthest away. At this point, it will slowly start to get dark later, until the Summer Solstice. Historically, this was a time for people to start hunkering down in cozy spaces to await the coming spring. For centuries, people have observed the “return” of the Sun after the longest night of the year with feasting and gift-giving. These old Solstice traditions influence holidays we celebrate now, like Christmas and Hanukkah.
How Different People Celebrate
Today people around the world still gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
- Dong Zhi, in China, is a thousand-year-old festival celebrated with family gatherings and a big meal. Believed to mark the end of the harvest season, the holiday origins are also rooted in the Chinese concept of yin and yang. After the solstice, the increasing darkness of winter will begin to be balanced with the light of the sun.
- In England, the mysterious circle of Stonehenge lines up with the movements of the sun. Druid solstice festivals happened here regularly, and today, modern revelers have taken up the tradition. They gather at dawn the day after the longest night to witness the sun as it rises through the ancient stones.
- Another solstice festival in England, the Burning the Clocks, takes place in Brighton. Fire is traditionally a part of winter solstice observances, as it's used to light the dark days and long nights. The modern-day Burning of Clocks Festival relies on this for its yearly solstice parade, bonfire, and fire show. People bring lanterns made of wood and paper to the beach to be burned in a huge bonfire. It's an elaborate performance symbolizing the passage of time, along with wishes, hopes, and fears that are passed through the flames.
Make The Most of The Longest Night of the Year
This season, the longest night of the year falls on a Saturday, so you can make it the longest weekend of the year! Head out early when the sun goes down, and meet your friends at McCray’s Tavern Midtown for craft cocktails, draft pours, and elevated American eats. Check out our menu online and stop by today to find out why McCray's Tavern is the best neighborhood grill and bar in Midtown Atlanta!
Frequently Asked Questions
McCray’s Tavern on the Beltline offers Atlanta's premier private event venue with versatile spaces, exceptional service staff, and custom catering options for an event that's uniquely you.
Savor Easter desserts at McCray's Tavern Smyrna, such as New York Cheesecake and Peanut Butter Pie. Sweeten your Easter celebration at this popular Atlanta venue.
Indulge in Easter treats at McCray's Tavern in Midtown! We have everything sweet and savory that will ensure your celebration is one both you and your family will never forget.
Join us at McCray's Tavern in Lawrenceville for a memorable Easter celebration! Our kid-friendly brunch menu and captivating ambiance will make this a joyous day for the whole family.
Are you looking for a unique Easter celebration in East Cobb? Look no further than McCray’s Tavern! We are offering an assortment of traditional Easter brunch dishes with a zesty twist.
Discover the ultimate pet-friendly dining experience at The Baxter! Learn how we warmly welcome both you and your dog to enjoy a delicious meal together.
There’s no denying that one of the best parts about living in the city is tasting all of its local delicacies. If you are in Atlanta, Georgia, you don't have to search for the "best sandwiches near me", because there’s one place that has some of the most mouth-watering sandwiches around – McCray's Tavern, one of the best restaurants on Beltline Atlanta. Renowned for its unique blend of flavors and top-notch ingredients, this eatery has curated a menu that beckons sandwich lovers from all corners. Join us as we explore our signature sandwiches – a true testament to why we are the best sandwich place in town. Magic Mushroom Wrap First on our list is the Magic Mushroom Wrap, a vegetarian delight that combines fresh ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. Picture this: crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, tangy chopped pickles, and the richness of cheddar jack cheese. What takes this wrap to the next level is the buffalo-style fried mushroom, adding a bold and spicy kick. Drizzled with ranch dressing, it's a harmonious dance of textures and tastes that makes you wonder if you've stumbled upon the best sandwich place in the city. You Can Tuna- A Guitar but You Can’t Tuna Melt For those craving a unique twist on the classic tuna melt, McCray's has it "You Can Tuna- A Guitar but You Can’t Tuna Melt." A Yellowfin tuna steak takes center stage, complemented by creamy avocado, zesty red onion, and the velvety goodness of Munster cheese. The wasabi aioli adds a hint of heat, bringing a burst of flavor to every bite. Sandwich enthusiasts seeking the best sandwiches near me need not look further – this tuna melt is a masterpiece on multi-grain bread. The Godfather Grinder Prepare your taste buds for an offer they can't refuse – The Godfather Grinder. This sandwich is a carnivore's dream, featuring Genoa salami, hot coppa, mortadella, pepperoni, and aged provolone. Topped with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, roasted garlic aioli, pickled cherry peppers, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar. Undisputedly one of the best sandwiches on the Beltline. The Cubano Missile Crisis The Cubano Missile Crisis is a Cuban-inspired sensation made of Mojo-roasted pork, smoked ham, and Swiss cheese form the heart of this sandwich. House pickles, house deli mustard, and the perfect Cuban bread bring authenticity to every bite. If you're on a quest for the best sandwiches near me, this Cubano masterpiece is a must-try. The Marty McFly Whether you prefer it grilled or fried, The Marty McFly is a nod to classic American flavors with a twist. Featuring buffalo chicken panini, prevalence, bacon, crisp lettuce, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese, this sandwich is a time-traveling delight. The Rocket Manwhich Closing our sandwich tour is the popular Rocket Manwhich. This dish pays homage to classic Southern comfort food. A sloppy joe, paired with house pickles, fried Vidalia onion, and peppery rocket arugula, all nestled within a soft brioche bun. It's messy, it's flavorful, and it's a reminder that sometimes the best sandwiches near me are the ones that embrace the joy of indulgence. Experience The Best Sandwich Place on the Beltline Today Discover the ultimate sandwich experience on the Beltline at McCray's Tavern today. Our signature sandwiches showcase culinary innovation and an unwavering dedication to excellence. Whether you're on the hunt for the top sandwich spot or a premier Beltline bar, your quest ends here. Dive into the flavorful adventure of our Magic Mushroom Wrap, savor the robustness of The Godfather Grinder, or take a nostalgic trip with The Marty McFly. Let us reshape your idea of the ideal sandwich.
St. Patrick’s Day is coming and that means it’s time for good food and great drinks. Join us at McCray’s Tavern for a wonderful holiday menu with Irish flair!
Wondering what to do for St. Patrick’s Day? Come to McCray’s for some fantastic Irish meals and cold drinks, and to celebrate with friends and family!
St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, and that means it’s time to celebrate! Come to McCray’s Tavern and enjoy delicious options from our holiday menu!
Please Visit Our Other Restaurants
©Copyright 2024 McCray's Tavern