Points North by Points North Atlanta Magazine

CONTENTS

POINTS NORTH MAGAZINE

PHOTO COURTESY OF POUYA DIANAT/ATLANTA BRAVES/GETTY IMAGES

ISSUE 142 | MARCH 2012

BRANDON BEACHY

RESTAURANT BUCKET LIST

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Brandon Beachy’s rapid rise through the Braves minor league system took many by surprise. As baseball season approaches, the Indiana native tells Points North about his journey of faith and perseverance.

We’re always on the lookout for great eats around Atlanta, and our bucket list grows every time we get a recommendation from a friend or read a rave review. The restaurants on these pages have been on our radar for quite some time — read on for a sample of the spots we’ve been dying to try.

23 ON THE COVER: ANNUAL BEACH PLANNER If you’re ready for a retreat to the coast, we’ve got you covered. Flip ﬂop through our annual beach planner for ideas on where to stay and what to do while soaking up the sun and the sand. 24 SEA ISLAND, GA. 26 MEXICO BEACH, FLA. 28 CLUB MED AT SANDPIPER BAY, FLA. 30 BEACH BRIEFS 38 COOL CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCES 46 PASSION FOR FASHION: SEASIDE STYLE

On the Cover:

Photo Courtesy of Alys Beach

4 Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANE KIRKLAND

PHOTO COURTESY OF BUCKHEAD LIFE RESTAURANT GROUP

DEPARTMENTS COLUMNS 6|

POINTS OF VIEW

ALL POINTS BULLETIN

70 |

HEALTH BEAT

72 |

CALENDAR

78 |

5 THINGS I MUST DO THIS MONTH

DESIGNING DREAMS For three years running, Allison Havill Todd Interiors and Designing Dreams have been changing lives with room makeovers for individuals or families in emotional or physical crisis, or for organizations that serve those in need. Join us as we meet last year’s recipient, Bald Ridge Lodge, a safe haven for at-risk boys.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 60 | Outdoor Living/Pools

ONLINE

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If you’re heading to Augusta in early April, we know there’s only one thing on your mind. But Augusta National isn’t the only attraction in Georgia’s secondoldest city. While you’re in town for the Masters, take the chance to explore Augusta’s great dining, cultural offerings and Southern charm.

POINTS OF VIEW PRESIDENT / CEO

Witt Beckman PUBLISHER

Carl Danbury Jr. A SSOCIATE PUBLISHE R

Karen Poulsen EDITOR

Bre Humphries SENIOR EDITOR

Heather KW Brown CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR

beach

Robin Harrison A S S I S TA N T C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

Shannah J. Smith

FEVER

It is mid-February

Rachel Buckley Artisha Johnson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

In any case, I always get spring fever this time of year, and not just for warmer weather, but for lazy days of sunbathing and seafood somewhere along the coast. I blame it on Spring Break from my school days — I still long for that free week off to spend at the beach. If the beach is beckoning you this season, too, flip to our annual beach planner on page 23 to plan your escape. Here, you’ll ﬁnd information about many Southern beach destinations, including a few of my favorites. Personally, I’m pretty happy anywhere I can smell the salty sea air and feel the sand beneath my feet. I’ve always thought of the beach as one of God’s greatest creations, and I ﬁnd it impossible to deny His presence while standing beside the magnitude of the ocean. Yes, whether it’s snowing or sunny here in Atlanta, I’ll be beach-bound this season, if only in my dreams.

Allan Edmonds Echo Garrett Kevin Garrett Julie Hostetter Kylie McKlveen Olja Lakic Tiffany Willard Melanie Woodroffe ADVERTISING

770-844-0969 sales@ptsnorth.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Marita Kahler ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Tom Tolbert CIRCUL ATION MANAGE R

Tiffany Willard All Points Interactive Media Corp. 568 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041 770-844-0969 www.ptsnorth.com © 2012 Points North All Points Interactive Media Corp. All rights reserved. Points North is published monthly by All Points Interactive Media Corp. The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editor, the publisher or of Points North. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Subscription information:

Bre Humphries, Editor

Points North offers a 12-month subscription for $12. Visit www.ptsnorth.com for details.

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

Pl e as

c yc l e T h i s M a zi n e

To send comments and/or suggestions on this or any other subject, e-mail us at: myturn@ptsnorth.com.

as I write this, and the weather here has been throwing me for a loop. The recorded highs have ranged a whopping 27 degrees over the past few weeks, and my body can’t adjust. Today, the space heater is running in my ofﬁce and I’m sipping hot tea. At noon, the thermostat is registering a frigid 47 degrees. If you think I’m joking, you’re partially right. Highs in the upper 40s actually are slightly lower than average for February in metro Atlanta, but it’s certainly not going to cause frostbite; however, in light of the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing, it does feel cold. Perhaps that’s because, despite a quick cold snap earlier this month, I’ve already come to expect near 70-degree weather! By the time you read this, perhaps it will be cold. After an unusually high volume of acorns on the ground last fall, my grandmother said we were in for a cold winter, and I’m not entirely sure she won’t be right yet. After all, it was an unseasonably warm early winter in 1993 until “The Storm of the Century” hit in mid-March.

EDITORIAL INTERNS

A PB MARCH

ENTER TO WIN A “SPRING INTO STYLE” BEAUTY AND FASHION PACKAGE WORTH MORE THAN $1,600! Points North fashion consultant Melanie Woodroffe knows great style when she sees it (ﬁnd her favorite beach-worthy fashions on page 46). Now, she’s helped us put together the ultimate prize for our trendiest readers — a bag full of the hottest fashion and beauty items from local retailers and designers. From jewelry and accessories to skin and hair care, these coveted products and services are sure to top your style wish list this spring!

PHOTO COURTESY OF FASHIONABLE NOTES

ALL POINTS BULLETIN

The Prize One lucky Points North winner will receive an Eco-Diva bag from Fashionable Notes ($38 value, www.fashionablenotes.com) filled with the following: a personal bra fitting and lingerie set from Intimacy ($150 value, www.myintimacy.com); the Skite, fun fitness tights with built-in skirt, in three colors ($210 value, www.theskite.com); personal hair and color consultation from Selden Beylouni Salon ($250 value); a $250 Remy Kiss Gift Card (www.remykiss.com); a wardrobe consultation and shopping spree at Remixx-Roswell ($350 value, www.remixxboutique.com); a Visia Digital Complexion Analysis and facial by Oculus Skin Care Centre ($125 value, www.oculusskin.com); an Authentic Beauty spring trends makeup consultation with lip liner and lip gloss ($105, www.myimagejourney.com); gorgeous Amy Bubes Jewelry Argentium Sterling tear drop earrings ($190 value, www.amybubesjewelry.com); Smart Glass Jewelry recycled glass and brass earrings ($46 value, www.smartglassjewelry.com); and a feature in style & beauty blog Capitol de Beaute to show you off ! (www.capitoldebeaute.com) Go to the giveaway section on our Web site at www.ptsnorth.com to enter for the drawing of this prize.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL DANBURY JR.

CHÂTEAU ÉLAN GUEST CHEF SERIES

Chef Ngamta Thongyoung

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

Guest chef Ngamta Thongyoung of Nahm Thai Cuisine, Alpharetta, will join Executive Chef Marc Suennemann for the third installment of Château Élan Winery & Resort’s 2012 Food & Wine Series, Saturday, March 24 at 7 p.m. The event will be held inside the winery at the Viking Culinary Studio. The evening begins with a cocktail reception and is followed by a multi-course dinner prepared by Thongyoung and Suennemann. Each course is paired with wines presented by Château Élan’s winemaker Karen Van de Vort. Thongyoung, owner and executive chef of Nahm Thai Cuisine, was raised in Phetchaburi, Thailand. She learned her craft from her grandmother and aunt, who catered large parties serving traditional Thai food, and from her father and grandfather, who owned and operated a Chinese restaurant in her hometown. After graduating from college, she received extensive training at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok before moving to the United States. Packages include overnight accommodations in the Inn, a bottle of Château Élan Wine with special private label and a 6 p.m. late check out the following day. Dinner-only packages for two also are available. For reservations for this exclusive event, call 678-425-0900, ext. 41, or book online at www.chateauelan.com/exclusives/chef-food-and-wine.

A PB ALL POINTS BULLETIN

MARCH

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRAPE CRUSH PRODUCTIONS

ENTER TO WIN A $500 GIFT CERTIFICATE TOWARD A PRIVATE WINE TASTING FOR UP TO 20 GUESTS! For the wine lovers in metro Atlanta, it’s time to turn your home, office or neighborhood clubhouse into a private winery for an evening or afternoon. Meet Grape Crush Productions, a company known for creating custom wine tastings ideal for aﬁcionados and novices alike. Passionate about wines from around the world? They can do that. Prefer to compare wines from a particular grape or region? Grape Crush Productions can do that, too. Their wine tastings are geared to ﬁt your expectations. For more information, call 770-579-0808 or visit www.grapecrushevents.com.

The Prize One lucky Points North winner will receive a $500 gift certiﬁcate from Grape Crush Productions toward a private wine tasting for up to 20 guests. This prize, valid only through the end of 2012, will feature a selection of artisan wines with tasting notes, a professional consultant to guide you through the wine-tasting process, helpful tips on food and wine pairing, wine glasses and beverage napkins. This is a fun way to entertain friends and family! Go to the giveaway section on our Web site at www.ptsnorth.com to enter for the drawing of this prize.

ODBF TOTE: A TOTE OF LOVE By purchasing this stylish bag, shoppers will not only be making a sophisticated fashion statement in this season’s IT color, they will also be supporting a great cause. One hundred percent of proﬁts from the sale of the ODBF Tote by Atlanta designer Ann Roth go directly to the Orange Duffel Bag Foundation, an organization that provides mentoring to at-risk young adults, some of which are homeless or have aged out of foster care. By providing counseling and love, ODBF provides these young adults with self-conﬁdence, leadership skills and character development. Those who complete the program are rewarded with an orange duffel bag that contains computers, laptops or iPads and other tools to facilitate community connections. By providing young adults with these resources, ODBF hopes to narrow the digital divide created by poverty. Help the ODBF accomplish these heart-felt goals by indulging in this supple orange leather bag. With an ultra suede interior and gold hardware accents, this bag is sure to turn fashion-savvy heads. The limited-edition tote is currently available for a special pre-order price of $295. For more information about ODBF, visit www.orangeduffelbagfoundation.org. To purchase the bag, PHO TO C OUR TESY visit annrothshoes.com. OF A NN R OTH – Rachel Buckley

GIVEAWAY WINNERS To ﬁnd a list of giveaway winners, take a look in the “Online Only” section of www.ptsnorth.com!

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

OCTOBER

PHOTO COURTESY OF SWIMKIDS OF GEORGIA

SWIM, BABY SWIM Your beach vacation checklist may include traveler’s insurance to protect your trip from disaster, sunscreen to protect your family’s skin from the blistering sun, towels to protect their bottoms from the hot sand, and bug repellent to protect their body from pesky insects. Like most folks, you will probably wait until a few days before your vacation to purchase most of these items. However, a few days before your vacation will be too late if you have swimming lessons on your list. SwimKids of Georgia offers private, semi-private, and group swimming lessons for children 6 months to 6 years of age. Infants who are unable to walk are taught how to hold their breath under water and to roll over onto their backs and float. Children who are able to walk are taught to swim using a swim-float-swim technique, which entails students swimming on their stomachs, flipping over onto their backs to get air, and then flipping back over to swim. Once older students master the swim-float-swim method, they are taught proper kicking, breathing and arm techniques. Before students are able to take groups lessons, they must first complete private lessons. For more information, visit www.swimkidsofgeorgia.com. – Artisha Johnson ptsnorth.com | | March 2012 | Points North

A PB ALL POINTS BULLETIN

MARCH

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREG MOONEY

Stephen King Goes Southern Gothic

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

In a dynamic collaboration of talent, novelist Stephen King, singer/songwriter John Mellencamp and musical producer T Bone Burnett have created a new musical, and Atlanta will be the ďŹ rst to play host. The project is 12 years in the making and has hit some roadblocks along the way, including failed attempts to cast in New York. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until the trio ďŹ nally approached Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alliance Theatre that they found the right ďŹ t, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ghost Brothers of Darkland Countyâ&#x20AC;? will have its world debut at the Alliance from April 4 to May 13. Atlanta turned out to be the right choice for a number of reasons, and much of the credit can be attributed to the Alliance Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creative Director Susan V. Booth along with Associate Producer Jody Feldman, who has helped bring together a cast of local and national talent. The Atlanta connections include Tony Award-Winner Shuler Hensley from Marietta and Broadway star and recording artist Justin Guarini, who was in the Atlanta Boys Choir at age 4. The story takes place in Mississippi and the plot includes a family with dark secrets, a spooky lakeside cabin, tragic deaths, sibling rivalries and, of course, ghosts. The music is described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;rootsand blues-tinged,â&#x20AC;? which should ďŹ t right in to a southern gothic version of a Stephen King thriller. I expect to hear some great mood-setting music and interesting lyrics, be wowed by plot twists and clever stage antics, and applaud the performances by the excellent cast. The show will be the last one of the Allianceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring season; call 404-733-4650 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org to purchase tickets. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Allan Edmonds

NUZZLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF

MELISSA LACQUEMENT

If there’s still a chill in the air as winter fades to spring, cuddle up next to the fireplace one more time with a heartwarming book. “Nuzzle: Love Between a Boy and His Service Dog” is Chancer and Donnie Kanter Winokur a beautifully crafted story about compassion, second chances and an unconditional relationship between a boy and his hero — a dog named Chancer. The story is told through the inspiring eyes of Donnie Kanter Winokur, who adopted a son whose life was touched by a struggling and invisible disability. Determined to help him navigate the world with the constant battle of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the family came across a 90-pound golden retriever, the first certified service dog in the world trained specifically to assist a child with FASD — and the inspiration for this loving story. “Nuzzle” is the second in the Chancer Chronicle Series, a book geared toward children 6 to 8 years of age but sure to win over hearts of readers young and old alike. For more information, please call 770-856-5424 or visit www.thechancerchronicles.com. – Olja Lakic

MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL Need some interior inspiration? Head over to Savvy Snoot and Marty Mason Collected Home, which opened their doors in East Cobb’s Merchant’s Walk late last year. Savvy Snoot’s third location is sure to reel in anyone PHOTO COURTESY OF SAVVY SNOOT with fervor for exquisite furniture and accessories. Conveniently located next door, the new store concept Marty Mason Collected Home allows you to create a look to your liking as you mix, match and customize uniquely designed pieces. Not sure which style would be best suited for your humble abode? Not a problem. Complimentary design services are available at their design bar to help you create a picture-perfect look for your home. You’ll be snapping pictures of your beautiful, newly decorated house in no time! Other locations include Atlanta and Alpharetta. For more information, please call 770-977-1339 or visit www.savvysnoot.com. – Olja Lakic

ptsnorth.com | | March 2012 | Points North

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A JOURNEY OF

Faith and Perseverance Points North Talks to Atlanta Braves Starting Pitcher BRANDON BEACHY WR IT T E N BY CARL DANBURY, JR.

he 25 year old and oldest of seven children addressed the graduates of the Orange Duffel Bag Foundation’s second training class in early February. The 27 black teens that grew up at risk in the foster care system because their parents either abandoned them or couldn’t care for them financially listened intently to the articulate speaker, who had taken the time out of his busy off-season schedule to share his story of perseverance, forgiveness and faith. His parents, Lori and Lester, made sacrifices for him and each of his siblings, counter to what many in the audience had experienced. Then, Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Brandon Beachy provided explicit details of the unfortunate prank and resulting freak accident that left his family home in ashes on July 4, 2007. He explained how several people that loved and supported him made a significant impact on helping him cope with his embarrassment and shame after embers from the smoke bomb he tossed out of a window set a stash of fireworks — and his family’s home — aflame. Beachy explained that overcoming a tragic event, like the many these teens may have dealt with in the past, wasn’t easy for him either. The big league

PHOTO COURTESY OF POUYA DIANAT/ATLANTA BRAVES/GETTY IMAGES

baseball player suddenly seemed very personal and accessible. Firm Roots Beachy was born in Kokomo, Ind., where he attended Northwestern High School and

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

As an athlete, I love to “ compete and I compete as hard as I can every time I go out on the ﬁeld.

”

BR AN DON B EAC H Y

played all sports growing up. Like many born and raised in the Hoosier State, basketball was his passion but Beachy’s real talents were on the diamond and he enrolled at little-known Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in nearby Marion to play baseball and further his education. IWU is a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship and leadership, and Beachy was bent on attending law school after graduation. He majored in pre-law and criminal justice. While he excelled at playing third base, ﬁrst base and pitching occasionally, a forearm injury lessened his ability to pitch during his junior year, which coincidentally is

when players attending four-year colleges are eligible for the Major League Baseball (MLB) amateur draft held in early June. Beachy was not among the 1,504 players selected in the 2008 draft, although teammate Brandon Moore became only the second player ever from IWU to be drafted by an MLB team when the New York Mets selected him in the 14th round. “Baseball was still a dream and something inside told me I couldn’t give up. I had a decent arm and I enjoyed playing the game,” Beachy said. Fortunately, Beachy received an invitation to play in a prestigious summer baseball league in Virginia, where he began

Brandon Beachy and Cindy Hunsinger, Orange Duffel Bag Foundation’s director of coaching, congratulate one of the recent graduates. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARL DANBURY JR.

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

A JOURNEY OF Faith and Perseverance BRANDON BEACHY

concentrating solely on pitching and where Braves scout Gene Kerns, who happened to be passing through, decided to stop and watch a game. Beachy pitched the 9th inning that night and impressed Kerns with his arm action and effortless delivery. A visit with Beachy after the game found Kerns calling Braves scouting director Roy Clark and asking permission to sign a contract with him immediately. Kerns watched Beachy pitch the next night, and again called Clark. The director relented and the Braves signed Beachy to a minor league contract, which included a $20,000 signing bonus and an extra $30,000 to ﬁnish his college education. The Ascent Beachy’s meteoric rise through the Braves minor league system took many by surprise. After signing, he played rookie ball in Danville, Va., Rome, Ga., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., before making the jump to Jackson, Miss., for the Braves DoubleA team. In 2010, he began the year in Jackson, pitching primarily out of the bullpen in relief, until Braves minor league pitching instructor Dave Wallace advised the organization to make Beachy a starting pitcher. The move turned out to be a brilliant one, and Beachy was named the Braves’ Double-A pitcher of that summer, earning a promotion to the Gwinnett Braves Triple-A team, where he made eight more appearances. Once the Gwinnett season concluded, Beachy went home to Indiana, but not for long. The team wanted him to report for fall instructional ball in Orlando, where

he was told to stay ready as he might be summoned to the big leagues because of nagging injuries to starters Jair Jurrjens and Derek Lowe. As predicted, within days, Beachy flew to Philadelphia to meet up with the team. The next afternoon at 3 p.m., venerable manager Bobby Cox, just two weeks from retirement, informed Beachy that he would be the Braves starting pitcher against the first-place Phillies at Citizens Bank Ball Park. A little more than three years had passed since Beachy torched the family farmhouse and only 26 months since he started his pro baseball career, making only 21 minor league starts prior to his first appearance for the Braves. He pitched twice more that season, posting 15 strikeouts in 15 innings and a respectable earned-run-average of 3.00. Against even more remote odds, Beachy won a spot in the starting rotation to begin the 2011 season, an unlikely occurrence considering he beat out 2009 firstround draft pick Mike Minor to become the Braves fifth starter. He rewarded the Braves by establishing a modern-day franchise rookie record with 169 strikeouts in 141 2/3 innings, despite missing several starts during a five-week period due to a strained oblique. But Beachy finished the season with a 7-3 record and a 3.68 ERA in 25 starting assignments. “I came into camp in great shape. When I put my mind to something, I don’t want to leave any room for doubt,” Beachy said of his preparation last season. “I was fortunate to be the guy they wanted to go with [coming out of spring training]. One day I’ll be done, and I don’t want to look

back and be unsatisfied because I didn’t do everything that I could have.” Beachy is approaching his second season the same way. As he prepared for spring training this winter, he was committed to improving his endurance and working on certain aspects of his repertoire. “As an athlete, I love to compete and I compete as hard as I can every time I go on the field. I don’t think I can be any more motivated, and I’d like to think that I am giving it my very best every time,” he said. “I want to win and work hard to do everything I can to succeed on the field.” “I am always talking to myself when I am pitching, but the things I say to myself are out-of-character, cocky things that I would never, ever say in front of other people,” Beachy said. “When I am out there on the mound, I think I’m the best, that’s what I tell myself, and I believe it. I know I am nowhere close to that, but when I am on the mound, you couldn’t convince me otherwise.” A Difference Maker On the field, Beachy is the antithesis of his off-field persona. Josh Worrell, his former roommate at IWU, said Beachy hasn’t changed since his pro career began. “When we hang out, he’s just like any of my other friends,” said Worrell, the third-ever IWU star drafted by a MLB team. “Our relationship is the same as it always was. Today, baseball is just his occupation. Brandon wants to be viewed as a good guy that just happens to play baseball for a living.” Beachy hopes to use his on-field status

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

The platform to help “ others could be gone to make an off-the-field impact on the lives of young kids and at-risk teens, like those he met at the Orange Duffel Bag Foundation’s graduation. “Now, I can do something about it. Now, I have a platform. People listen now, and maybe I can use that platform to bring a little more attention to things,” Beachy said, adding, “Four years ago, I wouldn’t have been asked to help out with Orange Duffel Bag the way I am now. The platform to help others could be gone tomorrow, so I will use it while I can.” He was first exposed to the needs of youth in foster care during his fi rst offseason of pro ball, working with the prosecutor’s office in Marion and as a counselor at Paddock View Residential Center for troubled youths. “When it comes to kids that have no control over their situations growing up ... it just doesn’t seem fair. I was lucky, as a

tomorrow, so I will use it while I can.

”

BRANDON B E ACH Y

lot of us were, in the way that I was raised. I never needed anything. But, I have seen a lot of kids through my experiences that have never had that type of home environment, and those things they can rely on. It almost makes me feel guilty when I am around kids that didn’t have [support],” Beachy offered. Sharing a few experiences that made a deep impression on him, Beachy spoke of a 12 year old whose visit with his foster brother and father was cut short because of rule violations. “You could see the value of a family connection for this kid, but he was unable to stop causing trouble and was unable to

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Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

equate that his own actions had consequences,” Beachy related. He also spoke of a 17 year old who was about to be released from the detention center. “He had no father ﬁgure in his life and that’s why he joined a gang. Everyone he knew — and was exposed to — was a drug dealer. It was his only frame of reference. He just didn’t know any other way. Here he was at 17 and it was almost too late for him,” Beachy said. Fueled with a passion to help at-risk youth, Beachy already has several initiatives planned for 2012 and beyond. The Journey Beachy believes that those people you meet and with whom you interact can have a distinct impact on your life. Much like the at-risk teens that seek a connection with anyone, Beachy said shouldering life’s troubles doesn’t have to be a lonely business.

A JOURNEY OF Faith and Perseverance BRANDON BEACHY “After the fire, I discovered that I wasn’t nearly as tough as I thought I was. There was a time that I thought nothing could get me down, [that] I could handle or fix anything on my own,” Beachy admitted. “I realized I couldn’t and that it’s OK. I found it’s better to find others you can confide in about all things, big or small, and that I didn’t have to bear everything on my own.” According to Worrell, former college coach Mark DeMichael was instrumental in that realization. “[Brandon] was hurt. He was emotional. He thought about the danger that could have occurred as a result of the fire,” Worrell said. “I think he was humbled by the situation, and I think Coach DeMichael helped to bring him even closer in his relationship with Christ. Brandon spoke about the experience in chapel and it was a really tough time in his life, particularly the first five to seven months after it happened.” While Beachy doesn’t wear his faith on his sleeve like some athletes, he’s not bashful about sharing it when asked. “I believe that my faith begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I understand trying to bring others to examine their faith. But if an athlete is placed upon such a pedestal because of his athletic abilities, wears his faith on his sleeve, and then fails, the damage can be irrevocable,” he offered. Beachy prays before every game, but not for his own personal performance. “I think my college coach said it best. I can’t quote him but the gist of it stuck with me: He doesn’t believe that God cares enough about the outcome of a baseball game [for prayer in tight situations to be useful]. I pray before each game for confidence, for health and to represent Him and myself well at all times, whether good or bad. I don’t pray to win or to throw a

perfect game. I’m no better than the guy on the other team that I am facing.” Yet, Beachy does believe that God is in the midst of his life. “There are just too many right-placeright-time things in my story for me to believe that it is all coincidence, and that God doesn’t have a hand in my journey

over the last four or ﬁve years,” Beachy said, pointing to the circumstances that led him to move through the organization faster than many top round picks. “I look at it with reverence. I know I am just a piece of that greater plan. I am just trying to ﬁgure out what my next moves are.” PN

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

With the onset of spring comes that old, familiar feeling, that longing to feel the sun on our faces and the sand between our toes. If you’re ready to leave land-locked Atlanta for a retreat on the beach, we’ve got you covered. In the following pages, we offer a glimpse at a few glorious Southern beach destinations, plus the scoop on upcoming events and special offers along the coast, 10 action-packed Caribbean island adventures and more. Bon voyage!

24 26 28 30 38 46

SEA ISLAND, GA. MEXICO BEACH, FLA. CLUB MED SANDPIPER BAY, FLA. BEACH BRIEFS COOL CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCES BEACH FASHION ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

sea island, ga.

A FABULOUS RETREAT FOR THE SENSES [ W R I TTE N BY HE ATHE R K W B R OW N ]

It was only a matter of time

before water would splash wildly against my legs and hooves would pound a pulse competing with the cadence of my own. I gripped the reins and waited. With a name like Talladega, my horse obviously had a penchant for speed, but the acceleration never came. In fact, when my body tightened in anticipation of a full-sprint down the beach, my horse did the opposite. “Follow Sunshine,” I prodded, hoping to catch my friend in the distance. As I leaned to rub Talladega’s mane, I spied our shadow on the sand. Right then, at one of the very few U.S. resorts where horseback riding on the beach is allowed, I followed Talladega’s lead. I relaxed and started to understand just how special Sea Island truly is. Separated by 5 miles of private beach to the east and expansive salt marshes to the west, Sea Island is a slice of paradise in southern Georgia that has endeared itself to discerning travelers since 1928. Due to its most recent renaissance, the charming property is more than a time-honored tradition; it is now the darling of luxury destinations worldwide. The resort offers four Forbes Five-Star experiences including the epitome of elegance, The Cloister at Sea Island. The main building, created in classic Mediterranean

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

style, was designed by renowned architect Addison Mizner and welcomed guests for 75 years until it was razed and replaced with a new Mizner-inspired structure. In 2006, The Cloister debuted as a must-see sanctuary of sophistication, featuring 175 rooms and suites, all exquisitely appointed with ﬁne furniture and handmade Turkish rugs, and all of them with a view. The Cloister, which has earned countless accolades including Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List of “World’s Best Places to Stay” six times, continues to captivate guests as a private retreat that is an undeniable feast for the senses. Nestled into the fold of The Cloister is an incredible epicurean experience at The Georgian Room, one of the few restaurants in the United States and Canada to claim a coveted Forbes Five-Star rating. Behind each gastronomic gem is Chef Daniel Zeal, whose wizardry lies in the ability to transform ingredient-driven classics into reﬁned Southern masterpieces. In addition to The Cloister and The Lodge, the stately English manor and golf mecca tucked into lush fairways not too far away, guests also gravitate to the popular Cloister Beach Club, yet another part of the extensive rebuild. Boasting three swimming pools, private cabanas, a 100-seat movie theater, game room and more activities

than most moms could imagine, the Beach Club is the perfect haven for families. Traveling sans husbands and little ones, we took copious mental notes, grabbed lunch at Big George’s, the resort’s casual, oceanfront eatery, and continued our adventures. We kayaked through the waterway spotting local birds and mounds of oyster beds. We fished off the pier and even took a shot at becoming a modern-day Annie Oakley at the Sea Island Shooting School. Actually, we took a round of shots and even then, only hit a few targets, but it was fun watching our friendly NCSA-certified instructor try to keep us focused and formidable at what is touted to be one of the premier shooting facilities in America. Once we swapped our rifles for robes, we were back in our element and that’s pretty much where we stayed. We shuffled our way in slippers through almost every inch of the 65,000-square-foot Forbes Five-Star Cloister Spa, at least until we reached the Garden Atrium, a peaceful tree-filled plaza where a sinuous babbling brook lulled us into submission. As I shuffled through the spa after my signature massage, I realized that sometimes doing nothing is just as fabulous as doing it all. We should know. We did the all and the nothing. And we left Sea Island, as most do, with memories of a lifetime. PN

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Sea Island www.seaisland.com

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SEA ISLAND

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

mexico beach, fla.

WHERE THE CATCH OF THE DAY IS SIMPLICITY [ W R I TTE N BY JUL I E HO STE TTE R ]

On a quiet stretch of

scenic Highway 98 on Florida’s Forgotten Coast sits a lucky little fishing town that miraculously kept its Old-World charm despite the wave upon wave of growth that has overtaken much of the popular Panhandle. You won’t find high rises here. No fast food chains, either. Not even a single traffic light. Instead, comfy beach rentals and small hotels roost close to the shoreline yet are carefully placed not to block the main attraction from those out for a leisurely drive — the emerald green water and white sugary sands of the Gulf of Mexico. The beauty of Mexico Beach is its simplicity. After spending a day at the ocean — swimming, kayaking, fishing, diving or just plain relaxing — you could head to local eateries like Mango Marley’s for “Floribbean food and rum,” but many prefer to wrestle up some fresh fish or shrimp at The Shell Shack and whip up their own seafood feast from the comfort of their own kitchen. In fact, this seafood market is a perfect example of what makes Mexico Beach such an authentic taste of Old Florida. Family owned since 1965, this “shack” is an icon in the community, selling fresh and ready-to-cook local seafood. And if by chance you are an avid seashell collector,

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

well, no need to scour the sand at the crack of dawn, as its impressive shell collection will ensure no one leaves Mexico Beach empty handed. For those who prefer to catch their own fish of the day, you’re in luck, as Mexico Beach is a fisherman’s paradise. In fact, the fish are so prolific in these waters they practically jump out of the ocean and into your frying pan. Just wading in the ocean, I marveled at the fact that you could practically catch a fish with your hands! The locals are more than willing to offer friendly fishing tips, and many suggest the Mexico Beach Fishing Pier at 37th Street or the Mexico Beach Canal Park where you can drop a line into the canal. To be clear, no suitcase is truly packed for Mexico Beach without a fishing pole. Nature lovers should plan an excursion to Crooked Island, which actually isn’t an island at all. This combination of two narrow peninsulas located just west of Mexico Beach forms an expansive saltwater lagoon and is a mecca for shelling, kayaking, and surf fishing. Shopping is sparse at Mexico Beach, but a short scenic drive east will take you to the nostalgic whimsy of Apalachicola, where oystermen aren’t just charming relics of the past, but hard working men and women who serve up some of the fi nest

oysters in the world. Between an eclectic array of shops, art galleries, and restaurants, you can easily whittle away your day exploring the city’s charms. Once you build up an appetite, I hardily recommend dining at Boss Oyster. Ranked as one of the Top 10 Oyster Bars in the United States by Coastal Living magazine, Boss boasts its own Oyster Boat named, what else, Boss Oyster, so your oysters are chilled from “bay to belly.” Remember, you are in Florida’s oyster country, so you also can’t miss a stop at Indian Pass Raw Bar, serving simple but fabulous seafood for more than 100 years. Located right off Highway C-30 (between Mexico Beach and Apalachicola), Indian Pass is as local as it gets, where tank tops and flip-flops are more than welcome, they’re expected. And while the atmosphere couldn’t get more laid back, there is a simple perfection to their oysters, shrimp, crab legs and seafood gumbo that draws in hosts of locals, tourists and even celebrities clamoring for a taste. Regardless of where you stop along the way, I guarantee the most memorable part of your trip will be the quiet beauty of Mexico Beach, a place to reminisce about the good ol’ days when the main attraction was the beautiful beach, and everything else was just a distraction. PN

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Mexico Beach www.mexicobeach.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SHOPPING PHOTO COURTESY OF VISITFLORIDA.COM; FISHING, AERIAL & PIER PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEXICO BEACH

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

club med s a n d p i p e r b ay

ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY FUN IN PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. [ W R I TTE N BY TI F FAN Y W I L L AR D ]

For the uninitiated,

the words Club Med may conjure up images of hedonistic 20-somethings, lounging on the beach, playing volleyball and partying into the wee hours of the night. But 60 years after the first Club Med opened in Majorca, Spain, the vision has been redefi ned. Of the more than 80 all-inclusive resorts worldwide, 23 are geared toward families. Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Fla., makes that list as the only all-inclusive family resort in the United States. Having undergone an extensive $25-million renovation in 2010, Sandpiper Bay is welcoming families to its 216-acre haven to get away, relax, rejuvenate and reconnect. With the ubiquitous pools (three to be exact) and all-you-care-toeat restaurants, families can while away the day in complete bliss. But any parent, whether your child is 2 or 12, knows that activity is the key to a successful family vacation, and that’s where Sandpiper Bay excels. Tennis, golf, fitness classes, sailing, beach volleyball and even a circus school are all included in your stay. The International Tennis Academy has partnered with Club Med to provide a world class tennis academy at Sandpiper Bay where junior tennis stars-to-be train year round in a state-of-the-art facility.

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

Watching these junior athletes practice is mesmerizing, and a little intimidating. But with such a top-notch facility available to all guests, you’re sure to improve your game. Lessons are available for guests as young as 4 years old, with beginner to advanced levels. If golf is your bag, you’ll want to check out the Club Med Golf Academy, with a teaching staff of PGA and LPGA pro golfers to help you improve your stance, grip and swing with all-day access to the driving range, putting green and 6-hole practice facility. Try out your new skills on one of the numerous courses in the area for an extra fee. With all-day ﬁtness classes, beach volleyball and sailing available, it’s hard to choose which activity to do next. For me, the highlight of my experience at Sandpiper Bay was the circus school. Flying from the high trapeze has always been on my bucket list, and judging by the lines of chattering kids and adults, I’m not alone. From the ground it all seems rather easy, but climb up that tall ladder, grab hold of the trapeze swing, and trust your life to one of the circus veterans and you will know true fear. Leaping off that platform was one of the most frightening and yet exhilarating things I’ve ever done. Once back on the ground, with knees shaking,

I marveled at the teenaged guests as they maneuvered through the tricks they’d been practicing all week. To keep kids active and engaged, and to give parents a break, Club Med offers children’s clubs for toddlers, pre-teens and teens with activities such as sailing, in-line skating and arts and crafts. All this activity can work up an appetite, and the international chefs at Sandpiper Bay offer up a smorgasbord of delights, ranging from comfort food to gourmet, making you wish for a larger plate. And with all the calories you’ve burned during the day, you won’t feel the least bit guilty having that third piece of Club Med’s signature chocolate bread. After dinner, stroll poolside for some live music under palm trees. But don’t think this is the end of your evening. The highlight of the night happens in the Slice Bar and Lounge where Club Med staff members lead the uninhibited in the Club Med institution of Crazy Signs, which is like a Zumba class with cocktails. By the end of the day, your imaginary pedometer has clocked more miles than your minivan on a busy weekend, so it’s time to gather the family and head back to your room. Maybe tomorrow you’ll even ﬁnd a little time to check out the spa or nap by the pool. Maybe. PN

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Club Med Sandpiper Bay Port St. Lucie, Fla. sandpiperbay.clubmed.us

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CLUB MED SANDPIPER BAY

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

30A

HIGHWAY 30A IN FLORIDA’S South Walton area is one of our favorite destinations for dining, so while you’re in town for Digital Graffiti Fest (see right), take a culinary tour of the area. In Alys Beach, Caliza Restaurant is a poolside hotspot for local seafood, grilled steaks and pasta in a South Beach-style atmosphere, while George’s is a casual yet sophisticated café with fabulous fried oyster tacos as well as lighter, spa-inspired fare. In nearby Seagrove, Old Florida Fish House serves up some of the best sushi around (we recommend the TNT roll with tuna, fried tempura, spicy sauce, avocado and chili paste) in a retro-nautical atmosphere. But perhaps our favorite stretch for food is in Seaside, where a wide variety offers both casual and fine dining options. Start your day with a cup of fair trade coffee at Amavida, and nosh on “newfashioned Southern cuisine” on the porch of Great Southern Café at lunchtime (you simply must try the Grits a-Ya-Ya with smoked Gouda cheese grits and a sauce of fresh cream, sautéed Gulf shrimp, spinach, portabella mushrooms, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic and shallots). For a special evening out, snag a seat at Bud & Alley’s five-star dining room for perfectly prepared fresh seafood, or at their casual roof deck bar for Gulf oysters and a stellar view of the sea. Beat the heat with Baja-style fish tacos and cold cerveza at Taco Bar, and satisfy your cravings for thin crust, wood-fired pizzas at Pizza Bar. To maximize your beach time, grab a picnic lunch from Modica Market (you’ll recognize this from scenes in “The Truman Show”) or a quick bite to go at one of the whimsical airstream eateries along the town green; there’s hormone-, steroid- and antibiotic-free Barefoot BBQ, freshly squeezed organic juices and beach snacks at Raw & Juicy and homemade frozen custard at Frost Bites. www.seasidefl.com, www.cottagrentalagency.com

Caliza Pool & Restaurant, Alys Beach

Mix it Up with FISH OUT OF WATER

PHOTO COURTESY OF WATERCOLOR INN & RESORT

Fish Out of Water offers yet another indelible dining experience along Highway 30A in South Walton. Located at The WaterColor Inn & Resort, a Four Diamond, AAA-rated resort community with an incredible list of amenities, Fish Out of Water serves up locally sourced and organic seafood in a chic dining space overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. For a sample here at home, visit us online at www.ptsnorth.com for Chef de Cuisine Lawrence Klang’s Pan-Roasted Apalachicola Tripletail with Field Peas and Crabmeat. www.watercolorvacations.com

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALYS BEACH

EATS

DIGITAL GRAFFITI FEST PHOTO COURTESY OF ALYS BEACH

LOVE ART, BUT CAN’T IMAGINE spending your summer in a cold, stuffy museum listening to the sound of clicking high heels and whispers echoing through the hallways? If you’d rather spend your summer strolling barefoot along a beautiful beach and taking in some sun, take your love of the arts to Alys Beach for the Fifth Annual Digital Graffiti Festival on June 8 and 9. The white, sandy beaches and crystal clear water of Alys Beach are located on Scenic Highway 30A, a stretch of beach between Panama City Beach and Destin, Fla. The beach community featuring white buildings and vacation homes will serve as a canvas for the ﬁnalists of the Digital Graffiti art competition. During the festival, digital artists will cover the town, literally, by projecting their bold and electric artwork onto its buildings with the night sky serving as the backdrop. The artists will compete for more than $10,000. Categories will include Best of Show, Curator’s Choice, Most Innovative/Experimental, Best of Florida, and Best Animated. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to chat with artists about their artwork during a “Gallery Stroll.” Alys Beach and the Cultural Arts Alliance will also offer art workshops during the festival weekend. If you are tech-savvy and feeling a little creative, it is not too late to enter the art competition. Entries must be submitted by April 2. The festival is expected to sell out and attendees are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Adult tickets cost $30 for Friday night and $50 for Saturday night. Admission for children 12 and under costs $10 each night. View entries from past competitions at www.digitalgraffiti.com. For information about Alys Beach amenities and vacation rentals, visit www.alysbeach.com. — Artisha Johnson

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

IF YOU’RE SAVING UP YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET FOR A SUMMER VACATION, consider a trip to Sunny Isles Beach this June. The beach, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will be hosting its 15th Anniversary Celebration June 15 – 17, Father’s Day weekend. A host of activities are expected, including the annual BBQ on the beach. In addition to partaking in celebration activities, beach goers can charter a boat and go deep-sea fishing, try their hands at reeling in some fish from the pier, enjoy a day of snorkeling, or take on the thrill of jet skiing and kayaking. The destination also boasts fantastic restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, cultural centers and more. For those looking to vacation later in the year, the Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest will be held Oct. 12 – 14. Visit www.sibfl.net and www.sunnyislesbeachmiami.com for more event details. — Artisha Johnson

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from Mexico Beach Just half an hour past Panama City, the pace settles back into your comfort zone. You’ve reached Mexico Beach, the secluded seaside village that’s kept generations of families coming back for our sugar-white beaches, waterfront restaurants, charming shops, spectacular fishing and affordable rentals.

/ To plan your escape to paradise… refreshingly free of high-rise condos and crowds at every turn

Call 888-723-2546.

/ Or find things to do, lodging specials and our live beach cam at

www.mexico-beach.com

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH TOURISM & MARKETING COUNCIL

SUNNY ISLES BEACH

SEAFOOD by the Sea Oceanfront dining is about to get literal at the King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island, Ga. The new Ocean Terrace Grille beckons guests to dine beachside at the closest dining spot to the ocean in all of the Golden Isles, according to Food & Beverage Director Vinny Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Agostino. When it opens this spring, Ocean Terrace Grille will feature a lunch menu of local seafood, Black Angus burgers and re-inspired tropical cocktails. In addition, the resort recently redesigned its pool and deck area, dividing the lagoon pool to provide two separate pools for children and wading, as well as a play area for younger guests and plenty of sub-tropical landscaping. 866834-3021, www.kingandprince.com

HOME AWAY FROM

HOME You just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat a house or condo by the coast to accommodate all the kids on spring break. But before booking your beach rental becomes a headache, consider enlisting the help of one of Points Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rental partners. The following companies can save you time and trouble, so all you have to do is pack and hit the road. t %BMF & 1FUFSTPO 7BDBUJPOT TFSWJOH Northwest Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gulf Coast, www.destinresorts.com t 3FTPSU2VFTU CZ 8ZOEIBN 7BDBUJPO 3FOUBMT TFSWJOH )JMUPO )FBE *TMBOE www.resortquesthiltonhead.com t 3FTPSU 7BDBUJPO 1SPQFSUJFT TFSWJOH St. George Island, www.resortvacationproperties.com

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

calendar [ CO MP IL E D BY R ACHE L B U C K LE Y ] S H E LL S A N D TA LE S CAPE SAN BLAS S TO RY TE LLI N G [March 3] Once upon a time … Start your own tropical fairy tale this spring. While the kids enjoy face painting, stories and music, adults may indulge in a night of activities and wine tastings. Cape San Blas, Fla. 850-229-7799 www.visitgulf.com

STAY, PLAY & EXPLORE IN PONTE VEDRA BEACH WHETHER YOU WANT TO HIT THE LINKS on your next beach trip or simply kick back and relax, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., has a seasonal special that may pique your interest. From April through mid-June, take advantage of the Grand Slam Golf Package featuring unlimited golf or the Spa Pampering Package with a selection of popular treatments. For more events to keep you entertained when you’re not sunbathing on the beach or taking advantage of the inn’s numerous activities, from ﬁshing and sailing to biking and horseback riding, call 800-234-7842 or visit www.pontevedra.com.

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF PONTE VEDRA INN & CLUB

PE AC H E S TO TH E B E AC H E S [March 9 – 10] Yard sale hunters, search no more! The Golden Isles Parkway Association is a non-proﬁt organization that strives to enable economic development along Highway 341. Show your support as thousands of eager treasure hunters explore Georgia’s longest yard sale. Find antiques, collectables and much more at this unique event. Highway 341, Georgia Golden Isles www.peachestothebeaches.com

A M E LI A I S L A N D C O N C O U R S D ’ E LE G A N C E [March 9 – 11] View more than 300 classic production and racecars such as the Ferrari GTO, Shelby Cobra and more at this exclusive event. While viewing automobiles from private collections, guests may enjoy activities such as the Mercedes-Benz USA Gala Dinner and silent auctions. The Gulf Club at Amelia Island at Summer Beach and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Fla. 904-636-0027 www.ameliaconcours.org

ERIC CHURCH CONCERT [March 10] Country music sensation Eric Church will be bringing his “Blood, Sweat & Beers” tour to eager fans in Alabama. Amphitheater at The Wharf, Orange Beach, Ala. 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

2 0 1 2 O R A N G E B E AC H F E S TI VA L O F A R T [March 10 – 11] Come join this annual celebration and experience original artwork from various artists, plus festival food and a Kid’s Art Alley. Orange Beach Art Center Orange Beach, Ala. 251-981-2787 www.orangebeachartcenter.com

P E AC E R I V E R S E A F O O D F E S TI VA L [March 10 – 11] Seafood lovers unite! Choose from multiple seafood vendors, splash into a water ski show and more during this aquatic-themed celebration of every beachgoer’s favorite food. Laishley Park Punta Gorda, Fla. www.puntagordaﬂoridaevents.com

H A R B O RWA LK V I LL AG E GROGG GAMES & I R I S H S TR E E T F E S TI VA L [March 17] The luck of the Irish is coming to Florida. Celebrate with Irish music, bag pipers, dancers, authentic beers and more. HarborWalk Village, Destin 850-424-0600 www.emeraldgrande.com

S T. PA D DY ’ S DAY BY TH E B AY [March 17] Hunt down a Leprechaun to steal his Pot O’ Gold, scarf down a traditional Irish breakfast, dance to live music and enjoy more Irish activities. Downtown, Port St. Joe, Fla. 850-229-7800 www.stpaddysdaybythebay.com

A N N UA L P E AC E R I V E R N ATI O N A L A R T F E S TI VA L [March 17 – 18] Punta Gorda’s Visual Arts Center is proud to sponsor this wonderful event. Thousands will come together to experience high-quality ﬁne art,

music and more, plus plenty of events for little ones. Laishley Park Punta Gorda, Fla. www.puntagordaﬂoridaevents.com

from Central and South America. Fort Morgan Gulf Shores, Ala. 205-681-2888 www.hummingbirdsplus.org

A N N UA L S P R I N G F I N E A R T S F E S TI VA L

C I N C O D E M AYO SPRING FEST

[March 31] The Rotary Club is proud to present this exciting display of artwork from more than one hundred artists from all over the United States. Downtown Englewood Charlotte Harbor, Fla. 941-474-5511 www.charlotteharbortravel.com

[May 5] With activities and crafts for the little ones, this is the perfect opportunity for the entire family to celebrate Latin culture. Enjoy Latin music, food, dancing and more. HarborWalk Village, Destin 850-424-0600 www.emeraldgrande.com

SPRING BIRD BANDING SESSION 2012

TAG G E D TR O UT & R E D F I S H TO U R N A M E NT

[March 31 – April 12] Spring is the perfect time to stop and take note of all the beautiful wonders nature has to offer. Bring the whole family to the Alabama Gulf Coast as thousands of migratory birds return

[April 13 – 14] With lines cast and fingers crossed, fishermen will test their luck and skill while fishing for the $10,000 tagged fish released in St. Joseph Bay. St. Joseph Bay, Fla. www.visitgulf.com

G LY N N A R T I N TH E PA R K S P R I N G F E S TI VA L [April 14 – 15] Join the Glynn Art Association as they offer local artists the opportunity to share their work with the public. Guests will experience original photography, pottery, woodwork and more during this unique display of local talent. Postell Park St. Simons Island, Ga. 912-638-8770 www.glynnart.org

N AUTI C A L F LE A MARKET AND S E A F O O D F E S TI VA L [April 14 – 15] Hundreds of vendors are eager to sell their new and used ﬁshing equipment, diving tools and more. Enjoy live music while exploring a wide variety of new and used nautical supplies. Charlotte County Fairgrounds Port Charlotte, Fla. www.charlotteharbortravel.com

S AWG R A S S W I N E F E S TI VA L [April 19 – 22] With a display of 200 different wines, samples of gourmet dishes and an array of activities, this event is sure to bring out the culinary connoisseur in every beachgoer. Sawgrass Marriot Ponte Verde Beach, Fla. www.sawgrasswinefestival.com

F O R G OT TE N C OA S T LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE [April 21 – 22] Escape on a two-day journey of

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

historic lighthouse exploration. During this challenge, participants will discover ﬁve Florida lighthouses. Pensacola, Cape San Blas, Cape St. George and St. Marks, Fla. www.stgeorgelight.org

F R O M FA R M TO TA B LE : A C U LTU R A L E X P E R I E N C E [April 28 – May 4] Tour four local farms and enjoy cooking classes specially designed for students of all ages. Learn to grow and prepare your own vegetables and pair wines with your favorite dishes. Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org

TH E G R E AT P LE I N A I R PA I NT- O UT [May 3 – 13] Join more than 20 of the nation’s most recognized artists as they capture Florida’s Forgotten Coast through open-air paint. Enjoy demonstrations and multiple venues at this anticipated event. Northwest Florida www.pleinairﬂ.com

4 9 TH A N N UA L I S LE O F E I G HT F L AG S S H R I M P F E S TI VA L [May 4 – 6] Get ready to celebrate this delicious little crustacean. Enjoy 25 food booths, kids’ activities, antiques and more. Amelia Island Fernandina Beach, Fla. 866-426-3542 www.shrimpfestival.com

TH E P L AY E R S CHAMPIONSHIP [May 7 – 13] Watch your favorite PGA players compete for one of the most coveted titles

in professional golf at TPC Sawgrass. Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. www.pgatour.com

H I B I S C U S F E S TI VA L [May 18 – 20] Gardening enthusiasts will enjoy a large selection of plant and landscaping supplies at this spring celebration. Laishley Park Punta Gorda, Fla. 941-639-3335 www.charlotteharbortravel.com

W I LD A M E LI A N ATU R E F E S TI VA L [May 18 – 20] Visitors are invited to explore the wild side of Amelia Island. Kayak the marshes along Ft. Clinch State Park and view bird habitats along with many other outdoor activities. Amelia Island, Fla. 904-251-0016 www.wildamelia.com

2 2 N D A N N UA L TU P E LO H O N E Y F E S TI VA L [May 19] Spring is a great time to celebrate this deliciously sticky sweetener. Enjoy games, music, food and more at this oh-so-sweet event. Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka, Fla. 850-639-2605, www.ﬂoridatupelohoney.com

5TH A N N UA L FA M I LY FUN ARTS FEST [May 12] Gather to celebrate local artists and performances at this family-friendly event. Guests will enjoy a variety of activities including arts and crafts booths, a silent auction and more. Henderson Beach State Park Destin, Fla. www.okaloosaarts.org

M E M O R I A L DAY C O N C E R T C E LE B R ATI O N [May 26 – 27] Celebrate Memorial Day by enjoying live music and vibrant ﬁreworks. Kids will love free face painting and a variety of festive activities. HarborWalk Village, Destin 850-424-0600 www.emeraldgrande.com 36

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

THE TOP COOLEST CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCES After three decades of traveling to the Caribbean and visiting more than 30 islands, each sojourn deepens our love affair with the healing waters, unique cuisines and cultures and welcoming people. Each island offers its own special charms. Right now, here are our favorite ways to experience paradise. Keep in mind that thanks to the constant breeze of the trade winds, the islands are cooler than Atlanta during the summer months, so we’ve suggested several events coming up. You can also take advantage of the hot deals that abound in low season from May to November.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KEVIN GARRETT UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED 38

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCKPHOTO.COM | © CAREY PLEMMONS

[ WRITTEN BY ECHO AND KEVIN GARRETT ]

Tip: Set your mind at ease by spending a few extra dollars on travel insurance if you visit during hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

12TH ANNUAL ST. CROIX FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

THIS EVENT, FOUNDED BY TWO women restaurateurs, runs April 17 – 22 and was named one of the “Ten Best International Food and Wine Festivals” by Forbes Travel. Tickets to “A Taste of St. Croix,” during which 50 restaurateurs compete, typically sell out in 20 minutes and go on sale in late March. Becoming a patron ($2,500 for two tickets) gives access to gourmet dinners, wine seminars, wine auctions and the annual culinary competition. The “Food Fight” at Eat@CaneBay pits teams of celebrity and island chefs against each other for one of the most fun events. St. Lucian-born Evelyn Paul, now a private chef in Atlanta, is participating. Event tickets beneﬁt and can be purchased from the St. Croix Foundation (www.stxfoundation.org), a non-profit communit y foundation that helps with youth education, health and economic development, or you can buy a package through hotels and villas. www.stcroixfoodandwine.com FOR A TASTE: Atlanta Chef Kevin Rathbun, a three-time participant, and many other celebrity chefs from across the nation are included in the new cookbook: “St. Croix Food & Wine Experience,” graced with stunning images of the island, chefs and recipes plus

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

COOL CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCES Cap Juluca, Anguilla

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, British Virgin Islands

St. Croix Food & Wine Experience

historical and cultural information. www.amazon.com/St-Croix-Food-WineExperience/dp/0983263701 COOL DIGS: The Buccaneer’s Taste of St. Croix package is $2,220: ﬁve nights in ocean-view accommodations, a fiveday car rental, tickets to “A Taste of St. Croix,” a culinary welcome turn-down amenity plus full American breakfast daily, welcome cocktail, and live music entertainment nightly. The Buccaneer, on 340 acres, offers two beaches, three restaurants, tennis, golf and a spa. www.thebuccaneer.com.

HANDCRAFTED BOAT RACING DURING ANGUILLA SUMMER FESTIVAL

THE DESERT ISLAND OF ANGUILLA, ringed with white sand beaches, celebrates its national sport of boat racing every day during this festival commencing July 31 and running through Aug. 11. Villagers take great pride in handcrafting the

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

boats for the races. Pageants, parades and musical performances punctuate the 12-day celebration. Although rural, Anguilla is known as a hangout for stars like Denzel Washington, who are drawn by its glorious beaches, secluded villas, resorts and surprisingly splashy dining scene. The grand ﬁnale is the Champion of Champions Boat Race, capped with a ﬁreworks display. COOL DIGS: Greco-Moorish designed Cap Juluca on Maundays Bay stands out as one of the most romantic resorts in the Caribbean. www.capjuluca.com

FISHING FOR WHOPPER BLUE MARLIN IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

SITUATED IN THE SAILING CAPITAL of the world with easy access to more than 60 nearby islands — that’s not a typo — Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, a boutique luxury property, opened in March 2010 as the ﬁrst new resort built in the British Virgin Islands in more than two

decades. Its 55-slip marina — which often has $1 billion worth of yachts moored in it — is the closest to the famed North Drop, a “honey spot” for the best blue marlin fishing in the Caribbean. Who knows, your catch may make the world record books, and of course, the resort’s chefs stand ready to prepare it to your liking. COOL DIGS: The $75-million Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina’s rooms, suites and villas all feature views of the sea. www.scrubisland.com

DIVING WITH SHARKS IN NEW PROVIDENCE, BAHAMAS

GET YOUR LICENSE TO THRILL with the shark wranglers of the James Bond movies. Michelle and Stuart Cove worked on three Bond ﬁlms: “For Your Eyes Only,” “Never Say Never Again” and “The World Is Not Enough.” Diving in the Bahamas was recently rated as one of the best animal encounters by Scuba Diving

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

COOL CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCES

off the beach and enjoy a picnic lunch. COOL DIGS: Bike St. Lucia and Scuba St. Lucia both belong to Anse Chastanet and cater to the resort’s guests and to those of its sister property, Jade Mountain. Both unique resorts are designed by Canadian architect Nick Troubetzkoy and overlook the famed Pitons, St. Lucia’s picturesque twin volcanic peaks. www.ansechastenet.com or www.jademountain.com

Diving with Sharks, Bahamas

6. Jungle Biking, St. Lucia

Hi-Winds Pro Am Windsurﬁng, Aruba

Shore Diving, Bonaire

magazine and Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas was rated as a top dive operator. This twotank dive lets you get up close and personal with Caribbean reef sharks. For the warm up, you free dive along a stunning wall with the sharks. Next up: You form a semi-circle with your fellow divers 50 feet down and watch while a professional shark feeder uses bait to attract 30 or so sharks that swirl overhead and sweep past you. www.stuartcove.com COOL DIGS: The Atlantis on Paradise Island lives up to its name. The over-thetop resort welcomes families with acres of water slides. Couples should consider The Cove Atlantis. www.atlantis.com

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

JUNGLE BIKING IN ST. LUCIA

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SKILL level, you’ll ﬁnd trails to suit amidst the wild tropical vegetation blanketing the 18th-century French colonial ruins of Anse Mamin Plantation, which is part of the 600-acre estate belonging to the Anse Chastanet Resort. Bike St. Lucia’s most challenging among the eight miles of trails is Tinker’s Trail, designed with the help of world champion Tinker Juarez of the Volvo-Cannondale racing team. Steep uphills and tight switchbacks make it an advanced expert-level trail. When you conquer it, proclaim your success by ringing Tinker’s Bell. You are free to explore the trails at your own pace. Bike among thousands of organically grown fruit trees and experience the exotic combination of aromas including mango, guava, banana, cocoa, citrus and breadfruit, or ride around looking for wild orchids in the trees. Afterward take a dip in an oldfashioned water hole to cool off, snorkel

ARUBA HI-WINDS PRO AM WINDSURFING COMPETITION

ARUBA IS KNOWN AS ONE of the world’s best spots for windsurfing and hosts the Caribbean’s oldest windsurfing contest. This year the Aruba Hi-Winds event will take place July 3 – 9. Aruba offers warm, crystal-clear water that rarely drops below 75 degrees F and consistent tradewinds that are a windsurfer’s dream. The average wind speed, year-round, is more than 20 knots. In June, the windiest month, it can jump to 10 knots higher. Beginners and champions alike flock to its crystalline waters just offshore from Fisherman’s Huts at Hadikurari and one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Aruba’s sheltered lee side to the southwest provides excellent flat-water sailing, perfect for novices. Our favorite operator is Vela Windsurf Resorts, which operates Fisherman’s Huts Windsurf Center. Instructors are patient and detailed. www.hiwinds-aruba.com COOL DIGS: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers the closest access and its sun-drenched, spacious rooms on the higher floors yield grand views of the action, too (www.marriott.com). Our favorite place — whether with family or just the two of us — is the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa (www.radisson. com/palm-beach-hotel-aw/aruaruba), which occupies the prettiest part of the

beach and boasts some of the island’s best restaurants.

FAMILY WEEK SHORE DIVING IN BONAIRE

THE DUTCH CARIBBEAN ISLAND of Bonaire is known for having the most pristine reefs in the Caribbean and offers fantastic diving just offshore, thanks to being the first island to declare its entire perimeter a marine preserve. Buddy Dive Bonaire Family week at Buddy Dive Resort from July 21 – 28 makes it a family affair. Buddy Dive has dedicated the entire resort to Kids Sea Camp. There is unlimited shore diving, and four dives per day are scheduled as well as guided night dives each evening. Programs for kids from ages 4 – 17 are provided each day. Special guest Annie Crawley from Dive into Your Imagination will be on hand to provide photo and video seminars, as well as slideshows and presentations on the Pacific garbage patch and sharks. Non-divers find plenty to occupy with snorkeling, paddle boarding, birding and bonefishing. COOL DIGS: Casual, yet professionally run Buddy Dive Resort ranks #1 with divers. http://familydivers.com/bonaire.php

Surﬁng, Rincón, Puerto Rico

SURFING IN RINCÓN, PUERTO RICO

SLEEPY LITTLE RINCÓN, on Puerto Rico’s northwest corner where the Atlantic

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

COOL CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCES

GoldenEye, Jamaica

Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, has become famous among surfers and kiteboarders, especially for waves from October to April. March is a busy month when the town hosts the Corona Pro Surﬁng competition at Domes Beach March 2 – 4, the Whale Watching Festival at Punta Higqera Lighthouse, and the Rincón Beach Boy Paddle Surfboard Race March 31 at Villa Cofresi Resort. COOL DIGS: The antique-filled and secluded The Horned Dorset Primavera, a Relais & Chateaux property, is known as a quiet, retreat for gourmands. www.horneddorset.com

BOND, JAMES BOND THAT IS AT GOLDENEYE, ORACABESSA, JAMAICA

SNORKEL IN THE CARIBBEAN SEA where Ian Fleming swam daily before sitting down to write at a simple desk in his Jamaican retreat and conjure up 007’s adventures. GoldenEye, now owned by music man Chris Blackwell, has recently undergone a renovation. Its sexy outdoor showers and clawfoot tubs make it the perfect place to reconnect. It offers packages like License to Chill and For Your Eyes Only. The latter includes a private four-course dinner; picnic at Fireﬂy, Noel Coward’s historic hilltop estate; an in-room couple’s massage; a jetski excursion around the coast of GoldenEye; and sunset cocktails on a glass-bottom boat. COOL DIGS: Classic Caribbean chic at GoldenEye blends with unobtrusive top-notch service for a retreat sure to stir your creative thinking and up the romance quotient. www.goldeneye.com

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

10.

EXPLORING HISTORY AT MUSEUM KURÁ HULANDA IN CURAÇAO

After purchasing property in Willemstad, above the St. Anna Bay, Dr. Jacob Gelt Dekker learned that part of it had likely served as a slave yard. Dr. Dekker subsequently devoted himself to creating the Museum Kurá Hulanda, which traces the history of slavery from the Origin of Man, the African slave trade, West African Empires to present day. The museum features Pre-Colombian gold, Mesopotamian relics and Antillean art. The Kurá Hulanda (Papiamentu for Dutch Courtyard) complex is in the Dutch Colonial historic district of Curaçao, a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to UNESCO, there are currently about 450,000 people worldwide still being physically subjected

Curaçao

to slavery. Dating to more than 500 years old, the capital city of Willemstad has become known for its beautifully restored buildings, burgeoning art scene and ﬁne dining. COOL DIGS: Hotel Kurá Hulanda is an 80-room luxury boutique resort featuring meticulously restored 18th- and

19th-century Dutch Colonial Caribbean buildings spread amongst several glorious courtyards, multiple pools, award-winning restaurants, a lavish spa, ﬁtness center and more. Tip: If you visit during February and mention Black History Month, museum entrance is free. www.kurahulanda.com PN

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

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Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

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Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES CAMP PHOTOGRAPHY FACING PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: PHOTO COURTESY OF GARNISH PHOTOGRAPHY | GREEN OLIVE MEDIA, PHOTO COURTESY OF BEALL & THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY, PHOTO COURTESY OF SUGO RESTAURANT, PHOTO COURTESY OF BUCKHEAD LIFE RESTAURANT GROUP

This page: Cakes & Ale; Facing page, clockwise from top left: fried okra from Cakes & Ale, Charcuterie board at Holeman & Finch, Sugo Restaurant, Kyma’s Lamb and Trahana Pasta

R E S T A U R A N T

bucket list A Sampling of Some Restaurants We’ve Been Dying to Try [ WRITTEN BY THE E D I TO R S O F PO I N T S N O RTH ]

As editors of a community magazine

that covers local dining, we’re often asked for restaurant recommendations, and we each have our personal favorites. (Email us at editorial@ptsnorth.com if you’re curious!) But we also have a few food-loving friends who like to offer recommendations of their own, and we’re always looking out for restaurants that are receiving rave reviews elsewhere. The following are a few that have been on our radar for quite some time. What’s on your restaurant Bucket List?

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

VISIT THE EXPERT

Rather, Allin specializes in simple dishes, where ingredients you might not expect are paired to create ﬂavors that delight the palate. His arancini (fried risotto balls), for instance, are straightforward at ﬁrst taste, but sing with subtle hints of citrus and fennel pollen upon further exploration, and the combination is utterly addicting. A touch of citrus also adds pizzazz to a bowl of marinated olives from the starter menu. Though the menu changes monthly, or even night-to-night, guests can expect top-quality, seasonal ingredients whenever they dine. Highlights from my meal in February included a calamaretti pasta (ring-shaped noodles) with squid braised in red wine with leeks and Parmesan and a barley risotto with mushrooms, winter squash and radicchio. For dessert, order a sweet treat from the bakery next door, like almond croissant bread pudding with bourbon whipped cream that doubles as a mini nightcap. 155 Sycamore St., Decatur, 404-377-7994, www.cakesandalerestaurant.com — Reviewed by Bre Humphries

IN SPINE CARE & PAIN MANAGEMENT MEET JONATHAN NEWTON, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Jonathan Newton, a board-certiﬁed pain physician previously of Northside Hospital, has opened a new practice in East Cobb. Dr. Newton provides care for all painful conditions including back and neck complaints. He will thoroughly evaluate you and tailor the treatment regimen to your unique pain issues.

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Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

Braised scarlet queen turnips with greens at Holeman & Finch

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEALL & THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Cakes & Ale As a regular reader of major food magazines, and an avid proponent of Atlanta restaurants, I’ve often felt like our city’s dining scene gets overlooked in national media, so when I saw some of the attention Cakes & Ale has recently Cakes & Ale’s arancini received, it immediately moved to the top of my Bucket List. Its name was inspired by a quote from Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” to evoke the good things in life, and that’s exactly what you can expect at this hotspot in Decatur. Originally open since 2008, Cakes & Ale reopened in a new, expanded location on the Decatur Square last August. Here, the restaurant is split into two sections: a bakery, open all day and serving coffee, pastries, dessert and lunch items by Chef David Sweeney, and a restaurant open for dinner only under the expertise of Chef Billy Allin, a South Carolina native who ﬁrst fell in love with the food of his Napoli-born grandmother. If you hope to have dinner here, even mid-week, be sure to make a reservation or attempt to snag a seat at the concrete-top bar, which is a fun spot to watch the bartenders pouring up libations in an eclectic collection of vintage cocktail glasses. (Try the Bright White with Breckenridge vodka, grapefruit, kumquat and rosemary syrup and orange bitters.) If you’re coming with a crowd, request the farm table, a fabulous piece of furniture at the back of the bar area. The food here is inventive, but by no means pretentious.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARNISH PHOTOGRAPHY | GREEN OLIVE MEDIA

Restaurant Bucket List

Holeman & Finch Before I say anything else, let it be known that you will have to wait for a table at Holeman & Finch Public House, as this restaurant by the same creative masterminds as Restaurant Eugene does not take reservations. But — and this is important — anytime widely celebrated Chef Linton Hopkins, whose deep Atlanta roots and national recognition as a four-time James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef Southeast, is at the helm, the wait will be well worth it! Flanked by two booths on one side and several two-top tables arching around the window on the other is a family-style table in the center. And that’s the restaurant. The bar, also by design, is equally cozy. On nights like ours, when the wait is long and the bar is at capacity, head across the way to the bar at Restaurant Eugene, which incidentally, has now been added to my Bucket List. The menu, much like the seating, is created to be communal, inspiring conversation and the opportunity to treat your taste buds that much more. My husband and I started with Benton country ham served with beaten biscuits and honey. Proof that creative hands behind the scene here are well versed in historic Southern kitchens as well as modern gastronomy trends, these biscuits resembled quarter-sized shortbread cookies topped with a dollop of honey and served with a separate plate of shaved house-cured Benton ham. Both plates were appropriately polished just as our second starter, the H&F Bread Co. soft pretzel with ballpark mustard, arrived. I’d heard a lot about H&F, mostly how its house-made, house-preserved and house-cured items are combined with seasonal ingredients and transformed into unbelievable bites, some of which can always be found on the menu while others are playful explorations that promise to surprise you. Such was the case for us shortly after the Country Gentleman, a menu item consisting of sliced Black Forest

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ham and melted Gruyere cheese. Our table chatter turned to quiet delight after only one bite from a plate of catfish and yellow grits, holy trinity, bacon and pickled okra. It was absolutely incredible, and our final dish, the farm egg and hand-cut pancetta carbonara, successfully continued our culinary contentment. Unable to decide between the bacon caramel popcorn and the fried apple pie (think empanada) with vanilla ice cream for dessert, we simply ordered both. Wise choice. So, too, was our patience, as good things come to those who wait, indeed. 2277 Peachtree Road, Suite B, Atlanta, 404948-1175, www.holeman-finch.com — Reviewed by Heather KW Brown Kyma Pano Karatassos, Jr. trained in New York and Napa Valley with some of the finest chefs in the United States, including Eric Ripert, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Thomas Keller. Of course, as the eldest son of Atlanta’s preeminent restaurateur, Karatassos also had countless opportunities for culinary mentors over the years, but as a young man, his maternal grandmother Athanasia had a profound, enduring affect on the exceptional Greek cuisine he now serves as executive chef

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

Grilled Octopus, Kyma’s signature dish

at Kyma in Buckhead. Kyma resided on my personal restaurant Bucket List for years, but the drive to Piedmont Road isn’t always convenient for some of us Northside residents. However, for authentic Greek cuisine complete with delicacies from the Aegean Sea, a thrilling blend of spices and cooking styles, and impeccably timed delivery of the courses you order, Kyma is an unsurpassed dining experience. My wife and I, along with another couple, opted for the ultimate Kyma experience, featuring tastes (mezethes or meze for short) of a number of the restaurant’s signature items. Meze is a Greek tradition that enables a meal to be a very social occasion, with drink pairings accompanying the dishes

PHOTO COURTESY OF BUCKHEAD LIFE RESTAURANT

Restaurant Bucket List

along with great conversation. Nearly all the dishes we sampled during our memorable evening at Kyma were healthy, with the notable exceptions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; saganaki, which is a uniquely prepared and alluring fried cheese, the must-order loukoumades (little donuts doused in imported Greek honey) and the galaktoboureko (custard tart). We began our Greek Isle cruise with grilled oysters attended by a tantalizing mixture of olive oil, lemon, mint, coriander and chives nicely paired with a bright and cheery MoschoďŹ lero, a white wine. Delicious scallops, horiatiki (traditional country salad), spanakopitas and Ahi tuna soon followed, but the real palate pleaser was the baby beet salad, in which Karatassos artfully combined both the textures and temperatures, making it one of the most pleasantly surprising dishes of the entire presentation. Beet sorbet? Amazing! An herb-crusted white tuna served with quinoa salad, pine nuts, tomato and mint was also pleasant and memorable. Kymaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature is the grilled octopus and even the unadventurous diner simply must try this dish. Tender and moist, the octopus was served warm with a pickled red onion salad and red wine vinaigrette. The wood chips used in its preparation added to the perfect flavor, as if it was served directly from a seaside ďŹ re pit. The fresh Royal Dorade (sea bream) is another treasure from the deep, a flavorful and moist ďŹ sh grilled and basted with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and oregano. But what would an authentic Greek meal be without lamb? Kyma offers two choices: a slow braised, melt-in-your-mouth shank served with pasta pearls â&#x20AC;&#x153;trahanaâ&#x20AC;? and grated mizithra cheese; and incredible wood grilled chops served with Greek fries and cucumber yogurt. The wine list, hand-selected by one of Karatassosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cousins who is a wine educator and marketer of Greek wines, includes many hard-to-ďŹ nd wines from among the 300 or so varietals found in Greece.

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ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

Restaurant Bucket List Our party enjoyed the ability to linger without the pressure of the restaurant trying to “turn a table,” even on a busy Friday evening. The pace, the place and the face are authentic representations of Greek cuisine and culture. When combined with everything else Kyma has to offer, a future visit is already long overdue. 3085 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, 404-262-0702, www.buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma — Reviewed by Carl Danbury, Jr. Sugo Since so many of the restaurants on my Bucket List are downtown, I was thrilled when a friend recommended Sugo, a sophisticated spot in the suburbs. Owned and operated by the Castellucci family, the Sugo team treats each diner as they would a close relative or friend with hospitality and an eagerness to share their treasured family recipes. The dishes reflect a marriage of Italian and Greek cultures, creating a unique Mediterranean cuisine that will make your mouth water. With locations in Roswell and Johns Creek, we chose to visit the latter, a large space that’s separated into several rooms so each section has an intimate feel and its own vibe. At the center of it all is an energetic bar. This would be a fun spot for a date or girls’ night out, but our party was happily seated in a back room, the perfect place to carry on a conversation over dinner and a bottle of Chianti or a few glasses of Peroni, an Italian beer. We started with Sugo pan aglio y olio, a small plate of Ciabatta bread served with a whole roasted tomato, walnut pesto, fresh mozzarella and roasted garlic. Though the dish was logistically a bit difficult to eat, the flavors were good. Our favorite item from the small plate menu, however, was the bacon-wrapped Medjool dates stuffed with walnuts and served with Romesco dipping sauce, sweet, bite-sized morsels that were like little pieces of candy. You could make a meal off the various small plates and flatbreads, but I recommend diving into the fresh pastas and European entrées. Highlights include the black truffle pasta with braised pork cheek, wild mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and shaved Pecorino Grand Cru, and the moscatel filet, a 10-ounce prime beef tenderloin encrusted with bacon, dates, walnuts and Manchego cheese and served with braised pork, caramelized fennel and shallots with a moscatel wine reduction. The beer-battered piquillo peppers stuffed with mascarpone cheese that also graced the plate were incredible by themselves. But the most indelible bite of the night was a Spartan cheesecake, baklava crust filled with Italian crème cheesecake and drizzled with honey that made us want to lick the plate. 10305 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-817-8000; 408 S. Atlanta St., Roswell, 770-641-9131, www.sugorestaurant.com — Reviewed by Bre Humphries

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

Dreams

DESIGNING

[ W R I TTE N BY KYL I E MC K LVE E N ]

n a slow Sunday morning,

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JILL BUCKNER PHOTOGRAPHY

you can find me curled up with a good book in a neighborhood coffee shop, with a warm cup of Joe in one hand, and a leg tucked underneath me in an oversized chair. I can’t concentrate in complete silence, but the hum of a cozy shop eases me into a comfortable mindset conducive for an easy read. The previous night, you might run into me sitting on a tall barstool in Buckhead, enjoying a cocktail, tapping my fingernails on the smooth wood of the high-end, luxurious bar, and enjoying the fast-paced buzz. Walking into a room can transform your frame of mind — from the cozy atmosphere of a coffee shop to the luxurious feel of a high-end bar — and a single space has the unique ability to change your feelings, mood and attitude just by settling into the new space. Based on this understanding, and the belief that a beautiful room can be truly healing, Allison Havill Todd of Cumming created the non-profit

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

organization, Designing Dreams, using her talents as an interior designer and her connections through her business, Allison Havill Todd Interiors. The goal of Designing Dreams is to make a real difference in the community by donating a “room makeover” to an individual or family in an emotional or physical crisis, or to an organization that serves those in need. The room makeover includes painting, floor coverings, lighting, upholstered furniture, case goods, window treatments, accessories and all the little details in between, valued up to a generous $20,000. The AHT Interiors team works with local and national vendors to create, plan and execute the makeover, and encourages other designers across the country to use their talents to benefit their communities. In January of each year, Designing Dreams begins accepting nominations for a deserving individual or non-profit organization in the northern Atlanta area. Nominees are submitted through

an application form, and a panel of judges reviews the application, budget of the organization and an essay, which paints a picture of how an individual or family fell into their current situation, or the purpose and mission behind a worthy nonprofit organization, including their future hopes, dreams and aspirations. The judges carefully consider each applicant, and by mid-summer, someone’s life is forever changed by the kind and generous work of Designing Dreams. This year, the 2011 room makeover was awarded to the non-profit agency Bald Ridge Lodge, a safe-haven home for at-risk boys ages 12 – 17 that are in need of protection, direction and supervision in Forsyth County. The boys are referred to the lodge through the Department of Family Services or the local Juvenile Court, and receive counseling, mentoring, community support and engage in positive activities while residing there. With a maximum capacity of 12, the boys spend most of their time within nine bedrooms, a study hall and recreation room, which the AHT Interiors team got their hands on. The recreation room previously consisted of a couple of outdated big box TVs and some stackable “waiting room-style” chairs. For teenage boys who have experienced hardships far beyond their years, a recreational room is an important element to allow them to act their age in a safe and secure environment. John Haigler, executive director of Bald Ridge Lodge, also added that while the boys are residents of the lodge, it is important for it to feel as much like home as possible. Whereas last year’s recipient, Jesse’s House, put on the “frills” to make a comfortable and soothing space for young women, this makeover revealed a room suitable for boys to be boys: a new pool table, flat screen TV, custom built-in shelving for games and activities, comfortable seating, area rugs, granite-top tables, custom window treatments, and fresh paint for the trim. When Todd began to plan the transformation of the recreation room, she collaborated with

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

Designing Dreams

Lux 1540 ™ Th : Frac e ONLY t FDA ional Las er C Treat leared fo ing S r triae

Haigler to find out what the boys (and the room) would benefit from the most. Haigler told her that he didn’t know if it were possible, but he knew a pool table would be a big hit. Todd worked to research and reach out to local businesses, sponsors and individuals (who help to make this possible each year) for a pool table that would also meet the requirements of the lodge. Finally, she found a sturdy, bulletproof and functional, yet good-looking table for the recreation room. The boys anxiously awaited the transformation over a period of three days. The Bald Ridge Lodge staff members were just as excited for the boys as they were. Todd described how the staff told her the boys were so curious about the makeover they would pretend to do push-ups so they could peek below the curtain, which hung in the doorway until the reveal. She had hoped to complete the room in less time, but needed another day to let the paint dry. Finally, the suspense was over. “The reactions were really strong. They were all in awe,” Haigler said. Designing Dreams provided the boys with a new and improved recreation room, but the makeover did much more than that. AHT Interiors, and the community that supports their non-profit initiative, provided the boys of Bald Ridge Lodge with a restored curiosity, excitement in their everyday lives and the knowledge that they are worthy of a gift. For teenage boys with a troubled past, this is a gift that will continually keep on giving, help to transform their frame of mind and become a therapeutic “home” for residents and Bald Ridge Lodge residents-to-come. PN

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N To learn more about Designing Dreams, or to nominate someone for this year’s makeover, please visit www.ahtinteriors.com. To learn about Bald Ridge Lodge, make a donation, gift an item on their wish list, or volunteer please visit www.baldridgelodge.org.

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Outdoor Living Spaces & Pools

TIPS FOR TRANSFORMING YOUR BACK YARD INTO A PERSONAL OASIS

Left: “People still want to enjoy water in their outdoor environments, and the lines between a pool and spa are beginning to blur with ‘spools.’ Large spas or small pools that can meet multiple needs may be a cost-effective option. Similarly, some homeowners are intrigued by the mish-mash of the garden pond with a pool for aesthetic and recreational reasons.” – Cla Allgood, President, Allgood Outdoors, Inc.

Below: “As we enter the spring season for 2012, I am optimistically excited to see the economy of our region making a comeback. I believe what we are seeing is the result and determination of homeowners to create or re-create outdoor activity areas, to provide their families with safe and beautiful spaces to spend leisure time, without moving or selling their homes.” – Richard Fricker, Owner, Specialty Pool and Spa

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPECIALTY POOL & SPA

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLGOOD OUTDOORS, INC

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

Above: “We are being challenged to incorporate outdoor living areas into beautiful garden settings that appear as if they are an architectural extension of the home. Some of the functional spaces include pools, ﬁ re pits and ﬁ replaces, patios, putting greens, sports courts, playgrounds and most often large-level green areas.” – Scott Chatham, Chatham Landscape Group

Left: “I ﬁ nd that the clients want the project to be uniquely suited to them. They don’t just want to add a spa and waterfall because that’s what the neighbor has, they want an area designed where children explore under the rock ledge, where water pours over a large ﬂ at stone onto the shallows, where small geysers bubble up from among the large boulders.” – John Byrd, John Byrd Design

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF CHATHAM LANDSCAPE GROUP | BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN BYRD DESIGN

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Outdoor Living Spaces & Pools

“We are doing more and more projects that incorporate cabanas, outdoor kitchens, fi re pits or fi replaces and numerous other features that help bring the indoors outside. Add-on features such as vanishing edge designs, remote controls, water features and upgraded interior fi nishes are other areas in which people are showing interest.” – Evan Horning, Neptune Pools

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEPTUNE POOLS

“The trend is still for homeowners to want to expand their home living into the outdoors. Just like the trend that started in the 1980’s when homeowners changed their expectations of how a kitchen should look and be used, people’s expectations for their outdoor spaces are now growing,” said Cla Allgood of Allgood Outdoors, Inc. “Function and value is key, but many people are finding that adding living space outdoors makes more sense than adding more rooms to the home or looking for a bigger house. With tighter budgets, creativity in design is crucial because it takes much more thought and consideration of more options in order to maximize the dollar.” ( CONTINUED ON PAGE 64 )

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTSIDE LANDSCAPE GROUP

winter fades to spring, now is the time to relish the great outdoors, and what better way than to take advantage of your own outdoor living space? If you’re dreaming of creating a private oasis in your own back yard, consider these tips from our favorite landscape and pool designers.

“Now more than ever we are seeing homeowners asking for more useable outdoor space where they can entertain, relax and unwind. The ‘Outdoor Room’ becomes an extension of your home and maximizes the potential of a back yard, creating an outdoor oasis with a patio and ﬁ re pit, a pool and spa or a combination of landscape elements.” – Rick Kaldrovics, Owner, Outside Landscape Group

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770.6 6 4.220 0 www.specialtypoolandspa.com

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Outdoor Living Spaces & Pools PHOTO COURTESY OF ALISON POOLS

“Instead of traveling to the resort, people are bringing the resort home and building their dream landscape in their own back yard,” added Rick Kaldrovics of Outside Landscape Group. “These spaces can be simple and inexpensive or very elaborate and involve a sizable investment. Landscapes give people the opportunity to not only increase their living space and property value, but a chance to let their personal style shine through. It is fun to get creative with homeowners and build a space that I know will be shared with friends and family for years to come.” “Never before have we been asked to design and install so many interactive landscapes,” said Scott Chatham of Chatham Landscape Group. “With Atlanta’s incredible weather, and the advent of some excellent mosquito eradication systems, a well-planned landscape can add almost year-round square footage to the home. Consider professional outdoor lighting and these living spaces gain immensely in their usability. A word of caution, however: I would highly recommend that the homeowner/investor looking to add such spaces carefully choose a landscape design firm well-versed in residential design.” “I find that the clients want the project to be uniquely suited to them,” said John Byrd of John Byrd Design. “For instance, you may want to have your own spot in the hot tub fit to you where you don’t sit up but lounge as in an Adirondack chair while watching the game on the flat screen tucked under the eave of the

“In th thee current curre economy, now more than ever, people are staying home rather than vaca ioning. ning I believe it’s driving homeowners to really put more thought on design, vacationing. function and sservice, to look beyond the ‘cookie cutter’ pools, which are made with the same shapes, same brick, same design as the neighbors. Real design marries the characteristics of the pool to the house and back yard.” – John Martinez, Alison Pools

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Outdoor Living Spaces & Pools PHOTO COURTESY OF SYNERGY LANDSCAPE GROUP

“Homeowners seem to forget they can always add on to their existing landscape or even break down an up-and-coming landscape installation into phases. Breaking up the installation over the course of months or even years sometimes is the best solution to achieving your dream. Whether it’s a water feature on the side or a pergola over your two-year-old paver patio, these options are simple to add on at any time.” – Shaun Bowker, Synergy Landscape Group

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

pavilion next to the fireplace. We can pay special attention to the relationship between the hot tub and fireplace because [a client] said they had always thought it would be romantic to be relaxing in the hot tub sipping wine while watching the snow fall in winter. It is very rewarding to be able to make these visions real for my clients.” If budget is a concern, consider completing your landscape design in phases. “Whether it’s a water feature on the side or a pergola over your two-year-old paver patio, these options are simple to add on at any time,” said Shaun Bowker of Synergy Landscape Group. “Every project begins with a detailed rendering that provides clients with the complete visual experience of the project. Through a process called phasing, landscape design provides a cost-effective method of evolving dream landscapes into reality. This process stages the installation of a project over a period of time that finances allow and does so in a manner that allows for enjoyment beginning with the initial phase. This service also specializes in expanding and enhancing your existing landscapes by carefully integrating new elements such as patios, fireplaces, water features and plants.” The concept of comprehensive landscape design applies to pool installation, too. “Some things we have noticed with trends in swimming pools are that people are getting away from doing just a pool and are creating more of a whole outdoor living space,” said Evan Horning of Neptune Pools. “We encourage people to do their homework and be familiar with the products and materials that will be used to build their pool as well as be confident with who they choose to build their pool. Not all pools are created equally and if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” With so many qualified companies in metro Atlanta, it is important to do your research to find the one that is right for you. “Specialty Pool and Spa provides good, sound advice and knowledgeable expertise on creating the most beautiful outdoor living rooms of any dimension and scope,” said Richard Fricker of Specialty Pool and Spa. “At the same time, we work to pair your ideas with your personal budget. Specialty Pool and Spa has been in business for more than 26 years as a local company. We use mostly in-house craftsmen, which has propelled our company into one

Dreams can come true.

International Award Winning Designs Custom Gunite Pools Building Dreams Since 1986

770.831.5415 1230 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Sugar Hill, GA 30518

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ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Outdoor Living Spaces & Pools of the highest regarded, professional pool builders and outdoor environment specialist available today.” When you get ready to consider specifics of pool installation, “There are several things to consider when building or servicing your pool,” said John Martinez of Alison Pools. “Eco-friendly equipment is the latest trend. Internal combustion heaters like MasterTemp are better than the old copper exchanger/ burner tray products. Heat pumps like Pentair or AquaCal do work in Atlanta and are a lot cheaper than gas. Salt systems are always a favorite, and surge protection is important because, not only does it save you from lightning strikes, but it protects computerized equipment from the little surges. Automated systems that control everything with a remote or smart device are also popular. Finally, go with as many non-toxic, natural chemicals as possible, such as Purefiber, SeaKlear or salt.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Allgood Outdoors, Inc. 770-889-2207 www.allgoodoutdoors.com

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Alison Pools, LLC 678-528-4521 www.alisonpoolsinc.com Chatham Landscape Services 770-427-3020 www.chathamlandscapes.net John Byrd Design 770-827-3345 www.johnbyrddesign.com Neptune Pools 770-831-5415 www.neptunepools.com Outside Landscape Group 770-754-1188 www.outsidelandscapegroup.com Specialty Pool and Spa 770-664-2200 www.specialtypoolandspa.com Synergy Landscape Group 770-889-4968 www.synergylandscapegroup.com

HEALTHBEAT

SLEEP LOSS SOLU TIONS Today’s American lifestyle hosts a variety of distractions, such as cell phones and rowdy children, just to name a few. But what if these distractions rob us of a good night’s sleep? Psychiatrist and psychotherapist Tracey Marks, MD, addresses these issues in her new book. “Master Your Sleep: Proven Methods Simpliﬁed” examines America’s relationship with sleep and the factors that interrupt it. At her Atlanta-based private practice, Marks has researched numerous ways individuals can improve the quality of their sleep without medications. By breaking common habits such as ingesting caffeine or nicotine less than six hours before sleep, individuals can fall into a more restful sleep pattern. Research shows that the average person needs between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Without consistent, restful nights, individuals risk chronic weight gain, diabetes, a shortened lifespan and many more dangerous illnesses. However, by keeping a sleep diary, it is easy to pinpoint where the issues lie and avoid the consequences of sleep loss. These are just a few of the many helpful tips Marks offers in her book. For more information, visit www.masteryoursleepbook.com. – Rachel Buckley

HEART-HEALTHY RESOURCES

HIP SURGERY INNOVATION

The Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) is providing the community with a variety of heart-related resources. Each program is designed to educate the public on various diets, activities and lifestyles expected to enhance heart health. Thanks to GMC, those who wish to improve or maintain the health of their heart may do so conveniently and comfortably. The Speakers Bureau provides GMC experts, dieticians and nurses to inform men and women of the warning signs related to heart disease, the beneﬁts of heart-healthy foods and many other helpful tips. GMC also offers a quick and easy risk assessment online. Based on the Framingham Heart Study, this assessment is carefully designed to pinpoint lifestyle choices that may put an individual’s heart at risk. For cardiovascular patients, the Mended Hearts program facilitates positive patient-care experiences. By providing support groups, visiting programs and educational forums, Mended Hearts helps patients work through treatment, lifestyle changes, depression and recovery. For more information on the Gwinnett Medical Center’s heart-healthy resources and to take the online risk assessment, visit www.gmcheart.com. – Rachel Buckley

With the long recovery and “I’ll never be the same” mentality, who wants to undergo hip replacement surgery? Don’t give in to the angst just yet. Emory surgeon Thomas Bradbury specializes in a different kind of hip replacement surgery, which entails the surgeon going in through the front — as opposed to the back or side. It allows patients to return to an active lifestyle faster without the restrictions that come with the traditional approach. In addition, the anterior approach keeps the muscles intact. Bradbury holds clinics at Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center and performs surgery at Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital. For more information, please visit www.emoryhealthcare.org. – Olja Lakic

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

CALENDAR

[ C OMP IL ED BY RAC H E L B U CKL E Y ]

MARCH Calendar submissions should be sent to calendar@ptsnorth.com two months prior to the month in which the event will occur. Please note that dates and times might change.

[M AR CH 13 – 25]

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL BROSILOW

Billy Elliot The Musical

PERFORMING ARTS

A DV E NTU R E S O F LIT TLE N O O D LE

I J U S T S TO P P E D BY TO S E E TH E M A N

B E AUT Y A N D TH E B E A S T J R .

[March 7 – April 8] Atlanta playwright Pearl Cleage takes audiences on a historical, post-Civil War journey with this inspiring script. Experience the trials and misfortunes of four brave women as they venture to the West in search of a better life. Theatre in the Square, Marietta 770-422-8369 www.theatreinthesquare.com

[March 8 – April 1] Little Noodle can’t wait to teach little ones the value of nutrition and friendship. Children of all ages will love the hilarious characters and brilliant puppetry as they interact with Little Noodle on her grocery store journey. Center For Puppetry Arts Atlanta 404-873-3391 www.puppet.org

[March 9 – April 8] Got the blues? Inspired by the culture and music of the Mississippi Delta comes this soulful production. Alliance Theatre, Atlanta 404-733-4650 www.alliancetheatre.org

[March 16 – 18, 23 – 25] Be enchanted by Belle and all of her wonderful friends in this classic tale. Performed by talented, young cast members, this story of love, adventure and compassion is sure to delight the entire family. ACT 3 Playhouse Sandy Springs 770-241-1905 www.act3productions.org

F LY I N ’ W E S T

[THROUGH A PRIL 29] Georgia Natural Exhibit at Fernbank Museum

B I LLY E LLI OT TH E M U S I C A L [March 13 – 25] Broadway’s sensational musical is coming to Atlanta. After winning 10 Tony Awards in 2009, this incredible story will inspire audiences to chase their dreams and overcome odds. The Fox Theatre, 800-745-3000 www.foxtheatre.org

B O N N I E A N D C LY D E : A F O LK TA LE

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANE KIRKLAND

[March 15 – April 8] Yee–haw! Join two Texan gangsters on a comedic whirlwind of adventure and romance. Set during The Great Depression, this musical will have audiences tapping their feet and laughing out loud. Aurora Theatre Lawrenceville 678-226-6222 www.auroratheatre.com

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

M OTH E R H O O D TH E M U S I C A L [March 16 – May 20] Just in time for the Mother’s Day season, this heart-warming musical celebrates the most challenging yet most rewarding job in the world. 14th Street Playhouse Atlanta 404-733-4738 www.14thstplayhouse.org

TH E N I G HT O F TH E I G UA N A [March 22 – April 14] Follow a priest and discover his dangerous secrets as he desperately tries to outrun his past. This Broadway hit, written by Tennessee Williams, will

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL

[ MAR CH 9 – 11 ] American Craft Council Show have audiences raving. King Plow Arts Center, Atlanta 404-607-7469 www.arts.emory.edu

YO U N G F R A N K E N S TE I N [March 29 – April 1] Based on the Oscar-nominated ﬁlm from 1974, The New Mel Brooks Musical – Young Frankenstein is a monstrously good re-imagining of the Mary Shelley classic from the comedic perspective of Mel Brooks. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 800-745-3000 www.gas-southbroadwayseries. com

ART/EXHIBITS

G E O R G I A N ATU R A L [Through April 29] Explore the brilliant black and white photographs by Diane Kirkland while developing a better understanding and appreciation for Georgia’s natural images. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta 404-929-6300 www.fernbankmuseum.org

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

CALENDAR AMERICAN CRAFT C O U N C I L S H OW [March 9 – 11] Along with the introduction of ﬁve new categories, more than 225 of the nation’s best ﬁne craft artists will

be featured at this highly anticipated event. Cobb Galleria Center Atlanta 770-955-8000 www.craftcouncil.org

A R T I N B LO O M [March 16] This benefit for the Johns Creek Arts Center features some of the Southeast’s most talented floral designers pairing the art of floral design with two-dimensional pieces. Johns Creek Arts Center 770-623-8448 www.johnscreekarts.org

CONCERTS/COMEDY JA Z Z AT LI N C O LN C E NTE R O R C H E S TR A W ITH W Y NTO N M A R S A LI S

[March 3] As the ﬁrst jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize in music, Wynton Marsalis is one of the world’s most celebrated musicians and composers. Join Marsalis along with an ensemble of 15 renowned jazz musicians as they share their sounds with Atlanta audiences. Woodruff Arts Center Atlanta 404-733-4200 www.woodruffcenter.org

TH E H U M O R P R OJ E C T [March 17] You’ll laugh ‘til you’re green. This St. Patrick’s Day, join founder Joel Goodman, Ed. D. as he sheds light on the health benefits of laughter and humor. Experience these benefits firsthand with a performance by comedian Michael Pritchard. Who knew lowering your blood pressure could be so fun? Atlanta Perimeter Hotel and Suites Dunwoody 404-843-1880 www.humorproject.org

C H E R O K E E C H O R A LE [March 18] Directed by Dr. Donald Stafford, this spring concert will feature an English performance of “A German Requiem.” With special guests including Sequoyah Singers from Sequoyah High School and members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, this is the perfect opportunity to support local arts. Canton First United Methodist Church, Canton 678-439-8625 www.cherokeechorale.org

C A LL A N WO LD E CONCERT BAND [March 25] Celebrating 39 seasons, Dekalb County’s premier symphonic wind ensemble will be performing a series

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

of popular pieces for their spring concert. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Atlanta 404-872-5338 www.calcb.org

CHARITY EVENTS SUPERHERO RUN

[March 3] CASA of Forsyth County (CourtAppointed Special Advocates for Children) hosts this annual 5K run/walk, a Peachtree Road Race qualiﬁer, to raise funding used to train volunteer child advocates who become the voice of an abused or neglected child. Fowler Park, Cumming 770-886-4082 www.forsythcountycasa.org

C H I LD R E N ’ S C O N S I G N M E NT S A LE [March 9 – 10] Show your support for the Roswell United Methodist Church preschool and kindergarten programs during their semi-annual consignment sale. Great prices will be offered on everything from maternity clothing to toys. Roswell United Methodist Church Roswell 770-993-6218 www.rumc.com

SHAMROCKIN’ FOR A CURE [March 10] This 4th annual event needs your help in raising money for research to ﬁnd a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Last year’s event was a smashing success, and with a goal of raising $175,000, expectations are even higher for this year. Join the St. Patrick’s Day festivities and show your support. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Alpharetta www.shamrockinforacure.com

TOT S TO T W E E N S C O N S I G N M E NT S A LE [March 10] The non-proﬁt organization Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples is asking for the public’s support in their seasonal consignment sale. From toys to clothing, this is a great opportunity to stay in your budget and grab needed supplies for your growing little ones. Sandy Plains Baptist Church Marietta 678-404-0034 www.nowamom.org

Parnes Family Dentistry G E O R G I A TR U S T P R E S E RVATI O N G A L A [March 16] Enjoy cocktails and classic music while supporting the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, a non-proďŹ t organization that works to bring awareness and enhancement to Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history. 200 Peachtree Atlanta 404-885-7812 www.georgiatrust.org

W H ITE C OAT G R A DY G A L A [March 17] Hosted by the Grady Health Foundation, this black-tie dinner and awards ceremony honors Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthcare heroes and outstanding philanthropists. Oceanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ballroom Georgia Aquarium 404-489-1550 www.gradyhealthfoundation.org

S TR E E TF E S T 2 0 1 2 [March 24] Greenprints Alliance invites you to come outside and play. Presented by Acru Money + Life, the 3rd annual celebration of the great outdoors will begin with the Challenge Four Adventure Race followed by live music, art and food. Downtown Woodstock www.greenprintsalliance.org

HIGH MUSEUM ATL A NTA W I N E AU C TI O N

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Green Corners Shopping Center Bethelview Rd. & Highway 20

Authentic Italian Cuisine by Chef Luigi Tartaglione, originally from Roma. Friendly management and wait staff. Solid wine list. Casual atmosphere.

[March 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 31] Not only is this The High Museum of Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest fundraising event, it is also the largest charity wine auction in the country. High Museum of Art Atlanta 404-733-5335 www.atlanta-wineauction.org

SPECIAL EVENTS

C E LE B R IT Y C H O C O L ATE BUFFET [March 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30] On Fridays throughout the month, join Park 75 Pastry Chef Charles Barrett and celebrity guests for all the chocolate you could possibly imagine with 20 ever-changing decadent dessert items on a special buffet. Park 75, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta 404-253-3840 www.fourseasons.com

Special wine tastings and food pairings every Tuesday and Wednesday night in March #FUIFMWJFX 3E 4VJUF $VNNJOH t 0QFO 5VFTEBZ 4BUVSEBZ BN QN t 4VOEBZ /PPO Q N

www.miaitaliano.com or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like Usâ&#x20AC;? www.facebook.com/MiaRistoranteItaliano

ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

INTERIOR REď&#x161;şDESIGN SPECIALIST

CALENDAR

If your dĂŠcor is incomplete, in need of an update, some fresh ideas, or the experienced eye of a professional to â&#x20AC;&#x153;pull it all togetherâ&#x20AC;? - I can help. SERVICES DESIGNED TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS AND BUDGET:

â&#x20AC;˘ Redecorating â&#x20AC;&#x153;With What You Ownâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Room planning â&#x20AC;˘ Color selection â&#x20AC;˘ Furniture, artwork and accessory purchases â&#x20AC;˘ Advice re: structural additions or changes. â&#x20AC;˘ Kitchen Re-Design and build out â&#x20AC;˘ After-move organization. â&#x20AC;˘ Preparing your home for sale. EILEEN WALPOLE Interior Re-Design Consultant

TEL:

770-393-3243

E-MAIL:

CELL:

404-840-8999

art.eileen@gmail.com

[MARCH 3 0 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 1] Simon Fashion Now PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL BIAGUI

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BASIC COOKING CLASSES [March 6, 20] Want to impress dinner guests? Join Chef John Wilson as he teaches the basics of Mexican cooking March 6 and American cooking March 20. Barrington Hall, Roswell 770-640-3855

FA M I LY S TO RY TE LLI N G : E M E R G I N G VO I C E S [March 9] Bring the entire family and explore some of the Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most celebrated folk tales. Featuring the Charles R. Drew Charter School Performers, this event will delight audiences of all ages. Retreat at Callanwolde Atlanta 404-872-5338 www.callanwolde.org

S K ITE TR U N K S H OW S [March 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10] Calling all fashionable athletes! Join designer Mary Jane Parrish at MUSE Salon (March 9) and Street Studio (March 10) to learn about her innovative skirted tight for women on the go. MUSE Salon, Alpharetta and Street Studio, Roswell 678-393-2214 678-226-9022

SPRING ON SPRINGER DA H LO N E G A TR A I L F E S T â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paint tâ&#x20AC;? Artis with the oper Billy R 12 0 April 1, 2

Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

[March 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18] Celebrate Dahlonegaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position as the Appalachian Trailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern gateway with camping, speakers, ďŹ lms, music, trail-related activities and more. Springer Mountain 706-867-9742 www.dahlonegatrailfest.org

S T. PATR I C K â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S DAY AT TI G E R M O U NTA I N V I N E YA R D S [March 17] Indulge in wine, Irish cheeses, Celtic music and many more St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day festivities while helping Tiger Mountain vineyard debut their newest wine, the award-winning 2009 Tannat. Tiger Mountain Vineyards, Tiger 706-782-4777 www.tigerwine.com

GW I N N E T T C O U NT Y M A S TE R G A R D E N E R S [March 19] Join HGTVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joe Washington for his discussion, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creating an Outdoor Living Space on Your Budget.â&#x20AC;? Washington will offer audiences expert advise about gardening, outdoor contractors and planning. George Pierce Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Senior Activity Center, Suwanee 770-822-5414 www.gwinnettmastergardeners.com

O N TH E FA R M DAY [March 24] Farmer Sue and all of her adorable, animal friends are so excited to meet you and your family. Join them for arts, crafts and stories from noon to 4 p.m. Chattahoochee Nature Center Roswell 770-992-2055 www.chattnaturecenter.org

S I M O N FA S H I O N N OW [March 30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 31] Find the lastest style trends for spring and summer at this family-friendly show. Everything you see on the runway is available at Lenox or Phipps! Lenox Square Mall www.simon.com

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Call for a Free In-Home Estimate

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ptsnorth.com | March 2012 | Points North

[ W R IT T E N BY ART IS HA J OH N S ON ]

5 THINGS I MUST DO THIS MONTH

MARCH

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Get Free Season Tickets. If you are looking for entertainment that won’t bust your budget, the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau is giving away tickets for the entire 2012 concert season at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park to one lucky winner. You can enter the contest by signing up for the Bureau’s newsletter at www.awesomealpharetta.com by March 31. The winner, who will be announced on April 1, will receive two seats for the season, parking and VIP Club access.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAI & BRI PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF MALIKA HARRICHARAN

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Points North | March 2012 | ptsnorth.com

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Make Your Own Dough. Want to smell the aroma of gooey cheese, zingy tomato sauce and savory herbs smoldering on top of a crisp crust in your home kitchen? The staff at Double Zero Napoletana, an Italian restaurant in Sandy Springs, will teach you how to create your own Neapolitan pizza using their handcrafted ovens. Catch the class this month on March 19 or again on April 23 and May 21 starting at 6 and 8 p.m. Each class costs $39 per person. For more information, call 404-991-3666 or visit www.doublezeroatl.com. Indulge in All Things French. You don’t have to speak French to enjoy French films, art, comedy, food and music at the 13th Atlanta Francophonie Festival to be held March 21 – 31. The festival will include a night at the High Museum of Arts, a Cajun music performance at the Rialto Center for the Arts, a gourmet brunch and live entertainment at the St. Regis Hotel, and two movie nights featuring films in French with English subtitles. Most of the events are free. For a complete list of events, visit www.francophonieatlanta.org. Keep Great Eats within Reach. Do you draw a blank when choosing a restaurant? In her pocketbook-sized “Food Lovers’ Guide to Atlanta,” local blogger Malika Harricharan has compiled a list of Atlanta restaurants by location and price with brief reviews. No matter where you are in the city (or suburbs!) the handy tome offers suggestions to suit your tastes, along with a list of landmarks, specialty stores, food blogs, events and recipes from Atlanta chefs. Copies are available for purchase online through Amazon. Meet The Characters of Sherwood Forest. “Robin Hood” is coming to the City Center in Woodstock March 9 – 18, but this month, you can do more than watch the adventure, you can take part in the adventure! Take the family to show off your archery skills, interact with characters and earn a free ticket to see the production at the Sherwood Adventure at Olde Rope Mill Park on March 10 and March 17. Admission is free. Or, for a more sophisticated adventure, have tea with Maid Marian and the ladies of Sherwood at Tea Leaves & Thyme on March 2. Meal costs $15 per person. For more details and ticket pricing, visit www.elmstreetarts.org.