Lifestyles Answer Book 2015

lifestyles 2015

Answer Book™

BEST OF THE BEST YOU VOTED, WE REVEAL

from Appen Media Group

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-L. Zoller, Lake Lanier, GA

“Most of my friends have hearing aids, but most had bad things to say about their hearing aids, which delayed me even more getting help. Went into Ambit, within an hour I was hearing great. Told all my friends hearing aids work, they just went to the wrong place. And the best part is I paid thousands less than what my friends paid.”

-Margarette Wiley, R.N. Cumming, GA

“Words can’t say enough how Ambit has helped me.

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-H. Ashbury, Jefferson, GA

“I was attracted to Ambit by the price, but when I found out they were a direct manufacturer who made the top digital hearing aids with full services center, I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never heard so well. Thanks for saving me thousands of dollars.”

-J. Simpson, Gainesville, GA

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-Rev. T. Plank, Jefferson, GA

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CUMMING 770-205-5776 | 5890 BETHELVIEW RD., STE 10 | CUMMING, GA | GAINESVILLE 770-534-4150 Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 3

Letter from the publisher Greetings and welcome to the third edition of our “Lifestyles Answer Book” which provides a local guide to a wide array of arts and entertainment / leisure activities in and around North Atlanta and outside the region. Also included is this edition are the results of our “2015 Best of North Fulton / South Forsyth”. Over 2400 of our readers voted in our best of so use the list to find the best stores and services and “shop local”!

We now publish four community guide Answer Books – Lifestyles, Education, Medical, and Relocation. We do one per quarter and all are invaluable resources packed with local information that you can use.

Now that we are headed into another period of explosive growth with new businesses, new residents, and new places to go so these Answer Books will be all the more useful and valuable.

Our job at Appen Media is to keep you connected whether that is via our print products or our online ones.

From our four weekly newspapers, our monthly Northside Woman and Business Post, to our online editions and including the apps for both Google and Android (download by searching for “Appen News Stand”) we are here for you.

Our combination of print and online products offer the best local marketing available anywhere and we pride ourselves in paying attention to you and listening. Just give us a call today at 770-442-3278 and you will be answered – usually before the second ring – by a human! We’re here for our community – in person. Promise.

E D I TO R

Ray Appen, Publisher, Appen Media Group

FEATURES Eat Here

David Brown Jennifer Edwards Arthur J. McNaughton Suzanne Pacey

27 Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth 2015

ADV E R TI S I N G

Hans Appen Abby Breaux Mike Dorman Wendy Goddard Susan Hernandez June Meltzer Paige Roman Taylor Wright

You voted, we reveal

EDITORIAL 11

Craft is King

12

Canton St.: Connections link pedestrians to desitinations

14

Gainesville: More than Gators

16

Atlanta brings Baby Boomers

18

Alpharetta best place to open business

Page 24

advertising@appenmediagroup.com

Tuscany Fine Furnishings offers a delightful combination of the convenience of technology with the passion of design. Meet owners Kelle and Kathy McConnell and their design team, Peter Benedetto, Riccardo Apreda, Jill Awbrey, Jenny McClanahan and Cherri Campbell. (Photo by Abby Breaux)

38

G o Outdoors

44

Cultural Spots

40

Pet Resources

45

JC arts community gets

22

5 Things to do in Atlanta

41

Hit the Links

32

Parks & Rec

42

Fresh from the Farm

37

Bike Alpharetta Gears up in North Fulton

43

Shopping in North Fulton & South Forsyth

4 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

E D I TO R I AL

Jonathan Copsey Hillary Hunnings Hatcher Hurd Malik Jones Jimmy Lichtenwalter Isabelle Nguyen Cameron Osburn Zenzele Price-Richardson Marla Prince Kathleen Sturgeon Shannon Weaver PRO D UC TI O N

Unique dining experiences near you

34 Get on the Greenway

PUBL I S HE R S

Ray & Christina Appen

Kathleen Sturgeon

Inside 6

lifestyles Answer Book™

acquainted

46

Calendar

47

Resources table

To Advertise In The 2016 Answer Book, Call (770) 442-3278 Reproduction of the content of the Answer Book— including all maps— is prohibited without expressed written permission. The Answer Book is a trademarked title. All efforts have been made to verify content. Appen Media Group publishes the Education Answer Book, the Relocation Answer Book, the Medical Answer Book and the Lifestyles Answer Book. Online versions are accessible on NorthFulton.com at the bottom of the home page.

Contact us at 770-442-3278.

319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 northfulton.com Email additions/corrections for the next edition to news@appenmediagroup.com

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 5

EAT HERE

experiences Unique dining you near

Cabernet Steakhouse

ALPHARETTA, 5575 Windward Parkway, cabernetsteakhouse. com Choose from a variety of wines and entrees. Chilean Sea bass, herb and garlic roasted prime ribs and warm spinach salads are just some of Cabernet’s savory eats.

Catering and private dining are available.

Campania Pizzeria Napoletana ALPHARETTA, 800 North Main Street, campaniaga.com The origin of pizza is a story that spans hundreds of years. Though many interesting variations have been made throughout the world, the traditional roots of pizza still run deep in Italy.

Every day Campania honors those traditions by recreating classic Italian style and flavor into their Pizze Napoletana.

Campania only uses the best of imported ingredients, from San Marzano tomatoes to double zero flour, natural yeast and sea salt for their iconic pizza dough.

However, what makes Campania unique is the use of their hand-made

6 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

oven, comprised of bricks of volcanic soil from the Mt. Vesuvius region and created in Naples, Italy. This amazing hearth runs at over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and fills each pizza with masterful flavor in roughly 60 seconds.

Campania also boasts weekly specials including Monday Draft Day, where all draft beer is $3, and Wine & Dine Wednesdays where all wines by-theglass are half price. Authentic Italian cuisine that won’t break the bank definitely makes Campania a one-stop shop for pizza connoisseurs everywhere.

Cheeky Mexican Taqueria

CUMMING, 410 Peachtree Parkway , eatatCheeky.com

Order beef kabobs or a Tipico salad. Cheeky wraps and burgers also make for a flavorful meal. See www.eatatCheeky.com for menu, hours and prices.

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Visit My Website at www.PaulMartinInteriors.com 21 years experience in creative unique design solutions for your individual style Brannon Crossing Shopping Center 405 Peachtree Parkway Suite 135 | Cumming, GA 30041 | 678-947-4899 | Fax: 678-947-4646 Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 7

EAT HERE Giorgio’s Family Kitchen

CUMMING. 558 Lakeland Plaza, eatatgiorgios.com

Those searching for great food in a comfortable family environment should look no further than Giorgio’s Family Kitchen. The restaurant serves a variety of cuisines, including American, Italian and Mediterranean. Giorgio’s offers a perfect casual dining experience.

Norman’s Landing CUMMING. 365 Peachtree Parkway, normanslanding.com.

This past summer, Norman’s Landing will be celebrating 20 years of business.

The restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner. It is known for its seafood dishes including scallops, trout, catfish fingers, salmon and seafood kabobs. In addition to seafood, the menu of Norman’s Landing also has steaks, salads and prime rib.

The restaurant has won many local awards for local culinary excellence.

Jim ’N Nick’s

CUMMING, 3130 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, jimnnicks.com Founded in Birmingham, Ala. in 1985, Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q has grown to have locations across the country, including Georgia, Colorado, Tennessee and North Carolina. The restaurant is known of its adherence to southern cooking traditions. Great dishes include the cheese biscuits, the Carolina style pork and the Double Decker pork and brisket sandwich.

Provino’s Family Italian Restaurant CUMMING, 1610 Market Place Boulevard, provinos.com Want authentic Italian cuisine? Try a pasta classica. Don’t like pasta? Get crispy zucchini drizzled with marinara sauce, a salad, artichoke hearts or eggplant Parmesan. Sit down or get a to go dish. Gluten free options are also available.

8 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

EAT HERE

Sal’s Place

CUMMING, 111 West Courthouse Square, sals-place.com Sal’s Place is known for its authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant sports a robust menu including Sicilian Pizza, numerous specialty dishes and great wine selection. The restaurant was founded over by Bill Smith more than 90 years. Those who are looking for a great dining experience in an enjoyable atmosphere should be sure to check out Sal’s Place.

Seven Seas Mediterranean Café Alpharetta, Alpha Park Shopping Center, 124 Devore Road, sevenseascafe.net

Get gyros or pick a Panini. This Mediterranean café is delish. Top your entrée off with a Baklava or Faloodeh dessert. Catering is available.

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 9

E R E H T A E

Tom and Chee

ALPHARETTA, 970 North Point Dr., B160, tomandchee.com

Tam’s BackStage CUMMING, 215 Ingram Ave., tamsbackstage.com Located beneath the wellknown Cumming Playhouse, Tam’s BackStage offers both lunch and dinner menus, and a great wine selection. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy. For those looking for a great dining option after a show, be sure to check out Tam’s Backstage.

Thumbs Up Diner ROSWELL, 1140 Alpharetta St., Suite 1A, thumbsupdiner.com Bringing that rich, home-cooked flavor together with a historic atmosphere is just one of the secrets behind Thumbs Up Diner. Everything else that makes this spot one of the best-hidden gems of Roswell is its people. Customer service takes precedent at Thumbs Up, and it’s that attention to detail that turns customers into loyal customers, friends into family and keeps them coming back for more.

With its original location in downtown Atlanta, Thumbs Up has continued to establish each of its five locations as the standard for “breakfast and beyond.” The menu boasts some classic breakfast favorites like fried fish and grits, steak and eggs, or the skillet heap coupled with more contemporary, healthier options such as tofu and veggies and the grilled veggie bagel. There’s also the option to build your own omelet or breakfast plate piled high with your personal favorites.

Thumbs Up is more than just breakfast however, with burgers, melts, sandwiches, salads, soups and much more. So, if you’re in the mood for a lazy Saturday or Sunday brunch with good atmosphere, great people and even greater food, check out Thumbs Up Diner.

10 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

Bring the kid in you back to life with a refreshing and tasty alternative to the typical dining out experience. Tom and Chee offers a collection of delicious grilled-cheese sandwiches served with your choice of one of three tomato or seasonal soups.

Originally nothing more than a tent to feed cold ice skaters on Cincinnati’s Fountain Square in the middle of December, Tom and Chee has evolved into a successful franchise chain and has been featured on major networks and programming such as ABC’S “Shark Tank”, ABC’s “The Chew” and Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food Nation.” Their signature Grilled Cheese Donut was even named one of America’s best new sandwiches

by NBC’s “Today” show.

The Tom and Chee menu stays close to its humble beginnings with most sandwiches starting at $3.95 and up, salads at $3.45 and up and soup at $3 and up. You can build your own grilled cheese and choose from a wide selection of meats, cheeses, veggies and extras including basil pesto, mac + cheese or potato chips for that extra crunch. If you’re looking an inexpensive, family-friendly outing or a simple, yet unconventional, lunch date idea, Tom and Chee will not disappoint.

Village Tavern ALPHARETTA, 11555 Rainwater Drive, village tavern.com Village Tavern offers a variety. Try Maryland-Style Crab Crakes or Fresh North Carolina Mountain Trout. Or opt for a steak selection like filet mignon or prime rib with au jus. Add a cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir or another wine.

CRAFT IS KING The craft brewing business has exploded in recent years nationwide, and Georgia certainly has its share of breweries. In the north Atlanta area, several new brew locations have opened, offering beer buffs a variety of tastes.

Jekyll Brewery

5 Seasons

jekyllbrewing.com 2855 Marconi Drive, Suite 350 Alpharetta, GA 30005 844-4JEKYLL

5seasonsbrewing.com 3655 Old Milton Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-521-5551

Beers Hop Dang Diggity Southern IPA Big Creek Kolsch Cooter Brown American Brown Ale ‘Merican Amber American Amber Ale Southern Session Blonde Ale

Beers Take it easy Berliner Weisse Ale to the Queen English Pale Ale Cartoon Brune Belgian Brown Ale Chug Monkey Golden Ale Hopgasm IPA Scotch Ale Long Strange Tripel Belgian Ale Munich Helles Bavarian Style Lager Seven Sisters Munchner Bavarian Lager

Hop Alley Brew Pub www.hopalleybrew.com 25 S. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-696-2097 Beers* Hellfire IPA Stange Bier Kolsch Deacon Dubbel 840 Wheat Pale Ale The Jitz American Coffee Stout Bierleichen Oktoberfest/Marzen * Beers rotate regularly

Gate City gatecitybrewingcompany.com 43 Magnolia St., Roswell, GA 30075 678-404-0961 Beers 1864 American IPA Copperhead American Amber

Reformation Brewery reformationbrewery.com 500 Arnold Mill Road Woodstock, GA 30188 678-341-0828 Beers Cadence Belgian Dubbel Atlas India Pale Ale Union Belgian White (Witbier) Stark Porter Stark Nitro Nitro Porter Providence Belgian Tripel Declaration Imperial Stout

Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative cherrystreetbrewing.com 5810 Bond St, Cumming, GA 30040 770-205-5512 Beers* Ta Ta Cream Ale Irish Red I Jedeye Dylan’s Dubbel Sawnee Mountain Porter West LA Hopaway IPA Monkey Hammer Hefe Chief Sawnee’s Stash Coconut Porter * Beers rotate regularly

Fill up at your local growler store growler: Typically a

growler is a reusable resealable bottle, specifically designed to be refilled with draft beer. The bottle can be made of glass, ceramic or even metal.

Ale yeah!

603 Atlanta St, Roswell, GA 30075 770-992-2246 www.aleyeahbeer.com Peachtree Growler Company 5450 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-686-7925 peachtreegrowler co.com Growler Works 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Johns Creek, GA 30022 470-767-8610 www.growler. works

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 11

Canton Street: Connections link pedestrians to destinations Walkability, entertainment key to Canton success

By JONATHAN COPSEY

C

“

“On a spring day, there is no better place to go than Canton Street.”

12 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

anton Street has often been described as the heart of Roswell. With its small restaurants and boutique shops, as well as wide sidewalks, some nights it has an almost party atmosphere. In warmer weather, patios open and doors are thrown wide to allow walkers to mingle with diners.

“Canton Street has an interesting mix of things to do outside of the normal park, walk into a restaurant and leave,” said Ryan Pernice, owner of Table and Main, one of many unique restaurants lining Canton Street.

The biggest appeal, Pernice said, was walkability.

People can drive to Canton Street and stroll around at their leisure, meeting people and looking into stores and restaurants.

“On a spring day, there is no better place to go than Canton Street,” Pernice said.

He likened it to walking on a promenade in past years, where it was more of a social event than simply getting out.

“People thirst for that,” he said.

The city is trying to keep that feeling alive. One way is to improve transportation and mobility in the area.

In Canton Street, the biggest issue the city is seeking to solve is a lack of parking. A victim of its own success, the quest for parking can be daunting.

One solution is the proposed city green. This would see Roswell tear down the trees separating City Hall from Ga. 9 and Canton Street in an effort to not only spur new development in the area, but also open up the 400 parking spaces on the other side of City Hall. Anyone using the parking now has to walk through the woods, which due to a lack of lighting can be dark.

Elizabeth Way, at the southern tip of Canton Street, was recently converted from a one-way street into a two-way street to help with traffic flow.

Plans are in the works to redevelop the alleys on either side of Canton Street to be more pedestrian- and businessfriendly.

South Atlanta Street – the portion of Ga. 9 south of the town square – will see significant improvements in coming years. The city is planning to widen the street to two lanes in either direction, get rid of the changing middle lane and add a median. Wide sidewalks will also be added.

The improvements will go south from the square to the Chattahoochee River.

Roswell Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak said this project, dubbed the “Historic Gateway,” would be a “remarkable improvement” for traffic in the area as well as beautifying it, making it more appealing to drivers and, hopefully, businesses.

Pedestrian improvements will also help cross-street mobility, he said. Currently, there are none between the town square and the river, a distance of over a mile.

Construction on this project may not begin for as much as four years, Acenbrak said.

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Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 13

Discover music and history in Gainesville, Florida Head downtown

Day or night, Gainesville’s Downtown is the symbolic heart of the city.

At Bo Diddley Community Plaza, you can often come upon live music, which sets the tone for a great night out.

Head over on Wednesday for the Union Street Farmer’s Market, where you can purchase locally grown vegetables and fresh-baked pastries. Shops and boutiques pop up every night around the Union Street Station Pedestrian Mall.

Do some shopping

Many Floridians consider Alachua County to be a top destination for antique shopping in the state—Micanopy, especially. Stroll under the shade of massive live-oak trees dripping with Spanish moss and duck into historic buildings, where most antique shops are found. Micanopy is the oldest inland city in Florida, so it’s easy to find history on each shelf and around every corner. Make a day of it with stops in High Springs and Alachua.

Hit the museums

The Florida Museum of Natural History houses more than 34 million specimens and cultural artifacts, including one of the world’s largest collections of butterflies and moths (!).

Permanent exhibitions explore Florida’s unique habitats and cultural history, such as Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land, which contains fossils 65 million years young. Recent temporary exhibits included Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs and La Florida: 500 Years in the Place of Flowers. Bonus: with the rare exception of some special exhibits, the museum is free!

The Butterfly Rainforest, at the Florida Museum of Natural History, is a can’t-miss living exhibit that features between 60-80 exotic species at any given time, as well as birds from around the world, turtles and fish. As hundreds of butterflies fly around you, you’ll make your way through a lush landscape, filled with tropical trees and colorful flowering plants amid waterfalls.

GAINESVILLE:

More than Gators Explore the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, one of the largest university-affiliated art museums in the United States. More than 8,300 works are displayed in the museum’s collections, which include photography and Asian, African, modern and contemporary art. The Harn is the permanent home of Claude Monet’s “Champ d’avoine (Oat Field).” Traveling exhibitions are displayed throughout the year, as well as events such as Museum Nights, lectures, interactive activities, and family and school events.

Step through time

Reading history books isn’t quite the same as seeing it with your own

14 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • Sponsored Section

eyes. At Dudley Farm Historic State Park, an authentic working “Cracker” farm, you’ll see the evolution of North Florida farming—through three generations of the Dudley family—brought to life by park staff in period clothing who perform chores, raise crops and tend to livestock. Dudley Farm Historic State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with 18 buildings such as a family farmhouse with original furnishings and an 1880s kitchen outbuilding.

Make plans to check out exciting attractions, activities and events with the Gainesville Visitor Guide.

Your choice: spend an hour in line... or an hour on the trail.

You shouldn’t have to stand in line to wait your turn for fun. Gainesville’s no-waiting-line attractions include a world-class art museum, an outstanding natural history museum, parks and walking paths, and a lively downtown food and music scene. Our beautiful bike trails for any skill level are open year-round with no waiting— ‘cause that’s how we roll.

Many choices, one decision—Visit Gainesville.

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Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 15

Atlanta brings Baby Boomers Among fastest growing Baby Boomer populations nationwide

By HILLARY HUNNINGS

W

hile millennials garner much local attention in business and marketing circles, Atlanta’s baby-boomer population is soaring.

The city ranked fourth nationally in the growth rate of those 65 and over between 2000 to 2010, according to John McIlwain’s 2014 “Housing in America The Baby Boomers Turn 65.”

The city ranks No. 4 with a 65-andover growth of 147,000 from 2000 to 2010. Los Angeles ranks No. 1 with a 65-and-over growth of 199,000.

Second is New York City at a growth of 167,000. Third is Dallas with a growth of 153,000.

Mcllwain is a senior resident fellow and J. Ronald Terwilliger Chair for Housing at the Urban Land Institute, a nonprofit education and research institute regarding land use and real estate development.

He also includes the percent change in the 2000 to 2010 65-plus population in U.S. metro areas with the fastest-growing senior populations.

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta ranks fourth with a 44 percent change.

The Pew Research Center defines baby boomers overall as those ages 50 to 68.

And metro Atlanta, particularly north metro Atlanta, attracts them with rentals.

Millennials are not the only ones renting.

Harvard University’s Joint Center For Housing Studies’ 2015 State of the Nation’s Housing report cites falling demand for owner-occupied housing and a rental market boom bolstered by baby boomers.

“While soaring demand is often attributed to the millennials’ preference to rent, households aged 45 to 64 in fact accounted for about twice the share of renter growth than households under the age of 35,” the report notes.

North Fulton is home to several walkable communities.

One is Alpharetta’s Avalon. Bistros, coffee shops, wine bars, shops, a movie theater and Whole Foods Market surround Avalon Haven apartments.

Vickery Village, a similar microcosm in South Forsyth, offers rentable condos and small homes encased by restau-

16 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

rants, shops and a YMCA. Meanwhile additional amenities cluster within greater North Fulton, many of which baby boomers find attractive.

Roswell and Alpharetta’s cultural arts centers regularly showcase artist displays and community performances.

Johns Creek and Alpharetta’s farmers markets feature local farmers and vendors who sell organic and or sustainable foods every Saturday morning.

Johns Creek offers weekly canasta, social bridge, knitting, crocheting and art classes. Wellness classes including yoga, Zumba and cardio are also provided. Even technology classes are offered.

Sports programs such as the Atlanta Tennis and Lawn Association are also popular throughout the area.

Sandy Springs houses a Tennis Magazine-recognized public tennis center.

North metro Atlanta also has a thriving health-care industry.

Johns Creek is home to Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Other healthcare centers such as Kaiser Permanente, Alpharetta Medical Center, North Atlanta Primary Care, North Fulton Eye Center and North Fulton Hospital also span the north Fulton area. Northside Hospital-Forsyth additionally lies within close proximity.

Sandy Springs has the largest concentration of health-care facilities between Washington and Houston.

Gwinnett county’s three largest providers - Gwinnett Medical, Eastside Medical and Kaiser - each recently made multimillion dollar facility upgrades.

Hall County’s Northeast Medical Center debuted its $100 million, 100bed, Braselton hospital this spring.

In 2014, the health-care provider surpassed the $1 billion mark in local and state economic impact for the third consecutive year, generating $1.1 billion in revenue for the local and state economy, according to a Georgia Hospital Association report.

North metro Atlanta’s housing rentals and amenities provide baby boomers with a variety of downsizing options and convenience, perhaps contributing to metro-Atlanta’s overall baby-boomer boost.

By the numbers City Population

Total Pop.

35 to 54

55 to 64

64 & Over

Sandy Springs

99,770

28.03%

10.88%

11.37%

Alpharetta

62,298

33.79%

10.38%

7.88%

Roswell

94,034

31.02%

12.74%

11.62%

Milton

35,907

35.71%

9.98%

6.74%

Johns Creek

82,788

35.85%

11.32%

7.14%

Cumming

5,613

21.82%

9.12%

22.26%

City Homes

Number of Homes & Apts

% Owner Occupied

% Renter Occupied

Median Rental Price

Sandy Springs

42,334

46.92%

53.08%

$1,165

Alpharetta

21,742

63.77%

36.23%

$1,324

Roswell

33,945

68.08%

31.92%

$1,183

Milton

11,659

71.89%

28.11%

$1,691

Johns Creek

26,266

80.49%

19.51%

$1,814

Cumming

1,893

41.47%

58.53%

$1,056

Georgia Aquarium

5

things to do in Atlanta

Fox Theatre

BY Zenzele Price-Richardson

Fox Theatre Looking for great and professional live entertainment? Visit the Fox Theatre. The Fox Theatre is a historic attraction every Atlanta resident must visit. With 4,678 seats available, the Fox Theatre is home to over 300 performances a year. From Broadway shows to comedies, the Fox Theatre has it all. This year, the Fox featured “Elf,” “Cinderella,” “Star Trek” and “Romeo and Juliet.” The Fox Theatre is located at 660 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30308. To see current shows, visit their website at http:// foxtheatre.org/shows-and-events/. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tickets are also available online at foxtheatre. org/shows-and-events/plan-your-visit/ where-to-purchase.

Georgia Aquarium One of the largest aquariums in the

world and the largest in the western hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium lies right in the heart of downtown Atlanta.

With whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays and dolphins, thousands of locals and tourists flock down to this aquarium each year to explore the marine life and the ocean wonders. Entry into the aquarium not only comes with a ticket to see the millions of gallons in the tanks where fish reside, it also gives a visitor admission to all galleries, the dolphin show and the animated “Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow.” General admission tickets can be purchased at the venue. Adults are $38.95, children $32.95, and seniors $34.95, all plus tax.

Underground Atlanta

master’s thesis by Georgia Tech student Ryan Gravel, the Atlanta BeltLine has evolved into a network of 1,300 acres of public parks, multiuse trails, a historic 22mile railroad preservation, public art and green space. From aerobics to trail yoga, there is always something exciting happening. Although many people choose to walk the trails, the Atlanta BeltLine is bike friendly as well as pet-friendly. BeltLine visitors will see a variety of restaurants, ice cream shops, stores and parks, lending a neighborhood and community feel to big-city life. Interested in seeing the Atlanta BeltLine? Sign up for a walking, bike or bus tour today at beltline.org/ programs/atlanta-beltline-tours.

Underground Atlanta Since opening in 1969, Underground Atlanta has become one of the city’s biggest attractions. With historic cars parked along the road and stores around every corner, Underground Atlanta is a destination for both history and entertainment. Although many features have changed since its initial opening, various architectural aspects from the original structure have remained the same. Underground Atlanta offers six city blocks, 12 acres, and three levels of 225,000 square feet of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Stop by the information booth and pick up a self-guided walking history brochure.

Atlanta BeltLine Originally developed in 1999 as a

CNN Center

CNN Center Founded in 1976, The CNN Center has become an Atlanta landmark. The Atlanta CNN Center is the headquarters of the main newsrooms and studios for CNN’s news channels that broadcast to over 200 countries worldwide. The CNN Center offers a 50-minute tour of live broadcasting as well as history on the center. Tours are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and older, $15 for student 13-18, $13 for children 4-12, and $14 per person in a group of 20 or more.

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 17

Alpharetta best place to start business Cities ranked among other Georgia towns

By KATHLEEN STURGEON Cities in metro Atlanta, including Alpharetta and Cumming, now have reinforcement when they say they are among the best places to start a business in Georgia.

Having almost as many businesses as it does residents helped the city of Cumming snag a No. 6 spot on Nerd Wallet’s list of Best Places to Start a Business in Georgia.

Alpharetta was ranked first on the list, with Nerd Wallet saying the city has “nearly 9,000 businesses, which average over $6.9 million in revenue per business each year, more than any city on the list.”

Nerd Wallet is a free online tool to help customers choose credit cards and

other similar products. It released its list June 8 and said Georgia provides a lot to business owners including low tax rates, ample technology infrastructure and affordable cost of living.

The company analyzed 126 places in Georgia, each with a population of at least 5,000. Cities with fewer than 500 businesses were excluded, regardless of population. According to the website, they calculated the overall score for each location based on the city’s business climate and economic health using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. To determine a community’s business climate, they looked at average revenue, percentage of businesses with paid employees and the number of businesses per 100 people. To

FREE PLANNING SERVICES Think Alpharetta first for your wedding, reunion, meeting or sports event.

Take advantage of the FREE planning resources of the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau including FREE consultation on venues, service providers, fields and facilities, hotels and more.

Ask for our free event planning guide.

determine a community’s economic health, they looked at median annual income, median annual housing costs and the unemployment rate.

Two of the key takeaways were the suburbs having the most profitable businesses and location along major transportation routes.

As for Cumming, the list said it is one of the smallest cities on the list, but it has more business per 100 people than anywhere else in the study. Cumming also has almost as many businesses (5,251) as it does residents (5,504).

James McCoy, president and chief executive officer of the CummingForsyth Chamber of Commerce, said that means Cumming is an important employment center.

“Folks are coming here to work and run their businesses that may not necessarily live here,” McCoy said.

“They may live in an unincorporated part of the county or live in another part of Atlanta, but they’re coming here to do business.”

The website also said being located along the bustling Ga. 400 corridor helps businesses in both Alpharetta and Cumming benefit from the area’s transportation and technology infrastructure.

That isn’t the only reason the city is doing so well, McCoy said.

“Certainly, Ga. 400 is a big driver of it,” McCoy said. “No city property tax also helps a great deal. But there are many other drivers. Our school system is a great example of that because they’re really pushing the growth as well.”

The website also noted Cumming’s Small Business Services Center offers coaching and roundtable discussions to help local business owners start and grow their enterprises.

In an effort to continue this positive trend, McCoy said the chamber is in the middle of an important expansion in economic development efforts for the county called Business First. It’s a $3 million initiative.

“It’s really going to expand the role of the organization and the influence we have in terms of our abilities to go out and deliver on helping companies to either relocate here or expand,” McCoy said. “We’ve already seen some early results of that. This past year was a fantastic year for us and we expect this year to be our best year ever, in terms of company announcements, relocations and expansions. This is a community of really business-savvy entrepreneurs.”

For information on the study, visit nerdwallet.com/blog/small-business/ best-places-start-business-georgia/.

You have a Convention and Visitors Bureau right here in

ALPHARETTA!

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Book rooms for your guests with one call to the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Room rates are collected from Alpharetta’s 23 hotels and you are provided with a comprehensive list of options.

Every hotel has free parking and many offer complimentary internet, breakfast and local shuttle service.

VISITOR INFORMATION We offer information about shopping and dining, attractions, events, maps, local coupons and more. Visit our Alpharetta Welcome Center located at 178 South Main Street for more details!

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18 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

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Want to be IN THE KNOW? Follow us on social media and sign up for our e-newsletter at www.awesomealpharetta.com to get the lastest information about what is happening in Alpharetta!

“ What do you like to do in your free time?

Sound off

BY Zenzele Price-Richardson and Isabelle Nguyen

Emily Cross Alpharetta Hanging out at the mall

Dwayne Dean Suwannee Relax while having a cigar Jackie Little Atlanta Dine at Restaurants

Shannon Powell Alpharetta Relax at Avalon and just enjoy the day Rosa Griffin Sandy Springs Paintball, laser tag and going to the lake

Darlene Walton Johns Creek Go to the beach

Jennifer Darga Roswell Entertain at my home

Laurie Haigh Milton Scuba diving (specifically in the Florida Keys) Maria Chekmareva Cumming Travel and be outdoors

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 19

Village Tavern Expands Menu, Adds New Wine Offerings With quality ingredients served from a scratch kitchen and craft bar since 2000, Village Tavern quickly became one of Alpharetta’s favorite dining spots. The restaurant recently was voted Best Happy Hour, Best All Around Restaurant, Best Family Dining and Best Patio Dining, among other categories, in Appen Media Group’s 2015 Best of the Best Contest.

Now, the popular restaurant has gotten even better, with more to offer guests.

Village Tavern recently introduced several new food and wine offerings created by Executive Chef Mary Grace Viado. The new selections complement the restaurant’s already extensive, creative menu, which features artisan recipes for made-to-order appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts.

Village Tavern’s talented chefs use aged, hand-cut Certified Angus Beef, fresh seafood, and all natural poultry and ground beef to create a sure-to-

please menu with delicious choices for everyone.

Be prepared for innovative splashes of flavor, such as Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs served with signature Tavern Applewood-smoked bacon. Or, if you’re looking for a bit of international zing, try the Cubano sliders, featuring pulled pork, Southern-cured ham and Swiss cheese, or the Habana MexicanStyle Grilled Street Corn on the cob, rolled in cojita cheese, among other new tasty additions.

Not to be outshone, Village Tavern’s popular weekend brunch menu now includes Huevos Rancheros, served with house salsa, pickled jalapenos, crispy tortillas, hash browns and a freshlybaked apple walnut muffin.

But, what’s a great meal without delicious wine?

In order to provide the perfect pairing for every meal, Village Tavern created one of Alpharetta’s most diverse, high-quality wine lists. Developed with

Pet Boarding State-of-the-Art Kennel

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770-754-1700 BedsAndBones.net

640 Dorris Road in Milton, GA 30004 (at Birmingham Hwy.) 20 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • Sponsored Section

discerning passion and vision, the restaurant features 70 wines by the glass – all of them cellared and served at optimum temperatures to bring out the best in each vintage.

Among the notable wines being served at Village Tavern are ZD Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Patz and Hall Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Belle Gloss Los Alturas Pinot Noir, and Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc.

Diners also have an opportunity to enjoy such “discovery wines” as Truchard Pinot Noir, which is produced from a small family vineyard in California; Chateau Tanunda Cabernet Sauvignon from the oldest winery in Australia; and Natura Chardonnay from Emiliana Organic Vineyards in Chile, South America’s first biodynamic wine.

Additionally, Village Tavern’s craft bar offers skillfully prepared cocktails and more, including an expansive selection of local, national and international draft beers.

The restaurant also offers weekly drink specials, including $6 sangrias on Sundays; $6 Grey Goose, Ketel One or Tito’s martinis on Mondays; $3.50 draft pints on Tuesdays; half price wines by

the glass on Wednesdays; and $3 domestic bottles and $4 shooter specials on Thursdays.

An OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award winner, Village Tavern consistently is rated as excellent by Zagat, and has been a recipient of the Wine Spectator award four years in a row.

Village Tavern is located on Westside Parkway just one block north of Haynes Bridge Road at 11555 Rainwater Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

The restaurant is open Sunday and Monday 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Reservations are recommended.

Call 770-777-6490, or go online at opentable.com.

#1 Best All Around Restaurant

VILLAGE TAVERN FEATURES A SCRATCH KITCHEN

#1 Best Fine Dining

where artisan recipes are prepared to order with top quality ingredients.

Our talented chefs use aged, hand-cut Certified Angus Beef, fresh seafood, and all natural poultry and ground beef to create a sure-to-please menu with delicious choices for everyone.

#1 Best Casual Dining #1 Best Family Dining #1 Best Happy Hour #1 Best Patio Dining

ENJOY OUR NEW, AWARD WINNING WINE LIST

#1 Best Business Lunch

featuring more than 70 wines by the glass offered at half price every Wednesday!

RUNNER UP Best Burger Best Dessert IN APPEN MEDIA GROUP’S 2015 BEST OF THE BEST CONTEST

Located on Westside Parkway just one block north of Haynes Bridge Road 11555 Rainwater Drive | Alpharetta, GA 30009 | www.villagetavern.com

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 21

Animal rescues

Atlanta Humane Society: 1565 Mansell Road Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 This no-kill rescue has two locations in Atlanta and Alpharetta. They offer adoptions of both dogs and cats. Atlanta Humane Society (AHS) is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit and the oldest private charitable organization in Atlanta founded in 1873. The Alpharetta location is open for adoptions Monday to Friday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.atlantahumane.org for more information.

■ Humane Society of Forsyth County: 4440 Keith Bridge Road Cumming, Ga. 30041 This no-kill shelter located in north Forsyth County adopts out both cats and dogs. They also have a pet food pantry and a thrift store. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Visit www.forsythpets. org for more information.

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Resources for

your pet’s ‘furever’ home

By KATHLEEN STURGEON

You’ve found your perfect house, love your new community and already are starting to find your favorite local places.

But what about the family members with a little more fur? Or maybe you were waiting to adopt a new family pet after you moved.

Whatever your scenario, we’ve compiled a list of pet resources including dog parks, pet-friendly dining patios and rescue groups.

22 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

Dog parks

Pet friendly dining

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Waggy World Paw Park: 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 This 1.5 acre park is managed by the City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department. It’s located behind the Alpharetta Community Center at Wills Park, so bring the kids for a fun day at the park for everyone. It is fenced in so dogs can be let off their leashes, with a separate space for smaller dogs. The park also offers a drinking fountain located just outside the fence. It is open from 8 a.m. to dusk.

■ Newton Park: 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek, Ga. 30022 Newton Park is a fenced one-acre area with artificial turf, sprinklers for dogs to play in, obstacles to play on, plus water fountains for people and pets. It offers separate areas for large and small dogs, along with bridge, hoops and tunnels. It is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ Fowler Park: 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, Ga. 30041 This 85-acre park is split into two areas for smaller and bigger dogs. The park offers water fountains, waste disposal areas and benches. It is enclosed so dogs can be let off their leashes.

Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset.

Corner Deli: 10 Roswell St. Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 Located in the heart of downtown Alpharetta, this deli shop offers dogfriendly seating on their outdoor patio.

Open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

■ Lucky’s Burgers and Brew: 1144 Alpharetta St. Roswell, Ga. 30075 This dog-friendly restaurant was inspired by the owner’s dog and offers more than outdoor seating for dog lovers. The menu offers burgers with dog themed names such as Georgia Dawg Pounder, Retriever and Russian Wolf Hound. Be sure to look out for Lucky himself.

Open from 11:30 a.m. to close Monday to Sunday.

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1a. Alpharetta Athletic Club (East) 3430 Highway Nine N. Alpharetta, GA 30004 770.475.2300, alpharettaac.com 1b. Alpharetta Athletic Club (West) 1785 Dinsmore Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 770.475.2300, alpharettaac.com 2. Ansley Golf Club, Settindown 1605 Settindown Drive Roswell, GA 30075 770.640.4620, ansleygolfclub.org 3. Atlanta Athletic Club 1930 Bobby Jones Drive Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.448.2166, atlantaathleticclub.org

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13. Lanier Golf Club 2080 Buford Dam Rd Cumming, GA 30041 770.887.6114, laniergolfclub.com 14. Manor Golf & Country Club 15951 Manor Club Dr Alpharetta, GA 30004 678.366.3886, manorgcc.com

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16. River Pines Golf 4775 Old Alabama Rd Johns Creek, GA 30022 770.442.5960, riverpinesgolf.com 17. Rivermont Golf & Country Club 3130 Rivermont Pkwy Alpharetta, GA 30022 770.993.2124, rivermontcountryclub.com 18. Standard Club 6230 Abbotts Bridge Rd Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.497.0055, standardclub.org 19. St. Ives Country Club 1 St Ives Country Club Dr Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.623.1239, stivescountryclub.org 20. St Marlo Country Club 7755 St Marlo Country Club Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097 770.495.7725, stmarlo.com

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4. Atlanta National Golf Club 350 Tournament Players Drive Milton, GA 30004 770.442.8801, atlantanationalgolfclub.com

8. Country Club of the South 4100 Old Alabama Rd Johns Creek, GA 30022 770.475.1803 clubcorp.com/Clubs/Country-Club-of-the-South

21. Trophy Club of Atlanta 15135 Hopewell Rd Alpharetta, GA 30004 770.343.9700 americangolf.com/trophy-club-atlanta

5. Brookfield Country Club 100 Willow Run, Roswell, GA 30075 770.993.1990 brookfieldcountryclub.com

9. Echelon Golf Club 501 Founders Dr E Alpharetta, GA 30004 770.888.4653, echelonliving.com

22. White Columns Country Club 300 Clubhouse Dr Milton, GA 30004; 770.343.9025 whitecolumnscountryclub.com

6. Capital City Club, Crabapple 4115 Earney Road Woodstock, GA 30188 770.667.6303, capitalcityclub.org

10. The Golf Club of Georgia 1 Golf Club Dr Alpharetta, GA 30005 770.664.8644, golfclubofgeorgia.com

23. Windermere Golf Club 5000 Davis Love Dr Cumming, GA 30041 678.513.1000, canongategolf.com

7. Cherokee Town & Country Club 665 Hightower Trail Atlanta, Georgia 30350-1710 770.993.4407, cherokeetcc.org

11. Hawks Ridge Golf Club 1100 Hawks Club Drive Ball Ground, GA 30107 770.205.6889, hawksridge.com

24. Woodmont Golf & Country Club 3105 Gaddis Rd Canton, GA 30115 770.345.9260, woodmontgolfclub.com

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 23

Marrying technology with design Tuscany Fine Furnishings seamlessly connects technology with human touch

By KATHLEEN STURGEON

24 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

Left to right: Beverly Wiley, Peter Benedetto, Riccardo Apreda, Kathy & Kelle McConnell

Kathy and Kelle McConnell

got involved in the interior design industry by a fluke.

Kathy was working occasionally with the owner of a design store who told her his store would be closing. Kathy, who was also working on her own design business at the time, convinced her husband, Kelle, who came from the technology field, to buy and open their own interior design business. The couple did just that in 2004, and Tuscany Fine Furnishings was born.

“After that it opened my eyes to the passion I had for this job and I never looked back,” Kathy said.

Throughout the years, Kathy and Kelle said they had to adapt to the changing world, not only within the design industry but also with the ever-evolving technology that customers have come to expect businesses to offer.

Cover Story

PHOTOS BY ABBY BREAUX

“

“We call ourselves a ‘click and mortar’ because we’ve leveraged that technology in our business.”

“We call ourselves a ‘click and mortar’ because we’ve leveraged that technology in our business,” Kelle said. “We are able to offer the client access to anything they could possibly want though the 100 different suppliers we use. Clients are then also able to virtually browse on their own on our website.”

Tuscany has done a successful job of marrying the talent and ability of designers with the accessibility of technology. Clients have the ability to bring furnishing options to their fingertips and browse on their own, but they also have a designer take what the clients seen online and actually bring it to life, Kelle said. This is an advantage for clients instead of ordering pieces online.

“On the Internet there are no design services,” Kelle said. “A guy drops it off and you’re putting it together. In our relationship, our strengths are that we have trained professionals that can go out on house calls immediately and change your life.”

This combination of both being able to offer anything a client could possibly want with the human touch is something Kelle said Tuscany is doing to marry the lifestyles.

“Everything is instant,” Kelle said. “We saw that if we’re going to survive in this business, we can offer people the information in the way they want it. We can see what hap-

pened to us in the past, and the visions that will come out of that are dictated by what we learn. Knowledge is everything in this business. Being able to give the accessibility is the key. The future is a business that runs like we run it now.”

Even with the human touch, the designers are still getting into technology as some of them use a 3-D design software. Kelle himself has multiple devices in his office to keep up with the ongoing evolving technological world.

“That’s how everyone’s lives are,” Kelle said. “Now we’ve taken the professional design organization that we’ve built over the past 20 years (and) we’ve intertwined that with technology” One of the company’s designers, Peter Benedetto, said even with all the technology that Tuscany prides itself on, it’s still is a familyowned business that’s all about customer service.

“Most of our clients that come in, after their second visit they feel like they’re coming to family,” Benedetto said.

One of those clients is Beverly Wiley who has been a client since 2004. She had just built a house in Cumming and was looking to furnish the house when she found Tuscany.

The design was so compelling that when Wiley recently sold her house, the buyers requested to keep all the furniture. Wiley relocated to Buckhead and once again hired Tuscany to start from scratch designing her new home to match her new city lifestyle.

“They’ve become more than decorators, they’ve become friends to me,” Wiley said. “They listen to what I have to say and my personality gets to shine through. They let me pick what I like and they work with that instead of telling me no or if they don’t like something. I tell people there’s not a lot of pressure there. They work with you, not against you. They don’t push you in a direction you don’t want to go.”

And the combination of technology with a human feel is clearly paying off as Tuscany has had its best month in terms of sales over the past 12 years.

“It’s just beautiful,” Kelle said. “We’ve never looked so good. It’s been a fun and bumpy ride but we are poised and happy to go forward.”

CONTINUED

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 25

Meet the designers

Peter Benedetto

Riccardo Apreda

Jill Awbrey

Cherri Campbell

Jenny McClanahan

How long have you been with Tuscany?

Over a year Why did you want to be a designer? I think it’s something you have a passion for. It’s something that artistically I was always drawn to and I think it started when I was really young. It was an inborn passion.

What is your favorite upcoming trend? Future, simplicity with almost a Zen feeling. But from a retail standpoint, if you think minimalist it’s kind of scary. We’re also seeing a lot of people go through renovations wanting to bring their house more up to date.

There are some beautiful older neighborhoods.

They’re renovating them and giving them a fresh, updated look.

How long have you been with Tuscany?

Five months Why did you want to be a designer? I’ve always had a passion for architecture and design. I was born and raised in Italy and actually received a law degree first, but I always had a passion for design. I took classes and went to Milan and Rome to see in person what was most popular at the time. Then I kept nurturing this passion that I had.

What is your favorite upcoming trend? People are looking into going more transitional, even the older people. They don’t want to be old and traditional. They see their children getting married and building beautiful homes and they want to add their own changes and get a new style.

How long have you been with Tuscany?

Three years Why did you want to be a designer? Passion and divorce. I had done designing my whole life. When I got my divorce, I decided to get my actual degree in design. I had my own interior design business and I was in Tuscany a lot and ended up working here.

What is your favorite upcoming trend? We’re seeing the spa and serene look becoming more popular. I think people are becoming bored with the monochromatic look. They want deeper versions of the colors that were popular.

Like the light blues are becoming teal blue, or light gray is a bit deeper. Mixing gold and gray together is also becoming popular. You need to be able to mix metals. People are afraid to mix, but you can do it and it’ll look great. It gives you more of a designer look.

How long have you been with Tuscany?

Two and a half years.

Why did you want to be a designer? It’s something I’ve always done.

Even in my early 20s, I hung artwork for friends in their homes. It’s a matter of taste and lifestyle and what works for them.

What is your favorite upcoming trend? In terms of focusing on where people live, such as kitchens, keeping room, master bedroom, etc., the main focus is on enlarging those areas and keeping room areas to where the family can really be together.

How long have you been with Tuscany?

Four years Why did you want to be a designer? My daughter was working here at the time. She’d been here for a long time. I’d always had an interest in design. I was a floral designer for 35 years. I’ve always been able to put colors together. As you’re here longer, you learn constantly.

I love putting things together and making people happy.

It’s the most important thing.

You learn something new every day here.

What is your favorite upcoming trend? I love anything that has a transition look about it. I like an eclectic type of look with different colors and metals. People have a lifetime of things in their home. You want to keep those things present along with the new things coming.

It’s a blend and becomes more eclectic and transitional.

I can’t see us going too far out of the middle of the road.

The younger people are really enjoying the lighter colors.

We’re in good shape where we are.

Get social Connect with Tuscany Fine Furnishings online: tuscanyfine furnishings.com facebook.com/ Tuscanyfinefurnishings instagram.com/ tuscanyfinefurnishings pinterest.com Tuscany is located at 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 315, Roswell, Ga. 30076 Showroom Floor: 770-993-0640, Ext. 2

26 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

Best of North Fulton

& South Forsyth 2015 For eight years, Appen Media Group has been putting on a “Best of the Best” contest for North Fulton and South Forsyth businesses, as voted on by our readers.

Every year we tweak here and there to make the contest as significant and relevant as possible.

For the first time in 2013, we had an awards banquet to honor and recognize the 2013 winners, an event made possible by several local business sponsors.

We had over 200 business owners, leaders and employees join us as we sampled some of the area’s finest food and drink, heard from Mark Toro, the developer of Avalon in Alpharetta and of course announced the winners and handed out their certificates of recognition.

This year we plan to throw the event again, and the attendees will be delighted with the changes.

Below is the list of the Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth 2015 Medical winners.

MEDICAL

770-518-0770 100percentchiropractic.com

770-771-6591 johnscreekdermatology.com

Best Assisted Living

Best Cosmetic Surgery

Runner-Up: Hamilton Dermatology Dr. Tiffani Hamilton 11800 Atlantis Place Alpharetta, Georgia 30022 770-360-8881 hamiltonderm.com

Winner: Benton House Alpharetta – 678-319-3000 Johns Creek – 770-754-5446 Sugar Hill – 770-904-0099 Woodstock – 678-494-4500 Roswell – 770-993-8040 bentonhouse.com Runner-Up: Sunrise Alpharetta: 770-475-6622 Johns Creek: 770-814-0505 Roswell: 770-649-1499 sunriseseniorliving.com

Best Audiologist

Winner: Johns Creek Audiology Dr. Deborah Woodward 4045 Johns Creek Pkwy., Suite B Johns Creek, GA 30024 770-814-1260 yourhearinglink.com

Best Chiropractic Winner: Willis Chiropractor 317 North Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-740-8740 willischiropractic.com

Runner-Up: 100% Chiropractic 11030 Medlock Bridge Road #230 Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-694-1113 920 Marietta Hwy, Suite 300 Roswell, GA 30075

Winner: Milan Eye Center 6300 Hospital Pkwy Suite 325 Johns Creek, GA 30097 970 Sanders Rd Suite 100 Cumming, GA 30041 470-326-0330 milaneyecenter.com

Runner-Up: Luna Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 216 Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-892-7820 lunaplasticsurgery.com

Best Dentist

Winner: Center for Advanced Dentistry Dr. Ushma Patel 6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500 Suwanee, GA 30024 770-623-8750 johnscreeksedationdentist.com Runner-Up:

Roswell Dental Care Dr. David Remaley 1570 Old Alabama Rd., Suite 102 Roswell, GA 30076 470-375-9241 roswelldentalcare.com

Best Dermatologist

Winner: Johns Creek Dermatology Dr. Shereen Timani 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 100 Johns Creek, GA 30097

Best ENT

Winner: Ear, Nose and Throat Institute (ENT Institute) 3330 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 240 Alpharetta, GA 30005 6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 100 Suwanee, GA 30024 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 490 Cumming, GA 30041 770-740-1860 entinstitute.com Runner-Up: North Fulton Ear, Nose and Throat Associates Dr. Roy Schottenfield Cumming: 770-886-5821 Roswell: 770-343-8675 northfultonent.com

Best Family Practice

Winner: North Atlanta Primary Care Multiple area locations 770-442-1911 northatlantaprimarycare.com Runner-Up:: Johns Creek Dermatology and Family Medicine Dr. Zack Charkawi

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6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 100 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-771-6591 johnscreekfamilypractice.com

Best Holistic/ Alternative Medicine

Winner: The Center for Advanced Medicine Dr. Jonathan Stegall 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 207 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-551-2730 advanced-med.com Runner-Up: TIED Advanced Medicine & Longevity Center, L.L.C. Dr. Michael Milton 6030 Bethelview Rd., Suite 403 Cumming, GA 30040 770-205-6068 drmilton.net Runner-Up: TIED 100% Chiropractic 11030 Medlock Bridge Road #230 Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-694-1113 920 Marietta Hwy, Suite 300 Roswell, GA 30075 770-518-0770 100percentchiropractic.com

Best Home Care for Seniors

Winner: Senior Helpers 294 South Main Street, Suite 500 Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-857-2209 seniorhelpers.com/northatlanta

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 27

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth 2015 Runner-Up: Easy Living Services 120 Prospect Place Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-727-1486 easylivingservices.com

Best Internal Medicine

Winner: TIED Alpharetta Internal Medicine Roswell: 770-475-2377 Cumming: 770-475-2377 alpharettainternalmed.com Winner: TIED Internal Medicine Associates of Johns Creek Dr. Samantha Benson 3340 Paddocks Parkway Suwanee, GA 30024 678-474-9633 imajohnscreek.com Runner-Up: Johns Creek Dermatology and Family Medicine Dr. Zack Charkawi 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 100 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-771-6591 johnscreekfamilypractice.com

Best Nutritionist

Winner: Dr. Sean Savedoff, the Thyroid Coach 11040 Crabapple Road Roswell, GA 3007 770-731-9410 drsavedoff.com Runner-Up: The Center for Advanced Medicine Dr. Jonathan Stegall 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 207 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-551-2730 advanced-med.com

Best OBGYN

Winner: Roswell OBGYN Roswell Obstetrics & Gynecology 11975 Morris Road, Suite 200 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-751-3600 roswellobgyn.org Runner-Up: Peachtree Women‘s Clinic Alpharetta: 770-521-2295 Atlanta: 404-255-8022 Cumming: 770-888-0188 peachtreewomensclinic.com

28 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

Best Oncology

Winner: Dr. Stephen Szabo – Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30342 1-888-WINSHIP Runner-Up: Atlanta Cancer Care Dr. Thomas E. Seay Multiple area locations Cumming: 770-205-5292 atlantacancercare.com

Best Ophthalmologist

Winner: Milan Eye Center 6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 325 Johns Creek, GA 30097 970 Sanders Rd, Suite 100 Cumming, GA 30041 470-326-0330 milaneyecenter.com Runner-Up: Thomas Eye Group Multiple area locations 678-892-2020 thomaseye.com

Best Optometrist

Winner: Milan Eye Center 6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 325 Johns Creek, GA 30097 970 Sanders Rd, Suite 100 Cumming, GA 30041 470-326-0330 milaneyecenter.com Runner-Up: Suresight Eyecare 3975 Old Milton Pkwy, Suite 2 Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-624-7766 suresighteyecare.com

Best Orthodontist

Winner: Jordan Orthodontics Dr. Jefferey Jordan 4205 North Point Pkwy., Bldg. B Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-751-1240, jwjordan.com Runner-Up: James B. Gray Orthodontics 10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 240 Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-6292, creatingsmiles.net

Best Pediatrician

Winner: Georgetown Pediatrics Alpharetta: 770-475-2233

Cumming: 770-889-9142 Dunwoody: 770-392-6555 Johns Creek: 770-814-8883 georgetownpediatrics.com Runner-Up: Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C. Alpharetta: 770-751-0800 Crabapple: 770-343-9900 Cumming: 770-888-2882 roswellpediatrics.com

Best Podiatrist

Winner: Village Podiatry Centers Dr. Andrew Warner Alpharetta: 678-867-7053 Cumming: 770-889-9596 Johns Creek: 770-232-5030 Norcross: 770-449-1122 Roswell: 770-663-8011 villagepodiatrycenters.com

Best Urgent Care

Winner: Bethany Bend Urgent Care 13081 Highway 9, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-521-6690 bethanybendurgentcare.com Runner-Up:: MedPost Urgent Care Multiple area locations Alpharetta: 770-343-6364 medpost.com

Best Urologist

Winner: Georgia Urology Cumming: 770-889-9737 Johns Creek: 678-417-0400 Alpharetta: 770-772-4427 Roswell: 770-475-7550 gaurology.com

Best Vein Specialists

Winner: Veininnovations 4255 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suite D Suwanee, GA 30024 678-731-9815 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Suite 340 Atlanta, GA 30324 678-731-9815 veininnovations.com Runner-Up: Vein Center of North Georgia, LLC Dr. Laura Garvey 5755 North Point Pkwy, Suite 214 Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-664-5713 veincenterofnorthgeorgia.com

Recreation Best Art Studio

Winner: Johns Creek Arts Center 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd # 700, Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-623-8448, johnscreekarts.org Runner-Up: Art & Beyond Studio 8560 Holcomb Bridge Rd Ste 102, Alpharetta 770-954-6102 aandbartstudioalpharettaga.com

Best Dance Lesson

Winner: Tolbert-Yilmaz School of Dance 10400 Alpharetta St, Roswell, GA 30075, 770-998-0259 tysod.com Runner-Up: N-Step Dance Academy 2623 Peachtree Pkwy #200, Suwanee, GA 30024, nstepdanceacademy.com 770-886-6500

Best Date Night

Winner: Avalon 2200 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, GA 770-765-1000, experienceavalon.com Runner-Up: Art & Beyond Studio 8560 Holcomb Bridge Rd Ste 102, Alpharetta 770-954-6102 aandbartstudioalpharettaga.com

Best Day Spa

Winner: Youthtopia Med Spa 3665 Old Milton Pkwy #30, Alpharetta 770-772-4806 youthtopiamedspa.com Runner-Up: Spa Sydell Multiple Atlanta locations spasydell.com

Best Entertainment Venue

Winner: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park 2200 Encore Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 404-733-5010, vzwamp.com Runner-Up: Main Event Entertainment 10700 Davis Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30009 mainevent.com

Best Family Activity

Winner: Art & Beyond Studio 8560 Holcomb Bridge Rd Ste 102, Alpharetta 770-954-6102 aandbartstudioalpharettaga.com

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth 2015 Runner-Up: Pinot’s Palette 11720 Medlock Bridge Road #175, Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-783-1783 pinotspalette.com/JohnsCreek

Best Festival

Best Group/ Corporate Activity

Winner: Top Golf 10900 Westside Pkwy, Alpharetta 770-217-0513 topgolf.com/us/alpharetta/

Winner: Taste of Alpharetta City of Alpharetta, Special Events Department 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009 alpharetta.ga.us

Runner-Up: Pinot’s Palette 11720 Medlock Bridge Road #175, Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-783-1783 pinotspalette.com/JohnsCreek

Runner-Up: Alive After Five roswellgov.com

Runner-Up: Urban Escape Games 20 Mansell Ct E #275, Alpharetta, GA 30076, 678-805-2189 urbanescapegames.com/

Runner-Up: Roswell Arts Festival roswellgov.com

Best Golf Course

Best Gym/Workout Facility

Winner: Country Club of Roswell 2500 Club Springs Dr, Roswell, GA 30076, 770-475-7800 Ccroswell.com

Winner: Lift Yoga and Barre Studio 501 S. Main Street Suite 101 Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 (404) 906–8233 liftyogastudio.com

Runner-Up: Alpharetta Athletic Club 3430 Hwy 9, Alpharetta, GA 770-475-2300 alpharettaac.com

Runner-Up: Just About Me Fitness 4620 Kimball Bridge Rd Suite 5 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770.559-7555 Jam.fitness

Winner CPA

Santi & Associates

Best Hotel/Lodging

Winner: Ritz Carlton 181 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, ritzcarlton.com Runner-Up: Marriott 5750 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30005, (866) 316-7267 marriott.com

Best Kid Party

Winner: Art & Beyond Studio 8560 Holcomb Bridge Rd Ste 102, Alpharetta 770-954-6102 aandbartstudioalpharettaga.com Runner-Up: Pinot’s Palette 11720 Medlock Bridge Road #175, Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-783-1783 pinotspalette.com/JohnsCreek

Best Public Park

Winner: Roswell Area Park 10495 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 770-641-3760 roswellgov.com Winner: Wills Park

Runner-Up: Newtown Park 3150 Old Alabama Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-512-3200 johnscreekga.gov

Best Staycation

Winner: Lake Lanier Islands 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway Buford, GA 30518 770-945-8787 lanierislands.com Runner-Up: Ritz Carlton 181 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 ritzcarlton.com

Best Theatre

Winner: Avalon Regal Cinemas 3950 1st Street Alpharetta, GA 678-292-5031 regmovies.com Runner-Up: Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest Street Roswell, GA 30075 roswellgov.com

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www.imagemaids.com Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 29

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth 2015 Best Wedding Venue

Winner: The Metropolitan Club 5895 Windward Pkwy Alpharetta, GA 678-527-2000 themetropolitanclub.net Runner-Up: Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA 30075 770-992-2055 chattnaturecenter.org Runner-Up: Naylor Hall 1121 Canton Street Roswell, Georgia 30075 770-642-9409 naylorhall.com

Restaurants Best All-Around Restaurant Winner: Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490, villagetavern.com Runner-Up: BurgerFi 5475 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-817-4656 Burgerfi.com

Best Bar-B-Cue

Winner: ‘Cue 1370 Buford Hwy, Cumming, GA 30041, 770-888-1048 13700 Hwy 9 N, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-667-0089 5260 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 (470) 299-5117 cuebarbeque.com Runner-Up: Smokejack Southern Grill & BBQ 3130 Ronald Reagan Blvd Cumming, GA 30041 678-845-1565

Best Breakfast

Winner: J.Christopher’s Roswell (770-817-0200), Crapabble (678-822-0129) & Alpharetta (770-7408571) locations jchristophers.com Runner-Up: Another Broken Egg Café Multiple Atlanta Area Locations anotherbrokenegg.com

30 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

Best Brew Pub

Winner: Hop Alley Brew Pub 25 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-696-2097 hopalleybrew.com Runner-Up: 5 Seasons Brewing Multiple Atlanta locations 5seasonsbrewing.com

Best Burger

Winner: BurgerFi 5475 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-817-4656, Burgerfi.com Runner-Up: Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490, villagetavern.com

Best Business Lunch

Winner: Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490, villagetavern.com Runner-Up: BurgerFi 5475 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-817-4656 Burgerfi.com Runner-Up: Fry Me 2 the Moon 5155 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678-691-1613 fryme2themoon.com

Best Casual Dining Winner: Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490 villagetavern.com

Runner-Up: BurgerFi 5475 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-817-4656 Burgerfi.com

Best Dessert

Winner: Alpine Bakery and Trattoria 12315 Crabapple Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-410-9883 alpinebakeryandtrattoria.com Runner-Up: Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490, villagetavern.com

Best Donuts

Winner: Da Vinci’s Donuts 131 S Main St,Suite F, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 678-392-2523 davincisdonuts.com

Runner-Up: Dutch Monkey Doughnuts 3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd #502, Cumming, GA 30041 404-482-3650 dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com

Best Seafood

Best Family Dining

Runner-Up: Atlantic Seafood Company 2345 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 770-640-0488 atlanticseafoodco.com

Runner-Up: Fry Me 2 the Moon 5155 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-691-1613 fryme2themoon.com

Best Steak

Best Fine Dining

Runner-Up: Pampas Steakhouse 10970 State Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 678-339-0029 pampassteakhouse.com

Winner: Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490, villagetavern.com

Winner: Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490, villagetavern.com Runner-Up: Cabernet Steakhouse 5575 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-777-5955 cabernetsteakhouse.com/

Best Happy Hour

Winner: Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490, villagetavern.com Runner-Up: OTP Tap & Grill 1475 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell, Georgia 33076 678-585-0067 otproswell.com

Best Patio Dining

Winner: Village Tavern 11555 Rainwater Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6490, villagetavern.com Runner-Up: Taco Mac Multiple Atlanta locations tmacrestaurants.com

Best Pizza

Winner: Fry Me 2 the Moon 5155 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-691-1613 fryme2themoon.com

Winner: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 11655 Haynes Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA, 770-777-1500 ruthschris.com

Best Sushi

Winner: Sushi Nami 5316 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678-566-3889 Sushinami.com Runner-Up: Kona Grill 5100 Avalon Blvd Alpharetta, GA 470-226-1540 konagrill.com

Retail Best Antiques

Winner: Queen of Hearts Antiques & Interiors 670 N Main St Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-7571 queenofheartsantiques-interiors.com Runner-Up: City Antiques & Interiors 700 Holcomb Bridge Road Suite 100 Roswell GA 30076 770-645-2525 Cityantiques.com

Best Appliances/Electronics

Winner: Mondo Pizza Kitchen 14155 Highway 9, Milton, GA 30004 770-680-4452 mondopizzakitchen.com/

Winner: Best Buy 975 North Point Drive Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-339-1321 stores.bestbuy.com

Runner-Up: Crust Pasta & Pizzeria 131 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6789, crust-pizzeria.com

Runner-Up: Fry’s Electronics 3065 Webb Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-280-0550 frys.com

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth 2015 Best Art Gallery

Winner: Ann Jackson Gallery 932 Canton St Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-4783 annjacksongallery.com Runner-Up: Sedgewick Gallery 61 Roswell St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-281-9998 sedgwickgallery.com Runner-Up: Taylor Kinzel Gallery 16 Elizabeth Way, Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-3555

Best Beverage Store

Winner: Total Wine & More 380 North Point Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30022, totalwine.com Runner-Up: Red’s Package Store 270 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-664-7337

Best Boutique

Winner: Honey & Hazel Boutique 7391 North Point Parkway, Suite 1440, Alpharetta, Georgia, 678-585-0065 Shophoneyandhazel.com

Runner-Up: The Drake Closet 825 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075 678-682-3551 thedrakehouse.org/the-drake-closet/

Best Florist

Best Consignment Store

Runner-Up: Alpharetta Flower Market 3 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-475-4515, Natures-rainbow.com

Winner: The Drake Closet 825 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075 678-682-3551 thedrakehouse.org/the-drake-closet/ Runner-Up: Kid to Kid 11770 Haynes Bridge Rd #601, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 770-807-3245 535 Highway 9, Cumming, GA 30040 770-888-8500 5900 State Bridge Rd Duluth, GA 30097, 770-495-4888, kidtokid.com

Best Farmer’s Market

Winner: Don’s Farmers Market 2152 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Ga 30041, 770-377-7334 Runner-Up: Alpharetta Farmers Market Canton Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-402-5389 alpharettafarmersmarket.com

Winner: Flowers From Us 825 Mayfield Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-640-6007, flowersfromus.net

Best Furniture

Winner: Paul Martin Interiors 405 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 135 Cumming, GA 30041 678-947-4899 paulmartininteriors.com Runner-Up: Tuscany Fine Furnishings 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, GA , 770-993-0640 tuscanyfinefurnishings.com

Best Interior Design

Winner: Paul Martin Interiors 405 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 135 Cumming, GA 30041 678-947-4899 paulmartininteriors.com Runner-Up: Home Expressions

Best Jewelry Store

Winner: Iroff & Son Jewelers 3960 Old Milton Pkwy #300, Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-751-7222, Iroff.com Runner-Up: Honey & Hazel Boutique 7391 North Point Parkway, Suite 1440, Alpharetta, Georgia 678.585.0065 Shophoneyandhazel.com

Best Kids Store

Winner: Kid to Kid 11770 Haynes Bridge Rd #601, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 770-807-3245 535 Georgia 9, Cumming, GA 30040 770-888-8500 5900 State Bridge Rd Duluth, GA 30097, 770-495-4888 Runner-Up: Once Upon a Child 580 E Crossville Rd #370, Roswell, GA 30075 678-461-8450 onceuponachildatlanta.com

Thank you for Voting!

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Alpharetta – Cumming • www.ariasalons.net – 770.475.8111 Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 31

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth 2015 Best Local Store

Winner: Honey & Hazel Boutique 7391 North Point Parkway, Suite 1440, Alpharetta, Georgia 678-585-0065 Shophoneyandhazel.com Runner-Up: The Drake Closet 825 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075 678-682-3551 thedrakehouse.org/the-drake-closet/

Best Shopping/ Entertainment Plaza

Winner: Avalon 2200 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta, GA 770-765-1000 experienceavalon.com Runner-Up: The Collection at Forsyth 410 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30041 770-781-0333 collectionforsyth.com

Services Best Auto Service/Repair Winner: Extra Mile Tire Pros 2875 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-566-6627 Extramiletirepros.com Runner-Up: Japanese Automotive Professional Service 369 Maxwell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-740-0114 japaneseautomotive.com

Best Bakery

Winner: Alpine Bakery & Trattoria 12315 Crabapple Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-410-9883 alpinebakeryandtrattoria.com Runner-Up: Great Harvest Bread Co. Johns Creek 770-622-0222 Alpharetta 678-209-2229 greatharvest.com

Best Bank

Winner: KeyWorth Bank Johns Creek Financial Center (Main Office) 11655 Medlock Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-418-2772

32 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

keyworthbank.com Alpharetta Financial Center 9925 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-753-2300 Cumming Lending Office 202 Tribble Gap Road, STE 103 Cumming, GA 30040 770-814-5300 Runner-Up: Wells Fargo Multiple area locations wellsfargo.com

Best Car Wash

Winner: Cactus Car Wash 12905 Highway 9, Milton, GA 30004 770-343-9960 Cactuscarwash.com Runner-Up: Mammoth Hand Car Wash & Detail Salon 255 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 770521-0300 and 2145 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 770-521-0599 mammothdetail.com

Best Caterer

Winner: Talk of the Town 30 Woodstock St Roswell, GA 30075 770-594-1567 talkofthetownatlanta.com Runner-Up: Fancy Pantry 10595 Old Alabama Road Connector Suite 17 Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-650-6544 fancypantry.com/

Best CPA

Winner: Santi & Associates 4010 Old Milton Parkway Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-623-4440, santicpa.com Runner-Up: Robin McIntire 555 Sun Valley Dr F-2 Roswell, GA 30076 770-552-9410 rrmcpa.com

Best Deck Builder

Winner: DeckPro 974 Buford Drive Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043 770-682-DECK (3325) atlantadeckpro.com

Best Hair Salon

Winner: Aria Salon 10 Roswell Street, Suite 100

Alpharetta, GA 30009 410 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 4118 Cumming, GA 30041 7770-875-8111 ariasalonspa.com/

Best IT Service

Runner-Up: Joseph & Friends Locations in Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Cumming, and Milton.

770-993-0058 josephandfriends.com

Runner-Up: ASD

Best Handyman

Winner: Trusted Toolbox 2885 N. Berkeley Lake Rd. Duluth, GA 30096 770-623-3097 thetrustedtoolbox.com Winner: The Honey Do Service, Inc. 221 Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-0515 Honeydoservice.net

Best Heating & Air

Winner: Reliable Heating & Air 11075 Hwy 92 Woodstock, GA 30188 770-594-9969 reliableair.com Runner-Up: Cool Ray Multiple Atlanta Locations 770-421-8400, Coolray.com

Best Independent Living Winner: Benton House Alpharetta: 678-319-3000 Johns Creek: 770-754-5446 Sugar Hill: 770-904-0099 Woodstock: 678-494-4500 Roswell: 770-993-8040 bentonhouse.com Runner-Up: Sunrise Assisted Living Multiple Atlanta locations sunriseseniorliving.com

Best Information Services Winner: Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau Park Plaza 178 South Main Street Suite 200 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-2811 awesomealpharetta.com

Runner-Up: Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau 617 Atlanta St, Roswell, GA 30075 800-776-7935 Visitroswellga.com

Winner: Carmichael Consulting 319 N Main St #200, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 678-719-9671 carmichaelconsulting.com

Best Landscaper

Winner: Rucker Landscaping 200 Crystal Springs Ln, Canton, GA 30115 770-781-2998 ruckerlandscaping.com

Best Law Firm

Winner: Hipes & Belle Isle Law Group 178 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-664-6699, Hbilawfirm.com Runner-Up: Campbell & Brannon 2475 Northwinds Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-521-1180 Campbellandbrannon.com

Best Maid Service Winner: Image Maids 271 N Main St Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-475-8700 imagemaids.com 2499 Palm Street #300 Canton, GA 30115 770-627-4670 Runner-Up: Maid Pro 1056 Branch Drive Alpharetta, GA, 30004 678-242-0040 maidpro.com

Best New Car Sales Winner: Roswell Infiniti 11405 Alpharetta Hwy. Roswell, GA 30076 770-625-8500 roswellinfiniti.com

Runner-Up: RBM of Alpharetta 345 McFarland Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-637-2333 rbmofalpharetta.com

Best Pet Day Care

Winner: Camp Bow Wow 1755 Grassland Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678-807-8505 campbowwow.com 1755 Grassland Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 678-807-8505 campbowwow.com

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth 2015 Runner-Up: The Barker Lounge 5165 Atlanta Hwy #201, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-410-1364 thebarkerlounge.com

Runner-Up: Superior Plumbing Roswell, GA 30075, 770-993-7586 superiorplumbing.com

Best Pet Services

Winner: Primrose Alpharetta 315 Henderson Village Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-664-7508 welcome.primroseschools.com

Winner: Camp Bow Wow 1755 Grassland Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678-807-8505 campbowwow.com Runner-Up: Pet Lodge Pet Resort 3456 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-475-3455 Petlodge.us

Best Photographer

Winner: Abby Breaux Photography 678-787-6060, abbybreaux.com

Best Pre-School/Day Care

Runner-Up: Kids R Kids #28 Alpharetta 3455 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA , 770-442-3400 kidsrkids28alpharetta.com

Best Printer

Runner-Up: Clayton CameraCraft 352 Pebble Trail, Alpharetta, GA 30009 atlantaphotographer.com

Winner: Alpharetta Print & Sign 9305 Industrial Trce, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678-366-9018 alpharettaprintsign.com

Best Plumber

Best Private K-12

Winner: Pete’s Plumbing 2280 Justin Trl Ste D, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-442-3934 petesplumbinginc.com

Winner: Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30041, 770-888-4477 pinecrestacademy.org

Trusted dental care

Runner-Up: King’s Ridge Christian School 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-754-5738 kingsridgecs.org

Best Travel Agency/Service

Best Private Primary School

Winner: Redfern 170 Mansell Pl, Roswell, GA 30076 770-518-0633 redferntree.com

Winner: Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30041, 770-888-4477 pinecrestacademy.org Runner-Up: King’s Ridge Christian School 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-754-5738 kingsridgecs.org

Best Realtor

Winner: The Kloster Group Harry Norman, REALTORS North Fulton Office, 7855 North Point Parkway, Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30022 harrynorman.com, 678-461-8700 Runner-Up: Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty 1125 Sanctuary Parkway Alpharetta, GA, 404-735-3574 atlantafinehomes.com

Winner: AAA Travel Service Multiple Atlanta locations autoclubsouth.aaa.com

Best Tree Service

Runner-Up: 404CutTree (404) 288-8733 404cuttree.com

Best Used Car Sales Winner: Carmax 11450 Alpharetta Hwy. Roswell, GA 30076 866-375-8310 carmax.com

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Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 33

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3. Cogburn Road Park (5 acres) 12825 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta 4. Crabapple Government Center/Arts Center 12624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta

LEGEND Arboretum

Football Fields

Playground

Arts/Crafts Rooms

Garden

Pool

Bandstand

Gymnasium

Skate Park

Baseball Fields

Historic Monuments

Soccer Fields

Basketball Courts

Hockey Rink

Softball Fields

Camping Area

Lacrosse Fields

Stables, Show Rings

Disc Golf Course

Meeting Rooms

Tennis Courts

Docks/ Decks

Multi-purpose Courts

Volleyball Courts

Dog Park

Picnic Pavilion/ Tables

Walking Trails/ Paths

34 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

5. North Park (109 acres) 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta 6. Rock Mill Park 3100 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta 7. Union Hill Park (12 acres) 1590 Little Pine Trail, Alpharetta 8. Webb Bridge Park (190 acres) 4780 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta

9. Wills Park (120 acres) 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta

10. Wills Park Recreation Center 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta 11. Windward Soccer Facility (3 acres) 6435 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta

Forsyth Parks: (770) 781-2215 • forsythco.com

Johns Creek Parks: (678) 512-3200 • johnscreekga.com

1. Bennet Park (29 acres) 5930 Burruss Mill Road, Cumming

1. Autrey Mill (46 acre) 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek

2. Caney Creek Preserve (63 acres) 2755 Caney Road, Cumming 3. Central Park (85 acres) 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming 4. Charleston Park (154 acres) 5850 Charleston Park Road, Cumming 5. Chattahoochee Pointe (100 acres) 5790 Chattahoochee Pointe Drive, Suwanee 6. Chestatee Community Building (3 acres) 6875 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville 7. Coal Mountain Park (26 acres) 3560 Settingdown Road, Cumming 8. Ducktown Park (6 acres) 5895 Heardsville Road, Cumming 9. Fowler Park (85 acres) 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming 10. H aw Creek Park (85 acres) 2205 Echols Road, Cumming 11. J oint Venture Park (16 acres) 3660 Melody Mizer Lane, Cumming

2. Newtown Park (46 acres) 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek 3. Ocee Park (37 acres) 10900 Buice Road, Johns Creek 4. Shakerag Park (66 acres) 10945 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek

Roswell Parks (770) 641-3705 • roswellgov.com 1. Azalea Park (80.95 acres) 203 Azalea Drive, Roswell 2. Big Creek Park (161.1 acres) 1600 Old Alabama Road, Roswell 3. Don White Memorial Park (1.5 acres) 925 Riverside Road, Roswell

4. East Roswell Park (69.8 acres) 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell

5. Garrard Landing Park (22 acres) 8000 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta

12. Midway Park (40 acres) 5100 Post Road, Cumming

6. Grimes Bridge Park (11.3 acres) 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell

13. O ld Atlanta Park ( 39 acres) 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee

7. Hembree Park (34.5 acres) 850 Hebree Road, Roswell

14. P oole’s Mill Park (10 acres) 7725 Poole’s Mill Road, Ballground 15. S awnee Mountain Park (44 acres) 3995 Watson Road, Cumming 16. Sawnee Mountain Preserve (963 acres) 2500 Bettis-Tribble Gap Road, Cumming 17. Shady Grove Campground (107 acres) 7800 Sharon Road, Cumming 18. S haron Springs Park (58 acres) 1950 Sharon Road, Cumming 19. S outh Forsyth Soccer Complex (31 acres) 800 Kemp Road, Suwanee 20. Windermere Park (118 acres) 3355 Windermere Parkway, Cumming 21. Young Deer Creek Park (14 acres) 7300 Heard Road, Cumming

Milton Parks (678) 297-2489 • cityofmiltonga.us 1. Bell Memorial Park (18 acres) 15245 Bell Park Road, Milton

8. Lake Charles Park (0.5 acres) 195 Windflower Court, Roswell 9. Leita Thompson Memorial Park (141.9 acres) 1200 Woodstock Road, Roswell 10. Old Mill Park (42.8 acres) 75 Sloan St., Roswell 11. Riverside Park (20 acres) 575 Riverside Road, Roswell 12. Roswell Area Park (79.6 acres) 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell 13. Roswell River Landing (2.5 acres) 245 Azalea Drive, Roswell 14. Sweet Apple Park (8.152) 11850 Crabapple Road, Roswell 15. Town Square Park (1 acre) 610 South Atlanta St., Roswell 16. Waller Park (16 acres) 250 Oak St., Roswell

2. Birmingham Park (200 acres) 750 Hickory Flat Road, Milton

17. Waller Park Extension (31.3 acres) 160 Dobbs Drive, Roswell

3. Friendship Community Park (1.81 acres) 12785 Birmingham Highway, Milton

18. Woodstock Soccer Complex Park (5 acres) 40 Woodstock Road, Roswell Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 35

Get on the Greenway Greenway to open new phase in Forsyth County

By KATHLEEN STURGEON and SHANNON WEAVER

Greenway rules Trail hours are from March through October – 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and November through February – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Use trail only during permitted hours.

■ No littering.

■ No smoking.

■ No alcohol or drugs.

■ No vehicles, off-road vehicles or golf carts.

No horseback riding.

No camping off of Greenway.

■ All pets on a leash.

■ Pedestrians have the right of way.

■ Greenway is not designed for high-speed use; please do not exceed 15 mph.

■ Please self-monitor speed by not exceeding ■ ■

36 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

110 feet in five seconds.

■ Per Georgia law, no person under the age of 16 years shall operate or be a passenger on a bicycle on a highway, bicycle path, or sidewalk under the jurisdiction or control of this state or any local political subdivision thereof without wearing a bicycle helmet.

The Big Creek Greenway continues to be a resource for the residents of Alpharetta, Roswell and Forsyth County – whether it’s for walking scenic routes, going on a bicycle ride or spending time with pets.

In Fulton County, the Greenway’s sidewalks run alongside Big Creek for about 8 miles in Alpharetta from Marconi Drive to south of Mansell Road. The south end extends to Roswell trails that connect to Big Creek Park. The last part of the Alpharetta Greenway, from Webb Bridge Road to Marconi Drive was completed three years ago.

The Forsyth County portion runs 6.8 miles from Bethelview Road to McFarland Parkway, with paved portions as well as raised

boardwalk on the trail. There are plans to cross Ga. 400 and merge the two parts of the Greenway as well as connect to and expand existing community trail systems.

Greenway expanding in Forsyth Outdoor enthusiasts will have a new place to walk, run or bike in Forsyth County this spring.

The Big Creek Greenway is a linear park with open green spaces for people, as well as natural areas for plants and animals. Most use the space for exercising without having to go to the gym.

The Greenway is a 12-foot wide concrete and boardwalk path through the woods along Big Creek.

Tim Merritt, deputy county manager for Forsyth County,

Legend Exsisting Greenway Planned Greenway Conceptual Greenway River Road Restroom

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ALPHARETTA / ROSWELL 7.2 mi Webb Bridge Road, End of Alpharetta/Roswell Greenway

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Old Milton Parkway Crossing 4.1 mi

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Use the trail only during permitted hours.

■ Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

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■ Cyclists and skaters should wear helmets.

■ Visitors are encouraged to use the buddy system and use the trail in pairs or groups.

■

6.3 mi Bethelview Road, End Forsyth Greenway

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Safety tips

Big Creek

said they expect to open Phase 4 in spring.

“Work has been ongoing for some time,” Merritt said. “In the summer of 2009, we were working on the conceptual plans for Phases 4 and 5. Phase 4 construction contract was awarded to CRS Building Corporation in the amount of $2,874,579.87 on Oct. 17, 2013.”

Currently, the Greenway has three phases located in Forsyth that span from McFarland Parkway to Bethelview Road for approximately 6.8 miles.

“The additional phases are being constructed generally north of the existing trail,” Merritt said. “The intent is to get to Sawnee Mountain.”

The Greenway in Forsyth County will be about 16.1 miles when Phases 4 and 5 are completed, Merritt said, with approximately 6.8 miles contained within Phases 1, 2 and 3.

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 37

Milton planning trail connection Milton is looking to expand its trail system as part of a regional project with the city of Alpharetta and the North Fulton Community Improvement District. A concept plan is being developed to connect paths in Milton to the Alpharetta Big Creek Greenway and the Greenway in Forsyth County.

“The idea was if we could get to some of these existing trail systems, we could expand that on a regional basis,” Milton Public Works director Carter Lucas said. “When we started looking at a regional system, we felt like the opportunity to fund those from a federal standpoint was ultimately going to be more successful because we’d have more people involved.”

Proposed 10- to 12-foot multiuse paths run from Cambridge High School at Bethany Bend and Cogburn Road, along Deerfield Parkway and Marconi Drive, on Webb Bridge Road to Big Creek Greenway and on parts of McGinnis Ferry.

Eventually, they hope to connect the Milton trails to those east of Ga. 400, via a bridge or a tunnel.

38 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

“

“The idea was if we could get to some of these existing trail systems, we could expand that on a regional basis.”

CARTER Lucas, MILTON DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

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Bike Alpharetta gears up

By ISABELLE NGUYEN

in North Fulton

Promotes safe cycling for all riders

Bike Alpharetta, a communitybased, volunteer-run organization founded by Jackie Tyson in the North Fulton area, was originally a concept planned seven years ago with the goal of promoting safe cycling.

Tyson, who also serves on the advisory board, said Bike Alpharetta’s name comes from Bike Roswell, a similar community she was a part of before starting Bike Alpharetta.

Tyson and others meet once a month “off the bike” to discuss safe cycling and safe places to ride. They also provide feedback to the city of Alpharetta on possible improvements to roadways for safer cycling, such as filling potholes and adding proper signage.

One of the group’s biggest events

is coming soon. Bike Alpharetta partners with North Fulton Community Charities on “Bikes for Kids” every year, which is a collection of new or gently used bicycles and tricycles for children in need for the holidays. The bikes and trikes will be cleaned, repaired and then brought to NFCC and their Santa houses on Dec. 5. Bike Alpharetta is hoping to collect 300 bikes this year.

Every Wednesday, weather permitting, Tyson and Bike Alpharetta’s community of cyclists have a group ride with the assistance of Endurance House and Alpha Bikes.

While membership is free, Bike Alpharetta accepts monetary donations as well as members interested in volunteering for the group.

For more information about Bike Alpharetta, visit www.bikealpharetta.org.

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 39

Looking for a little

Sawnee Mountain Preserve

adventure? It could be right around the corner.

By Isabelle Nguyen

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022 The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center is run by the nonprofit Autrey Mill Association and located in Johns Creek. Autrey Mill had its beginnings in 1988, after a community effort was created to save the woodlands from development and cease the demolition of historic sites built on the property.

The process to get Autrey Mill up and running spanned a 25-year period.

The board of the Autrey Mill Association oversaw the project with the help of public and local volunteers.

Autrey Mill’s Heritage Village includes eight different buildings plus a large pole barn located on 46 acres. The Village exhibits present a history of the area from the 1800s to 1950s.

The Visitor Center was built in the 1860s as a three-room tenant home for the Summerour Plantation.

The Summerour House is a Victorian home built in the 1880s. The house has since been renovated and is now used as an event house.

Old Warsaw Church began as a campground about 1822. It has undergone restoration and is currently being used for weddings, meetings and lectures.

Green County Store, originally named the G.W. Green Family Store, was built in the 1920s and was in operation until 1958. The store provided supplies as well as a gathering place for area residents. deBray Chapel was built by the deBray family, the last remaining residents living on the Autrey Mill land. The chapel was built in 1960 and was used for plays and recitals.

Farm Museum was originally a garage built by the deBray family to store equipment. Autrey Mill’s farming equipment is also housed in the Farm Museum.

Tenant Farmhouse was originally occupied by various tenant farmers and their families, who often moved from house to house to find more fertile and productive land to farm. In 1991, it was renovated and now serves as a house

40 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

GO outdoors museum. The current pieces in the home depict how the farmhouse looked when it was originally in use.

Program Barn was built in 1942 by the Abernathy family and renovated in 2004. The Program Barn now holds classes and meetings.

The Pole Barn, a recently built structure, is used for summer camps and picnics.

The Heritage Village buildings are generally only open for special events.

Group guided tours can be arranged.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve 4075 Spot Road Cumming, GA 30040 The Sawnee Mountain Preserve, located in Cumming, has a vast array of recreational activities for the whole family. The Preserve offers instructional and educational classes, including rock climbing, rappelling and backpacking. Environmental classes include the study of botany, birding and nature awareness. Be on the lookout for special events and theater or musical performances held at the amphitheater year-round.

Autrey Mill

Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA 30075 The Chattahoochee Nature Center, located on the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, includes 127 acres of natural plants and gardens that capture the essence of Georgia’s beauty. Founded by local activists in the 1970s, “Atlanta’s Nature Destination” has continued to grow and spread awareness of the natural world for nearly 40 years. The

Chattahoochee Nature Center provides visitors with daily, monthly and special events throughout the year.

Shoot The Hooch 203 Azalea Drive, Roswell, GA 30075 Shoot The Hooch is a rental location in Roswell offering rentals of canoes, kayaks, rafts, tubes and standup paddleboards. Shoot The Hooch is located on the Chattahoochee River.

We Have Exciting News!

In the last five years (2008-2013) which media use is increasing?

47% 48%

17%

Survey Question: “Which of the following news sources would you say that you rely on the most for news about issues and problems in Johns Creek?

18%

15%

13% 5% 5%

Atlanta Journal Constitution

5/2/2013

10/1/2008

Johns Creek Herald

Johns Creek Patch*

9%

7% 3%

Johns TV Stations Creek From Neighbor** Atlanta

1%

Internet

4% Other

4%

5%

Unsure or Refused

APPEN MEDIA newspapers reach 40% more (over 30,000 more homes) in North Fulton / South Forsyth than the next closest competitor and is by far the preferred source for local news. If your business depends on reaching buyers in North Fulton or South Forsyth, we deliver. Why settle for less? Let us connect you. Call now for more advertising information 770-442-3278.

Circulation Comparison

AppenMediaGroup.com Survey of Voter Attitudes in Johns Creek, Georgia conducted from April 30 - May 2, 2013

by The Tarrance Group for the City of Johns Creek. Question #QD7. *Listed as Johns Creek Post in 2008 survey. ** Not included in 2008 survey.

AJC WEEKDAY 16,481

AJC SUNDAY 29,241

NEIGHBOR 43,250

APPEN 75,000

Data based on the following: 2013 CVC Audit for Appen, 2013 ABC Audit for the AJC, 2013 CAC Audit for the Neighbor. Comparison only of circulation in Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, and Forsyth county.

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 41

Fresh from the farm Discover your local farmers market

42 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

By MARLA PRINCE In an effort to improve their diets, many Americans are rediscovering local farmers markets, which give consumers access to locally grown, farm-fresh produce that is often organically grown.

Locally grown offers many benefits to the consumer including fresher food, seasonal food, food that is transported fewer miles, food that has less refrigeration and food that has spent less time in storage. Locally grown also means food that isn’t loaded with toxic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, fungicides or synthetic hormones.

But farmers markets don’t just help Americans eat healthier, they also help communities lower their carbon footprint since the food is not transported as far as when it is shipped to grocery stores. Locally grown food also helps the economy by helping farmers stay in business.

Farmers markets can also reflect local culture by selling items other than fruits and vegetables. At some markets, you might find locally raised honey, grassfed meat, apple cider, free-range eggs, home-baked goods and even arts and crafts.

A visit to your farmers market is also a fun family outing where you can chat with farmers, gardeners, bakers, bee-keepers and soap-makers. Northside residents have their pick of weekend farmers markets including the following:

Alpharetta Farmers Market

Brookwood Farmers Market

Riverside Farmers Market (Roswell)

Cumming Farmers Market

Saturdays through Oct. 12; 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., the corner of Old Canton Street and Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. Fruits, veggies, natural meats, fresh flowers, herbs, homemade desserts, breads, sauces, jellies and soaps and local raw honey. www.alpharetta farmersmarket.com

Saturdays through Sept. 27; 8 a.m. – noon, Roswell City Hall parking lot, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. Fruits and veggies, herbs, flowers and plants, organic compost, artisan cheeses, organic herbal soaps. www.roswellfam.com

Johns Creek Farmers Market

Saturdays through Sept. 7; 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek.

Organic and/or sustainable foods and produce, demonstrations, children’s activities. www.johnscreekga.gov

Every Friday through October; 4 – 7 p.m. Caney Creek Preserve, 2755 Caney Road, Cumming. Locally grown produce, meat, eggs, bread, flowers, soaps and more. Live music and kids’ activities. Started in 2010 by a local mom. www.brookwoodfarmers market.com

Wednesdays and Saturdays through September 7; 6:30 a.m. – noon. Cumming Fairgrounds parking lot, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. Fresh flowers, veggies, baked goods and more. www.cummingfair.net

Avalon

Crabapple

North Point Mall

Shopping

in North Fulton and South Forsyth

By ISABELLE NGUYEN

If you live in the North Fulton or South Forsyth area, there is a variety of great malls, outlets and retail vendors in your neighborhood. For those who like to shop, these local businesses have a lot to offer.

The Collection at Forsyth

Avalon

Alpharetta Avalon is Alpharetta’s newest live, work, play mixed-use development located on Old Milton Parkway that promises luxury living with trendy retail, quality restaurants and entertainment.

North Point Mall

Alpharetta Visit North Point Mall at North Point Circle to see a thriving mall with a wide array of shopping options. Georgia’s only American Girl Boutique and Bistro features special characters, customized dolls and regular events for parents and children. The LEGO store offers innovative displays for children and adult enthusiasts. Anchor department stores and other retailers bring the latest fashions.

The Collection at Forsyth

The Collection offers an outdoor shopping experience. Explore larger stores with your favorite brands as well as smaller boutiques. For the shoe lover, there’s Rack Room and DSW. There are plenty of options for children here with Koo Bear Kids, Justice and Gymboree.

Crabapple

Milton Downtown Crabapple is located a few minutes from downtown Alpharetta, and is a shopping experience to remember. Restaurants here offer different culinary cuisine from Mexican, Irish pub food to BBQ. There are drinks to share all around while visiting Sip Wine and Dine on an eventful day or shopping or to end a great week.

Downton Crabapple has something to offer for all people who enjoy the entire shopping experience.

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 43

winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Set on 45 acres of beautifully-landscaped wooded land, the 12,000seat state-of-the art venue provides a unique setting for music lovers.

Verizon Amphitheater

JOHNS CREEK

CULTURAL SPOTS Forsyth Cumming Playhouse 101 School Street, Cumming, GA playhousecumming.com The Cumming Playhouse is located in the 1923 Cumming Public School, a structure named to the National Register in 2000. A property of the City of Cumming, it also houses the Historical Society of Forsyth County.

The playhouse offers visitors a look into Cumming’s history. Patrons enjoy a variety of plays and concerts as well as playhouse tours.

Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA cummingfair.net The Cumming Fairgrounds offers seasonal fun for the family. In October the Cumming Country Fair and Festival brings the community together for wild rides and tasty food. Rodeos, shows and other festivals keep the fairgrounds hopping in the fall and winter.

Forsyth County Arts Alliance forsythartsalliance.com The Forsyth County Arts Alliance aims to enrich the quality of life in Forsyth by connecting people to the arts.

The Alliance advocates for the arts to keep them thriving in the community.

Lake Lanier lakelanier.org Lake Sidney Lanier was completed in 1957 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Forsyth County operates several parks on the shores of this more than 38,000-acre lake including the popular Shady Grove Campground.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve 4075 Spot Road, Cumming, GA 30040

44 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

sawneemountain.org Located on and around Sawnee Mountain, the 963-acre Sawnee Mountain Preserve offers unique recreational and educational opportunities to the public.

Roswell Canton Street Historic Roswell Canton Street, with its dozens of shops, art galleries, restaurants and sidewalk cafes, is bustling with vitality, having among its many awards the designation as a Great Place In Georgia – Great Street. Explore boutique shops and stores and then stop for a bite to eat in the many award-winning and unique restaurants.

Riverside Park 575 Riverside Road, Roswell, Ga. 30075 roswellgov.com Kids can enjoy the sprayground while adults take advantage of hiking and bike trails as well as the waterfront of the Chattahoochee River. During the warmer months, live concerts are held on the stage and foodtrucks often come by.

Historic Homes – Barrington, Bulloch and Archibald Smith Plantation Home Historic Roswell southerntrilogy.com Dubbed the “Southern Trilogy,” the three historic homes owned by the city - Barrington, Bulloch and Archibald Smith Plantation – all date to the founding of Roswell in the early-tomid 1800s. They are some of the few antebellum mansions still in existence in Atlanta. Barrington Hall was home to the royal family of Roswell, the

Kings; Bulloch Hall was home to Mittie Bulloch, mother to President Teddy Roosevelt.

Roswell Cultural Arts Center 950 Forrest Street, Roswell, Ga. 30075 roswellgov.com This venue hosts theatre, music, dance, puppet shows performances as well pageants, celebrations, special events and exhibits. Many local groups call the 600-seat theatre home.

Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, Ga. 30075 chattnaturecenter.org An interpretive center for the Chattahoochee River, Chattahoochee Nature Center is the oldest and largest private non-profit natural science learning center in the Southeast. This environmental sanctuary encompasses 27 species of native wildlife and 127 acres of native plants and gardens.

Alpharetta Avalon 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta, Ga. experienceavalon.com Located at the intersection of Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway, Avalon is an experience in the timeless art of living well. A luxury community infusing resort-level hospitality throughout a walkable, community of shopping, dining, living and working.

Verizon Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga. 30004 vzwamp.com At the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, you will enjoy performances by today’s leading artists and the Grammy-

Autrey Mill Nature Center and Heritage Center 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek, Ga. 30022 The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Cultural Heritage Center is on 46 acres of ravine forest and a scenic creek. It has 2 miles of walking trails wind past the creek and forest filled with mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a variety of animal life.

It is also home to the Heritage Village comprised of four buildings original to the site and four landmark structures moved from nearby properties. This village and its related exhibit pieces provide an understanding of this area’s proud rural heritage from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s.

Johns Creek Arts Center 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek, Ga. 30097 Johns Creek Arts Center was established in 1996 as a unique partnership between the Fulton County Department of Arts & Culture and the private sector.

Throughout the year, the Center offers over 75 unique classes and workshops for youth, adults and seniors. In addition, the Center hosts the largest summer arts camp in Fulton County and delivers community outreach programs and Girl Scout badge & try-It programs.

Its mission is to inspire artistic development for youth and adults by embracing community and corporate relationships that stimulate creative growth & opportunity.

Its vision is to provide affordable quality cultural arts education to the residents in the vicinity of North Fulton County including, but not exclusive to, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell, Duluth, and Suwanee.

Newtown Park Amphitheater 3150 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, Ga. 30022 johnscreekga.gov The Newtown Park Amphitheater provides a venue for City-sponsored events, such as its summer concerts.

Naturally designed with stacked stone and arches of Southern pine, the 10,600-square-foot open-air amphitheater offers up to 400 seats under cover,

Arts Summit

JC arts community get acquainted Meeting concentrates on performing arts center

By HATCHER HURD When Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Conductor/Director J. Wayne Baughman convened a Cultural Arts Summit Aug. 22 at the St. Ives Country Club, it was not necessarily to talk about getting a performing arts center in the city, but that is what took up most of the summit’s time.

But any real action in that quarter is a long way off. The first order of business was for everyone to introduce

themselves and explain what they did in the arts.

“Getting acquainted with each other is task one,” Baughman said opening the daylong meeting. “We need to forge a new alliance and lay the groundwork for new collaborations.

A cultural arts alliance is the logical entity to center on. The synergies begin here.”

Some 22 or more arts entities were in attendance representing dance, theater, music and art.

HATCHER HURD

Maestro Dennis Assaf, the keynote speaker, tells the story of what time and effort it took to get a $55 million performing arts center built in Louisiana’s Jefferson Parish.

Most in attendance expressed surprise at the number of arts groups represented.

Sharing information was at the top of the to-do list. Baughman called for the creation of a list of performance venues. But chief among what is missing, he said, are those venues that would be provided by a performing arts center, including a theater and concert main stage, a black-box theater of perhaps 300 to 600 seats, rehearsal space, art studios and ceramic studios, and rehearsal space.

“This may just be a $150 million dream, but the first step is to compile information,” Baughman said.

“The Board of Education could own it, the city could own it. But first we need to know who would live there,” he said.

A performing arts center would become an income stream for the city, he said, noting every family who goes to Duluth to see their child dance buys tickets and then eats in Duluth. That is city revenue flowing out of Johns Creek, Baughman said.

Joan Compton, who is on both the Autrey Mill Nature Center Board and the Fulton Arts Council, made available a list and description of 20 sources for arts funding, from endowments to crowd funding.

She also said the Arts Summit was a good start, but should extend its reach. The broader the base of the arts community, the firmer it will stand.

“We need to include writers, poets, filmmakers, comedians and museums,” Compton said.

Margarita Moldovan, founder of Performing Arts North, said the arts community must speak for itself and not let others define its role in the community. She disparaged the idea that the arts must somehow always “pay for itself.”

“Do our parks pay for themselves?

Does Little League baseball pay for itself? We have dozens of athletic fields, but not one for the arts,” Moldovan said. “Art must be essential to the community. Art is not a free market commodity.”

Susan Grissom, board member of the JC Arts Center, said knowledge of the different arts groups in the city was an important step going forward.

“It shows how much the city

already has going for it,” she said. “This can be the start of a grass-roots effort to push for a performing art center.”

The keynote speaker of the day was Louisiana’s Dennis G. Assaf, cofounder, director and conductor for the Jefferson Performing Arts Society in the New Orleans suburbs. He detailed the long, hard road that began in 1978 to realize the dream of a $55 million arts center in his Jefferson Parish community.

He discussed how it was a steady process of cultivating allies in local and state government, the local board of education, and the community at large. He and his supporters began in a 1,300-seat church and garnered standing – and sitting – room only.

“We formed a nonprofit organization with $1,000. Today we have a $55 million performing arts center. We would perform anywhere,” Assaf said.

They gave concerts at Renaissance festivals. They had open-mic community chorus concerts. Wherever they could, they brought the community in to be a part of it.

Elected officials were schmoozed, and if they found one resistant, they gave him or her something to do in the next production. It took years of constant massaging and getting in front of the right people.

Assaf and his supporters first true home began with the use of dilapidated school auditorium.

That was the start. And through it all they kept performing, gaining new fans. This year they have a fine mix of productions: “My Fair Lady,” “Pasta and Puccini,” “Sister Act” and “the Nutcracker” all before New Year’s Day. “It is about developing relationships,” Assaf said. “Make allies of elected officials, involve them. You change the mindset about the arts. People see the arts as a destination,” he said.

When a community has a destination that means people are spending dollars that stay in that community.

That’s what Assaf meant by changing the mindset.

“It’s about perseverance. There are arts consumers out there. They want what you have. The arts get a bad rap because most people are not aware of the economics of the arts,” he said.

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 45

CALENDAR

Forsyth

Play at the Park Family Fun Festival Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming Forsyth County Parks and Recreation annually hosts the Play at the Park Family Fun Festival in September. The festival features a variety of family-friendly entertainment and activities. For more information, visit www.forsythforfamilies. com/tag/fowler-park/.

Forsyth County Senior Expo 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming Forsyth County Senior Services annually hosts the Forsyth Senior Expo at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College. The Senior Expo is an opportunity for senior citizens as well as their families and friends to learn about planning for the future.

Country Fair and Festival 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming Thousands of visitors annually attend the Cumming Country Fair and Festival held at the Cumming Fairgrounds in October. For more information, visit www.cummingfair.net.

Roswell Riverside Sounds 575 Riverside Road, Roswell roswellgov.com/government/departments/recreation-and-parks/events/roswell-riverside-sounds Riverside Sounds is an annual series of six free outdoor concerts held at Riverside Park on the first Saturday of the month from May through October from 7-9 p.m. There will be food trucks at each concert from 6-9 p.m. and guests are also invited to bring their own picnics.

Alive after 5 Every third Thursday April – October, 5-9 p.m.

This event is known as the best street party in the metro Atlanta area. Live music, food, displays and shopping make this event a fun and familyfriendly event. Trolley shuttles guests from the parking lot of City Hall to Canton Street, free of charge. Shops and restaurants offer discounts and specials and live music plays throughout the district.

Youth Day Parade and Festival www.roswellgov.com Begun in 1950, the 65th annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade honors the city’s youths with a parade down Canton Street, ending in a festival at Roswell Area Park. Local schools and civic groups make floats dedicated to a theme.

Before the parade is the Historic 5K road race.

ALPHARETTA Brew Moon Festival Alpharetta This event is rain or shine. Gather your friends and celebrate summer with beer, wine and delicious food from some of Alpharetta’s best restaurants.

Taste of Alpharetta Downtown Alpharetta

46 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015

Taste of Alpharetta Taste of Alpharetta has been an annual tradition for festivalgoers, families and food connoisseurs for 25 years. Mark your calendar to dine in historic downtown Alpharetta at over 50 restaurants in one fun night. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top menus in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities and entertainment to please every palate. Free admission. Food tickets are $.50 each and restaurants participating in the Taste will charge $1-3 per food sample.

A music stage will have harmonic rock, folk and R&B bands. A separate culinary stage will pair top area chefs against one another in contests. Party with metro Atlanta radio stations. Play at the fun zones. Come out and enjoy Alpharetta’s premier dining experience.

Arts Streetfest Milton Avenue and Main Street, Alpharetta Celebrate the arts at one of the city’s most popular events! The streets of historic downtown Alpharetta will be closed as nearly 100 artists, musicians and performers from throughout the U.S. are showcased. Enjoy a beautiful spring weekend as you stroll through outdoor galleries filled with fine art in 14 medium expressions, create children’s art and experience live jazz, Celtic music, cultural dancing and more. Admission and parking are free.

Old Soldiers Day Parade Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza Alpharetta (rainor-shine)

Join us for the Old Soldiers Day Parade and Road Race attracting over 8,000 people each year. The 5K and 10K road race rolls through town and finishes right before the downtown ceremonies and parade that recognizes the memory of all veterans of war. Along with the program and parade, this celebration also features floats, bands, entertainment, children’s activities and prizes. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be available at the American Legion at 201 Wills Road.

Milton Milton Hometown Jubilee Milton’s Hometown Jubilee promises a lot of fun and hometown pride for Milton residents.

Come enjoy dishes and signature cocktails from local restaurants. The event will be held on Broadwell Road in front of the new pavilion.

Farmer’s Market and Food Trucks At the market shoppers can expect fresh local produce, baked goods, honey, crafts and much more — complete with a sumptuous assortment of food trucks and nightly entertainment.

Crabapple Fest 765 Broadwell Road, Milton The City of Milton and nonprofit Crabapple Community Association combine to put on one massive destination festival. Crabapple Fest features antiques and art vendors, music and entertainment, children’s activities, and beer and wine on festival grounds.

Emergency + Community

Resource Table ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

Website

United Way

To find help

211 or 404-614-1000

211online.unitedwayatlanta. org/

North Fulton Community Charities

Help in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton

770-640-0399

www.nfcchelp.org

Community Assistance Center

Help in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody

770-552-4015

DFACS

Food Stamps/TANF/ Medicaid

404-252-2180

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov

FACAA/LIHEAP

Energy Assistance

404-320-0166

www.facaa.org

St. Vincent de Paul

Financial Assistance

770-458-9607

www.svdpatl.org

Did we miss your resource? Contact Susan at 770-442-3278 ex.100 PHONE #

Website

Credit Counseling/ Legal/ Police CredAbility

Consumer Credit Counseling

404-527-7630

www.credability.org

NID Housing Counseling Agency

Foreclosure Information/ assistance

404-612-0405

www.atlhca.com

HOPE

24 Hour HotlineForeclosure assistance

888-995-4673

www.995hope.org

Atlanta Legal Aid

Legal Assistance

404-524-5811

www.atlantalegalaid.org

Anonymous Police Tip Hotline

Roswell – Crime/ Drugs

770-641-3959

www.roswellgov.com

City of Alpharetta

Alpharetta – Crime/Drugs

678-297-6307

www.alpharetta.ga.us

City of Johns Creek

Johns Creek – Crime/Drugs

678-474-1610

www.johnscreekga.gov/ services/police.aspx

www.ourcac.org

Housing & Homeless

PURPOSE

ORGANIZATION

Housing Authority of Fulton Co.

Section 8 and Public Housing

404-730-5841

www.hafc.org

Homestretch/Housing Initiative

Transitional Housing

770-642-9185

www.homestretch.org

City of Milton

Milton Police Department General

678-242-2570

www.cityofmiltonga.us

Roswell Public Housing

Public Housing

770-993-6226

www.roswellhousing.org

Rape Hotline

24 Hour Hotline

770-887-1121

www.fultoncountyga.gov/ contact-us-solicitor

The Drake House

Emergency housing women with children

770-587-4712

www.thedrakehouse.org

Grady Rape Crisis Center

Crisis line

404-616-4861

www.gnesa.org/content/ grady-rape-crisis-center

Metro Fair Housing

Housing Discrimination

404-524-0000

www.metrofairhousing.com

Salvation Army

General Assistance

404-352-3597

www.salvationarmy.org

Fulton County Records

Birth/Death Records

404-613-1260

www.fultoncountyga.gov/ dhw-vital-records

Gateway Center

Emergency Shelter

404-215-6600

www.gatewayctr.org

IRS

Tax Issues

800-829-1040

www.irs.gov

Travelers Aid/Hope Atlanta

Homeless prevention, newcomers

Social Security

Social Security, Disability, SSI

800-772-1213

www.ssa.gov

Tags/Titles

Fulton County Office

404-730-6100

motor.etax.dor.ga.gov

Veterans Administration

VA Health, Housing, Benefits

800-827-1000

www.va.gov

Fulton County Housing & Human Services

Info on County programs

404-613-7944

www.fultoncountyga.gov/ divisions-and-programs

MARTA

bus, rail schedules, fares

404-848-4711

www.itsmarta.com

404-817-7070

www.hopeatlanta.org/

Employment EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Com)

Employment Discrimination

800-669-4000

www.eeoc.gov/field/atlanta

Department of Labor

Unemployment Office

866-873-5676

www.dol.state.ga.us

Family & Childrens Services

Government

A Beacon of Hope

Pregnancy Counseling

678-893-5290

www.abeaconofhope.com

Child Abuse and Neglect

To report abuse

404-699-4399

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/ child-abuse-neglect

Georgia Crisis & Access Line

24 hour -mental health, addiction & crisis service

800-715-4225

bhlweb.com/tabform/

GA Council on Child Abuse

Info, resources

800-532-3208

www.preventchild abusega.org

Public Health (in Alpharetta)

404-332-1958

www.fultoncountyga.gov

Child Support Assistance

Child Support Enforcement

North Fulton Regional Health Center

877-423-4746

dcss.dhs.georgia.gov/

North Fulton Service Center

Common Ground (co-located svcs)

404-612-3917 or 404-612-6372

Families First

Counseling

404-853-2844

www.familiesfirst.org

Fulton County Schools

General Information

404-678-3600

www.fultonschools.org

North Fulton Health Center Grady

Primary Care clinic in NF (Sandy Springs)

404-616-1550

www.gradyhealth system.org/

Fulton Co. School Social Workers

Information

404-763-6774

www.fultonschools.org

Northside Behavioral Health

Mental Health

404-851-8960

www.northside.com/ medical_services

G.E.D.

Enrollment Opportunities at NFCC

678-387-4458

www.nfcchelp.org/ education

Children’s at NorthPoint (Mansell Rd)

pediatric primary care

770-643-1792

www.choa.org/AboutChildrens/Locations-andDirections

Head Start

3-4 Year Olds

678-585-9100

www.georgiaheadstart.org

Good Samaritan Atlanta

primary care clinic downtown

404-523-6571

www.goodsamatlanta. org/

Child Dev. Center North Fulton

Child Care

770-992-4006

www.cdakids.org

Georgia Highlands

primary care clinic serving North GA

678-887-1668

www.georgia highlandsmedical.org

Family Haven (NF & Forsyth)

24 Hour HotlineDomestic Violence

770-887-1121

www. forsythcountyfamilyhaven. info

North Fulton Hospital

Hospital Roswell

770-751-2500

www.nfultonhospital.com

Grady Memorial Hospital

Hospital

404-616-1000

www.gradyhealth.org/

PADV (Partnership Against Domestic Violence)

24 Hour HotlineDomestic Violence

404-873-1766

padv.org/

Scottish Rite (Childrens Hospital)

Pediatric Hospital

404-785-5252

www.choa.org/

Jewish Family and Career Services

Family and Career Counseling

770-677-9300

www.yourtoolsforliving.org

Emory Johns Creek

Hospital - Johns Creek

678-474-7000

www.emoryjohnscreek. com/

Senior Services North Fulton

Meals on Wheels, Transportation

770-993-1906

www.ssnorthfulton.org

Northside Hospital

Hospital - Sandy Springs or Forsyth

404-851-8000

www.northside.com/

St. Joseph Hospital of Atlanta

Hospital - Sandy Springs

404-581-7001

www.stjosephsatlanta.org

Gwinnett Medical Center - Duluth

Hospital

678-312-6800

www.gwinnettmedical center.org

Health

Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015 • 47

Welcome To Alpharetta!

Autumn Leaves at Windward 3300 Webb Bridge Rd

Belle Marisse 11175 Cicero Dr, Ste 100

Boneheads 5815 Windward Pkwy

Credo Financial Services 11175 Cicero Dr, Bldg 200, Ste 575

Exhale 5192 Avalon Blvd

Fidelity Bank 5015 Windward Pkwy

Humble Pie Pizza Company 869 North Main St

Sunrise Detox 4500 North Point Pkwy

TTOM+CHEE OM+CHEE 55815 815 W indward PPkwy kwy Windward

To schedule your ribbon cutting contact ontact 30.

Lillian Morgado at 404-277-4930.

48 • Lifestyles Answer Book™ 2015