Newcomer Magazine | February/March 2014

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February/March CONTENTS FEATURES Lights! Camera! Atlanta! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Atlanta’s Top Health Care Options . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The metro area’s film industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and these fun, informative film tours guide you through the city’s TV and movie history.

We spotlight 10 of the city’s premier hospitals and health systems, featuring first-class trauma, maternity and pediatric care programs, among many others.

Choosing a Summer Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Spectacular Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 There are many great reasons to send your child to camp. We break down the benefits and show you what to look for.

Georgia’s first city is brimming with history and culture, making it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or leisurely vacation.

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In Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Relocation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

The inside scoop on news, events and happenings around Atlanta.

Homes & Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

A comprehensive guide to help you find your way before, during and after your move, including counties, neighborhoods, relocation tips, a map to metro Atlanta and much more.

Finding the right community for your family can be a daunting task. We’ve got a few helpful suggestions, including neighborhoods worth a look.

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Get caught up on the best exhibitions, theatrical productions, special

Neighborhood Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 events and live music across the metro area.

Consistently rated one of the best towns in the country, fast-growing Suwanee offers affordable housing, great entertainment options and a high quality of life that exceeds expectations.

Hidden Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 The High Museum of Art’s newest exhibit, Go West!, showcases art and items that paint a vivid portrait of America’s wild frontier days.

Special Advertising Section: Find Newcomer Newcomer Magazine Magazine on on Facebook Facebook and and Twitter Twitter for for lots lots of of additional additional Find Newcomer Magazine Summer Camp Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Find information before before and and after after your your move, move, from from news news on on deals deals and and events events to to information Atlanta offers many excellent summer camps. Learn more about some of the exceptional options available to Atlanta campers.

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tips on on real real estate, estate, organizing, organizing, events, events, restaurants restaurants and and much much more! more! Facebook: Facebook: tips Follow@NewcomerAtlanta. us for additional information before and after Newcomer Magazine; Magazine; Twitter: Twitter: Newcomer @NewcomerAtlanta. your move, from news on deals and events to tips on real estate, organizing, restaurants and much more!

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PHOTOS: (Center) Courtesy of Grady Health System; (Right) www.visitsavannah.com.

DEPARTMENTS

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We wish to thank all the people who made this publication possible through their valuable time and dedication. We graciously thank our advertisers for their support of Newcomer magazine. ­—PK publisher/president

Patrick Killam

pkillam@killampublishing.com editor

Kevin Forest Moreau editor@killampublishing.com marketing & promotions

Jeff Thompson contributing writers

H.M. Cauley, Sheila Cosgrove, Julie Edwards, Susan Flowers, Laura Raines, Cady Schulman, Muriel Vega director of sales & marketing

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pkillam@killampublishing.com account director

Lacey James

advertising@killampublishing.com

TO ADVERTISE CALL 770-992-0273 font: mawns handwriting

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Newcomer magazine, February/March 2014 Volume 17, Issue 6.

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inFOCUS n e w s b i tes fr om a ro un d AT LANTA

Travel Back in Experience the sights and sounds of a bygone era at the 28th annual Hoggetown Medieval Faire at the Alachua County Fairgrounds in Gainesville, Fla. Enjoy musicians playing period music and live entertainment on eight stages, as well as street performers displaying their dancing, juggling and other skills.

Wander the marketplace as artisans take part in demonstrations of blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving and more. And don’t forget the living chess match and jousting tournament. For more information, call 352-393-8536 or visit www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.

Twice the Music, Twice the Fun

PHOTO: © Joan Marcus 2013

PHOTO: Photo by Anna Mikell, Courtesy of Visit Gainesville

time

Broadway in Atlanta’s current season rolls into 2014 with a pair of highly anticipated, Tony Award-winning productions. First, The Book of Mormon, the hilarious hit musical about a pair of Mormon missionaries in northern Uganda from the creators of South Park and Avenue Q, takes to the Fox Theatre stage (above, through Feb. 9). The following month, the musical Once, based on the 2007 film, recounts the poignant and bittersweet love story of a pair of musicians in Ireland (March 4-9). For tickets and other information, call 800-278-4447 or visit www.broadwayinatlanta.com.

PHOTO: Courtesy of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Meet the Filmmakers of Tomorrow

Kick Off the Weekend in Style Wind down your work week with great music, food and drinks courtesy of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra! The first Friday of each month, the ASO’s First Fridays concert series offers a fun way to enjoy classical music (which starts at 6:30 p.m.), along with drink specials and light snacks. That same night, soundstage, a new “pop-up” lounge at the Woodruff Arts Center, features food and drinks, live music, improv comedy and spoken-word performances. Tickets to First Fridays are $25, and admission to soundstage is free. For more information, visit www.atlantasymphony.org.

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Enjoy thought-provoking independent films and meet up-and-coming directors as the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers continues through April. This traveling miniature film festival, which brings original independent films to communities throughout the South, will stop at the Movie Tavern on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road in Suwanee for screenings of Bidder 70 (Feb. 24), Perfect (March 18) and The Retrieval (below, April 9). Tickets are $6. For more information, visit www.southarts.com/southerncircuit.

infocus Renaissance Man

PHOTO: Rena Schild/Shutterstock.com

PHOTO: Courtesy of Ruby Falls

Whether you know him from “The Late Late Show,” his tenure on “The Drew Carey Show” or his stand-up comedy, you probably know Craig Ferguson as a talented actor and comedian. But you may not know that the talk-show host is an accomplished author and filmmaker, as well.

Catch one of the entertainment industry’s true Renaissance men as he performs at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Feb. 16. For tickets and more information, call 800-745-3000 or visit www.cobbenergycentre.com.

Take a Day Trip There’s always plenty to do at Lookout Mountain, and this spring is no exception. Head to Rock City’s annual St. Patrick’s celebration, Shamrock City, with live bands, Irish food, specialty beer, a green waterfall and more! March 8-9 and 15-16. www.seerockcity.com/shamrockcity. Or embark on a spectacular journey to a faraway kingdom at Fairytale Nights, where magic waits around every corner. March 28-April 20. www.seerockcity.com/fairytale. Last but not least, take the Ruby Falls Lantern Tour for a journey of discovery deep within Lookout Mountain! Friday nights, January through September and November. www.rubyfalls.com/lantern-tours.

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TOP: The “Big Zombie” tour poses at Atlanta’s Jackson Street Bridge, used in “The Walking Dead.”

BOTTOM: A “Drop Dead Diva” backlot in Peachtree City.

I

n fiscal year 2013, the period from July 2012 through June of last year, Hollywood productions poured nearly $934 million into city neighborhoods and small towns across the state.

Much of that economic engine can be found in the Atlanta area, which has hosted dozens of movies and TV series, from The Blind Side and The Hunger Games to such hit shows as “The Walking Dead,” “The Vampire Diaries” and “Drop Dead Diva.” And as more productions come to the area, they’ve drawn crowds of tourists eager for an up-close look at the sites where their favorite shows and movies are filmed.

Touring With “The Walking Dead” “People can’t believe all the movies being filmed here,” says Carrie Burns of Atlanta Movie Tours.

“It seemed like every week I was showing people around my neighborhood where ‘The Walking Dead’ was filmed. Finally, my friend and I decided we should start it as a business.”

Atlanta Movie Tours offers two “Big Zombie” tours and a general tour of Atlanta film sites.

Each runs about three hours and is conducted in the comfort of a 32-passenger coach. While on the tour, 15-inch monitors show film clips

“Our ‘Big Zombie’ is the most successful tour we run,” says Burns. “Since we started in 2012, we’ve had more than 4,000 people take that tour with us. But we also do custom tours, so if someone wants to follow Tyler Perry or see where they’re shooting ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ we can arrange that, too.”

A Growing Magnet for Production

or TV scenes that were shot at the locations the visitors are about to view. As an added bonus, all of the guides have been extras on local sets and share inside stories and play trivia games with the audience.

The Film Sites tour covers areas around Atlanta that have been backdrops for films such as Driving Miss Daisy and Anchorman 2. The first of the two “Big Zombie” tours departs from Castleberry Hill and concentrates on Atlanta locales used in the show and the 2009 film Zombieland.

The second tour takes visitors to the small towns of Senoia, Sharpsburg and Newnan, where they visit private locations that have stood in for the town of Woodbury and other sites on “The Walking Dead.”

Zombie tours overlap a bit in Fayette County, where the Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau runs the Southern Hollywood Film Tour. The area has been a magnet for production in recent years, and that popularity is set to grow with the recent announcement that Pinewood Studios, the British production studio known as the home of the James Bond films, is building a 288-acre facility in Fayetteville.

“With Pinewood coming, we definitely will see more attention coming to Fayette County,” says Nancy Price, the bureau’s executive director. “It will definitely be on our drive-by tour.”

There’s already plenty to take in from the 12-passenger buses that wind their way through the countryside where “The Walking Dead” and “Drop Dead Diva” are filmed. Stops are scheduled at the local amphitheater where

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Something for Everyone

Joyful Noise with Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton was filmed, as well as the house used in Fried Green Tomatoes. Buses are outfitted with TVs that shows clips corresponding to the stops on the tour.

“Because we only have 12 people [at a time], we can do whatever they want,” says Price. “We might stop if they want to get out and take pictures, or we can stay in Senoia for lunch.”

On Atlanta’s east side, Newton County and its seat, Covington, have a long history of serving as a backdrop for film and television productions.

The area hosted “The Dukes of Hazzard” in the 1980s, and “In the Heat of the Night” filmed there in the ’90s. Today, Covington stands in as Mystic Falls on the supernatural TV show “The Vampire Diaries.” Tour organizer and Covington native Jessica Lowery started Mystic Falls Tours four years ago as a sideline, and it’s since blossomed into a full-time business.

“I started just showing two or three people around, and now we take crowds several times a month,” says Lowery. “I’ve also been an extra on ‘Vampire Diaries,’ and I can discuss what’s going on with everyone. A lot of times we get out of the bus as they’re filming, and we get to meet some of the actors.”

The tours also take visitors into the restaurants and private homes that have appeared in the show. “Everyone’s favorite spot is the Lockwood mansion, one of the homes on the show that is really Worthington Manor here in town,” says Lowery. “We also have an alley where a lot of characters have died, and we carry a vampire stake with us, so people can pose there with the prop and take pictures.”

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Lowery also conducts a tour in nearby Conyers, where “The Originals,” a spinoff of “The Vampire Diaries,” is filmed. On each excursion, Lowery makes sure to touch on other productions that have been based in the area.

“The moms and dads who bring the vampire fans remember ‘Heat of the Night’ and ‘Dukes and Hazzard,’” she says with a laugh. “More than 80 TV shows and movies have filmed here, so there’s something for everybody.”

TAKE A TOUR Atlanta Movie Tours Cost: $45 for Atlanta Film Sites and “Big Zombie” Part 1; $65 for “Big Zombie” Part 2.

Contact: 855-255-3456, www.atlantamovietours.com.

Mystic Falls Tours Cost: $55 per person.

Contact: 404-549-1489, www.mysticfallstours.com.

Southern Hollywood Film Tour Cost: $22.50 for adults; $20 for seniors; $15 for children 4-12.

Reservations are a must.

Contact: 678-216-0282.

The Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge PHOTO: Courtesy of Sandy Springs Hospitality and Tourism

A Day of Fun, Food and Competition

W

hether you’re a bicycling enthusiast looking to test your mettle against other riders, or you simply enjoy having a good time outdoors, the 7th annual Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge offers a day of fun, food and competition, with an exciting roster of amateur and professional bicycle races through the streets of the city, as well as tastings from Sandy Springs restaurants.

The Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge is the culmination of USA CRITS Speed Week, a series of seven races stretching over seven days. Speed Week draws the top criterium cyclists in the world, who race through the downtown streets of seven Southern cities, including Athens and Roswell, as well as North and South Carolina cities. Criterium races are high-speed events that take place on closed-off city streets, creating a thrilling experience for participants and spectators alike. The Sandy Springs race is the exciting finale to Speed Week, with professional riders competing for more than $150,000 in prize money.

The Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge also features 20-, 40-, and 60-mile rides for those who would like to participate. Participating riders can register online or sign up at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event; the race begins at 9 a.m. Participating riders receive a t-shirt and free sandwiches and drinks at the finish line. All proceeds go to the Sandy Springs Police Benevolent Fund.

After the race, participating riders and spectators alike are invited to enjoy Taste of Sandy Springs while taking in the exhilarating criterium races. Taste of Sandy Springs features delicious tastings and drinks served up by more than 30 local restaurants and vendors. Taste of Sandy Springs begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m.

The Global Sandy Springs Challenge takes place Sunday, May 4 at Sandy Springs Circle near Heritage Sandy Springs. For a complete schedule of events, information on Taste of Sandy Springs, registration information and more, visit www.sandyspringschallenge.org.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Neighborhoods Finding the Right Fit for Your Children

By Susan Flowers

Relocating to a new city is always challenging. For families with children, that’s even more true. The process involves much more than finding a new home close to your new place of employment. Schools, the makeup of the neighborhood, leisure activities and many other factors need to be taken into account when choosing a place to call home.

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TOP: Alpharetta hosts a number of family-friendly festivals and events.

CENTER: Kids enjoy a fun ride in Suwanee.

BOTTOM: Pedestrian-friendly East Point.

PHOTOS: (Top) Courtesy of the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau; (Center) Courtesy City of Suwanee

Y

ou really have to have a game plan,” says real estate agent Rhonda Duffy, who runs Duffy Realty of Atlanta and has been hailed as one of the top agents in the country by Realtor.com.

That plan begins with identifying specific areas of interest to families with children. If you already know you want to live within the Atlanta city limits, you’ve narrowed your search considerably. Atlanta neighborhoods have much to offer, like Virginia-Highland’s leafy, tree-lined streets, Midtown’s Piedmont Park and Woodruff Arts Center (which includes the High Museum of Art), and Grant Park’s historic homes, park and Zoo Atlanta.

Suburbs and Mixed-Use Communities If you’re not tied to a particular section of town, your options increase dramatically. Many of Atlanta’s suburbs boast features of interest to families with children. Cities like Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, Duluth and Lawrenceville abound with green space, walkable downtown centers and other amenities.

Alpharetta, located in north Fulton County, is home to a historic downtown district, several parks, a weekly farmer’s market and Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, which

hosts outdoor summer concerts by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to a beautiful city square, Marietta’s attractions include the Gone With the Wind Museum and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, a Civil War site with 16 miles of hiking trails. Decatur likewise radiates a cozy, small-town charm, especially around its historic courthouse and town square. Public transportation is easily accessible, and recreational activities are plentiful in its many parks and playing fields.

Just north of Atlanta in Gwinnett County, Lawrenceville features such attractions as the Aurora Theatre, the Gwinnett Braves minorleague baseball team and Medieval Times, while Duluth boasts the 35acre Southeastern Railway Museum and the Arena at Gwinnett Center, home of the Gwinnett Gladiators hockey team. Both cities are served

by Gwinnett County Public Schools, recognized as one of the best school systems in the state.

Other family-friendly suburbs worth considering include East Point, home to the Georgia Soccer Park and the Dick Lane Velodrome, one of the leading bicycle racing facilities in the country; Roswell, which features the Roswell Cultural Arts Center and the Chattahoochee Nature Center; and Sandy Springs, which boasts Heritage Green, a 4-acre park that hosts free concerts and events.

There are many, many more suburbs worth a look, as well. Visit Newcomer’s website (www. newcomeratlanta.com) and search for our annual list of Atlanta’s top 100 neighborhoods for more information on suitable locations and communities for your family.

Mixed-use neighborhoods, which allow residents to live, work and play within the same

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area, are also worth considering, especially for families used to living in larger metropolitan areas. “A lot of mixed-use developments are attractive to younger families,” says Robin Lemon, a sales agent with Keller Williams Realty Consultants. “They want their children to experience more of a neighborhood feeling.”

Suwanee’s Town Center development features single-family homes, townhomes and condos, as well as retail and office space and the 10-acre Town Center Park. With abundant green space, an interactive fountain and a 1,000-seat amphitheater, Town Center Park is referred to as Suwanee’s front yard.

Smyrna’s pedestrian-friendly Market Village sports an airy, open feel, with plentiful green space, a public square and fountain, charming townhomes, restaurants, and retail and office space. Atlantic Station, in Atlanta’s Midtown area, is a 138-acre development offering an array of condos, lofts, townhomes, apartments and single-family homes, as well as a 2-acre lake and plenty of green space, in addition to a mix of restaurants and shops.

Ask Questions and Investigate Once you’ve settled on a neighborhood, ask your potential new neighbors about the area.

Smyrna’s Market Village boasts an airy, open atmosphere.

Duffy recommends seeking out three sets of neighbors and asking them all the same questions. For families with children, those include: How social is the neighborhood? Are there many parties or events? How many kids live in the area, versus how many adults? It’s important to establish whether a particular neighborhood provides a wealth of opportunities to make friends with children of similar age.

It’s also a good idea to visit local shopping areas to ensure that there are child-friendly establishments and other retail outlets that fit

your family’s lifestyle. A distance of only two or three miles can make a difference. And be sure to investigate any family-friendly amenities in the neighborhood. The fact that a subdivision has a pool, for example, doesn’t mean that the facility has room for all the residents to enjoy it on a regular basis, that there’s adequate seating around the pool or that sufficient safety measures are in place.

And there are other factors to consider, such as neighborhood schools. The Atlanta School Guide, Atlanta’s leading education resource for

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PHOTO: City of Smyrna

For less than the cost of a hotel room, business professionals, home buyers, relocating employees and families can enjoy all the comforts of home in one of our fully furnished and decorated 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartment homes.

parents and educators, is a great place to start (www.atlantaschoolguide.com). Available for free at more than 1,050 locations across the metro area, this twice-yearly publication offers features on educational trends, as well as important dates, helpful tips and terminology, and detailed, up-to-date information on public and private schools, summer camps, early education centers and other educational resources.

Your search should also be guided in part by the needs and interests of the children in your family. “Are they a computer family? What kind of sports do they play?” asks Robin Lemon. “If the kids are really involved in certain things, I can start gearing a search toward the family’s needs. There are some families that will come in and say, ‘My children are very interested in volleyball, or very into karate.’”

Most importantly, when scouting a new neighborhood and a new home, remember to take your time. “The key to buying a house is to ask a lot of questions and slow down the process,” Duffy advises.

By having a detailed strategy, asking questions and placing special emphasis on neighborhoods and the amenities they offer, you’re much more likely to settle on the perfect home for yourself and your children.

FINDING A TEMPORARY PLACE TO STAY TP CORPORATE LODGING You may need a place for you and your family to stay while you’re searching your new city for a place to call home.

One option worth considering is corporate housing: furnished homes that come with all the basics. Utilities are often included in the list price, and many have swimming pools, spas, fitness centers and business centers, as well.

“We provide everything that our customers need,” says Tim Miller, president of Lawrencevillebased TP Corporate Lodging, which offers lodging Tim Miller, president of TP Corporate Lodging in Atlanta, as well as Jacksonville, Fla., and the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. “We provide a fully furnished apartment home, fully decorated, with a full-size kitchen and full-size appliances, and a washer and dryer in the apartment. You’re also getting more square footage and living space than you would in a hotel.”

TP Corporate Housing is also part of Go Furnished Housing Providers, a national network of housing companies that offers relocating families access to top-flight temporary housing options in desirable locations in cities across North America, including Canada, and parts of Europe.

When searching for a corporate housing option, Miller recommends choosing a company certified by the Corporate Housing Providers Association. “Know that you’re dealing with a reputable company,” he says.

For more information on TP Corporate Lodging and Go Furnished Housing Providers, call 800-428-9997 or visit www.tpcorporatelodging.com or www.gofurnishedhousing.com.

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neighborhood

spotlight

e Park Arts Festiva

Suwanee

By Julie Edwards and Sheila Cosgrove

L

iving up to its motto, Suwanee certainly “exceeds expectations.” Over the past several years, this vibrant, family-friendly community has enjoyed substantial growth. Its 2014 population is estimated to number around 17,000, almost double the number of residents who lived here in 2000. Located 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Suwanee is committed to maintaining the highest quality of life for its residents.

The Big Splash

Housing

Culinary Treats

Suwanee offers a variety of housing options to fit your lifestyle without breaking the bank—the median home value between 2008 and 2012 was $246,100, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Neighborhoods such as Highland Station, Madison Park at Town Center, McGinnis Reserve, Stonecypher, Suwanee Station, Three Bridges and Village Grove feature traditional designs, and many are part of planned mixed-use developments.

Visit Cinco Mexican Cantina (678-541-0645) for an upscale take on “Mexican food with an attitude.” Friends American Grill (678-7656477) offers fresh-made burgers, sandwiches, steaks and other favorites in an energetic sportsbar setting. Golden Seven (678-889-4999) features classic Chinese and Thai dishes, while Gulf Coast Grill (678-765-8270) serves up tasty seafood, sandwiches, soups and salads. Head to Umaido (678-318-8568) for a taste of authentic Japanese ramen, or Mango Cuban Restaurant (678-482-0600) for generous portions of richly flavored Cuban-inspired cuisine.

Local Treasures

Housing in Village Grove

The heart of Suwanee is its vibrant Town Center, a mixed-use development anchored by the 10acre Town Center Park. That’s where you’ll find Suwanee Day, an annual community celebration held each September; the event is expected to expand to two days this year. The Suwanee Farmers Market offers fresh produce and other foods. Suwanee is home to several great parks, as well as the Suwanee Creek Greenway, a multipurpose trail that connects nearly 400 acres of park, residential and commercial areas. Georgia’s largest organic community garden, Harvest Farm, boasts 76 farm plots. White Street Park, which houses the farm, also features a natural outdoor amphitheater, a barn that serves as an education center and more.

Arts and Entertainment Town Center Park is known as Suwanee’s front yard, and regularly hosts concerts, festivals and other events. The Big Splash, located inside the park, is one of the largest interactive fountains in Gwinnett County. The Suwanee SculpTour is a walkable art exhibit featuring 15 sculptures located in and around Town Center. Remembrance, an exhibit commemorating the events of Sept. 11, 2001, features a 1,628-pound relic from the World Trade Center. Just a few miles outside of Suwanee, the Gwinnett Center (770-8137600) hosts big-name concerts and the Gwinnett Gladiators hockey team. n Suwanee Town Center

Cinco Mexican Cantina

The Inside Track Suwanee has made Money magazine’s list of 100 Great American Towns three times, and was named one of Family Circle magazine’s 10 Best Towns for Families in 2012.

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EDUCATION

I NSIGHT

The Benefits of

Summer Camp Finding the Right Fit for Your Child

By H.M. Cauley

The lazy days of summer are months away. But for parents who don’t want those lazy days to become days of lazing around, it’s not too soon to start thinking about summer camp. The metro Atlanta area is filled with many kinds of camps to keep children engaged during their summer break. If you’re considering enrolling your child in a summer camp, the time to begin your search is now.

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CENTER: Some camps, like Squirrel Hollow Camp (center), blend academics with fun camp activities.

RIGHT: Camp H2O gives children a behind-the-scenes peek at the Georgia Aquarium.

RIGHT PHOTO: Courtesy of Georgia Aquarium

Why Summer Camp?

“There are a million reasons why camp is beneficial,” says Katie Johnson, Southeastern field office director for the American Camp Association, a national organization that provides education about camps. “But the best is that camp is one of those places that build soft skills for children, where they can work on social skills and being part of a group while also having the opportunity to play.”

Camps can also extend educational experiences, provide different activities and adventures and zero in on a child’s curiosity. In Atlanta, the extensive offerings of camps cover a range of interests, from science and nature to computers, writing and even the circus arts.

One of the most popular special-interest camps takes place at the Georgia Aquarium. Beginning in June and lasting for eight weeks, Camp H2O draws children from around the Southeast who want to get a peek behind the scenes of the aquarium, meet

marine biologists and get up-close with a variety of sea life.

“Our camp has an educational side, so while we do activities like journaling, arts and crafts, team-building activities and scrapbooking, we also focus on the science and math side they

Nature and the Outdoors Kids who love nature will also find an array of adventures at the camps run by the Chattahoochee Nature Center. The center’s 11-week sessions accept students from kindergarten through high school who want to mix educational environmental activities with canoeing, swimming and hiking.

“Our hikes have ecological themes tied to the native wildlife that live on the property with us,” says Camp Director Tim Reidy. “We add themes every two weeks, so one focus is reptiles and amphibians and the next is what lives on the river in our backyard. It really appeals to the kids who love to be outside, whether they’re big biology fans or not.”

The Nature Center camps recently added overnight trips for older students, who stay in some of the state’s national parks. “Especially for the 8th and 9th graders, it’s all about adventure—white water rafting, mountain biking, cave exploring and recreational tree climbing,” says Reidy. u

In Atlanta, the extensive offerings of camps cover a range of interests, from science and nature to computers, writing and even the circus arts. get from meeting the care specialists and researchers one-on-one,” says Stephanie Johnson, spokeswoman for the Georgia Aquarium. “It’s great for children who are intrigued by that.”

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High Meadows Summer Day Camp (above left and right) offers a traditional, outdoor summer camp experience.

Simiarly, High Meadows Camp, offered by the High Meadows School, is a traditional summer camp heavy on outdoor pursuits like archery and canoeing, with a special emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning for children ages 3 through 15. The aim is to introduce campers to new skills and experiences that will help them grow and achieve success.

Academics and Special Interests Other camps feature a focus on academics in addition to workshops and recreational activities. At Pace Academy in Buckhead, academics are combined with activities, so students might work on improving their Spanish or calculus skills while also enjoying swimming, art and drama. The seven-week camps also offer ses-

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955 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 • 770-888-4477 www.pinecrestacademy.org

22 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

sions that focus on driver’s education, sports, space and cooking.

The Atlanta Girls School, an independent school for girls, offers a “SMART Girls” camp that combines instruction in math, science and technology with afternoon art and theater workshops that aim to foster creativity and build confidence.

The Bedford School, a school for students with learning disabilities, hosts Squirrel Hollow Camp, which blends small-group tutoring sessions with traditional fun camp activities.

The day begins with intensive work on reading, math and writing, followed by afternoons of swimming and sports.

“We only take about 60 students, from rising first grade through rising ninth, and the tutors are mostly Bedford staff,” explains Betsy Box, the school’s founder and director. “It’s ideal for students who need an academic boost in the summer. They usually make significant academic gains because their learning isn’t stressful; it’s fun.”

Asking the Right Questions Before settling on a particular camp, parents should talk with their children about which kind of camp experience the child will most enjoy. And one of the most important parts of that discussion is determining whether a child is interested in or ready to handle staying at an overnight camp.

“Picking a day camp or resident camp really depends on what the family’s schedules and needs are,” says Johnson. “But the bottom line is, what most benefits the child?”

The length of the stay is another conversation parents will need to have; many overnight camps can last from one to four weeks. “Many camps have first-timer sessions to provide an orientation about being away from home,” says Johnson. “That’s a good place to start if your child has never been gone overnight.”

For day or overnight camps, “It’s also good to ask what a typical day is like,” says Reidy. “If a kid hates being outside, then a camp where they’re outdoors for most of the day isn’t going to be a good fit.”

Parents should also talk with camp directors about the staff that will interact with their children. Ask if counselors are certified or accredited, how they’re trained and how much experience they have.

“Who are they? How are they picked? Those are good things to know,” says Reidy. “They show how committed a camp is to getting good people. Counselors can make or break a camp experience.”

Whatever camp you end up choosing, your child is sure to enjoy a life-changing experience.

“Camping is about learning skills, developing character and making friends,” says John Hicks, executive director of the Pruett Community Center Family YMCA in Canton. “Few

environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.”

FIVE TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMP 1. Plan ahead. Some specialty camps have limited spots that can disappear quickly.

Waiting until the end of the school year may be too late.

2. Research the camp’s history and reputation. Look for user reviews on sites like Yelp or ask other parents about their experiences. If possible, ask the camp for references.

3. Investigate the camp’s philosophies and values to see if they match your own.

4. Make sure you’re satisfied with the camp’s policies regarding safety. Is there adequate supervision at all times?

5. If possible, visit the camp in person to get a feel for the environment. Don’t send your child anyplace that makes you uncomfortable.

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 23

24 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

2014

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

ATLANTA

Summer Camp DIRECTORY

HIGH MEADOWS CAMP

The Atlanta area is home to many excellent summer camps, offering everything from traditional outdoor fun to academics and creative pursuits.

The following profiles represent a selection of some of the options available to Atlanta campers. For additional information on the camps listed below, including location, age ranges, cost and more, turn to the “Beyond the Basics” chart on page 27.

SMART GIRLS SUMMER CAMP AT ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL Girls enrolled in SMART Girls Summer Camp learn to be curious and confident young mathematicians, scientists and artists. Students can choose from two of four available morning academic sessions, in which they learn important math, science, technology, and/or creative writing skills through eye-opening experiments and hands-on research.

After lunch, campers participate in drama and art or puppetry workshops designed to inspire creative thinking and build confidence. Girls will sing, dance, and perform Broadway hits; build their own puppets and stage a puppet show; and create masterpieces from recycled goods.

SMART Girls Summer Camp offers two one-week sessions, June 2-6 and June 9-13. Cost is $375 for one week or $700 for both (after-care until 5 pm is free). Call 404-845-0900 for more information, or register online at www.atlantagirlsschool.org/summercamp.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

High Meadows Camp offers a traditional outdoor day program with unique facilities on more than 40 acres of meadow and woodland in Roswell, Ga. Campers ages 3-14 learn about themselves and the world around them, are encouraged to try new experiences, and build lifelong relationships.

High Meadows campers are arranged in groups by age level. Each group generally consists of 12-15 campers and two counselors. As campers’ age levels increase, so do their opportunities to exercise responsibility and decision-making skills.

Ants (preschoolers) participate in a halfday program that includes pony rides, nature, crafts, introductory swim and playground time. Grasshoppers (rising kindergarteners) enjoy a full day of camp featuring a variety of age- and skill-appropriate activities. Juniors (rising first- and second-graders) spend the majority of their day outdoors, while Super Seniors (rising third- and fourth-graders) make their home in rustic, outdoor shelters and participate in additional activities including archery and woodworking.

Senior campers (rising fifth- through ninth-graders) develop and follow their own schedule of classes and events. They may participate in classes mentioned above plus many others such as darkroom photography, pioneering, animal care, canoeing, performing arts and many more. Seniors may choose to take part in the Knighthood program, which features challenges and activities that hone their skills as they work to attain the elusive level of Knight.

High Meadows Camp offers an exciting and challenging experience that will stay with your child for a lifetime. For more information, call 770-993-7975 or visit www.highmeadowscamp.org. u

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 25

GWINNETT COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

Adventure Camp

MASSANUTTEN ACADEMY Massanutten Academy, a coeducational, college-preparatory boarding school located in historic Woodstock, Va., offers two great summer programs in 2014.

Students can choose from four summerschool programs available June 28-Aug. 2: • JROTC: Earn a full course credit in Leadership Education Training! Grades 9-12.

• Massanutten Tech: Spend the summer in Robotics (grades 7-8), Bioengineering or Design Engineering (grades 9-12). These STEM classes are projectbased and focused on the future!

• Core Curriculum: Classes are available to improve a current grade, take a new course, explore your interests through electives, improve your study skills, or prepare for the ACT or SAT (grades 7-12).

• ESL: International students can take advantage of an ESL/ESOL immersion program that includes classroom instruction; field trips to stores, restaurants, and interesting sites; and real life in the dorms (grades 7-12).

Cost is $3,799, including tuition, boarding, uniform and weekend activities. Lab fees, books and/or software will be billed after classes begin.

Just want to have fun this summer? Massanutten’s Adventure Camps (July 20-26 and July 27-Aug. 2) offer one week (or two!) of great activities that include hiking, zip-lining, canoeing, mountain biking and more. Cost is $1,175, and includes boarding, uniform and all activities.

For more information, call the admissions office at 540-459-2167, ext. 1, or apply online at www.militaryschool.com. Space is limited, so apply today!

Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation offers a multitude of adventures this summer for ages 5-13.

These weeklong camps offer educational segments designed to encourage campers to learn new things and “play with a purpose” in top-notch facilities. Highly skilled counselors and instructors are certified in first aid and CPR. And low counselor-to-camper ratios ensure that campers receive individual and small-group instruction as they build confidence and increase skill levels in safe, enriching environments. This summer’s camp themes are: • Reclaim It Round-Up: Reclaim and repurpose stuff and turn it into cool crafts and games.

Let’s protect the environment and celebrate our planet!

• Game Show Week: Get your game show on! We “Double Dare” you to “Come on Down” and spin the “Wheel of Fortune!” You have a “Minute to Win It” so “Let’s Make a Deal!”

• Let’s Go Camp-In: We’re campin’ in! Have s’more fun! Discover the fun of camping. Put up a tent, sing and write your own camp songs and make traditional camp crafts.

• Get a Clue: Strain your brain with puzzles, scavenger hunts, riddles and brain-teasers.

• Splash: Dive in to fun! Cool off and chill out with a week of fun water activities.

• Movin’ and Groovin’: Get up, get movin’ and get groovin’! Enjoy some super-fun activities to keep your body, mind and spirit fit.

• Game On: Get excited about this jam-packed week of sports, games and fun challenges!

• Mystery Mix It Up: You are the detective during this mystery camp week! Enjoy a mix of art, games, science and a mystery topic each day! Have a photo scavenger hunt, make disappearing ink, send a secret coded message and more.

• Re-Mix It Up: Want just a little more summer camp fun? Come play backyard games, make natural arts with wood, metal and rocks, create fun cardboard crafts, challenge your outdoor skills and more.

Day camps start at an affordable $125 per week. (Higher fees for non-Gwinnett resident may apply.) For more information, call 770-822-8840 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

SQUIRREL HOLLOW CAMP

Squirrel Hollow Camp, a remedial summer program of The Bedford School, serves children with academic needs due to learning differences, or any students who need an academic boost.

Between 40 and 50 students, ages 6 to 14, attend the four-week day camp, which is held on The Bedford School’s beautiful 46-acre campus in Fairburn, Ga. Campers participate in an individualized academic program as well as recreational activities. Students receive instruction in reading, reading comprehension, writing skills and math through a variety of structured, multisensory techniques and materials. The Squirrel Hollow staff consists of Bedford School faculty members as well as carefully selected college tutors. Students can often make significant academic gains by learning in this small-group, highly structured setting. For more information, call 770-774-8001 or visit www.thebedfordschool.org.

See page 27 for Beyond the Basics camp information. u

26 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Beyond The Basics Summer Camp

Phone

Location

Tuition/ Fees

Dates

Ages

CounselorCamper Ratio

Applicaton Deadline

Outdoor Activities

Academics

Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation Adventure Camps

770-822-8840

Gwinnett County

Starting at $125/week

6/2– 7/21

5-13

1:10

None

Yes

No

High Meadows Camp

770-993-7975

Roswell, Fulton County

Check website

6/2-6/20; 6/23-7/11; 7/14-8/1

Preschool9th grade; 10th-11th grade

2:12-15 campers

Preregistration: 3/21

Yes

No

6/28– 8/2

Grades 7-12

1:10

6/27

Yes

Yes

Massanutten Academy Summer School and Adventure Camps

540-459-2167 ext. 1

Woodstock, Va.

$1,175 (1 week), $3,799 (5 weeks)

SMART Girls Summer Camp at Atlanta Girls’ School

404-845-0900

Buckhead, Fulton County

$375 (1 week), $700 (2 weeks)

6/3-6/7, 6/9-6/13

Girls entering grades 3-7

1:5

None

No

Yes

Squirrel Hollow Camp

770-774-8001

Fairburn, Fulton County

$2,750 (4 weeks)

6/167/10

6-14

1:3

5/15

Yes

Yes

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Newcomer Magazine | 27

ATLANTA’S TOP

HEALTH CARE OPTIONS Exploring the City’s Hospitals and Medical Centers

The Bobbie Bailey Women’s and Surgery Center at DeKalb Medical.

28 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

PHOTO: DeKalb Medical

By Laura Raines

ATLANTA VA MEDICAL CENTER The Atlanta VA Medical Center serves more than 130,000 veterans living in northeast Georgia, providing primary care and many specialty services at its main Decatur campus and 12 community-based clinics. It was one of the first medical centers in the country to launch the PACT (Patient-Aligned Care Team) model for primary care, which pairs each patient with a core team of providers to provide continuity, collaboration and greater patient satisfaction.

• Specialty: Comprehensive, high-quality care for veterans.

• Did You Know? A teaching hospital, the Atlanta VA Medical Center maintains affiliation agreements with Emory University and Morehouse College, whose doctors practice and conduct extensive research on site.

• For More Information: www.atlanta.va.gov.

CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA

No one likes to think of getting sick or having an accident, but when those things happen, Atlanta’s got you covered. The metro area’s health care options are among the best in the world, featuring nationally renowned trauma, maternity and pediatric care programs, among other top-notch offerings. Here are 10 of the city’s premier hospitals and health care systems, where you’ll experience expertly trained staff, compassionate care and the latest in medical technology and research.

ATLANTA MEDICAL CENTER Formerly Georgia Baptist Medical Center, this Level I trauma center is located in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, and has a second campus serving Atlanta’s south side. Delivering care since 1901, it has earned a gold seal of approval from the Joint Commission for its advanced stroke care. The main hospital houses a state-of-the-art birthing center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit.

• Specialties: Trauma, stroke care and women’s services.

• Did You Know? Atlanta Medical Center’s weight-loss program has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. And its South Campus was awarded Primary Stroke Center status in 2013.

• For More Information: www.atlantamedcenter.com.

Making kids “all better” is the aim of this nonprofit organization serving more than half a million patients annually at its Egleston, Scottish Rite and Hughes Spalding hospitals and 20 additional neighborhood locations. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) has been ranked one of the top pediatric hospitals in the nation

by U.S. News and World Report since 2004, according to the hospital’s website. The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center treats more than 350 new patients a year. Child-life specialists and music therapists help take the “ouch” out of clinical procedures by engaging young patients in play and creativity.

• Specialties: Cancer, emergency services, orthopedics, neonatal care and heart surgery.

• Did You Know? CHOA’s heart and orthopedic programs have been ranked among the top five in the country by Parents magazine.

• For More Information: www.choa.org.

DEKALB MEDICAL Founded in 1961, DeKalb Medical is a not-forprofit health system with 628 beds spread across three hospitals in Decatur and Lithonia. The system boasts more than 800 doctors skilled in 55 medical specialties. Its long-term acute-care facility holds the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for the treatment of acquired brain injury, wound and respiratory failure services.

• Specialties: Cancer, cardiology, orthopedic and women’s services.

• Did You Know? DeKalb Medical’s Heart and Vascular Institute has saved more than 1,000 hearts since it began offering angioplasty and stenting services in May of 2011.

• For More Information: www.dekalbmedical. org. u

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 29

The Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center at Grady Hospital.

Grady Health System is one of the largest safety-net health systems in the U.S. GRADY HEALTH SYSTEM A part of the downtown Atlanta landscape since 1892, Grady Memorial Hospital is named for Henry W. Grady, editor of the Atlanta Constitution, who wanted better health care for the city’s poor. Comprising the 953-bed hospital and seven neighborhood health centers, Grady Health System is one of the largest safety-net health systems in the U.S. Grady is best known for its nationally acclaimed emergency services. Grady’s Level I trauma center is staffed 24/7 by doctors from Emory University and Morehouse College.

30 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

• Specialties: Emergency services, burns, stroke, diabetes and HIV/ AIDS. • Did You Know? Grady’s emergency department is the regional coordinating hospital for all natural and man-made disasters. When bad things happen, its command center goes into action.

• For More Information: www. gradyhealth.org.

GWINNETT MEDICAL CENTER

Serving a fast-growing, diverse population, the 553-bed Gwinnett Medical Center is a nonprofit network of acutecare hospitals and facilities, serving more than 40,000 patients annually. Gwinnett Medical is also a leader in single-incision laparoscopic surgery and sports medicine.

• Specialties: Cardiovascular, orthopedic, neuroscience, maternity and emergency services.

• Did You Know? Gwinnett Medical Center has been listed among America’s 100 Best Hospitals by HealthGrades in 2012.

• For More Information: www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Grady Health System.

EMORY HEALTHCARE The largest health care system in Georgia and a premier research and teaching institution, Emory Healthcare cares for the sickest patients from all over the world.

Its network of hospitals, clinics and local practices has garnered multiple accreditations and honors. The Emory University Hospital was named best hospital in metro Atlanta and Georgia in U.S. News & World Report’s 201314 Best Hospitals guide. Emory Healthcare has received national recognition for care in psychiatry, ophthalmology, neurology/neurosurgery, cancer care and cardiology. The Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated center.

• Specialties: Cancer, cardiology, psychiatry, ophthalmology and more.

• Did You Know? Saint Joseph’s Hospital, the newest addition to the Emory Healthcare network, is Atlanta’s oldest hospital, founded in 1880 by the Sisters of Mercy.

• For More Information: www.emoryhealthcare.org.

TOP: Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge.

BOTTOM: Robotic surgery at Northside Hospital.

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL Many women know Northside Hospital for its maternity services. But this three-hospital system (with locations in Atlanta, Canton and Cumming) provides a full range of services, including imaging, cardiology, sleep disorders, spinal care and emergency services. The Atlanta location has consistently been voted the city’s Most Preferred Hospital for All Health Care Needs in the National Research Corporation’s annual Healthcare Market Guide since 1997. Northside also boasts one of the best survival rates in the nation for bone marrow transplants.

• Specialties: Cancer, cardiology, maternity and more.

• Did You Know? Northside delivers more babies than any other community hospital in the country; it delivered 18,114 in 2012 alone.

• For More Information: www.northside.com.

PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE Piedmont has grown from a 10-bed sanatorium in 1905 to a five-hospital system, including the flagship Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in Buckhead, which was named the top acute-care community hospital in metro Atlanta in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Hospitals list for 2011-2012.

Piedmont Healthcare provides a broad range of free wellness and counseling programs to anyone who is affected by cancer. The Piedmont Heart Institute is a Level I cardiovascular center.

• Specialties: Cancer, cardiology, diabetes, nephrology, neurology and more.

• Did You Know? The Piedmont Transplant Institute has performed more than 3,000 heart, liver, pancreas and kidney transplants.

• For More Information: www.piedmont.org.

WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM From its flagship Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, the WellStar Health System has grown to serve nearly 1.4 million residents with five hospitals in Austell, Douglasville, Marietta, and Dallas, Ga., in addition to seven urgent-care clinics, seven imaging centers, two hospices and a multi-practice “health park.”

• Specialties: Community health, cardiology, oncology, maternity, hospice care and more.

• Did You Know? In 2012, WellStar partnered with Piedmont Healthcare to launch the Georgia Health Collaborative, dedicated to developing innovations to improve health care services.

• For More Information: www.wellstar.org.

MORE METRO ATLANTA OPTIONS Cartersville Medical Center This 112-bed hospital 40 miles north of Atlanta provides medical, surgical, pediatric, emergency, outpatient and other services for residents of Cartersville and Bartow County. www.cartersvillemedical.com North Fulton Hospital This 202-bed facility in Roswell serves North Fulton and surrounding areas and is known for its cancer, orthopedics and women’s health services. Part of the Tenet network, North Fulton is also a Level II trauma center. www.nfultonhospital.com Northeast Georgia Medical Center Part of the Northeast Georgia Health System, this Gainesville hospital is the only one in the state to be named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by HealthGrades for 2013. www.nghs.com Shepherd Center Recognized as one of the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, Atlanta’s Shepherd Center is a private nonprofit hospital specializing in the treatment of spinal cord and brain injuries. www.shepherd.org

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OU TSID E

ATL A NTA

Spectacular

Azalea bushes in bloom at Forsyth Park.

SAVANNAH History, Culture and Natural Beauty in Georgia’s First City

Situated along the Savannah River in the Southeast corner of Georgia, Savannah is known for its breathtaking beauty, old-world charm and rich history. The state’s first capital is a thriving business center (thanks to its manufacturing base and bustling port), as well as a popular destination for tourists, who come to marvel at its architecture, its trees draped in Spanish moss, and its rich links to the past. The romance, history and touch of mystery create a charming atmosphere that makes Savannah a favorite for weekend escapes or leisurely vacations.

32 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

PHOTO: www.visitsavannah.com.

By H.M. Cauley

LEFT: Historic Savannah homes. RIGHT: (Top) The Savannah River; (Bottom) Forsyth Park.

PHOTOS: www.visitsavannah.com.

Historic Appeal

Count Casimir Pulaski was a Polish officer who fought alongside the colonists. Today, his name graces the Fort Pulaski National Monument. The walls of the fortress still bear the pockmarks of the bombardment it endured during the Civil War. Visitors can stand on the ramparts where cannonballs still rest in the bricks and get a sense of what the fort was like in 1862. 912-786-5787, www.nps.gov/fopu.

The Massie Heritage Center offers an overview of the city’s design and intricate grid system, and tells the story of the city’s past through exhibits on the native tribes of the region and past and ongoing preservation efforts.

912-395-5070, www.massieschool.com.

The city’s wealth of historic homes gives a glimpse into the prominence Savannah enjoyed in its heyday. Many of the mansions are open to the public and decorated with period pieces that recreate a bygone era. Among the most popular is the Mercer Williams House Museum, which dates back to 1868 and draws crowds who marvel at the structure’s carved woodwork,

The city’s wealth of historic homes gives a glimpse into the prominence Savannah enjoyed in its heyday.

Founded in 1733, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city, and is believed to be one of the first planned cities in the country. In fact, the city’s layout is one of its main attractions; the center of town is a grid of garden squares filled with fountains, trees, flowering shrubs and benches that invite visitors to linger amid the park-like setting. The imminently walkable downtown is home to ornate antebellum and Victorian mansions that add to the city’s ambience.

Because of its significance as a port city, Savannah found itself the center of attention during both the Revolutionary and Civil wars. In 1779, the five-day “Siege of Savannah” pitted French soldiers against the British forces. Today, the battle is largely retold through markers at sites such as Forsyth Park, the scene of the French camps and trenches, and Battlefield Park, where hundreds of granite stones represent those who died in battle. The Savannah History Museum features displays recounting the siege. 912-651-6825, www.chsgeorgia.org/history-museum.html.

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marble mantels and polished parquet floors. The house is also a magnet for mystery lovers, as it’s the site of a famous murder involving preservationist and antiques dealer Jim Williams; the resulting trial, appeals and legal battles were the inspiration for the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. 912-236-6352, www.mercerhouse.com.

Other historic sites include the 150-year-old Bonaventure Cemetery (which played a prominent role in the Midnight book and movie), the birthplace of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low and the childhood home of famed Southern writer Flannery O’Connor.

One of the best ways to see the city’s highlights is on an Old Town Trolley Tour that stops at 15 top sights. Daily excursions depart from the Savannah Visitor’s Center. For those looking for spine-tingling stories, the Trolley runs ghost tours as well. 888-910-8687, www.trolleytours.com/savannah.

Arts and Attractions

PHOTO: www.visitsavannah.com.

A trip to Savannah isn’t complete without a stroll along lively River Street.

The entertainment and dining hub of the city, this riverside walkway is

lined with renovated cotton warehouses that are now home to more than 75 shops, pubs, boutiques, galleries and hotels with sweeping views of the Savannah River and its port traffic. Visitors can stroll along the concourse, dine at any number of eateries that specialize in local seafood or book a riverboat cruise to get a different view of the town. On St. Patrick’s Day, River Street is ground zero for Irish-inspired merriment.

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Lady and Sons, where Southern staples like shrimp and grits and the buffet of fried chicken, catfish, yams, collard greens and more draws hungry tourists. 912-233-2600, www.theladyandsons.com.

Where to Stay

Shopping along River Street.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT Savannah Convention & Visitors Bureau 912-644-6400, www.visitsavannah.com

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport 912-964-0514, www.savannahairport.com

Bed and Breakfasts of Savannah www.bedandbreakfastsofsavannah.com

PHOTO: www.visitsavannah.com.

As home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the town has a particular allure for artists in all media. The college and its museum of art boast extensive permanent collections of British and American art, photography, contemporary art and more. The museum, a restored 1856 Greek Revival structure that once housed the offices of the Central of Georgia Railroad, is a work of art all its own. 912-525-7191, www.scad.edu.

The historic Savannah Theatre opened its doors in 1818, and is still one of the city’s entertainment anchors, where plays, popular Broadway musicals and more take center stage. 912-233-7764, www.savannahtheatre.com.

In Savannah, eating is an attraction as well. Among the local favorites are Elizabeth on 37th, the Gryphon Tea Room and the Olde Pink House.

Fans of food personality Paula Deen can dine at her family eatery, The

Savannah boasts a thriving hospitality industry, with a number of quaint inns and privately run bed-and-breakfasts that are often noted for their romantic allure and the chance to spend a night in a historic property.

Among the most popular are The Gastonian, a 4-star inn with 17 sumptuous rooms (912-232-2869, www.gastonian.com); Kehoe House, a 1892 home on the National Registry of Historic Places that caters only to adults (912-232-1020, www.kehoehouse.com); and the East Bay Inn, a restored cotton warehouse built in 1852 (912-238-1225, www.eastbayinn.com).

Filled with history, beautiful architecture, breathtaking parks and great food, Savannah has something to offer travelers of every stripe. After one visit to Georgia’s first city, you’re sure to rank it first among your favorite in-state getaway destinations.

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 35

O UTSID E

ATL A NTA Paddle along the Santa Fe River.

Gainesville, Fla. pring is the perfect time for a vacation. And there’s no better spot for a getaway than Gainesville, Fla., which offers a wealth of outdoor activities, great restaurants and cultural attractions.

The Florida Museum of Natural History features a wealth of exhibits and facilities, including the Butterfly Rainforest, which hosts more than 55 species of butterflies. You can also enjoy nature by canoeing on the Santa Fe River, hiking in gorgeous Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park or exploring The Devil’s Millhopper, a lush rainforest situated in a large sinkhole.

Stroll through downtown Gainesville and enjoy live music at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza or take in a performance at the Hippodrome State Theatre. Then top off your evening with great Latin food at Emiliano’s Café, contemporary Southern cuisine at Blue Gill Quality Foods or delicious vegetarian and American fare at The Top. Visit Gainesville and discover why it’s known as the spot “where nature and culture meet.” For more information, call 866-778-5002 or visit www.visitgainesville.com.

The Hippodrome State Theatre.

36 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

PHOTOS: (Top) Courtesy of Visit Gainesville; (Bottom) Anna Mikell, Courtesy of Visit Gainesville.

S

The Perfect Spot for a Spring Getaway

38 40 47

GETTING STARTED

HERE TO MARTA

Patrick Killam, Publisher pkillam@bellsouth.net 770.992.0273 Office 770.649.7463 Fax

THERE

ad Size:

issue: december/January 08

Full Page 8.375"x 10.875" HalF Page Horizontal 7.375"x 4.812" HalF Page Vertical 3.5625"x 9.875"

Mass Transit

One way to avoid long commutes is to take advantage of the city’s local transit system, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Offering both train and bus service, MARTA is a convenient way to travel to downtown or the airport. The fee for traveling one way is $2.00 including transfers, and payment is even easier now with the Breeze limited-use and extendeduse cards. Weekly and monthly passes can be obtained at discounted rates. For fares, schedule and route information call 404848-5000 or visit www.itsmarta.com.

38 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

tHird Page Vertical 2.375"x 9.875"

tHird Page Horizontal 4.75"x 4.812"

FourtH Page Vertical 3.5625"x 4.812"

SixtH Page Vertical 2.375"x 4.812"

MARTA Rail Service

ProoF SH

Driver’s License

Out-of-state drivers are required to obtain a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days. To obtain your license, you will need to provide the following: 1) Previous driver’s license; 2) Two pieces of identification; 3) An eye exam at the time of issue; 4) A $20 fee (in cash) for a five-year license, or a $35 fee for a 10-year license. Licenses are issued through the Georgia Department of Driver Services at several sites across Atlanta. Call 678-413-8400 or visit www.dds.ga.gov.

Car Tag

You must register your car within 30 days of residency. Bring with you the following information: 1) Car title, name and address of lienholder, or copy of lease agreement; 2) Current tag registration; 3) Mileage reading of vehicle; 4) Proof of insurance; 5) Emission certificate (if applicable).

There is an approximate $20 fee for your tag.

In January 2006, the state began charging sales tax

GETTING STARTED on vehicles. Your tag office will provide the amount of sales tax on your vehicle. For information on a specific county, contact the appropriate county’s Tax Commissioner’s Office.

Vehicle Emission Inspection

Vehicles dating from 1985 through 2006 model year must be checked each year for emission standard compliance. Visit a statedesignated inspection station for the service.

Call 800-449-2471 or visit www.cleanairforce.com.

Driving Tips

The Georgia DOT provides daily updates of road work, road closings and traffic delays, which are helpful when commuting.

Updates can be obtained by calling (toll free) 1-877-694-2511, by dialing 511, or by visiting www.georgia-navigator.com.

NEED TO KNOW Voter Registration

Registration applies to U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age. You have up to 30 days before an election to register. Register at your local Voter Registration Office and most public libraries. Refer to the AT&T directory for locations, or download a registration form at www.sos.georgia.gov.

Making a Phone Call All phone numbers in the metro Atlanta area include the area code plus the sevendigit number.

To make a phone call, dial one of the four area codes (404, 770, 678 and 470) and the seven-digit number. In general, 404 is designated for intown areas and 770 for suburbs; the 678 and 470 area codes overlay both areas.

Cell phone subscribers can choose from any area code when signing up for service.

Registering for School By law, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to enter kindergarten and 6 years old on or before September 1 to enter the first grade. To enroll your child in either kindergarten or first grade, you will need to provide the child’s social security number; a vision, hearing, and dental screening from a family practitioner or local health clinic; and immunization records on Georgia State Form 3231.

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COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION pUBLIC schools Bartow County Schools Board of Education: 770-606-5800 Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Career Academy Per-pupil expenditures: School & bus information

Bartow County

12 4 3 1 $8,311 770-606-5873

The Booth Western Art Museum ADAIRSVILLE

Avg. SAT Scores Bartow Co. Georgia National

1440 1452 1498

pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS Electricity City of Cartersville 770-387-5631 Georgia Power Company 888-660-5890 Gas Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

Telephone AT&T Residential 770-382-9743 Water Bartow County Water 770-387-5170 Department AT&T Comcast

Cable TV 866-271-9724 800-266-2278

Hospitals Cartersville Medical Center 770-382-1530 Emory Heart & Vascular Center 404-778-8400

the county seat after nearby Cassville was largely destroyed by Union General William Sherman.

Located within the hills of North Georgia, Cartersville boasts several museums, including the Tellus Science Museum, the Booth Western Art Museum, the Rose Lawn Museum and the Bartow History Center. It is also home to the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, featuring prehistoric mounds dating back more than 1,000 years.

Natural attractions including Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain State Park and the Pine Mountain Trail provide residents with outdoor recreation options and other familyfriendly activities.

Today, Cartersville boasts a population of more than 19,000 residents, and has its own school district made up of five schools, from pre-K to high school.

WHITE Originally named Cass County, BARTOW Bartow County was renamed after CARTERSVILLE Colonel Francis S. Bartow in 1861.

EMERSON Rich in Native American history, the county was created from part of Cherokee County in 1832.

The county saw great devastation during the Civil County www.bartowga.org The first Georgia War, which was especially Neighborhoods www.cityofcartersville.org town to be registered in tragic after the prosperous www.adairsvillega.net the National Register of antebellum period the area had Historic Places, Adairsville enjoyed. Union General William Schools www.bartow.k12.ga.us Sherman burned nearby Cassville, was named after Chief John Median household income: $49,060 the original county seat, to the Adair, a Scottish settler who Median age of residents: 35.6 ground in 1864; the county married a Cherokee Indian Population: 100,661 seat was moved in 1867 to girl. The Western and Sales tax: 7% Cartersville, where it remains.

Atlantic Railroad played Chamber of Commerce Though Cassville never a central part in the city’s 770-382-1466, www.cartersvillechamber.com recovered from the war, the growth in the mid-1800s, as Property Taxes county and Cartersville benefited local businesses flourished Per $1,000 of assessed value is: from the area’s natural resources around the depot. SixtyUnincorporated Bartow County, $27.73 and transportation. Mining and five miles from both Atlanta Cartersville, $30.73 agriculture became important and Chattanooga, the city Adairsville, $32.66 parts of the local economy along is perfect for an overnight Tax Commissioner: 770-387-5111 with textiles, corn and cotton. stay, especially at the .

Today, the county offers a Currently, the county employs a nearby Barnsley Gardens tight-knit community, with a great sole commissioner form of government, Resort, which offers spa treatments, school system and affordable housing. and is the largest county to have such a gardens, restaurants, golf and In addition to Cartersville, the county government in the state. Georgia is the beautiful English cottages sure to is also home to the cities of Adairsville, only remaining state to allow for sole take your breath away.

Kingston, Euharlee and Emerson. commissioner governments.

Adairsville is also an antiques Attractions include the Euharlee lover’s dream, with the Georgia Covered Bridge and History Museum, North Antique Mall and the 1902 the Noble Hill-Wheeler Memorial Stock Exchange shop both in the Center, the Civil War Museum in small downtown area. N Kingston, the world’s first Coca Cola outdoor advertisement and abundant For more counties and neighborhood Incorporated in 1850, Cartersville nature trails in such spots as Pine Top information, visit our Web site at is full of history. The city became Mountain and Red Top Mountain. www.newcomeratlanta.com

40 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

QUICK INFO

Neighborhoods

Cartersville

Adairsville

COUNTY INFORMATION

Cherokee County

EDUCATION public schools Cherokee County Schools Board of Education 770-479-1871

QUICK INFO

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

County www.cherokeega.com Neighborhoods www.canton-georgia.com www.woodstockga.gov www.cityofballground.com www.hollyspringsga.us www.cityofwaleska.com Schools www.cherokee.k12.ga.us Median household income: $63,518 Median age of residents: 34 Population: 210,529 Sales tax: 6% Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County 770-345-0400, www.cherokeechamber.com Property Taxes Per $1,000 of assessed value is: Unincorporated Cherokee County, $26.80; Incorporated Cherokee County, $24.06.

Tax Commissioner: 678-493-6400

Cagle Dairy Farm, Canton

Located northwest of Atlanta, Cherokee County gets its name from the original inhabitants of the area, the Cherokee Indians. The county seat, then called Etowah, was established in 1833 and renamed Canton in 1834. Today, the city is enjoying its greatest economic boom in its history since more than $60 million was invested in residential and commercial development in 1998.

Despite developing its own industrial base, Cherokee County remains idyllic and serene. Farming, especially poultry processing, remains a leading industry.

Canton and the neighboring community of Woodstock have seen tremendous growth as subdivisions crop up to accommodate newcomers.

In fact, nearly 60 percent of the county’s population are commuters. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of homes in 2006 was $194,900.

Homes for well over $1 million can be purchased in such neighborhoods as Bradshaw Farms, Bridge Mill and Town Lake Hills.

Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92 traverse the county, affording residents easy access to Atlanta and the nearby attractions of Town Center Mall, Lake Allatoona and the North Georgia Mountains. Other great places to live,

Ridge Mountains and along the banks of the Etowah River, Canton is prime location for development.

Woodstock

work and play in Cherokee County include the cities of Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Waleska.

Neighborhoods

Canton Canton was incorporated in 1833 and renamed in 1834 at the request of two founding fathers who had visions that the town might become a silk center similar to what existed in Canton, China. Canton did become famous for its “Canton Denim,” known worldwide for the high-quality denim produced by Canton Cotton Mills.

Today, Canton is attracting new industry and residents. As a result, the city is re-investing in its downtown.

As part of its “Streetscapes” program, downtown Canton will be restored to its historic look and features a newly designed theater on Main Street.

Located at the foothills of the Blue

Twelve miles south of Canton, Woodstock is the fastest-growing city in Cherokee County. With a growth rate of 70 percent over the past 10 years, the city has doubled in size. Residents enjoy easy access to Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92, allowing short commutes to Cobb and Fulton counties.

While affording convenience to big-city attractions, Woodstock still maintains its small-town appeal.

Buildings dating back to 1879 characterize the downtown, where antique and other specialty shops are located.

Various golf courses are located in Woodstock, including Arnold Palmer’s Eagle Watch, a course with wooded countryside views that is considered to be one of the top places to play in Atlanta. The 11,860-acre Lake Allatoona provides additional recreation. Woodstock is also convenient to more than 13 state parks. N For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com

Elementary Schools 22 Middle Schools 7 Intermediate Schools 1 High Schools 6 Alternative 1 Evening 1 Per-pupil expenditures $8,578 School & bus information: 770-720-2112 Avg. SAT Scores Cherokee Co. 1560 Georgia 1460 National 1509 pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS HOME SERVICES

Cobb Energy (Electricity, Security, Telephone and Satellite TV) 770-429-2222 Electricity 706-276-2362 Amicalola EMC Cobb EMC 770-429-2100 Georgia Power 888-660-5890 Sawnee EMC

770-887-2363

Gas Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

Telephone AT&T 888-436-8638 ETC Communications 678-454-1212 TDS Telecom-Nelson 770-735-2000 Ball Ground Windstream

800-501-1754

Water Cherokee County Water Authority 770-479-1813 City of Ball Ground 770-735-2123 City of Canton 770-704-1500 City of Waleska 770-479-2912 City of Woodstock

770-926-8852

Cable TV Charter Communications

888-438-2427

Comcast

404-266-2278

ETC Communications

678-454-1212

Hospitals Northside Hospital-Cherokee 770-720-5100 Wellstar Kennestone Hospital

770-793-5000

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 41

COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION

pUBLIC schools Cobb County Schools Board of Education 770-426-3300 71 25 16 6 6 4 $8,816

Marietta City Schools Board of Education

770-422-3500

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Sixth-Grade Magnet Per-pupil expenditures School and bus information

7 1 1 1 1 $9,061 678-594-8000

Avg. SAT Scores

Cobb Co. Marietta City Georgia National

1534 1514 1460 1509

pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS HOME SERVICES Cobb Energy (Electricity, Security, Telephone and Satellite TV) 770-429-2222 ELECTRICITY Acworth Power 770-974-5233 770-429-2100 Cobb EMC Georgia Power 888-660-5890 770-942-6576 GreyStone Power Corp.

Marietta Power/ Columbia Energy 770-794-5100 GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE 888-436-8638 AT&T Comcast 404-266-2278 MCI Worldcom 770-541-7235 Outside Georgia 800-356-3094 WATER Austell Water Cobb County Water Systems Marietta Water Powder Springs Water Smyrna Water

770-944-4300 770-423-1000 770-794-5100 770-943-8000 770-319-5338

CABLE TV Bellsouth Multimedia 770-360-5000 Charter Communications 888-438-2427 Comcast 404-266-2278 HOSPITALS 770-434-0710 Emory Adventist Hospital WellStar Cobb Hospital 770-732-4000 WellStar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000 WellStar Windy Hill Hospital 770-644-1000

White Water

Cobb County

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Magnet Charter Special Per-pupil expenditures

Neighborhoods

Kennesaw

One of Family Circle magaCobb County came into zine’s “Ten Best Towns for Famibeing in 1832 when the state lies,” Kennesaw takes pride in its County www.cobbcountyga.gov redistributed land once part small-town atmosphere and boasts Neighborhoods www.austellga.org of the Cherokee Nation. abundant parks and green space, www.mariettaga.gov Named after Thomas exceptional recreational programs www.ci.smyrna.ga.us Welch Cobb, the county and top-notch schools, includwww.kennesaw-ga.gov experienced a devastating ing Kennesaw State University. www.cityofpowdersprings.org Kennesaw’s Historic Downtown setback during the Civil War when most of it was features shopping, dining and atSchools www.cobb.k12.ga.us destroyed during the Battle tractions such as the Smithsonianwww.marietta-city.org at Kennesaw Mountain. affiliated Southern Museum of Median household income: $65,123 Today, Cobb County, Civil War and Locomotive History, Median age of residents: 35 located north of Fulton the Smith-Gilbert Arboretum and Population: 698,158 County, is one of the fastnearby Kennesaw Mountain NaSales tax: 6% est-growing counties in the tional Battlefield Park.

Chamber of Commerce nation. With a diverse ecoCobb County nomic base that includes 770-980-2000, www.cobbchamber.org Rapidly defining what’s new jobs in the service, retail, Property Taxes and progressive in quality of life aerospace and technology The property tax is $28.75 per $1,000 of assessed and citizen services, Smyrna sectors, Cobb County ofvalue. Tax Commissioner: 770-980-2000 delivers an amazing sense of style fers a quality of life unsurand love of life. The new Market passed in the Southeast. More than $770 million has been spent luxury apartments and condos near Village, home to fabulous restaurants, on transportation improvements in Cumberland Mall, secluded sub- bars and upscale shops and services, recent years, allowing residents easy divisions in East Cobb and horse is the final piece of a master plan for access to Atlanta and the commer- ranches in the northwest corner success. Call it “Main Street USA” or cial districts of Vinings Overlook, of the county. The small towns of “Disneyland,” but don’t overlook its Cumberland Parkway and the pres- Marietta, Vinings, Smyrna and Aus- charm and ability to offer the best in tigious “Platinum Triangle” in the tell still retain their Southern charm fresh, trendy lifestyle options. N Galleria area. amidst urban settings. According to For more counties and neighborhood A variety of housing options the Census Bureau, the median valinformation, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com exist in Cobb County, including ue of homes in 2006 was $205,200.

42 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

QUICK INFO

Smyrna

COUNTY INFORMATION

DeKalb County

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

Located east of Fulton County, DeKalb County is the second largest county in the state with a population of about 705,000.

DeKalb County contributes to Atlanta’s status as an “ international city” with its businesses and residences representing more than 30 different countries and 120 languages.

Neighborhoods

Decatur The county seat of DeKalb, Decatur is a charming historic city known for its recreation and pedestrian-friendly streets. Its beating heart

The square is also home to some beautiful public art, and hosts numerous festivals, town celebrations and neighborhood events.

Decatur is home to a diverse population, attracting young professionals, families, retirees and bright young college students—the city is home to the prestigious women’s university Agnes Scott College, and world-renowned Emory University is just outside the city limits.

Older brick homes, smaller bungalows and cottage homes distinguish the community and the surrounding neighborhoods of Avondale Estates, Oakhurst and Candler Park.

EDUCATION pUBLIC schools DeKalb County Schools Board of Education 678-676-1200 Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information

83 20 20 $9,896 678-676-1300

City Schools of Decatur Board of Education

404-370-4400

Early Learning Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information

1 4 1 1 $13,444 404-370-8737

Avg. SAT Scores DeKalb Co. 1334 City of Decatur 1577 Georgia 1460 National 1509 pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS

Dunwoody

Emory University

QUICK INFO

DeKalb County prosCounty www.co.dekalb.ga.us pers in part due to its exNeighborhoods www.decaturga.com cellent transportation syswww.druidhills.org tem. Five major road arwww.dunwoodyga.org teries traverse the county: www.candlerpark.org www.stonemountaincity.org Interstates 20, 85, 285, 675 and US Highway 78. www.dekalb.k12.ga.us Schools Hartsfield-Jackson Interwww.csdecatur.net national Airport is only six miles from DeKalb’s Median household income: $51,753 southern border and the Median age of residents: 35 Population: 739,956 DeKalb Peachtree AirSales tax: 7% port, a general aviation field, is reported to be Chamber of Commerce DeKalb County the second busiest air404-378-8000, www.dekalbchamber.org port in Georgia. DeKalb County is also a leader in Property Taxes the biomedical commu- The property tax rate is $41.50 per $1,000 for unincorporated DeKalb County. Tax Commissioner: nity with The Center for 404-298-4000 Disease Control headis the Courthouse Square, which quartered there.

The median value of homes in features an eclectic mix of store2006, according to the Census Bu- front boutiques and shops, restaurants and entertainment options. reau, was $190,100.

In the northern corner of the county is Dunwoody, a popular neighborhood among established professionals and young, upwardly mobile professionals raising families.

It is often referred to as the “tennis set” neighborhood because of its numerous recreational outlets that include Lynwood Park and Recreation Center, as well as Blackburn Park and Tennis Center. Cultural attractions include the Dunwoody Nature Center and the Spruill Gallery.

A variety of housing is available in Dunwoody, including apartments, townhomes, ranch-style homes, bungalows and mini-mansions with manicured lawns. Nearby Perimeter Mall provides shopping, dining and family entertainment.

With its proximity to all major expressways and North Fulton’s booming business opportunities, Dunwoody is a hotspot for families. N For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com

Electricity Georgia Power

404-395-7611

Snapping Shoals EMC

770-786-3484

Walton EMC

770-972-2917

Gas Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

Telephone AT&T

888-436-8638

Bellsouth

404-780-2355 Water

DeKalb County Water System 770-621-7200 Cable TV Charter Communication

877-728-3121

Comcast Cablevision

404-266-2278

Hospitals Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston

404-785-6000

DeKalb Medical Center

404-501-1000

Emory University Hospital

404-712-2000

Piedmont Hospital and Medical Care Center

404-605-5000

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 43

COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fayette County Schools Board of Education 770-460-3535

Avg. SAT Scores

Fayette Co. Georgia National

1550 1431 1483

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS HOME SERVICES ELECTRICITY Georgia Power Company 888-660-5890 Coweta-Fayette EMC 770-253-5626 GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE AT&T Residential

888-757-6500

WATER Fayette County Water 770-461-1146 Comcast

CABLE TV 404-266-2278

HOSPITALS Fayette Care Clinic 770-719-4620 Piedmont Fayette Hospital 770-719-7000

Fayetteville

Old-fashioned community pride mingles with a progressive sensibility on the streets of historic downtown Fayetteville, where antique stores and boutiques sit side by side in refurbished buildings.

Boasting a population of approximately 16,000 residents, Fayetteville is home to the Fayette County Historic Society, Research Center and Museum. A haven for family fun, Dixieland Fun Park offers an assortment of activities for young and old alike. The HollidayDorsey-Fife Museum provides a fascinating link to the past thanks to its association with several historical figures, including Margaret Mitchell and "Doc" Holliday. The 1,500-seat Southern Ground Amphitheater attracts national touring acts with its annual summer concert series.

17 6 5 1 1 $8,359 770-460-3520 Photo: Courtesy of the City of Fayetteville

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Alternative Open Campus Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information

Fayette County

Neighborhoods

Starr's Mill in Fayetteville

Located southwest of Atlanta, the land comprising Fayette County was ceded from the Creek Indian Nation in 1821, thus creating Georgia’s 49th county. The county seat, the city of Fayetteville, was established in 1823 and contains the oldest courthouse in the County www.fayettecounty.ga.gov state, built in 1825 and located Neighborhoods www.fayetteville-ga.gov The area now known on Fayetteville’s historic town www.peachtree-city.org as Peachtree City was square. Both the county and city Schools www.fcboe.org originally settled by were named for the Marquis de Woodland Era Indians LaFayette, who fought alongside Median household income: $82,216 Median age of residents: 42.4 several thousand years ago, George Washington in the Population: 107,104 and ceded to the Federal Revolutionary War. Sales tax: 6% government in 1821 by Author Margaret Mitchell Chamber of Commerce Chief William McIntosh, Jr. spent many summers at her 770-461-9983, www.fayettechamber.org Comprising some grandfather’s home in Fayette 12,000 acres, Peachtree County, which helped to inspire Property Taxes Per $1,000 of assessed value is: City was chartered in the locations in her novel Gone With Unincorporated Fayette County, $30.70; 1950s as a masterplanned the Wind.

Fayetteville, $31.64; community of five separate Today, the 199-square mile Peachtree City, $34.54. villages. Today, the area area is renowned as a thriving Tax Commissioner: 770-461-3611 is linked by a 90- mile economic center that features network of trails and golf numerous attractive incentives for businesses, including the 2,200From 1984 to 1994, Fayette cart paths connecting homes, acre Peachtree City Industrial Park, County was the fifth-fastest growing businesses, schools and parks. Gol carts, bicycles and walking are the which features its own Foreign Trade county in the U.S. Zone, which allows merchandise to Fayette County boasts several preferred modes of transportation enter from or exit to foreign countries golf courses and two amphitheaters, among its 35,000 residents, who without a formal U.S. Customs entry among other attractions serving a enjoy its wooded scenery and or payment of duties. In addition, family-oriented population of more wealth of parks, playgrounds and Fayette County maintains a rural, than 106,000 residents. Single-family recreational areas. N . small-town allure, and has been housing in Fayette County ranges For more counties and neighborhood recognized as one of the nation’s from the $50,000s in moderateinformation, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com most attractive communities for income areas to more than $2 million corporate family relocation. in affluent neighborhoods.

44 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

QUICK INFO

Peachtree City

Fulton County

COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development.

At the center of the Metro AtBuckhead is also the lanta area is Fulton County. Bor- epicenter for the city’s enterdered on the west by the Chatta- tainment and dining industries. hoochee River and encompassing With more than 200 restaurants, Interstates 85, 75, 285 and Ga. luxury hotels and night400, Fulton County is at the hub spots, it has long been of the area’s financial, transporta- a young professional’s tion, retail, communications and paradise. The area also cultural services. Most Fortune 500 offers numerous antique corporations maintain national or stores, art galleries and regional facilities in the area; many mall shopping at Leare headquartered here, including nox Square and Coca-Cola, Equifax, United Parcel Phipps Plaza.

Service, Home Depot, Delta Airlines and Turner Broadcasting System.

More than 3 million live and work in Fulton County. Older, innercity neighborhoods, such as Inman Downtown Atlanta skyline Park, Candler Park and trendy Virginia-Highland offer eclectic living one of Atlanta’s most afamidst unique boutiques and fluent neighborhoods. restaurants. Midtown is at the County www.co.fulton.ga.us Homes range from elegant heart of the city’s cultural life, Neighborhoods www.alpharetta.ga.us subdivisions to those home to the Atlanta Symphony www.buckhead.net with acreage. The CounOrchestra, High Museum of Art, www.virginiahighland.com try Club of the South is Alliance Theatre and the historic www.eastpointcity.org a planned community Fox Theatre. Many outdoor feswww.collegeparkga.com home to several sports tivals are held at Piedmont Park. www.hapeville.org www.ci.roswell.ga.us stars, high profile execuAccording to the Census Buwww.sandyspringsga.org tives and celebrities. reau, the median value of homes Schools www.fultonschools.org A successful combiin 2006 was $270,000. Homes www.atlanta.k12.ga.us nation of old and new, in the millions can be found in Median household income: $57,586 Alpharetta has become a such affluent neighborhoods as Median age of residents: 35 haven for singles, families Buckhead, Sandy Springs and Population: 963,676 and professionals wantAlpharetta.

Sales tax: 7%, Atlanta City: 8% ing a bit of country living Chamber of Commerce with all the amenities that Greater North Fulton city dwelling offers. While 770-993-8806, www.gnfcc.com many residents shop Metro Atlanta at nearby Northpoint 404-880-9000, www.metroatlantachamber.com Considered Atlanta’s “silk Mall and Gwinnett Mall, South Fulton stocking district,” Buckhead is many still enjoy the old 770-964-1984, www.sfcoc.org “where old money lives and new stores on Main Street— Property Taxes money parties,” according to a visit to the Alpharetta The property tax rate per $1,000 is: $30.49 for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Soda Shoppe is a special the City of Atlanta; $28.03 for incorporated Fulton With its one-of-a-kind Georgian treat. N County; $33.69 for unincorporated South Fulton and Neoclassical mansions and and $31.90 for unincorporated North Fulton uniquely styled homes from the County County. Tax Commissioner: 404-730-6100 1950s and 1960s, Buckhead is a favorite locale among architecture and history buffs. It is home to the Once a small farming commuGovernor’s Mansion, the historic For more counties and neighborhood Swan House and the Atlanta History nity, Alpharetta has greatly boomed information, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com within the last 20 years to become Center.

QUICK INFO

Neighborhoods

Buckhead

Alpharetta

PUBLIC SChooLS Fulton County Schools Board of Education 404-768-3600 Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Charter Per-pupil expenditures

58 19 16 6 $9,746

Atlanta City Schools

404-802-3500

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Charter Non-Traditional Per-pupil expenditures: School & bus information:

55 16 22 7 2 $13,710 404-753-9815

Avg. SAT Scores Atlanta (City) 1285 Fulton Co. 1584 Georgia 1460 National 1509 PRIvATe SChooLS Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS hoMe SeRvICeS Cobb Energy (Electricity, Security, Telephone and Satellite TV) 770-429-2222 eLeCTRICITy City of College Park 404-669-3772 City of East Point 404-270-7093 City of Fairburn 770-964-2244 City of Palmetto 770-463-3377 Georgia Power Company 404-395-7611 GreyStone Power Corp.

770-942-6576 Sawnee EMC 770-887-2363 GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

TeLePhoNe AT&T 888-436-8638 Outside Georgia 800-356-3094

Fulton County

WATeR

404-730-6830

CABLe Tv Charter Communications 877-728-3121 Comcast 404-266-2278 hoSPITALS Atlanta Medical Center 404-265-4000 Center for the Visually Impaired 404-875-9011 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding 404-785-9500 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite 404-785-5252 Emory Crawford Long Hospital 404-686-2513 Fulton County Health Dept. 404-730-1211 Grady Memorial Hospital 404-616-4307 North Fulton Regional Hospital 770-751-2500 Northside Hospital 404-851-8000 Piedmont Hospital 404-605-5000 Shepherd Center 404-352-2020 South Fulton Medical Center 404-466-1170 St. Joseph’s Hospital 404-851-7001

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 45

COUNTY INFORMATION pUBLIC schools Gwinnett County Schools Board of Education: 678-301-6000 Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Alternative Open Campus Per-pupil expenditures:

72 24 20 6 1 $8,338

City Schools of Buford Board of Education:

770-945-5035

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Academy Per-pupil expenditures

1 1 1 1 $10,198

Avg. SAT Scores Gwinnett Co. 1526 City of Buford 1455 Georgia 1460 National 1509 pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS Electricity 770-945-6761 City of Buford City of Lawrenceville 770-963-2414 770-448-2122 City of Norcross Georgia Power 404-395-7611 Jackson EMC 770-963-6166 770-887-2363 Sawnee EMC 770-972-2917 Walton EMC Gas Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

AT&T

Telephone 888-436-8638

Water Buford Dacula Gwinnett City Water Lawrenceville Norcross

770-889-4600 770-963-7451 678-376-6800 770-963-2414 770-448-2122

Cable TV Bellsouth Multimedia 770-360-5000 Charter Communications

888-438-2427

Comcast

404-266-2278 Hospitals

Emory Eastside Medical Center

770-736-2400

Joan Glancy Memorial Hospital 678-584-6800 Gwinnett Medical Center

678-312-4321

Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion 678-312-4770 Summit Ridge Center for Behavorial Health 770-822-2200

Gwinnett County

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

EDUCATION

Some of Duluth’s neighborhoods include Edgewater Estates, Sweet Bottom Plantation, and Riverbrooke.

Affluent estates with antebellum architecture can be found as well as apartment communities, older brick, ranch-style homes and subdivisions.

Duluth still retains some of its original small-town businesses, along with chain businesses, many accessible by Ga. 400 and I-85.

Suwanee

Suwanee is named after the Shawnee Indians who settled here Mall of Georgia in the latter part of the 18th century.

Following the official founding of Originally part of Georgia’s the city in 1837, Suwanee became Native American territory, Gwinnett a railroad stop along the Southern County was created by the State Railroad route. It remained a small Legislature in 1818 and named after country town well into the ’70s when Button Gwinnett, the third signer of construction of I-85 and U.S. 23 the Declaration of Independence and brought easy access to the region. a former state governor.

Since then, Suwanee has exWhile the county was perienced tremendous once largely rural with small growth, from 2,000 resiCounty www.co.gwinnett.ga.us towns, country stores, farms dents in 1990 to more Neighborhoods www.cityofbuford.com and forests, today it is home to than 10,000 today. To www.duluthga.net more than 245 international help manage growth, www.snellville.org companies and 450 high-tech the city has developed www.suwanee.com firms. With an average of 260 a comprehensive developSchools www.bufordcityschools.org new professional and industrial ment plan that promotes www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us companies relocating to the pedestrian-oriented deMedian household income: $64,005 county each year, attracting more velopment and mixedMedian age of residents: 33 than 6,000 new jobs, Gwinnett use zoning. Designated Population: 789,499 County remains in the top 10 a Tree City USA for more Sales tax: 6% ranking for growth nationwide. than 10 years, the city Chamber of Commerce The county supports many is committed to preserving Gwinnett County cultural events, restaurants 27 percent of its land as 770-232-3000, www.gwinnettchamber.org and shopping opportunities, green space.

Property Taxes including the Mall of Georgia.

Such foresight has The property tax in unincorporated Gwinnett Gwinnett County remains allowed Suwanee to retain County is $31.77 per $1,000 of assessed value. affordable for renters and first-time its old-fashioned charm Tax Commissioner: 770-822-8800. home buyers, many of whom find while providing contemhomes in the communities of Doraville, in Metro Atlanta and is home to porary convenience. Only 35 miles Lawrenceville and Snellville. The median some of the best golf courses and from downtown Atlanta, Suwanee is value of homes in 2006, according to private tennis clubs. There are close to big-city attractions, business numerous parks for recreation and districts and shopping. Many anthe Census Bureau, was $193,100. participatory sports, including tique shops and historic structures, Bunten Road Park and “Shorty” including several Victorian and reHowell Park. Two major malls, gional farm-style homes, are located Gwinnett Place and Northpoint, near downtown Suwanee. N are located near Duluth. The Southeastern Railway Museum, Amidst the pristine setting of which preserves and operates old For more counties and neighborhood Gwinnett County, Duluth has some railroad equipment, is a must-see information, visit our Web site at of the most exclusive neighborhoods for any railroad aficionado. www.newcomeratlanta.com

QUICK INFO

Neighborhoods

Duluth

46 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

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www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 47

upcomingEVENTS

to life, whisking kids on a journey back to the Mesozoic era, when dinosaurs roamed the earth … and rode in trains! Young ones will delight in this multimedia extravaganza featuring the puppetry wizardry of the Jim Henson Company.

Two shows, 1 and 4 p.m. Feb. 22, 800-745-3000, www.cobbenergycentre.com.

Atlanta Ballet: Modern Choreographic Voices, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Theater & Concerts

PHOTO: Charlie McCullers, Courtesy Atlanta Ballet

Jennifer Nettles, Fox Theatre

Pinocchio, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Feb. 5-9, 888-929-7849, www.gwinnettcenter.com.

Roméo et Juliette, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre The Atlanta Ballet presents the Southeast premiere of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo’s production of this classic tale of star-crossed lovers, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s stunning score. Feb. 7-15, 404-892-3303, www.atlantaballet.com.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Fox Theatre

855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.

The Eagles, Philips Arena The best-selling country-rock band, featuring Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Joe Walsh, performs. Feb. 24, 800-745-3000, www.philipsarena.com.

Georgia On My Mind: Celebrating Ray Charles, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Fellowship Ensemble. Feb. 15-16, 404-892-3303,

Join entertainers Take 6, Clint Holmes, Nnenna Freelon, Kirk Whalum and Shelly Berg, along with the Clark Atlanta University Band and Singers, for this tribute to Georgia native, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Ray Charles. Feb. 26,

www.atlantaballet.com.

800-745-3000, www.cobbenergycentre.com.

All Vaughan Williams, Atlanta Symphony Hall

Alton Brown, Fox Theatre

Follow everyone’s favorite wooden puppet on

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents his quest to become a real boy in this oneBuilt to Amaze!, Arena at Gwinnett Center hour family performance by the Atlanta Ballet The world’s most famous circus troupe presents the 143rd edition of the “Greatest Show on Earth,” featuring elephants, tigers, aerialists, acrobats, clowns and more. Show up 90 minutes before the show for an Animal Open House, where you can check out the animal stars of the show up-close.

The circus also stops Feb. 12-17 at Philips Arena.

Nettles, a Georgia native and lead vocalist for the hit country duo Sugarland, performs in support of her solo album That Girl. Feb. 22,

The Food Network personality, known for hosting “Iron Chef America” and for his quirky brand of humor, brings his “Edible Inevitable” tour to the Fox for an evening of comedy, live music and more. Feb. 28, 855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.

Robert Spano leads the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of composer Vaughan Williams, with soloists Jessica Rivera and Brett Polegato. Feb. 20-22, 404-733-5000, www.atlantasymphony.org.

Fourth Annual Symphony Gala, Atlanta Symphony Hall

Robin Thicke, Fox Theatre

Dinosaur Train Live, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Broadway sensation Audra McDonald joins the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for this concert benefiting the orchestra’s education and community engagement programs. The event also features a cocktail reception, seated dinner, silent auction, dessert and dancing. March 8,

The popular PBS children’s program comes

404-733-5000, www.atlantasymphony.org.

The pop singer, best known for last year’s hit “Blurred Lines,” performs. Feb. 21, 855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.

The internationally renowned dance company performs pieces celebrating the richness of the African-American cultural experience. Feb. 13-16,

Harlem Globetrotters, Philips Arena

Faust, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre The Atlanta Opera stages a retelling of this legendary tale of a scholar who sells his soul to the devil to seduce a beautiful woman. Sung in French, with projected English translations.

855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.

Piano Romance with Michael Krajewski, Atlanta Symphony Hall

404-733-5000, www.atlantasymphony.org.

48 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

March 8-16, 404-881-8885, www.atlantaopera.org.

PHOTO: Shutterstock.com

Enjoy a night of romantic music with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, featuring pianist Rich Ridenour, Broadway vocalist Ashley Brown and conductor Michael Krajewski. Feb. 14-15,

Harlem Globetrotters, Philips Arena The world-famous basketball exhibition team returns to Atlanta to delight fans of all ages on its 2014 Fans Rule tour. Fans can visit the

Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics, and Painting, High Museum of Art

Globetrotters’ website to vote on fun, crazy rules to be included in the game. March 15, 800-745-

in the Spinjitzu training camp and navigate the “lazer maze.” Spring 2014, 404-848-9252,

3000, www.philipsarena.com.

www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta.

Atlanta Ballet: Modern Choreographic Voices, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Go West!, High Museum of Art

The Atlanta Ballet performs works from some of the world’s most popular choreographers, including Jorma Elo’s “1st Flash,” Ohad Naharin’s “Secus” and Alexei Ratmansky’s “Seven Sonatas.” March 21-23, 404-892-3303, www.atlantaballet.com.

Crosby, Stills & Nash, Fox Theatre The legendary folk-rock trio performs. March 22, 855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.

George Strait, Philips Arena The country music superstar plays songs from throughout his storied career. Sheryl Crow also performs. March 22, 800-745-3000, www.philipsarena.com.

Exhibits & Events 11th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Gathering, Booth Western Art Museum The Booth hosts a three-day celebration of the West, with art exhibits, entertainers, cowboy poetry, children’s activities and much more at the museum’s Festival Grounds. March 6-8, 770-387-1300, www.boothmuseum.org.

Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Auto Plus Raceway This annual drag-racing event in Gainesville, Fla., is one of the National Hot Rod Association’s most beloved races and the sport’s traditional East Coast opener event. March 13-16, 800-884-6472, www.autoplusraceway.com.

Spring Garden Festival, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Shop for plants for your garden or just browse among approximately 200 booths featuring plants, landscape displays, garden accessories, arts and crafts, educational exhibits and food offerings. This annual Gainesville, Fla., festival also features a walk-through butterfly conservatory, a children’s activities area, live entertainment and more. March 22-23, 352-372-4981, www.kanapaha.org/spring.

Ninjago, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Give your little one an up-close look into the martial arts in the LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s new Ninjago area, where he can participate

This exhibit features objects and major works of art showcasing the exploration and settlement of the American West, including posters, photos and other artwork created for Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West show, recreational frontier firearms and the advertisements that promoted them, and a war bonnet and other artifacts crafted by members of Plains tribes. Through April 13, 404-733-5000, www.high.org.

Today’s West!, Booth Western Art Museum This exhibition showcases developments in Western art over the last 50 years and features works from the collection of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyo. Through April 13, 770-387-1300, www.boothmuseum.org.

Suwanee SculpTour, Suwanee Downtown Suwanee’s walkable, outdoor public art experience returns with 15 new sculptures created by artists from across the country. Through March 2015, www.suwanee.com.

Bodies the Exhibition, Atlantic Station This exhibit offers an unmatched view of the human body and how it works, with more than 200 actual bodies and specimens offering a look at our skeletal structure, musculature, nervous and reproductive systems, and more. Ongoing,

GONE WITH THE WIND COLLECTION

404-496-4274, www.bodiestheexhibition.com.

Inside CNN Studio Tour, CNN Center Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the world’s first and most famous 24-hour news network.

Watch the CNN newsroom in action and have your picture taken reading the day’s news.

Ongoing, 404-827-2300, www.cnn.com/tour.

MOnDay-SaturDay

Southern Quilt Trail, Powder Springs

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Closed Sunday

Tour this series of quilt patterns painted on the sides of historic barns and other buildings in an effort to promote and preserve the history of this traditional art form that has been handed down for generations. Ongoing, 770-439-1780, www.southernquilttrail.com.

GONE WITH THE WIND M u s E u M

Scarlett on the Square

Titanic: The Artifact Expedition, Atlantic Station This stirring exhibit showcases more than 200 artifacts preserved from the wreck of the RMS Titanic, offering a one-of-a-kind look at the iconic ship and its passengers. Ongoing, 404-496-4274, www.titanicatlanta.com.

MarIETTa

Original Gone With the Wind memorabilia on display from the private collection of Dr. Christopher Sullivan.

Gift Shop, facility RentalS annual eventS

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LEFT: A shirt worn by a member of the Sioux tribe. RIGHT: N.C. Wyeth’s “Hunters With Bear.” BOTTOM: A lithograph of Buffalo Bill Cody.

Go West! T

he High Museum of Art, the Southeast’s premier fine art museum, shines a spotlight on 100 years of artwork highlighting the settlement of the American West with its newest exhibit, Go West! Art of the American Frontier from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Go West! features more than 250 rare objects and works of art from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, one of the country’s leading institutions dedicated to the American West. Spanning the period from 1830 to 1930, the exhibit’s

by Muriel Vega 10 themed sections take visitors back to when the American Dream was focused on the largely unexplored West Coast.

“The objects that we have assembled tell a pretty amazing story,” says the exhibit’s curator, Stephanie Heydt. “It’s an interesting perspective on an aspect of America that is so central to where we are now—this idea throughout the 19th century [of] this frontier, an open opportunity on one end of the country. In a way, it defined what it meant to be American in the 19th century and in many ways, it’s relevant to us today.”

Among the works on display are more than a dozen landscape paintings representing some of the earliest paintings of the West; posters, photos and paintings created for Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, including images of Buffalo Bill, sharpshooter Annie Oakley and the Native American chief Sitting Bull; and 20 large photographs, taken from the High’s permanent collection, of the construction of the transcontinental railroads during the late 1800s.

In addition, the exhibit features recreational frontier firearms, including guns used by Cody and Oakley; paintings and sculptures by such noted artists as Frederic Remington and N.C. Wyeth; and a war bonnet, moccasins and other objects used by members of Plains tribes.

In conjunction with Go West!, the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville is presenting Today’s West! Contemporary Art from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, showcasing some of the Center’s works covering developments in Western art over the last 50 years.

Go West! Art of the American Frontier from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West runs at the High Museum of Art through April 13. For hours of operation, ticket prices and other information, call 404-733-5000 or visit www.high.org. Today’s West!, at the Booth Western Art Museum, also runs through April 13. For more information, call 770-387-1300 or visit www.boothmuseum.org.

High Exhibit Explores the American Frontier

PHOTOS: (Top left) Shirt, Oglala Lakota (Sioux), Northern Plains, ca. Buffalo Bill Center of the West, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Maxwell, NA.202.208; (Top right) N.C. Wyeth (American, 1882–1945), Hunters with Bear, ca. 1911. Buffalo Bill Center of the West, gift of Olin Corporation, Winchester Arms Collection, 25.88; (Bottom) The Strobridge Lithograph Company, Active Cincinnati, Ohio, 1847-1961, Col. W.F. Cody, “Buffalo Bill,” ca.

1908, lithographic poster. Buffalo Bill Center of the West, gift of The Coe Foundation, 1.69.113.

50 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com