Woodstock calls itself “a city unexpected,” and this community of about 33,000 offers amenities you might not imagine in a city of its size. More than 2,500 businesses are located here, and residents have a wide choice of housing options: many accessible from downtown on foot or via the free downtown trolley service and bike share program. The city boasts hiking and biking trails, concerts, festivals and other special events. It’s easy to see why Woodstock has been steadily racking up accolades from national media outlets and was the only Georgia city to make Money magazine’s 2020 list of Top 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. visitwoodstockga.com
South
Peachtree City F E
This master-planned community has the feel of a vacation resort. Golf carts are a primary means of transportation here, zipping along 100 miles of multi-use paths that are also great for strolling and bicycling. The area’s lake, golf courses, playgrounds, nature areas and sports fields offer numerous recreational opportunities, and the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater hosts a number of outdoor concerts. The city is also a magnet for film and television productions and boasts a Southern Hollywood Film Tour that visits popular filming locations. peachtree-city.org
Peachtree City’s main mode of transportation
CITY OF LILBURN
Lilburn is in the midst of unprecedented community revitalization and renewal.
Renewal takes leadership, vision and, most of all, time; with these three key ingredients, revitalization tends to attract a myriad of investment opportunities.
LEADERSHIP: Lilburn has been a bedrock of leadership within Gwinnett County and has remained ethical, steady and forthright in its decision-making.
VISION: Lilburn has a long history of visionary leaders that have remained focused and steadfast in their decisions.
TIME: The city often says that Lilburn is a 30year “overnight” success story. The renewal of a city takes a focused leadership with decades of continuity and purpose.
It is often said that without a vibrant downtown, a city is earmarked for failure. With that
in mind, leadership made the decision over a decade ago to invest in the downtown area. Improvements included: water and sewer additions and upgrades, assemblage of key properties for redevelopment, attraction of an anchor restaurant, transportation improvements, branding, as well as capital and public park space upgrades. With a city park centrally located within the downtown area, residents and visitors enjoy a central location for walking, resting and simply meeting other patrons, all which contribute to the success of a downtown revitalization. Moreover, the success of Old Town will have a “halo” effect and perpetuate development throughout the entire city.
There is much to celebrate as the city en-
ters into 2022! This year brings the addition of new downtown restaurants, a brewery and marketplace, increased parking and transportation improvements. Old Town will be a focal point for music, relaxation and family outings. Development is springing up throughout the city as so many are eager to Rediscover Lilburn!
For more information, visit cityoflilburn.com.
L SPOTLIGHT neighborhood
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Duluth
By Dana Towns
ocated 22 miles northeast of Atlanta, Duluth is recognized as a “model city” in Gwinnett County. It is not only the second largest city in Gwinnett but also was ranked the ninth Safest City in Georgia by the National Council of Home Safety and Security in 2020. The city has a healthy blend of big chain organizations and developers, and Duluth prides itself in providing business advocacy and leadership development for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Though noted as a busy Gwinnett hub it is home to nearly 32,000 residents and over 1,750 businesses—Duluth has been able to maintain its small-town atmosphere and camaraderie through local festivals, great restaurants, and arts and entertainment.
Housing
District at Duluth features brand new studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartment homes located central to the historic Downtown Duluth area. The Glen at Cresswell is a new single-family development by Pulte Homes. Homes are priced in the $400,000s and have three to four bedrooms. Marketplace Village is a new mixed-use development that includes 128 units of active adult apartments. Rivers Edge at Abbotts Bridge is a single-family and townhome community established in 2016. Amenities include a gated community, HOA and close access to the Chattahoochee River and Downtown Duluth.
Local Treasures
The place to be on a Friday is in Downtown Duluth, which is home to multiple restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. The Town Green is known for hosting free festivals, concerts and movies for the community. It is also home to the Town Green Fountain that is operational Monday through Friday, weather permitting, between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Arts and Entertainment
Duluth Public Art was implemented by the Duluth Public Arts Commission in 2015 to “ensure that a high quality of art and a variety of artistic experiences are available to Duluth citizens and visitors,” said then-Mayor Nancy Harris. Functional, mural, sculpture, interactive, temporary and performance art including The Red Clay Music Foundry are all part of the Duluth Public Art Master Plan for “enhancing economic growth and community character.”
Culinary Treats
Located on The Town Green, Sweet Octopus serves fresh Asian flavors with Thai, poke, ramen, empanada and boba menus. If you are craving something sweet while you walk the Town Green, Crave Pie Studio offers a variety of daily and seasonal menus, including chocolate bourbon pecan pie and mocha lattes. Good Word Brewing and Public House serves locally sourced food, priding itself on community, communication and celebration. N
The Eastern Continental Divide Monument is located at the top of the Town Green. Arrows on either side indicate the divide where water flows to the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.
District at Duluth
The Town Green
Duluth Public Art Installation
Sweet Octopus
PHOTOS: (Left) DV Photo Video; (Far Left Top and Bottom) Dustin Grau Photography; (Far Left Middle) City of Duluth
A WHOLE-CHILD APPROACH TO EDUCATION
By Phil Keeling
Looking at Atlanta’s educational landscape means realizing there are many types of schools with descriptions that may sound somewhat familiar: magnet, charter and special needs, just to name a few. One type of school that’s gaining more popularity in the metro area is Montessori education, named for Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. These independent schools are ingrained in the concept that children learn best through hands-on exploration that they follow at their own pace.
While they are perhaps best known for educating children in the preschool and elementary levels, Montessori schools and methods have been implemented up through the high school level. At each level, the focus is as much on social, physical and emotional development as academics. Life skills, responsibility and respect for the environment are taught alongside more traditional subjects, such as science, mathematics, history and language, creating a student that is truly well-rounded in both
academic studies and emotional maturity. Learning objectives are accomplished through experiential, practical and sensory activities in an organized setting.
RISE IN POPULARITY
According to the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector’s website, there are more than 3,000 Montessori schools in the United States today, with about 2,500 being private programs and over 560 being public ones. The center reported
that Montessori schools had modest growth from 1975 to 1999. But from 2000 to 2014, due to an uptick in mainstream media coverage, new Montessori programs opened at a high rate.
In the past three years, Montessori education has received more national press, with publications such as Forbes and U.S. News and World Report featuring it.
“We have seen a huge increase in awareness of and demand for Montessori in the metro area as well as nationally,” says Julie Strickland, director of marketing and communications at Springmont School.
COMBINING STRUCTURE AND FREEDOM
Unlike traditional public or independent schools, Montessori schools operate in
different and unique ways. Generally speaking, classrooms are less rigid, and the student, not the teacher, is the focus. Instead of seeing rows of children sitting at desks, you’ll see pupils grouped by age ranges rather than grades, and they’re allowed to work and think independently. Montessori students are given the chance to learn from their own mistakes and grasp concepts at their own pace.
Essentially, this comes down to the child learning, understanding and using specific skills, rather than focusing on tests and forgetting that information the moment the exam is finished. Instead of giving a lecture or handing out assignments, teachers work one-on-one with students, providing guidance when necessary, like presenting a new topic or a new challenge to meet when a child is ready. No grades are awarded, and there are no limits on how
“There’s a common misconception that with Montessori education we let them be completely independent; that there’s no discipline or guidance. But we give freedom and limits.”
—Lucy Bennett, director of communications at Arbor Montessori
long a child follows a particular area of interest.
At Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia, children work in one of three classroom community age groups. These groups range from 8 weeks to 15 months, 12 months to 36 months and 2 and a half to 6 years old. Children are free to explore activities that interest them and may work on as many activities as they like.
That mix of freedom and structure allows teachers to pay attention to changes in the development of their students and to adapt their lessons accordingly. It’s an approach that helps students grow not just academically, but personally.
Allowing young students to choose the activities that interest them most has led to many misunderstandings about Montessori education—specifically, that it lacks the structure and out-of-school opportunities that students in public or private schools receive. This couldn’t be further from the truth, says Lucy Bennett, director of communications at Arbor Montessori.
“There’s a common misconception that with Montessori education we let them be completely independent; that there’s no discipline or guidance,” she says. “But we give freedom and limits.”
WHOLE-CHILD FOCUS
One of the main foundations of the Montessori experience is the concept of educating the whole child. That extends to topics that may not be part of a textbook curriculum.
“Maria Montessori observed children scientifically based on her background and
experiences as a doctor,” says Debra Markham, Johns Creek Montessori’s director. “She was not looking at just the academic or cognitive development of the child. She was looking at how a child achieves independence, autonomy and resilience.”
Part of that understanding comes from learning and emulating positive character traits such as respectfulness, kindness and helpfulness.
“Maria Montessori would say those children already have that,” Markham says. “It’s just they haven’t been given the opportunity. They have not yet become ‘normalized.’ The ‘normalized’ child is their true self. They have been given the opportunity and freedom to develop in ways that help them achieve what she believes was intrinsic to every child.”
In addition to cultivating children’s minds, Montessori schools make physical activity a priority, as well. Instead of taking in information from textbooks or computers, students learn by working with materials in a tactile, hands-on environment. That may involve stacking blocks, organizing movable letters
or learning to count with tiny animal figures. Montessori materials engage children’s different senses, helping them to comprehend through activity and experience.
Montessori students learn across a wide range of subjects, just like their counterparts at more traditional schools. At Arbor Montessori, “We have art, music, Spanish, and an athletics program,” says Bennett. “Montessori schools in the area are very robust in the same way independent schools are.”
SELECTING A SCHOOL
One question parents may ask is: Will this approach be the right fit for my child? After all, every kid learns in his or her own way. Montessori educators encourage parents to ask questions and talk about their child’s learning style, habits and home environment when visiting a school. Does your child learn better in a group setting or on their own? Do they like to stay in one place or do they need to move around? Children who operate with few boundaries at home may not flourish within the structure of a Montessori school, and children used to very strict
guidelines may have trouble adapting to a selfdirected setting that allows them the freedom to explore on their own.
When considering a Montessori school, it’s important to understand that not all of them are the same. Since the term is not trademarked, any school can refer to itself by that name. Some may claim to follow an “alternative” or “hybrid” Montessori program, or offer Montessori instruction for just part of the day.
The most reliable sign of a school’s adherence to Montessori principles is certification: Montessori teachers are trained and certified in the Montessori method. What’s more, schools that have been accredited by organizations such as the Association Montessori Internationale (also known as AMI and co-founded by Maria Montessori) and the American Montessori Society have been determined to operate in accordance with Montessori standards.
“Unfortunately, anyone can use the Montessori name but not all Montessori schools deliver an authentic Montessori experience,” Strickland says, adding parents should seek out schools that are recognized by AMI.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
In the end, Strickland says, the Montessori approach helps prepare students for the rigors of high school and higher education in ways they might not learn in a more traditional setting, and independence is encouraged.
“But freedom is balanced with responsibility,” she says, adding her three adult children each completed the Springmont Montessori
Turn to page 24 for more about top Montessori Schools uu
FOR MORE INFORMATION
American Montessori Society 212-358-1250, amshq.org
Association Montessori International USA 703-746-9919, amiusa.org
National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector public-montessori.org
Springmont School 404-252-3910, springmont.com program. “Curiosity, individuality and selfconfidence are valued but tempered by respect for others and an understanding of the common good. The development of internal motivation and problem-solving ability are nurtured while students are allowed to learn at their own pace and guided by their own interests.”
Arbor Montessori School 404-321-9304, arbormontessori.org
Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia 770-814-8001, jcmsog.com
Atlanta’s Top Montessori Schools
Metro Atlanta offers a variety of education options. One of those unique options is Montessori. Montessori education allows children to learn at their own pace through hands-on experiences. While academics remain a priority, Montessori schools equally focus on social, physical and emotional development. Life skills, responsibility and respect for others and the environment are also prioritized. The following profiles represent a selection of top Montessori schools in the metro Atlanta area.
Oak Meadow Montessori School
Oak Meadow Montessori School has been awakening children’s natural desires to learn since 1993. Its high-fidelity Montessori environment serves children ages 15 months to 12 years old. Well-equipped Montessori classrooms entice the children to investigate and learn new concepts. The school’s dedicated, experienced staff cultivate a nurturing, inclusive and vibrant school experience that fosters independence, selfmotivation and a lifelong love of learning. Allowing exploration of the classroom and over 10 acres of outdoor environments ignites students’ natural curiosity while guides (or teachers) fan their flames of interest, allowing students to maximize their potential. Come, see what the Montessori magic is all about! To schedule a personalized virtual visit or for more information, visit www.oakmeadowmontessori.com or call 770-963-8303.
Springmont School
Springmont, the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, offers students 18 months through middle school an authentic Montessori experience that is extraordinary by design. Individualized learning inspires students to become creative, independent, and globally minded. Classrooms are large, light-filled and thoughtfully prepared while the campus’ many natural areas, class gardens and farm animals afford rich outdoor life science lessons.
Specially designed Montessori materials support children’s developmental needs and offer students a wide variety of hands-on activities that concretely reinforce skills, lessons and concepts. Highly-experienced and caring teachers guide students through an individualized curriculum that develops the whole child— socially, emotionally and academically. Multiaged classes allow younger children to learn from older ones and older students to mentor younger classmates.
Art, music, physical education and Spanish are important parts of the student experience. At Springmont, students are challenged to reach their fullest potential and empowered to help steer their own education. Students’ innate curiosity grows into a lifelong love of learning and a quest for meaningful discoveries and deeper knowledge.
Middle school students run micro-economies, participate in internships and compete in regional academic competitions. They have opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas and work both independently and in diverse groups.
Springmont graduates are confident, collaborative, engaged learners, prepared for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools as well as life beyond academics. Springmont School— Extraordinary by Design. For more information, call 404-252-3910 or visit springmont.com.
Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia
A Montessori education develops children who are responsible, creative, innovative, respectful and kind. Montessori children are truly the citizens of the future, equipped to face challenges with confidence and competence.
Located near the intersection of Hwy. 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for infants, toddlers and children up to 6 years old. JCMSOG provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected, and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children develop independence, the school assists them in their physical and emotional development. As their sense of security in their ability to care for themselves and their environment grows, their brains have more energy or “bandwidth” for increased academic learning. Additionally, this focus on development of
muscular control is a first step in developing self-discipline. The JCMSOG difference is best experienced in person. To schedule a visit with your child to observe their “Montessori Magic,” call 770-814-8001 or visit jcmsog.org.
Brandon Hall School
By Daniel Beauregard and Anna Bentley
HOW TO FIND THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR CHILD
Summer is still months away.
But for parents who want to turn those lazy summer days into exciting opportunities for learning and adventure for their children, the time to begin planning is now, since spots fill up well before the start of summer. With so many kinds of camps available today, there are several things parents need to consider before signing the form and packing the duffel bag.
DAY CAMP VERSUS EXTENDED STAY CAMP
Your first choice is to decide between day camp and overnight camp. “Camps truly give children some of their first opportunities to take on personal responsibility, to experience independence and to develop social and life skills in a uniquely nurturing environment,” says John Dovic, director of High Meadows Summer Day Camp. He added that High Meadows, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is “often described as a traditional overnight camp, but without spending the night.” “An outstanding camp,” Dovic says, “will help children develop their potential by exploring and celebrating their sense of self and in forming meaningful and respectful relationships with others, all in an environment of fun and adventure.”
Once you’ve decided which camping format is best for your child, the next step is deciding between a traditional camp, educational camp or a specialty camp that focuses on a particular
Kids need time to step away from the computer & enjoy being a kid.
pursuit, such as academics, dance or science. All offer important benefits; which type you choose depends on several factors, including your child’s temperament, interests, goals and educational needs.
TRADITIONAL SUMMER CAMPS
The words “summer camp” conjure visions of swimming, campfires and crafts. With today’s educational focus on test scores and technological proficiency, these activities are sometimes seen as mere “play.” But in actuality play is a child’s most important activity, and the skills and traits he or she develops are just as important in adult life as technical ones:
“Camp is so much more than child-care to fill in time between school grades. It gives children outstanding opportunities to help them become their best selves, to explore interests and unique activities and to be part of a community full of inspiration, growth and fun,” says Dovic, adding High Meadows focuses “on giving children an enriching and inspiring experience in the outdoors, led by exemplary counselors.”
And in today’s over-scheduled world, even youngsters need time to step away from the computer, have fun and enjoy being a kid.
High Meadows offers a traditional camp setting focused on the outdoors and experiential learning, in which campers learn about subjects through direct, hands-on experience gained over the course of a three-week session. High Meadows, which accepts rising kindergartners through rising ninth-graders, offers a range of activities including arts and crafts, Native American lore, swimming and more. (highmeadowscamp.org)
EDUCATIONAL CAMPS
Other educational camps combine classroom learning with outdoor recreational activities to help students improve educationally—while still having plenty of fun in the process. Squirrel Hollow Camp at The Bedford School, a school for children with learning disabilities, combines mornings of small-group tutoring with afternoon exploration of the school’s 46-acre
Fairburn campus, including swimming, soccer and conquer ing the school’s challenge course.
“Squirrel Hollow is designed to provide academic tutoring in a recreational setting,” says Betsy Box, Bedford’s admissions director and director emeritus.
“Students who attend all four weeks make average gains of six to eight months in reading, math and written expression.” (thebedfordschool.org)
At McGinnis Woods
Country Day School in Alpharetta, campers can pair subject-specific academic camps in math, Spanish and even chess with the school’s Sunsational Summer Camp program. Campers also take an educational field trip each week; past camps have visited the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Center for Puppetry Arts and Cagle’s Family Farm. (mcginniswoods.org) u
Chess is offered at a variety of specialty summer camps.
SPECIALTY CAMPS
For children with a particular interest or passion, specialty camps afford an opportunity to explore it in-depth.
For pint-sized scientists, there are plenty of specialized science camps covering topics like video game development, computer programming, robotics and biology. Science-based specialty camps in Atlanta include those offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) and Camp H2O at the Georgia Aquarium. Georgia Tech’s programs are mostly for middle- and high-school students and focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) topics such as robotics, computer programming and modeling. Camp H2O, meanwhile, is geared toward giving first- to fifth-graders a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium through animal encounters and lessons from caregivers.
Kids with other interests will find camps to suit them as well. The Young Chefs Academy (YCA) hosts Culinary Camps at three Atlanta locations, during which children make dishes
from various cuisines. “Even at the age of 4 and 5, a lot of kids love to participate in the kitchen in some way, shape or form,” says YCA’s Jennifer Fox (youngchefsacademy.com). The Michael C. Carlos Museum, located on Emory University’s campus, hosts Camp Carlos. Elizabeth Hornor, the museum’s senior director of education, says the camp’s size (14 children per camp, paired with two counselors and one practicing artist) and mission are among the reasons it stands out. (carlos.emory.edu/camp)
“IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR KIDS, ESPECIALLY NOW, TO HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE OUTDOORS, TO INTERACT WITH OTHERS FACE-TO-FACE, TO GET PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND TO HAVE ENRICHING EXPERIENCES THAT CHALLENGE THEM IN WAYS NOT REPLICABLE ON A SCREEN.”
—John Dovic, director of High Meadows Summer Day Camp
“Our camps are closely connected to the exhibitions and collections at the Carlos,” she says. “It’s not just an art camp. It’s making art but also looking at art and looking at the cultures that created art.”
CAMP AMID A PANDEMIC
With the COVID-19 pandemic still in effect, metro Atlanta’s summer camps are mostly remaining an in-person format and taking extra health and safety precautions, such as social
distancing and requiring all to wear masks while indoors. Also, the American Camp Association (ACA) website (acacamps.org) provides resources and guidance for camps and parents on COVID-19 policies. It includes a list of questions parents should ask their camp director regarding their children’s camp COVID policies. Dovic says he’s glad High Meadows, which was able to safely and successfully have in-person camps in 2020 and 2021, and other camps will stick with that format again this year. “It is
Held on the campus of e Bedford School in Fairburn AFTERNOON
Session 1: June 13 - 24
Session 2: June 27 - July 8
essential for kids, especially now, to have opportunities to be outdoors, to interact with others face-to-face, to get physical exercise and to have enriching experiences that challenge them in ways not replicable on a screen,” he says.
“Even as information and recommendations regarding the pandemic change and emerge, we are confident that we, with the support of parents, can provide a safe, fun and enriching experience for our campers. Families are ready to return to the camp experience – our registration this year is stronger than it has ever been.”
For parents worried about their children catching the virus, Kids Camps (kidscamps.com), a website that provides a list of camps in Georgia and other states, has a webpage devoted to online camps.
MAKING YOUR SELECTION
So how do you go about finding a camp? The ACA’s website is a great resource, with more than 3,600 accredited camps. After researching the different options available, it’s time to narrow down your choices. Talk with your child about his interests and expectations for summer
camp, match them to your own, and then do your homework to select the best option. Once you’ve found some promising choices, contact them directly with questions to determine if they meet your needs. (See sidebar).
With such a large number and variety of
camps available, it takes a little legwork to choose the right one, but it’s worth the effort. Your child will have fun while learning and making friends and memories for a lifetime— and you’ll get some summer afternoons to enjoy some peace and quiet.
ASK AROUND
Things to ask a prospective summer camp:
• Is the camp accredited?
• How are counselors trained? Are they certified? What is the average age?
• What is the background of the director and leadership staff?
• How does the camp address safety concerns? Is there adequate supervision at all times?
• What are the camp’s policies regarding campers’ cell phones and other electronic devices?
• Can the camp provide references?
For 50 years, High Meadows Camp has offered an authentic, traditional outdoor program on more than 40 acres of farm, woodland, and unique facilities.
Registration is now open for three, 3-week sessions.
Session Dates:
May 31 – June 17
June 20 – July 8
July 11 – July 29
Atlanta Summer Camp Guide
Before you know it summer will be here! Now is the time to explore your options for the right summer camp experience for your child—before all spots have been taken. Metro Atlanta offers a plethora of summer camps in a variety of formats. There are day camps, overnight/extended-stay camps, traditional, educational and specialty camps, just to name a few. The following profiles represent some of the unique camp programs you’ll find in metro Atlanta.
High Meadows Summer Camp
High Meadows Camp is a summer day camp in a relaxed and caring atmosphere set on 40 acres of a farm and woodland in Roswell. Children who are going into kindergarten through ninth grade have opportunities for self-discovery, while gaining confidence through age-appropriate activities. Activities include archery, animal encounters, woodworking, canoeing, crafts, swimming, drama, nature and sports. Each day, 300 children attend camp in a structured recreational program focusing on
self-improvement, personal responsibility and environmental respect. Camp sessions are three weeks long, offering campers the opportunity to develop strong relationships with their peers and with their staff role models and giving them time for projects and skill development. High Meadows Camp has been providing outstanding traditional outdoor experiences enriching lives in a caring, nurturing, child-centered setting since 1973. For more information, call 770-9937975 or visit highmeadowscamp.org
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Camp Carlos 2022: See it! Think it! Make it! Camp Carlos is Back, in Person!
The Michael C. Carlos Museum welcomes children and families to look closely at works of art in the galleries, to think about the people who made them and how and why they did so, and then to make their own artworks in a variety of workshops, camps and special events.
This summer, the museum celebrates the 30th anniversary of Camp Carlos with a summer of in-person art-making. Inspired by the museum’s galleries and guided by practicing artists from around the city, children at Camp Carlos are encouraged to look closer, dig deeper and push their creativity further. For more information, visit carlos.emory.edu/camp or call 404-727-2163.
PHOTO:
The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University
Walker Summer Programs
Over 500 campers agree—Walker Summer Programs are the best way to spend the summer! Located just 2 miles from the Marietta Square, Walker offers a diverse selection of academic, athletic and artistic opportunities in the metro Atlanta community. Choose from half-day or full-day options; early-morning drop-off and late pickup are also available. Rates are $150 for half-day camp to $350 for full-day camp/week. Invite your friends and take advantage of the early-bird registration discount of 5 percent before April 1. Use the code EB2022.
Walker is the top PK3-12th grade school open to all faiths in metro Atlanta. At Walker, students engage in advanced academics taught by dynamic faculty. With an average class size of 15 students, each child is challenged, supported and encouraged to explore all opportunities on its campus. One hundred percent of graduates are accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Walker students are excited and confident about college and beyond. For more information, call 770-427-2689 or visit thewalkerschool.org
Whitefield Academy Summer Programs
Whitefield Academy Summer Programs exist to help children in their spiritual, physical, educational and mental growth in a loving, caring, safe and Christ-centered environment. Whitefield Summer Programs is a Christ-centered summer camp for rising PreK4 through 12th-graders offering all-day programs and specialty sports, arts and academic camps. Campers will be challenged to learn new skills, make new friends, see new places and develop their God-given gifts…all while having tons of FUN! For more information, visit whitefieldacademy.com/summer or call 678-305-1427.
Squirrel Hollow Camp
Squirrel Hollow Camp, for children who need an academic boost in the summer, is held on the beautiful 46-acre campus of The Bedford School in Fairburn, 12 miles south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It offers two sessions of two weeks each. Rising first- through eighth-graders receive tutoring in reading, math and writing skills in the mornings; after lunch campers participate in recreational activities on the Challenge Course, soccer field, gym and outdoor pool. Campers make average gains in reading and math of one to two grade levels, build social skills and have fun! The day is 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. (aftercare available until 5 p.m.). There are discounts for registration by May 1 and for registering for both sessions.
For more information, visit thebedfordschool.org and click on Squirrel Hollow at the top of the homepage or call Betsy Box at 770-774-8001.
FriendlyAtlanta
By Kevin Forest Moreau
15 EXCITING ATTRACTIONS FOR ALL AGES
By now, you might already know that metro Atlanta is filled with great neighborhoods, restaurants, entertainment venues and other draws for adults. But it also has plenty to offer for families with children, including attractions filled with history, fascinating wildlife and exhilarating activities.
Now that spring is here, it’s the perfect time to pack everyone into the car and explore your new city’s family-friendly destinations. Here are 15 that everyone can enjoy.
ATLANTA BRAVES
Atlanta is home to the Atlanta Braves, its own Major League Baseball team, and Truist Park, located just northwest of Atlanta, is the current home of the Braves. Travel to the ballpark, located inside The Battery Atlanta complex, to cheer on the team. Come early to watch batting practice, stay after the game on Fridays for the free Friday Night Fireworks show and check the team’s website for special themed days, giveaways, postgame concerts and more. 404-577-9100, braves.com
ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER
Dedicated to highlighting and celebrating Atlanta’s rich past, this 33-acre complex in the Buckhead neighborhood allows kids and adults alike to step back in time and tour the Swan House, an elegant 1928 mansion. Visitors can also experience a glimpse of life during the Civil War at the Smith Family Farm, where they can interact with characters from the period and participate in daily chores. The permanent exhibit Turning Point: The American Civil War features more than 1,500 artifacts, including cannons, flags and other items guaranteed to capture your child’s imagination. 404-814-4000, atlantahistorycenter.com
CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS
Learn about puppets from all over the world and create your own puppet at this entertaining and educational attraction in Midtown Atlanta. The center also hosts special exhibits as well as performances and film screenings for families, teens and adults (current shows include Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, through March 14, and The Wizard of Oz, March 18 through April 3). The center features
PHOTO: (left) Chris Hunt
The Center for Puppetry Arts
the Jim Henson exhibit, an interactive exhibition following his life as a puppeteer. Visitors can view icons like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. 404-873-3391, puppet.org
CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK
Located in downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park opened in 1996, when the city hosted the Summer Games. Since then the 22-acre greenspace has served as a tribute to the Olympics with several landmarks and features, including the Fountain of Rings Plaza, the Gateway of Dreams sculpture and every child’s favorite, the Fountain of Rings. The park also includes more than 500,000 commemorative engraved bricks that were installed before the Games. 404-223-4000, gwcca.org/centennial-olympic-park
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA
Located in downtown Atlanta, the nonprofit Children’s Museum of Atlanta encourages creative, imaginative play with interactive
exhibits. Watch your children climb through the layers of the Earth, catch colorful fish, create art on a giant paint wall, climb on a John Deere tractor and more. The museum’s current special exhibit, Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites (running through May 30), provides children with experiences based on seven beloved books, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. 404-659-5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org
FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
From the bronze dinosaurs that greet you on your way inside to eye-popping documentaries screened in its IMAX theater, the Fernbank
Museum is a fun mix of education and entertainment. Walk beneath skeletons of two of the world’s largest dinosaurs in the Great Hall’s Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit, and explore the history of the planet and the state via A Walk Through Time in Georgia. Or catch the special exhibit Nature Gallery, featuring special nature-themed exhibits rotating year-round in WildWoods, a unique outdoor space. 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org
GEORGIA AQUARIUM
Home to more than several hundred species from around the world, this downtown Atlanta landmark offers a truly immersive experience. You don’t have to be a budding marine biologist to be amazed by the Georgia Aquarium’s impressive collection of whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, penguins and many more aquatic creatures—more than 10,000 in all, inhabiting more than 11 million gallons of fresh and marine water. Exhibit galleries include Truist Pier 225 features California sea lions in an intimate setting, and Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone permits guests to learn about aquatic life in some of the Earth’s most extreme environments. 404-581-4000, georgiaaquarium.org
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER
Located on the top floor of Phipps Plaza in the Buckhead neighborhood, Legoland Discovery Center features 14 different
Atanta History Center‘s restored Texas Locomotive
attractions for children ages 3 and older. Kids can learn how Lego bricks are made at the Factory Tour, destroy ogres in the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, create their own race cars and check out Miniland, a replica of Atlanta’s landmarks. Guests can also participate in the Great Lego Race VR Experience, where they can compete against brick-built vehicles in the hopes of becoming the next champion. 404-848-9252, legolanddiscoverycenter.com
PONCE CITY MARKET
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Ponce City Market is the perfect place to spend a day. The building is an exciting urban mix containing flats, offices, restaurants and stores, so people of all types can enjoy it. With tons of restaurants and food counters to choose from, Ponce
City Market is a great place to explore the wide variety of food Atlanta has to offer. From classic American dining and Indian street food to an Italian market and Latin-inspired fare, you can find something for everyone. After fueling up (and maybe a stop by the edible cookie dough counter for dessert), you can explore the various shops located in the building and shop ‘til you drop. 404-900-7900, poncecitymarket.com
SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA
Featuring everything from pulse-pounding thrill rides to kid-friendly entertainers, this amusement park is on every Atlanta kid’s summertime to-do list. Your little ones can take a tour of the park on a steam-engine locomotive, indulge in good-natured fun in the bumper cars or take a ride in a log down a mountain river. Don’t Located
Legoland in Buckhead
The Dare Devil Dive at Six Flags Over Georgia
forget the Dare Devil Dive and exciting roller coasters including Goliath, Georgia Scorcher, Great American Scream Machine and Superman: Ultimate Flight. There’s also a water park, Hurricane Harbor, which offers a zero-gravity wave slide along with a giant, interactive children’s area. 770-739-3400, sixflags.com/overgeorgia
SKYLINE PARK
After some fun at Ponce City Market, hit the skies at Skyline Park, located right on top of the building. Enjoy fun carnival games, the Skyline slide, mini golf and more as you look out at the amazing view of the city. Skyline Park has fun events throughout the year, such as Rooftop Igloos to dine in during the winter, so keep an eye on its calendar to plan your visit around the perfect event for you! 770-999-1530, skylineparkatlanta.com
SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR & LOCOMOTIVE HISTORY
The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in Kennesaw is the place to be for all train enthusiasts, offering locomotives of all sizes. It features The General steam locomotive, the train used in the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War. The facility includes permanent exhibits on not only the Chase and The General but also Civil War railroads and the Glover Machine Works collection. Its 8,000-square-foot Jolley Education Center hosts the weekly
Skyline Park at Ponce City Market
Mommy & Me preschool program and the monthly Homeschool Workshop series. The museum, which opened on April 12, 1972, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with activities throughout April. Each January the museum hosts Trains, Trains, Trains!, a locomotive lover’s dream. 770-427-2117, southernmuseum.org
STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
One of Georgia’s most popular attractions, this beautiful 3,200-acre park offers a non-stop array of events and activities. Climb (or take a cable car) to the top of the mountain, brave the SkyHike adventure course or cool off while navigating the rope bridges and tunnels of the Geyser Towers. Go camping, fishing or hiking on the property, enjoy a train ride around the park or play a little golf while the kids enjoy some live entertainment. Then cap it all off with the famous Lasershow Spectacular. 800-401-2407, stonemountainpark.com
WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER
Located in Atlanta’s Midtown community, the Woodruff Arts Center is home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and the High Museum of Art. The Alliance, which hosts award-winning plays and musicals, including children’s ones, will bring Bina’s 6 Apples to the stage in March and Trading Places: The Musical in May. The High, which boasts of a variety of art genres and exhibitions, will host The Obama Portraits Tour through March 20 and Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books April 15 through Aug. 7. ASO hosts a variety of concerts ranging from classical to rock and roll. 404-733-4200, woodruffcenter.org u
FAMILY FUN DESTINATIONS: A SHORT DRIVE FROM ATLANTA
Lookout Mountain (Chattanooga, TN): Featuring three top-rated, world-famous natural attractions—including America’s deepest cave and largest underground waterfall accessible to the public—Lookout Mountain is the perfect getaway for extraordinary experiences and breathtaking beauty. 800-825-8366, lookoutmountain.com.
ZOO ATLANTA
Sprawling over nearly 40 acres in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta is home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species. The zoo boasts one of the largest populations of gorillas in North America, and it is one of only four in the country to house giant pandas. Other famous residents include giraffes, lions, meerkats, black rhinos, parakeets and a Komodo dragon. The zoo also features train rides and Savanna Hall, its new event space overlooking African animals such as elephants and giraffes. 404-624-5600, zooatlanta.org
Biltmore Estate (Asheville, NC): As the largest private home in the country, this 8,000-acre property sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers visitors tours of the historic locale built by George Vanderbilt along with sweeping vistas from its spacious gardens. 800-411-3812, biltmore.com
Amelia Island (Amelia Island, FL): of the Sunshine State’s best-kept secrets with this beach town nuzzled up to the Georgia border at the Atlantic Coast that boasts an array of lovingly preserved South ern Victorian homes. 904-277-0717,
The Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique cultural treasure situated in Midtown Atlanta— a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained. Since Kermit the Frog and Jim Henson joined Vince Anthony in cutting the ribbon on the Center for Puppetry Arts in 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder
and art of puppetry.
Now, more than 40 years later, the Center for Puppetry Arts produces 600+ performances a year, offers 50+ types of educational programs, and is home to more than 5,000 puppets and artifacts.
This season, the Center welcomes new pop-up exhibitions in the museum atrium, stage adaptations of award-winning, bestselling children’s books and classic literature, a critically-acclaimed adult puppet performance, and new experimental works for adults. Its Family Series in-person performances continue this spring with The Wizard of Oz and Pete the Cat.
Series for adults welcomes Chimpanzee (by Nick Lehane), a “gorgeous puppet play… a meticulous, deeply felt nonverbal memory play,” said New York Magazine. The New Directions Series continues with XPT: Xperimental Puppetry Theater. Celebrating 36 years of experimentation, come find out what this year holds! From traditional forms of puppetry to films and installation pieces, artists of all disciplines employ puppetry in startling new ways. XPT offers an array of stories, puppetry styles, and sensibilities in a single evening. Guaranteed to inspire, surprise, amuse and provoke.
Their New Directions
In the coming weeks, the Center will be announcing new programming in the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, Explore Puppetry Workshops for adults, and special events. The Center truly has something for everyone and invites you to be a part of the magic. For more information, call 404-873-3391 or visit puppet.org
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Located in downtown Atlanta, the nonprofit Children’s Museum of Atlanta encourages creative, imaginative play with interactive exhibits. The museum is the only educational venue of its kind in the city designed for children. All exhibits and programs invite children to play as a means to solve problems, form their own rules, communicate with others, make exciting discoveries and use their imaginations to engage in new activities. Its current special exhibit, Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites (running through May 30), provides children with imaginative, book-based experiences and models early literacy experiences to parents and caregivers. All exhibits, programs and offerings are continually enhanced to further its commitment to the community as a world-class children’s museum. For more information, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org or call 404-659-5437.
MUSIC CITY
EXPLORE NASHVILLE’S RICH HISTORY AND CULTURE
By Michelle Bourg
As the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music Row, Nashville more than lives up to its world-famous moniker of “The Music City.” But this thriving metropolis offers so much else to see and do that it could just as easily be known by at least a half-dozen other nicknames. Expand your focus beyond the iconic music venues (but definitely pay them a visit), and you may come away remembering it as a different city entirely.
Whether your style is upscale elegance or rustic chic, Nashville has accommodations that will suit you perfectly. A downtown Beaux Arts treasure dating to 1910, The Hermitage is Tennessee’s only Forbes Five Star, AAA Five-Diamond hotel and offers the ultimate in luxury, with complimentary fresh-baked sweets, marble
vanities, cashmere-cotton blend mattresses and twice-daily housekeeping. 21C Museum Hotel combines a boutique hotel with a restaurant and exhibition space presenting curated exhibitions of the best in contemporary art. More art fills the airy rooms, which also feature high-end bedding and plush robes for relaxing. Gray & Dudley serves a thoughtful menu of locally sourced comfort food and craft drinks, perfect for brunch or a low-key evening.
For luxury on an intimate scale, try one of Nashville’s bed and breakfasts. Just 5.5 miles from downtown, the Belle Air Mansion is an inn located inside a restored Greek Revival antebellum home built in 1832. Located on six acres in Nashville’s Donelson neighborhood, it includes a 200-year-old rose garden. Each of the 10 bedrooms in the main house, plus the five rooms in the Retreat House, is decorated with antiques and includes many modern ameni-
ties such as refrigerators and WiFi. Belle Air is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For the sheer jaw-dropping factor, there’s Gaylord Opryland, a 47-acre resort with nine acres of gardens, nearly 20 restaurants, and an indoor riverboat ride. The hotel also offers SoundWaves, featuring four acres of indoor and outdoor play structures, waterslides and on-site dining choices.
Before starting your day, you’ll want a hearty breakfast, and Nashville does breakfast right. Biscuit Love, with locations in the Gulch and Hillsboro Village neighborhoods, has something for everyone. Among the choices are a biscuit with ham, two over-easy eggs and sausage gravy; the SEC biscuit (with sausage, egg and cheddar) and cherry jam oatmeal. The Loveless Café has been a Nashville landmark for over 70 years, serving Southern favorites like ham and eggs with redeye gravy and fried chicken to more than a half million visitors every year.
Duly fueled up, you’re ready to explore. If you have kids in tow, make your first stop the Adventure Science Center, a 44,000-squarefoot space housing more than 175 interactive exhibits. Here the entire family can explore nature’s wonders at the Galactic Gardens, fly aerobatic maneuvers in the Max Flight simulator and view the mysteries of the stars at the Sudekum Planetarium. Cap the visit with a
climb up the Adventure Tower, four ascending levels of interactive exhibits culminating in a breathtaking view from the giant globe at the top. Animal lovers will gravitate to the Nashville Zoo, home to nearly 3,000 animals and over 350 species.
History buffs will want to visit Belle Meade Plantation, a museum and winery located on the site of an antebellum estate and Thoroughbred horse farm, dedicated to the preservation of Tennessee’s history and horseracing legacy.
IF YOU HAVE KIDS IN TOW, MAKE YOUR FIRST STOP THE ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER, A 44,000SQUARE-FOOT SPACE HOUSING MORE THAN 175 INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS.
A much older period of history is represented at The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Greek original, built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition and inspired by Nashville’s nickname of “The Athens of the South.” The Parthenon is now an art museum showcasing a collection by 19th- and 20th-century American artists.
Art lovers will find much to enjoy in Nashville. The Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University hosts touring exhibitions and temporary installations from the college’s permanent collections, including biennial showings of The Alfred Stieglitz Collection, featuring works by Picasso, Cezanne, Renoir, O’Keeffe and other masters. The Art Deco-style Frist Art Museum showcases an ever-changing selection of exhibits; visitors can also try their hand at creating their own masterpieces. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a 55-acre art museum, sculpture trail and botanical garden set against the backdrop of the rolling Tennessee hills.
If your idea of art is a hat trick or a 50-yard field goal, you’ll be right at home. The NFL’s Tennessee Titans make their home downtown at Nissan Stadium and the Nashville Predators of the NHL take the ice just one mile away at Bridgestone Arena. u
Of course, Nashville is Music City, and while country is king, you’ll hear all kinds of music here. The Bluebird Café is a legendary venue for acoustic performances by both famous and up-and-coming singer-songwriters. In the Music Row neighborhood, you can visit historic RCA Studio B, where records by Elvis, Dolly Parton, The Everly Brothers and others were recorded. On Broadway you’ll find the city’s famed Honky Tonk Highway, with dozens of venues showcasing every genre of music, day and night.
Also downtown you’ll find Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry and still a major concert venue hosting marquee talent nightly. Not far away is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, home to 350,000 square feet of state-of-the-art galleries, theaters and archives, as well as the Hall of Fame rotunda, where the names country music’s legends are enshrined. You can catch some of those legends as well as rising stars at the Grand Ole Opry, located in East Nashville. While you’re downtown, stop by some of the
many shops and boutiques located in the area’s renovated homes and browse for artisan gifts, home décor items, jewelry and sophisticated fashions. You’ll find plenty of authentic Western wear and boots, too.
Nashville is home to some of the best dining in the South, and as with the city itself, there’s something for every taste. On Broadway you’ll find Jack’s Bar-B-Que, famous for smoked classics and award-winning sauces. East of downtown you’ll find Folk, which specializes in Italian fare, including pizzas and seafood. At The Treehouse, an unassuming converted cottage (there’s a genuine treehouse out back) belies a menu of creative small plates accompanied by a carefully chosen wine list and complex craft cocktails. Comfort food and simply prepared steaks are given a refined treatment at 5th & Taylor
Whether you experience Nashville as a city for art, history, great food, shopping or, yes, even music, it’s a place you’ll want to go back to again and again, and odds are good you’ll see it as a different city every time.
PHOTOS: (Top left) Hari Nandakumar, Unsplash; (Top Right and Bottom) Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation
GETTING STARTED TO HERE THERE
Mass Transit
One way to avoid long commutes is to take advantage of the city’s local transit system, the 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 $2.50 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 itsmarta.com.
GETTING STARTED
Vehicle Emission Inspection
Vehicles that are 24 model years old and later (except the three years prior to the current year) must be checked yearly for emission standard compliance. Visit a statedesignated inspection station for the service. Call 800-449-2471 or visit 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) 877694-2511, by dialing 511 or by visiting dot.ga.gov.
MARTA
MARTA Rail Service
COUNTY INFORMATION
EDUCATION
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Cherokee County Schools
Board of Education 770-479-1871 cherokee.k12.ga.us
Elementary Schools 23
Middle Schools 7
High Schools 6
Centers 4
Per-pupil expenditures $9,149
School & bus information 770-720-2112
Avg. SAT Scores
Cherokee Co. 1115
Georgia 1048
National 1039
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.
UTILITIES & CONTACTS
ELECTRICITY
Amicalola EMC 706-253-5200
Cobb EMC 770-429-2100
Georgia Power 888-891-0938
Sawnee EMC 770-887-2363
GAS
Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.
TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV
AT&T att.com
Cobb EMC cobbemc.com
Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com
Direct TV directv.com
Dish Network dish.com
ETC Communications etcnow.com
Spectrum spectrum.com
TDS Telecom tdstelecom.com
Windstream windstream.com
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 770-592-6006
HOSPITALS
Northside Hospital-Cherokee 770-224-1000
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000
Cherokee County QUICK INFO
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 Zillow.com, the median value of homes is $283,573. Homes for well over $1 million can be purchased in such neighborhoods as Bradshaw Farm, BridgeMill and Towne 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
Per $1,000 of assessed value is: Unincorporated Cherokee County, $21.46; Incorporated Cherokee County, $21.46. Tax Commissioner: 678-493-6400
to live, 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 reinvesting 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 Ridge
Mountains and along the banks of the Etowah River, Canton is a prime location for development.
Woodstock
Located 12 miles south of Canton, Woodstock is one of Georgia's top 10 fastest-growing cities and a community recently named one of the Top 50 Cities Places to Live in the U.S. by Money magazine.
Residents also enjoy easy access to 575 and 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 area, 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 Website at newcomeratlanta.com
Old Sixes Mill
COUNTY INFORMATION
Cobb County
Cobb County came into being in 1832 when the state redistributed land once part of the Cherokee Nation. Named after Thomas Willis Cobb, the county experienced a devastating setback during the Civil War when most of it was destroyed during the famous Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
QUICK INFO
County cobbcountyga.gov Neighborhoods austellga.org mariettaga.gov smyrnaga.gov kennesaw-ga.gov cityofpowdersprings.org smyrnacity.com
Median household income: $75,654
Median age of residents: 36.6
Today, Cobb County, located northwest of Fulton County, is one of the state's most thriving counties. With a diverse economic base that includes jobs in the service, retail, aerospace and technology sectors, Cobb County offers a quality of life unsurpassed in the Southeast. Nearly $900 million has been spent on transportation improvements in recent years, allowing residents easy access to Atlanta and the commercial districts of Vinings Overlook, Cumberland Parkway and the prestigious Platinum Triangle in the popular Galleria area.
Population: 755,754 Sales tax: 6%
Chamber of Commerce Cobb County 770-980-2000, cobbchamber.org
Property Taxes
The property tax is $33.84 per $1,000 of assessed value. Tax Commissioner: 770-980-2000
Neighborhoods Kennesaw
One of Family Circle magazine’s Ten Best Towns for Families, Kennesaw takes pride in its smalltown atmosphere and boasts abundant parks and greenspace, exceptional recreational programs and top-notch schools, including Kennesaw State University. Kennesaw’s historic downtown features shopping, dining and attractions such as the Smithsonianaffiliated Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, the Smith-Gilbert Gardens and nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
Smyrna
A variety of housing options exist in Cobb County, including luxury apartments and condos near
Cumberland Mall, secluded subdivisions in East Cobb and horse ranches in the northwest corner of the county. The small towns of Marietta, Vinings, Smyrna and Austell still retain their Southern charm amidst urban settings. According to the Census Bureau, the median value of homes in 2018 was $237,800.
Rapidly defining what’s new and progressive in quality of life and citizen services, Smyrna delivers an amazing sense of style and love of life. The Market Village district, home to fabulous restaurants, bars and upscale shops and services, is the final piece of a master plan for success. Call it “Main Street USA” or “Disneyland,” but don’t overlook its charm and ability to offer the best in fresh, trendy lifestyle options. N
For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Website at newcomeratlanta.com
Truist Park
COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Fulton County Schools
Board of Education 470-254-3600 fultonschools.org
Elementary Schools 59
Middle Schools 19
High Schools 18
Charter 10 Centers 4
Per-pupil expenditures
$10,609
School & Bus Information North 470-254-2970 South 470-254-6060
Atlanta Public Schools
Board of Education 404-802-3500 atlantapublicschools.us
Elementary Schools 49
Middle Schools 12
High Schools 14
Charter 18
Alternative 4
Per-pupil expenditures $11,263
School & bus information 404-802-5500
Avg. SAT Scores
Fulton Co. 1086
Atlanta Public Schools 944
Georgia 1048
National 1039
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.
UTILITIES & CONTACTS
ELECTRICITY
City of College Park 404-669-3759
City of East Point 404-270-7010
City of Fairburn 770-964-2244
City of Palmetto 770-463-3322
Georgia Power 888-891-0938 GAS
Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.
TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV
AT&T att.com
Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com
Direct TV directv.com
Dish Network dish.com
WATER
Fulton County 404-612-6830
HOSPITALS
Atlanta Medical Center 404-265-4000
Atlanta VA Medical Center 404-321-6111
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 404-785-2273
Emory University
Hospital Midtown 404-686-4411
Grady Memorial Hospital 404-616-1000
WellStar North Fulton
Regional Hospital 770-751-2500
Northside Hospital 404-851-8000
Piedmont Hospital 404-605-5000
Shepherd Center 404-352-2020
Emory St. Joseph's Hospital 678-843-7001
Fulton County
Fulton County serves as the center of the metro Atlanta area. With 90 percent of the city of Atlanta, including the state’s capital building, located within its borders, it sits at the hub of the area’s financial, transportation, retail, communications and cultural services. A number of Fortune 500 companies, including the Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines and UPS, are headquartered here.
More than one million people live in Fulton County, drawn by its convenience to Interstates 75, 85 and 285 and Georgia State Route 400. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of homes in the county is $290,400.
Fulton is home to many of Atlanta’s signature neighborhoods, including its bustling downtown district. Older neighborhoods like Inman Park, Grant Park, Candler Park and Virginia-Highland offer affordable housing, pedestrianfriendly layouts and plentiful parks and recreational options. Midtown is the heart of Atlanta’s cultural scene, with the Woodruff Arts Center (home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art) and the historic Fox Theatre, as well as a host of art galleries. Midtown’s Piedmont Park, the city’s most popular greenspace, hosts many outdoor festivals and concerts.
Neighborhoods
Buckhead
sion, the historic Swan House and the Atlanta History Center.
Buckhead is also an entertainment and dining hotspot. With luxury hotels, shops, bars and more than 250 restau rants, the Buckhead area is a magnet for young profession als.The neighborhood also offers numerous antique stores, art galleries and mall shopping at both Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.
Sales tax: 7.75%, Atlanta City: 8.9% Chamber of Commerce
Greater North Fulton 770-993-8806, gnfcc.com
Metro Atlanta 404-880-9000, metroatlantachamber.com South Fulton 770-964-1984, southfultonchamber.com
Buckhead is “where old money lives and new money parties,” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With its mixture of mansions and uniquely styled homes, Buckhead is a favorite among architecture and history buffs. Convenient to Georgia 400, Interstate 85 and MARTA, it’s filled with high-rises, upscale restaurants, the Governor’s Man-
Property Taxes
is home to about 64,000 residents, drawn to its affordable housing, parks, shopping at North Point Mall and concerts at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. The city's historic downtown boasts an appealing town square. Called Alpharetta City Center, it features locally owned shops and restaurants, and hosts events year round.
Johns Creek
Incorporated in 2006, this thriving community of 84,000 was ranked fourth among 50 Best U.S. Cities to Live In by USA Today. It boasts a diverse economic base, coupled with a peaceful environment: the city contains over 400 acres of parkland and nature reserves and contains five access points to the Chattahoochee River.
Milton
The property tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value is: $40.92 for the City of Atlanta; $29.18 for incorporated Fulton County; $40.76 for unincorporated Fulton County; $33.54 for Johns Creek; $33.91 for Sandy Springs. Tax Commissioner: 404-613-6100
Alpharetta
One of metro Atlanta’s most vibrant and affluent cities, Alpharetta
Also incorporated in 2006, Milton combines a pastoral setting with forward-thinking city planning that offers what's been called "The best quality of life in Georgia." N
For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com
Piedmont Park
Gwinnett County
Originally part of Georgia’s Native American territory, Gwinnett County was created by the State Legislature in 1818 and named after Button Gwinnett, one of Georgia's three signers of the Declaration of Independence and a former governor.
While the county was once largely rural with small towns, country stores, farms and forests, today it is home to about 600 international companies and 450 high-tech firms. With an average of 21 new professional and industrial companies relocating to the county each year, attracting almost 21,000 new jobs, Gwinnett County remains in the top 10 ranking for growth nationwide. The county supports many cultural events, restaurants and shopping opportunities, including the Mall of Georgia in Buford.
Gwinnett County remains affordable for renters and firsttime home buyers, many of whom find homes in the communities of Doraville, Lawrenceville and Snellville. The median value of homes in 2018, according to the Census Bureau, was $200,400.
Gwinnett County, 770-232-3000, gwinnettchamber.org
Property Taxes
railroad aficionado.
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 in the latter part of the 18th century. Following the official founding of the city in 1837, Suwanee became a railroad stop along the Southern Railroad route. It remained a small country town well into the ’70s when construction of I-85 and U.S. 23 brought easy access to the region.
The property tax in unincorporated Gwinnett County is $28.84 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Tax Commissioner: 770-822-8800.
of Gwinnett County, Duluth has some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in metro Atlanta and is home to some of the best golf courses and private tennis clubs. There are numerous parks for recreation and participatory sports, including Bunten Road Park and Shorty Howell Park. North Point Mall, a major shopping center, is located near Duluth. The Southeastern Railway Museum, which preserves and operates old railroad equipment, is a must-see for any
Since then, Suwanee has experienced tremendous growth, from 2,412 residents in 1990 to more than 20,000 today. To help manage growth, the city has developed a comprehensive development plan that promotes pedestrianoriented development and mixed-use zoning. The city was designated a Tree City USA for 29 years for its commitment to preserving 27 percent of its land as greenspace.
Such foresight has allowed Suwanee to retain its old-fashioned charm while providing contemporary convenience. Only 35 miles from downtown Atlanta, Suwanee is close to big-city attractions, business districts and shopping. Many antique shops and historic structures, including several Victorian and regional farm-style homes, are located near downtown Suwanee. N
City Hall and the Town Green in downtown Duluth
Theater & Concerts
The Eagles, State Farm Arena
The band responsible for such hits as “Take It Easy,” “Desperado” and many others performs as part of its Hotel California 2022 Tour. March 4, 800-745-3000, statefarmarena.com.
Steve Martin and Martin Short, Fox Theatre
The acclaimed actor/comedians perform. Jeff Babko and The Steep Canyon Rangers also appear. March 6, 855-285-8499, atlanta.broadway.com.
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, Fox Theatre
Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta presents this musical chronicling the career of the legendary Motown Records group known for such hits as “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” March 8-13, 800-278-4447, atlanta.broadway.com
Peppa Pig’s Adventure, Fox Theatre
Come along for an exciting musical camping trip with everyone’s favorite pig and her friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. March 20, 855-285-8499, atlanta.broadway.com.
Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band, Atlanta Symphony Hall
Daryl Hall of the hitmaking pop duo Hall & Oates performs a retrospective set highlighting his solo career. Fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Todd Rundgren also performs April 5, 404-733-5000, atlantasymphony.org.
Bob Dylan, Fox Theatre
The award-winning songwriter and musician performs as part of his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour. March 24, 855-285-8499, atlanta.broadway.com.
Jesus Christ Superstar, Fox Theatre
This touring production of the world-renowned, award-winning rock opera featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and lyrics by Tim Rice comes to the Fox for eight electrifying performances, courtesy of Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta. April 19-24, 800-2784447, atlanta.broadway.com.
Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate, Gas South Arena
Mickey Mouse leads a stellar cast of characters through 14 classic and modern Disney favorites in an epic production featuring an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set. April 21-24, 770-626-2464, gassouthdistrict.com.
Jay Leno, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
The comic and former “Tonight Show” host performs. April 23, cobbenergycentre.com.
Journey, State Farm Arena
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rock band known for hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Faithfully” performs with special guest Toto opening the show. April 25, 800-745-3000, statefarmarena.com.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Fox Theatre
Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta presents the smash-hit musical recounting the life and career of the award-winning singer and songwriter. May 20-22, 800-278-4447, atlanta.broadway.com.
Exhibits & Events
Atlanta Fair, Center Parc Stadium
Walk along the midway, play classic carnival games and enjoy cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cakes and other festival favorites at this family-friendly event. Don’t miss rip-roaring thrill rides like Alien Abduction, Drop Tower and The Expedition! March 4-April 10, atlantafair.net.
Paddy’s
Day PathFEST Parade & Quest, Braselton
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at this annual event featuring a parade of decorated golf carts, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, wagons and walking groups along the Braselton LifePath. Follow the event on Facebook at @Explore Braselton. March 12, visitbraselton.com.
Duluth Farmers and Artisan Market, Downtown Duluth
Shop locally grown produce, baked goods and other homemade items like candles, soaps and pottery at this monthly event showcasing local farmers and vendors on the second Sunday of each month from 2 to 6 p.m. March 13, April 10 & May 8, duluthga.net.
Dino Safari, North Point Mall
Interact with more than 30 life-sized dinosaurs in this walk-through adventure featuring realistic moving animatronics. Through April 8, dinosafari.com.
Braselton Antique and Artisan Festival, Downtown Braselton
Browse the wares of more than 300 vendors and enjoy live music, food vendors and more at this event voted one of the top five festivals in the state of Georgia. April 22-24, visitbraselton.com.
Disrupting Design: Modern Posters, 1900-1940, High Museum of Art
This exhibit explores the origins of modern
PHOTO: Matthew Murphy
Duluth Derby Day, Downtown Duluth
Jesus Christ Superstar, Fox Theatre
poster art. Through April 24, 404-733-5000, high.org.
S.T.E.A.M., Duluth Town Green
Students from Duluth schools show off their projects showcasing science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. 5 to 7 p.m. April 26, duluthga.net
Lyndon Academy Field Trip to Space Camp, Huntsville, Ala.
Lyndon Academy fifth-graders will witness realworld applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at this overnight camp on the grounds of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center museum. April 26-28, lyndonacademy.org.
Duluth Spring Arts Festival, Duluth Town Center
Enjoy the works of dozens of painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers, jewelers, crafters and leather and metalworkers, along with artist demonstrations, food and drink vendors, live music and a children’s play area. April 30-May 1, duluthga.net.
Fridays-N-Duluth
Fridays-N-Duluth, the city of Duluth’s weekly free family-friendly downtown event, includes
cuisine from food trucks and live entertainment on the Festival Center Stage and in Parsons Alley. May 6-Sept. 16. duluthga.net.
Duluth Derby Day, Downtown Duluth
Break out your wide-brimmed hats and bow ties for Duluth’s ultimate Kentucky Derby viewing party, featuring all the big race action on a large screen in Parsons Alley. May 7, duluthga.net.
Food Truck Tuesday, Lilburn City Park
Choose from a variety of food trucks and enjoy live entertainment from the City Park bandshell on the second Tuesday of each month through October. May 10, cityoflilburn.com.
Lilburn Community Yard Sale, Railroad Parking Lot, Lilburn City Park
Find your newest treasure at this popular event showcasing previously owned household items such as furniture, clothing, toys, China, linen, books, electronics and more. May 14, cityoflilburn.com.
Movies Under the Stars, Braselton Town Green
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a free outdoor screening of a family-friendly
film on Braselton’s lovely Town Green. Follow the event on Facebook at @ExploreBraselton. May 21, visitbraselton.com.
Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites, Children’s Museum of Atlanta
This exhibit transforms seven beloved books— “The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter; “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats; “Where’s Spot?” by Eric Hill; “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff; “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Hr. and John Archambault; “Abuela” by Arthur Dorros; and “Tuesday” by David Wiesner—into three-dimensional learning environments. Through May 30, 404-659-5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
A Short Drive Away
Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, Hendersonville, N.C.
This weekend-long event features awardwinning wines, artisan hard cider, great food, educational programs, live music and more, showcasing the wineries and businesses of Henderson County. April 22-24, 800-828-4244, visithendersonvillenc.org.
hidden ATLANTA
Moda’s Poster Design Bar, where visitors can get creative
Museum of Design Atlanta
CELEBRATING THE VISUAL BEAUTY IN LIFE
By Karin Pendley Koser
Midtown Atlanta’s Arts District is home to hip hotels and restaurants, elite law firms, Colony Square, SCAD’s Atlanta campus and The High Museum of Art. Since 2011, it’s been the contemporary home of MODA, short for Museum of Design Atlanta. Founded in 1989, MODA’s move to Midtown solidified its evolution and reputation as the only design museum in the Southeast.
THE DETAILS
LOCATION: 1315 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
HOURS: Wednesday-Sunday from noon to 7p.m. Call or check website before visiting; open times may change due to COVID-19.
ADMISSION: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+, $8 for students 12-18 or in college and free for MODA members and children up to 11.
CONTACT INFO: 404-979-6455
WEBSITE: museumofdesign.org
There’s nowhere else in Atlanta where you can find things like a passageway filled with pool noodle toys (for a 2018 exhibition, Designing Playful Cities); past, present and future bicycles (for 2021’s, Bike to the Future); guitars played by Metallica’s James Hetfield, Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and The Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson (for 2019’s Wire & Wood: Designing Iconic Guitars); wearable tech such as dresses that light up (for 2016-17’s On You: Wearing Technology); or buildings designed for the people that house them (for 2018-19’s Design for Good: Architecture for Everyone). MODA also offers children’s programs, workshops and field trips to help students develop design thinking and STEM skills.
On March 2-5, MODA hosts a hands-on architectural workshop for ages 8-17 called The Futuristic Skyscraper: Architectural Design where kids get to be really creative. On March 17, MODA opens Full Circle: Design Without End, which has no end date yet. This exhibition introduces visitors to systemic design approaches that help address climate change challenges affecting large-scale architectural structures to everyday products.
