Atlanta can boast few holiday traditions as beloved as the Alliance Theatre’s annual staging of A Christmas Carol. This year marks the show’s 34th season, and its second with a reimagined stage show featuring exciting costumes, set design, puppetry, exciting live music and a cast packed with some of Atlanta’s finest actors, including Andrew Benator as Ebenezer Scrooge. This telling of Charles Dickens’ timeless story remains a must-see event. Through Dec. 24. For tickets, call 404-733-4600 or visit alliancetheatre.org.
PHOTO:
Photo by Greg Mooney
THE INSIDE SCOOP ON YOUR NEW HOMETOWN
By Rachael Mason
No doubt about it, Atlanta can be an intimidating place. There’s so much to take in that it’s easy to feel like an outsider. To help you start feeling like a true local, we’ve broken down what makes our city special: its essential dining experiences, sites that add a little history to your new home and the five things every true Atlantan has to do. Follow these helpful suggestions and you’ll be feeling like an insider in no time.
WALK UP STONE MOUNTAIN
Standing at the top of Stone Mountain offers an unparalleled view of not just the Atlanta skyline but the entire surrounding area. If you can’t handle hiking the incline, you can ride to the top in a cable car, but keep in mind that you won’t get “I climbed Stone Mountain” bragging rights. stonemountainpark.com
CATCH A BRAVES GAME AT TRUIST PARK
DANCE IN THE OLYMPIC RINGS
Located in the heart of downtown, Centennial Olympic Park is a lasting legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. At its heart is the Fountain of Rings, where the water dances in a synchronized ballet with music, sound and light effects, four times a day, 365 days per year. In warmer months, the fountain is one of the most unique and fun ways for kids—and grownups—to cool off from the summer heat. gwcca.org/centennial-olympic-park
There’s nothing quite like an Atlanta Braves home game, especially now that the Braves are in their new home at Truist Park. The fun starts long before first pitch with a stroll through The Battery Atlanta, a lifestyle destination surrounding the park filled with dining, shopping and special activities galore. Inside the park, you’ll feel right on top of the action, as the park boasts some the best sightlines in the major leagues. atlantabraves.com
LEARN SOME SOUTHERN HISTORY
The metro Atlanta area is rich with history. Learn more about one of the city’s most famous residents at the Martin Luther King. Jr. Center (thekingcenter.org). At the Atlanta History Center, check out exhibits illuminating the Civil
War and the city’s fascinating post-antebellum story and tour some of Atlanta’s grandest historic homes. atlantahistorycenter.com
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Take a stroll along the BeltLine, a 22-mile paved trail constructed from reclaimed railroad corridors that links 45 neighborhoods, numerous parks and additional trails. Be sure to stop for lunch on the patio at one of the many eateries along the way (beltline.org). Admire the stunning flower gardens at the Atlanta Botanical Garden (atlantabg.org), and spend an afternoon walking, biking, picnicking or just people-watching at the city’s favorite greenspace, Piedmont Park. piedmontpark.org
ENJOY A FROSTED ORANGE AT THE VARSITY
The Varsity is Atlanta’s iconic fast food joint, in operation since 1928. The flagship location on North Avenue is billed as the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, sitting on more than two acres and able to accommodate more than 800 customers at a time. In addition, servers and savvy customers speak their own special lingo. Try the Frosted Orange, a frozen treat that tastes like a Creamsicle, only better. thevarsity.com
DINE AT BACCHANALIA >>
This upscale establishment is the city’s premiere fine-dining restaurant. Each night, chefs/owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison create a different seasonal menu. The four-course meal, which costs $110 per person, includes two small appetizers, an entrée, a cheese course and dessert. starprovisions.com/bacchanalia
Stone Mountain Park
GRAB A BURGER AT THE VORTEX
This attitude-heavy restaurant and bar (patrons must be 18 or older) serves up some of the best burgers in town, including the Classic Bypass, a half-pound sirloin patty topped with a fried egg, three slices of American cheese and four slices of bacon, served with mayo on the side. Two locations. thevortexatl.com
SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE AT STAPLEHOUSE MARKET
Located in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, this eatery has garnered several rave reviews and awards since opening in 2016, and its tasting menu changes regularly. But Staplehouse started as an underground supper club founded by Ryan and Jen Hidinger. Ryan died of cancer in 2014, but his legacy lives on with the restaurant and The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit started to aid metro Atlanta restaurant industry employees who face unexpected hardships. All after-tax profits from Staplehouse benefit The Giving Kitchen. Its name changed to Staplehouse Market in 2020, when the restaurant started offering a pick-up food and drink service. staplehouse.com
EXPLORE BUFORD HIGHWAY
You don’t have to travel around the world to enjoy a wealth of international cuisine. Buford Highway offers a diverse cornucopia of authentic ethnic fare, from Korean barbecue and Vietnamese noodle bowls to Chinese kabobs, Cajun crawfish and Mexican menudo with handmade tortillas.
THE BIG CHICKEN
This giant bird, which adorns a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in neighboring Marietta, won’t teach you anything new about Atlanta, but it’s one of those things you have to see to believe, and is more than worth the drive to the suburbs.
marietta.com/attractions/the-big-chicken u
The Big Chicken
Bacchanalia
The Vortex
CNN CENTER
Distinguished by a giant outdoor CNN logo, the cable empire’s world headquarters offers behind-the-scenes tours of several of its newsrooms. The space also includes a number of shops and restaurants and is connected to the Omni Hotel and State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. center.cnn.com
EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. preached non-violence at this historic church, which has been operating since 1866. Today, you can still visit the church on Auburn Avenue and take part in its services. ebenezeratl.org
THE GOLD DOME
The Georgia State Capitol shines brightly in the Atlanta skyline due to the gold paneling on its dome. The Capitol also houses a museum where flags, artwork and other historic artifacts are displayed. atlanta.net/partner/georgia-state-capitol/48/
MARGARET MITCHELL HOUSE
At this historic landmark, you can see the apartment where author Margaret Mitchell wrote “Gone with the Wind.” The space has been preserved with period furnishings and original architectural features. The remainder of the building and an addition next door serve as a museum dedicated to Mitchell’s work. atlantahistorycenter.com
Neighborhood Associations
By Susan Flowers
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HOA s AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
When it comes to neighborhoods, Atlanta offers everything from older, tree-lined communities to new subdivisions with the latest perks. And those areas offer just as much variety in neighborhood and homeowners’ associations. Whether you’re looking for an area with strict standards for appearance with an eye toward property values, or a place with fewer rules but more personality, metro Atlanta has the right neighborhood for you.
IS AN HOA RIGHT FOR YOU?
A homeowner’s association (HOA) is a legal entity that is typically responsible for upholding rules governing the appearance of properties. An HOA will often have the right to enforce those rules by issuing fines and even placing liens on properties of noncompliant owners.
“The big advantage is that there’s a standard that’s set for everyone,” says Realtor Josh Jarvis of Jarvis Team Realty. “They also do some other things, like maintain the amenities.” Because of the HOA, these neighborhoods are often able to offer pools, sidewalks, clubhouses or tennis courts.
Experts say an HOA is crucial to your home’s value in the long run because of all the services it provides.
“If things are uniformly maintained [by an HOA], you don’t have the issue of one or two sore thumbs” lowering the value of every home in the neighborhood, says Paul Queen, former director of marketing for Sentry Management, which handles HOAs for over 300,000 homes, condominiums and townhomes across the country.
Of course, one person’s sore thumb can be another’s needed enhancement. An HOA’s interpretation of standards can differ from yours. “They can also restrict things that you want to do to the home,” Jarvis says. “For example, you may want to put an outbuilding on your property. You may not be able to, or it might cost more than it would otherwise, because you can’t just go get an aluminum building.”
Another potential drawback is the impact of HOA dues on your purchasing power. While a well-maintained neighborhood can prevent your home’s value from depreciating, what you pay toward an HOA will be considered by banks when you apply for a loan, because your dues affect your debt-to-income ratio.
“If you pay $600 a year, that’s $50 a month,” says Jarvis. “A lot of people don’t think about that.” This can play an especially large role in the purchase of a townhome or condo, or in the purchase of a home priced near the limit of what you can afford.
But HOAs have other benefits, including architectural controls (residents must get approval for changes to their homes’ exteriors),
A homeowner’s association (HOA) is a legal entity that is typically responsible for upholding rules governing the appearance of properties. An HOA will often have the right to enforce those rules by issuing fines and even placing liens on properties of noncompliant owners.
increased community engagement (events and activities that unite residents) and an extra layer of support (partnering with municipalities to ensure compliance with zoning codes), according to Associated Asset Management’s website.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
If you’re looking for a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, a little due diligence can pay off in the long run.
Ask to see financial reports for any HOA you’re seriously considering. Without adequate funding, amenities can’t be maintained and
improvements can’t be made. It’s reasonable to expect that your neighborhood’s pool and other features will be just as attractive in 10 years as they are today.
It’s also a good idea to ask to see the minutes of the past few HOA meetings. These documents can inform you of ongoing problems that can factor into your decision to buy. “What they’re talking about in the minutes gives you a good snapshot of what the issues are in a neighborhood,” says Queen.
Although HOA documents are nobody’s idea of a page-turner, it’s still important to give them
a thorough read. If an HOA’s standards differ significantly from yours, it’s better to know before you purchase.
Drive through the neighborhood to be sure that it’s properly maintained. Amenities or homes in poor condition can tell you that an HOA isn’t doing its job.
And if you’re considering a gated community, be aware that everything inside those gates is the responsibility of the neighborhood’s homeowners. If a road inside a gated community needs paving, the association, not the county, is responsible for the cost. “In a gated community, the only things they don’t own are the mailboxes,” says Jarvis.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
If you’re looking for a looser structure than that offered by many homeowners’ associations, a neighborhood association might be the ticket. Found more often in areas close to Atlanta’s downtown than in the suburbs, neighborhood associations frequently act as advocates for a community, working with elected officials on improvements and taking actions to enhance the area’s quality of life.
A neighborhood association is typically less concerned with enforcing standards for appearance, and more concerned with issues that affect the community, says Nancy Dorsner of the
Lake Claire Neighbors.
“Really it’s just having an organization that can represent the neighborhood when things come up like school redistricting,” she says. “It’s a whole lot easier for the association to get face time with elected representatives. Every person in the neighborhood can’t get a meeting with our city council person. We can speak with one voice on neighborhood issues, like recommending that a traffic light should be changed.”
Although the name suggests that it’s an HOA, the 1,200-member Dunwoody Homeowners Association is actually closer to a neighborhood association in function. The Dunwoody HOA covers the entire city of Dunwoody, a DeKalb
IMPORTANT FACTS
County suburb with a population of about 46,000. With events including Food Truck Thursdays, a Fourth of July parade and live concerts, “We very much add to the quality of life in our city,” says longtime member Stacey Harris. The group also hosts candidates’ forums for city council and mayoral elections.
The Lake Claire Neighbors group seldom, if ever, tackles issues relating to the appearance of individual homes. “Even though we may have an issue of growing grass too long, we prefer the more flexible and free approach to how our neighborhood evolves,” says Dorsner. “Our neighborhood is laid back. We like the fact that it’s quirky and interesting. We don’t have to have all matching mailboxes.”
Remember that HOAs and neighborhood associations are different entities that serve different functions, and be aware of what each offers and what you want when you’re investigating a particular community. Good luck!
• An HOA is a group of property owners with the authority to enforce rules concerning such issues as yard work, uniformity of appearance and safety.
• A neighborhood association is a group of neighbors and business owners concerned with such issues as quality of life.
• If you move into a community with an HOA, membership is generally mandatory.
• Most condominium communities are HOAs.
• Some HOAs have restrictions about parties, noise, etc.
• HOAs usually own and maintain community property, such as roads, swimming pools, etc.
Old Town Lilburn Is Growing
A HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
The city of Lilburn is one of the metro area’s hidden gems. Its small-town feel and convenience to Atlanta (downtown is 22 miles away) make it one of the area’s most desirable destinations for new families. And this Gwinnett County community is currently growing, developing its historic downtown, creating new housing and commercial spaces for families and young professionals.
Much of this work is focused on the Old Town downtown district, the beating heart of
Lilburn, known for its walkable mix of restaurants, shops and attractions like Lilburn City Park and the Camp Creek Greenway.
The Main Street Townes at Lilburn, a new mixed-use development, offers a number of modern, built-to-rent townhomes facing Old Town’s vibrant Main Street, with more homes currently under construction. The development is also slated to include 15,000 square feet of retail space.
Another project in the works, a commercial development at 112 Main Street, aims to transform the corner of Main Street and Railroad Avenue across from 1910 Public House, with three new buildings joining the Cofer Electrical building. The first of those new buildings is slated to feature more than 6,000 square feet, with two restaurant anchors and an outdoor dining deck.
Developers and city leaders envision the popular Hope Springs Distillery moving into this
space from its current home around the corner on Railroad Avenue. Plans call for that Railroad Avenue space to house 275 luxury apartments looking out on the Camp Creek Greenway Trail.
The city is also hard at work on infrastructure projects including raised crosswalks across Main Street and some new sidewalk areas, designed to make this booming neighborhood even more pedestrian-friendly to accommodate the influx of new arrivals drawn by the area’s lush greenspace and comfortable, intimate atmosphere. For more information on Lilburn, visit cityoflilburn.com
L SPOTLIGHT neighborhood
THE INSIDE TRACK:
Mostly developed in the years following the Civil War, the neighborhood is one of the oldest in Atlanta. Boulevard, the central roadway of the Old Fourth Ward, has evolved repeatedly throughout its history— more than 100 years.
Old Fourth Ward
By Jackson Reeves
ocated on the east side of Atlanta, the Old Fourth Ward boasts Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace, a central hub for the BeltLine, along with a thriving nightlife and foodie scene. Situated just west of Inman Park, the area is at the crux of Atlanta’s booming downtown neighborhood revival. It was part of the historic Fourth Ward political area until the 1950s, when Atlanta changed to a district system.
Housing
For young professionals, the Old Fourth Ward’s hip environs offer plenty of appeal— and the neighborhood’s residential choices can rival those found in more established enclaves, such as Buckhead. 525 Park (info@525park.com), which opened in 2020 and includes 97 one- and two-bedroom condos, is so popular that all the units have sold out but some are available for rent. Located near the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, the Mariposa Loft Apartments (678-742-5190) offer luxury one- and two-bedroom units. ParkHaus (470-839-6010), a new four-story townhouse development, is only a mile from Ponce City Market.
Arts and Entertainment
Looking for a place to catch some of the best local musical talent? Look no further than Venkman’s (venkmans.com), a restaurant/bar co-owned by Nick Niespodziani and Peter Olsen of the band Yacht Rock Revue, which occasionally performs there along with countless other musicians. If you’re seeking a more upscale, wine-centric dinner-and-a-show experience, check out City Winery Atlanta (citywinery.com/atlanta), which brings in top national acts for concerts and other events.
Then call it a night at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium (sisterlouisaschurch.com). It’s exactly the sort of hip dive bar that it sounds like.
Culinary Treats
Ponce City Market (404-900-7900) features such offerings as sushi and sashimi at Miso Ko, deep-fried chicken at Hop’s Chicken and tacos at Minero. On the other end of the neighborhood, Krog Street Market (thekrogdistrict.com) includes such restaurants as Makimono and Superica. For tasty dessert options, check out Jake’s Ice Cream at Irwin Street Market (678-705-7945).
Local Treasures
Nestled just south of the Civil Rights leader’s birthplace, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (404-331-5190) features an exhibit on the movement and the man, titled “Courage to Lead,” along with special exhibits in the D.R.E.A.M Gallery. Across the street, you can visit where King delivered his first sermon at the pulpit, Ebenezer Baptist Church (404-688-7300). Right off the BeltLine, Historic Fourth Ward Park (404-5466757) includes a skate park and hosts the neighborhood’s annual arts festival. N
Ponce City Market Central Food Hall
Ponce City Market Tower Terrace
525 Park
Ebenezer Baptist Church
PHOTOS: (left and top far left) Jamestown; (bottom far left) National Park Service
3 STEPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD GET READY
By Michelle Bourg
Attending college has long been a cornerstone of the American dream, and the majority of students hope to do so. But the path to getting there is a winding and long one: educators and college admissions officers recommend that planning for college begins when a child reaches sixth grade. For modern families, the three keys to navigating the path to college successfully are being proactive, organized and communicative.
OFF TO A GOOD START: MIDDLE AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
In Georgia, the concept of proactivity has been mandated with the BRIDGE (Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Georgia’s Economy) Act, which helps students select a focused study plan by providing career counseling and regularly scheduled advisement beginning in
sixth grade. (For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Education website at www.gadoe.org).
Students begin by taking the Career Cluster Inventory and creating a YouScience portfolio to track their BRIDGE activities. During the spring of their eighth-grade year, students must select a career area and draft a corresponding course of study called an IGP (Individual
grades and test performance, as colleges look at a student’s entire high school career.
Sophomore year is when the first standardized placement tests are taken; 10th-graders may take the PSAT 10 or the ACT prerequisite PLAN test. Qualified students should look into the MOWR (Move On When Ready) program, which enables qualified Georgia high school students to take college courses and receive both high school and college credit.
Co-curricular participation is one of the most memorable parts of the high school experience and a key factor in college admissions. Students should try some out now and find one or two they will enjoy long-term. This is also a good time to begin satisfying the community service graduation requirement. Parents should monitor their child’s schedule to ensure that academics and co-curriculars remain in balance.
While the nitty-gritty of financial planning is still in the future, during freshman year families should start to discuss financial aid, scholarships and the student’s responsibilities, if any. A good place to start
As high school begins, parents and students should establish a good relationship with the guidance counselor and work with him or her to select prerequisite courses for advanced-level work.
Graduation Plan) in consultation with parents, counselors and teachers.
Parents should communicate with their children about school performance and its impact on a future career by discussing possible career interests and helping them to develop good study habits, identifying academic areas that need improvement. The PSAT 8/9 offers a snapshot of a child’s academic strengths and weaknesses so families can create a plan of action.
STAYING THE COURSE: NINTH AND TENTH GRADES
As high school begins, parents and students should establish a good relationship with the guidance counselor and work with him or her to select prerequisite courses for advanced-level work. If any subjects are giving difficulty, additional help should be sought in order to be up to speed going forward. It’s critical to maintain
is by visiting the website of the Georgia Student Finance Commission (www.gafutures.org) for information.
By the end of the year, Georgia ninth-graders must complete a supervised investigation of at least three potential careers and record them in their Georgia Career Information System (GCIS) portfolio. The summer between ninth and 10th grade is when research into college options should begin, with a file kept on each school to compare later.
Over summer break, students should make a list of desired criteria to guide their college explorations and intensify their research into different schools.
THE HOME STRETCH: 11TH AND 12TH GRADES
In junior year, the pace for college-bound students intensifies dramatically, and life will seem like a non-stop parade of deadlines. Standardized tests begin with the PSAT in October, and it takes discipline to balance studying for tests, keeping up with regular coursework, extracurricular activities and volunteer or employment
Parents will also be busy, as financial aid applications are time-consuming and must be completed as soon as possible.
responsibilities. Regular family meetings will keep everyone on the same page—making a weekly pizza date to talk things over will also carve out some quality de-stressing time. Using a family organization phone app such as Cozi or even a large-format wall calendar makes keeping track of test dates and application deadlines easier.
Now is the time to begin evaluating colleges in earnest. Under BRIDGE, Georgia students must investigate at least three postsecondary institutions and record the information in their GCIS portfolio by the end of junior year. Using the list of personal criteria and the school information they’ve gathered, students should make a ranked list of potential schools and make appointments to visit several. It’s also a good point to begin requesting letters of recommendation from respected mentors. Meanwhile, parents should begin reviewing the financial picture and making a budget.
The summer between junior and senior year is critical; in addition to working on jobs or internships, students need to finalize their list of schools and visit as many as possible, begin crafting application essays, organize financial aid info and consider applying early decision to the top schools on the list.
As senior year begins, students and their families have to hit the ground running. The SAT (and if applicable, the ACT) must be taken as soon as possible; it’s important to check the SAT subject test schedule, as some tests are only given on select dates. There may be final campus visits to make even as the essay and application process is in full swing, and it’s imperative to maintain grades and class rank, as colleges scrutinize these carefully. As the year progresses, students must track acceptances, and if placed on a waitlist for their top choices, consider applying to schools with later deadlines.
Parents will also be busy, as financial aid
applications are time-consuming and must be completed as soon as possible. For information on college scholarships, parents and their children can visit The Scholarship System website (thescholarshipsystem.com) to find out how to properly apply for scholarships. According to its website, the System’s members have won more than $10.5 million in scholarships as of August.
If their son or daughter has applied to both public and private schools, it will be necessary to complete both the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS (College Scholarship Service) Profile. As acceptances are received, families will need to compare the aid packages offered as they work together toward a final decision.
It’s been a long road, but as the portfolio is finally closed with the entry “College,” at last it’s time to raise a toast at the graduation party and savor the accomplishment. All too soon it will be time to shop for those dorm supplies.
Atlanta Academy
Molding Minds with Creativity and Innovation
By Everett Catts
When you step onto Atlanta Academy’s campus in Roswell, you’ll see a school where creativity, diversity and community are paramount. Those tenets play into the school’s beliefs and mission, which include molding students into innovative thinkers who can adapt as they prepare for the future.
Atlanta Academy was founded in 2000 by seven teachers, and its success can be credited to an educator’s focus.
“I hire well and I train my teachers well and provide ongoing training so that they are always at the top of their game,” Head of School Angela Naples says. “But also, I look to my teachers for a lot of input when choosing curriculum and programs because they’re in the trenches. The teachers are our backbone. It’s worth your time and money to invest in your team, and your whole admin staff as well, not just the classroom teachers.”
Today the K-8 school sits on nine acres and the campus includes two STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) labs, three science labs, two art classrooms, a gymnasium, a greenhouse and a recording studio, with some of those facilities being new. As part of its STEAM program, the school has a chicken coop, used to raise chickens, and an aeroponic garden, where it raises trout before releasing them into the Chattahoochee River. Atlanta Academy also recently expanded its after-school programs and summer camps.
The school has about 375 students enrolled in the 2022-23 school year, with a 60-member faculty and a max class size of 16 students.
Atlanta Academy was honored for its success in 2017, when it was named a National Blue Ribbon School. The award is given by the U.S. Department of Education to public and private elementary, middle and
high schools for their “overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups,” according to the department’s website. Naples says the school’s well-rounded program of classes and extracurricular activities, with a mixture of traditional and modern approaches, makes it stand out.
“We’re very forward thinking and we’re very diverse,” she says, adding 37 percent of its students are minorities. “We do a lot of application, not just memorization of knowledge. We believe in exposing the children to everything. … We have strong acceptance rates into the high schools, both the private schools and also the Advanced Placement courses in public schools.”
Naples says the small classroom size, including a 6-to-1 studentto-teacher ratio, helps teachers get to know each student in his or her class, plus his or her family. The parents, in turn, are actively involved with the school, volunteering and attending school events often. Teachers even split their classes into smaller groups.
From start to finish—the day opens with a schoolwide morning prayer and closes with extracurricular activities that include eight sports and a top-notch performing and visual arts program—Atlanta Academy prepares students well for their next step in life. N
THE SPECIFICS
Contact: 2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell, GA 30076
Winter doesn’t officially begin until Dec. 21, but at venues across metro Atlanta, the year’s coldest season has already commenced with a plethora of events to choose from.
And while the wintertime kicks off with a series of holiday events and activities, there are still plenty of other ways to celebrate the season in January and February, even after the holidays end.
ATLANTA’S COOL WEATHER EVENTS TO KEEP YOU BUSY ALL SEASON
There are countless ways to celebrate Christmas, from art to theatre to visits with Santa Claus. Looking for fun ways to revel in holiday cheer? Check out the Callanwolde Winter House (callanwolde.org/winterhouse2022), which will include art workshops, holiday décor, Santa Claus and more. At Holidays on the Roof at Ponce City Market (poncecityroof.com), you can rent an igloo for up to six people, visit with Santa and check out 9 Mile Station’s transformation into a woodland forest. Fernbank’s Winter Wonderland: Holidays and Traditions Around the World (fernbankmuseum.org) will feature trees and other displays decorated by local cultural partners that mark holiday traditions and practices from around the globe.
A Gingerbread House at Callanwolde Winter House
The World of Coke's Holiday Celebration (worldofcoca-cola.com) will include holidayrelated exhibits, seasonal/holiday beverages and more. The Atlanta Christkindl Market in the Buckhead Village District (christkindlmarket.org) is a traditional German market with authentic food and beverages, visits with Santa and a great place to find gifts for your loved ones. The Georgia Aquarium's Winter Waterland (georgiaaquarium.org) will include holidaythemed dolphin presentations, photos with Santa, holiday movie showings in its 4D Theater and more.
And if you are musically or thespian inclined, there are a few holiday classics that should whet your whistle and put you in the spirit of giving. The Center for Puppetry Arts’ Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (puppet.org) is based on the 1964 television special. The Alliance Theatre’s A Christmas Carol (alliancetheatre.org) is based on Charles Dickens’ novella, and the Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker (atlantaballet.com) is adapted from the original book by E.T.A. Hoffman and music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will host three Christmas with the ASO concerts (aso.org), featuring
Holidays on the Roof at Ponce City Market
PHOTOS: (Bottom Left and Right)
Photos courtesy of Jamestown
HolidayGardenLights, Nights
Holidays at Atlantic Station
holiday carols, hymns and more.
Hannukah will take place Dec.18-26, and venues across the city will host menorahlighting ceremonies (atlantajewishconnector. com). Most, if not all of these events have free admission.
The holidays aren’t complete without checking out a light show, and there are plenty to choose from. While most of the light displays
can only be accessed by foot, some are the drive-through kind, allowing families to stay warm in the comfort of their own vehicles. Though there are some smaller light shows in your area, these larger ones stand out:
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown (atlantabg.org) will feature more than a billion lights covering the grounds. Lights of Life at Life University in Marietta (life.edu/lights-of-life) is a drive-through display, but don’t forget to stop for the pony rides, train rides and petting zoo. Stone Mountain Christmas (stonemountainpark.com) boasts the World’s Largest Light Show and also includes a Christmas parade and carolers.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags (sixflags. com) includes more than a million lights, classic shows and music, visits with Santa and holiday treats. Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens (callawaygardens.com), named one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Light Displays in the World, includes drive-through and walk-through experiences. The Lakeside Light Spectacular at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
(margaritavilleresorts.com) features holidayand Margaritaville-themed lights, and Celebrate the Station at Atlantic Station (atlanticstation. com) includes lights, snow shows and more. While there are countless adults-only New Year’s Eve parties in metro Atlanta, several venues are offering ways for the whole family to toast the start of 2023. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s Bubble Bash (childrensmuseum atlanta.org) will include music, dancing, games and lots of bubbles. Stone Mountain Park’s Early New Year’s Eve Celebration (stonemountainpark.com) will include snow, fireworks and more. Noon Year’s Eve at Avalon (experienceavalon.com) will feature face painting, crafts and snacks and will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Noon Year’s Eve on the Roof at Ponce City Market (poncecityroof.com) will include balloon artists, a magician and much more.
Though many venues are hosting ice skating rinks as part of their holiday festivities, the rinks will stay open for weeks into January and even February. Here’s where to find those rinks: The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill (haidrink.com)
Skate the Station at Atlantic Station atlanticstation.com/event/skate-thestation) boasts metro Atlanta’s largest ice rink at 10,000 square feet.
The Rink at Park Tavern in Midtown (parktavern.com/ice-rink) offers patrons a view of Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline plus selfie stations, fire pits and fireplaces and more. Season on the Square at Colony Square in Midtown colonysquare.com/events) includes days when 10% of admission benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Avalon on Ice in Alpharetta (experienceavalon.com) features a Rockefeller Center-inspired rink.
Are you an art lover? Then go to the Callanwolde Artist Market (callanwolde.org).
Do you enjoy Chinese food and culture? If so, try the Atlanta Chinese Lunar New Year Festival (atlanticstation.com/event/lunar-newyear-2/). Love movies? Then check out the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (ajff.org).
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Try the Groundhog Day Jugglers Festival (atlantajugglers.org/festivals), set for Feb. 3-5 at the Yaarab Shrine Center in Midtown. It includes juggling, unicycling, flow and play, hooping and comedy.
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
will host special events including a Valentine’s Day date night. Olde Town on Ice at Olde Town Conyers Pavilion (icedays.com/conyers) and Ice Days Ice Skating Rink in Covington (icedays.com/covington) each have a separate area for hosting private parties and events.
License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands (margaritavilleresorts.com) offers ice skating plus snow tubing, amusement rides and opportunities to play in the snow. Skate the Sky at Ponce City Market (poncecityroof.com) includes ice skating, unlimited gameplay and admission to The Roof.
Though most of metro Atlanta’s festivals take place in the warmer months of the year, there are still some that happen in the winter, though mostly indoors. Are you a beer or wine lover? If so, check out the Winter Beer Fest in Atlantic Station (atlantawinterbeerfest.com) or the Atlanta Winter Wine Festival (atlantawinefestivals.com/winter).
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s Bubble Bash
Love New Orleans-themed cocktails and food? Check out the Mardis Gras Streetcar Adventure (atlantabartours.com/events), in which participants can ride the Atlanta Streetcar to more than 40 participating bars and restaurants.
Speaking of food, there are not one but two February festivals dedicated to oyster eating while the bivalves are still in season. The Steamhouse Lounge in Midtown will host its annual Oysterfest (steamhouselounge.com), and Atlantic Station will hold the Atlanta Oyster Festival (atlanticstation.com).
If you’re ready to start the new year with an exhilarating bang, take a dip in the Lake Lanier Polar Bear Plunge-N-Paddle on Jan. 1. Other Polar Bear Plunges take place in Acworth on Lake Allatoona (acworthtourism.org/events/polarplunge) and Alpharetta (facebook.com/AlphaPolarBearPlunge/) later in January or February. Most of the events double as charity fundraisers, with some benefitting Special Olympics Georgia.
Speaking of Special Olympics Georgia, the State Indoor Winter Games (specialolympicsga. org) will come to venues across Cobb County Jan. 27 and 28. The competition will include basketball, bowling, floor hockey, powerlifting and female gymnastics.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, the Atlanta Trails website (atlantatrails.com) has a guide on the best hiking trails in metro Atlanta and beyond. It also offers a list of its Favorite Winter Hikes
(atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails). The winter hike list includes frozen waterfalls, the Appalachian Trail and even Providence Canyon State Park, nicknamed Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.”
Two longtime Atlanta traditions will return in late December and midJanuary with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (chick-fil-apeachbowl.com) and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration (thekingcenter.org), respectively. The Peach Bowl, set for Dec. 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will host one of the two College Football Playoff semifinal games. The King Celebration, taking place Jan. 10-16 at the King Center, marks the civil rights leader’s birthday.
Throughout the winter, Zoo Atlanta (zooatlanta.org) offers discounted admission for guests. So bring your winter gear to check out the panda bears, elephants, giraffes and the rest of the zoo’s animals. While Stone Mountain, as the world’s largest piece of exposed granite, gets most of the attention, its smaller cousin, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (arabiaalliance.org), is also worth a visit. Located nearby in Lithonia, it has two granite outcroppings and offers views of the Atlanta skyline on clear days.
Midtown’s Piedmont Park (piedmontpark.org), which is on the BeltLine and considered Atlanta’s version of New York’s Central Park, also gives visitors a chance to unwind. So grab a blanket and some food and drinks, and head down for a fun-filled picnic. Oakland Cemetery (oaklandcemetery.com), a park-like setting just east of downtown Atlanta, dates back to 1850 and is the final resting place of several famous Georgians, including Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell and seven Atlanta mayors. The cemetery hosts events even in winter, including weekly holiday scavenger hunts in December.
Speaking of history, the Atlanta Preservation Center (atlanta preservationcenter.com), which is located nearby in Grant Park in one of the only two remaining antebellum homes in the city, is the place to go to learn more about Atlanta’s architecture and historic buildings, neighborhoods and landscapes.
TheChick-fil-A PeachBowl
PHOTO: Paul Abell via Abell
Images for Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Reverence Midtown Eatery Takes Diners Around the Globe
By Everett Catts
With a wide-ranging menu, Reverence, the signature restaurant inside the new Epicurean Atlanta hotel in Midtown, is striving to become an upscale dining haven for both residents and hotel guests.
Open since September 2021, Reverence offers a variety of American contemporary fare that reflects its executive chef, Ewart Wardhaugh. The Scotland native has culinary experience on five continents, including stops in France and, most recently, Los Angeles.
“I think it’s a little bit of creativity without going overboard. We’re always taking a twist on classics and reinventing them,” he said, adding the menu changes with each season and sometimes twice in a season based on items’ availability.
If you’re an oenophile, Reverence is your kind of place, offering more than 200 different bottles in its cellar, ranging from Pike’s Riesling to Dom Perignon brut. For non-wine lovers, Wardhaugh recommends the Bacon, a spin on the old fashioned with bacon fat-washed Old Forester bourbon. Open for breakfast, dinner and Sunday brunch, the restaurant’s fare takes you around the world.
Where else in metro Atlanta would you find a dinner menu that includes caviar a la crème fraiche, with potato croquetas, chive and confit egg yolk; Champagne-infused cantaloupe with hearts of palm, watermelon radish, beetroot crema; and karaage fried chicken (which Wardhaugh says is the most popular) with masa harina, soy, sake, spiced yuzu aioli and citrus chermoula?
The entrees are just as varied, and Wardhaugh says the pan-seared Georgia trout, with fingerling potatoes, crème fraiche and smoked trout cream; the steak frites, whose fries are triple cooked; and the char-grilled Turkish lamb kebab, with apricot puree, pickled sunchoke, trumpet mushrooms and saffron salsa; are its most popular ones. But also try the wood-grilled sous vide octopus, with bulgur wheat salad, burnt leek, cauliflower and citrus, or one of the vegetarian entrees such as the spring pea papardelle, with mushrooms, fava beans, garlic, pecorino and pea sprout.
For breakfast, variety remains the keyword, with plates ranging from to the farmhouse granola to the ruby red grapefruit brûlée to the full Epicurean breakfast. The menu also includes an assortment of breads and pastries.
The Reverence’s décor is warm but modern, with a mix of gray and brown walls, tables and chairs dominating the space. The bar, colored in gray and black, fronts the all-glass kitchen so guests seated there can view the chefs at work.
Also, the restaurant partners with the Epicurean Theatre, a space
within the hotel that hosts cooking classes and other special dining events at least once a week. Some of those events take place inside Reverence if they outgrow the theatre, Wardhaugh said.
The sides menu includes nothing but vegetables, featuring an ode to the South with beer-battered onion rings but also paying homage to the Middle East with bulgur tabbouleh. The dessert menu includes “Nutter Butter” choux, and Wardhaugh says “anything chocolate” is a crowd favorite, but the chocolate shards are the most popular one.
THE DETAILS
Attire: Business casual Atmosphere: Upscale modern Recommendations: Georgia trout and steak frites entrees, chocolate shards dessert Reservations: Encouraged but not required. Walk-ins welcome. Parking: Valet parking available
Because Reverence is new, not everyone knows it exists, but those who have found it have been loyal customers, Wardhaugh says.
Hours: Mon.--Sat. 7 to 11 a.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Mon.-Thur. 6 to 10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5 to 11 p.m.
Location: 1117 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309
Contact: 470-283-2590, reverenceatlanta.com
“The response has been great,” he added. “The biggest challenge is for people to know where we are. Once people find us, we get a lot of repeat clientele because they love the constant changing of the menus.” N
Photos:
(Left) Brandon LaJoie; (Right) Seamus Payne
Above: The Reverence’s décor is warm but modern, with a mix of gray and brown walls. Left: The “waffled” cheddar grits breakfast entree.
Georgia’s Historic Inns & Hotels
DISCOVER SOUTHERN CHARM AND LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
By Tony Jenkins
Learning about Georgia’s history can be a relaxing and even romantic adventure. There are many hotels and inns throughout Georgia where history, luxury and Southern charm intersect. Encompassing both grandeur and quaint, elegant charm, here are just a few of Georgia’s historic hospitality venues.
THE 1842 INN
A quaint bed and breakfast in Macon, the 1842 Inn was a home built by the city's former mayor, John Gresham, in, well, you can guess the year. There are 19 guest rooms found within the main, Greek Revival-style antebellum house and the adjoining Victorian cottage, as well as four hospitality parlors. Antique paintings, oriental carpets, heart pine flooring and 12foot ceilings accentuate each room, and many include fireplaces and whirlpools. To bolster the relaxing and romantic vibe, there’s a 17-col-
umned wrap-around veranda where you can sip on iced tea (or other beverages) while overlooking the courtyard. 1842inn.com
THE FITZPATRICK HOTEL
After a fire decimated much of Washington, Georgia’s public square in 1895, brothers J.H. and T.M. Fitzpatrick returned to the city, between Athens and Augusta, and began construction on what would become The Fitzpatrick Hotel. After opening in 1898, the
historic hotel went through several ownership and name changes and was eventually closed in 1952. More than 50 years later, after the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places, The Fitzpatrick was restored and reopened. By using old photos and original memorabilia and purchasing period antiques, the new owners retained the hotel’s original Victorian grandeur and charm, while including modern-day conveniences like HDTVs and WiFi access. thefitzpatrickhotel.com
The 1842 Inn
THE GASTONIAN
What's better than one mansion? Two adjacent Regency-Italianate mansions have been turned into a four-diamond award-winning bed and breakfast in a charming residential area of Savannah. The two mansions that now make up The Gastonian were built in 1868 and exemplify the Southern charm one would expect from a history-laden city like Savannah. From the grand décor and period antiques to the fireplaces and tranquil gardens, The Gastonian was recognized by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the finest places to stay in the world. It’s a great location, too: The Gastonian is in the Sa-
vannah historic district within walking distance of Forsyth Park, Colonial Park Cemetery and several of the city squares. gastonian.com
BARNSLEY RESORT
Located on about 3,000 acres in Adairsville, Barnsley Resort offers luxury accommodations in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. Completed in 1848, it was built first as a manor by
Godfrey Barnsley in honor of his wife Julia, who unfortunately died before it was finished. According to the hotel’s website, the home and its gardens were inspired by landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing, a promoter of Italianate and gothic revival architecture. Starting in 1942, the property changed ownership twice before being sold in 1988 to a Bavarian prince, who revived and expanded the historic gardens, which three years later were opened to the public as a museum and garden. In 1999 Barnsley Resort opened, and today it includes guest cottages, a golf course and a spa and offers outdoor activities including horseback riding, sporting clays and hiking. In 2018 it opened a traditional inn building to give guests another lodging option. barnsleyresort.com
THE GEORGIAN TERRACE
Opening for business in 1911, The Georgian Terrace is located in Midtown directly across from another Atlanta landmark, the Fox Theatre. The elegant hotel has hosted an impressive guest list over the years, including Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren Harding, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Walt Disney and Charles Lindbergh. In 1939, the Terrace hosted the premiere gala for the movie “Gone With The Wind,” and stars like Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh were right at home amid the turreted corners, floor-to-ceiling windows, gorgeous chandeliers and wraparound verandas. In the 1970s, the hotel played host to musical acts such as Bruce Springsteen, Kiss and Billy Joel in its Electric Ballroom. After avoiding demolition in the 1980s by being listed on the National Register of Historic
Barnsley Resort
Barnsley Resort
The 1842 Inn
Places, there was a brief stint as an apartment building. In the early 1990s, The Georgian Terrace reopened as a luxury hotel. Now billed as “Where Atlanta’s Thriving Culture Begins,” the Southern charm remains, but is complemented by modern features, including award-wining fine dining at the Livingston Restaurant & Bar. thegeorgianterrace.com
JEKYLL ISLAND CLUB HOTEL
People like J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, Joseph Pulitzer and William K. Vanderbilt played roles in the history of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, which was founded in 1886 as a private club that included members from some of the world's wealthiest families. Designated a historic landmark in 1978 and reopened as a resort hotel in 1985, it is now one of the top resorts in Georgia. In addition to a history tour, the hotel includes six restaurants, a pub, a swimming pool and a nearby private beach club, among other amenities. The location, on one of the state's four coastal barrier islands, provides
a lush and unspoiled backdrop for the elegance and Victorian charm you'll find at every turn. Even if you don't stay the night, it's worth a visit for the architecture alone. jekyllclub.com
THE PIEDMONT HOTEL
When it opened in 1876, The Piedmont Hotel in Gainesville was a three-story, 36-room, U-shaped structure owned and operated by Confederate Gen. James Longstreet. Throughout the years, Longstreet hosted several high-profile guests, including Gens. Joseph Johnston and Daniel Sickles, writer Joel Chandler Harris and President Woodrow Wilson, whose daughter, Jessie, was born on the ground floor of the hotel. Today, it’s the only floor of the hotel that remains, after a last-minute decision saved it from being demolished with the rest of the hotel in 1918. However, it has been renovated and is headquarters of The Longstreet Society, open Tuesday through Saturday. Visitors can learn about the hotel’s history, including visits by a past president and the ghost that occupies the remaining structure. longstreetsociety.org
THE MARSHALL HOUSE
Opening in Savannah 1851, The Marshall House is one of the city’s oldest hotels, exuding Southern charm and history. According to its website, the hotel was founded by businesswoman Mary Marshall, who saw the need for accommodations and housing during the railroad boom of the 1840s and ’50s, when Savannah doubled in size. The hotel, which has also served as an apartment building over the years, was at one time the home to the aforementioned Harris. The Marshall House was closed in 1957, with the second through fifth floors abandoned but the first one kept open for shops until 1998. A year later, it was carefully restored as a hotel. Today it has 65 rooms and three suites and features the building’s original floors and doors and has tall ceilings and unusual architecture. Since reopening as a hotel, The Marshall House has earned a bevy of awards. Believed to be haunted, it was named the No. 2 Best Haunted Hotel by USA Today in 2021. marshallhouse.com
PHOTO: J&D
Jekyll Island Club Hotel
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.
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
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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 cor ner 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
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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 pr 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
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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, r estaurants 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
EVENTS
Theater & Concerts
Gwinnett Ballet’s 41st annual The Nutcracker, Gas South Theater
The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre celebrates 40-plus years of staging this enduring classic with entrancing choreography, stunning sets and colorful costumes. Dec. 3-18, gassouthdistrict.com.
Anastasia, Fox Theatre
Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta presents this dazzling stage musical of a young woman striking out to unravel the mystery of her past. Dec. 6-11, atlanta.broadway.com.
The Nutcracker, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
This long-running production by the Atlanta Ballet is a beloved Atlanta tradition, with an innovative production featuring spectacular sets, bold costumes and striking video projections. Dec. 9-26, atlantaballet.com.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Gas South Arena
The arena-rock band performs music from its landmark album “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” and other songs from throughout its 26-year career. Two shows at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 11, gassouthdistrict.com.
Christmas With the ASO, Atlanta Symphony Hall
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus performs a program of Christmas carols, hymns, and other holiday favorites. Dec. 15-18, aso.org.
Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony, Atlanta Symphony Hall
The popular all-female Irish group performs a holiday-themed concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Dec. 17, aso.org.
A Christmas Carol, Gas South Theater Storybook Theater performs a moving version of the timeless holiday classic. Dec. 20-21, gassouthdistrict.com.
Christmas Canteen 2022, Aurora Theatre
The long-running holiday variety show returns with an evening of festive music, comedy sketches and show-stopping dance numbers. Through Dec. 23, auroratheatre.com.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, Fox Theatre
This acclaimed holiday tradition returns for its 30th anniversary tour with larger-than-life puppets, dazzling costumes and breathtaking acrobatics performed by an international cast, featuring starts of Ukraine ballet. Two performances at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 23, foxtheatre.org.
PAW
Indigo Girls, Atlanta Symphony Hall
Ring in 2023 with the Atlanta-based, awardwinning folk-rock duo, performing live in concert alongside the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Dec. 30-31, aso.org.
Hadestown, Fox Theatre
Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta presents touring production of this award-winning musical that spins a fresh take on the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. Jan. 10-15, atlanta.broadway.com.
Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles,
Gas South Theater
The internationally renowned tribute act performs. Jan. 20, gassouthdistrict.com.
Don Giovanni, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
The Atlanta Opera presents a film-noir version of the classic opera. This opera contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Jan. 21-29, atlantaopera.org.
Jim Gaffigan, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
The actor and stand-up comedian performs on his Dark Pale Tour. Feb. 2-5, cobbenergycentre.com.
Carrie Underwood, State Farm Arena
Eight-time Grammy Award-winning country music superstar and former “American Idol” winner Underwood performs on her Denim & Rhinestones Tour. Feb. 7, statefarmarena.com.
John Mellencamp: Live and In Person, Fox Theatre
The award-winning singer and songwriter known for such hits as “Jack and Diane,” “Pink Houses,” “Small Town” and “Hurts So Good” performs. Feb. 10, foxtheatre.org.
Dancing With the Stars Live 2023, Fox Theatre
America’s favorite televised dance competition hits the road once again with a lineup of “Dancing With the Stars” pros and special guest stars. Feb. 11, foxtheatre.org.
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, Fox Theatre
This inspiring musical charts the rise of the award-winning, boundary-smashing performer who has won 12 Grammy Awards and sold more concert tickets than any other solo artist ever. Presented by Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta. Feb. 21-26, atlanta.broadway.com.
Patrol: Adventure Play, Children’s Museum of Atlanta
PHOTO: Casey Gardner Ford
PHOTO: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Christmas Canteen 2022, Aurora Theatre
hidden ATLANTA
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE WITH VISUAL APPEAL
By Everett Catts
When Mandy Volpe decided to open Piggy Jo’s, a children’s clothing and gift shop in Buford, she envisioned a place to bring the city together.
“In my opinion, it’s become a community gem,” she says. “It’s curated wonder. It’s not going to be everything clothing-wise you see in every department store. We hand-select everything. … The reason is I want your children to be unique.”
Piggy Jo’s, which opened in December 2021, is a mashup of Volpe and her husband and co-owner Conner’s grandparents’ names: Pap Paw Piggy and Grandma Jo. When you pull up to the store’s entrance and, especially when you step inside, you’re hit with an explosion of mostly pink to accentuate the “piggy” theme. The store sells clothes for newborns through preteens (sizes 7-14), plus toys, books and gifts.
THE DETAILS
LOCATION: 11 Buford Village Way, Suite 147, Buford, GA 30518
CONTACT INFO: shoppiggyjos@gmail.com or 706-983-2871
WEBSITE: piggyjos.com
But not everything in the store has pink or other bright colors. Piggy Jo’s sells Rylee + Cru children’s clothes that tend to come in more neutral tones. Other popular items are children’s clothes by The Beaufort Bonnet; Indestructibles, a line of books for babies that are chew-, rip- and drool-proof; and stuffed animals by Jellycat.
At least once a quarter, Piggy Jo’s hosts community events such as story time and charity fundraisers. Volpe and her husband’s three children, Parker, 7, Fallon, 5, and Savannah, 2, even are involved in the everyday activities of the store.
So, if you’re looking for something you can’t find anywhere else, Piggy Jo’s is the place to go.
