Exploring Chamblee and Beyond
Art Therapy: Where Creativity Meets Healing
Art therapy offers children, adolescents, and adults a creative way to express feelings when it’s difficult to put them into words. It provides a gentle, nonverbal approach to process emotions like anxiety, anger, or sadness, especially for those affected by trauma or stress. Through activities like drawing, painting, and storytelling, clients find a safe space to explore emotions and build resilience. Best of all, no art skills are needed to benefit from art therapy.
Each session is guided by a licensed therapist and tailored to meet individual developmental and emotional needs. Art therapy supports mental wellness by fostering trust, personal growth, and confidence. Whether coping with school pressure, family changes, or trauma, it helps clients of all ages gain clarity and emotional balance in a supportive environment.Supporting families in metro Atlanta, we are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones find wellness, balance, and healing.
Discover the power of art therapy and take the first step toward emotional healing and creative growth.
Please contact me at Sara@emerald-its.com or call or text me at 404-610-8631.
Summer gives us time to explore
Dear Readers,
As we embrace the warmth of July and I’m preparing to take my first real vacation in over 10 years, I’m thrilled to share that our theme for this month’s issue is Explore.
What does that mean exactly? It can mean many things depending on how you look at it. It could mean checking out new places or businesses in Chamblee or the wider local area. It could mean taking a full vacation trip. Or it could simply mean trying something new and expanding your horizons.
Whether you're planning a grand adventure abroad or discovering hidden gems close to home, there's no better time than summer to fuel your wanderlust and check out the greater world around you. In this issue, we're covering some stories and features that inspire curiosity and ignite the spirit of exploration in us all.
We’ll take you on journeys through local spots in Chamblee that might surprise you with their charm, and spotlight a few further-afield destinations that are perfect for your next getaway. From cozy cafes to scenic parks and cultural landmarks, there’s a world to discover right in our backyard.
I hope this issue encourages you to pack your bags, lace up your shoes, and set out on an adventure—big or small. Exploration isn’t just about distance; it’s about opening your eyes to new experiences and finding joy in the unexpected. Here’s to a summer filled with discovery and the memories you’ll make along the way.
Happy travels and happy reading!
KEVIN PARKER, PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER
Kevin Parker | kevin.parker@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tana Poncsak | tana.poncsak@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Janet Howard | janet.howard@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Polina Williams | polina.williams@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jamie Fraser
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
McLemore Resort
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
July 2025 Visit our Instagram
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
inside the issue
Exploring The Oddities Museum
Looking for weird and different? The Oddities Museum
Deep Roots Wine Market
Exploring wines in the heart of Chamblee at Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room
Mahealani’s Polynesian Revue
Exploring art and culture with Mahealani’s Polynesian Revue McLemore
Performers from Mahealani’s Polynesian Revue bring color and culture to our city and the cover of our July issue. We hope this issue inspires you to explore Chamblee and beyond this summer.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Distillery of Modern Art holds a three year pirate themed anniversary party. Happy Anniversary DOMA! 2: The city of Chamblee holds Coffee with the city manager at Kin Coffee. 3: Brian Mock, mayor of Chamblee, speaks at the 2025 Georgia Mental Health Month Summit. 4: Bronx Bagel Buggy provides bagels for the Public Works Department during National Public Works Week. 5: Chamblee Public Works employees score strikes during some fun bowling during National Public Works Week. 6: The Chamblee Farmers Market continues to grow. Shop Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. 7: Chillin’ and fun in the dunk tank at the Distillery of Modern Art anniversary celebration.
Want to be seen in the magazine? TAG YOUR
KEVIN PARKER
CITY OF CHAMBLEE
CITY OF CHAMBLEE
KEVIN PARKER
BRIAN MOCK
POLINA WILLIAMS
KEVIN PARKER
business monthly
South End Smokehouse
South End Smokehouse is open for business in downtown Chamblee! Stop by and enjoy some mouthwatering BBQ at their micro food hall located in Chamblee Tap and Market, across the street from city hall. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and more –they’ve got it all! Check the website for hours and stop by – and bring your appetite with you!
Gaia Family Medicine
Gaia Family Medicine is now accepting new patients! Chamblee’s newest family medicine is a unique medical practice, blending conventional medicine and innovative therapies to provide comprehensive healthcare. By identifying the root causes of illnesses, they empower patients to achieve optimal health and wellness, creating personalized care plans to foster a healthier community, allowing individuals to lead vibrant lives.
Apotheos FC
Are you ready for some soccer? Check out local sensation Apotheos FC at Silverbacks Park in July and right in Chamblee’s backyard! The club has two home games in July (July 5 and 9). July 9 is Fan Appreciation Night, where Apotheos FC will battle Columbus United for the Golden Oar in the great battle of the Chattahoochee! Come out for some family fun and great competition.
Photography by Janet Howard
Photography by Kevin Parker
Photography by Gaia Family Medicine
EXPLORING THE ODDITIES MUSEUM
LOOKING FOR WEIRD AND DIFFERENT? THE ODDITIES MUSEUM HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
ARTICLE COURTESY OF THE ODDITIES MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
The only difference between The Oddities Museum and the museum's founder's childhood bedroom is that the space is larger and the treasures are grander.
Jeremy Gibbs, founder of The Oddities Museum, explains that even as a young boy, he filled every square inch of his room with unique found objects. Now as an adult, the collection is splitting at the seams.
“It was only natural to open a museum,” he says. “I can’t recall the exact moment I formulated the plan, but I remember telling my wife, Kim, that I would never stop searching for weird and wonderful treasures. We should embrace the hobby and make it our lifestyle.”
And they did. Like a fractile, the collection grew. With Jeremy's vision coupled with Kim's shared ambition, the path was made. Starting as a modest store, the space quickly tripled and became a prop house renting these rarities to films, and that made way for even more oddities. The store section relocated to Little Five Points in Atlanta and the Gibbs family hit the road as a traveling museum.
The traveling shows were very successful, giving Jeremy and Kim the reassurance they needed that others liked the rare and odd finds as well. Jeremy says that traveling and seeing the U.S. was fun, and building this masterpiece for Chamblee has been rewarding. But not without its challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic and the two-year film lull definitely slowed the momentum.
But after several months of re-designing the museum and relocating the store from Little Five Points, it became a marvelous maze of wonder with an attached art gallery. The museum officially opened April 20, 2024, and over the past year, it’s
“...I WOULD NEVER STOP SEARCHING FOR WEIRD AND WONDERFUL TREASURES.” JEREMY GIBBS
become a popular destination for all walks of life. From small children on field trips to tourist groups to punk rockers, doctors and even celebrities, the place is a draw. And it’s not just for the oddities enthusiast and collectors – it’s for everyone!
In The Oddities Museum you’re likely to see some things you’ve never seen before, maybe things you had no idea even existed. It’s recommended to enter with an open mind. This private museum has the largest collection of deformities on view - animals with two heads, cyclopia, dwarfism, along with other anomalies, and other fascinating taxidermy.
Museum patrons will witness a very dense collection of colorful art from around the world mixed with pop art, pop culture, and strange vintage and antique decor. A very popular section of the museum titled Weird Science holds a huge collection of antique and vintage medical items from every medical field.
On display are strange and barbaric tools used from the past. Moving along one will be amazed by a room full of circus artifacts, carnival, and clowns. In the darkest corner are displays of funerary items intertwined with Victorian décor such as caskets, coffins, skeletons and a
real vampire lying next to a mermaid. This museum is whimsical and just a bit creepy.
Today this non-profit natural history museum depends on the general public’s interest to operate. Financials come from ticket sales of only $10 a person, memberships and donations. Also many of the operations are run by volunteers. The museum holds events paired frequently with charities or community outreach.
Watch the magic grow and be a part of something unique by following The Oddities Museum on social media and sign up for the newsletter on the website.
Jeremy says “The sky is the limit,“ and the goal is to grow. So much more to come. More space, more stuff, more events, a TV show and more surprises.
For more information, visit theodditiesmuseum.org .
Jeremy and Kim invite you to come and explore The Oddities Museum in Chamblee.
The Oddities Museum is home to many strange and odd finds.
DEEP ROOTS WINE MARKET
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
EXPLORING WINES IN THE HEART OF CHAMBLEE AT DEEP ROOTS WINE MARKET & TASTING ROOM
As we explore areas of Chamblee and beyond, we thought it would be fun to dive into some of the many wines from the selection offered at the Chamblee location of Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room.
Deep Roots is a franchise founded by Dana Gurela with her flagship location in Roswell. Lynn Hale brought the franchise to Chamblee at the end of 2024 to bring great wines to the area, to promote local vendors, and to bring the community together over a shared love of wine. “I have local art on the walls,” Lynn says. “I try to use local vendors for food, and just this week brought in a local candle maker and a jewelry maker.”
At any given time, Lynn says she has about 200 different wines available, including non-alcoholic wines such as Prima Pave’ that Lynn describes as a delicious sparkling wine that’s very popular among her customers. “People get very excited when they hear we have that,” she says, referring to the non-alcoholic options.
First and foremost Lynn calls Deep Roots a bottle shop where you can buy bottles of wine and take them home to enjoy. But Deep Roots offers more. “I’ve provided separate seating areas around the shop to encourage people to stay and socialize,” she says. Snacks are available for sale and outside food is also allowed.
Lynn says what’s unique about Deep Roots are the self-serve wine stations. “We have these self-serve wine stations where at any given time we rotate 24 wines for you to taste in one, three, or six ounce pours,” she says, adding that some customers like to taste through the wines, while others stop and buy a bottle once they find one they like.
A display of the wines highlighted here.
To get an idea of just a few wines you might find at Deep Roots, Lynn picked a few from various areas and wineries for us to highlight.
Eleven Eleven wines are from the Napa Valley region in California. According to the website, it’s an urban winery and considered a fresh approach to the culture of luxury wine. They describe the wine as elegant, nuanced and balanced. Lynn says Dana, the founder of Deep Roots, got her inspiration while working and learning about wine at this vineyard. For more information, visit elevenelevenwines.com
Illahe vineyard is in the Willamette area of Oregon. Illahe is the Chinook word for earth, place, and soil. Known for their pinot noir, they emphasize starting with quality fruit and use old-age technology. Like the many other wines offered at Deep Roots, Illahe is a boutique winery where nothing is mass produced. Learn more about Illahe wines at illahevineyards.com .
Kate Arnold wines source their grapes from vineyards in California, Oregon and Washington. Founders Kate and Jean Arnold are about minimal intervention – respecting the fruit and allowing it to shine. For more information about Kate Arnold Wines, visit katewines.com .
Gruet Winery is a sparkling wine with French roots, American Dreams. The French family brought their wine making to New Mexico. It’s a sparkling wine and it’s “no dosage,” which means less sugar, and considered perhaps a healthier option for sugar conscious wine drinkers. For more information about Gruet Winery, visit gruetwinery.com
Osmote wine comes from the Finger Lakes of upstate New York where the region is colder. Lynn says pocket wine, a blend, was brought to her by a distributor. She says it’s a fun and glass-free option for Chamblee summer concerts and the like due to its low alcohol content. Riesling and Chardonnay bottled varieties can be found in the shop as well. To learn more about Osmote wine, visit osmotewine.com .
Querciabella and its Mongrana wine is described as vibrant and intense. These red wines include the Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grape varieties from the southern Tuscan coast region where it’s fertile for the grapes. Lynn says this wine is a customer favorite. Learn more at querciabella.com
Domaine Paul Prieur is from the lower valley and the Sancerre region of France located at the top of Verdigny. With eleven generations of wine makers, they make a number of wines and are known for their precise process and consistent quality. For more information about this wine, visit paulprieur.com
And at Deep Roots, there are many more wine options to choose from.
Deep Roots also offers a Wine Club that includes exclusive wine tastings and discounts. In addition, they hold a number of events such as sip and paint, wino bingo, and tastings and wine pairing events as well. Lynn says she's always looking for new ways to introduce more people to good wines.
For more information about Chamblee’s Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room, the wine club, events, and more, visit deeprootschamblee.com
There are always new and unique wines to try at Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room in Chamblee.
“I’VE CREATED LITTLE SEATING AREAS AROUND TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO STAY,” LYNN HALE, OWNER OPERATED
invites customers to sit and stay a while and get to know your neighbors and other wine lovers.
Lynn Hale
MAHEALANI’S POLYNESIAN REVUE
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
Part of exploring is perhaps learning about different cultures and customs in your own backyard. Area residents in Chamblee had the opportunity to do just that in the way of entertaining performances by Mahealani's Polynesian Revue. It was truly a celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.
According to the website, the Mahealani's Polynesian Revue performers perform more than 300 shows per year across 11 states and three countries sharing the
culture of their ancestors from the Pacific Islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa through song and dance.
And an early morning rain shower on the day of the shows didn't stop people from gathering on the lawn at Chamblee City Hall to watch one of the two planned performances, one at 11:30 a.m. and one at 3 p.m. By the start of the first performance, the rain had stopped and there was nothing but sunshine, blue skies, and dancing and singing.
Exploring art and culture with Mahealani’s Polynesian Revue
The award-winning entertainment included performances of hula dancing, singing, educational stations, as well as cultural activities. Hapa Hawaiian comfort food truck, vendors, face painting, and more. King of Pops was also on hand to keep things cool.
The city of Chamblee is no stranger to diversity. With its diverse population, the different people and cultures here are among the many things that make Chamblee interesting, unique, and special. It's a community that recognizes, embraces, and celebrates its diversity, and this event is just one of the many free events the city of Chamblee provides for area residents.
About Mahealani's Polynesian Revue
According to the website, Mahealani’s Polynesian Revue is an award-winning entertainment company named Best Event Entertainment Services and shares the culture of their ancestors from the Pacific Islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa through song and dance.
They perform more than 300 shows per year across 11 states and three countries. They have performed for notable organizations and locations, and the performers and performances have been featured in the news and as a featured act at various events around Atlanta and beyond.
For more information about Mahealani’s Polynesian Revue, visit dawnmahealani.com
For more information about Chamblee and upcoming events in Chamblee, visit chambleega.com
For more information about Chamblee Public Arts, visit storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ b77a95256b344b948b4d37980917ab35 .
A rainy morning gave way to blue skies and sunshine.
realty report
MCLEMORE RESORT
Where Elevation Meets Aspiration: A Golf and Resort Experience
ARTICLE BY JAMIE FRASER
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MCLEMORE RESORT
Just under two hours north of Atlanta lies a mountaintop escape where ambition, heritage, and hospitality converge into one unforgettable experience: McLemore Resort.
Perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain, McLemore is not just a destination—it’s a revelation for those who crave the soul of the sport and the spirit of luxury. McLemore invites you to rise above the everyday and reconnect with what matters most, from championship-level golf to a serene spa, soaring views, and world-class service.
GOLF THAT MOVES YOU—LITERALLY AND SPIRITUALLY
Not just a course, but two of them: The Highlands and the soon-to-be-unveiled The Keep, each distinct and designed with intention. The Highlands course, renowned for its cliffside 18th hole—repeatedly named one of the top 20 finishing holes in the world—is a strategic marvel. Meanwhile, The Keep is in preview play, its formal debut set for August 2025. It has already drawn national acclaim fueling global intrigue.
Crafted by Rees Jones and Bill Bergin, The Keep represents a new chapter in course architecture: vast, windswept, and breathtaking. Utilizing the natural topography, it balances challenge and accessibility, featuring wide fairways, elevated tees, and a
layout that rewards strategic play. “We call it an aspirational golf experience,” says EVP Charlie Rymer, a two-time All-American at Georgia Tech and former PGA Tour pro. “It’s designed to test the best and welcome newcomers with open arms.”
The course’s turf also reflects McLemore’s bold innovation. The Keep is the first full-course to feature Stadium Zoysia—a luxury turf renowned for its exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal. “The ball sits up like it’s on a tee,” Rymer notes. “It’s beautiful to look at and a dream to play.”
Rymer, who has played and broadcast golf around the globe, helped shape The Keep’s strategic design. “You’re not on an Easter egg hunt for your ball,” he adds. “You’re constantly making decisions that are exciting and thoughtful.”
Opened in 2024 as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, Cloudland blends comfort, cuisine, and curated experiences. Guests are welcomed by expansive views that seem to pause time.
The hotel has garnered national praise and featured in Southern Living, HGTV, and USA Today, placing it among the Southeast’s most sought-after escapes. Its design is modern yet grounded in the surrounding landscape, inviting guests to rest and indulge.
At the hotel's heart is Auld Alliance, McLemore’s signature dining experience. A tribute to the historic bond between France and Scotland, this restaurant offers a menu that combines European culinary sophistication with Southern warmth. Whether it’s a milestone or a spontaneous weekend, Auld Alliance leaves a lasting impression.
Guests also enjoy The Creag, McLemore’s vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar, a tranquil spa, a heated cliff-edge infinity pool, and terraces that invite yoga at sunrise or drinks at sunset.
Cloudland is becoming a premier destination for luxury weddings, private events, and executive retreats. With panoramic views, multiple venues, and a seasoned team, events here feel timeless. One recent wedding saw a bride walk down an aisle framed by wild mountain laurel, with the
blue haze of Pigeon Mountain behind her. As vows echoed across the valley and guests toasted beneath the stars at The Creag, it became more than a celebration—it became a memory etched in the mountain.
“We see couples from Atlanta checking in on a Friday,” says Burton. “By Sunday, they feel like they’ve been gone a week. It’s that immersive.”
Even the name McLemore is steeped in heritage. The resort overlooks McLemore Cove, named after the Scottish McLemore family who settled the region in the 1700s and married into the Cherokee Nation. Storyboards in the clubhouse share the life of John McLemore, a Cherokee Chief and war hero. “Our logo is a Celtic cross blended with the bloom of a Cherokee dogwood,” Rymer explains.
“It symbolizes our past and the land’s sacred nature.”
The Keep’s name also carries meaning, evoking fortified castles, ancient Christian symbols, and the idea of protecting what matters most. “There’s soul here,” says Burton. “This isn’t just a course or a resort—it’s a place that grounds you.” McLemore’s 20-year plan is shaping a lasting legacy.
Whether driving up for a weekend tee time, booking a romantic escape, or gathering the family for a mountaintop reunion, McLemore offers something rare: space to breathe, beauty to absorb, and an experience to remember.
It’s time to elevate your hospitality experience. It’s time to discover McLemore.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY SATURDAY IN JULY
Chamblee Farmers Market
Downtown Chamblee next to Hopstix | 9:00 AM
The Chamblee Farmers Market continues on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon in downtown Chamblee (next to Hopstix). And the Chamblee Farmers Market continues to grow. Follow the Chamblee Farmers Market on Instagram for up to date information, vendor lists and more @chambleegafarmersmarket.
JULY 2ND
Create Something Fun Art
Chamblee Branch of the DeKalb County Public Library | 10:00 AM
Get Creative! Stop by the Chamblee Branch of the DeKalb County Public Library to create something fun! During the summer, supplies will be out on Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. And don't forget to bring your summer reading list! For more information, visit dekalblibrary.org.
JULY 4TH
Atlanta
Peachtree Road Race
Starts at Lenox Square and ends at Piedmont Park | 7:00 AM
For many, the Peachtree Road Race is a July 4th tradition! Whether you’re running the race or watching the runners along the route, it’s fun for the whole family! The first waves start on July 4th around 7 p.m. at Lenox Square and end at Piedmont Park. For more information, visit atlantatrackclub.org.
JULY 4TH
Chamblee Summer Concert Series and July 4th Celebration
Chamblee City Hall | 6:30 PM
Join the city of Chamblee for the July Summer Concert, part of the summer concert series, and the July 4th Celebration. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. with 4th of July fireworks starting with a bang at 9:30 p.m. The free concert and celebration takes place at Chamblee City Hall. For more information, visit chambleerocks.net.
JULY 13TH
Atlanta Donut Festival
Piedmont Park | 11:00 AM
It's a first! If you're a fan of donuts - glazed, powdered, chocolate covered - you won't want to miss this festival dedicated to the delicious donut. Celebrate your favorites from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 13 at Piedmont Park. This is a free, pet-friendly event. For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/atlanta-donut-festival-tickets-1313153861549?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
JULY 17TH
Lauren Francis-Sharma in conversation with Wanda M. Morris
Atlanta History Center | 7:00 PM
Join Lauren Francis-Sharma in conversation with Wanda M. Morris, author of Casualties of Truth, at 7 p.m. on July 17 at the Atlanta History Center. For more information and tickets, visit atlantahistorycenter.com.
Introducing our Booze-Free Bevie Shop – Where Wellness Meets Flavor with None of the Regrets Join the mindful beverage revolution! At Nuts ‘n Berries, we’re excited to bring you our new Booze-Free Bevie Shop, a haven for those who seek delicious, alcohol-free alternatives. Whether you’re looking to cut back on alcohol, enhance your wellness journey, or simply enjoy a new kind of refreshment, our Booze-Free Bevie Shop has something for everyone. Visit us today and raise a glass to a healthier you! 20% OFF your First Purchase of Booze-Free Bevies when you mention this ad in store.