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We look forward to seeing you, Kristy & JJ Ortega
Hello friends,
Growing up, our family's summer vacation meant piling into the station wagon and driving five hours north for two glorious weeks on Lake Michigan. It was the only time I ever saw my mother napping mid-day. She would stretch out with a book, then slowly dissolve into a lounger on the deck of the cottage under a canopy of jack pines. She would play cards with us and giggle with her girlfriend. She would wear a bathing suit and sunglasses all day and I thought she looked glamorous. Vacation looked so good on her.
I hope it looks as good on me. Because, it sure feels good!
This month in our annual travel issue, we bring you stories of places faraway and nearer to home.
Wherever you go this summer, keep your eyes and heart open. Have a conversation with someone new. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
Have a wonderful month!
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @JOHNSCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Stacy Conde
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sean O'Keefe, Dan Riley
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee Learn
Low Country Fourth
Nestled amidst the lush landscapes and serene waters of the May River, Montage Palmetto Bluff is a classic Southern escape. Check out the July 4 celebrations and adventures all summer long. Pools, paddling, boating, lounging, oyster roasts, BBQs and exploring the wildlife are on tap. There is bourbon and bingo, carnival games on Independence Day and a Nature Bingo Scavenger Hunt. More at Montage.com
Hummingbird Hints at Wild Birds Unlimited
Birds Georgia (Formally known as Georgia Audubon) will present "All About Hummingbirds," their life cycle and how to attract them to your yard at the Wild Birds Unlimited in
Alpharetta. This event is open to the public from 12 pm - 1 pm, Saturday July 13. Wild Birds Unlimited, 3000 Old Alabama Rd. #116, Alpharetta, 770.410.0799
See you at Rushing Trading Co
Rushing Trading Co. brunch officially opened last month. This new spot specializes in espresso, handcrafted cocktails and locally sourced cuisine meant to inspire the continuing adventure in your life. Starting from a food truck, the Rushing family has expanded into their second location right here in Johns Creek. Bottomless mimosas, lavender lattes and a friendly greeting. 9810 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek. 770.623.4959 RushingTradingco.com
Where Are You?
Navigating Newtown Park is now easier thanks to 33 new wayfinding signs. From pedestrian directions to vehicular guidance and detailed information on park amenities and rules, the signs help enhance visitors’ experiences at the park. Located along the walking paths and beside various amenities, check them out next time you’re at Newtown Park!
River Trail Scholars Win
Congratulations to River Trail Middle School for winning the 2024 National Academic Quiz Tournament (NAQT) Middle School National Championship! The River Trail Middle School Team A, which includes eighth-graders Justin An, Sheehan Banka, Kovid Cerejo, Kaiden Lee, and seventh-grader Reyansh Krovi, won the championship in Chicago last weekend. The team is coached by Scott Fowler.
Vineyard Senior Living Now Open
Vineyard Johns Creek celebrated their community being open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. New residents, family, and Johns Creek Mayor Bradberry gathered to meet team members and tour the property. It was a joyous moment for their longawaited opening. 10595 Medlock Bridge Road. VineyardSeniorLiving.com
Resort Destination: Your Backyard
GEORGIA LUXURY POOLS
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN RILEY
David Brown is on call pretty much 24/7.
When a customer has a question, he presses pause on his day and focuses on solutions. It’s his pleasure. He grew up watching his father run a successful pool business and now, at the helm of Georgia Luxury Pools, David is building a company where design excellence and customer communication are key.
“At Georgia Luxury Pool, integrity, quality and customer service are the foundation we build upon every day to make sure the customer’s experience, from dream inspiration to building their pool, creates a luxury experience,” says David. These three core values set the bar for every employee at GLP to build a better customer experience for their dream backyard. “When you walk out of your back door, your friends and family will be impressed from pool to patio. Not only will you end up with a luxury backyard, but it will also be built better for you and your family.”
That’s the goal with every project.
Homeowners John and Jeanne Flack along with daughter Emma and son John wanted an expansive space to entertain family and friends that also had a more cozy and intimate feel for smaller gatherings. Together with David and Patrick Ferguson of Southern Landscapes and Designs, the Flacks now have a showcase property.
Patrick chimes in, “The Flack residence was a complete design-build project. The project started with a solid design, but over the course of the project, changes arose.” The sloped backyard presented challenges to level multiple elevations. “Walls were added to support the elevation changes, drainage played a big part as we controlled water run-off from many different entry points.” Two full-time designers are
on staff and the company has an operation manager, two project managers, three hardscape crews and two landscape crews.
For the pool, the family wanted a swim lane, tanning ledge and spa. David’s team designed the 18-foot x 36-foot rectangle with a 12-foot x 6-foot tan ledge on the side and a 6-foot bench in the deep end, plus a 6-foot x 10-foot spillover spa at the end with eight therapeutic jets.
The entire pool system and lights are set to automation and an app that the homeowners can control by their phone. On their way home they can set the temp of the Spa, have the jets moving and turn on a light show, all from their phone and it is ready to go when they pull in the drive! Along with the pool, this “resort style” backyard also has an outdoor kitchen/grilling area, a covered patio, tv and fireplace area, night-lighting, outdoor landscape speakers and putting green.
“This was a beautiful project to work on,” says David. “The clients were amazing to work with, and had a backyard that gave so many options for design! In the end, I believe we created the perfect setting for their family!”
Dreaming of a pool this summer? Consider the elevation and growth of the landscape (Patrick’s team will handle this) and local permitting. “On average, survey, design and permitting should take 1-2 months. The building of the pool (once land has been prepped and is ready to excavate) 3-4 months, weather permitting,” says David. “Even if you do not want to start the project until next January, go ahead and get the survey, design and budget complete, then you are ready to go to the next phase! Now is the time to start in order to be ready for next year’s season,” he notes.
“Two full-time designers are on staff and the company has an operation manager, two project managers, three hardscape crews and two landscape crews.”
HELLO,
PENTHOUSE From The
ARTICLE BY KARYN SLOVIN
The wise words of a teacher lingered in my mind as I stood at the shore, posing for a photo with my lifelong best girlfriends. A sociology teacher in high school once said that if you can reach his age and count on one hand your very best friends who would do anything in the world for you, you are a rich person. Unlike most things I learned in high school, that one statement stuck with me. These four women, who joined me for a special stay in the penthouse at Jade East Towers in Destin, are just
that for me. Cherished bonds that stretch from ages 4, 6, 12, and another of 32 years long. Now I’ve truly dated myself!
Not only did the crystal white sand and aqua blue waters of Destin stun, but we were blown away by the opulent 3,000 square foot penthouse of 1910 Jade East Towers, our spectacular accommodations for the weekend. The spacious property featured four large bedrooms with king beds, an enormous kitchen, and breathtaking views from the 19th floor that were truly to die for. The wrap-around balcony with panoramic views made it easy to watch the sunrise and sunset, and even a beach wedding that took place below us early one evening.
As a quick getaway from the sun, the girls and I also enjoyed an hourglass fusing class at Glass Deer Glassblowing on 30A. Brit, the owner, showed us around her cool studio and taught us how to score and cut glass. We all went home with amazing pieces that we created, then headed to a fabulous dinner at the Vue of 30A.
The wealth in my life is measured by the love and loyalty of these incredible women, making every moment in this fabulous penthouse and at the beach priceless. The hospitality of Newman-Dailey Resort Properties made our stay unforgettable.
DestinVacation.com
“The wealth in my life is measured by the love and loyalty of these incredible women, making every moment in this fabulous penthouse and at the beach priceless.”
Authentic Mexican Dishes
The lobby at The Graduate Hotel is as whimsical as it is welcoming.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
A trip to New York City can be as exhausting as it is exciting. The throng of frantic people, the never-ending canopy of skyscrapers and the constant buzz of car horns and sirens are unavoidable and inevitable.
You can easily forget Manhattan is an island surrounded by active waterways where tugs push barges laden with our Amazon purchases to busy ports. Sailboats, ferries, yachts and even
The view from The Panorama Room of the Queensboro Bridge to 59th Street in Manhattan.
“ I’LL NEVER STAY ANYWHERE ELSE WHEN I VISIT THE BIG APPLE.”
kayaks fill the East, Hudson and Harlem Rivers that circle the island, home to 1.7 million people.
What if you could still catch a Broadway show, eat at your favorite spot in Little Italy, shop ’til you drop, AND get a full night’s sleep without a lullaby of blasting sirens and annoying traffic noise?
Book a stay at The Graduate on Roosevelt Island, where fewer than 20,000 residents live quietly with nary a horn nor siren. There’s a tram that zips across the East River to Manhattan and the subway
stop a block away connects you to the city or to Greenpoint and Brooklyn. My daughter biked 15 minutes from Astoria, Queens to have lunch at Anything At All, the bright all-day lobby restaurant. The location couldn’t have been better. We’d stayed at two other Graduate Hotels (Ann Arbor, Mich. and State College, Penn.) so we knew the decor would be on point, saluting creativity and learning with an Ivy League vibe.
We watched the sunset from the Panorama Room, the hotel’s rooftop bar
and lounge with a 360-degree view from the southern end of Roosevelt Island. Get your fix of the Manhattan skyline while tucking into tasty small plates and sipping craft cocktails, posing against a backdrop of the East River, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, MetLife Building and UN.
One morning, we explored Southpoint Park, with seven acres of native flowers and lovely landscaping, historic landmarks (Strecker Lab and Smallpox Hospital), a cat sanctuary, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. Designed by architect Louis I. Kahn, its name derives from a January 6, 1941 speech delivered by President Roosevelt, in which he described his vision for a world founded on four essential human freedoms: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
Fresh air, clean streets, room to stretch and a stone’s throw from everything you love about New York City, Roosevelt Island is a hidden gem. I’ll never stay anywhere else when I visit The Big Apple.
929.447.4700
GraduateHotels.com/new-york
The patio at The Graduate Hotel, Roosevelt Island, on the campus with Cornell Tech.
Snacks at The Panorama Room. Tuna with a view.
INDIVIDUAL
HEALTH AND STRENGTH
Mendocino's coast, a vegan resort, giant redwoods and charming community feel so good.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUE G. COLLINS, STANFORD INN
When I told my husband that I booked a stay at the Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino, California, I may not have mentioned that it was a vegan resort. He’s a life-long carnivore and starts and ends his day with milk. From a cow, not from nuts.
“Joan Stanford and her husband Jeff own the inn and they have created the most unique hotel lobby”
After the drive north from SFO, past Napa Valley and over the hills and through a tunnel of redwoods and the Anderson Valley wine country, we checked in and sat down to dinner at the resort’s whole plant-based Ravens Restaurant. The meals, inspired by the on-site certified organic garden, composting and recycling programs, the cleaning supplies, electric and bio-diesel fueled vehicles make Stanford Inn & Resort North America’s only truly sustainable destination. We tucked into the futomaki and maple-tamari glazed tofu and a glass of sparkling wine from Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley, just down the road. We vowed to spend the next day wine tasting along Route 128. Dinner was an adventure, one that we both reveled in. Every dish was packed with flavor and the view across the farm to the Pacific was nourishing.
Joan Stanford and her husband Jeff own the inn and they have created the most unique hotel lobby I’ve ever experienced with a curated collection of books and gifts for sale to support a healthy and creative lifestyle. Tables and shelves in the lobby are neatly stacked with interesting titles and thought-provoking subjects. In Joan’s book, The Art of Play, she shares her journey through art and poetry and urges us to pay attention to the imagery our daily lives present to us, which can expand our awareness and joy. Sid Garza-Hillman is a certified nutritionist and the events and wellness programs director. She believes the closer the human species moves by degrees to its natural design, the healthier and therefore happier it will be. His titles include ULTRARUNNING FOR NORMAL PEOPLE: Life Lessons Learned On and Off
the Trail, Raising Healthy Parents: Small Steps, Less Stress and a Thriving Family and others . He plans private classes/sessions in nutrition and healthy living, cooking, creative playshops, breath-work, meditation, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Tai Chi, yoga, massage and spa treatments, gardening, nature walks, mushroom foraging and more.
We discovered that when you eat clean, you feel lighter and stronger, which came in handy when we climbed into a dugout canoe at Catch A Canoe, the Stanford Inn’s outdoor adventure shop. Built by a local boat builder and designed for ease and comfort, the redwood outrigger was sturdy and fun to paddle up the moody Big River Estuary where we spotted families of river otters and harbor seals and felt the presence of coho and Chinook salmon and steelhead trout.
A drive down the twisting two-lane Highway 128 took us through the Navarro River Redwoods State Park where the road turned dark midday in a tunnel of magnificent second-growth redwood groves. Pull over and try to wrap your arms around a redwood. You won’t even hug a third of the massive trunk. The road leads from the coast’s windswept bluffs to the Anderson Valley, a bucolic wine country home to award-winning vineyards like Lula Cellars and Roederer Estate.
The charming and historic town of Mendocino is perched on dramatic cliffs, so stop in at the Bay View Coffee Shop (movie posters and cow’s milk!) and meet the Pacific head-on.
StanfordInn.com
As a board-certified and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Julia Kang is highly specialized in plastic surgery of the eyelids. As a true eyelid specialist, Dr. Kang is an expert in her field regarding any type of eyelid concern, both cosmetic and medical. Dr. Kang is also an expert injector in Botox and fillers and aims for only the most natural appearing results, believing in a ‘less is more” approach.
THE RIVIERA NAYARIT
ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN O'KEEFE, W HOTELS
The floating breakfast, served only in the Marvelous Suite.
W HOTEL PUNTA DE MITA, KEEPING THE LURE OF MEXICO ALIVE!
W Hotel Punta de Mita is a luxurious seaside retreat, nestled along the pristine shores of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, offering breathtaking ocean vistas and never-ending beaches. The intoxicating sounds of the sea embrace the visitor; providing an oceanic soundtrack for my stay, immediately taking me to a state of peaceful mindfulness that delivers relaxation and excitement simultaneously. Whether you delve into the region’s glorious indigenous culture, a crafted culinary experience, or simply frolic in the ocean, this destination is the epitome of modern luxury in a thoughtful, understatedly elegant, tropical paradise.
The hotel offers a global culinary adventure with a local twist. The Spice Market, with Mexican-inspired flavors, and the hotel’s main global cuisine restaurant Venazu are a must. Tequila is king in Mexico. Be sure to find the José Cuervo Speakeasy, a culinary celebration of the Reserve De La Familia Tequila. Chevycheria, housed in a repurposed powder blue Chevy truck, is parked on the beach in its forever home. This surfside spot offers some of the most creative seafood dishes. Be sure to enjoy Pescado Zarandeado, a classic Nayarit grilled fish served butterflied with roasted vegetables and salsa. And, if you are lucky enough to be calling one of the newly renovated, impeccably designed, Marvelous Beachfront Villas your home away from home, the floating breakfast in your private dipping pool is an absolute must! From crafted cocktails to thoughtfully curated bites, each restaurant at W Hotel Punta de Mita is a perfect culinary adventure.
The glorious Mesa1 is single-table, bespoke restaurant, sculpted from a cross-section of a locally sourced, enormous Parota tree trunk that seems to emerge from the manmade freshwater lake. With only one seating per day, this “table” is one of the world’s most exclusive outdoor dining experiences.
My first adventure was an exhilarating journey into waves, mindfulness, and balance with surfing. After some onshore training, I paddled out, dipping my board into the surging ocean waves. The rush and anticipation were real. Mixed with the salty ocean spray and crisp air, my heart pounded as I stood atop my board and caught my wave for the first time ever. The feeling of the ocean’s energy beneath my slowly steading legs took my breath away.
With each wave, I learned more about my physical and mental limitations, the ocean’s rhythm, and my steadfast determination to hang ten, ultimately finding a harmony between my life and the sea.
The Mayan cacao ceremony is one of abundance, connection, and healing. It represents a strengthening of self and a peaceful unity within, a natural connection to all living things. Guided by Gina Cordova, a Mayan holistic therapist, the cacao ceremony sought to connect me to the physical ground beneath me, as well as to the sky, moon, and stars that dazzled above the sandy beaches. Eating and praying the history of the Mayan culture, thoughtfully guided and enriched by interpretive music, was a once in a lifetime experience that has reverberated in the weeks and months since my visit to Punta de Mita!
The ice bath and cold plunge offer a transformative experience, merging the shock of icy waters with the exhilaration of one’s own vitality. Stepping into the ice-cold water, one confronts a rush of sensations, awakening every nerve and revitalizing the spirit. The chill ignites a primal heat, invigorating both mind and body, leaving a trail of renewed vigor and resilience. Each moment submerged in the frigid embrace is a test of courage, met with a profound sense of empowerment. Emerging from the icy waters, one carries a newfound appreciation for the harmony between stillness and action, and a profound connection to our inner strength.
Take a trip off property and enjoy the neighboring town of Sayulita, a charming fishing village with incredible beaches. No one has ever met a stranger in Sayulita. It’s an easy, fun, colorful atmosphere with incredible shopping and great restaurants. The local market right in the town square, has all the sights and sounds of a quaint seaside Mexican town without all the hustle and bustle. Be sure to stop by Chocobanana for a hand-dipped, chocolate-covered, frozen banana with coconut or sprinkles. It might just be the most delicious and refreshing seaside treat ever invented!
As I continue to travel and explore this amazing world of ours, W Hotel Punta de Mita will remain one of the highlights of my life. It was there that I reclaimed my voice and refreshed my warrior within, allowing me to grow without boundaries into my limitless future. It was an experience like no other!
Marriott.com/W-Punta-De-Mita
Cacao ceremony instrumental prayers and meditation.
Marvelous Suite dipping pool and private terrace.
Marvelous Suite
Go West
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARK CITY CHAMBER & VISITORS BUREAU
Play in Park City all summer long
The cool mountain air, miles of trails to hike and bike and a historic downtown district for shopping and dining make Park City, Utah a fabulous getaway with your family.
Fly into Salt Lake City and head to the Pendry Park City at The Canyons, a modern and bright hotel based between the mountain peak trails and downtown. Book a suite, and a day at Spa Pendry for the ultimate experience. Guests come from around the world, so be sure to have a drink or snack at Après Pendry and say hello to someone new. Pendry is a hotel brand you can depend on for a luxury experience when you travel.
The hotel has a complimentary shuttle to scoot you into town. Check out the Canyons Village Concert Series on select Thursdays and Saturdays all summer. The Pool House is a rooftop pool deck and bar, with views of the lush green hills and beyond. Explore evergreen forests or try mountain biking or rock climbing with the pros at White Pine Touring.
The Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show at the Utah Olympic Park is a mustsee. Park City Mountain reopens its Adventure Park, scenic chair lifts and gondola - including Utah’s largest Mountain Coaster and one of the longest slides in the world, the Alpine Slide.
Hike the Armstrong Trail, a local favorite, with scenery galore, ponds and lakes along the way. Watch for deer, elk, moose, fox, coyote and an old miner’s cabin tucked away amidst the trees. It’s a reminder of the rich history of Park City.
Splurge on dinner at Kita at The Pendry, a Japanese-inspired steakhouse, for al fresco sushi and a Wagyu beef that will knock your socks off.
Pendry.com/Park-City
Photography courtesty of Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau
Where
Come
JULY 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 3RD
Fireworks, Food & Fun
Newtown Park - 3150 Old Alabama Road | 6:00 PM
Celebrate our country’s independence at Newtown Park with live music, activities, food, and an exceptional fireworks display, which will begin after sunset (approximately 9 p.m.)
JULY 12TH
Movies at the Park: Migration
Newtown Park | 7:00 PM
Free summer outdoor series of family-friendly movies presented on a huge inflatable screen. A family of ducks decides to leave the safety of a New England pond for an adventurous trip to Jamaica. Their well-laid plans quickly go awry when they get lost and wind up in New York City.
JULY 12TH
Gyotaku Printing Fish
Ocee Library – 5090 Abbotts Bridge Rd. | 2:00 PM
Learn about water quality and water stewardship by practicing the ancient art of Gyotaku - the traditional method of “printing fish” with a silicon replica of a fish to create a colorful imprint on a cotton tote, provided by Fulton County Public Works. Adult 18+ only. Registration required. Contact Joshua Yang at 404.613.6840
JULY 13TH
Georgia Birds
Wild Birds Unlimited - 3000 Old Alabama Road Suite 116 | 12:00 PM
The life of a hummingbird, presented by Georgia Birds (formerly known as Georgia Audubon) – a celebration of the beauty of our “flying jewels!” Learn all about how to best attract and feed hummingbirds — from feeder styles to gardening tips. Plus, info on mysterious winter hummingbirds.
JULY 17TH
NESO’s 25th Birthday Celebration
Northeast Spruill Oaks Library9560 Spruill Road | 11:00 AM
Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library turns 25 this year! To celebrate, they are throwing a birthday party! Join friends and neighbors for cake, snacks, crafts and balloon animals. And, lots of books!
JULY 18TH
Brunch for Dinner
Rushing Trading Co | 6:00 PM
The new gourmet brunch spot here in Johns Creek, Rushing Trading Co., and their neighbors, Johns Creek Wine and Crystal, are hosting a “Brunch for Dinner” six-course meal and wine pairing. Contact Johns Creek Wine and Crystal for tickets and details. JohnsCreekWineAndCrystal.com
Editor’s
Travelogue
"You don't have to be rich to travel well." Eugene Fodor
1: You never know where you’ll find yourself when you travel. Upper Peninsula, Michigan.
2: Make new friends and keep your eyes wide open. Cayos Cochinos, Honduras.
3: The Blue Ridge Parkway, just south of Asheville, NC.
4: The Fairmont El San Juan in Puerto Rico.
5: A cup of sunshine in a tiny cabin from Escape Vacations.
H i g h - q u a l i t y c a r e
w i t h h o m e t o w n h e a r t
Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to our community.
We’ve added two floors to the hospital, three floors to the Physicians Plaza and a parking deck, all to better serve you and your family. The new areas provide physicians, nurses and our care teams an interdisciplinary space to focus on family-centered care and ongoing wellness, supporting you with the unparalleled service and knowledgeable professionals you’ve come to expect.
No matter your health needs – from routine to advanced – we’re here to help you make your health a priority.
