Gin Blossoms Men’s
Issue
To All the Dads and Father Figures
Have you ever wondered, “What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!
While dad's contribute to learning skills and being involved in extracurricular activities, an even more important role they play is in emotional availability and teaching children that vulnerability is okay, that our strength lies most in our empathy.
A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.
As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:
• A father’s strength can be powerful
• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational
• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting
• A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence
• Time with a dad can be fun and educational
• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational
• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable
Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.
Happy Father’s Day!
SARA HAGEN, EDITOR @WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Sue Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Olivia Newell | olivia.newell@citylifestyle.com
Katya Gore | katya.gore@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
3:5-6
1-7: Georgia Craft Brewers Festival
Photography by Sara Hagen
business monthly
Cherokee Chambers' Earth Day Recycling Event
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce hosted a recycling event this Earth Day to recycle electronics, paper, and more to make our town and the planet a more sustainable place.
KSU Model United Nations Team Excels at National Conference
The Model United Nations team earned an Outstanding Delegation award at the closing ceremony in the UN General Assembly Hall—a significant honor for KSU, which was one of just 22 universities out of 134 worldwide to receive the recognition.
New Caribou Coffee Location Coming Soon to Woodstock
The Minnesota-based coffee chain will be opening it's doors in our town soon!
Photography by Wikimedia Commons/Gabriel Vanslette
Photography by @ksusgia
Photography by @cherokeechamber
Now featuring locally grown blooms from 5 local flower farms! We are booking
floral design for prom, grad parties, deliveries, and upcoming holidays!
8582 Main St. Woodstock, GA | 678-403-2577 www.gatherandbloomboutique.com | @bloomingwithlauren
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHERVIN LAINEZ
“I think about maintaining momentum from the beginning of the show to the end.”
90s Hit Band Gin Blossoms to Perform in Woodstock
catching up with Robin Wilson, lead vocalist
Gin Blossoms will be performing at Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater on June 14 as part of Woodstock's Summer Concert Series.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO TOUR WITH BLUES TRAVELER AND SPIN DOCTORS?
Well, I’ve never toured with Blues Traveler, but they seem like good guys and Spin Doctors are a lot of fun. We’ve toured with them a bunch of times. It should be a great summer!
HOW HAS TOURING CHANGED FOR Y’ALL BETWEEN THE 90S AND NOW?
Well, I sleep more and I exercise more, and I eat better.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE FANS, OLD AND NEW, CAN TAKE WITH THEM FROM SEEING YOU LIVE?
Some decent memories and a T-shirt.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO PERFORM LIVE? WHICH SONGS MAKE YOU FEEL THE MOST CONNECTED TO THE AUDIENCE?
Well, the audience loves the hits, and my favorite song is always the one that is the most recent that we’ve learned.
THERE'S BEEN A RECENT COMEBACK OF 90S AND EARLY 00S CULTURE. WHY DO YOU THINK YOUNGER GENERATIONS ARE GRAVITATING TO THE SOUNDS OF THOSE DECADES?
It’s just nostalgia and finding a way for something that they don’t have. So, we did it in the 80s, we were fascinated with the 60s.
DO YOU PREFER TOURING OVER RECORDING NEW MUSIC? IF SO, WHY?
No, I love them both equally, but generally, I have a healthier, happier, more content lifestyle when I’m on tour.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN DEVELOPING A SETLIST?
Well, I think about my bandmate’s preferences. I think about maintaining momentum from the beginning of the show to the end and spreading out the hits.
WHAT DO YOU WANT FANS TO FEEL WHEN THEY SEE YOU LIVE?
I want them to feel good!
WHAT ARE SOME SONGS AND/OR ARTISTS YOU'RE LOVING RIGHT NOW?
Well, I just downloaded some Demi Lovato and Kylie Minogue, but my favorite band is White Reaper from Louisville, Kentucky.
Georgia Craft Brewers Festival 2025
in Woodstock
The 2025 Georgia Craft Brewers Festival was in Downtown Woodstock in April. The event drew craft beer enthusiasts from all over the state. The festival hosted over 45 Georgia craft breweries who offered samples in exclusive cups made for the festival and VIP attendees left with a special pint glass as a souvenir.
Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, an Atlanta area marching band known for their theatrical and colorful performances, set the mood for the festival with energetic performances of songs like Rock Lobster by The B-52s and Bad Guy by Billie Eilish. More music filled the day as Steele Peach Band took the stage and attendees sat in the audience to watch the performance with beers in hand. Follow @gacraftbrewersguild and @gacraftbrewersfestival on Instagram for more information on the next festival and to keep up to date with the guild.
ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY SARA HAGEN
Digging Deep with Taurus Landscape
DAVID AWTREY ON HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, CLIENT EXPERIENCE, AND INDUSTRY INSIGHTS FROM 17 YEARS IN BUSINESS
ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID AWTREY AND SARA HAGEN
Credit: Sara Hagen
Credit: Sara Hagen
Credit: Sara Hagen
Taurus Landscape is an all-in-one landscaping company operating in the Atlanta Metro area. From pools to putting greens to design and installation, they are an essential resource for homeowners in our area. David Awtrey is the owner of Taurus Landscape. This month, we're sharing his story, experience, and insights from a widely successful business owner and community member's perspective.
WHEN DID YOU START TAURUS LANDSCAPE, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH IT?
We started in 2008. My background is in landscaping—I worked from age 15 to 20 for a gentleman named Gary Salter around West Paces Ferry and Tuxedo Drive. I did weekends and summers during high school, then kept working for him after graduation. Eventually, I entered the corporate world. I spent ten years at Frito-Lay, then moved into wholesale food sales. Within six years in that industry, I went through nine buyouts. That’s when I realized I was done with corporate life.
I worked one summer at Little River Grill, and during that time, I decided to start a landscaping company. My initial goal was
modest: one truck, a couple of guys, and to focus on basic lawn care—mowing, edging, blowing, mulch, flowers.
I started Taurus Landscape in November of 2008. My wife and I had a $400 Honda lawnmower from Home Depot—she mowed while I did everything else. We didn’t even have a truck; I was hauling a trailer behind a Hyundai Sonata. Then in March 2009, we got our first install job. The client gave me a $10,000 deposit on a $20,000 project. I used $5,000 of that to put down on a Toyota Tundra. That’s really when Taurus Landscape began.
My first hire was Ronnie Hernandez—he’s still with me today.
HOW LARGE IS YOUR TEAM NOW?
Right now, we have 32 employees and operate about 13 trucks daily.
WHAT’S THE MOST FULFILLING PART OF THE WORK FOR YOU?
Happy customers. When people are genuinely thrilled with what we’ve done—and even years later, they remember us—that’s the best feeling. We’ve built an extensive customer base, and it’s all been through word of mouth.
Credit: Sara Hagen
Credit: David Awtrey
Credit: David Awtrey
Credit: David Awtrey
Credit: David Awtrey
Credit: Sara Hagen
Credit: Sara Hagen
Credit: David Awtrey
Credit: Sara Hagen
YOU SEEM TO DO A LOT MORE THAN STANDARD LAWN CARE.
Yes, over the years we’ve learned that if you subcontract work, you’re still ultimately responsible for it. So we’ve become self-sufficient. We handle our own landscape lighting, irrigation, hardscapes, artificial turf, and design/install work. We even have two full-time designers. We do complete yard demolitions and rebuilds.
Credit: Sara Hagen
Credit: Sara Hagen
“Happy customers. When people are genuinely thrilled with what we’ve done—and even years later, they remember us—that’s the best feeling. We’ve built an extensive customer base, and it’s all been through word of mouth.”
One of the properties we designed seven years ago was totally overgrown—just trees. You couldn’t even see the house from the road. Now it’s a fully landscaped showpiece.
ARE YOU STILL LEARNING NEW SKILLS?
Absolutely. We recently completed a challenging job on Blackwell Road where a driveway had collapsed. It was a $60,000 project with demolition work in a creek, which is no small task. We installed large headwalls—much bigger than anything I’d done before. We used a 60-inch opening with a 48-inch pipe, stabilized the creek bank, and more. It was essentially a commercial-grade job at a residence.
I’m certified in stormwater management in Georgia—I hold a Level 1 “Blue Card”—so I’m trained in erosion control and legal compliance when working near waters and creeks.
WHAT’S THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING UP TO DATE WITH THOSE CERTIFICATIONS?
You need to understand EPA and EPD regulations. There are setbacks from creeks, laws around stream buffers, and environmental protections. Doing it right
matters, especially when designing landscapes around natural geography.
WHAT DO YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT LANDSCAPING?
I’d say it’s better to work with someone who is truly educated in the industry. It’s easy to get poor advice or bad installs if you don’t know the difference.
Check Google reviews, ask about qualifications, and meet in person. I often have to correct misinformation clients received from others.
ARE THERE ANY PAST PROJECTS YOU’RE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF?
Honestly, all of them. We do quality work across the board. I’d showcase any of them in a portfolio.
We don’t even have a social media presence. If we did, and had someone to document what we’re doing daily, I think it would make a huge impact. But for now, we just stay focused on doing great work.
Note: These photos show the ground breaking and completion of a Taurus Landscape project.
SO YOU WANT TO BE A COWBOY
DISCOVER THE WHIMSY OF THE WEST AT PAWS UP MONTANA
Favorably referred to as the “Last Best Place” and the “Treasure State,” Montana has captured the hearts of cinematic cowboys like Taylor Sheridan and Harrison Ford and inspired the television series, “Yellowstone” and its prequels, “1883” and “1923.” Though fictional, they’ve reminded America of its deeply-rooted spirit for adventure and the simple yet rugged way of life that we all crave. Whether its the backdrop of jagged, snowcapped peaks or the endless golden pastures that are peppered with livestock, this Rocky Mountain soil is a breeding ground for dreamers and doers, and the people who call it home are no strangers to the ritual of ranch life.
So, you want to be a cowboy? Slipping on some leather and having a little hide in your hat are good ways to start, but visiting a resort that brings the best of this life to the forefront, while also embracing modern luxury, is the experience of a lifetime.
Paws Up Montana sprawls the distance of 37,000 private acres of historic estateland, which houses a working ranch and 10 miles of Blackfoot river. Personalization is key—a divine selection of cuisine for the foodies, awe-inspiring activities for the adrenaline seekers, and world-class lodging that tickles every fancy from stargazing glamping, to timber-style family dwellings, to the uniquely designed green “o hauses” that invite the outside world in.
CHELSEA LYN AGRO PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
WHERE TO STAY
WHAT TO DO
To change your attitude, you need a change in altitude. Gain some speed or turn up the adrenaline level with ATV tours, electric biking, mountain biking, go-karts, paintball, rappelling down Lookout Rock or whitewater rafting down the Blackfoot River. Indulge in the western art of living with archery, fly-fishing, hiking or sporting clays. For those who want to immerse themselves in the language of horses, there are horse-related adventures such as lessons, grooming or feeding, horse-whispering workshops or organized trails rides. Riders can also enjoy cattle drives that bring you back to yesteryear—driving a herd of cattle across the famed landscape—and bear witness to mustang gentling, where the Equestrian Manager communicates with a wild horse through body language and tone of voice. Skyline Aerial Adventure Park is another notable warm-weather activity, taking guests on two high-ropes courses.
Luxury Homes are categorized into preference-based properties that boast the thrill of wilderness living. For larger families and multigenerational groups, consider the Wilderness Estates. At 3,250-square-feet, these estates sleep up to eight guests and feature three large suites with private baths. The Big Timber Homes are available in one-to-three bedroom options and come ornamented with fire places and private decks. The Meadow Homes are 1,100-square-foot single-story homes that sleep up to four guests, situated amid a pastoral and treed setting. For an extra nod of perfection, choose one of the luxury homes that comes equipped with a private tent—ideal for anyone traveling with children (or adults who beckon back their childhood!).
For a more primitive experience, Glamping Homes offer the right amount of canvas to create a close-to-nature experience. Available mid-May through mid-October, choose from river settings to creeksides, bluffs or cliffs. Each tent is adorned with something unique—a copper tub, a picturesque view of Lewis and Clark’s famous Lookout Rock and Western-chic furniture throughout. Zip down the windows to allow for the cool nightly breeze, yet enjoy the modern convenience of electricity. Each campsite has a dining pavilion. And don’t miss the s’mores boards around the communal fire pit, offered by your own s’moresologist—yes, you read that right, and yea, it’s a thing.
Lastly, but certainly not least, are the state-of-theart accommodations of the Green O hauses. This portion of the property is completely curated for those 21 years of age and older. It’s a resort within a resort, a hidden pearl in an oyster of experience. The Tree Haus is elevated 23 feet in the air and offers unparalleled forest views. The Green Haus includes a skylight above the bed for an unmatched view of pluck-em-from-thesky stars. The Round Haus has curved, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer 180-degree panoramic views. Both the Green and Round Hauses are dog friendly, too, so Fido can rest in the lap of luxury. The Light Haus is illuminated by skylights and unique glass design.
DRINK & DINE
Montana’s best kept secret? Our hideaway chefs, making waves from the Montana wilderness. Chef Brandon Cunningham, Executive Chef at the Green O, is a James Beard Award finalist whose creations at the Social Haus are highly curated through an 8-course tasting menu. Other highly trained and talented chefs like Chef Brett Edlund, Chef Ben Scott, Executive Pastry Chef Krystle Swenson, and Sunny Jin, the General Manager of Food and Beverage, are part of the intricate patchwork of the culinary experience at Pomp, Trough, Shed, Camp and the notable Chuck Wagon—a summertime treat where guests can ride a hay wagon along the banks of the Blackfoot River for an Old West-inspired chuck wagon dinner. The menu ranges from all-natural chicken and Tomahawk ribeye to fresh vegetables grilled over an open flame campfire.
HOW TO GET HERE
Airport: Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) Airport transfers from Missoula are complimentary for guests and all luxury home and Green O accommodations come with a Lexus luxury SUV for transportation use on property.
Priceless Memories
Advice Editorial: Gift Giving Inspiration For Dads
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
Learn Together
Learning a new skill together, or sharing a favorite hobby, is a great way to bond. If Dad likes woodworking or fishing, finding a class to attend together goes beyond gifting tools and allows fun.
Retro
Movie Night
Enjoy a movie night together with popcorn, candy and all the fixings. Home movies enable strolls down memory lane, or one of his favorite movies from his childhood makes for fun conversation. Ordering a projector for a large format screening makes the movie night feel extra theatrical.
CONTINUED >
Chef’s Kiss
Take the food pressure off Dad and invite local culinary experts to prepare a meal. A fun theme, based around his favorite vacation, such as Hawaiian food, will make the evening memorable. Alternatively, try a local cooking class together based on his favorite cuisine.
Blast From The Past
Brainstorm childhood memories together and enjoy a day reliving them. If he chaperoned a trip to the zoo, experience it again together. If short on time, stop at a favorite ice cream stand and tell him how much you cherish the memories.
Sunya Sweeney, DMD
ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE
Local Faves
INVEST IN LOCAL LOVE WITH OUR FAVORITE SPOTS FOR NATURE, DINING, AND MORE.
Bizarre Coffee
Bizarre Coffee is a funky and creative coffee shop located in Downtown Woodstock. Check out their popular menu items including cafe lattes, cold brew, bagels, sandwiches, and more.
Hidden Acres Farm Sanctuary
Animals rescued from factory farms and other nightmarish situations find their first and forever homes at Hidden Acres Farm Sanctuary. Visit them for a tour, goat yoga, or stay at their Airbnb.
Woodstock Flowers and Gifts
Woodstock Flowers and Gifts is the perfect choice for beautiful flowers and gifts for any occasion. They offer fresh flowers, green & blooming plants, gourmet baskets, chocolates, and balloon bouquets.
Deep Roots Wine Market
Deep Roots Wine Market offers a unique wine tasting experience with wines from all over the US, and visitors can also enjoy small plates from the kitchen.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Explore metro Atlanta’s nature destination. Enjoy trails, exhibits, programs, and events on 127 acres of forest, wetland, and river habitat.
Modern Veterinary Medicine, Down to Earth Care
We don’t separate you from your pet unless it involves surgery or x-rays. Exams, blood draws, and vaccines are done where you can see them and comfort your furry friend.
We specialize in low stress handling for dogs AND cats.
Both our doctors have been in practice over a decade. We are ready and willing to handle complex cases.
We are your one-stop solution for relocation services, providing compassionate assistance with downsizing, decluttering, and estate sales for full and partial liquidations. Bringing almost two decades of collective real estate experience in the northern Atlanta region, we have decided to channel our passion for helping families into a new venture dedicated to supporting seniors during life transitions.
This data is a sampling of sold properties
“Marco Rossi exemplifies true professionalism and attention to detail. Every step of the way he gave it 110% and made us feel at ease. He took the stress out of a usually stressful situation of getting your home ready to sell and have multiple showings per day. He was able to get our house multiple offers within the first week of it being listed for sale! He knew we were under a time crunch and followed accordingly. Listen to what he says in order to get your house show ready! We trust him with everything! We will definitely use him again if needed. We highly refer Marco to anyone looking to sell or purchase a home.”
- Rocio B.
“Ihavespentthemajorityofmyadultcareerservingpatientsinamedical capacity.Inowunderstandthegreatabilityofthebodytoovercomemany healthchallengeswhengiventherighttoolstoheal.Ifyouarereadytogetoff thesymptomaticrollercoasterandnotonlylookgood,butfeelgoodandthrive, thenputyourphoneuptotheyellowQRcodeandscheduleanappointment withmetoday!Seeyousoon!” -Kennedy
JUNE 7TH
Luciane Dom - Lantern Series Concert
Woodstock Arts | 7:30 PM
Luciane Dom – multilingual singer, songwriter, and producer – is part of the new generation of contemporary artists from Rio de Janeiro. She brings poetry to themes of Black diaspora, feminism, empowerment, and other social reflections that impact the construction of her emotions.
JUNE 11TH
Italian Rustic Breads with Chef Chris
Leaning Ladder Olive Oil | 6:30 PM
Italian Rustic Breads (Demonstration & Tasting) Menu to Include: LIGURIAN FOCACCIA WITH SEA SALT, SICILIAN SEMOLINA & SESAME LOAF, SARDINIAN POTATO BREAD
JUNE 15TH
Father's Day Dad Band Benefit Concert
Woodstock Arts Event Green | 3:00 PM
Get ready to jam out with your dad at our Father's Day Dad Band Benefit Concert. It's going to be a jam-packed afternoon of music and memories!
