Simply Buckhead September 2025

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HOUS T ON • DALLAS • A TLANT A
Photos:
28: Patrick Heagney, 66: Erik Meadows, 76: Madelynne Grace

STYLISH

38 FASHION

Fall’s Fashion Refresh

This season's trends offer an embellished shift from minimalism

40 BEAUTY

Bare Your Sole Medical pedicures offer a safe environment for your feet

42 WELLNESS

Menopause Matters

How to find hormonal balance and feel better

44 TASTEMAKER

Skin Deep

Dermatologist Corinne Erickson takes an integrative approach

FAMILY

46 KIDS

Planes, Trains and (Hopefully No) Tantrums

Tips from SB writers on traveling sanely with little kids

48 PETS A Trying Time

50 STRATEGIES

First Things First

Buckhead-based physician explains the importance of postpartum prep

CULTURE

54 ON STAGE

Dancing Queen

Veteran ballerina Darian Kane adds choreography to her repertoire

56 LITERARY

History Lessons

Buckhead author turns her passion for the past into a new work of fiction

58 TASTEMAKER

Nurturing Nature

Cathedral Woods draws a congregation

59 EVENTS

Places to go and things to do

COVER STORY

62 Play Ball!

DELICIOUS

72 REVIEW

Sweet Escape

Carmel is a flavorful getaway from the everyday

76 DRINKS

School Spirit

Cheers to the home team

78 FOODIE JOURNAL

La Dolce Vita

Cucina Baci celebrates Sardinian soul with hands-on experiences

80 TASTEMAKER

Glaze the Roof

Alvin and Calvin Waters bring iconic LA doughnut chain to Buckhead

82 Featured Restaurants

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

and social gatherings

BEHIND THE COVER

For our sports-focused cover, the Simply Buckhead crew had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at the Atlanta Hawks’ state-of-theart training facility in Brookhaven to photograph point guard Dyson Daniels. The Australia-born star player, nicknamed “the Great Barrier Thief” for his defensive ability, flew into town for the shoot and an inperson interview with writer Michael Jacobs. After hair and makeup, he gamely spent time in uniform showing off some of his signature skills, holding his recent awards, posing in front of a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT from Crème de la Crème Exotics and wearing some stylish kicks from Adidas and clothes from Vouseti, a fashion brand he founded. Buckheadbased Universal Diamonds provided some jaw-dropping jewels and watches to complete the looks. Read more about his story on page 64.

Photographer: Erik Meadows

Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Makeup: Nat Brown, The Green Room Agency

Special thanks to the Atlanta Hawks for hosting our crew.

Editor's Letter

Confession: I’m not sporty. I’ve been a childhood ballet dancer, a high school cheerleader and, for all of my adult life, a ballroom dancer. Still, you’ll find me rooting for the University of Georgia Bulldogs on most Saturdays in the fall, and I’m keenly aware of the benefits of staying active in whatever form works for me and my schedule. Regardless of your own level of athleticism, we know you’ll get a kick out of this issue’s “Play Ball” cover package.

Here, you’ll find Michael Jacobs’ profile of Australiaborn Atlanta Hawks phenom Dyson Daniels, who appears on our cover; Amy Meadows’ deep-dive into strategies to keep your budding athlete enjoying the game and away from sports burnout; Jill Becker’s interview with pro ultimate frisbee player Christian Olsen; Karina Antenucci’s story on local spots where non-professional athletes can hone their skills, and more. It’s exciting that so many opportunities to play exist right in our neighborhood.

Beyond the cover feature, this issue is packed with other stories that provide interesting and surprising looks into our community. I know you’ll enjoy Nicole Letts’ home tour of a colorful bungalow by interior designer Virginia Cheek, Lauren Finney Harden’s exploration of pedicures that both feel good and have medical benefits and Angela Hansberger’s story about locally produced booze in honor of UGA—just in time for the start of football season.

As the school year kicks into gear and your calendar fills with sporting events either as a player, a spectator or a parent, we hope this issue of Simply Buckhead will inspire you to get in the game.

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com

For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895

Joanne Hayes

Publisher and Founder

Sonny Hayes

Chief Financial Officer

EDITORIAL

Giannina S. Bedford

Managing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Senior Contributing Editor

Alan Platten

Creative Director

H.M. Cauley

Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karina Antenucci

Jill Becker

Chelsie Butler

H.M. Cauley

Carly Cooper

Lauren Finney Harden

Emily L. Foley

Mickey Goodman

Angela Hansberger

Michael Jacobs

Denise K. James

Nicole Letts

Amy Meadows

Hope S. Philbrick

Lia Picard

Ashton Pike

Claire Ruhlin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Madelynne Grace

Patrick Heagney

Erik Meadows

Joann Vitelli

SALES & ADVERTISING

Layal Akkad

Graphic Designer

DIGITAL

BHG Digital

Website Development Management

Mike Jose

Director of Audience Development

LEGAL

Scott I. Zucker

Legal Counsel

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Denise K. James

Denise K. James is a writer and editor from the coast of South Carolina who is now based in Atlanta. In addition to Simply Buckhead, her work has appeared in Atlanta magazine, Gloria, Eater Atlanta, Apartment Therapy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Charleston Magazine, Paste and elsewhere. She is a senior editor at ArtsATL for books and theater, and an MFA candidate in Narrative Nonfiction at the University of Georgia. When she is not busy writing, James enjoys exploring the city, attending concerts, strolling the Northside Trail part of the Beltline and road tripping around the South. Find her on Instagram @denise_k._.

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

Copyright © 2025 by Simply Buckhead All rights reserved.

Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.

Sara Hanna
The Zen garden provides a quiet calm in the heart of Buckhead.

Dr. & rs. Anu Gupta and Dr. & rs. Tho as radbury of Total oint Specialists invite you to save the date, as we CHANGE ARTHRITIS FOR GOOD at the 2025 Crystal all benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. For table sponsorships and ticket sales, contact Charlie Haddock at chaddock@arthritis.org

ARTHRITIS.ORG/CRYSTALBALLATLANTA

WALK ON

On May 2, stakeholders, city officials, partners and residents gathered at Morgan Falls Park to ceremoniously cut the ribbon to the Springway Trail. The 1.88-mile section of the multi-use paved pathway connects Roswell Road to Morgan Falls Overlook Park at Cimarron Parkway and gives access to the Chattahoochee River. Sandy Springs Director of Recreation and Parks Brent Walker says, “It is one very small segment of the Springway system, which is almost

SANDY SPRINGS OPENS SPRINGWAY TRAIL

40 miles of trails throughout the entire city. We wanted to create a section that connected one of our park properties to residential homes and to a major transportation artery, Roswell Road. It’s a phenomenal asset for the community.”

The current path begins at the parking lot at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, meanders next to the river and crosses over Orkin Lake via a boardwalk, making wildlife and nature accessible for visitors. It also includes retaining walls,

drainage structures, pedestrian bridges, roadway realignments, landscaping and trail signage. “You can take your entire family or any age out there. It's very approachable,” Walkers says. The trail is also completely ADA compliant. “We're trying to open up areas and provide accessibility to our parks without having to drive. We want people to be able to leave their homes and get on a trail on their bike or on foot so that they're not having to drive to have that experience,” he says.

Walker encourages Sandy Springs residents and visitors to use the trail as often as possible, but he especially recommends early mornings, “When it's quiet out there, the wildlife is really out about. You can see the otters swimming around, and the herons are there just hanging out. You get the mist coming up off the lake. It's just an awesome experience.”

The Springway Trail is open from dawn to dusk. n sandyspringsga.gov • @cityofsandysprings

Watch Boutique Opens

Brown & Company Jewelers opened Atlanta's first and only Patek Philippe boutique in May. The new shop is located on Bolling Way directly opposite Brown & Company’s store in Buckhead Village. The opening highlights the exclusivity of Patek Philippe, which maintains just 39 authorized retailers across the U.S. and selected Brown & Company as its sole Atlanta partner in 2017. The mono-brand boutique, exclusively selling products from Patek Philippe, is owned and

operated by Brown & Company and aims to offer watch collectors and enthusiasts an intimate environment to explore the brand’s Swiss timepieces. The shop is by appointment only, and reservations can be made via phone or on the retailer’s website.

patekboutiqueatlanta.com @brownjewelers

Fashion Donation to the High

The High Museum of Art received a multimillion-dollar donation from fashion entrepreneur and long-time

board member Lauren Amos. The gift establishes the Lauren Amos Fashion Project, a five-year initiative that marks the museum's first multi-faceted commitment to fashion design. The project will fund exhibitions, a new curatorial position and additional related programs. Its inaugural program will support Viktor&Rolf. Fashion Statements, the first major retrospective of the Dutch couture designers set for its U.S. debut at the High later this fall. This donation recognizes the High's successful history of fashion-focused exhibitions and

positions the museum to present more of them in the future. high.org • @highmuseumofart

New Doggy Day Care

On June 2, Jon and Lee Johnson opened their 8,000-square-foot dog boarding and daycare facility, Supa Dawg, in Buckhead. The couple is not new to the doggy-day-care business; they have an extensive background in the industry, having founded the now-closed Dog Days in 1999. The Johnsons say Supa Dawg is a way to offer fresh boarding and care

ideas, such as treadmill sessions, a splash in the pool and a soft serve ice cream machine for dogs. The new facility also offers “people perks,” including a coffee bar for early morning drop-offs and frozen to-go-meals for busy dog owners. “It’s a great option when picking up your dog, and you don’t feel like cooking or grabbing some items to take to the beach when you drop your dog off to stay [for boarding],” Lee says. Supa Dawg is located on Maple Drive. Rates start at $35 per day. thesupadawg.com • @thesupadawg

The first segment of Sandy Springs’ Springway trail opened in late spring.

Digging Into the Past

Preserving historic cemeteries

In 2006, Buckhead native Tamara Bazzle and a group of like-minded friends recognized the need to preserve the area’s rich history and founded Buckhead Heritage. For her 18 years of service, the emeritus board member recently received the organization’s Bob Helget Award for Outstanding Volunteerism.

Bazzle, who had explored old cemeteries with her grandmother when she was a child, became chair of the cemetery committee. “Our first project was to restore Harmony Grove Cemetery at the corner of West Paces Ferry and Chatham roads where our co-founder, Wright Mitchell, passed on his regular runs,” Bazzle says. “When he noticed an obelisk, he knew it marked a grave site.”

The committee commissioned an ecological study that found 171 graves on the land formerly owned by James H. “Whispering” Smith, a white resident. He had stipulated in his will that 2 acres on nearby Arden Road be set aside for African Americans to worship. Services continue to be

held today at New Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church. They’ve also preserved and maintained two additional historic Buckhead cemeteries: Piney Grove Cemetery on Canterbury Road and Mt. Olive next to Bagley Park, the last existing African-American community formed by newly freed slaves that dates back to the 1870s.

Bridging the Gap

From crisis to success

Belisa Urbina and her husband, Miquel, moved to Atlanta from Puerto Rico in 2000 and quickly recognized the lack of mental health services for the Latino community that they had in their native land. To fill the gap, they launched workshops for couples in 2001 called Taller de Parejas (Couples Workshop) but never dreamed of doing more. As word spread and more and more signed up, the Urbinas founded Ser Familia (The Family) and added programs.

For her outstanding service to her community, Belisa Urbina received the Robert Ross Johnson Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Rotary Club of Buckhead in April. She is the first Latina so honored, and her name joins a stellar list of Atlantans, in-

cluding United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young, Bernie Marcus, Bill Bolling, Dan Cathy and Jesse Hill. From 2002 to 2012, Ser Familia added a parenting school, youth workshops, expanded mental health services and adopted Georgia Latinos Against Domestic Violence, all staffed by professionals. The five offices in the metro area and one in Puerto Rico also offer translation services and presentations to non-Spanish speaking organizations, and welcome anyone who comes to them in crisis.

“Our mission is to offer preventative family services and equip Latinos with the skills they need to move from crisis to thriving,” Belisa says.

Go With the Flow

Supporting artists

During the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009, actors, dancers, musicians, photographers and artists in just about every medium were suffering financially. Determined to find a way to keep them employed, arts philanthropist Louis Corrigan decided to stage large-scale public events for audiences who were not the typical arts-going crowd. He selected a board of directors and tapped Anne Archer Dennington to be his CEO because of her extensive experience in the field. “We named the group Flux Projects because life flows, and things are always changing, just like our performances,” Dennington says. Instead of stadiums and stages, the multi-day events take place in public spaces people already frequent, such as around the tranquil waters of Buckhead’s Tanyard Creek Park, on the side of the mixed-use 725 Ponce building, at Grady Memorial Hospital and the Georgia State Capitol, and even in cemeteries. Since its inception, Flux has staged over 150 free performances, engaged more than

700 artists and reached audiences totaling more than 500,000.

“We invest in art for art’s sake to open minds and create transformative experiences,” Dennington says.

“In the beginning, we had frequent performances but as audiences grew, we shifted to fewer, larger projects. They’re beautiful and magical with layers of social issues so you can experience them on more than one level.”

Tamara Bazzle headed Buckhead Heritage's efforts to preserve the area's historic cemeteries.
Flux Projects CEO Anne Archer Dennington creates free multi-day arts events for the public.
Rotary
Club of Buckhead
Julie Yarbrough
Photography

A T L A N T A

S O W N

Don’t Sweat It

Double Wear Foundation ($52)

With thousands of five-star reviews, Estée Lauder’s signature Double Wear foundation continues to be the go-to for achieving an unbudgeable base. All skin types and tones (56 shades, to be exact) can enjoy the luxury of the 24-hour full-coverage and waterproofing this pick provides. It’s all the good (humidityresistant, won’t clog pores) without the bad (fragrance, parabens, phthalates).

Sephora Buckhead • 404.467.9565 sephora.com • @sephora

You’re guaranteed at least two things when you live in Atlanta: traffic—even if you’re “just going down the road”—and serious summer heat. Thankfully, the rise of podcasts and audiobooks has been a savior to Atlantans who need something (anything) to keep them company on their commutes. As for the untamable temps, we’ve got you covered with these sweatproof beauty products that promise to keep your face unfazed. Go ahead, add to cart. You’ll thank us later. STORY: Ashton Pike

Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner ($35)

Another award winner from Pat McGrath Labs—a brand beloved by celebs like Atlanta’s own Cardi B, Taylor Swift and more—this velvety matte liquid eyeliner comes in two tones, black and brown, and is durable from dawn to dusk. The brains behind this beauty must-have is Dame Pat McGrath, one of the most celebrated editorial and runway makeup artists, who was deemed “the most influential makeup artist in the world” by Vogue. We’d like to see Georgia’s heat argue with that.

Bluemercury Buckhead Market Place 404.467.9100 • bluemercury.com @bluemercury

Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain ($26)

A blush stain that doubles as a lip tint? Talk about efficiency. This powerhouse packs a punch with its long-lasting, waterproof formula that stands the test of time and summer heat. The easy-to-use lip and cheek tint is offered in seven cheery hues with a hydrating, bouncy jelly texture that’s equal parts refreshing and sweat-resistant. It also acts as skincare with ingredients like vegan collagen and aloe. Can’t find your color? Try Milk’s new pH-adaptive pink shade. Ulta Buckhead Station Shopping Center 404.266.3559 • ulta.com • @ultabeauty

Smudge-Proof Mascara ($41)

Your favorite locally owned skincare and beauty retailer also has your new favorite sweat-proof mascara. This trusty sidekick from Bobbi Brown gives you all the volume, curl and length without giving way to the summer heat and humidity. Its gel-based, waterproof formula glides on smoothly for a natural look with no clumps, flakes or smudges in sight. Not to mention, it’s fragrance-, paraben-, phthalate- and sulfate-free, and ophthalmologisttested, making it a prime pick for Atlantans with sensitive peepers.

Woo Skincare Peachtree Battle Shopping Center • 404.477.5000 wooskincareandcosmetics.com @wooatlantaga

On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray ($34)

There’s a reason Beyoncé trusted this savvy setting spray to lock in her look for the Renaissance World Tour. It preserves your makeup like a masterpiece at the Louvre. With a fine aerosol mist, the weightless, award-winning formula controls oil with witch hazel, visibly blurs pores with green tea extract and keeps everything in its place for up to 16 hours thanks to a flex hold polymer blend. Atlanta’s humidity doesn’t stand a chance against this proven favorite.

Sephora Buckhead • 404.467.9565 sephora.com • @sephora

Cooling

Diving Into Destin

The Florida Panhandle beach town makes a laidback, water-filled getaway STORY: Lia Picard

Look at this shell, Mommy!” my daughter, Abby, squealed as her face popped out of the water. It was my six-year-old’s first time snorkeling, and while she wasn’t a natural, she was quickly adapting. It helped that the water was crystal clear and only 3 feet deep. As we cruised back to shore, three dolphins leapt past the boat in cinematic fashion. That moment confirmed that the calm, warm waters of Destin were the perfect place to introduce her to one of my favorite water activities.

While Atlantans flock to hamlets along the scenic highway 30A in the Florida Panhandle, I find myself drawn to Destin, a five-and-a-halfhour drive or a one-hour flight from Atlanta. Destin’s kitschy charm, found in mini golf courses, ice cream stands and souvenir shops, makes it easy to slip into vacation mode. Here, you never need to dress up, and with several

public access points along 24 miles of shoreline, you’re never far from those powdery, white sand beaches so synonymous with the Emerald Coast.

Our home base was the towering Emerald Grande, a hotel within the mixed-use development of HarborWalk Village. The hotel’s set-up made an ideal landing pad for a family getaway with spacious suites and apartments, Gulf views and proximity to the development's restaurants and shops. While the hotel isn’t directly on the beach, it offers a complimentary 10-minute boat shuttle to its private beach, equipped with lounge chairs. Though you are giving up direct beach access by staying at Emerald Grande, you could easily park at the hotel and not have to move your

car the rest of the weekend— a luxury in Destin, where roads become clogged with traffic.

HarborWalk Vil lage is an excellent jumping-off point for all things fun. Our snorkeling excursion with Destin Snorkel left from the marina just a few steps away from the hotel. The two-hour shelling tour is geared towards kids with shallow water stops, but the company also offers classic snorkeling and SNUBA (a snorkel-scuba hybrid) excursions. There’s plenty to do within HarborWalk Village, too. Beyond the tourist attractions, which include an amusement park and caricature artists, are unexpected culinary gems. At East Pass Seafood & Oyster House, I enjoyed locally caught fish prepared with Creole flair, while Café Café perked me up with its bold cold brew and hefty cookies. We did manage to get off property, however. Our first stop was Crystal Beach Park where Destin-Fort Walton Beach offers free stand-up paddle boarding lessons to kids on Saturday mornings through their Little Adventures program. Abby and I both worked up an appetite playing at the beach

(her on the board, me splashing in the waves), so our next destination was Dewey Destin’s Seafood. With counter-service ordering and shaded waterfront dining, we felt perfectly comfortable enjoying our grilled grouper sandwiches in our cover-ups.

That evening, we booked a bonfire beach experience through the hotel. After a sunset boat ride, we were greeted with a fire on the now-empty beach, where we roasted marshmallows and made s’mores. I laughed as my daughter frolicked in the surf beneath the first stars and knew that a core memory was being made. Heading back to the boat, sticky with sand and s’mores, I was already thinking about our return trip to Destin. n

Above: The Emerald Grande makes an excellent jumping off point for a weekend in Destin.
Below: Destin’s Bayside location serves up seafood fare in a laidback setting.
HarborWalk Village features restaurants, shops and a marina.

HISTORIC GEM

Dallas’ Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek celebrates a milestone STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

It’s easy to get excited about a buzzy new hotel with all of the inevitable bells and whistles, but I also love a property with a sense of history and provenance. As I discovered during a recent stay at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in the heart of Dallas’ Uptown neighborhood, guests here enjoy the best of both words.

For the Rosewood brand, now global with more than 30 properties in 21 countries, this was the hotel that started it all. The Italian Renaissance-style mansion was built 100 years ago as a residence for the cotton magnate King family. That 10,000-square-foot structure

remains the centerpiece, and historic elements add interest to the space that now houses a fine dining restaurant, meeting spaces and a clubby bar. History and architecture buffs will love the cantilevered stairway, carved wood doors rescued from a 19th-century Spanish cathedral and early 1500s Rosa Verona marble columns sourced from an Italian palace. The home changed hands several times, and in the late 1970s, it was in danger of being demolished. Instead, the Rosewood Corporation bought the property and added a tower that includes more than 140 rooms and suites, officially opening as the world’s first

Rosewood hotel in 1981. Between the hotel and the home, the property has hosted Tennessee Williams, FDR, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, the Dalai Lama and others. Even with all of the historical charm and fascinating stories, it manages to feel fresh and new. Rooms are outfitted with plush beds, luxurious spa bathrooms and smart, techforward features. My premier king room felt homey, its bookshelves filled with tomes ranging from novels and design books to histories.

The minibar was stocked with locally produced snacks and an array of beverages, including a bottle of Rosewood’s private label tequila.

Part of what sets Rosewood apart is its residential feel; It’s easy to imagine you’re staying among friends. Case in point: Housekeeping noticed a nearly empty toothpaste and left a fresh tube. Another night, I came back to find a bookmark, printed with a John Steinbeck quote, atop my book and a microfiber lens cloth to clean my computer. Those small touches made me feel looked after on this solo trip.

The food is a highlight and balances the past with forwardthinking flavors. The Mansion on Turtle Creek is known for its string of star chefs including Dean Fearing, and John Tesar, and judging from the dishes I enjoyed, current head chef Charles Olalia is primed to make a similar impact. Favorites such as the iconic tortilla soup and flawless prime steaks remain menu staples. The most exciting dishes were the ones where Olalia’s Filipino roots shine through, such as in the sharable plate of lumpia, spring rolls given an upscale twist with lobster and caviar.

At a dinner in The Mansion’s 7,000plus bottle wine cellar, formerly a vault for the King family’s collection of silver and furs, a chilled melon curry soup infused with coconut, galangal, calamansi and lemongrass was the star of the meal. The alluring blend of old and new, evidenced everywhere from the menus to the interiors, reinforce why this is one of Dallas’ most coveted stays. n

Above: High tea is an elegant affair at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.
Above: The original mansion, built 100 years ago, is the centerpiece of the hotel and houses the restaurant, wine cellar, bar and meeting spaces.
Rooms and suites have a residential feel.
The cantilevered staircase is a show-stopper.

Mainstay Makeover

Grand Hyatt debuts new attractions for a weekend away STORY: H.M. Cauley

When it opened back in 1990, the 25-story Hotel Nikko was Buckhead’s chicest new spot for society events, fundraisers and private parties. It created a buzz with its sushi bar and lush Japanese garden complete with a waterfall, a reflection of the owners’ nationalities.

In 1997, the Nikko morphed into the Grand Hyatt Atlanta. The area’s hotel scene has since shifted dramatically, with increasing competition as well as changing customer demands. In response, the company recently completed a massive renovation— the first since 2010—that touched every sector of the 439-room property to bring it up to contemporary standards while leaving some historic favorites in place.

A recent weekend getaway to the refurbished hotel provided a chance to compare the new look with my memories of the first incarnation. I was pleased to see the two-story Japanese gardens are intact, complete with shaded seating areas providing restful respites in the shadow of mid-rise buildings on almost every side. The adjacent outdoor pool is

a cooling-off spot as well as a social area anchored by a bar and firepits.

The most immediate differences hit me at the front door, where the lobby has been reworked with marble floors and colorful artworks. The reception area has been shifted to one side to create a dramatic arrival area with five soaring pillars and floor-toceiling windows around a semi-circular bar and views of the three-story waterfall beyond. Now renamed the

Fabled Lounge, this main gathering spot also has tables and nooks where visitors can sip on cocktails with fairy-tale inspired titles: The Alchemist’s elixir blends tequila and ginger liquor; The Fabled Rising mixes mezcal and blood orange ginger. It’s also the spot for lunch and small plates later in the day.

Anticipating dinner in the hotel’s Cassis restaurant, I opted to grab a quick bite and beverage from the new 24-hour market off the lobby. The compact space is well stocked with artisanal sandwiches, coffees, sweets and treats. The heated soft pretzel

was just enough to hold me over while unwinding in a posh suite, complete with glam bath, comfy living area around a giant flat screen and a well-stocked minibar and coffee bar. From the 23rd floor, the view went beyond the nearby buildings and as far as Stone Mountain. It’s good to know that some rooms are equipped with humidifiers, hypoallergenic linens and scentless amenities.

The most notable change, and a highlight of my stay, was dinner at Cassis. Each morning, it’s home to a lavish breakfast buffet, but on weekend evenings, it converts into an interactive, French-themed eatery with a twist: Each table is the backdrop for a projected film that tells a visual story about the ingredients in each dish through the antics of the cartoon character, Le Petit Chef.

Part dinner theater, part sumptuous dining, the show is hosted by a French-accented maître d’ who presents an introduction to each of the pre-selected five courses.

Checking out the Grand Hyatt’s latest revival, coupled with the unusual dinner experience, certainly made for a welcome respite from a hectic work week. And being centrally located in the heart of Buckhead makes it close enough to visit again and again, if just for the dinner and an electronic show, if nothing else. n

Above: Modern lighting and lighter colors were part of the renovation.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a view of The Fabled Lounge.
Left: Guestrooms were updated to reflect contemporary luxury.
Above: Original artworks are found throughout the refreshed hotel.

Practical

Pops

A BUCKHEAD HOME PROVES COLORFUL CHOICES CAN BE BOTH STYLISH AND DURABLE

Olivia Head purchased her circa 1927, three-bedroom, twobathroom Peachtree Hills Craftsman-style home in 2022. Plank siding and shingle accents serve as a backdrop to the copper lantern, porch swing and teal door. It has a letter slip for mail, and it’s finished with an American flag. From the outside, the home is quintessentially classic, evoking a sense of seaside serenity. However, the front door opens to

reveal a colorfully posh interior that suits Head, a historic preservation consultant with a client roster that includes the National Park Service. It is an ideal space for herself, her two dogs and two cats. “Home is where I am most comfortable; I can let my hair down and do puzzles or build LEGO sets while watching my favorite trash TV. Most importantly, though, home is where my menagerie reigns and feels safe and cozy,” Head says. ➥

STORY: Nicole Letts
PHOTOS: Heidi Harris, Patrick Heagney
Varying textures and details such as scallop edges on dining chairs and nail head trim on the ottomans set a playful tone for the home.
“I told [designer Virginia Cheek] I love green and purple, and that I wanted to make it a little quirky and funky.”—Olivia Head

Working in partnership with her cousin, designer Virginia Cheek, Head gave minimal direction for getting started. “I think I just told her I love green and purple, and that I wanted to make it a little quirky and funky,” Head says. The pair recalled Firmdale Hotels such as New York’s The Whitby and London’s Ham Yard, known for their maximalist styles and layered looks, to serve as inspiration.

“When people first walk in, the view from the living room through the cased opening into the dining room and then farther into the kitchen always catches them off guard,” Head says. “The three rooms are very different in terms of color and style, but they blend and flow so well. You move from a bright space to a moody space and back

to a bright space, so you get a varied experience.”

In the living room, a custom sofa is covered in an indoor/outdoor fabric that mimics the front door’s teal hue and is paired with a dusty rose, oyster shell finish coffee table. Sentimental artwork flanks the window. “Virginia helped me commission four small paintings by artist Caroline Gray based on old photographs of my parents. If I’m ever missing my family [who lives in Birmingham], I can just look up and see a painted version of my college-aged dad drinking beer on a beach or my mom snow skiing like a pro,” Head says. Cheek added a collected-over-time look with a reproduction chest from Modern History and a set of wood-mounted museum bees in frames upcycled

Olivia poses with her pups, Oso and Fox.
Paint by numbers horse artwork and a collection of museum bees flanks a dresser for additional living room storage.

into small works of art. Vintage paint-by-numbers horse motifs from Head’s art collection were chosen to complete the space.

Cheek used Benjamin Moore Lush, a more saturated version of the sofa's color, to add depth to the dining room walls. “It’s what I wanted but couldn’t put into words. Virginia found the perfect shade of green that is simultaneously moody and homey,” Head says. The room is anchored by a walnut dining table from New Orleans-based Doorman Designs, complete with custom purple-gingham upholstered chairs, a dramatic Urban Electric Company light fixture and a wall-to-wall custom banquette, which Head says is her favorite piece of furniture in the house. On the opposite wall, a built-in wet bar showcases Head’s

casual entertaining panache. “It’s my main hosting room,” she says. In the kitchen, Cheek and Head made cosmetic upgrades such as swapping hardware, adding a Phillip Jeffries textured grasscloth wallpaper and dotting the space with punchy citrus shades. “I am unfortunately not much of a cook, but this kitchen is more fun to cook in than any of my previous kitchens. The wallpaper, cabinet paint color and window treatments make it so bright and happy; it inspires me to cook more than usual. My go-tos are typically really easy, [such as] tacos and pasta, and I love throwing on a podcast or audiobook while prepping and cooking. I do make a really mean queso that matches the kitchen perfectly,” Head says. Cheek points to the Roman

Above: Custom shelving accomodates the homeowner's book collection in the study.
Below: The Red lamps are an unexpected punch of color on the wet bar.
Phillip Jeffries wallpaper, a textured grasscloth, covers the kitchen walls and adds dimension.
The dining room features a herringbone ceiling treatment and plate displays.

shade fabric as encompassing the home’s spirit. As such, she chose to repeat it on the skirted table in the mudroom.

As a voracious reader living in a 1,300-square-foot home, Head needed storage for her bounty

of books. Novels and other reading material are tucked here and there throughout the house, in the arched shelving or artfully stacked on tables. Cheek also created a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf for the study, opting to drench the room

in Gray Sky by Benjamin Moore. “It’s so pale it almost reads as a neutral,” Cheek says. “It also has that feminine feel without being overtly pink or fussy.” The corner reading nook features a vintage chair and ottoman from Interiors Market recovered in matching fabric to give them a unified look.

Head’s request for all things green is perhaps best showcased in her bedroom. The homeowner and designer started with the fiddle-leaf fig Ferrick Mason fabric and wallpaper, found on the walls and window treatments, and used it to guide the rest of the space. Thoughtful details such as green embroidery on the bed linens reinforce the color palette. In the ensuite bathroom, green cabinetry mirrors the corresponding room’s fabric.

The guest room is anchored by

a bed and bolster Head already had, which Cheek repurposed and reupholstered. Visual Comfort library lights with custom lampshades draw in the berry hue from the bedding, and a custom rug cut around the fireplace to fit the room makes it feel even cozier.

The home is ultimately designed for Head to share with her friends, family and pets. “The pops of color throughout the house help hide any dirt the dogs might track in. Virginia chose many of the materials to be easily wipeable and rip-resistant. All of the furniture also already had the perfect, lived-in look that made the house feel so cozy and disguises any wear and tear that the animals have inevitably caused,” Head says. The result is a charming, lived-in abode that creatively uses color to capitalize on functionality. n

Above: The primary bedroom's fiddle leaf wallpaper served as color inspiration for the en suite bathroom.
Below: Green echoes throughout the home including in the saturated powder room.
Ferrick Mason paper and fabric was chosen for the walls and window treatments.

Head and Cheek decided to reuse the

fabric from a previous design. They then pulled plum and mustard into the soft furnishings such as the curtains and the pillow

IN THE DETAILS

Homeowner Olivia Head shares some of her favorite household items.

1. Skirted table. “Virginia designed a table for my mudroom that serves as a coffee stand, but it also has curtains that hide the litterbox and other unsavory animal items.”

2. Ichendorf Milano wine glasses. “They are stemless and have glass animals at the bottom. I started with the ducks, but have since collected turtles, deer, snails, Christmas-themed creatures and my favorite—the hedge hog. These always come out when I am entertaining.”

3. and neighbors over for dinner, a mahjong game or a drink. It’s also a great spot for puzzling.”

Above:
bedskirt
shams.
Right: The home's personality starts at the front porch with a swing and copper accents.
Above: Shelving displays Head's books, tchockes and treasures.

BULLETIN BOARD

BRIGHT IDEAS

The art of the lamp

Lamps are easy to access online these days, but they’re not as easy to fix. That’s something Hunter Thompson, who owns the Upper Westside’s Lamp Arts Inc. with his parents, knows all too well. “People need to understand lighting and what goes into it to understand what we do,” he says. “You can get a $50 lamp online, but you can’t have it fixed for less than that, although some people just love the lamp regardless and want to fix it.”

The company, which does repairs, sells lamps, offers custom items and more, has been in Atlanta since 1949, and Thompson has been a part of it since 2012.

Here, he delves further into what services the business provides.

What Lamp Arts services are on offer? We are a full-service lighting

DESIGN & REALTY NEWS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Atlantans benefit from being able to use outdoor space much of the year. To make that experience even more enjoyable, consider Brown Jordan’s European-inspired TECNO line, an outdoor kitchen collaboration between manufacturer Dekton by Cosentino and Daniel Germani Designs. Sleek, stylish and durable for all-weather outdoor cooking, it can be configured in various ways, as shown in 120 out of the 144 units at The Dillon condominium on Peachtree Road. See it in person there or at AuthenTEAK in West Midtown. brownjordan.com

showroom. We import and restore European fixtures. We offer repair services to customers and design firms, from basic socket repairs to rewiring French chandeliers. We have corporate clients; for instance, we supply the lampshades for the Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta. We work with more than 30 suppliers, giving us access to a lot of newer lighting. We stock over 10,000 lampshades in our showroom.

What about custom pieces?

We also do custom lampshades— probably more now than ever. We can make lamps in specific colors you are trying to match or make custom fixtures. For example, if you found two perfect vases, we could convert those into lamps. We do custom bases and fabricate larger fixtures with nothing but a picture

The North American debut of Polish artist Dominika Hofman is happening Sept. 28 at Impossible Currency gallery in Buckhead Village. The exhibit, A Pervading Wonder, explores the artist’s play of light and shadow, with inspiration coming from shells and mother-of-pearl. The paradoxical work brings depth, color and emotion. impossiblecurrency.com

n From Sept. 23 - 25, designers, design enthusiasts and tradespeople are invited to experience DISCOVER ADAC. Three days of programming during the fall

market will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, parties, book signings, demonstrations and more with top designers and architects throughout the Southeast, such as Atlanta-based designers Joel Kelly, Vern Yip and Susan Ferrier. Registration is required. adacatlanta.com

Designer Bradley Odom of Dixon Rye has collaborated with chef and Dirt Church Ceramics potter Zach Meloy on The Meloy Dinnerware Collection. The handcrafted pieces are available in two

to go on. We once made a pair of three-tiered, 10-foot-wide chandeliers for a movie set.

Is lamp making a dying art?

It’s a lot to deal with all the components of lighting and having everything you need to work on them. It’s made us niche because fewer and fewer places have the knowledge and staff who can do it. You don’t have to worry about the quality of work with us. We’re a well-established small business based on service and making sure our customers are happy. Our repairs drive customers to us, and then they realize that we can do everything from making a custom shade to repairing a turn-of-thecentury chandelier. n

LAMP ARTS • lampartsinc.com • @lampartsinc

sophisticated colorways, called cloud and moss. The collection includes pasta bowls, mugs, plates and more, and draws inspiration from Japanese ceramic and Southern pottery traditions. dixonrye.com

If we can ask for anything, it would be for less, to be freed from the trappings of the modern world, especially its the of time which we would fill with family and friends, long walks to waterfalls, paddles dipped in the lake, and most of all, to be healthier and more observant of our natural world. Our storybook village is flip-flops close, farmers’ markets and concerts on The Village Green are the order of the day. Less takes on a whole new meaning.

Nellie Table Lamp with BlockPrinted Cotton Shade ($295)

Compact and elegant, the Nellie Table Lamp from British lighting brand Pooky is a design-forward way to illuminate a table. It’s 15 inches tall and has a harp and finial for a traditional look. For a twist, choose from two base colors, turquoise or emerald, and 385 shades in silk, linen and cotton. Pooky • us.pooky.com • @pookylightsus

School of Color

Priya Pillow ($284)

This Buckhead-based brand brings old Indian textile traditions to life in the modern world, such as in this Priya pillow. Made from a cotton and linen blend, it features a twist on traditional chikankari (embroidery) and a practical cotton backing. The 22-inch square pillow is handembroidered by artisans in New Delhi and Kolkata, and comes with an oversized down pillow insert for a designer look.

Wholesale custom orders are available for other sizes.

Fairhaven Circle fairhavencircle.com @fairhavencircle

Primary colors get a sophisticated upgrade. Red, blue and yellow are no longer regulated to a child’s paint palette; instead, they symbolize bold creativity and cheerfulness. Here are a few pieces to incorporate into your next design. STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Tibetan Sun in Ruby (price upon request)

The Tibetan Sun fabric from the Jim Thompson Tony Duquette Collection exudes Duquette’s signature joie de vivre. Shades of red, yellow and blue with a small hint of green, it was created by designer and current Tony Duquette Inc. owner Hutton Wilkinson. The fabric is 30% silk and 70% cotton for a nice tactile feel. Check it out in person at the Jim Thompson showroom at ADAC. Jim Thompson • jimthompsonfabrics.com • @jimthompson.fabrics

Mustard Made The Lowdown ($329)

Mustard Made’s The Lowdown locker adds a dash of ’90s nostalgia to a mud room, kid’s bedroom or office. Two hooks, one on the inside of each door, and one adjustable shelf make the narrow console a storage maximizer. It also contains two holes for easy cable management. The magnetic exterior is perfect for personalization. It’s available in other bright colors like poppy, berry and ocean. Anthropologie anthropologie.com • @anthropologie

Vitra Eames Mini Elephant ($145)

Bright, colorful and full of personality, this Eames is a fun way to bring a wink into a room. Originally conceptualized in 1945, the toy was never produced by the designer. Instead, Vitra Design Museum created this 8-inch, 2-pound version as an homage. Molded, sleek and stylish, it is crafted in the style of the Eames Molded Shell Chair.

Design Within Reach • dwr.com • @dwr

A Perfect Blend

A Sandy Springs couple debuts decor line Cuvée Home

Interior designer Bailey Ward always joked with her husband, William, that she was going to start a business to satisfy clients who wanted the look of expensive lighting without the eye-popping price tags. “Every time I’d work on a project for a client, they’d get to the lamp line item and say, ‘Can you do it for less?’” she says. The two decided to make the idea a reality in January 2024 when a silhouette of a lamp Bailey loved to use in projects was discontinued. “We thought about other things I was always looking for that we could bring directly to homeowners, too,” she says. Cuvée Home debuted in 2025. The French name refers to the winemaking process where carefully selected grapes are blended together for

balance and refinement. Here, they share their story.

What kinds of items do you sell?

BW: We have lamp bases, shades, trays, intaglios and cocktail napkins that are designed and produced in-house by Cuvée Home. We also have additional home decor, lamp bases, pottery pieces, vases and picture frames from other makers. We’ve curated things I find myself looking for all the time. I wanted to create a one-stop shop.

How is the creative process different from interior design?

BW: It has been a lot more work than I thought it would be, but it’s been fun. I’m still learning a lot about retail and e-commerce because the eye of the consumer is different from the eye of

a designer. We target design-minded consumers and want to help them home in on their design. I had a panel of friends who are not designers whom I’d ask, “Is this too designer? Would you buy this?” It’s been interesting to strike a balance of creating things people would like but that still are elevated and unique.

How has it been working together as a married couple?

WW: It’s been good. We play on each other’s strengths. Bailey is business-minded, but her obvious strength is design. My background is in software, so I’ve got an eye for the e-commerce side of things and making sure our website is running, engaging with suppliers and doing due diligence. It’s been a lot of work over the last year, and we both still

have our day jobs in consulting and interior design. We work on this after our kids go to bed at night, or it's interspersed throughout our days. It’s worth it. We are now a one-stop shop for everything a customer might need, and it’s seamless and easy. You can trust that, when you come to our site, everything is going to be intentional.

Speaking of intentional, can you talk about your partnership with Pottery & Clay?

BW: Potter & Clay is a Haiti-based organization started by two college friends of mine from Mississippi State University. They help women with maternal care. Our oldest daughter was born eight weeks premature, and we were so loved on by our community that we wanted to do the same for women in Haiti. Each Mother’s Day, we will find a partner and have an annual vase for sale with proceeds that go to them. This year, we sold out quickly, so next year we’ll likely take pre-orders. n

CUVÉE HOME shopcuveehome.com • @cuveehome

STYLISH

Fall’s Fashion Refresh Page 38

“I love the embellished fabrics we’re seeing for fall, because it’s like wearing permanent jewelry.”
— Jess Cathell
Content creator Jess Cathell shares what fall fashions have caught her eye.

FALL’S FASHION REFRESH

This season's trends offer an embellished shift from minimalism

STORY: Emily L. Foley

Wondering what to expect from fashion this fall? Think bold. Fashion houses inserted a new energy into the designs that came down the fall/ winter 2025 runways, cranking up the volume from last year’s quiet luxury and minimalism and giving us a far more attention-grabbing aesthetic. Opulence replaces simplicity with jolts of color, a heavy dose of leopard print and next-level layering in both apparel and accessories playing key roles in the styles of the season. But perhaps the biggest star of the season: texture. From over-the-top displays of lace and fur to embellished fabrics, unconventional pleating, edgy ruffles and buttery leather, texture is having a major moment this fall. To get ready for what’s bound to be an attention-grabbing season, we tapped two local fashion tastemakers to find out what they are most excited for when it comes to fall’s trends.

MONICA AWE-ETUK

If Awe-Etuk’s style had to be described in one word, it would be

chic. Although she has a penchant for classic pieces, she styles them with a modern twist and an elevated eye, making her looks striking but with just enough approachability that anyone can aspire to her fashion choices. When it comes to fall’s runways, she says, “I’ve always been a layering girl, so I love that we’ve moved away from quiet luxury and everyone looking the same, and we’re seeing layers and bolder fashion statements.” Another thing exciting Awe-Etuk is color. “I’m a fan of color, and I always look to color first when I’m styling an outfit because it easily pulls the entire thing together,” she says. In fact, color has Awe-Etuk finally convinced to go all-in with a fashion staple she’s long been wary of. “I actually never used to be a leopard girlie, but it stands the test of time, and it’s a huge trend for fall that I’m excited about now,” she says. “The color combination of black and brown is not only what makes leopard such a great neutral because it’s two colors that people gravitate to and are easy to incorporate into every wardrobe, but you can also

use it in as loud or quiet of a way as you want, which is what makes it so relevant this season.” @awedbymoni

JESS CATHELL

Cathell is known for making fashion accessible to all women by translat ing fashion trends from runway in spiration to real world pieces that are easy to pair and wear. Cathell herself loves classic, tailored pieces and leans toward elegant staples. For fall, she is looking forward to added drama, particularly when it comes to coats. “I love a long coat. I like the hem to be as long or longer than the skirt or dress that you’re wearing because that really elevates any look, whether you’re pairing it with heels or sneak-

in the colorways and the size of the dot, which means it’s easier to find the perfect polka dot for your frame,” she says. Another trend she’s looking forward to is embellished fabrics. “It’s almost a kind of permanent jewelry when you have beading and accents all over the garment, and with that, you don’t have to add as much jewelry because it’s already accessorized.” @j.cathell n

Fendi’s fall/winter runway showed how head-to-toe leopard print is done.
Monica Awe-Etuk
Layering lace can create a luxe fall statement, as seen on the Chloé runway.

Real Talk With Dr. Fonda Martin

FALL FASHION GUIDE No

Map. Just Mood.

Capture the effortless, exploratory spirit of early fall with grounded earthy neutrals and gilded accents—artfully layered for the season’s first cool days and beyond.

How Does Menopause Impact Intimacy?

Declining collagen levels during menopause can make sex unsatisfying and uncomfortable. However, feminine rejuvenation treatment can stimulate your body’s natural collagen and elastin production, helping to rebuild vaginal tissue, improve sensation, and reduce sexual dysfunction in just a few sessions!

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Yes! A Doctor Who Gets It!

As a concierge gynecologist and certified menopause practitioner, Dr. Martin offers a whole-woman approach to managing menopause. By keeping insurance companies out of the exam room, she can tailor care to your needs and empower you to embrace this exciting new step in your life!

• Hormone therapy • Sexual health counseling

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Bare Your Sole

Medical pedicures offer a safe environment for your feet

Waterless pedicures have become a popular option for those trying to reduce environmental impact and have a more sanitary nail salon experience. Medical pedicures take it one step farther by doing a service under the guidance of a podiatrist. Similar to waterless pedicures, medi-pedis reduce the risk of waterborne pathogens often present in traditional salon footbaths, says Dr. Ushma Sheth, a podiatrist at Gauld Foot and Ankle and owner and founder of Sona Medical Pedicure Spa in Buckhead. Sheth and her colleagues began Sona to serve patients who had fungal and bacterial infections from regular nail salons. “After we got them better, they would ask us, ‘Where do I go now?’ and I didn’t have a

place I could recommend that was safe. So we made one,” she says. Sheth says she’s not alone in catching onto this trend. “A lot of podiatrists will have a medical nail tech on staff exclusively for their patients,” she says. “We come at it from a preventative health angle to help people avoid infections and having to come see us.” Education is a big part of what a good medical pedicure spa will do. “We want our clients to understand the nail techs and what they can do, as well as how not to create issues in the future,” she says.

The doctor difference Sheth deals with dozens of foot problems every day and often sees wounds, ulcers and infections courtesy of traditional nail salon en vironments. In a medical pedicure, everything is surgically sterilized. The products used are breathable and non-toxic, and the main focuses are rehydration (without water) and skin repair, rather than how the polish looks. Additionally, certified medical pedicure technicians like

are more likely to catch an infection,” she says. Diabetics in particular are more susceptible to issues. “It takes twice as long to heal from something if you have diabetes,” Sheth says. “One of the first things they tell you when you are diagnosed with diabetes is to try not to get pedicures because you are setting yourself up for potentially getting a bacterial infection that won’t heal.”

Sheth says regular polish can strip your nails. Gel polish is a big offender. “Polish strips the keratin and occludes the nail cells. If you don’t use breathable polish, and you keep the polish on for months, fungus can grow in a dark and damp environment like a shoe,” she says.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Hydration is an oft-skipped step in a traditional setting beyond a generic lotion application and a soak. “Those water baths aren’t doing anything for you,” Dr. Sheth says. Instead of soaking feet—and wasting water—she recommends using products that exfoliate and hydrate to preserve the skin’s natural moisture balance, like the Footlogix products Sona uses. “Prolonged water exposure can actually cause dryness and irritation,” she says.

pedicure spas: people who are under the medical advice of a doctor, and anyone who wants a more hygienic and cleaner experience to promote healthy nails. “We see clients with diabetes and vascular issues, pregnant clients and people with neuropathy [nerve damage] issues. All of them

Price adjustment

A medical pedicure or nail service is not much more than a traditional salon experience. At Sona, a signature medical pedicure starts at $70. “We’re more than a traditional nail salon but less than a hotel spa service,” she says. The price is reflective of the education and environment. “We create a clean, sterile and healthy pedicure, but it’s also very relaxing and luxurious,” she says. Most appointments at a medical pedicure spa are private, allowing nail techs to focus on delivering a top-notch experience. Sheth, naturally, puts it into a shoe metaphor: People love high heels, but they’re not necessarily the best footwear for foot health, she says. “The same is true for a medical pedicure. If you’re only paying for the aesthetics of a salon and not a good system, then what’s it really worth?” n

SONA MEDICAL PEDICURE SPA 404.436.6765 • sonamedicalpedicure.com @sonamedicalpedicure

MENOPAUSE MATTERS

In the United States, an estimated 75 million women are currently in perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause. Yet many medical schools and residency programs don’t offer a dedicated menopause curriculum. “It’s a problem that the majority of us physicians had limited training in menopausal care,” says Dr. Fonda Martin, obstetrician-gynecologist at BoutiqueGYN Wellness Center in Brookhaven. “I wanted to better treat and serve my patients, in addition to supporting my own journey, which is why I chose to get certified through the Menopause Society.” Here, Martin explains what every woman should know about her changing body.

The Beginning

The perimenopausal phase leads up to menopause, and symptoms can start as early as your late 30s. “This is

when you still have estrogen but not at the same level as before,” Martin says. Menopause is defined as going 12 consecutive months without a period and, on average, begins around 51 years old in the U.S.

STORY: Karina Antenucci

How to find hormonal balance and feel better

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Symptoms are wide ranging and can vary from woman to woman, Martin says. You may notice your period becomes shorter, lighter, longer or heavier, or possibly skips a month. Other symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, eczema flare ups, itchy ears, joint pain, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, pain with intercourse, increased urinary tract infections, incontinence, body odor changes, thinning hair, ringing in ears, frozen shoulder, migraines and brain fog.

“If you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to perimenopause or menopause, keep a journal of what you’re experiencing, as well as what you are eating, drinking and doing, and bring it to your doctor’s appointment,” Martin says.

Martin says the safest options are transdermals—patches and creams that can be applied to the inner forearm, back or stomach—because they don’t go through the liver and therefore do not increase the risk of blood clots.

Those with a uterus must use estrogen and progesterone together to protect the endometrial lining. Not everyone needs testosterone. If you do—for instance, if you have no desire for intercourse—insurance might not cover it because it is considered an “off-label use” for women, Martin says. She likes to see patients four to six weeks after initiating HRT to check on symptoms or side effects such as breast tenderness and irregular bleeding that are common for up to six months, and adjust doses if needed. n

a fellowship program in integrative dermatology for dermatologists. This integrates our Western medical practice with alternative traditions, such as Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines, and leans heavily into nutrition to help with skin diseases.

Why are you particularly interested in hormone-related skin conditions?

For years, we have been taught, “This is what you do to take care of acne.” Increasingly, I was seeing young women with cystic inflammatory acne who were asking for their third course of Accutane. I thought, “Something is off.” As I dove deeper into these patient histories, I found facial hair growth and irregular menstrual cycles, and realized I was diagnosing polycystic ovarian syndrome before their OB-GYNs. This gave me a clearer path to address hormonal acne and get them to a point of clearness. Then, the more I read about the different subtypes of imbalances of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, the more I became comfortable seeing where we needed to target hormones, including with other conditions.

What made you launch an aesthetic arm at the practice? When I purchased the practice, we did not have an aesthetician. I felt there was a need in this area in order to better serve patients, so we added Clear Aesthetics MD to make clear and beautiful skin easy and accessible.

Do you have a current favorite skin care product?

Skin Deep

Dermatologist Corinne Erickson takes an integrative approach

Dr. Corinne Erickson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 13, which led to her interest in medicine. She found her calling during her fourth year at the University of Rochester School of Medicine when she rotated into dermatology and discovered she enjoyed the complexities of helping patients manage their visible conditions that often had underlying causes.

After working in multiple dermatology practices in Dallas and in Atlanta for 14 years post-residency, the board-certified dermatologist took over as the owner of Georgia Skin Specialists in Buckhead in 2022. “What’s unique about our practice is the collaborative environment between providers and staff in our one location, and how this carries over into quality patient care. Many

Erickson, a Macon native, also has a special interest in integrative dermatology and how hormones impact the skin. Here, we speak with her about why she has pursued additional integrative studies as well as her favorite skin care products and more.

What does an integrative approach to dermatology mean?

My physician’s assistant, Traci Jones, and I have always been interested in the interplay between wellness, nutrition, mindfulness and skin health. Two years ago, Traci completed an integrative dermatology training program for PAs, and I completed

I use a lot of the Hydrinity products, a unique line that is based in hyaluronic acid. It is different from others on the market in the way it functions as a hydrator and also a delivery system for specific plant-based peptides to penetrate through skin cells to deliver anti-inflammatory messages. It’s tolerable by all skin types.

What are your non-negotiables for a skin care product routine?

Both a medical-grade antioxidant and retinol or a prescription retinoid, all of which undergo rigorous clinical testing. Plus, a mineral-based tinted SPF. n

GEORGIA SKIN SPECIALISTS

404.352.1730 • georgiaskinspecialists.com @georgiaskinspecialists

First Things First Page 50

“We prioritize prenatal care, but we need to do better when it comes to postpartum care”— Dr. Phindile Chowa

PLANES, TRAINS AND (HOPEFULLY NO) TANTRUMS

Tips from our writers on traveling sanely with little kids STORY: Karina Antenucci

Forget packing light. When you're traveling with small children, it's all about planning heavy. To help you swap meltdowns for memories, we asked our team of parenting pros and frequent travelers to dish out their best advice for hitting the road or skies with little ones in tow.

More Is More Is More

If you take only one thing from this article, let it be this: pack more snacks. Then pack more than that. “Bring five times more than you think you’ll need,” Lauren Finney Harden says. “Snacks are activities when you're on the road.” Emily Foley agrees: “Always have snacks in every pocket, tote and bag. Don’t wait for your kids to ask—offer them proactively before they get hangry.”

Along those same lines, H.M. Cauley, whose kids are grown, says, “Be prepared to distract them!” She still remembers one of the best examples

of being prepared was a superhero mom she saw on a flight who pulled snacks, books and even a Hot Wheels racetrack out of her “Mary Poppins bag” mid-air for her two boys.

Foley agrees never to underestimate the power of preparedness— and a good toy rotation. “Whenever you travel, have a new game, sticker book, toy or activity book that you don’t give them until you start the trip. The newness keeps them occupied for longer,” she says.

Set the Easy-Breezy Adventure Bar Low

You may remember traveling as a carefree exploration: breezing through airports and exploring new cities on foot. “Mentally prepare yourself,” Carly Cooper says. “You’re not going to travel at the same pace you did pre-kids, and that’s okay.”

Setting realistic expectations can make all the difference. Cooper recommends choosing locations

with family-friendly or outdoor activities and saving the quiet museums for another time.

Amy Meadows suggests giving everyone in the family a voice in the planning if you’re headed to a theme park: “Have each person in the family choose their one mustride attraction; make sure to get to those, and the rest will feel like a bonus.” Hint: You can do the same thing outside of theme parks but present your preferred activity options for the kids to choose from.

Screen Time Is Your Best Friend “This is not the time to scrutinize screen time,” Cooper says. Download shows, movies or learning games that your kids will love onto a tablet or Kindle before your trip and pack kid-sized headphones. The goal? Distraction during long drives, plane rides or late dinners. And peace. Lots and lots of peace for you.

Pack Smart with the Latest Tools Some of the most ingenious travel items aren’t glamorous, but they work. Harden swears by the Slumberpod if your child is still in a crib. This compact, breathable blackout tent keeps babies sleeping soundly in unfamiliar spaces. And if you’re road-tripping, don’t forget the digital power inverter that you can plug into the car, Meadows says. It’s a game-changer for keeping all devices charged.

Don’t Apologize for Kids

Being Kids

Finally, Foley offers this gentle reminder: “You don’t owe anyone an apology for your children existing in public. Babies and children are people, too, and they have just as much right to be in a public space as any adult does.” And with the right planning, they can be happy, engaged and (mostly) meltdown-free travel companions. n

Above: Foodie Tastemaker columnist Carly Cooper and family at Yellowstone National Park.
Below: Beauty writer Emily Foley braving an airplane ride with her two littles in 2018.

For several months in spring, summer and fall, kitten season overwhelms already crowded animal shelters with intake demands.

A Trying Time

Kitten season, which lasts from spring to early fall, might sound cute, but in reality, it’s not. It’s the time of year when unneutered outdoor cats mate, producing multiple kittens that might not have a home.

“Once kitten season starts, it comes on fast,” says Zac Hadlock, marketing and communications manager of Cumming-based Furkids Inc. that operates several satellite locations, including the Perimeter PetSmart and Buckhead's Petco. “It’s a challenging time when shelters are inundated with intake requests for newborn kittens and their mothers when space is limited. Rescue groups do all they can, but the unfortunate truth is there are more kittens than there is room.” Furkids often does intakes from overcrowded animal shelters

so animals aren't euthanized for space and looks for foster homes.

What You Can Do

The most logical action is to ensure your cats are spayed and/or neutered, even if they don’t go outside. It’s a good idea for their health and safety, and if they accidentally do get out of the house, they will not be able to mate with other cats and continue the kitten season cycle.

“Spaying and neutering cats is the only way to keep shelters in a manageable state and avoid unnecessary illness, injury and lives lost,” Hadlock says.

If you encounter outdoor or stray cats in your neighborhood, you can team up with local rescue organizations to trap-neuter-return (TNR) them if they are not already sterilized. This can help stop the un-

How to help during the hectic kitten season

planned birthing cycle. The Furkids website offers information on how to get involved in its TNR initiative under the “Community Cats” tab.

How to Help Cat

Shelters and Rescues

One of the easiest ways to assist these organizations during the busy kitten season is to donate money and/or supplies. Most shelters have a wish list on their websites with the items most in need, which includes everything from cat food and litter to blankets and medical supplies.

Volunteering can also be a huge help, and the opportunities run the gamut from hands-on time with the kittens (socializing and providing meds) or helping with administrative tasks such as promoting adoptable cats on the organization’s social media platforms.

Providing a foster home for a litter of kittens and their mother can also help alleviate the burden on shelters. If a feline mom is still weaning her babies, there is no need to bottle feed them, but several organizations do offer bottle-feeding classes if that is necessary.

And, of course, if you have room in your home and the lifestyle to own a cat, adopting and not shopping for one is the best. For kittens, adopting them as a pair is ideal.

“When kittens go home together, they are less destructive because they have a playmate with whom to exert extra energy,” Hadlock says.

“Living with a buddy also fosters socialization so they can grow up to be well-adjusted cats.” n

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Buckhead-based physician explains the importance of postpartum prep

STORY: Amy Meadows

You’ve set up the nursery.

You’ve organized the items gifted from your baby registry. And you’ve read all of the books about how to care for the bundle of joy that will arrive soon. But have you thought about what you may personally need during your postpartum experience? Buckhead-based physician and postpartum expert Dr. Phindile Chowa, founder of EMCare2U and author of What to Expect Next: A Postpartum Guide for a Healthy, Happy Mom, has thought about it, and she wants to help you navigate those first few days, weeks and months with your newborn so your well-being is also a priority. Here are her thoughts.

Why do I need to think about postpartum prep?

Some people think that pregnancy is the most challenging part of having a baby, but it can actually be the

postpartum period. And some find that they feel really unprepared. So postpartum prep is not only getting ready for the baby but also getting ready for your healing. It’s about making sure that mom is physically, mentally and emotionally supported.

How do I start my postpartum prep?

After you give birth, you’re going to have to deal with a lot of the aches and pains that come with having a baby. I recommend setting up a corner in your home where you have everything you need: ice packs, a spray bottle so you can practice good hygiene, pads, pain relievers and other recovery items. You also need a good comfortable chair and a breastfeeding pillow. The key is to set up your home so everything is conducive to healing. These days, women are having nesting parties instead of baby showers; this is when everyone comes together to prepare the house

before the birth. They make sure everything is organized and even stock up the freezer. It’s a way to help mom set up her life for baby and recovery.

Should my postpartum team include people besides my OB/GYN?

The first person on your team should be your OB/GYN or midwife; that person will be there in case of emergencies. Beyond that, I recommend having a pelvic floor physical therapist; you should meet with this person during your pregnancy to prepare for the birth and see them after to help rework your muscles that have gone through a marathon. I also suggest having a really good chiropractor, a lactation consultant and an acupuncturist (acupuncture can help regulate emotions and mental wellness as your body recovers). And if you feel like you are dealing with postpartum depression, see a therapist. It’s important to drop the rigid expectations of being strong and feeling like you should be able to do it all; many emotional and hormonal changes

come with having a baby, and there may be a time when you need help.

Will my postpartum period end quickly?

I think we need to give moms more time in the postpartum period. Moms are typically seen by their OB/GYN six weeks after giving birth, given the all-clear and are not seen again. But moms can walk away with long-lasting side effects, some that can last for years. Whether it’s pelvic floor problems, incontinence, chronic back pain and even cardiovascular disease, which can arise after experiencing preeclampsia, there are issues that can linger from a lack of follow up. We prioritize prenatal care, but we need to do better when it comes to postpartum care. There needs to be less emphasis on the six-week mark and a discussion around how we can help mom recover her body and mind. That’s not within a six-week period; it can take much longer. n

Dr. Phindile Chowa understands the challenges moms face during those first days and weeks after giving birth.

CULTURE

Dancing Queen Page 54

“You can see ballet steps and my classical training in my choreography for sure.”
—Darian Kane
Darian Kane's life as a ballerina began at age 8. She's been a dancer with the Atlanta Ballet since 2018.

Ioriginally wanted to be a hip-hop dancer,” says Westside resident Darian Kane, who just finished her seventh season as a dancer with the Atlanta Ballet. “When I was 8, my mother told me she was taking me to a dance class, which I thought was hip-hop, but when I got there, they put me in a leotard and tights. I remember being horrified, but I was a very stubborn kid. So I ended up just being like, ‘Whatever, I'm gonna stick with it.’ And now here I am.”

Kane, 28, who hails from California, received her dance training at the Capitol Ballet Center in Sacramento, then performed for several

Dancing Queen

Veteran ballerina Darian Kane adds choreography to her repertoire

years with BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio, before joining the Atlanta Ballet in 2018. Since then, she’s performed in everything from The Nutcracker to Giselle, and in 2021, she was named to Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” list. The honor came after Kane decided to try her hand at choreography, which resulted in a debut piece titled Dr. Rainbow’s Infinity Mirror

During the pandemic, Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin invited company members to choreograph something for their fellow dancers. “I decided it was extra work,” Kane says. “But then a friend said that no women

had volunteered. So I volunteered and ended up just completely falling in love with it.”

Kane describes her choreography style as indie pop contemporary.

“You can see ballet steps and my classical training in there for sure,” she says, “but I like to add a lot of playful, whimsical elements.” Through choreography, Kane says she’s able to bypass the criticisms she places on herself as a dancer. “It's far easier for me to look at my coworkers and appreciate all the beautiful things about their dancing.”

“Ballet is about getting all the details and steps perfectly right, while art has no constraints to it,” she says. “But I wish I could say the same trap of perfectionism doesn’t come into my drawing. I have this tendency to get about a third of the way through and then experience an inexplicable fear of moving forward.”

Luckily, Kane’s offseason job working at a produce and floral market invokes less self-analysis. “It's like my safe place because I don't have to look perfect when I do things,” she says. “It's very refreshing.” Kane also enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her dog, Crumpet. And she always has a puzzle going on at her house. “I'm starting to learn how to balance my life and my career in a way that’s ultimately more fulfilling and mentally sustainable for me than when I was younger and was incredibly militant with myself,” she says. “That worked well at that point in time, but as my creative endeavors and desires grow, I need to figure out how to make space for them.” n

Kane admits she’s equally hard on herself when it comes to painting, one of her other longtime passions. ATLANTA BALLET atlantaballet.com • @atlantaballet

Above: Atlanta Ballet dancers perform Dr. Rainbow's Infinity Mirror, Kane's debut piece of choreography.
Kim Kenney

Dpromised to pay them, but few could afford to. Trudy’s companion, Amanda, leaves in the night, gets to Savannah and makes a go of it.”

Even the story’s portrait painter has obstacles to overcome. “She’s based on a 26-year-old artist who painted a portrait of Gertrude,” Curry says. “I found from census figures she was the breadwinner for her mother, sister and her sister’s baby, and was making a career as an artist when women weren’t supposed to have careers.”

HISTORY LESSONS

Buckhead author turns her passion for the past into a new work of fiction STORY: H.M. Cauley

uring COVID, Buckhead resident Carolyn Curry wrote her first murder mystery. Sudden Death drew on her adventures as the wife of former NFL star and coach Bill Curry, and was a departure from her first biographical book, Suffer and Grow Strong: The Life of Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas

“When Bill was in football, he got death threats,” Curry says. “I took a lot of the experiences we had and made it my Agatha Christie of football.”

But after the book’s debut in 2022,

Curry was back to her favorite topic: telling stories anchored in history and the strong women who made it.

Trudy’s Awakening, published this month, combines the two in a tale based around the real-life Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas, the daughter and wife of wealthy Augusta planters whose detailed diaries offered a glimpse into life in Georgia before, during and after the Civil War.

“In returning to my first love–women’s history—I decided I’d take Gertrude and make her a character,” says Curry, 82, an Agnes Scott

alum who earned a Ph.D. in history from Georgia State. “I have a ton of material on her; I knew how she’d talk and feel.”

The book’s other characters are compilations of women connected to Thomas that Curry embellished. “I created lives and relationships that all come together in 1899 Atlanta as Trudy is telling a woman artist her story of survival and coming back from adversity, all while having her portrait painted.”

Women coping with difficulties and finding ways to survive are favorite themes for Curry, who in 2002 launched the nonprofit Women Alone Together to connect women on their own with a support network. For this book, the difficulties are surviving the Civil War.

“Trudy talks about growing up in an affluent family but goes from great wealth to poverty after the war,” Curry says. “But I was also intrigued with how the slaves survived after emancipation. I know from Gertrude’s diary that they were asked to stay on, and owners

Intertwined with those anecdotes are historical facts Curry says even she didn’t know. “I’m a historian, but I was shocked when I realized how few rights women had. They couldn’t own property, couldn’t sue, didn’t have rights to their kids. I love to write about women who were supposed to be silent, seen but not heard, and were not remembered.”

Curry also learned that putting those stories into an historical work like her first book wasn’t the best way to reach the next generation of readers.

“I realized my granddaughters weren’t interested in reading a book with 500 footnotes,” she said. “So when my publisher encouraged me to write a novel, I started thinking about Gertrude as a character. I never dreamed I’d write it, and it floated around in my head for several years. But I really enjoyed it, especially when I realized in fiction, you can make things up!” n

CURRY carolyncurry.com • @drcarolyncurry

Historian and author Carolyn Curry (left) combined her love of the past and storytelling in her latest novel.

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Nurturing Nature

Cathedral Woods draws a congregation

STORY: Denise K. James PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

Nestled in the Collier Hills North neighborhood is an old-growth forest known as Cathedral Woods. Situated along the Beltline’s Northside Trail, between Louise G. Howard Park and Bobby Jones Golf Course, the once-forgotten 5-acre wood is experiencing new life with a forest restoration project under the leadership of the Collier Hills North Neighborhood Association.

Named by former association President Tony Casadonte, Cathedral Woods quietly stood by as neighborhood changes occurred over the years: the passing of longtime resident Louise G. Howard, completion of her namesake park and the hiking trail neighbors wanted for years, now part of the Beltline. Since Casadonte moved to Collier Hills in 1998, he has had the woods on his mind. “It’s a

wonderful natural asset that should be respected as an urban wildlife area but made more accessible for the public to enjoy,” he says.

Today, Casadonte has passed the torch of his vision for Cathedral Woods to current association President Mary Kilgo. The two neighbors spoke to Simply Buckhead about these plans.

How did the restoration project start?

TC: In the mid-20th century, the woods were healthy, but they became overgrown, and by 1998, they were untouched and inaccessible.

MK: The neighbors occasionally tried to clear the invasive species—ivy, wintercreeper vines, laurel, underbrush stuff that isn’t native—but didn’t get much traction. When I became association president around 2015, I agreed we should make it a

public amenity. If you don’t, there’s no incentive to keep it up.

How does forest restoration work?

MK: Winter is the time to maximize clearing; we’ll get more active in October as the weather cools off.

It’s our second year of work, and I’ve been excited about the ephemerals in spring such as trillium, jewelweed and bloodroot. When you look at the woods compared to a year ago, more natural plants are growing—plants you should find in a floodplain. It’ll be interesting to watch over a few years, but it does take long-term effort.

What’s the ultimate vision?

MK: By the time the Beltline is done in 2030, everyone will look at this area and notice it’s different, and we want it to be different from the commercial parts of the Beltline. We want a different kind of amenity, something to teach people about nature rather than something that simply looks pretty.

TC: It’s satisfying to see the latest effort really take hold and make a noticeable difference. I feel a great deal of pride when I walk through on a beautiful day and see numerous people enjoying what I consider to be one of the most beautiful spots in the city.

How can people help with this project?

MK: They can visit the website, collierhillsnorth.org, where there’s a Woodland Restoration tab with information and photos. Another way to sign up for volunteer days is through the Facebook group Hands on Atlanta.

Where did you get the name Cathedral Woods?

TC: We’re the city in the forest. And thousands of people died here during the Civil War [in the Battle of Peachtree Creek]. I’m happy the name stuck. I want people to think of Cathedral Woods as a reverent place and experience it in a thoughtful way. n collierhillsnorth.org

A DECADE OF HOPE

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S FUNDRAISING GALA

The American Cancer Society is gearing up for its 10th annual Hope Ball, a black-tie fundraiser scheduled for Sept. 27. This year's gala, anticipated to raise more than $1.35 million, will be held at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, a larger venue than 2024 chosen to accommodate a growing number of attendees.

The Hope Ball is a cornerstone of ACS's fundraising efforts in Atlanta. This year’s funds will support the Hope Lodge, a program that provides free lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers who must travel for treatment. The Atlanta Hope Lodge, located on Emory University’s campus, has 57 guest rooms and serves patients who live outside a 50-mile radius, including around the world, who are seeking specialized care. There are 31 Hope Lodges around the country.

"The Hope Lodge is a vital program that connects with our road to recovery," says ACS Senior Development Manager Tselan Kunian. "It allows a cancer patient to say yes to a treatment or a doctor that would help their diagnosis."

Richard Cox, senior vice president of Delta Air Lines, is serving as this year's chair, and his involvement takes on a deeper meaning. "He has a cancer story and journey, so though he sits as a representative of Delta, sharing the Hope Ball is a personal connection," Kunian says. Cox is joined by co-chair and Delta Vice President Ken McCue, a long-time supporter of the Hope Ball and a former chair who was recognized with a special award last year for his leadership and dedication to the nonprofit.

Multi Emmy award-winning news anchor Karyn Greer will serve as the event’s emcee, and the evening will feature a "super silent auction.” Highlights include a tour of the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France; a one-week stay at a private home in Hawaii; a weekend experience with a 2025 Bentley Bentayga SUV; and other surprise curated experiences. “While our goal is to exceed $1.35 million, our greater purpose is to raise critical awareness and funding for theHope Lodge and other vital programs that support patients and their families,” Kunian says. The event aims to sell around 600 tickets. n

Guests of the

can expect a silent auction with luxurious experiences for bidders.

event
The 10th annual Hope Ball will raise money for American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge.
Photos: Kim Evans

Encore Performance

Musical proceeds will support new African-American history center in Athens

Following a successful debut, Linnentown: The Musical is set to grace the stage of The Classic Center once again this September. The theatrical production, which premiered in April 2024 to sold-out audiences, chronicles the story of Linnentown, a vibrant Black community in Athens. The musical is adapted from a memoir by author Hattie Thomas Whitehead, a former Linnentown resident. It delves into the community's rich history and its

displacement due to urban renewal in the mid-20th century. Attendees can expect a compelling narrative that highlights the resilience and spirit of the Linnentown residents. “I'm most proud of how the musical transferred the impact of urban renewal on families and communities,” Whitehead says. Proceeds from the musical's run will directly support the development of Athens' first-ever African-American history center, the Athens-Clarke

County Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures. The center is slated to be built on The Classic Center campus, with a groundbreaking taking place later this year. With its return, Linnentown: The Musical aims to double its previous ticket sales and continue to raise critical funds and awareness for this significant historical project. n

BUZZ

ADMH RUN FOR HEALTH

Sept. 7

theadmh.org @admhorg

The annual Adult Disability Medical Healthcare clinic 5K/1K Run for Health will take place at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody. Funds raised directly benefit comprehensive care tailored to teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Participants will receive a dry-fit T-shirt and swag bag. Race bibs start at $25.

THE PRODUCERS

Sept. 5-26

cityspringstheatre.com

@cityspringstheatre

Get ready for laughter as the Tony Award-winning musical The Producers comes to the Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Based on Mel Brooks' classic film, this show follows a Broadway producer and his accountant as they scheme to create the biggest flop in history. Tickets start at $70.

WISH BALL

Sept. 13

wish.org/georgia/wish-ball-2025 @makeawishga

Brookhaven Bird Bam Weekend Returns

After a wildly successful Bird Bam day last summer, Brookhaven is expanding its signature mahjong event to encompass two full days. Brookhaven Bam Bird Weekend will take over the newly opened Brookhaven City Centre Sept. 20 and 21. Hosted by Explore Brookhaven and Brookhaven-based instructional company Rocket Mahjong, this immersive event will bring together enthusiasts of all levels. Attendees will have opportunities for open play and mini-tournaments, and hear from Annelise Heinz, author of Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture. Heinz will be on hand to provide insightful

commentary and historical context.

The weekend will also include meals provided by Petite Violette, complete with a murder mystery dinner where mahjong plays a pivotal role in unraveling the night's secrets. Whether you're looking to hone your game

explorebrookhaven.com • @explorebrookhaven classiccenter.com/1727/LinnentownThe-Musical • @theclassiccenter

The Make-A-Wish Wish Ball returns to the InterContinental Buckhead this month. Community and corporate leaders will gather for an inspiring evening dedicated to transforming the lives of local children battling critical illnesses.

DUNWOODY OKTOBERFEST

Sept. 27

skills, connect with fellow players or simply enjoy a weekend of brain-teasing fun, Brookhaven Bam Bird Weekend offers something for everyone. Early Bird tickets are $395. n

dunwoodyoktoberfest.com @stpatricksatl Dunwoody Oktoberfest is set to transform St. Patrick's Episcopal Church with an authentic Bavarian celebration. The event will feature a live polka band, traditional biergartens, games, a raffle and plenty of German fare. Proceeds from food, drinks and activities benefit the community ministries of St. Patrick’s, including Malachi’s Storehouse and Anchor Place Respite Dunwoody.

PLAY

BALL!

SPORTS STORIES FROM BUCKHEAD AND BEYOND

Sports culture has a foothold in Atlanta. This feature profiles Dyson Daniels, one of the Atlanta Hawks’ rising stars; discovers some lesser-known local pro teams; explores strategies for engaging kids in a sport and helping them keep burnout at bay; uncovers spots to brush up on your athletic skills; and showcases Atlanta United goalie Brad Guzan’s strategies for mental health both on and off the pitch. From sports greats to little ones looking to play their first game, this issue is sure to spark ideas about how you can get in on a game—either as a player or a fan.

The Atlanta Hawks' Dyson Daniels catches some air at the team's training facility in Brookhaven.

When you’re an Australian who just became the 10th NBA player ever to average at least three steals per game, the nickname is almost too obvious: the Great Barrier Thief.

“It’s got a little ring to it, and it’s a cool name,” Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels says of the nickname bestowed by ex-teammate Larry Nance Jr. “I’m glad it stuck.”

The New Orleans Pelicans drafted Daniels eighth overall in 2022 after he spent a year in the developmental G League. But he struggled for two seasons, and the Pelicans traded him to the Hawks in summer 2024.

He was a different player for Atlanta, starting in 76 games and dramatically increasing his points, rebounds, assists, steals and minutes per game. He was named the league’s Most Improved Player and finished second for Defensive Player of the Year.

“In New Orleans I was kind of hesitant to go out there, do things, make plays. I was trying to fit in a little too much,” Daniels says. “That’s not who I am.”

He gained confidence at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by averaging more than 11 points and six rebounds per game in the group stage for Australia. With the wisdom of a 22-year-old, he also says that as a 19-year-old rookie half a world away from home, “I was really young.”

He was only 16 when he turned pro for his hometown Bendigo Braves, the team his father, Ricky, played for when he moved to Australia after college ball at North Carolina State.

Daniels’ older brother, Kai, played U.S. college basketball and is in the Australian Football League. His younger brother, Dash, is playing pro basketball in Australia and is considered a top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft.

All of that athletic talent makes for intense home games, Daniels says. “Going against your brothers, you don’t want to lose, so they usually turn into fights in the back yard.”

He doesn’t battle with his Hawks backcourt mate, Trae Young. “He’s obviously a tremendous offensive player, so our games go hand in hand. He helps me on the offensive end, and I help him on the defensive end,” Daniels says. “I think our games will continue to grow together.”

Daniels is wearing a 50-carat total weight, straight-line diamond necklace, 8-carat total weight diamond studs and limited edition Hublot watch. Prices available on request at Universal Diamonds.

THIEF OF HAWKS

Dyson Daniels delivers defense and designs STORY: Michael Jacobs PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Daniels’ game is also growing off the court.

His first big purchase as a rookie was a diamond Cartier watch because “everyone loves their diamonds when they’re young,” he says. “As I’ve gotten a little older, I’m starting to get pieces that are growing in value.”

In 2024 he and childhood friend Macey Eaton launched the streetwear line Vouseti, a mix of French, Italian and English meaning “You and I.”

This summer he and partners opened CourtSide in Port Melbourne, Australia, a basketball-and-retail complex that includes the first Vouseti store. Back in Atlanta, he fends off homesickness with a “yummy cupboard” of Australian snacks, from chocolates for his sweet tooth to Vegemite spread. He’s grown comfortable enough to buy a house in Sandy Springs after getting hooked on golf while living near Buckhead’s

He hopes his on-court comfort helps him win Defensive Player of the Year and the Hawks make a deep playoff run in the 2025-26 season. He’s bulking up his 6-foot7 frame to be a stronger offensive force against smaller guards, “getting more wiggle to my game, being able to create my own jump shot more.”

After defense got him to the NBA, Daniels says, “I’m just getting more eyes on me, and they’re seeing the capabilities that I have.” n vouseti.com • @vouseti.store @dysondaniels

Level up your sports skills with these training spots

Whether you’re perfecting your golf swing, tuning up your b-ball game or getting serious about your foundational strength skills, there are some great places to train in and around Buckhead. From high-tech sports performance centers to golf lounges, four stellar spots help non-professional athletes train like the pros.

GOLFTEC in Buckhead

If your golf swing needs a little tech intervention, GOLFTEC Buckhead is the place to go. A visit begins with a swing evaluation using state-ofthe-art 3D Optimotion technology to track your body movements, analyze swing consistency and see how exactly your club connects with the ball. Next, using this data-driven approach for improvement, one of GOLFTEC’s certified professional coaches will customize a training strategy. From there, tailored golf lessons are offered in three-, six- and 12-month plans to increase consistency and lower your handicap. You can even find clubs that are the perfect fit for your

game and body with the available advanced-fit technology.

CORE4 ATHLETIC

COMPLEX in Chamblee

Want to train like the basketball pros? Founded by former NBA player Paul Millsap, CORE4 Athletic Complex offers programming and facilities for hobbyists who are serious about performance. With personalized training programs, the advanced video analysis tool Hudl, three basketball courts, a turf area for agility drills and advanced-level “pro run” scrimmages (invite-only), this complex is a hub for dedicated adult athletes ready to push their limits. Even if you’re not eyeing the draft, you’ll have the chance to join other athletes at CORE4 to further refine your skills in a high-energy environment. After an intense workout, enjoy some recovery in the locker room’s hot and cold tubs and sauna.

ELITE EDGE TRAINING

in Chamblee

Athletes of all levels and ages can expect personalized attention at

Elite Edge, where performance training is anything but one-size-fits-all. Its Sports Performance program combines strength training and speed drills with expert coaching on its 40-yard indoor turf, and uses isometric machines, ideal for adult athletes looking to stay sharp or rebuild foundational skills. Additionally, certified experts in specialized Muscle Activation Techniques are on hand to address any imbalances or weaknesses that are hindering your movements or recovery from exercise to increase strength, reduce pain and prevent injury.

INTOWN GOLF CLUB

in Buckhead

Blow off some steam at this membership-only indoor club that fuses a bar and lounge with golf practice. Intown Golf Club’s Buckhead location has redefined what it means to “go to the range” in the middle of the city with top-tier digital simulators and year-round, climate-controlled practice. Reserve one of the 10 Trackman bays to play a digital game solo or with friends, enjoy the

Custom Coach

Dreaming of rec league glory or just want to keep up with your kids on the field? Find a coach near you for one-on-one lessons by entering your zip code and sport of choice on coachup.com

putting green on the patio outside or book a golf lesson with one of the pros any day of the week. Drop your golf bag off with curbside service as you park or keep it stored at the club for your next visit. Need a club fitting? That’s offered, too, with True Spec technology. When you’re done swinging, head to the locker room for a steam and a shower. n

CORE4 ATHLETIC COMPLEX • 770.674.5694 • core4athleticcomplex.com @core4_athletic_complex

ELITE EDGE TRAINING • 770.695.0663 eliteedgeatl.com • @eliteedgeatl GOLFTEC • 404.467.8884

golftec.com/golf-lessons/buckhead • @golftec

INTOWN GOLF CLUB • 404.383.1104

intowngolfclub.com • @intowngolfclub

STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Erik Meadows
Elite Edge trainers Victoria Delgado and Amber Clark

BALANCING ACT

How to help your child keep a level head as a young athlete STORY: Amy Meadows

The average child who begins playing organized sports in elementary school, or earlier, tends to play for fewer than three years and drops out by age 11, according to a 2019 report by the Aspen Institute’s Play Project. What’s more, they typically don’t give sports a second chance. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association followed up with data indicating a 6% decrease in youth team sports participation between 2019 and 2022, although there has been a more recent increase in the 13 to 17 age bracket, according to a 2024 study. It may seem hard to believe, as so many family calendars are filled with practices, games and tournaments. Parents often find themselves shuttling multiple children to various sports in different locations. And while these activities can be a great outlet for children,

it’s important to help them find balance so they don’t get burned out physically and mentally.

“This is a complex issue,” says Jacob Morton, director of mental performance for the Northside Youth Organization in Chastain Park and founder of Pursuit Sports Group, which provides coaches and athletes with access to research and education to help enhance their performance. “You should put a lot of thought into the way you parent a youth athlete. There should be intentional considerations in terms of balance, intensity, programming and more.”

THE BENEFITS

Children of all ages can benefit from sports. Be it baseball, basketball, football, tennis, swimming or beyond, physical activity boosts kids’ overall fitness, reduces the risk

of illness and improves sleep. Plus, being active reduces anxiety, improves self-esteem and can enhance focus and memory. But there’s even more to it than that.

“At its core, sports is a community,” Morton says. “It’s a place to fit in, build camaraderie, go through challenges and not be alone. Even with individual sports like tennis and golf, you’re being coached. There are always people involved. Kids get a sense of community very early on.”

Additionally, sports teach kids resilience. “Research tells us that sport is one of the best resilience builders because, in order to be resilient, you have to fail,” he says. “We’re creating this environment with sport that allows for athletes to care about something huge to them. It gives them a reason to take care of themselves. And when they inevitably fail, it should, when done the right way, also give them an opportunity to fix things. It gives them the ability to bounce back.”

RECREATIONAL VERSUS COMPETITIVE PLAY

Getting kids involved in sports at a young age can be fun as they learn the fundamentals of teamwork and following rules. Morton recommends waiting until a child begins to show interest in a sport and notes that you will know when the time is right for your own kids. “It’s really a child-by-child basis,” he says, adding that local community recreational leagues can provide an easy and affordable pathway into sports. As kids get older, the pressure to enter more competitive leagues can set in, particularly in middle and high school. Morton believes many parents move in that direction too early; the goal should be to scale a young athlete up gradually into different levels of competition, which often require longer hours, additional days of practice and more scheduled games. Fortunately, he says, “If you’re in the right sports organization, they’re going to scale up for you.”

PICK AND CHOOSE

The discussion then becomes about sport specialization. For children

and teens who excel at one sport, it’s easy to put all of your focus on that single option, particularly if scholarships are at play. However, there are advantages to being a multi-sport athlete.

“Research is very anti-specialization early on,” Morton says. “It’s not healthy. You’re more likely for burnout and chronic stress down the road. You’re also more likely to be injured.”

Multi-sport athletes have the chance to build different muscles, tap into other skills and work distinct parts of their brains. For example, an athlete who plays baseball doesn’t have to perform within a tight crowd; a football player has others trying to invade their space. Playing different sports allows for flexibility and builds sustainability within the body.

LOOK OUT FOR BURNOUT

Whether your child plays one sport or many, burnout is always a possibility. Physical injuries are easier to spot, but it’s crucial to pay attention and look for signs of mental fatigue. That can start with watching closely as your kids play to see if they look like they’re enjoying themselves. Pay attention to their emotional state. Morton says, “If you have a child who’s not normally emotional or emotionally reactive, and they start to become those things, that’s a sign of nervous system overload.”

To alleviate the possibility of burnout, Morton recommends not letting kids play one specific sport, or even several sports, year-round. Taking a break here and there allows space for pursuing other interests. “Go take an acting class, learn to dance, learn to sew. Go do

a different life skill,” he says. “Let them explore something that sparks their interest.”

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

The most important element in helping young athletes find and maintain balance is communication. “Checkpoint conversations are great, especially as you move from year to year. Sit down and discuss the fact that sports are about to get harder. They’re going to get more competitive,” Morton says. “You have to ask your child, ‘Are you ready for what this year brings?’ You’ve got to build a relationship early that allows for your child to tell you the truth.”

Those types of conversations should never take place after a performance, especially a negative one.

Jacob Morton (back row right) recognizes the importance of finding balance as a young athlete.

“Car ride conversations that destroy the enjoyment of sport have to stop,” he says. “All kids need to hear when they get in the car is, ‘I love you. I’m proud of you. I really enjoy watching you play.’”

Plan to sit down with your child regularly to discuss and set goals. With parameters and expectations laid out, everyone in the family can enjoy the sports experience. “You know what your child is capable of,” Morton says. “You need to give them the agency and the autonomy to set their goals and work to achieve them.” n

NORTHSIDE YOUTH ORGANIZATION

404.256.1483 • nyosports.com • @nyosports

PURSUIT SPORTS GROUP 423.914.2637 • the-pursuit-group.com

Major League Options

An array of youth sport options are close to home, thanks to local sports leagues and organizations.

ATLANTA COLT YOUTH ASSOCIATION atlantacolts.com

Offering football, girls flag football, cheerleading

BUCKHEAD BASEBALL buckheadbaseball.com

CARL E. SANDERS FAMILY YMCA AT BUCKHEAD ymcaatlanta.org

Offering baseball/softball, basketball, cheerleading, flag football, soccer, swim team

MURPHEY CANDLER PARK atlantacolts.com • murpheycandler.org

Offering cheerleading, flag football, intraleague football, baseball

NORTHSIDE YOUTH ORGANIZATION nyosports.com

Offering basketball, baseball, football, cheerleading

SANDY SPRINGS YOUTH SPORTS sandyspringsyouthsports.com

Offering baseball, softball, football, cheerleading

TOPHAT SOCCER CLUB tophatsoccer.com

Offering young women’s recreational soccer from U5 to U19

Lorado

PLAYING THE MIND GAME

Keeping active and focused are key components to mental health STORY: H.M. Cauley

Brad Guzan has an array of responsibilities that could make most people crack under the pressure. His day job is star goalie for Atlanta United FC. When he’s not in the game, the 40-yearold is home in Sandy Springs with his spouse, Breanne, and their four children, ages 4 to 10.

Keeping sane is high on his list of priorities.

“Mental health is absolutely important, especially with the pressures that come with playing professional sports,” Guzan says. “Then add into the daily life of athletes those pressures that normal people have, and it can add up. You have to find ways to deal with it.”

Guzan and an array of pro athletes from Atlanta’s teams recently participated in a public service announcement promoting mental health strategies. For Guzan, it all comes down to finding a balance.

“It’s not getting too high when

things are going well, and not getting too down when they’re not,” he says. “For me, staying present in the moment during practice or a game is key. It’s important to understand your role and the responsibilities you have for what you’re about to partake in. You have to prepare mentally to play.”

That philosophy works off the pitch as well, he says. “At home, I can switch off the stress of professional sports, not take my work home with me and just be Dad. My mental health has benefited from that. I love spending time with the kids and going to all their activities. It allows me to be Dad, not professional goalkeeper Brad.”

Beth Brown, managing director of Mental Health and Well-Being at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, says the practice of being present is an excellent way to promote mental health for athletes, weekend warriors and

spectators alike. “Being present means noticing where your mind is,” she says. “We’re often ruminating on something that has already happened or worrying about the future. When you’re really present, you clear your mind the way Brad does.”

Being present is aided by meditation, deep breathing and just being acutely aware of what’s going on in the moment, Brown says. Additionally, overall mental health is bolstered by being active.

“Moving your body is a natural antidepressant in some ways,” she says. “It can mean running for an hour, taking an exercise class or being part of a team. I can also be bite-sized: Going for a 10-minute walk several times a day also helps with sleep quality, confidence and self-esteem. Give yourself a goal to walk for 30 minutes, and when you fulfill that promise, it gives a greater sense of confidence and boosts the likelihood that you’ll do it again.”

For Guzan, working on his mental health doesn’t involve complex rituals. “You won’t see me med-

itating in the corner of the locker room,” he says. “For me, it’s all about calming my mind and breath, and concentrating on being present in the moment.”

Achieving that state of mind has taken years to develop, and he still hasn’t mastered it, Guzan says. “It’s never a finished product; I’m always trying to improve. But having that ability puts you in a better place, both mentally and physically.” n

Mental health professional Beth Brown promotes the practice of being present in the moment to reduce stress.
Having four young and active children helps Brad Guzan turn off the pressure of being Atlanta United's star goalie.

DOING THE HUSTLE

Christian Olsen is a seasoned player for one of the city’s pro sports teams, but it’s not even his day job STORY: Jill Becker

Christian Olsen, a project manager at tech unicorn Salesloft, has an interesting side gig. In his off-time, the 32-year-old Buckhead resident is on the city’s professional ultimate frisbee team, the Atlanta Hustle, that plays home games on the main soccer field at Silverbacks Park. If you’ve never been to a game, or even heard of ultimate frisbee,

you’re missing out on an exciting combination of football and frisbee played with seven players per team throwing a disc to the opposite end zone while the opposing team tries to intercept it. It generates as much action and fan enthusiasm as you’d see at any Falcons, Braves or Hawks game.

Olsen has played for the Hustle for 10 years, and he’s seen the team

and the sport in general grow in popularity. Here’s more about how this dedicated athlete is helping to put an unsung local sports franchise on the map.

How do you explain ultimate frisbee?

People most often confuse it with frisbee golf, but it’s a combination of soccer, basketball and football.

When did you start playing?

I was always a basketball kid, but when I moved from Minneapolis to Atlanta and [started school] at Paideia, I was introduced to ultimate, which wasn’t a thing in Minnesota. There, I was coached by Michael Baccarini, who’s one of the godfathers of frisbee.

Did you play in college?

Yes, I went to Emory, and played for the team, The Juice. We were in

against big schools in the Southeast

The short answer is that we just work

it all season, you're gonna be cut. It’s similar to the demands of any other

every year we're going to San Diego,

during your Hustle career?

I’d love to tell you it was the game where we made it out of the playoffs and went to the championship weekend, but we’ve yet to do that. [At press time, The Hustle advanced to the championship weekend.] So I would say any game where we got to show up against another championship-caliber team. Or when we got to play a new team we haven't played before, like Salt Lake this year. [Basically anytime] it feels like a certifiably professional sport.

How much longer do you see yourself playing?

My wife and I have a deal where I can only play if I don’t suck. I think I can probably play at this level for a few more years, though. But I’d be lying if I said it didn't get harder and harder each year. n

ATLANTA HUSTLE watchufa.com/hustle • @atlantahustle

PLAYING IN PLAIN SIGHT

Atlanta is well-known for its major league teams that often garner most of the sports spotlight. But the local athletic scene is also home to leagues that play regularly while flying under the radar of major media attention. Expand your sports experience with a visit to these competitions.

INTENNSE

Imagine Wimbledon, with its hushed crowds and elegantly attired attendees. Then forget all that. Intennse Atlanta tosses traditional etiquette rules and plays fast-paced, high-energy tennis matches.

“The crowd is expected to behave like regular sports fans,” says CEO Charles Allen. “They can yell and scream as they please. That’s a big difference from traditional tennis.” Games are played on a specially designed single court that puts fans close to the action. Teams play timed 30-minute matches to rack up as many points as possible. Players only get one serve, and coaches can make live substitutions while shouting directions from the sidelines. “Players and coaches are free to talk during and between points,” Allen says. “You might even see a coach go out there and body slam a player.”

This year marked Intennse’s inaugural season that ran from June through August. Home games take place at the Intennse Arena in Decatur. intennse.com

ATLANTA DRIVE

Sports teams you may not have

Like your golf with a side of virtual reality? This team golf event, which debuted this year, delivers just that. It’s part of Tomorrow’s Golf League, launched by golf greats Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to combine expert play with cutting-edge technology. Pairs of PGA golfers compete on a specifically designed, indoor platform by driving onto a virtual fairway and putting on a rotating green that emulates the rises and rolls of a real course. The set is located at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, but fans can watch the action live on ESPN. Atlanta’s team, assembled based on availability and interest, included Patrick Cantlay, Lucas Glover, Billy Horschel and Justin Thomas, who took the 2025 championship title. tglgolf.com/atlantadrivegc

The Atlanta Vibe has set attendance records for women's volleyball.
The local rugby club attracts both men and women who play a game that moves faster than soccer.

ATLANTA OLD WHITE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

The name of this 51-year-old sporting club refers to the jerseys. According to board Chair Dominic Duffy, the club was founded in Buckhead by a transplant from the New York Old Blue team, and his goal was to create the semblance of longevity, despite not having the funds to buy colored jerseys. “It’s a name we’ve had to live with, but one we’re proud of,” Duffy says. Today, about 100 men and women amateur members make up a diverse roster for a game that Duffy describes as “faster and quicker than soccer.” The club meets for weekly practice sessions and plays Saturdays at their own facility off of Cascade Road near I-285. Players compete in Division II of a national organization designed for collegiate and club teams. This year, Old White won the national division title. atlantarugby.com

ATLANTA VIBE

Part of the Pro Volleyball Federation, the Atlanta Vibe features women players at the top of their game who have been recruited from colleges and international clubs. Starting in January, the team plays 28 indoor games away and at home at Gas South Arena in Duluth. The Vibe debuted in January 2024 with a contest against the Omaha

Supernovas that set an attendance record for women's professional volleyball. That year, the team was also the regular season champions but lost the run for the top title in the semifinals. provolleyball.com/teams/atlanta-vibe

ATLANTA GLADIATORS

The Gladiators pro ice hockey team offers the same skating thrills from Duluth’s Gas South Arena. The team dates back to 1995 when it was the Mobile Mysticks in Alabama before moving to Georgia in 2003 and becoming the Gwinnett Gladiators. In 2015, the name changed to better reflect the link to the metro area.

Hockey League, made the playoffs in 2018 and 2022, and has built a reputation for community engagement that supports area charities and organizations. One of the hallmark annual events is the Teddy Bear Toss where fans throw stuffed animals on the ice after the first goal, and the toys are then donat

Tennis as you've never seen it before is the model of Intennse, where spectators can cheer or boo, and coaches shout instructions from the sidelines.
The Atlanta Gladiators have built a reputation for community engagement off the ice.

DELICIOUS

Sweet

Escape

CARMEL

IS A FLAVORFUL GETAWAY FROM THE EVERYDAY

If I don’t have a trip to the Mediterranean planned or a Mexican beach getaway on the calendar, I find myself daydreaming about ultra-fresh seafood, meat cooked over a wood-burning fire and fresh-squeezed cocktails to be sipped while watching ethereal curtains swaying in the sea breeze. Fortunately, this summer I rediscovered Carmel, a place where I can get my coastal flavors fix closer to home.

The eatery in Buckhead Village was designed by Atlanta-based Smith Hanes Studio. It features a warm, neutral palette; lime plaster walls; a U-shaped bar covered in rattan; and more than 20 overhead fixtures that evoke wide, floppy sun hats. The environs allow you to imagine yourself in Portugal’s Algarve, steps from the sand in Tulum or listening to the waves in Mallorca. The flavors match that breezy, unfussy vibe, albeit with an elegant, upscale twist. ➥

STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace

You

The flavors match the breezy, unfussy vibe, albeit with an elegant, upscale twist.

can’t go wrong with a whole lobster, grilled to perfection and topped with crunchy brioche crumbs.

fries topped with crème fraiche, béarnaise sauce and a generous portion of briny caviar. It’s both decadent and shareable, even for a large group. The octopus comes charred and tender, surrounded by modestly spicy capperino peppers, crispy potatoes and nutty romesco sauce, making a hearty beginning to the meal.

The seafood at Carmel shines. My husband’s order of whole lobster came out still steaming from the grill, all pink and perfectly tender, adorned with grilled lemon, herbs and buttery brioche crumbs. It was

Above: Hearth-roasted chicken, with crispy skin and herbaceous chimichurri is a menu star.
Above: The bar program offers a selection of classics and more creative sips, such as the elegant Negroni Sour.
Above: Light-as-air milk buns with whipped butter infused with togarashi are a must-order.
Right: A tower of french fries, topped with crème fraiche, béarnaise, caviar and chives is more than enough to share.

fuss-free, with no cracking required. On another visit, my friend ordered diver scallops, served with verdant spring peas, fragrant leeks and decadent brown butter. They managed to walk the line between delicate and satisfying.

It might come as a surprise, but for me, the shining star of the entrees was the humble chicken. Beautiful in its simplicity and bold flavors, the hearth-roasted bird is served with sunchokes, toothsome shiitake mushrooms and bright, tangy chimichurri. It was so fall-apart tender that I hardly needed a knife. There are some less-stellar moments. For example, I once ordered the filet mignon with housemade steak sauce. While the flavor was great, with tender, perfectly

medium-rare steak and spicy-tangy sauce, the presentation was sort of a mess: a piece of meat covered in brown sauce. It’s often noted that we eat first with our eyes, and this dish was more of an eyesore.

Dear reader, save room for dessert and plan to order the seared milk cake. It comes topped with juicy preserved strawberries, creamy whipped mascarpone and crumbly streusel. While the fruit may change according to what’s freshest and in season, it’s hard to imagine this not being a winner. It’s both light and large enough to share for a sweet end to a meal.

In my experience, the service at Carmel can vary according to who’s taking the reins. During my first visit, the service was pleasant but not

particularly engaged. On my second trip, a friend and I had the good fortune to be seated with Brian, who was a delight. He made suggestions informed by his favorites and our preferences, paced the meal perfectly and anticipated our needs before

we could realize we wanted anything more. He elevated an already good meal into something great. Regardless of what’s coming up on my travel calendar, when I need a dose of vitamin sea, Carmel is a nearby place to get a fix. n

470.355.7245 • carmelatl.com • @carmelatl

Prices: raw: $18-$165; first wave: $8-$26; mains: $36-$175; sides: $12-$14; desserts: $10-$14.

Recommended: Hamachi crudo, milk bun, caviar fries, whole lobster, hearth-roasted chicken, diver scallops, seared milk cake.

Bottom line: Inspired by some of the world’s best coastal culinary regions, the menu at Carmel leans into ultra-fresh seafood and wood-fired dishes. Creative cocktails, a smart wine list and thoughtful service round out the experience.

Carmel
Blackened okra is served over creamy, tangy labneh and topped with pickled onions.
Above: Passion fruit, orange pieces and morita chili adds an alluring depth of flavor to ultra-fresh hamatchi crudo.
Below: Juicy preserved strawberries crown the seared milk cake, providing a sweet finale to any meal.
Left: Perfectly seared scallops swim in decadent brown butter.

SCHOOL SPIRIT

Cheers to the home team

STORY: Angela Hansberger

Back-to-school season calls to mind freshly sharpened pencils, backpacks and stadiums packed with football fans wearing the colors and emblems of the home team. Why shouldn’t your bar cart sport the same school spirit?

In an honor to their alma mater, two local distilleries crafted special bottlings to celebrate the University of Georgia.

Glory Glory

Creature Comforts Brewing Company, the official craft beer of University of Georgia Athletics, launches a new spirits category with its first bourbon this fall. This is the latest in a strategic decision to broaden its mission with an expansion of portfolio offerings.

“The Creature Comforts brand exists to foster human connection, and we believe great drinks can bring people together,” says co-founder, CEO and UGA grad Adam Beauchamp. “Creature Comforts’ success allows the sponsorship of UGA.”

In a harmonious blend of passion and distillation, the company found a muse for its bourbon bottling in a deeply resonant place: the trium-

phant echoes of a beloved fight song. Glory Glory Bourbon is a small batch blend of Kentucky bourbons from barrels sourced from Bardstown Bourbon Co. in that state. Bottled at 100 proof, a sip holds notes of toasted oak, honey, leather, fig and brown sugar, flavors Beauchamp says unfold into a smooth, lingering finish worthy of a rally song itself.

“Glory Glory,” one of UGA’s oldest and longest lasting traditions, has been sung as a fight song to the tune of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” (only faster) since the 1890s. It has aged like a fine bourbon.

Hunker Spirits

Another spirits company founded by UGA grads, ASW Distillery has a line benefitting their alma mater. It’s a venture that promises exceptional, locally crafted spirits as well as the nurturing of local talent and investing in the future of education within the state.

“As a proud Georgia grad, it’s such an honor to be able to give back with each bottle sold to the university where I made lifelong connections, including meeting my wife and fellow ASW partner Kelly and my

Above: Creature Comforts’ latest foray into spirits includes the inaugural Glory Glory Bourbon, made in barrels sourced from Bardstown Bourbon Co.

Below: ASW’s line of Hunker Spirits benefits UGA football.

ASW co-founder Charlie, and where I learned so much about running a small business and, fittingly, about whiskey,” says CEO Jim Chasteen.

Namesake of a phrase made famous by the gravelly voice of Georgia football announcer Larry Munson, “Hunker Down” is what he begged his beloved Dawgs to do in the 1982 Auburn game. UGA answered the call and secured the SEC title. It’s now the battle cry heard across Bulldog Nation.

baking spices and nutty-caramel flavors of candied pecans.

Launched last year, Hunker Vodka is distilled at ASW’s Distillery next to the Braves stadium at The Battery Atlanta. Seven-times distilled for smoothness and made from corn, each bottle sold benefits UGA Athletics through Classic City Collective.

Crafted at the original distillery, ASW’s Hunker Bourbon is 100-proof, wheated, straight bourbon whiskey similar to the acclaimed Fiddler Bourbon but with a different mashbill. It has notes of

Each of these local spirits is meticulously crafted, aged and carefully bottled to carry with it the vibrant energy and stirring emotion of timeless anthems, inviting those who sip to recall moments of hard won victories and the shared camaraderie of team spirit. n

ASW DISTILLERY aswdistillery.com • @aswdistillery

CREATURE COMFORTS BREWING COMPANY creaturecomfortsbeer.com @creaturecomfortsbeer

FOODIE JOURNAL Culinary

, an all-day taqueriaing, the menu features pastries, smoothie all-day offerings include tacos, bowls and taken the place of Prefecture JapaneseiFish will offer an omakase experience with fish sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu

Late-night pop-up-turned fast-casual is now open

La Dolce Vita

Cucina Baci celebrates Sardinian soul with hands-on experiences

The idea for Cucina Baci was born from the need to provide pizza for the Buck’s Sports Barn, the children’s event venue next door.

“We do over 500 kids’ birthday parties a year,” says Paul Rodgers, owner of both concepts, located in Buckhead. “Everyone orders pizza, so making our own pizzas seemed to be the next obvious step.”

Cucina Baci opened in fall 2024, but just a week later, Hurricane Helene destroyed the market, along with its pizza oven. Rather than shutter the space, Rodgers reimagined

Cucina Baci as an Italian market and cafe serving sandwiches, salads, coffee and wine.

How do Cucina Baci’s restaurant, market and wine bar come together to provide a cohesive Italian experience? We use the products we carry in our market—pasta, sauces, cheeses, wines—and build our menu and wine pairings around them. It’s all connected. Guests can try something delicious, then walk over and grab the ingredients to recreate it at home.

with the unique foods of the island and the longevity of its inhabitants. Sardinia is one of the five Blue Zones of the world. The island has been labeled the melting pot of Mediterranean cuisine. They were using tomatoes 250 years before Italians realized that they were not a poisonous fruit.

How do wine tastings and pasta-making classes further the culinary journey? Wine tastings are a fun way to explore new bottles, and our selection is stuff we’re genuinely excited about. The pasta classes are handson and interactive, and guests learn to make pasta, taste the ingredients we use every day and feel more connected to what they’re eating and drinking.

How do you hope Cucina Baci engages with the local community?

Atlanta has numerous Italian restaurants but very few Italian markets. We’re passionate about being a locally owned spot where people can relax, enjoy great food and wine, and feel like part of something a little more local and special. n

CUCINA BACI • 770.335.4412 cucinabaci.com

Local Legend Veal Milanese, Courtesy of Pricci

Buckhead Life Restaurant Group Founder & CEO, I. Pano Karatassos, was honored with an Augie Award by The Culinary Institute of America in March of this year. Bring home the flavors of Buckhead Life with this recipe for Veal Milanese, a favorite of Karatassos that’s available at Pricci.

Veal Chop Milanese Serves 1

INGREDIENTS:

1 bone-in veal chop (1 lb., from the first five bones of the rack)

2 eggs

1 ½ cups breadcrumbs

¾ cup clarified butter

10 sage leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a water bath, melt the butter until fully liquified and set in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Use only the top solidified layer, discarding the liquid underneath, and set aside. Using a butcher knife, clean the bone of the veal chop and butterfly the meat starting from the bone side. Lightly pound the chop to about ½ inch thick (this should not be as thin as schnitzel). Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until fully combined. Dredge the veal chop in the egg mixture, then coat evenly

in breadcrumbs. In a large pan over medium-low heat, warm the clarified butter with the sage leaves, bringing up the heat as needed until the butter bubbles gently around the leaves. Add the veal chop to the hot pan and baste continuously with the excess butter, cooking for 7 to 8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the veal chop and dry on butcher paper or other highly absorbent paper. Finish with crystal salt. Arugula salad and lemon are optional.

Photos: Joann Vitelli

Glaze the Roof

Alvin and Calvin Waters bring iconic LA doughnut chain to Buckhead

STORY: Carly Cooper PHOTO: Erik Meadows

If you’ve seen Iron Man 2, you may have noticed the giant doughnut atop the shop where Tony Stark eats a box of the sugary treats. That is Randy’s Donuts, an iconic California-based brand that’s been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. Founded in 1952, it serves fluffy desserts in a variety of flavors, from glazed and sprinkles to matcha tea and s’mores, as well as boba, specialty coffee drinks and milkshakes. But the most notable aspect is its signature 32-foot novelty rooftop sign shaped like a doughnut. That iconic piece of advertising is what first attracted the attention of twin brothers Alvin and Calvin Waters, who are bringing 10 Randy’s locations to metro Atlanta.

“This is not just a doughnut; it’s an experience,” Calvin says. “It’s been in more than 200 movies. Everybody knows the brand, but this is the first

time people on the East Coast can experience the taste.”

Sold in 17 Hudson stores in the Atlanta airport, Randy’s Donuts are now available from a shipping container in the Lenox Square parking lot. There, patrons can grab a twopack and a coffee on their way to work or stay a while and enjoy the Wi-Fi and al fresco seating. Other, larger locations are in the works; rumor has it Alvin and Calvin are building a flagship location near the Chick-fil-A on Piedmont Road.

We chatted with them about how they got into the doughnut business.

What’s your background?

CW: We came from the entertainment industry. We lived in Japan for years and produced K-pop and J-pop.

AW: We’re also in the fashion world, getting items into Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. [A

few years ago, we partnered with the brand Keith and James to get its fedoras into stores.]

How did you learn about Randy’s?

AW: We used to live in LA. People know Randy’s the way they know the Hollywood sign.

How did you go from fashion and entertainment to doughnuts?

AW: It’s about being able to expand this landmark brand to the East Coast.

CW: We know we can help grow brands, whether it’s a fashion accessory or a doughnut, if it’s recognizable and a great product.

Tell us about the Lenox location. Will it have the giant doughnut sign?

AW: We wish. Due to the city’s zoning regulations, we’re not permitted to have it. We’re scouting other locations where we can bring it.

CW: We have seven flavors of doughnuts, including glazed, chocolate, maple, sprinkle, and Oreo, plus coffee, milk, water and soft drinks.

The other locations will be bigger and have “the full monty.”

What’s it like working together?

AW: We’ve been working together since conception. We don’t have a choice. It’s about organizational skills. We brought on our older sister, Carolyn Waters, to keep us in line. We’re more on the creative side.

CW: We get into disagreements, but we grew up in a household together. We fight, but we roll up our sleeves and get it done. We trust each other. We’re not trying to sabotage each other. Business is personal [for us].

What’s your day-to-day like?

AW: We have nine employees and a 4,000-square-foot kitchen by the airport. We’re in charge of ordering supplies. We are our own testers. We make sure the product meets the criteria of what we enjoyed out in LA.

What is it about these doughnuts that you enjoy so much?

AW: After all these years of eating them, they’re still really good. Everything is handmade. Nothing is manufactured. n

RANDY’S • 678-649-3388

randysdonuts.com • @randysdonuts

Brothers Alvin (left) and Calvin Waters opened the first Georgia-based Randy’s Donuts outside of Lenox Square.

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

The White House’s Olympic Omelet is stuffed with healthy veggies and pairs nicely with a side of hash browns.
Whole roasted fish is one of the signature experiences of Kyma. To go with it: Kale and a stew of giant white beans and tomatoes.
Don’t skip desserts like peach hand pie with vanilla ice cream at Local Three.

ARNETTE’S CHOP SHOP

Arnette’s will dazzle you with its no-expensespared interiors, cosmopolitan wine list and, of course, its meat. Chicago-sourced ribeyes, strips and tomahawk steaks are the main attraction supported by a top-notch cast of appetizers and sides, from decadent roasted marrow and wagyu beef tartare to classic wedge salad and Dauphinoise potatoes. (There are also oysters and caviar, if you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks.) Favorite items include the 50-day wet-aged cowboy ribeye; the bliss-inducing lobster spaghetti; and the shaved prime rib sandwich, a real scene-stealer. Don’t forget to ask about the members-only knife club.

Appetizers, salads and sandwiches: $9-$25 Shrimp, oysters and caviar: $13-$150 Hearth-roasted shellfish, fish and steaks: $13-$140 • Desserts: $8-$12 arnetteschopshop.com

BONE GARDEN CANTINA

Beyond the colorful Día de Muertos dining room decor, the well-curated mezcal and tequila selections and the uber-friendly service, Bone Garden Cantina offers some of the most authentic Mexican cooking in Atlanta. Tastier guacamole and hot dipping queso you will not find, and we’ve tried! The tender-to-thebone Mexican pork ribs are meaty, miraculous bites of earthy richness, and the tomatillo-rich pozole verde soup is pure south-of-the-border goodness. Garlic-sautéed shrimp enchiladas and adobo steak quesadilla seasoned with guajillo chile are among many fine familiar classics. Smaller plates include exemplary tamales and tacos.

Appetizers: $2.50-$9.50 • Soups and salads: $4.50-$9 • Tamales, tacos and empanadas: $3.50-$5 • Mains: $7.50$12.75 • bonegardencantina.com

DAVIO’S NORTHERN

ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE

With its handmade pasta, terrific steaks and foundation of classic Italian dishes, the Atlanta outpost of Massachusetts-based chef-preneur Steve DiFillippo sets a higherthan-usual standard for a mall restaurant. Finefood lovers flock to Phipps Plaza for Davio’s delicious fried calamari, tagliatelle Bolognese and warm spinach salad like ravenous shoppers on the hunt for Louis Vuitton bags, Tiffany silver and Dior gowns. And they can do no better than the buttery medallion of impeccably grilled top sirloin, slathered with Gorgonzola and paired with wilted spinach and sea-salt-and-truffle-oil fries. No wonder the Davio’s menu is as tantalizing as the shoe department at Nordstrom.

Appetizers and salads: $9-$16 Pastas, entrees and steaks: $18-$48 davios.com/atl

FIA RESTAURANT

Many of the best meals are an escape, a getaway. Fortunately for Atlanta residents, it’s simple enough to find bites that both awaken our wanderlust and satisfy our desire for something beyond the ordinary. Case in point: Fia, the restaurant tucked inside The Burgess Hotel. A glance at the menu will tell you that, while you’ll likely be able to pick out influences—Greek, Indian, Thai, Italian—you can’t put this menu in a box. That fact makes it so much fun to order what you like and explore dishes such as tender-crisp charred octopus, shrimp saganaki, pan-seared potato gnocchi, whole grilled branzino and bone-in short rib served over spiced lentils and basmati rice. A meal here is like a global getaway close to home.

Appetizers, soups and salads: $8-19

Entrees: $24-$38 • From the grill: $28-$98

Sides: $13 • Desserts: $12-$15 • fiaatlanta.com

HAVEN RESTAURANT AND BAR

Haven is exactly that—a safe, inclusive place where your every gastronomic need is met. If weather permits, enjoy the serenity of patio dining while indulging your taste buds with crisp Gulf oysters, the Southern cheese board or Timmy’s wild Georgia shrimp. Or go inside and soak up the classy atmosphere while digging into seared Georges Bank scallops or spice-roasted Green Circle Farms chicken, and wrap things up with a warm chocolate brownie with artisan espresso sauce.

Small plates and salads: $6-$15

Entrees: $18-$38 • Steaks: starting at $51

Sides and desserts: $7 • havenrestaurant.com

KYMA

The name means “wave,” and making waves is exactly what executive chef Pano I. Karatassos has been doing at his family’s stellar Greek seafood restaurant since 2002.

From marides (tiny, “French fry”-size white fish) to Greek specimens grilled whole (try the barbounia or bronzino), Kyma excels at delivering the kind of simple, unadorned flavors you’ll encounter on a patio by the Aegean. Order a glass of Greek wine (there are many options) and a few classic meze for sharing (we like the dolmades, spanakopita, cuttlefish stuffed with lamb stew and the feta-zucchini fritters), and your meal will go just swimmingly.

Meze: $8-$14 • Mains: $26-$46 (whole fish $30 or $36 per pound) buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma

PIG-N-CHIK

Co-owner Jim Graddy tells us he learned the art of the pit on his granddaddy’s pig farm in Manchester, Georgia. Graddy remembers cooking whole hogs all night long over hot coals, and when we tear into his pulled-pork

sandwich—a delicious pile of pink, smoketinged meat between two thick slabs of white bread—we believe him. Graddy has proudly transported his family’s traditions to his casual Southern ’cue counter. Man, is the food good. The fresh-tasting coleslaw (with just a little mayo) and excellent new potato salad are just the things to cut the richness of the succulent pork. Some other tasty go-withs are fried okra, long-cooked collards, mac and cheese and Brunswick stew. We’re sated. We’re sauce-splashed. We need a moist towelette and a nap.

Entrees: $8-$24 • pignchik.net

LOCAL THREE KITCHEN & BAR

Local Three is passionate about food and drinks yet keeps the overall vibe laid-back. With quirky decor and friendly service, this upscale eatery presents contemporary American cuisine alongside a full bar with an impressive bourbon selection. The culinary philosophy here is “you can’t argue with delicious.” High skills are on display without over-complicating things. Menus change often, inspired by the season. The signature focaccia drizzles thick, toasted bread with flavorful olive oil. Fish schnitzel presents breaded white flounder with lemon-pepper sauce and scattered peas. Among the mains, panseared North Georgia trout is a standout, pairing fork-tender fish with Parisienne gnocchi. Daily specials are gifts of good timing with features like pastrami-spiced duck breast, Asian-inspired chicken or grilled dry-aged Duroc pork chop. Trust whatever most piques your interest since you can’t go wrong here. Save room for desserts such as the peanut butter cup or Banofee tart.

Starters: $6-28 • Mains: $22-45

Steaks: $45-66 • Dessert: $14-16

House cocktails: $15-25 • Sunday brunch buffet: $35/adult, $20/child • localthree.com

TERRA TERROIR

Escape the ordinary at Brookhaven’s awardwinning Terra Terroir. With its secret garden setting, service-oriented vibe, upscale fare plus full bar with an impressive wine list, this bistro is ready to surprise and impress. The eclectic lunch and dinner menus show American, European and Asian influences. Dishes boast layered flavors, surprising combinations and artful presentations. Gambas al Ajillo is a crowd-pleasing Spanish starter with shrimp in sizzling olive oil infused with garlic and red pepper. French Country Supper is a menu standout featuring fork-tender duck leg confit plus andouille sausage and white beans. Coconut Thai salmon with curry broth is spiced just right. A hearty slow-braised Duroc pork shank arrives

with creamy parmesan polenta. Grapefruit and pomegranate salad with mixed greens is a lighter option. Assorted charcuterie and cheese might accompany a wine tasting or stand alone as a hearty starter. Sweet temptations include flourless chocolate tart, sweet potato bread pudding, crème brûlée and sabayon.

Raw bites: $19-23 • Appetizers: $15-25

Salads: $15-26 • Mains: $19-49

Cocktails: $14-18 • terraterroir.com

VARASANO’S PIZZERIA

For over a decade, highest accolades have been lavished upon Varasano’s for its Neapolitan-style pizzas, and with good reason. Owner Jeff Varasano has made it his life’s work to bring Atlantans pies on par with (or even better than) pizza in Italy. Classics such as margherita di bufala and Nana’s showcase his mastery of the basics—slowcooked San Marzano tomato sauce, imported cheeses, herbs and his incomparable crust. Varasano’s also features a selection of antipasti (divine meatballs), simple salads and solid pastas of farfalle with shrimp in lemon cream sauce and penne alla vodka with chicken.

Antipasti: $5.95 - $14.95

Pastas: $16.95 - $18.95 • Pizza: $15.95$20.95 ($1.50 - $5.00 for additional toppings) Desserts: $3.95 - $8.95 • varasanos.com

THE WHITE HOUSE

At this venerated breakfast nook, you’ll find Atlanta movers and shakers in ties and starched shirts huddled over omelets and pancakes. But regardless of a guest’s status, owner Demos Galaktiadis, who came to America from Greece in 1966, treats everyone the same. He has run this Peachtree Road institution for 45 of its 68 years, and over time, the food has evolved into a unique combination of home-style Southern and Greek standards. At lunch, you might have moussaka and collards or fried grouper and a Greek salad, finished off with a dish of banana pudding. But breakfast is king here. We recommend the Olympic omelet, stuffed with spinach, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and peppers and served with a side of tzatziki, or a breakfast sandwich laden with sausage, cheese and egg.

Breakfast: $6.40-$15.30 • Lunch: $6-$16.70 the-white-house.restaurants-world.com

Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Visit simplybuckhead.com to read all of our restaurant reviews!

TRUFFLES AESTHETIC

2233 Peachtree Rd., Suite K, Atlanta, GA 30309

(770) 460-2000

trufflesmedispa.com

TRUFFLES AESTHETICS

Maggie Schreck, PA-C is a highly-skilled and sought-after injector treating patients in the Buckhead location of Truffles Aesthetics. Maggie is an injector trainer for both Allergan (the makers of Botox Cosmetic, the Juvederm portfolio, and Kybella) and Galderma (the makers of Dysport, the Restylane portfolio, and Sculptra Aesthetic).

Maggie is also one of the very few injectors who trains physicians and other practitioners nationally in the use of Sculptra Aesthetic for both the face and body. With more than 18 years of injectable experience, Maggie specializes in Non-Surgical Aesthetic Rejuvenation.

She is a true artist who loves working with patients to help them achieve their aesthetic goals. She is known for her excellent bedside manner, exceptional patient care, and innovative treatments that cannot be found at other practices. Maggie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts from Miami University of Ohio and her Physician Assistant degree from Yale University. In addition to her extensive experience as an injector, Maggie has worked in the field of plastic surgery since 2007 assisting in surgery, preoperative care, and postoperative care. Maggie is a native of upstate New York and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.

Ariessence a pure PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) that powers natural skin regeneration and rejuvenation, leading to the appearance of healthier, younger, and more vibrant skin.

Botox/Dysport/ Daxxify softens fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, crows feet and frown lines

Fillers adds or restores volume to the face with results lasting up to two years

Kybella non-surgical fat reduction in neck and body.

Sculptra face and body treatment that stimulates collagen to lift and build volume

Maggie Schreck, PA-C

YACHT EXPERIENCE

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Through Her Eyes Photography

For the second year, Natasha Simmons, CEO of the luxury resort wear company Yacht Club Access, hosted an intimate gathering in late June to showcase the brand’s latest fashions and to raise awareness and funds for Covenant House Georgia. About 50 supporters of the nonprofit, which provides resources for homeless and trafficked teens, met at a private residence in Dunwoody Club Estates to see the debut of the company’s summer 2025 collection and to take raffle chances for a spa day at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, a month of free yoga, $1,000 toward an ad placement in Simply Buckhead and more. Covenant representatives Teah Bussel and Jackie King joined the group in enjoying a charcuterie spread created by Epic Flavors. Simply Buckhead was the proud media sponsor.

Covenant House representatives
Michelle Potts, De Anna Liz, Lakeshia Lockett, Jazmyn Simmons
Models and guests pose by the pool
Natasha Simmons, Joanne Hayes
Jasmine Smith
Robert Amari (model)
Taylor Williams (model)
Jaryn Reynolds, Alex Hodges, Ariel Pinkney

The Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education has been inspiring future dancers for nearly 30 years.

What motivated us in 1996 still motivates us today — to inspire every dancer to be the best they can be. We believe that every child, no matter their age or experience, should discover the joy of dance. Whether your child loves to skip and twirl, enjoys ballet technique at the barre, or is ready to take the leap into a professional career, our qualified and experienced instructors will be with them every step of the way. In our noncompetitive, highly nurturing dance environment, everyone is respected, dreams are encouraged, and achievements at all levels are celebrated.

To register for fall, visit centre.atlantaballet.com

Photo by Kim Kenney.

SAPREA GALA

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Highlight Reel ATL, Triple S Shot

The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta took on a distinctively French flair in early June when the 2025 Saprea Gala celebrated “An Evening in Paris.” More than 200 guests gathered to celebrate and support a decade of the nonprofit’s work around raising awareness and funds to combat child sexual abuse and providing resources for survivors. Organized by Chair Cathryn Marshall and a 13-member committee, the event raised over $138,000 from auction bidding led by auctioneer Jordan Campbell and sponsorships. The festivities were hosted by Channel 2 Action News Anchor Jorge Esteves and included a performance by musician Bronkar Lee.

Jordan Campbell gets the audience into the bidding spirit.
Karen Stripling, Alexandria Stripling, Roosevelt Stripling
Lindsey Fentress, Jack Embleton, Cathryn Marshall, John Embleton
Enrique Betancourt, Lisa Clinkscale, Jorge Estevez
Bronkar Lee entertains the gala attendees.
Ursula Lentine, Dr. Robert Springer
Sonny Hayes, Joanne Hayes

FAST LANE

Atlanta Hawks player Dyson Daniels poses outside the team's state-of-the-art training facility in Brookhaven with a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT from Crème de la Crème Exotics. PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Spend your fall the

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Planning an event? We have unique venues for any of your needs. Visit our website for more information.

photo: Zach Veatch

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