Visit Sandy Springs Destination Guide

VISITOR GUIDE

Elevate your Experience at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

SandySpringsPAC.com

WELCOME TO SANDY SPRINGS! Whether you have come to dine in our incredible restaurants, see a show at our state-of-the-art performing arts center, or immerse yourself in our parks and outdoor spaces, we are so glad you’re here. You will find surprises at every turn throughout our beautiful city. As we celebrate 20 years, we hope you will discover why Sandy Springs is such a special place to visit.

As home to some of the biggest corporations in America, like Mercedes-Benz USA, UPS, Inspire Brands, Cox Enterprises, and Newell Brands, Sandy Springs is a thriving city with all the amenities and pleasantries of suburbia. With hidden treasures everywhere— and arguably the best culinary scene in the metro region—we are so glad you have chosen Sandy Springs as your home for the next few days.

Sincerely, RUSTY PAUL Mayor

@VisitSandySprings

VisitSandySprings.org

(770) 206-1447

TABLE OF CONTENTS 29 Natural Choice For National Park Service superintendent Ann Honious, being at her workplace is the perfect escape 30 DINE HERE 32 A World of Flavor You don’t have to wander far to discover global tastes

4 4 Celebrate Good Times Every season in Sandy Springs offers annual events you’ll want to attend again and again

K AYA K , P I Z Z A : B I G S T O C K

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18 Shop Sandy Springs From clothing and accessories to furniture and gifts, these shops and boutiques are must-stops during your next trip

10 Heart of the City Whether you call it the community’s downtown, its front porch, or its back yard, City Springs is where neighbors come together

20 GET OUTDOORS

14 Movie Magic The Springs Cinema & Taphouse is more than just films, food, and fun— it’s community

26 A Day at the Park Lace up your shoes, pack a picnic, or rent a kayak—and get ready to discover a little slice of green in the heart of Sandy Springs

15 Unexpected Journey For Brandt Gully, owning The Springs Cinema & Taphouse was not the original plan—but it was meant to be 16 Creative License Craft a great day or night out at these local do-ityourself spots

22 Our National Park Sandy Springs is home to three units of the NPS’s Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

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36 Let’s Brunch!

Get your weekend nosh on at these diverse brunch options in Sandy Springs 38 Sugar Fix These eight spots in Sandy Springs can satisfy any sweet-tooth craving 39 Slice of Life For Sunny Sun, opening a pizzeria was born of a passion for great pie and a desire for change 40 Happy Hour Haven From underground bars to family-friendly breweries, Sandy Springs offers a plethora of places to get your drink on 42 STAY HERE, GO ANYWHERE 44 All-Access Advantage When staying in Sandy Springs, the opportunities to explore metro Atlanta are endless 48 Oh, Snap!

Instagram-worthy spots in Sandy Springs

ON THE COVER Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Photography

by Kevin Garrett

PUBLISHER Sean McGinnis ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jon Brasher EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kevin Benefield DESIGN DIRECTOR Cristina Villa Hazar SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Green PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Whitney Tomasino CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Karina Antenucci Sarah Bisacca Carly Cooper Lauren Finney Harden Hillary Hardwick Nicole Letts Tess Malone Amy Meadows Lia Picard Tony Rehagen Betsy Riley Jessica Whittingslow CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Kevin Garrett Photography courtesy of Visit Sandy Springs unless otherwise noted PRODUCED BY ATLANTA MAGAZINE CUSTOM MEDIA 5901-A Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30328 404-527-5500 atlantamagazine.com

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Food That Rocks

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Celebrate Good Times

Every season in Sandy Springs offers annual events you’ll want to attend again and again

BY J E SS I C A W H I T T I N G S LOW

SPRING SANDY SPRINGS LANTERN PARADE Luminous lanterns light the night during this festive event. Begin the evening at a sunset block party, complete with a DJ and food trucks. Spectators line the streets as participants display their homemade creations. The parade ends at Morgan Falls Overlook Park with live music along the Chattahoochee River.

SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET Beginning in April and running through November, vendors set up shop at City Springs every Saturday morning. Purchase fresh produce, artisan treats, and prepared specialty foods. Enjoy an impressive repertoire of live music as you peruse local goods and enjoy the open green space.

Sandy Springs Farmers Market

SUMMER FOOD THAT ROCKS Sip, savor, and celebrate the city’s vibrant culinary scene at Food that Rocks. This one-of-a-kind food festival includes unlimited samples from local restaurants and bakeries, wine, beer, and cocktail tastings, live music, and cooking demonstrations.

Attendees enjoy all-inclusive food, decadent desserts, and entertainment on the City Green.  CITY GREEN LIVE Grab a blanket and head to the free lawn seating with friends at this outdoor concert experience featuring nationally touring artists. Enjoy live music under the stars, order from a local food truck, and savor the sounds of summer. Reserved table seating is also available.

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CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS Put on your dancing shoes for Concerts by the Springs at Heritage Amphitheatre. This fun series features various genres of music, from the sounds of funk to Motown classics and tribute bands.

Lawn seating is free, and tables are available for reservation.

STARS & STRIPES Independence Day goes off with a bang during Stars & Stripes at City Springs. Find a spot on the lawn, then grab some grub from one of several food trucks. Kick off the evening with energetic live music as you await a fantastic fireworks show after sundown.

FALL BLUE STONE ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL This festival attracts thousands of attendees with two days of entertaining experiences, art, live music, vendors, and a Kids Zone.

Explore the City Springs district, shop unique artisan products made by local and regional craftspeople, and enjoy tunes from top national artists on multiple stages.

SANDY SPRINGS WINE FESTIVAL Sip away the afternoon at this festival featuring more than 100 wines available to sample while listening to live music in the outdoor setting of Heritage Amphitheatre. Get an exclusive experience with the Reserve package, which includes early entry, tastings of uncommon, sommeliercurated wines, a swag bag, and light bites from local restaurants.  SPOOKY SPRINGS Get the whole family in the Halloween spirit during Spooky Springs. Young trick-or-treaters are invited to don their favorite costume and visit numerous themed candy stations at Abernathy Greenway Park. Face painting, a fog machine, food trucks, and a DJ are sure to make this a not-so-scary time for everyone.

WINTER SPARKLE SANDY SPRINGS Celebrate the holiday season with snowflakes, lights, and live music. Visit Sparkle Village, a display of miniature homes decked out in festive decor and twinkling lights. Take in a special nighttime parade with lanterns, homemade floats, performance groups, and more. This magical evening comes to an end with a menorah and tree lighting.

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THE NUTCRACKER: RICHARD CALMES

Sparkle Sandy Springs

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ART & FILM CELEBRATION Learn about the civil rights icon’s life, teachings, and activism at this family-friendly annual event at City Springs. Celebrate King’s birthday and his legacy with interactive art projects, games, story time, and a movie screening. This free event includes complimentary parking in the City Springs deck.

SKATE CITY SPRINGS Test your skills gliding on the ice at Skate City Springs, a 5,000-square-foot outdoor rink open daily at City Springs from November to January. From toddlers to seasoned skaters, all skill levels are welcome. Music, hot

cocoa, and plenty of photo ops round out the fun.

THE NUTCRACKER , PRESENTED BY ROSWELL DANCE THEATRE The beloved holiday story is

brought to life by the performers of the Roswell Dance Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Audiences are delighted with fantastic costumes, magical scenery, beloved music, and talented dancers. Make this an annual tradition to get in the holiday spirit.

NEW YEARS EVE Ring in the new year with the internationally acclaimed Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as they take the stage at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Then dance, dine, and make memories at an exciting after-party just steps away at Studio Theatre beginning at 10 pm.

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Sandy Springs Lantern Parade

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The real test of a vibrant community is not so much where people go when they’ve got plans, but where people hang out when they don’t have anything particular to do. After City Springs debuted in 2018, Sandy Springs became one of those coveted destinations—which is no small feat for a community without a historic downtown.

Nowadays, friends meet up for coffee at Café Vendome or a cocktail at The Select and discuss their options. Young families bring blankets and soccer balls to hang out on the green.

Couples catch the latest arthouse film at The Springs Cinema & Taphouse. And creatives savor the arts—or make some themselves. After all, what’s more fun than being spontaneous?

—Betsy Riley

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Heart of the

City

Whether you call it the community’s downtown, its front porch, or its back yard, City Springs is where neighbors come together

BY B E T SY R I L E Y

Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center

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On a blazing hot summer afternoon, a little girl in striped pastel tights and a sundress, her hair pulled into two puffy pigtails, kicked a pink-and-purple ball back and forth with two boys in soccer shorts on the vast lawn at City Springs. Nearby, a mom chased her giggling toddler around a splashpad.

And an office worker rocked gently on a swing beneath a shady pergola, savoring a break next to the cascading water wall nearby.

It’s on ordinary days like these, when families and friends gravitate to City Springs—the arts, entertainment, and government hub at the heart of Sandy Springs—that Mayor Rusty Paul knows the city got it right. Of course, he’s proud of their marquee events, such as 2024’s regional premieres of Jersey Boys and Frozen. But Paul’s ultimate goal has always been to create community. Other cities congregate around their business and commercial cores, but what brought Sandy Springs together is a place to play.

In 2005, Sandy Springs became Georgia’s first community to incorporate since Peachtree City in 1959. The state’s seventh most populous city, it stretches from Buckhead to Roswell.

But like many metro-area suburbs, Sandy Springs evolved with no downtown. It needed an identity. Paul found inspiration in Atlanta’s Woodruff Arts Center, where he had done some consulting early in his career. “There were school buses there all the time,” he says.

“I thought, Let’s build around arts and entertainment. Why don’t we aspire to VISITSANDYSPRINGS.ORG

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Art Walk at City Green

be ‘Woodruff North’?” The community even owned the necessary real estate, having acquired property along Mount Vernon Highway, the area’s highest ridge, to construct a city hall.

The $229-million complex, which opened in 2018, now houses the municipal government, two theaters, a rooftop terrace, and a café. The smaller Studio Theatre doubles as the city council chamber, and the facility’s inviting lobby— with its soaring open spaces, intimate nooks for meetings and conversations, and shaded front porch lined with rocking chairs— also hosts a rotating gallery for local artists. The surrounding four-acre greenspace, along with the city’s historic park and outdoor stage, Heritage Amphitheatre, are home to

a robust schedule of free community events.

The marquee space is Byers Theatre, which has 1,096 seats, including boxes, on three levels, with an adaptable orchestra pit, state-of-the-art acoustics, a cinema-quality projector and screen, a dramatic, glassenclosed lobby, and a rooftop terrace. Here, the city hosts an ambitious and eclectic lineup, which has ranged from classical concerts by Itzhak Perlman, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Vienna Boys Choir to performances by comedian Kevin Hart, Emmy-winning Spanish guitarist Benise, and the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.

The space is also the performance home of City Springs Theatre Company, a Broadway-quality musical

theater company launched by local residents in 2017. The group was literally an overnight success—budgeting to attract 500 memberships during its first season and selling 4,200.

Following Covid, which hit just two years later, City Springs Theatre Company patrons have continued to break attendance records while other companies around metro Atlanta, or even around the nation, have struggled to bring back live audiences.

Ironically, the pandemic slowdown gave the company an opportunity to expand their already robust educational programming, adding a pre-professional program for high schoolers in both performing and technical theater. This season, the company will also produce matinees for more than 7,500 students.

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“We want to develop audience members from a young age,” says the theatre company’s Executive Director Natalie DeLancey, who came here after directing the arts education program at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre—where she met her Tony Award-winning colleague Shuler Hensley, who now serves as City Springs Theatre Company’s artistic director. “My grandmother fell in love with the symphony on a second-grade field trip, and she’s been a patron ever since.”

However, visitors don’t even have to buy tickets to enjoy some of Sandy Springs’s most ambitious entertainment. There are two free outdoor concert series: “City Green Live” at the large, covered stage on the City Green, and “Concerts by the Springs” at the city’s original amphitheater. Thursday evening Sundown Socials on City Green offer signature cocktails, food trucks, live music, and a new cornhole league. From spring to fall, there are weekly farmers’ markets and outdoor movie showings on select Friday evenings. And there’s a robust rotation of annual happenings, such as a Juneteenth event, July

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Flower Child

Splash Pad at City Springs

4 fireworks, a lantern parade, and a fall arts and music festival.

Last year’s outdoor winter ice rink drew 16,000 skaters. New in 2024? OktoberFEAST, says Bill Haggett, executive director of the Performing Arts Center.

Perhaps most importantly, all this programming has made City Springs a place where people naturally gather. There is a wide range of restaurants on site, including The Select, Café Vendome, Flower Child, Nam Kitchen, and Playa Bowls, with more popular eateries just off campus. Street or deck parking is plentiful and inexpensive, often free. A sinuous water wall, fountains, and a splash pad add peaceful sounds and echo the town’s historic roots as natural springs that served the Muscogee Nation.

And even if there’s no live entertainment, visitors can enjoy the creative public art located throughout the campus and at Abernathy Greenway Park nearby. In fact, the city hosts an annual sculpture competition, with nine finalists chosen to be on display each year around City

Green. Called Arts in the Open, the program receives about 80 to 100 submissions annually, says Dina Chumney, executive director of Art Sandy Springs.

At the end of the year, the city or local patrons can choose to purchase pieces. There are now more than 30 pieces in the permanent collection.

Chumney herself grew up in Sandy Springs. She says, “I am so impressed with what the city has done with City Springs, with engaging the community with various programs, special events, and concerts. It’s so fun just to go over there and watch the kids.

It’s created a real city center we didn’t have before.”

The city has already acquired more property on the south side of Mount Vernon Highway toward Hildebrand, where it hopes to add more retail, restaurants, and condos, says Paul. Though he faced critics early on, the mayor says, “Nobody can imagine this community today without City Springs. With all due respect to Joni Mitchell, we tore down a parking lot and put up paradise.”

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The Springs Cinema & Taphouse is more than just films, food, and fun— it’s community

BY A M Y M E A D OWS

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TO P : C O U R T E S Y O F T H E S P R I N G S C I N E M A & TA P H O U S E ; R E E L : B I G S TO C K

Movie Magic

When Brandt Gully purchased Lefont Sandy Springs Theater in 2017, he had a plan for the neighborhood landmark, which had been the best local theater to see major studio movies and independent arthouse films since the late 1980s.

“We wanted to do as much as we could to make this a community venue rather than just your typical chain theater,” he explains of the beloved spot, which needed a significant renovation. “You have to tailor a venue like this to your customers and what they want, and you have to get a little creative.”

The result was The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, which is a movie theater, full bar, and restaurant all in one. Elevated bar food, 18 draft beer lines, 65 bourbons, and heated reclining seats are just some of the standout features of the theater, which plays a mix of Hollywood hits, independent films, classic movies, and foreign films in its eight auditoriums. The 800-seat venue, which is a host location for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, also offers unique moviegoing experiences throughout the year, such as Popcorn and Pajamas (with family-friendly classics and free popcorn for pajama-wearers), a free summer kids series that collects donations to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer (a disease that affected his own daughter), the Retro Rewind series (featuring older films), the Fright Nights horror series, and interactive movie parties with costume contests and singalongs. During the pandemic—a year after opening—they introduced a drive-in series, allowing locals to watch movies from the safety of their cars. The venue hosted 300 drive-in nights in the first year, allowing it to survive, but Gully had a specific objective in mind.

“I think it helped us accomplish our goal of connecting with the community,” he concludes. “It helped people see that we’re listening and paying attention. We can’t control what Hollywood movies we have, but we can focus on the rest of the experience. And we are going to continue to evolve and make this a fun experience for the community.”

UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

MY SANDY SPRINGS

For Brandt Gully, owning The Springs Cinema & Taphouse was not the original plan—but it was meant to be

IT’S NOT UNUSUAL TO FIND Brandt Gully at The Springs Cinema & Taphouse on weekend nights, chatting with customers and watching as they emerge from a theater, excited about the film they just saw. It’s not where the longtime investment banker and managing partner of EFA Partners expected to be, but owning the treasured community spot is a plot twist he’s happy about.

“My oldest daughter was 15 when she got diagnosed with a really rare type of cancer,” recalls Gully, who was in a career funk and looking for a change, having financed entertainment companies and movie theater chains for years. “We spent a year and a half

in the children’s hospital. We were surrounded by these amazing people who loved on my child, and it just changes your perspective. I asked myself, ‘What is it that I do?’

I wanted to figure out how to serve this community.”

Serendipity intervened when renowned industry friend George Lefont called Gully and asked him to either help him sell his movie house or buy it himself. “It sounded like a terrible idea based on all that I had going on, but it was something my family talked and prayed about, and it felt like it was my answer as to how to give back,” he says.

Gully invested $2.5 million into the venture, which included a total

renovation. It became a family affair, with all three of his daughters— including Peyton, who has been in remission since 2018—working at the venue at different times. It’s also allowed Gully to give many young Sandy Springs residents their first jobs while providing the community with a gathering spot.

“I didn’t know how hard it was going to be, but it’s also been an absolute blast,” says Gully. “I wanted to carry on what George had done but try to take it to the next level. I try to be there every weekend to really listen so I can find out how we can meet the needs of our customers and community better.”

—Amy Meadows VISITSANDYSPRINGS.ORG

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Small Board at Charcuterie Chick

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Creative License Craft a great day or night out at these local do-it-yourself spots

BY T E SS M A LO N E

Bored with dinner dates or looking for an Instagrammable bachelorette party? Get those creative juices flowing at these six Sandy Springs experiences for (almost) all ages. Unleash an inner artist or level up the party hosting game—no experience necessary. All you need to bring are the buddies and occasionally the booze.

CO U R T E S Y O F PA I N T I N G W I T H A T W I S T

L E F T: CO U R T E S Y O F C H A R C U T E R I E C H I C K ; T H I S PAG E : T E R R A R I U M : B I G S TO C K ,

PAINT PARTY Tap into your inner Van Gogh at Painting with a Twist. From still lifes to Disney-themed portraits, paint a masterpiece or just a good night out. No art experience required as instructors lead visitors through each step—but do bring the wine and friends.

Bachelorettes, couples, and even colleagues are invited

PLANT PALOOZA  Green thumb or not, anyone can get crafty at The Sipping Plant. Build an adorable abode for a special succulent with cute rocks, colorful mosses, and trinkets. Instructors will demo how to assemble a terrarium, but then everything else is up to the guest—including the beverages at this BYOB spot. Not into plants? String art workshops are also available.

Use colorful string to create dozens of designs from emojis to holiday favorites. sippingplant.com SNACKING SENSATION At Charcuterie Chick, learn how to assemble a board that party guests will be talking about for weeks. The intimate classes start at six people and go up to 15 and can be hosted at the store or a guest’s location—or even on Zoom. Ingredients change with the season, but expect cured meats, hard and soft cheeses, fresh produce, nuts, dried fruits, and other fun goodies. Plus, learn what to pair and how to serve. atlcharcuteriechick.com

to grab a brush. Or try a themed trivia night based on pop culture faves like Harry Potter or The Office. paintingwithatwist.com/atlanta-sandy-springs

LIQUID COURAGE Instead of going out for drinks, make them yourself at Beer and Wine Craft. Every month, discover the craft of winemaking, including fining and clearing after fermentation, then enjoy a tasting. Every other month, learn the steps of brewing beer—from steeping grains and creating the wort to bottling and kegging methods—and sample a few brews like cream ale and stouts. Wedding parties can even bottle and label their own vintages, and kits are sold for home experimentation. beerandwinecraft.com

SPLAT ATTACK Throwing paint at the wall is a great way to make original art and work out frustrations. The Splatter Studio’s largest location offers natural light to better see creations. Don protective gear, BYOB, and fire away with friends, family, or even colleagues (with special discounts for seniors on Wednesdays and families on Sundays). Paint brushes, squeeze bottles, and squirt guns are all part of the fun. Then take a canvas home. The best part? They handle cleanup. thesplatterstudio.com

WOODSHOP WONDERS Know how to use a table saw or never picked up a hammer? Rockler Woodworking has a class for everyone. From Woodworking 101 to turning a bowl, Rockler offers more than 15 classes, even a few kids can attend. Look for special holiday happenings, like how to turn an ornament for Christmas or creating epoxy coasters on Mother’s and Father’s Days. Each class is small enough for hands-on instruction and attendees always create a souvenir to take home. rockler.com/retail/stores/ga/sandy-springs-store VISITSANDYSPRINGS.ORG

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Shop Sandy Springs

From clothing and accessories to furniture and gifts, these shops and boutiques are must-stops during your next trip

BY L AU R E N F I N N E Y H A R D E N

Veronica's Attic

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THE DRAKE CLOSET This donation-based boutique is part of the nonprofit The Drake House, which helps empower women and children experiencing homelessness.

Proceeds support the organization, and residents of The Drake House have access to clothing for interviews and employment opportunities. thedrakehouse.org/the-drake-closet

C O U R T E S Y O F V E R O N I C A' S A T T I C , P E R R I N E ' S W I N E S H O P, P E T E R G L E N N S K I & S P O R T S

VERONICA’S ATTIC  For more than 20 years, the mother-daughter duo behind this clothing, accessories, and gifts boutique has been supplying Sandy Springs with the best contemporary wares. Shop everything from pavé diamond necklaces to quirky cowboy boot hair clips to the latest platform shoes. veronicasattic.com THE BLAKE Atlanta native Annie Boswell opened The Blake in 2021. Expect well-known brands like Stateside and Lilla P., plus local brands like C.B. Gray and vintage jewelry by Cary Calhoun. Baby gifts include beloved brands such as Kissy Kissy and Wee Ones bows, plus toys, bath products, and more. theblakeatl.com PENZEY’S SPICES For 12 years, this specialty shop has kept kitchens flavorful by offering hundreds of spices and blends, including its proprietary line. Fox Point, the most popular spice blend, includes salt, shallots, chives, garlic, and green peppercorns, perfect for topping everything from baked chicken to scrambled eggs. penzeys.com PERRINE’S WINE SHOP  The third location in Sandy Springs’ resident Perrine Prieur Gallardo’s mini empire offers the same variety of wine Atlanta oenophiles have come to love.

Sustainable, biodyna-mic, and organic selections sit among large tasting tables where you can try everything from Aligotés to Pinot Noirs. perrineswine.com

PETER GLENN SKI & SPORTS  You’ll find year-round winter sports equipment at this skier's paradise, where European heavy hitters like Rossignol and Bogner sit alongside Burton, Helly Hansen, and Sorel. There’s a selection of running shoes, plus seasonal items such as water sporting equipment. peterglenn.com APRICOT LANE Women of all ages and generations will appreciate shopping at this independently owned boutique, where most items fall into the $50 to $100 range for basics and trending items.

Popular brands include THML, Ivy Jane, Spanx, Lucy Paris, and Velvet Heart. apricotlaneboutique.com/ store/sandysprings FOX’S OF SANDY SPRINGS Bargain hunters should head to Fox’s, where the latest and greatest name brands in women’s fashion and accessories are available at discounted prices. For more than 10 years, the Sandy Springs location has carried the best of the best: think Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, and Betsey Johnson. foxs.com KUDZU & COMPANY Kudzu & Company is the sister store to Atlanta institution Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur, specializing in everything from upholstery to case goods to gifts for the home. Browse and order custom sofas and chairs from CR Laine, LEE, Norwalk, and more, or explore its extensive art and lighting options. kudzuandcompany.com VISITSANDYSPRINGS.ORG

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Fly fishing on the Chattahoochee River

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Sure, Sandy Springs is a vital part of one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the country, with easy access to all sorts of urban activity. But there’s also plenty of fresh air and outdoor adventure to be had. The city boasts more than 950 acres of parks and greenway, not to mention 20-plus miles of pristine shoreline along the Chattahoochee River. Miles of peaceful trails traverse the rolling foothills, lush forests, and majestic rock formations. It’s a picturesque setting for any pursuit, including birdwatching, kayaking, fly fishing, tubing, running, and hiking.

More than anything, these greenspaces offer the chance to breathe— to pull off the highway, hop off the commuter train, or simply step out of the office and escape into nature’s embrace.

—Tony Rehagen

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Our National

PARK Sandy Springs is home to three units of the NPS’s Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

BY TO N Y R E H AG E N

Not everyone can say they have a National Park in their backyard.

Residents of and visitors to Sandy Springs can proudly make that claim—and enjoy the benefits.

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter established the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), placing the 48-mile stretch of the river from Lake Lanier to the city of Atlanta and 7,000 acres of adjoining hills and forest under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. This act, authorized by Congress, ensured 22

GET OUTSIDE

Nantahala Outdoor Center at Powers Island Unit

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Ranger Jerry Hightower

that this natural treasure is maintained, protected, preserved, and made accessible to the public in perpetuity.

The CRNRA is comprised of 15 units—three of which (about 83 acres total) are located within the city limits of Sandy Springs. These 20 miles of water and shoreline are teeming with flora, fauna, and scenic blufftops to look upon; 12.3 miles of woodland and ridgeline trails to hike; and of course, the river itself, ideal for fishing, wading, and floating. The signage, facilities, and knowledgeable staff also provide historic and environmental education for school groups on field trips and individuals there for leisure.

The CRNRA welcomes more than three million visitors a year, making it the 29th most-visited national park in the U.S. But these people don’t just come for exercise, scenery, and education. They also come for sanctuary. It’s a wonderland nestled in the heart of the city for anyone who wants to come and commune with their natural surroundings.

“For more than 40 years, these three sites have been the medicine chest for Sandy Springs,” says Jerry Hightower, park ranger and environmental education coordinator who has been with the CRNRA from the beginning. “I mean that literally: People can come and get rid of the stress of the everyday hustle and bustle of urban life; exercise mind and body. This is a place of great peace and safety.”

ISLAND FORD UNIT Sandy Springs might only have three of CRNRA’s 15 land units, but it has arguably the most important.

Island Ford is home to the park’s headquarters and its only visitors center, located in the historic Hewlett Lodge. “People who travel to visit come to Island Ford to get their bearings and buy their park pass,” says Ann Honius, superintendent of the CRNRA. “This is their first experience in the park.”

And what a grand introduction.

This land once belonged to Atlanta attorney and Georgia Superior Court Justice Samuel Hewlett, who used it for a summer home. In the 1930s, Hewlett initiated construction on an Adirondack-style lodge using cypress logs from the Okefenokee

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Swamp and stone from Stone Mountain, all brought to the site via a temporary railroad Hewlett had specially built for the project.

The lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This section of the park features even more historic shelters than Hewlett Lodge. Along the river, there are at least two grand rock overhangs, where prehistoric Native Americans took refuge from the elements thousands of years ago. Visitors can access these prehistoric sites by way of five miles of trail that span the unit, also taking hikers through oldgrowth hardwood forest and some of the calmest access points on the river, where kayakers and canoers can put in and float to Roswell.

POWERS ISLAND UNIT Named after the family that owned the land and operated a ferry across the Chattahoochee River in the early 1800s, Powers Island Park continues to be a popular place to put into the river. The relatively small park is located across from Interstate North Parkway, just north of I-285. It’s home to an outpost operated by the Nantahala Outdoor Center, the outdoor guide service and retail store where guests can reserve and rent tubes, kayaks, rafts, and

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Island Ford Unit

paddle boards for the day.

But while Powers Island can be one of the river’s busiest put-ins— especially in summer—the rest of the space is a tranquil, hidden gem. The narrow 2.5-mile trail skirts the riverbank as it loops through dense old-growth forest and hills and ravines strewn with wildflowers and abounding with wildlife, particularly birds. The path gently climbs to explore part of the ridge, which offers spectacular views of the river below. It’s perfect for a peaceful retreat. Like so much of the park, “it’s dropping into the middle of nature without knowing you’re in the middle of a major metropolis,” says Honius.

EAST PALISADES UNIT

Powers Island Unit

If Island Ford is the gateway to the park and a place to learn and Powers Island is the point to put your crafts in the river, East Palisades is the haven for diehard hikers and trail runners.

About 3.4 miles of trails—easy to difficult—wind and wend through all manner of terrain. Trek through tree-covered floodplains, delve into

brush-strewn ravines, and scale rocky bluff ridges. Climb on large boulders wedged into the riverside.

Wade out into the river to fish for 22 species of game fish. There’s a non-native, but noninvasive bamboo grove. And the rock formations are phenomenal, including one overhang that was believed to have been used as a shelter by indigenous people more than 14,000 years ago.

There are also marvelous vistas of the cityscape beyond and the river below, where sharp, angular slabs of stone jut from the water, creating Class 1 and Class 2 whitewater rapids that attract adventurous kayakers that are also fun to watch. (Honius emphasizes the importance of safety for everyone visiting the park, from life vests for kayakers to vigilance for ticks and tripping hazards for the hikers.)

“There are wonderful trails and extraordinary vistas over the river,” says Ranger Hightower.

“Wildflowers are on display in the spring and summer; it’s also very beautiful when the leaves turn in fall. East Palisades Park is one of my playgrounds.”

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Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park

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GET OUTSIDE

A Day at the Park

Lace up your shoes, pack a picnic, or rent a kayak— and get ready to discover a little slice of green in the heart of Sandy Springs

BY N I C O L E L E T T S

Sandy Springs boasts abundant greenspace.

The city feels lush with its towering trees and shady ground cover, and there are numbers to prove it. Sandy Springs has more than 20 unique parks filled with varying amenities. All spaces are open from sunup to sundown, and a few stay open even later to allow visitors access to things like stargazing, an annual lantern parade, and other nighttime activities.

Visitors seeking a bit of everything that Sandy Springs has to offer should head to Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Kids will delight in the playground area where there are structures

Morgan Falls Overlook Park

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John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve

for children big and small. Your tots will be satisfied by the toddler swings and a perfectly pint-sized playground while older children will appreciate the climbing, slides, and bridges the larger structure has to offer. As a bonus, there is ample shade as well as an adjacent (rentable) pavilion for picnics and parties. Adults will also appreciate this spot thanks to the large porch-style swings that face the nearby reservoir. Stop into Murphs Surf to rent a kayak or paddleboard, or swing by Catalyst Sports next door for adaptive paddling equipment. Don’t miss historic Morgan Falls, the oldest hydro-engineering facility still operating in Georgia.

Just across Roswell Road opposite Morgan Falls Overlook Park sits John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve. First saved in 1989 by a nationally recognized science center developer of the same name, today’s park is a 30-acre tree, plant, and wildlife sanctuary. An old-growth forest protected by a conservation easement, the preserve has a collection of short but beautiful hub and spoke trails. There are benches throughout the various points for those seeking rest or simply looking to enjoy the surrounding nature. This park is especially 28

lovely on warm days as the shade is instantly cooling. Plus, the rushing waters of Powers Branch stream provide a serene soundtrack.

To let kids roam and expel energy, there’s nothing better than a trip to Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park. A shady parking lot greets visitors and sets the tone. There is a brick walkway perfect for strollers or the unsure footing of early walkers. The 6.6-acre linear park features innovative playground equipment that doubles as art. Each apparatus is meant to inspire active play and creative imagination. The swing set, for example, was designed by artist Jeff Hackney and does not have upper cross-members, so sky-high views are unobstructed. Each play space also features playground surfacing, a bouncy synthetic poured rubber made from recycled tires. Whether it’s the stylized climbable spider or the more traditional dragonfly jungle gym, kids have endless opportunities for imaginative play.

With unique parks catering to all ages and interests, Sandy Springs offers residents and visitors a wealth of opportunities to connect with nature, get some exercise, and create lasting memories.

MY SANDY SPRINGS

NATURAL CHOICE

For National Park Service superintendent Ann Honious, being at her workplace is the perfect escape ANN HONIOUS AND HER HUSBAND moved to Sandy Springs from Dayton, Ohio, three years ago for her new job, superintendent of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). And while the couple has come to enjoy all that the city and the surrounding area has to offer, her favorite place to be when she’s not working…is at work.

“I enjoy being a visitor to the park during my time off. I’m always undercover, so no one knows who I am or what I do. I love hiking and being on the river. I’m learning to kayak,” says Honious, who grew up in Oregon, where she says the water is too cold to float. She enjoys spotting different species of animals and plants and different ecosystems. “My husband and I explore—there are still trails and parts of the park I have never seen, even after three years of working here.”

Of course, she doesn’t spend all her time at the park. She and her husband like going to museums, attending sporting events, and trying different foods—being tourists in their own town.

And while she can’t choose one favorite restaurant or chef, she says they have a taste for a variety of cuisines, and they always seek out independently owned businesses. She also relishes the chance to just be at home.

“But I am always drawn back to the park—back to nature,” she says. “It offers an escape from work. I know that sounds strange, since it literally is my job. But just being in nature—among the birds and the trees and the river— is restorative. It rejuvenates me.”

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NoriFish

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Dine

COURTESY OF NORIFISH

HERE

Perfectly tucked between the city and the suburbs, Sandy Springs is a microcosm of the South’s culinary melting pot.

Georgia’s seventh-largest city brings out the best in its diverse population, thanks to a blend of strong Southern roots and international talent that translates into a fusion of deliciousness scattered around town.

With a little diligence and an empty stomach, you could easily eat your way around the world without ever leaving the city limits.

The culinary landscape here is vast and varied, offering everything from gourmet fine dining and fancy French patisseries to no-frills mom-andpop eateries and trendy brunch spots. No matter what your taste buds are craving, Sandy Springs has a restaurant to satisfy them.

— Sarah Bisacca

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A World of

FLAVOR You don’t have to wander far to discover global tastes

BY SA R A H B I SAC C A

Colonial Kitchen and Bar

Put away your passport and prep your palate for amazing culinary adventures that await in Sandy Springs. From casual Caribbean cuisine to sublime sushi, take a gourmet trip around the globe when you visit these eclectic eateries all around town.

Inspired by the fusion of flavors that emerged from Southeast Asia’s colonial period, this swanky venue serves up beautifully presented Thai and Vietnamese dishes like beef pho, ginger sea bass, and whole fried yellowtail snapper.

Slide up to the bar to savor a tamarind mint margarita or grab a seat on the patio to enjoy your meal beneath twinkling lights. colonialkitchenatlanta.com

Chef Rob’s Cafe & Bar

Island breezes and a relaxed vibe are the order of the day at this casual Caribbean eatery. Helmed by Jamaican-born chef Robert Gayle, the lively spot has been serving up tropical tipples (rum punch, anyone?) and authentic island cuisine like braised beef oxtails, jerk chicken, and mountains of fried plantains for more than 17 years. chefrobscafe.com

Thrill Korean Steak & Bar

If you’ve never experienced the joy of digging into platters of freshly 32

grilled beef bulgogi and pork belly paired with endless banchan (veggieforward side dishes), this two-story steakhouse is the perfect place for an informal introduction to Korean barbecue. The all-you-caneat model lets you sample as many meats as you like, and the lively atmosphere is perfect for a night out. thrillkoreansteakandbar.com

il Giallo Osteria & Bar

It doesn’t get much fresher than seeing hand-made pasta crafted right before your eyes. Watch skilled artisans at work and get a taste of their dishes inspired by chef-owner Jamie Adams’ time living and working in Italy. Savor classics like spaghetti and lasagna or opt for something more unique like fava bean–filled tortelli. ilgialloatl.com

Canton Cooks

Tucked inside the unassuming Hammond Exchange shopping center, this casual Cantonese eatery serves up a huge array of plates featuring just about every ingredient under the

DINE

il Giallo Osteria & Bar

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ROSWELL ROAD’S RESTAURANT ROW

Okiboru

FUEGO MUNDO

This vibrant restaurant offers Latin American cuisine with wood-fired dishes and a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.

KAISER’S CHOPHOUSE

Savor elevated steakhouse fare in the modern dining room or recently renovated patio of this award-winning venue.

BARAONDA

Beautifully plated pastas and Roman-style pizzas are the order of the day at this trendy Italian spot.

HENRI’S BAKERY & DELI 

Hearty deli sandwiches and gorgeous baked goods have made this classic French bakery an Atlanta favorite for nearly 100 years.

SAMAD MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & MARKET

This counter-service joint serves hearty Mediterranean meals like beef kebabs and tabouleh salad alongside a bevy of imported gourmet groceries.

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sun. Staples like sweet and sour chicken or kung pao shrimp grace the gargantuan menu, but the highlights here are the hot pot, lobster, and barbecue duck offerings. canton-cooks.com

Rumi’s Kitchen

With its lively ambiance, open kitchen, and mouthwatering flame-grilled fare, chef-owner Ali Mesghali’s signature Persian eatery has been a celebratory Sandy Springs staple for nearly 20 years. Start your meal with the signature lavash and a platter of radishes, herbs, walnuts, and feta, followed by herbaceous salads, creamy dips, homestyle stews, kebabs, and some of the best rice you’ll ever eat. rumiskitchen.com

SabaRaba’s

For fluffy falafel and delectable shawarma, keep your eyes peeled for the yellow shipping container on Roswell Road.

Owner Udi Herschkovitz describes the stationary food truck as an Israeli-style “falafeliya” offering up Mediterraneaninspired street food to hungry diners on the go. Enjoy packed pitas, succulent roasted meats, and super-fresh salads, all crafted to deliver a hearty punch of flavor. eatsabarabas.com

Okiboru

You don’t have to travel to Japan to enjoy award-winning ramen. This authentic Japanese eatery earned a nod from the Michelin Guide for its tsukemen-style “dipping” ramen

COURTESY OF OKIBORU; HENRI'S BAKERY & DELI

BISHOKU

Stop in for sushi and small plates from a huge menu at this casual and inviting Japanese eatery.

DINE

Rumi's Kitchen

La Petite Maison

For French fare with a side of Southern hospitality, look no further than this Sandy Springs institution.

The elegant white tablecloth–clad dining room specializes in Niçoise cuisine hailing from France’s southern coast. Seafood plays a starring role in many dishes, though classics like French onion soup, foie gras, and roast duck also grace the menu, as does an impressive wine selection. lapetitemaisonbistro.com

Bawarchi Biryani crafted with house-made noodles and from-scratch broth.

If the flavorful soups don’t transport you abroad, then the sleek wood and paper screen dining room decor might just do the trick. okiboru.com

a coveted recommendation. foodterminal.com

Casi Cielo

Discover the delightfully bold flavors of Oaxacan-style cuisine at this stylish Mexican restaurant. The sleek dining room and intimate terrace each provide a comfortable perch from which to savor a sip from Atlanta’s largest mezcal collection and gorgeous plates of ceviche, carne asada, and vegan-friendly coliflor al josper.

Put your fate in the kitchen’s capable hands by opting for the multicourse chef’s tasting menu. casicieloatl.com

Named after the Hindu word for “chef,” the Sandy Springs outpost of this casual Indian restaurant chain has been serving up flavorful curries, hearty biryanis, and grilled meats for nearly 10 years. The menu offers more than 125 items from across the country, ranging from South Indian uthappams (lentil flatbreads) to North Indian butter chicken and street-style chaat. bawarchiatlanta.com 

Dine C O U R T E S Y O F R U M I ' S K I T C H E N , B AWA R C H I B I R YA N I

Pisco Latin Kitchen

Offering a twist on tradition, this Latin kitchen and ceviche bar serves up a blend of Peruvian, Cuban, and Nikkei-style cuisine, the latter a unique fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors.

Expect expertly crafted sushi rolls and sashimi, paella, churrasco steak, jaleta mixta (fried seafood), and lechon asado (mojo-marinated Cuban roast pork), alongside classic Pisco Sours from the bar. piscolk.com

Food Terminal

With its lively atmosphere, modern decor, and extensive selection of Asian street foods, this Malaysian dining room is a must-visit. The hearty menu ranges from Indianinspired curries and rich noodle soups to regional Chinese dishes like Hunan chicken served cold with cucumber. The authentic eatery even caught the eye of the Michelin Guide in 2023, earning

Sunnyside Pizzeria

This family-owned pizza joint isn’t your average pie shop. The casually chic eatery specializes in light and crisp Neopolitanstyle pizzas, ranging from the classic margherita to an Indianinspired Mumbai pie topped with a curry tomato sauce, roasted cauliflower, and fresh mint. A curated selection of pastas, salads, and sharable small plates like an Instagram-worthy burrata board rounds out the eclectic menu. sunnysidepizzeria.com

NoriFish

Sushi in Sandy Springs doesn’t get much more authentic than the omakase-style selections served up in this Japanese-inspired dining room. Fish flown in weekly from Japan’s Toyoshu Fish Market stars in beautifully crafted small plates like Chu Toro & Quail Egg Toast, but the highlight here is the omakase menu that allows the chefs to showcase the day’s freshest catch in a lengthy and delicious multicourse menu. norifishsushi.com VISITSANDYSPRINGS.ORG

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BIG B’S FISH JOINT Focused on fresh seafood, it’s no wonder that this casual spot’s Saturday and Sunday brunch serves up delightful lobster and crab cake benedicts. Not a fan of crustaceans? There’s a third benedict option, this time loaded with bacon, as well as other classic egg-focused dishes. bigbsfishjoint.com RAY’S ON THE RIVER Get gussied up for a fancy brunch at this 40-year-strong restaurant overlooking the Chattahoochee River.

The full a la carte menu is served every Sunday and a handful of those favorites— such as the challah French toast and poached lobster benedict—are also available on Saturdays. raysontheriver.com

The Select

Let’s Brunch!

Get your weekend nosh on at these diverse brunch options in Sandy Springs

BY K A R I N A A N T E N U C C I 36

C&S SEAFOOD Settle in at this cozy brasserie for a fine-dining brunch with Creole flavors reminiscent of the coastal South. Nibble on beignets or praline bacon followed by the seafood and andouille

COURTESY OF THE SELECT

THE SELECT This chic French-brasserieinspired neighborhood eatery offers a decadent Sunday brunch. Indulge in Liège Belgian waffles with whipped crème fraîche, berries and powdered sugar, or the Enormous Cinnamon Bun, which can be shared with the table. Choose from the outdoor patio, glassedin sunroom, or elegant interior spaces with banquet seating. theselectatl.com

DINE

Under The Cork Tree

gumbo, and finish with shrimp and grits or Gulf flounder amandine. The cocktail list boasts everything from a tequila mimosa to a Manhattan with Elijah Craig. candsoysterbar.com CUPANION’S KITCHEN + COFFEE This casual cafe offers a quick sit-down or grab-and-go meal on Saturdays. Brunchexclusive items include savory blueberry pancakes; challah bread French toast casserole garnished with brûléed banana and berries; and the Cowboy Benedict, featuring cornbread-braised beef, two poached eggs, and guajillo-chili hollandaise. cupanionscafe.com

COURTESY OF KID CASHEW

SOUTHERN BISTRO Expect elevated Southern fare at this down-to-earth south Sandy Springs resto offering weekend brunch. The meticulously presented dishes include chicken and waffles with collard greens and fried oysters with cheddar grits, green tomato chow chow, smoked bacon, and more. southernbistroatl.com UNDER THE CORK TREE You’ll find everything from cured meats and cheese selections and tapas to brunch exclusives, such as Greek donuts and an omelet with Italian sausage, gruyere, and oyster mushrooms, at this spot offering northern Mediterranean–inspired flavors. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. corktreerestaurant.com KID CASHEW This darling, walk-in-only joint with mismatched chairs and black-and-white photography keeps

Kid Cashew

brunch simple. The handful of eclectic menu items to choose from on weekends include a healthy avocado toast platter and an indulgent grilled pork chop with white beans. Bonus: Littles age 6 and under eat free. kidcashew.com MOJAVE RESTAURANT Spice up your weekends with Latin-American flavors at this gorgeous, family-owned restaurant overlooking a pond and lush surroundings. Enjoy selections such as blue cornbread made with blue corn masa and the Spanish frittata with chorizo and chihuahua cheese, as well as a red or white sangria to wash it all down. mojaverestaurant.com ZAFRON RESTAURANT This Persian restaurant located across the street from City Springs offers weekend brunch creations such as a flavorful shakshuka (baked wood-smoked tomato, eggplant, onion, and garlic topped with two eggs), homemade falafel, hummus garnished with lamb kabob, and more. persianrestaurantsandysprings.com JUST LOVE COFFEE CAFE This sweet coffee shop is rooted in love, as a business that began by providing support to adoption families. Stop by the franchise’s Sandy Springs location for a cup of artisanal java and one of its signature waffle-ironed omelets, wraps, or sandwiches. justlovecoffeecafe.com VISITSANDYSPRINGS.ORG

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Breadwinner Café & Bakery

While Breadwinner is known for its filling soups and salads, they also sell tempting treats like bigger-than-your-face chocolate chip cookies and rich brownies that make for a perfect dessert. Stock up on breakfast items like mocha chocolate chip and cranberry orange breads. breadwinnercafe.com

Susansnaps

Sugar Fix

These eight spots in Sandy Springs can satisfy any sweet-tooth craving

BY L I A P I C A R D

When Susan Stachler fought cancer in her 20s, her mom’s gingersnap cookies soothed any tummy ailments. Now, Stachler makes her own chewy cookies in a variety of flavors like cocoa and citrus. Swing by the shop or order online to ship. susansnaps.com 

This colorful shop contains Indian-style ice creams, all of which are eggless and come in tropical flavors like blueberry-mango, banana-walnut, and lychee. Another stand-out frozen treat: the falooda, made with rose petal ice cream and rice noodles. kwalityfoods.com

Zambawango 

For those who want a sweet fix but without the sugar spike, this bakery has perfected the craft of the “healthy” treat. Using Swerve, a plant-based sweetener, the bakers craft cheesecakes, cookies, and pies in exciting, yet low-carb, varieties. zambawango.com

Da Vinci’s Donuts

Made-to-order miniature cake-style doughnuts are hand-dipped in an array of toppings here.

Keep it simple with powdered sugar and chocolate glaze or go “gourmet” with birthday cake or chocolate Oreo.

Their small size makes it easy to enjoy multiple varieties. davincisdonuts.com 38

Cafe Vendome

Paris doesn’t seem far away at this bright bakery in City Springs.

The pastry case holds buttery treasures like croissants and baguettes as well as artfully prepared pastries, while a menu offers sandwiches, salads, and coffee beverages. cafevendome.com

Teamo Tea Cafe Sugar Shane’s 

Gigantic and chewy stuffed cookies are what Sugar Shane’s excels in. Here you’ll find decadent flavors like cookies n’ cream, red velvet, and s’mores. Additionally, customizable cookies are available to make anyone’s celebration (or day) better. sugarshanes.com

Teamo’s tea beverages specialize in milk and fruit teas; the mangopassionfruit is a popular choice. You can add boba (chewy tapioca bubbles) and a slightly salty cream cheese foam topping for extra texture and flavor boost. teamoteacafe.com

CO U R T E S Y O F Z A M B AWA N G O, S U S A N S N A P S , S U GA R S H A N E 'S ; D O N U T S : B I G S TO C K

Kwality Ice Cream

MY SANDY SPRINGS

SLICE OF LIFE

For Sunny Sun, opening a pizzeria was born of a passion for great pie and a desire for change SUNNY SUN DIDN’T SET OUT to make pizzas. She and her husband, David Ge, both worked in the finance industry for several years. When Sun first got a taste of Neapolitan pizza, though, a flame was ignited. Six years after moving to Atlanta, Sun put accounting behind her and brought her passion for pizza to life.

In 2022, Sun and Ge opened Sunnyside Pizzeria in Sandy Springs.

“Neapolitan Pizza drew me because it’s lighter, it’s not as heavy,” says Sun. “I could literally eat a whole pizza myself and not feel like I got hit by a truck.”

At Sunnyside, she wants the pizzas to have the traditional airy dough, but with creative topping combinations not seen everywhere else. The hot honey char, with pepperoni, ricotta, and a hot honey drizzle, is one of their most popular pizzas. “It’s sweet and savory with a slight hint of spiciness,” says Sun. For Sun, who was a new mom when Sunnyside opened, community is everything. “I really like our customer base,” she says. “A lot of times it’s neighbors, people from Sandy Springs.”

She considers herself lucky for having positive encounters in the two years they’ve been open, and credits the strong community.

When she’s not at the restaurant, Sun and Ge love to take their toddler to City Springs to play in the splash pad or run around on the greenspace before grabbing a bite at Flower Child. They also like Banana Leaf Thai and Breadwinner Cafe. “I love to go out to eat, and I like to think that I create a good restaurant environment for my customers.”

Fortunately, she’s in the right place to accomplish both. —Lia Picard

Happy Hour Haven

From underground bars to family-friendly breweries, Sandy Springs offers a plethora of places to get your drink on

BY C A R LY C O O P E R

 MUTATION BREWING Opened in early 2022, Mutation was named Best Sandy Springs Brewery and Taphouse just a year later. From a speakeasy-style taproom to a rooftop bar, it offers 10,000 square feet of fun.

Catch the big game on one of eight TVs while tasting some of the 14 to 16 beers on tap. IPAs are a top seller here, along with unique brews like Mile High Salute, a Peruvian Chica sour, and Sammich Time, a peanut butter and jelly sour.

But Mutation aims to cater to non-beer lovers as well with 14 hard seltzers, including two frozen varieties. Red sangria, dragon fruit, and honey mango are just a few of the options.

There are even two sugar-free flavors: pomegranate and raspberry. Soak it up with tavern fare provided by Dogwood Kitchen. Expect all the staples: buffalo chicken dip, fried pickles, loaded nachos, burgers, and more. Who wants wings?

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C O U R T E S Y O F B A T T L E & B R E W, T R E V E L E

Battle & Brew

PONTOON BREWING The first microbrewery in Sandy Springs, Pontoon invites guests to embrace the “Pontoon Lifestyle”— that feeling when you’re relaxing on a slow-moving boat, sipping a cold drink with not a care in the world. A group of friends and homebrewers started the company in 2014, opening the brick-and-mortar location in late 2017. Today, the team produces nearly 100 beers a year, with some limited-time releases only available in the taproom.

Visit to sample some of the 18 beers on tap, including New Wave Premium Ale, a blonde ale with both fruity and bready notes, and One Ski IPA, with citrus and melon. Find your favorites while playing outdoor games or noshing on snacks from the rotating selection of food trucks—dogs and children welcome. Pontoon hosts wacky festivals and events (one even included a cereal-eating contest!), so check its Facebook page for the latest information.

BATTLE & BREW The first video game restaurant in the U.S., Battle & Brew is a gamer’s haven. Boasting more than 100 video games, 30 computer games, and 100 board games, this familyfriendly spot offers craft beer, wines, and creatively named cocktails (including non-alcoholic versions). Hungry? Try the “Dragon Talons,” a.k.a. chicken fingers or the “Triforce” Nachos.

TRE VELE Looking for an escape? Tre Vele offers a taste of Italy in a modern, welcoming environment.

From honey whipped ricotta (one of the most popular starters) to tableside cacio e pepe (a Tuesday night special), everything is made in house.

Head to the roof for seasonal pop-ups: the springtime garden bar is the perfect time for an Aperol spritz, or sip on Santa’s

Tre Vele

spiked eggnog at the holiday jingle bar.

THE CHAPTER ROOM An intimate bar hidden below Taco Mac at the Prado, the Chapter Room offers both local and national craft beers on tap.

Not a beer drinker? Cocktail and wine lists are available, too.

Come for the drinks, stay for the warm and cozy vibe. Don’t forget: Food is served down here, too!

CITYBAR. Whether you’re out socializing with friends or just need a pick-me-up, CityBar has you covered. Located inside the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, this sleek establishment offers top-shelf liquor, draft beer, and specialty coffee drinks.

It’s the perfect place to meet for cocktails and light bites before or after a show.

BROOKLYN CAFÉ Lifelong friends Jeff Trump and Mike “Shooter” Horosh opened Brooklyn Café in 1992, offering a comfortable place for neighbors to drink and dine. In addition to filling up on staples like jumbo lump crab cakes and Creole chicken and sausage, regulars can choose from more than 100 boutique wines, as well as attend monthly wine tastings.

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Truist Park/The Battery

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Stay

HERE, GO ANYWHERE

T H E B AT T E R Y AT L A N TA : W I K I P E D I A

Nestled just north of downtown Atlanta, Sandy Springs is the perfect launchpad for an adventure-filled exploration of Georgia’s bustling capital. While Sandy Springs boasts ample recreational and outdoor activities, dining, shopping, and cultural opportunities, its prime location also offers visitors easy access to metro Atlanta’s top attractions, sports venues, dining options, shopping districts, and medical facilities. Three MARTA stations seamlessly connect you to the city, making it effortless to explore landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium, Truist Park/The Battery, and Ponce City Market. Whether for a quick visit or an extended stay, Sandy Springs is an ideal home base, combining tranquil suburban charm with quick access to Atlanta’s vibrant city life.

— Hillary Hardwick Ponce City Market

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All-Access Advantage

When staying in Sandy Springs, the opportunities to explore metro Atlanta are endless

BY H I L L A RY H A R DW I C K

Getting Around

Navigating Sandy Springs and the greater Atlanta area is a breeze with convenient MARTA access

North Springs Station

North Springs Station on PeachtreeDunwoody Road offers over 2,300 parking spaces and is the ideal station for getting to nearby attractions like the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Sandy Springs Station

Centrally located at Mount Vernon Highway and Abernathy Road, Sandy Springs Station provides easy parking and convenient access to local amenities like the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Perimeter Mall, and numerous dining options.

Medical Center Station

The Medical Center Station on PeachtreeDunwoody Road ensures close proximity to world-class healthcare at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, Emory Saint Joseph’s, and Northside Hospital.

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Game On

Sandy Springs is just minutes away from major league sports action

Truist Park

Home to the Atlanta Braves, Truist Park is a 15-minute drive or 45-minute MARTA ride (using a bus and shuttle from Cumberland Transfer Center). Featuring a state-of-the-art stadium and The Battery Atlanta—a vibrant mixeduse development with dining, shopping, and entertainment—this landmark offers an exciting gameday atmosphere and year-round destination.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Just a 20-minute drive or 35-minute MARTA ride, MercedesBenz Stadium hosts the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United and features a retractable roof and 360-degree video board.

State Farm Arena

Home to the Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena offers an immersive basketball experience, hosts concerts year-round, and is a quick 20-minute drive or 35-minute MARTA ride.

Retail Therapy

ALAMY

Sandy Springs is surrounded by some of Atlanta’s premier shopping destinations

Lenox Square MARTA North Springs Station

Lenox Square houses luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and anchor store Neiman Marcus VISITSANDYSPRINGS.ORG

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Georgia Aquarium

Discover Atlanta

Sandy Springs’ central location provides easy access to Atlanta’s rich tapestry of attractions

Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, including whale sharks, beluga whales, and sea otters. The Ocean Voyager exhibit, with its massive viewing window, offers a breathtaking view of aquatic life, making it a perfect destination for families and ocean enthusiasts.

alongside popular retailers such as Zara and Anthropologie.

Its sleek design and upscale atmosphere, complemented by diverse dining options, make it a favorite among fashion enthusiasts.

Phipps Plaza

Located across from Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza is synonymous with elegance and high-end retail. This shopping center features fine dining, a state-of-the-art movie theatre, and exclusive boutiques like Gucci, Versace, and Tiffany & Co., making it a haven for luxury shoppers.

Perimeter Mall

Perimeter Mall offers a balanced mix of high-end and mid-range stores, catering to diverse shopping preferences. Anchored

by Nordstrom and Macy’s, it boasts popular retailers such as Apple, Sephora, and H&M. 46

Its contemporary design and spacious layout make for an effortless shopping trip.

Avalon

Avalon provides a unique shopping experience with its open-air design and pedestrian-friendly streets.

This lifestyle destination includes retailers like Free People, Vineyard Vines, and Crate & Barrel, along with an array of trendy restaurants and a 12-screen, full-service movie theater.

Buckhead Village

This stylish district is known for high-end boutiques, designer stores, and gourmet eateries like The Southern Gentleman.

Brands like Christian Louboutin, Tom Ford, and Warby Parker attract fashionable shoppers, while charming streets and a lively atmosphere make it a popular place to explore.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Through compelling exhibits and multimedia presentations,

C O U R T E S Y O F G E O R G I A AQ U A R I U M , AVA LO N

World of Coca-Cola

Discover the fascinating history of the world’s most famous beverage. This interactive museum showcases Coca-Cola’s rich history with a multi-sensory 4D theater experience, exhibits featuring vintage memorabilia, and a tasting room with more than 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the world.

Stay S TAY

visitors gain deep insights into the history of the civil rights movement in the United States and stories from the struggle for human rights around the world today.

College Football Hall of Fame

Celebrate the history and heroes of college football through engaging exhibits, a 45-yard indoor field, and a treasure trove of memorabilia. Fans can explore exhibits featuring their favorite teams, test their skills in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Skill Zone, and relive iconic moments in college football history.

High Museum of Art

The High is recognized for its impressive collection of classic and contemporary art. The museum’s striking architecture, designed by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, houses an extensive collection that includes European masterpieces, American modern art, African art, and photography.

Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is a bustling hub of food, shopping, and

Avalon

entertainment. The Central Food Hall features an array of culinary delights, from gourmet eateries to artisanal food vendors. Shoppers can explore unique boutiques, while the rooftop amusement area, Skyline Park, offers mini-golf, carnival games, and stunning views of the Atlanta skyline.

The Beltline

This transformative urban redevelopment project is comprised of a network of multi-use trails, parks, and transit options. The 22-mile loop around the city connects neighborhoods and provides a space for walking, cycling, and outdoor activities. The Eastside Trail is particularly popular, lined with public art installations, breweries, and eateries.

Atlanta History Center

Take a deep dive into the region’s past at this center’s beautiful 33-acre campus.

Stroll through the Goizueta Gardens or tour the iconic Swan House before heading inside to explore exhibitions on local and regional history, including the 360-degree Battle of Atlanta Cyclorama painting.

In Good Hands

Sandy Springs is close to some of Atlanta’s most respected hospitals, ensuring you receive top-tier care if needed

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite provides comprehensive medical services for children, backed by a team of specialized doctors and state-of-the-art facilities.

Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Emory Saint Joseph’s is renowned for its advanced medical treatments and compassionate care. As part of the Emory Healthcare system, it offers a wide range of specialized services and innovative treatments.

Northside Hospital

Northside Hospital is a leading healthcare provider known for its excellence in a variety of medical fields, including oncology, neurology, and women’s health. Its dedicated staff and cutting-edge technology ensure the highest quality of care.

Rest Easy

For a comfortable and convenient stay in Sandy Springs, visit sandysprings.org/ hotels or scan the QR code to find the perfect accommodation for your visit.

SCAN HERE

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Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite

Specializing in pediatric care,

VISITSANDYSPRINGS.ORG

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Bamboo Forest

Oh, Snap!

"Spiderwalk"

Instagram-worthy spots in Sandy Springs

City Springs Art Walk

Morgan Falls Overlook Park

CITY SPRINGS ART WALK

Head to City Green for the latest installation of nine sculptures, winners of the annual ArtSS in the Open contest.

Adding interest, color, and culture around the entertainment lawn, each piece is deserving of a photo opportunity.

1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

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MURALS AT THE PRADO PARKING GARAGE

The energetic murals

by Atlanta-based graffiti artist Mr. Totem bring a breath of fresh art to mall parking. Find colorful scenes depicting an eclectic group of people and familiar city landmarks on all three levels of The Prado’s garage. 5600 Roswell Road, Ste. 200, Sandy Springs

POPPI’S POINT

A bridge overlook known as Poppi’s Point on the East Palisades Trail offers a can’t-miss picturesque view.

Capture a pic that juxtaposes the city’s skyscrapers in the distance with the lush surrounding forest and the Chattahoochee River below. 1425 Indian Trail, Sandy Springs

BAMBOO FOREST

Another gem on the East Palisades Trail is an expansive bamboo forest that is surprising to see outside of southeast Asia. The nonnative plant species creates an exotic scene with thousands of towering stems called culms.

1425 Indian Trail, Sandy Springs

“SPIDERWALK”

At the intersection of art and play is “Spiderwalk,” an interactive sculpture by artist Phil Proctor within Abernathy Greenway’s Playable Art Park. All ages are welcome to climb, sit, and hang on the bright-yellow steel arachnid.

70 Abernathy Road N.E., Sandy Springs

“LOW-POLY OPEN HEART”

Grab a photo opp with the love of your life in front of this charming heart sculpture.

The five-foot aluminum diamond plate structure by Matthew Duffy sits in the park at Heritage Sandy Springs. 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs

MORGAN FALLS OVERLOOK PARK

This scenic 30-acre park where you can hike, paddleboard, and picnic offers an abundance of photoworthy spots. Catch the gorgeous sunset from one of the bench swings that sit in a row overlooking Blue Sluice Lake on the park’s north end.

200 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs

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