“Newcomer Magazine | Spring 2024

ATLANTA’S

CELEBRATE SPRING!

TAKE A TRIP TO GEORGIA'S BARRIER ISLANDS

DISCOVER WHAT MAKES ATLANTA A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

WIND DOWN ON THE WEEKEND WITH ATLANTA'S BEST BRUNCHES

Getting to know Atlanta

who made this publication possible through their valuable time and dedication. Many thanks to our advertisers for their support of Newcomer magazine.

publisher/president Patrick Killam pkillam@killampublishing.com

marketing

inFOCUS

NEWS BITES FROM AROUND ATLANTA

SPRING HAS

SPRUNG

There’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than walking through the Atlanta Botanical Garden during Atlanta Blooms! Hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths come alive, enveloping the 30-acre Midtown attraction in dazzling explosions of color during this annual showcase of vividly colorful spring bulbs. You can also learn how to grow bulbs of your own! March 7 through April 11. atlantabg.org.

THE GHOST WITH THE MOST

He’s conquered the movies and Broadway, and now the netherworld nuisance Beetlejuice is ready to haunt the Fox Theatre. In this touring production of the hit Broadway musical (based on the 1988 movie by Tim Burton), teenager Lydia Deetz finds her life turned upside-down when she meets a pair of ghosts who’ve hired the demon Beetlejuice to scare Lydia’s family away from their former home! March 19-24. foxtheatre.org.

Ordinary boxes, cylinders and basic blocks are transformed into fantastic bridges, futuristic rockets and exciting obstacle courses in Outside the Box at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Each month, children and families are presented with new challenges and learning experiences, encouraged to think creatively as they explore the concepts of math, engineering and technology. Through May 5. childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Into the Spider-Verse

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History spins a spellbinding and informative web in Spiders: From Fear to Fascination. This spine-tingling exhibition brings these awe-inspiring arachnids to life, featuring over 250 live and preserved spiders, digital displays and immersive, interactive elements that allow visitors to compete in a mating dance-off with a jumping peacock spider and experience what it’s like to walk through hundreds of skittering spiders on a glowing forest floor. Through May 5. fernbankmuseum.org.

PHOTO: Atlanta Botanical Garden

PHOTO: Matthew Murphy, 2022

PHOTO: Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Unboxing Creativity

FOCUS

Learning to Fly

Treat the kids to a truly one-of-a-kind art experience at the Balloon Museum in Pullman Yards. The traveling museum’s exhibit, “Let’s Fly,” immerses visitors in an eye-popping array of inflatable installations created by 17 artists from across the globe, including an enormous balloon-themed ball pit and a giant ball studded with pens that allow you to write all over the walls, floor and ceiling. Through April 14. For tickets and other information, visit balloonmuseum.world.

GETTING TO KNOW

By Kevin Forest Moreau

DISCOVER WHAT MAKES ATLANTA A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

If you’re looking for a new city to call home, there are many reasons why Atlanta should be at the top of your list. And if you’ve already made the move, congratulations! Either way, there’s a lot to learn about this great city and its surrounding metropolitan area. On the pages that follow, we’ve broken down mostly everything you need to know about this capital city of the Southeast, from its top-flight arts scene to its stellar attractions, entertainment options and dining choices.

BUSINESS

Atlanta serves as global headquarters to one of the nation’s highest concentrations of Fortune 500 companies, among them Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, Southern Co. and UPS. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s also a hotbed for tech startups: Mailchimp, Kabbage and Scoutmob all started here. The Atlanta Tech Village is the nation’s fourth largest tech hub, with more than 300 startups. Atlanta also enjoys a robust media industry: Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network and other properties, is headquartered here, as is The Weather Channel.

HEALTHCARE

Atlanta is well known for its hospitals and healthcare institutions. The Centers for Disease

Swan House

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest airport.

Control and Prevention (CDC) heads a list of locally based organizations and research facilities that includes the American Cancer Society, the Emory University School of Medicine and Morehouse School of Medicine. Grady Memorial Hospital is renowned as one of the best trauma and burn centers in the nation, while Northside Hospital delivers more babies per year than any other community hospital in the country.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is regarded as one of the nation’s premier pediatric hospitals. The Shepherd Center, one of the country's leading catastrophic-care hospitals for patients with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and degenerative disorders, is headquartered here. Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, part of Piedmont Healthcare, has been recognized on U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Hospitals” list.

TRANSPORTATION

Originally founded as a railroad stop called Terminus, Atlanta is still a major rail center. But its modern status as a major transportation hub is largely due to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, consistently ranked as the world’s busiest. On the ground, four major interstates (285, 20, 75 and 85) conduct drivers in all directions. Of course, that also results in traffic congestion—a reality for any metropolis of Atlanta’s size—but the city also boasts a number of public-transportation options, including MARTA, the area’s main rail and bus service, CobbLinc, Gwinnett County Transit and Xpress, a commuter bus service. The Atlanta BeltLine, a multi-use trail and park space encircling the city, provides a scenic option for pedestrians, cyclists and inline skaters.

FAMILY FUN

Atlanta is a magical place for children. The Center for Puppetry Arts displays hundreds of fascinating puppets from around the world, with an entire wing dedicated to the work of Jim Henson. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers fun, informative exhibits for youngsters and preteens. The Lego Discovery Center is an interactive playground filled with the world-famous building blocks, designed to delight and inspire children ages 3 and older. Six Flags Over Georgia offers roller coasters, water rides and other thrills.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Atlanta is the arts capital of the Southeast. The Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre stages thought-provoking and crowd-pleasing works, some of which have gone on to Broadway. u

The city's thriving theater scene also includes such acclaimed companies as Theatrical Outfit, 7 Stages and True Colors. The Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are all world-class performing arts institutions.

PHOTO: (Bottom Right) Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education

Photo by Kim Kenney

The Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education teaches children ages 2 and older the art of ballet.

The World of Coca-Cola, including its polar bear, pays tribute to the iconic beverage.

Located in downtown Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest aquarium.

Tour Championship and the Atlanta Open tennis tournament. The South loves college football, and the city is home to the sport’s Hall of Fame. And we don’t just watch sports here, we play: The Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) is the world’s largest recreational tennis league, and 50,000 runners trek down Peachtree every July 4 in the world’s largest 10K, the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

DINING

From hot dogs to haute cuisine, Atlanta is a foodie’s dream. The Varsity is the world’s largest drive-in, famous for chilidogs and onion rings. Paschal’s is world famous for authentic soul food, while Fat Matt’s Rib Shack is the place for mouthwatering BBQ. Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been officially designated “Atlanta’s Dining Room” for dishes like fried green tomatoes and chicken and dumplings. The city is also a mecca for trendsetting cuisine, led by restaurants like Bacchanalia and Aria.

The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest, with hundreds of species on display, including dolphins and sea lions. The World of Coca-Cola is a colorful interactive shrine to America’s favorite beverage, and Centennial Olympic Park with its dancing Fountain of Rings commemorates the 1996 Atlanta Games.

The thriving theater scene also includes such acclaimed companies as Theatrical Outfit, 7 Stages and True Colors. The Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are all world-class performing arts institutions. Venues including Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the Fox Theatre, the Ferst Center for the Arts, the Rialto Center for the Arts, Spivey Hall and Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, among others, host bigname concert tours and high-caliber national theatrical productions. The High Museum of Art, the Southeast’s leading art museum, hosts high-profile permanent and rotating exhibits year-round.

ATTRACTIONS

Atlanta is chock full of exciting things to see and do. The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest, with hundreds of species on display, including dolphins and sea lions. The World of Coca-Cola is a colorful interactive

shrine to America’s favorite beverage, and Centennial Olympic Park with its dancing Fountain of Rings commemorates the 1996 Atlanta Games. The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown is home to 30 gorgeous acres of themed gardens and an elevated walkway that lets visitors stroll amongst the treetops. Jaw-dropping dinosaur skeletons greet visitors to The Fernbank Museum of Natural History, which spotlights the natural world with engaging exhibits and IMAX films. Stone Mountain Park boasts 3,200 scenic acres of golf, hiking trails, rides and more, with colossal Stone Mountain as the centerpiece.

SPORTS

If you’re a sports fanatic, you’re in the right place. The Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta United FC draw millions of fans combined each year. Minor league sports include baseball, hockey and lacrosse, and the city hosts the PGA’s

PHOTO: (Bottom Right) ©AMNH/D

Viewing the forest at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

LAKEFRONT LIVING

BUYING A HOME WITH A BEAUTIFUL VIEW

By Michelle Bourg

It’s an inescapable fact: Atlanta is a landlocked city. No oceanfront beaches, no breaking waves. But while it’s true that we’re not on the coast, this doesn’t mean you’re limited to a landlocked lifestyle. The Atlanta area is blessed with many beautiful lakes, accessible to the city and offering the pleasures of boating, fishing and swimming with beautiful scenery as a bonus. There are plenty of communities to choose from that let residents take advantage of lakefront living, with extra amenities that offer an appealing combination to prospective homebuyers. The following developments offer the opportunity to get your feet wet right outside your front door.

CHESTATEE GOLF CLUB

Located an hour from Atlanta, Lake Lanier is “Atlanta’s Great Lake” and a premier recreation destination, with 58 square miles of water for boating, fishing and other watersports. Hugging 2.5 miles of shoreline on the lake’s northwest side, Chestatee Golf Club combines luxurious top-tier amenities with small-town style.

“Homes inspired by turn-of -the-century architectural styles found in the South and along the East Coast,” according to Chestatee Realty’s website. “These make for streetscapes unlike anything else in Georgia. As a result, lanes, sidewalks and landscaped common areas only encourage the hospitality you feel in this quaint Southern village.”

With a private marina, boat ramp and 160 covered and uncovered slips, Chestatee makes it easy to get away for a day of boating or fishing. For relaxing at the water’s edge, there’s a pavilion and picnic area with a stone fireplace.

The lake also provides a gorgeous backdrop to the three miles of hiking trails and the awardwinning par-71 championship golf course designed by Denis Griffiths.

Chestatee’s 550 acres are home to a wealth of other recreation options, including two pools, a children’s play area, a half basketball court, lighted tennis courts, croquet facilities, and the Nightfire Lodge with a kitchen for social gatherings. There’s also the Heron Grille restaurant for dinner and drinks.

Of course, Chestatee’s recreational experience is matched by its homes. Residents can retreat to spacious Craftsman-style residences styled on historic architecture that evoke the feel of a quaint Southern town—complete with community square and bandstand. Prices range from the $700,000s to $1.6 million; typical home features include 10-foot ceilings, bonus rooms, gourmet kitchens with double ovens and covered porches or decks. New construction is underway in several neighbor-

hoods, and prime lots are available at prices from around $70,000 to $375,000.

Away from it all yet accessible, Chestatee is just off GA 400 and 20 minutes from Alpharetta and north suburban businesses. Close to home, there’s shopping at the famous North Georgia Premium Outlets and the breathtaking beauty of Amicalola Falls State Park. 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville, GA. 706-2167336, chestatee.net

BIG CANOE

In Atlanta, the name Big Canoe is synonymous with luxurious outdoor living. An hour’s drive north of the city in the town of Jasper, this private gated community covers 8,000 square acres of heavily wooded foothills in the north Georgia mountains. Big Canoe has been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders with “The Nationals” Silver Award as Master Planned Community of the Year and by the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders’ Association

PHOTO: (Bottom Left) Big Canoe Company, LLC

Big Canoe

Chestatee Golf Club

with an OBIE Award as Community of the Year-Master Plan.

Big Canoe offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails, a fitness center, three pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a 27-hole championship golf course. But the sparkling jewels in its crown are its lakes: the 111-acre Lake Petit, the tranquil Lake Sconti and Lake Disharoon with its sandy beach. Petit and Sconti are an angler’s dream with plentiful trout, bass, bluegill, crappie and brim, while Disharoon is the place for recreation and swimming.

The community has a wide range of available property types, from wooded inland lots with access to the golf course, trails or greenspace to waterfront access. Lots range from $25,000 to $230,000 and up. Home styles follow set architectural guidelines authentic to the region; residents can use the in-house design center to create their dream home with Big Canoe Building Group or use an approved builder. New home prices range from $325,000 to $1.5 million and up. Big Canoe Building Group is a member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA), a State Certified Earth Craft Builder and are National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Certified Green Professionals.

Sound intriguing? A great way for prospec-

tive buyers to get to know Big Canoe is the Discovery Package, which includes a threeday, two-night stay in a luxury mountain home, a $50 dining voucher for the Sconti Clubhouse, an 18-hole round of golf per couple (or two-hour pickleball/tennis reservation), a two-hour pontoon boat cruise on Lake Petit and a private tour of the community 54 Wolfscratch Village Jasper, GA. 770-8932733, bigcanoe.com

THE CANOE CLUB

Not all of metro Atlanta’s waterfront properties are on the north side. Just 40 minutes south of the city in Fayetteville, The Canoe Club offers lakeside living with plenty of amenities in an area that is truly “up and coming.”

Canoe Club’s 600 landscaped acres are surrounded by lush woodland reflected in the waters of the community’s two lakes, Lake Menawa and Lake Senoya. Overlooking the

The Canoe Club

Big Canoe

PHOTO: (Top) Big Canoe Company, LLC

lakes is a 5,500-square-foot clubhouse with an extensive fitness center and a gathering area with catering kitchen and coffee bar. Adjacent is a community lawn perfect for neighborhood get-togethers or games of badminton. There are also a four-lane lap pool, four lighted tennis courts and canoe storage. All these benefits helped make Canoe Club Fayette’s top-selling community for two years in a row.

Known for a welcoming atmosphere and relaxed pace, the surrounding area showcases golf, shopping at Fayette Pavilion or the Avenue at Peachtree City and concerts at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater. Awardwinning schools, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Trilith Studios and Porsche Cars North American headquarters are all just minutes away.

Canoe Club homebuyers choose from a variety of plans designed by Georgia’s premier builders. All homes are set on expansive one-acre lots and filled with details that truly set them apart: smart home prewiring, elaborate moldings throughout, ceramic tile surrounds in baths and kitchens, and spacious floor plans with media rooms and large covered porches that make gracious indoor-outdoor living a reality. Homes are priced from the $600s to the $900s. 110 Reflections Point, Fayetteville, GA. 770-8431390, thecanoeclub.newhomesdivisionga.com

So if you’re dreaming of a life on the water, Atlanta has much to offer. By choosing a home in a lakefront community, you can get that vacation feeling every day.

SPOTLIGHT neighborhood

Duluth

By Dana Towns

THE INSIDE TRACK:

Located 22 miles northeast of Atlanta, Duluth is recognized as a “model city” in Gwinnett County. It is not only the second largest city in Gwinnett but also won five Southeast Festival & Events Association Kaleidoscope Awards in 2023 for its community events. The city has a healthy blend of big chain organizations and developers, and Duluth prides itself in providing business advocacy and leadership development for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Though noted as a busy Gwinnett hub it is home to more than 32,000 residents and over 1,750 businesses Duluth has been able to maintain its small-town atmosphere and camaraderie through local festivals, great restaurants, and arts and entertainment.

Housing

The Mason Sugarloaf features new one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes located five miles from the historic Downtown Duluth area. Encore is a new single-family development by Ashton Woods. Homes are priced from $450,000 to $834,000 and have two to five bedrooms. Built by The Providence Group, Evanshire is a new residential development only 1.5 miles from the downtown area. Its townhomes have two to four bedrooms and start at $530,400, and its detached homes have three to five bedrooms and begin at $631,700.

Local Treasures

The place to be on a Friday is in Downtown Duluth, which is home to multiple restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. The Town Green is known for hosting free festivals, concerts and movies for the community. It is also home to the Town Green Fountain that is operational, weather permitting, as early as 9 a.m. and as late as 10 p.m.

Arts and Entertainment

Duluth Public Art was implemented by the Duluth Public Arts Commission in 2015 to “ensure that a high quality of art and a variety of artistic experiences are available to Duluth citizens and visitors,” said then-Mayor Nancy Harris. Functional, mural, sculpture, interactive, temporary and performance art including The Red Clay Music Foundry — are all part of the Duluth Public Art Master Plan for “enhancing economic growth and community character.”

Culinary Treats

Located on The Town Green, Sweet Octopus serves fresh Asian flavors with Thai, poke, ramen, empanada and boba menus. If you are craving something sweet while you walk the Town Green, Crave Pie Studio offers a variety of daily and seasonal menus, including chocolate bourbon pecan pie and mocha lattes. Good Word Brewing and Public House serves locally sourced food and craft beer, priding itself on community, communication and celebration. N

The Eastern Continental Divide Monument is located at the top of the Town Green. Arrows on either side indicate the divide where water flows to the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.

Duluth Public Art Installation

The Town Green

Sweet Octopus

The Red Clay Music Foundry

PHOTOS: (Far Left Top) City of Duluth; (Far Left Middle and Bottom) Dustin Grau Photography; (Left) DV Photo Video

WHICH TYPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

By Daniel Beauregard and Anna Bentley

Summer is still months away. But for parents who want to turn those lazy summer days into exciting opportunities for learning and adventure for their children, the time to begin planning is now, since spots fill up well before the start of summer. With so many kinds of camps available today, there are several things parents need to consider before signing the form and packing the duffel bag.

DAY CAMP VERSUS EXTENDED STAY CAMP

Your first choice is to decide between day camp and overnight camp. “Camps truly give children some of their first opportunities to take on personal responsibility, to experience independence and to develop social and life skills in a uniquely nurturing environment,” says John Dovic, director of High Meadows Summer Day Camp. He added that High Meadows, which is celebrating its 51st anniversary this year, is “often described as a traditional overnight camp, but without spending the night.” “An outstanding camp,” Dovic says, “will help children develop their potential by exploring and celebrating their sense of self and in forming meaningful and respectful relationships with others, all in an environment of fun and adventure.”

Once you’ve decided which camping format is best for your child, the next step is deciding

between a traditional camp, an educational camp or a specialty camp that focuses on a particular pursuit, such as academics, dance or science. All offer important benefits; which type you choose depends on several factors, including your child’s temperament, interests, goals and educational needs.

TRADITIONAL SUMMER CAMPS

The phrase “summer camp” conjures visions of swimming, campfires and crafts. With today’s educational focus on test scores and technological proficiency, these activities are sometimes seen as mere “play.” But in actuality play is a child’s most important activity, and the skills and traits it develops are just as important in adult life as technical ones.

“Camp is so much more than childcare to fill in time between school grades. It gives children outstanding opportunities to help them become their best selves, to explore interests and unique activities and to be part of a community full of inspiration, growth and fun,” Dovic says.

And in today’s overscheduled world, even youngsters need time to step away from their smartphone, tablet or laptop, have fun and enjoy being a kid.

High Meadows offers a traditional camp setting focused on the outdoors and experiential learning, in which campers learn about subjects through direct, hands-on experience gained over the course of a three-week session. High Meadows, which accepts rising kindergartners through rising ninth-graders, offers a range of activities including arts and crafts, Native American lore, swimming and more. (highmeadowscamp.org)

EDUCATIONAL CAMPS

Other educational camps combine classroom learning with outdoor recreational activities to help students improve academically— while still having plenty of fun in the process. Squirrel Hollow Camp at The Bedford School, a school for children with learning disabilities, combines mornings of small-group tutoring with afternoon exploration of the school’s 45-acre Fairburn campus, including swimming, soccer and conquering the school’s challenge course.

“Squirrel Hollow is designed to provide academic tutoring in a recreational setting,” says Betsy Box, Bedford’s admissions director and director emeritus. “Students who attend all four weeks make average gains of six to eight months in reading, math and written expression.” (thebedfordschool.org)

At McGinnis Woods Country Day School,

campers can pair subject-specific academic camps in math, Spanish and even chess with the school’s summer camp program. Campers also take an educational field trip each week; past camps have visited the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Center for Puppetry Arts and Cagle’s Family Farm. (mcginniswoods.org)

SPECIALTY CAMPS

For children with a particular interest or passion, specialty camps afford an opportunity to explore it in-depth.

For pint-sized scientists, there are plenty of specialized science camps covering topics like video game development, computer programming, robotics and biology. Science-based specialty camps in Atlanta include those offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC), and Camp H2O at the Georgia Aquarium. Georgia Tech’s programs are mostly for middle- and highschool students and focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) topics such as robotics, computer programming and modeling. Camp H2O, meanwhile, is geared toward giving first- to fifth-graders a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium through animal encounters and lessons from caregivers. (ceismc.gatech.edu/ceismc-summerofferings and georgiaaquarium.org/camp-h2o) u

Kids with other interests will find camps to suit them as well. Zoo Atlanta’s hands-on Summer Safari Camp introduces children to animals ranging from pandas to pythons to Patagonian maras. Each week campers will go on a different zoo exhibition, exploring wildlife and wild places.

(zooatlanta.org/program/summer-camp)

“Summer Safari Camp provides youth ages 5-14 the opportunity to explore animals from around the world, participate in handson STEAM activities, learn how they can help save wildlife and wild places and have fun,” said Staci Wiech, the zoo’s senior director of education.

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta hosts a variety of summer camps, including cooking, sports, theme, performing arts and outdoor camps, plus an inclusion program for children with special needs.

(mjccadaycamps.org)

“I think the fact that we have a 52-acre campus that has outdoor pools, a zip line and ropes courses, indoor camps like dance

and gymnastics and sports camps and tennis camps and culinary camps” makes the center stand out, says Jodi Sonenshine, director of its day camps.

ART CAMPS

Arts organizations across metro Atlanta are hosting summer camps once again this year. The Center for Puppetry Arts is hosting Puppet Camp with three different age groups. Children will learn about the creative and collaborative world of puppetry. (puppet.org) The Alliance Theatre will have a variety of camps for grades K-12 in different age groups to help young actors build character, confidence and creativity. (alliancetheatre.org)

The High Museum of Art will host a plethora of camps for grades 1-8. Campers will learn about the museum’s collection and special exhibitions while honing their drawing, painting and design skills. (high.org/camp) The Spruill Center for the Arts and Stage Door Theatre will partner to host visual and performing camps for ages 5-18. (spruillarts.org/camps) Art Station will host a

variety of camps for ages 5-14 in the performing, literary and visual arts. (artstation.org)

MAKING YOUR SELECTION

So how do you go about finding a camp? The American Camp Association’s website (acacamps.org) is a great resource, with more than 3,900 accredited camps. After researching the different options available, it’s time to narrow down your choices. Talk with your child about his interests and expectations for summer camp, match them to your own, and then do your homework to select the best option. Once you’ve found some promising choices, contact them directly with questions to determine if they meet your needs. (See sidebar).

With such a large number and variety of camps available, it takes a little legwork to choose the right one, but it’s worth the effort. Your child will have fun while learning and making friends and memories for a lifetime— and you’ll get some summer afternoons to enjoy some peace and quiet.

GREAT QUESTIONS TO ASK

• Is the camp accredited?

• How are counselors trained? Are they certified? What is the average age?

• What is the background of the director and leadership staff?

• How does the camp address safety concerns? Is there adequate super vision at all times?

• What are the camp’s policies regarding campers’ cell phones and other electronic devices?

• Can the camp provide references?

Before you know it summer will be here! Now is the time to explore your options for the right summer camp experience for your child—before all spots have been taken.

Metro Atlanta offers a plethora of summer camps in a variety of formats. There are day camps, overnight/extended-stay camps, traditional, educational and specialty camps, just to name a few. The following profiles represent some of the unique camp programs you’ll find in metro Atlanta.

Landmark

Christian School

At Landmark, students are prepared to impact the world for Christ. Toward this goal, the school offers a world-class education in a Christcentered environment. Landmark students step into college ready to live out their faith, equipped to lead well and prepared to steward God’s unique purpose for their lives.

Its faculty and staff members steward the daily opportunity to prepare students for this goal of impact in the context of a college-preparatory education and in covenantal partnership with Christian families.

Landmark is ranked as one of the best schools in the state and nation, serving grades PK3-12

in Fairburn, Georgia. The school invests in children's spiritual, academic and overall development with engaging academics, Christian values and immense opportunities. 100% of graduates have college acceptances, most with scholarships and college credits.

With intentionally small class sizes and a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:8, world-class faculty offer dynamic learning environments helping students discover their passions and develop their talents to impact the world for Jesus Christ. Students are immersed in handson learning stimulating imagination and invention. Innovative offerings include the academies: aviation, music,film, leadership, visual arts,

engineering/STEM, leadership and fashion.

Dual enrollment taught uniquely on campus, AP, honors and online courses paired with numerous sporting and arts opportunities create an exceptional student experience. TED, Spotlight Theatre and Imagination Stations stir the minds of the youngest. A new state-of-the-art high school opened in 2021.

Landmark’s summer camps are a reflection of its Christian values. This year it will host camps including athletic, arts, academic and day camps. Check out all of the options at LandmarkCamps.com

For more information about school admission, visit landmarkchristianschool.org

High Meadows Summer Camp

High Meadows Camp is a summer day camp in a relaxed and caring atmosphere set on 40 acres of a farm and woodland in Roswell. Children who are going into kindergarten through ninth grade have opportunities for self-discovery, while gaining confidence through age-appropriate activities. Activities include archery, animal encounters, woodworking, canoeing, crafts, swimming, drama, nature and sports.

Each day, 300 children attend camp in a structured recreational program focusing on self-improvement, personal responsibility and environmental respect. Camp sessions are three weeks long, offering campers the opportunity to develop strong relationships with their peers and with their staff role models and giving them time for projects and skill development. High Meadows Camp has been providing outstanding traditional outdoor experiences enriching lives in a caring, nurturing, child-centered setting since 1973. For more information, call 770-993-7975 or visit highmeadowscamp.org

Walker Summer Camp

Over 500 campers agree — Walker Summer Camp is the best way to spend your summer! Located just 2 miles from the Marietta Square, Walker offers a diverse selection of academic, athletic and artistic opportunities in the metro Atlanta community. Choose from half-day (lower and middle School) or full-day (all ages) options. Early-morning dropoff and late pickup are also available.Camp dates for 2024 are June 3-July 26. For more information or to register, visit thewalkerschool.org/summer

Atlanta Academy Preparing Students for the Next Step in Life

By Everett Catts

When prospective students and their parents visit Atlanta Academy in Roswell, they find a campus where creativity, diversity and community are paramount. Those tenets play into the school’s beliefs and mission, which include molding students into innovative thinkers who can adapt as they prepare for the future.

“Small class sizes allow teachers to understand students’ strengths and help them discover their unique talents,” says Kristi McCarthy, the pre-K-8 school’s director of admissions, adding it has a 6-to-1 studentto-teacher ratio. “This warm, nurturing culture fosters good character alongside academic success, and research shows that this learning environment enriches students’ academic performance, well-being and happiness. Our forward-thinking curriculum focuses on building confidence and skills while providing various opportunities for students to succeed at public and prestigious private high schools.”

McCarthy also says over 96% of Atlanta Academy’s graduates are accepted into their top-choice high school.

Founded in 2000 by seven teachers, the school today sits on nine acres, and the campus includes two STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) labs, three science labs, two art classrooms, a gymnasium, a greenhouse and a recording studio, with some of those facilities being new. As part of its STEAM program, the school has a chicken coop, used to raise chickens, and an aeroponic garden, where it raises trout before releasing them into the Chattahoochee River.

The school has about 400 students enrolled in the 2023-24 school year, with a 70-member faculty and a max class size of 16 students.

Atlanta Academy was honored for its success in 2017, when it was

named a National Blue Ribbon School. The award is given by the U.S. Department of Education to public and private elementary, middle and high schools for their “overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups,” according to its website. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, when children were isolated while taking classes remotely, Atlanta Academy has prioritized in-person connections and relationships for its students to promote positive mental health, McCarthy says.

“By creating and fostering strong relationships at school, this reminds students that they are a part of a community of parents, faculty and friends that wants them to succeed, be happy and be healthy,” she says. “When students feel validated, understood and accepted, they naturally develop stewardship for themselves and others.”

Head of School Angela Naples says the school’s well-rounded program of classes and extracurricular activities, with a mixture of traditional and modern approaches, makes it stand out. Diversity is also paramount, with 35% of its students being minorities.

From start to finish—the day opens with a schoolwide morning prayer and closes with extracurricular activities that include 12 sports and a top-notch performing and visual arts program—Atlanta Academy prepares students well for their next step in life. N

THE SPECIFICS

Grades: Pre-K (age 2) -8th grade

Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1

Tuition: $13,900-$21,370

Location: Roswell

Contact: 2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell, GA 30076 678-461-6102

Web: atlantaacademy.com

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CHECKING OUT YOUR NEW CITY? SEE THESE PLACES FIRST.

By Anna Bentley

Welcome to Atlanta! By now, you’ve probably realized how many things there are to do and see in your new hometown. It’s got something for everyone: art lovers, history buffs, sports fanatics … even whale shark enthusiasts. While there are dozens of sights to take in and places to explore, on the pages that follow we’ve narrowed down 20 of the city’s must-see picks.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

1. ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

Everything you need to know about the history of Atlanta can be found here. Permanent exhibits detail the Civil War, Southern folk art, Atlanta’s hosting of the 1996 Olympic Games and more, and a temporary exhibit devoted to baseball legend Hank Aaron opens April 9. The Atlanta Cyclorama moved into a new space at the center in 2019. There’s also a vast collection of original papers and artifacts. The center also operates three historic houses, including the famed Swan House. 404-814-4000, atlantahistorycenter.com

2. FOX THEATRE

There’s nothing like catching a show at the Fox. Whether it’s a concert, movie screening or Broadway play, everything looks more special under the Fabulous Fox’s twinkling night sky. But you don’t have to see a performance to experience its ornate, detailed design: Two to three days per week, the Fox hosts

guided, behind-the-scenes tours that highlight 10 of the theatre’s special features, including Mighty Mo, the world’s largest working Moller organ. 404-881-2100, foxtheatre.org

3. NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Opened in 2014 just steps from Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, this must-see destination features exhibits and educational programs that aim to show visitors how the American civil rights movement and modern civil rights issues around the world are linked—and empowers them to enact change in their own communities. Its latest exhibition, Rolls Down Like Water: U.S. Civil Rights Movement, features sights, sounds and interactive displays depicting people’s struggles in bringing equal rights to all in the U.S. 678999-8990, civilandhumanrights.org

4. GONE WITH THE WIND MUSEUM

Located in Marietta, the Gone with the Wind Museum is a fascinating shrine to the classic novel and film, with movie memorabilia, some of Margaret Mitchell’s personal volumes of the book and much more. The museum offers group tours, has a gift shop and rents indoor and outdoor space for events, including weddings. 770-794-5576, gwtwmarietta.com

Visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. started preaching at age 19.

dLearn more about U.S. and global civil rights at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

dCatch a show at the Fox Theatre or take a behind-thescenes tour.

5. HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

The Southeast’s leading art museum features more than 14,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings spanning 19thand 20th-century American, European and African art in its permanent collection, plus an impressive selection of special and traveling exhibits. New exhibits this year include Truth Told Slant: Contemporary Photography (through Aug. 11) and Dutch Art in a Global Age: Masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (April 19-July 14). 404-7334400, high.org

6. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

This can’t-miss attraction showcases significant landmarks of the civil rights movement and the history of both Atlanta and the nation. It’s actually made up of five sites: the home on Auburn Avenue where King was born; Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he began preaching at age 19; the King Center, where King and his wife Coretta Scott King are buried; the Peace

PHOTO: (Below) Dustin Chambers

Plaza, home of the “I Have A Dream” World Peace Rose Garden; and the Visitor’s Center. 404-331-5190, nps.gov/malu

KID-FRIENDLY PICKS

7. CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS

Located in Midtown, the center for 46 years has been Atlanta’s home for everything related to puppets. It regularly hosts puppet shows, both for children ages 4 to 12 and for kids even younger. The center also boasts the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, which includes two signature galleries and an annual calendar of rotating special exhibitions. The Global Collection explores the puppetry history and traditions of regions worldwide. The Jim Henson Collection features puppets, props and costumes from the man behind Sesame Street, The Muppet Show and other TV shows and movies. 404-873-3391, puppet.org

8. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA

This downtown destination stimulates the imagination and encourages a sense of discovery with interactive exhibits that let kids learn how food goes from farm to

table, create works of art, engage in creative problem-solving and more. The museum has both permanent exhibits and temporary traveling ones. This year’s traveling exhibits include Outside the Box (through May 5). 404-659-5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org

9. FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

There are a lot of cool things about the Fernbank Museum: the striking dinosaur skeletons in the grand lobby, the fossils embedded in the limestone floors and the twinkling constellations in the Star Gallery. The museum is a great place for children to learn about science and Earth’s history, and its grounds include a 65-acre forest with immersive trails, play areas and sensory stations. 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org

10. GEORGIA AQUARIUM

This popular spot was billed as the world’s largest aquarium when it opened in 2005, and it’s only grown since. The aquarium is the home of more than 100,000 animals, with hundreds of species including sharks, beluga whales, sea otters and dolphins. The dolphins even star in their own show. In addition to its themed galleries, the aquarium offers visitors unique experiences like behind-the-scenes tours, penguin encounters and even diving with whale sharks. 404-581-4000, georgiaaquarium.org

11. ALLIANCE THEATRE

Opening in 1968, this Midtown haven for plays and musicals regularly hosts shows in three categories: the main season (for adults and children 6 and older) and Theatre for the Very Young and the Youth and Family Series (both for children 0 to 5 and their families). In 2019, the Alliance opened its Coca-Cola Stage following a $32 million renovation. 404-733-4600, alliancetheatre.org

12. SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA

Families and thrill-seekers alike have been coming to the Austell theme park for over 55 years to ride roller coasters like the Georgia Cyclone, Great American Scream Machine and Mind Bender. This year Six Flags will open Ultra Splash, a first-of-itskind Georgia surfer coaster. 770-739-3400, sixflags.com/overgeorgia

13. WORLD OF COCA-COLA

It’s only fitting that the World of Coca-Cola is located in Pemberton Place, a downtown plaza boasting some of the city’s top attractions: It’s named after John S. Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-Cola. The World of Coca-Cola celebrates Pemberton’s invention with exhibits about the soft drink brand’s history, memorable advertising campaigns and global reach. 404-676-5151, worldofcoca-cola.com

14. ZOO ATLANTA

Ever wanted to feed a giraffe? Meet an African elephant? How about spy on a giant panda cub? You’re in luck: Zoo Atlanta offers all these experiences, plus wildlife shows, keeper training demonstrations and more than 200 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals on display. The zoo also offers educational summer camps and NightCrawler overnight adventures for kids and families. 404-6249453, zooatlanta.org

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

15. ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN

Just off Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is devoted to developing and maintaining an impressive collection of plants for education, research, conservation and enjoyment. Must-see areas include the Fuqua Orchid Center (the nation’s largest collection

College Football Hall of Fame.

Check out manta rays and more at the Georgia Aquarium.

PHOTO: (Bottom Right) Brian Lowe

of orchids under glass), the Kendeda Canopy Walk above the Storza Woods and the elegant Rose Garden. 404-876-5859, atlantabg.org

16. OAKLAND CEMETERY

It might seem like an odd pick, but Historic Oakland Cemetery, a Southern example of the garden cemeteries popular in the mid- to late 1800s, is one of the city’s most peaceful greenspaces. More than 1,400 trees dot its 48 acres, and heirloom daffodils, garden mums, irises and evergreens can be enjoyed throughout the year. Take a self-guided stroll or opt for one of the cemetery’s popular guided tours, highlighting its most famous residents. 404688-2107, oaklandcemetery.com

17. PIEDMONT PARK

Every city has its hallowed ground, and Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s. This popular Midtown spot is the site of numerous festivals, concerts and other special events throughout the year. Every day, it’s a top spot for joggers, swimmers, sun bathers, energetic pups and anyone in need of fresh air. 404-875-7275, piedmontpark.org

18. STONE MOUNTAIN PARK

Located just east of the city, this is the perfect spot to spend the day hiking—and the night enjoying a laser show on an 825-foot stone mountainside. Stone Mountain is known for

its Civil War memorial carving of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, and also offers fishing, golf, plenty of hiking and numerous festivals throughout the year. 800-401-2407, stonemountainpark.com

SPOTS FOR SPORTS NUTS

19. CHICK-FIL-A COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame moved from its original home in South Bend, Indiana, to downtown Atlanta in 2014. The museum offers the Fan Experience, which adds tons of interactive multimedia features to the hall of fame experience—plus a giant Helmet Wall, with helmets from more than 770 college football teams. 404-880-4800, cfbhall.com

20. TRUIST PARK

From the months of April through October, Truist Park is the home of the Atlanta Braves, the city’s Major League Baseball team. In 2014, the Braves announced a move from Turner Field near downtown Atlanta to a new stadium in Cobb County, and Truist Park is the only place to go for big-league catches, hammered home runs and the best hot dogs in town. 404-522-7630, atlantabraves.com

MORE PLACES WORTH EXPLORING 5

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

Located in downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre greenspace that includes the Fountain of Rings Plaza and the Southern Company Amphitheater that hosts concerts often. 404-223-4000, gwcca.org/centennial-olympic-park

INTERACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR KIDS

Located in Gainesville, this unique attraction encourages hands-on learning as kids learn what it’s like to shop for groceries, go to the bank and more. 770-536-1900, inkfun.org

LEGO DISCOVERY CENTER

Located at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, this 35,000-square-foot interactive playground has more than two million bricks and features nine attractions. 404-848-9252, legodiscoverycenter.com/atlanta

MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM

Opening in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the home for both the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta United pro football and soccer teams and offers tours nearly every day. It will also host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 470-341-5000, mercedesbenzstadium.com

SKYVIEW ATLANTA

Located in downtown Atlanta, the 20-story SkyView Ferris wheel gives visitors spectacular skyline views, day and night. Each ride lasts up to 12 minutes. 678-949-9023, skyviewatlanta.com

Best Brunches the of

By Michelle Bourg

TAKE ON A TASTY SOUTHERN TRADITION

Brunch: no matter how simple the menu or surroundings, it always brings a touch of the festive. Americans from coast to coast love this quintessential weekend meal in a big way, but there’s something about Southern living and brunch that just go together. Our made-for-patio weather, our tradition of lingering over good food and drink with friends, and especially here in Atlanta, our hectic weekdays that make unwinding on the weekend a special pleasure—it all combines to make brunches here taste that much better. Check out our list of Atlanta brunch eateries and create your own Southern tradition.

s the name suggests, breakfast is the specialty at West Egg Café, located in industrial-style digs in west Midtown at the southern end of the Westside Provisions district—Atlanta’s “Food Central.” Weekend brunch is an all-day affair, including the Georgia Benedict, which includes turkey sausage patties, two eggs and turkey sausage gravy over a split biscuit, and French toast made with challah or banana bread.

For those in the mood for lunch, try the award-winning shrimp and grits, smoked salmon toast or a fried egg sandwich that includes cheddar cheese, bacon and greens. Everything pairs perfectly with a bottomless cup of locally roasted Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co., a tequila-spiked Spicy Maria or a pineapple and strawberry mimosa. There are also kid-friendly drinks.

No one will be able to pass up West Egg’s in-house bakery, whether it’s for a scone, muffin or coffee cake to go with the meal, or a tempting treat to go—banana pudding, a cookie or an award-winning Coca-Cola cupcake. westeggcafe.com

Southern country style is the vibe at Buttermilk Kitchen, a Chastain Park-area breakfast and lunch spot created by Chef Suzanne Vizethann, a winner on Food Network’s “Chopped.” Family favorites like buttermilk pancakes and French toast are

hearty follow-ups to a house-baked biscuit basket or the BELT (bacon, egg, lemon mayo and tomatoes). Sides include sautéed kale, garlic spinach, bacon, pimento cheese grits and hashbrown fritters, among other items. Omelets are something special, with the pimento cheese one including three eggs, bacon, pimento cheese and house-made pepper jelly. But the biscuits are the stars, with fried chicken and red pepper jelly, smothered in sawmill gravy or simply served with jam. Beverage options include hot and cold-brew coffees, freshly squeezed juices, lemonade and both dairy and almond milk. And since it’s the weekend, go ahead and splurge on items such as the banana bread loaf starter with espresso ganache or the cinnamon roll. buttermilkkitchen.com

Murphy’s has been an iconic VirginiaHighland institution for more than 40 years, and its brunch is a longstanding tradition for many Atlantans. The extensive menu includes breakfast favorites like French toast with caramelized bananas and Eggs VirginiaHighland on focaccia with spinach, mushrooms and sun-dried tomato hollandaise. Sautéed spinach, onions, mushrooms and cheddar cheese fill Linda’s Omelette. More substantial mains include the mushroom, tomato and goat cheese quiche, Caesar salad and a classic burger. u

Southern country style is the vibe at Buttermilk Kitchen, a Chastain Parkarea breakfast and lunch spot created by Chef Suzanne Vizethann, a winner on Food Network’s “Chopped.”

PHOTOS: (Bottom Left)

Courtesy of West Egg Caf é; (Top Right) Angie Moser

Chicken biscuits with red pepper jelly at Buttermilk Kitchen

The bar at West Egg Cafe

DINING OUT

Brunch at Murphy’s isn’t complete without a finishing touch, with choices that include a course of local cheeses and a number of indulgent dessert choices like key lime pie and its famous Bonzo cake (brownie, cheesecake and chocolate mousse) as well as pastry selections. Linger over a cappuccino or an Irish coffee, and then stop by the wine shop for a bottle from its selection of over 350 wines to take home. murphysatlanta.com

Canoe, located in Vinings on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, offers not only wonderful brunch offerings but also a scenic view to boot. What the brunch menu lacks in quantity (it has only 14 items) it makes up for in quality. Start your brunch with a Georgia pecan sticky bun or a scone. Appetizers include she-crab soup and house-made salmon on a potato pancake with goat cheese. The entrees range from French toast with macerated berries and vanilla mascarpone to smoked salmon eggs Benedict. There’s even

a duck ‘n beef burger with a sunny-side egg, spinach and pickled onion. canoeatl.com

For a taste of New Orleans, you’ll want to head to Hugo’s Oyster Bar in Roswell. Here, you can “pass a good time” with an order of garlic parmesan beignets or Étouffée Benedict with crawfish and Andouille sausage. Other delightfully decadent entrees to consider are shrimp and grits and the Omelette Oscar with crabmeat, asparagus and cheddar cheese. The restaurant also has a local whiskey flight with a one-ounce pour of two bourbons and one rye hugosoysterbar.com

Every city needs a classic Jewish deli, and in Atlanta, that’s The General Muir, where deli cuisine both honors tradition and updates it with contemporary fresh ingredients and preparations. Located near Emory University and in Sandy Springs, its white tile, brass fittings and painted window signage evoke vintage New York style. Here you can nosh on smoked hash

with pastrami and red peppers or a bowl of matzoh ball soup, or grab an Avenue D, an open-faced bagel topped with gravlax, salmon roe, cucumber and chives. Offerings range from the traditional fish and potatoes to the Southern-accented poached eggs with grits. Of course, there’s plenty of pastrami (cured and smoked in house) and a selection of bagels—don’t forget the schmear!

After your meal, stop by the deli counter for rugelach, black and white cookies or cheesecake, all baked in house, and enjoy a cup of coffee or an espresso brewed from an exclusive Dancing Goats house blend. thegeneralmuir.com

From time-honored classics to seafood to Jewish deli cuisine, Atlanta has a brunch for every taste. Sample them all or pick your favorite: whatever’s on the menu, lingering with good friends over a great meal is a Southern tradition you’ll love making your own.

PHOTOS: (Top Left and Right) Andrew Thomas Lee; (Bottom Left and Right) Jeff Moore

(Top Left) The Maven Platter at The General Muir; (Top Right) The General Muir's original location near Emory University; (Bottom Left) Shrimp and grits at Hugo's Oyster Bar; (Bottom Right) Breakfast beignets at Hugo's Oyster Bar

The Chastain

New American Cuisine in a Historic Setting

By Christine Fonville

Set alongside 268-acre Chastain Park, The Chastain shares not only a name with the area but also a rich history. Headed by Executive Chef Christopher Grossman, the New American Bistro-style restaurant celebrates its locality with its cuisine and aesthetic.

Officially opening in 2020, the space housing The Chastain and its story serve as a significant influence to the look and feel of the restaurant. The building started off as a small country store and grocery before transforming into a service station and then a number of eateries. In 1995, it became home to Horseradish Grill which operated for 25 years, earning local love and national recognition before being sold to its current owners. The same, welcoming neighborhood atmosphere the Horseradish Grill was known for has stayed intact through the renovations to transform the space into The Chastain.

Its look and design are that of an open and inviting modern barn, achieved through the use of contemporary finishes juxtaposed against pieces of the original structure. Renovations included an opening of the 2,500-square-foot main floor space by adding floor-to-ceiling, iron-rimmed windows. The roofline was raised to highlight the onsite garden and integrate the indoor dining space with the outdoor areas.

Granite from the original fireplace now serves as the raised beds in the restaurant’s garden.

The property serves as just one example of how fresh ingredients dominate the evolving, seasonal menu. Some dishes, such as the decadent pain au chocolate croissant on the A.M. menu and the TC Cheese Burger with lettuce, pickle, American cheese, caramelized onion aioli and ketchup on the dinner menu will stay on permanently. The Chastain’s menus also showcase Grossman’s experience as a chef and dedication to his madefrom-scratch mindset.

city’s first Michelin Guide and was only one of two eateries earning a Green Star for gastronomy and sustainability.

In the midst of the purchase and changes made to get The Chastain up and running, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Creating an inviting yet safe dining experience became a priority, utilizing indoor and outdoor dining spaces.

Pasta made in-house, which Grossman has an affinity for creating, is paired with ingredients like shortrib or beets. Southern classics, like roasted chicken or macaroni & cheese, are elevated with additions like butternut squash puree or garlic herb crumbs. The cocktail menu includes modern spins on the classics, but don’t pass up trying one of the original concoctions.

In October, The Chastain was one of 45 metro Atlanta restaurants named to the

THE DETAILS

Attire: Casual

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Recommendations: House sourdough, pain au chocolate, made-from-scratch pastas

Reservations: Encouraged for dinner but not required. Walk-ins welcome.

Parking: Valet

Despite the challenges that go along with running a new business in a pandemic, the crew of The Chastain is experiencing what makes the area special — a warm welcome and feeling of acceptance from the neighborhood. “It has been difficult to open a restaurant during a pandemic, but we’re incredibly grateful to our community for the support they’ve given so far,” says Grossman. N

Hours: Weekdays: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.; weekends: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 10 p.m. (9 p.m. Sundays)

Location: 4320 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30342

Contact: 404-257-6416, thechastainatl.com

Above: The Chastain’s interior showcases its transformation into an open and inviting modern barn. Left: Nordic cinnamon rolls are a popular menu item.

Photos: (Left) Michael Thompson; (Right) Heidi Harris

Barrier Islands

By Jordana Klein

CELEBRATING THE SPRING WITH A BEACH GETAWAY

Tybee Island’s pier and lighthouse (below)

The Peach State is known for its wide variety of lush landscapes, and some of the most beautiful are encountered as you head southeast to where the salty air intertwines with the sea-baring breeze. Thinking Savannah? Keep thinking—Georgia’s coast invites city dwellers to discover the islands that are especially inviting in the non-summertime months, when the temperatures mellow, the bustle of the beaches winds down, and you can take your time and really enjoy the deeprooted charm while scoring some off-season bargains in the process.

For starters, take a trip to Tybee Island, where you can claim your spot on the gleaming beach or stroll down the pier to take in the sunrise. Spanning just 2.75 miles, it offers a multitude of adventures. Take a Lighthouse Sunset Tour to view the state’s tallest and oldest standing lighthouse in all its nearly 300-year-old glory. The admission fee offers access to the Tybee Museum as well, letting guests enter an 1898 artillery battery at Fort Screven that displays relics from over 400 years of Georgia history. On adjacent

Cockspur Island is Fort Pulaski National Monument, the scene of a Union victory that represented a turning point in the Civil War.

Explore watersports or bird watching at the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, with over 300 species to spot, fishing charters and tours, and abundant bike trails. In October, you can experience the annual Pirate Fest with family-friendly amusement for all, including music, a parade, pirate performers and costume contests.

After a busy day outside, you’ll be looking forward to a place to relax. Stay close to the water at Beachside Colony, where one-, twoand three-bedroom condominiums provide

The Jekyll Island Club Resort

a range of options. The Hotel Tybee has welcomed guests to the island for more than 130 years with 208 luxurious guest rooms, many with ocean views and all with balconies for unwinding and deciding where you’d like to enjoy dinner. The hotel is within walking distance of several popular restaurants: The scent of Low Country boil may draw you into The Crab Shack, or you may decide on the Sundae Café for the lobster and sweet potato waffle with sriracha aioli and hot honey praline sauce. Seafood takes a Caribbean twist at North Beach Bar and Grill

Heading south, you’ll come to Brunswick and the Golden Isles, including the four bar-

Heading south, you’ll come to Brunswick and the Golden Isles, including the four barrier islands of St. Simons, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Little St. Simons Island. Accommodations here range from rental properties to resort-style living.

PHOTOS: goldenisles.com (right and above right)

The Pirate Fest parade on Tybee Island

For the ultimate in luxury, the famed Sea Island Resort offers several Forbes Five Star options: the palatial Spanish style of The Cloister, an English manor at The Lodge, a refined hunting retreat at Broadfield, and private residences in the one- to eight-bedroom Cottages.

rier islands of St. Simons, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Little St. Simons Island. Accommodations here range from rental properties to resort-style living. Jekyll Island Club Resort dates to 1888 and boasts a history as the winter playground of millionaires. Here you can unwind in Victorian splendor, with many rooms featuring gracious balconies and fireplaces. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with vintage style, The Village Inn and Pub features 28 unique rooms decorated with traditional charm, set around a restored 1930s beach cottage. Stop by the pub for a drink and some live music for the perfect night out.

For the ultimate in luxury, the famed Sea Island Resort offers several Forbes Five Star options: the palatial Spanish style of The Cloister, an English manor at The Lodge, a refined hunting retreat at Broadfield, and

private residences in the one- to eightbedroom Cottages. Whichever you choose, you’ll have at your disposal a spa, a private beach and pools, fine dining and watersports including kayaking in the surrounding salt marshes, paddleboarding and Sunfish sailing. Of course, there’s also use of the worldfamous Sea Island Golf Club

As you explore the area, you’ll want to be sure to lock in your appointment for the Golden Isles Carriage and Trail at Three Oaks Farm. Whether it’s a guided carriage tour, a private drive or a fairytale horseback ride on the beach, these excursions ensure a lifetime memory. If the water is calling, check into the boat tours running out of Jekyll Island’s Historic Wharf for dolphin watching, kayaking, fishing or just a romantic sunset sail. Active families can unite for fun at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center, with 13 clay

The Cloister at Sea Island Resort

courts, or joyride along the abundant biking trails on both St. Simons and Jekyll islands.

Life on the Georgia coast means fine dining, especially seafood. Try the famous crab cakes at Barbara Jean’s or savor a Porterhouse for two at Colt & Alison on St. Simons, or dig in to pizza, homemade pasta and seafood at Jekyll Island’s Beach House. Enjoy seafood and other dishes with a Caribbean twist at Indigo Coastal Shanty in Brunswick.

The town of St. Marys is known as the gateway to Cumberland Island, the southernmost and largest of Georgia’s barrier islands.

Start your day with the hearty breakfast buffet at the Spencer House Inn Bed and Breakfast in the heart of the historic district before heading by ferry to the island to enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and biking and stargazing. Cumberland is home to the state’s famous herd of wild horses, as well as a host of wildlife including sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, otters, manatees, bald eagles and ospreys.

If civilization is more your style, visit the St. Marys Peace Garden, dedicated to the friendship between the U.S. and Canada since the War of 1812. Later, take a ride into

history on the St. Marys Express, where you might meet up with cowboys, pirates or superheroes. On Friday and Saturday evenings, enjoy bluegrass, rock and country music at the Woodbine Opry.

Whether you rough it or stay in town, it all leads into an evening of glorious local fare at any of the downtown dining options, where there’s a bite awaiting even the pickiest of taste buds. The perfectly named St. Marys Seafood and More offers shrimp corn chowder and deviled crab alongside grilled ribeye steaks and chicken. At The Green Room Sicilian Café & Deli you’ll find Italian favorites, including panini sandwiches. You can even savor Asian fare at Pat Thai

The area also hosts some special events that only non-summertime visitors can share and give the lie to the term “off season.” The annual Woodbine Crawfish Festival, coming in April, will include crawfish dishes, music, children's activities and arts and crafts. In October, the St. Marys Seafood Festival celebrates the local delicacy with a parade, live music and vendors, while the Haunted History Tour ushers in Halloween with spooky tales told by professional actors at historic venues around town.

Exploring the Peach State coast will draw you closer to the culture, character and charm of this region. These Georgia islands rival other destinations for a convenient, exciting and memorable getaway.

PHOTOS: St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau (right and far right)

An Ocean Residence at Sea Island Resort

Antique shopping in downtown St. Marys Stafford Beach on Cumberland Island

EDUCATION

Avg. SAT

Cherokee Co. 1115

Georgia 1048

National 1039

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS

ELECTRICITY

Amicalola EMC 706-253-5200

Cobb EMC 770-429-2100

Georgia Power 888-891-0938

Sawnee EMC 770-887-2363

GAS

Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV

AT&T att.com

Cobb EMC cobbemc.com

Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com

Direct TV directv.com

Dish Network dish.com

ETC Communications etcnow.com

Spectrum spectrum.com

TDS Telecom tdstelecom.com

Windstream windstream.com

WATER

Cherokee County

Water Authority 770-479-1813

City of Ball Ground 770-735-2123

City of Canton 770-704-1500

City of Waleska 770-479-2912

City of Woodstock 770-592-6006

HOSPITALS

Northside Hospital-Cherokee 770-224-1000

Wellstar Kennestone

Hospital 770-793-5000

Cherokee County

Located northwest of Atlanta, Cherokee County gets its name from the original inhabitants of the area, the Cherokee Indians. The county seat, then called Etowah, was established in 1833 and renamed Canton in 1834.

Today, the city is enjoying its greatest economic boom in its history since more than $60 million was invested in residential and commercial development in 1998. Despite developing its own industrial base, Cherokee County remains idyllic and serene. Farming, especially poultry processing, remains a leading industry.

Canton and the neighboring community of Woodstock have seen tremendous growth as subdivisions crop up to accommodate newcomers. In fact, nearly 60 percent of the county’s population are commuters. According to Zillow.com, the median value of homes is $283,573. Homes for well over $1 million can be purchased in such neighborhoods as Bradshaw Farm, BridgeMill and Towne Lake Hills.

Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92 traverse the county, affording residents easy access to Atlanta and the nearby attractions of Town Center Mall, Lake Allatoona and the North Georgia Mountains. Other great places

QUICK INFO

County cherokeega.com

Neighborhoods cantonga.gov woodstockga.gov cityofballground.com hollyspringsga.us cityofwaleska.com

Median household income: $75,477

Median age of residents: 38

Population: 235,896

Sales tax: 6%

Chamber of Commerce

Cherokee County 770-345-0400, cherokeechamber.com

Property Taxes

Per $1,000 of assessed value is: Unincorporated Cherokee County, $21.46; Incorporated Cherokee County, $21.46. Tax Commissioner: 678-493-6400

to live, work and play in Cherokee County include the cities of Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Waleska.

Neighborhoods

Canton

Canton was incorporated in 1833 and renamed in 1834 at the request of two founding fathers who had visions that the town might become a silk center similar to what existed in Canton, China. Canton did become famous for its “Canton Denim,” known worldwide for the high-quality denim produced by Canton Cotton Mills.

Today, Canton is attracting new industry and residents. As a result, the city is reinvesting in its downtown. As part of its Streetscapes program, downtown Canton will be restored to its historic look and features a newly designed theater on Main Street. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge

Mountains and along the banks of the Etowah River, Canton is a prime location for development.

Woodstock

Located 12 miles south of Canton, Woodstock is one of Georgia's top 10 fastest-growing cities and a community recently named one of the Top 50 Cities Places to Live in the U.S. by Money magazine.

Residents also enjoy easy access to 575 and 92, allowing short commutes to Cobb and Fulton counties.

While affording convenience to big-city attractions, Woodstock still maintains its small-town appeal. Buildings dating back to 1879 characterize the downtown area, where antique and other specialty shops are located.

Various golf courses are located in Woodstock, including Arnold Palmer’s Eagle Watch, a course with wooded countryside views that is considered to be one of the top places to play in Atlanta. The 11,860-acre Lake Allatoona provides additional recreation. Woodstock is also convenient to more than 13 state parks. N

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Old Sixes Mill

Cobb County

Cobb County came into being in 1832 when the state redistributed land once part of the Cherokee Nation.

Named after Thomas Willis Cobb, the county experienced a devastating setback during the Civil War when most of it was destroyed during the famous Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.

QUICK INFO

County cobbcountyga.gov

Neighborhoods austellga.org mariettaga.gov smyrnaga.gov kennesaw-ga.gov cityofpowdersprings.org smyrnacity.com

Median household income: $75,654

Median age of residents: 36.6

Today, Cobb County, located northwest of Fulton County, is one of the state's most thriving counties. With a diverse economic base that includes jobs in the service, retail, aerospace and technology sectors, Cobb County offers a quality of life unsurpassed in the Southeast. Nearly $900 million has been spent on transportation improvements in recent years, allowing residents easy access to Atlanta and the commercial districts of Vinings Overlook, Cumberland Parkway and the prestigious Platinum Triangle in the popular Galleria area.

Population: 755,754

Sales tax: 6%

Chamber of Commerce Cobb County 770-980-2000, cobbchamber.org

Property Taxes

The property tax is $33.84 per $1,000 of assessed value. Tax Commissioner: 770-980-2000

Neighborhoods Kennesaw

One of Family Circle magazine’s Ten Best Towns for Families, Kennesaw takes pride in its smalltown atmosphere and boasts abundant parks and greenspace, exceptional recreational programs and top-notch schools, including Kennesaw State University. Kennesaw’s historic downtown features shopping, dining and attractions such as the Smithsonianaffiliated Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, the Smith-Gilbert Gardens and nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Smyrna

EDUCATION

A variety of housing options exist in Cobb County, including luxury apartments and condos near

Cumberland Mall, secluded subdivisions in East Cobb and horse ranches in the northwest cor ner of the county. The small towns of Marietta, Vinings, Smyrna and Austell still retain their Southern charm amidst urban settings. According to the Census Bureau, the median value of homes in 2018 was $237,800.

Rapidly defining what’s new and progressive in quality of life and citizen services, Smyrna delivers an amazing sense of style and love of life. The Market Village district, home to fabulous restaurants, bars and upscale shops and services, is the final piece of a master plan for success. Call it “Main Street USA” or “Disneyland,” but don’t overlook its charm and ability to offer the best in fresh, trendy lifestyle options. N

For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Website at newcomeratlanta.com

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

UTILITIES &

ELECTRICITY

Acworth Power 770-917-8903

Cobb EMC 770-429-2100

Georgia Power 888-891-0938

GreyStone Power Corp. 770-942-6576

Marietta Power 770-794-5150

GAS

Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV

AT&T att.com

Cobb EMC cobbemc.com

Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com

Direct TV directv.com

Dish Network dish.com

Spectrum spectrum.com

WATER

Austell Water 770-944-4300

Cobb County Water System 770-419-6200

Marietta Water 770-794-5150

Powder Springs Water 770-943-8000

Smyrna Water 678-631-5338

HOSPITALS

WellStar Cobb Hospital 470-732-4000

WellStar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000

WellStar Windy Hill Hospital 770-644-1000

Truist Park

City of College Park 404-669-3759

City of East Point 404-270-7010

City of Fairburn 770-964-2244

City of Palmetto 770-463-3322

Georgia

888-891-0938

GAS

Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV

AT&T att.com

Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com

Direct TV directv.com

Dish Network dish.com

WATER

Fulton County 404-612-6830

HOSPITALS

Atlanta Medical Center 404-265-4000

Atlanta VA Medical Center 404-321-6111

Center for the Visually Impaired 404-875-9011

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding 404-785-9500

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite 404-785-2273

Emory University

Hospital Midtown 404-686-4411

Grady Memorial Hospital 404-616-1000

WellStar North Fulton

Regional Hospital 770-751-2500

Northside Hospital 404-851-8000

Piedmont Hospital 404-605-5000

Shepherd Center 404-352-2020

Emory St. Joseph's Hospital 678-843-7001

Fulton County serves as the center of the metro Atlanta area. With 90 percent of the city of Atlanta, including the state’s capital building, located within its borders, it sits at the hub of the area’s financial, transportation, retail, communications and cultural services. A number of Fortune 500 companies, including the Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines and UPS, are headquartered here.

More than one million people live in Fulton County, drawn by its convenience to Interstates 75, 85 and 285 and Georgia State Route 400. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of homes in the county is $290,400.

Fulton is home to many of Atlanta’s signature neighborhoods, including its bustling downtown district. Older neighborhoods like Inman Park, Grant Park, Candler Park and Virginia-Highland offer affordable housing, pedestrianfriendly layouts and plentiful parks and recreational options. Midtown is the heart of Atlanta’s cultural scene, with the Woodruff Arts Center (home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art) and the historic Fox Theatre, as well as a host of art galleries. Midtown’s Piedmont Park, the city’s most popular greenspace, hosts many outdoor festivals and concerts.

Neighborhoods

Buckhead

Buckhead is “where old money lives and new money parties,” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With its mixture of mansions and uniquely styled homes, Buckhead is a favorite among architecture and history buffs. Convenient to Georgia 400, Interstate 85 and MARTA, it’s filled with high-rises, upscale restaurants, the Governor’s Man-

sion, the historic Swan House and the Atlanta History Center.

Buckhead is also an entertainment and dining hotspot. With luxury hotels, shops, bars and more than 250 restau rants, the Buckhead area is a magnet for young pr sionals.The neighborhood also offers numerous antique stores, art galleries and mall shopping at both Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.

Fulton County QUICK INFO

County co.fulton.ga.us Neighborhoods alpharetta.ga.us buckhead.net cityofmiltonga.us virginiahighland.com collegeparkga.com eastpointcity.org hapeville.org johnscreekga.gov roswellgov.com sandyspringsga.gov

Median household income: $65,037

Median age of residents: 35.5

Population: 1,050,114

Sales tax: 7.75%, Atlanta City: 8.9%

Chamber of Commerce

Greater North Fulton 770-993-8806, gnfcc.com

Metro Atlanta

404-880-9000, metroatlantachamber.com

South Fulton 770-964-1984, southfultonchamber.com

Property Taxes

is home to about 64,000 residents, drawn to its affordable housing, parks, shopping at North Point Mall and concerts at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. The city's historic downtown boasts an appealing town square. Called Alpharetta City Center, it features locally owned shops and restaurants, and hosts events year round.

Johns Creek

Incorporated in 2006, this thriving community of 84,000 was ranked fourth among 50 Best U.S. Cities to Live In by USA Today. It boasts a diverse economic base, coupled with a peaceful environment: the city contains over 400 acres of parkland and nature reserves and contains five access points to the Chattahoochee River.

Milton

The property tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value is: $40.92 for the City of Atlanta; $29.18 for incorporated Fulton County; $40.76 for unincorporated Fulton County; $33.54 for Johns Creek; $33.91 for Sandy Springs. Tax Commissioner: 404-613-6100

Also incorporated in 2006, Milton combines a pastoral setting with forward-thinking city planning that offers what's been called "The best quality of life in Georgia." N

Alpharetta

One of metro Atlanta’s most vibrant and affluent cities, Alpharetta

For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com

Piedmont Park

Gwinnett County

Originally part of Georgia’s Native American territory, Gwinnett County was created by the State Legislature in 1818 and named after Button Gwinnett, one of Georgia's three signers of the Declaration of Independence and a former governor.

While the county was once largely rural with small towns, country stores, farms and forests, today it is home to about 600 international companies and 450 high-tech firms. With an average of 21 new professional and industrial companies relocating to the county each year, attracting almost 21,000 new jobs, Gwinnett County remains in the top 10 ranking for growth nationwide. The county supports many cultural events, r estaurants and shopping opportunities, including the Mall of Georgia in Buford.

Gwinnett County remains affordable for renters and firsttime home buyers, many of whom find homes in the communities of Doraville, Lawrenceville and Snellville. The median value of homes in 2018, according to the Census Bureau, was $200,400.

Neighborhoods

Duluth

Amidst the pristine setting

QUICK INFO

County gwinnettcounty.com

Neighborhoods cityofbuford.com duluthga.net cityoflilburn.com snellville.org suwanee.com

Median household income: $68,914

Median age of residents: 35.3

Population: 920,260

Sales tax: 6%

Chamber of Commerce

Gwinnett County, 770-232-3000, gwinnettchamber.org

Property Taxes

EDUCATION

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Gwinnett

railroad aficionado.

Some of Duluth’s neighborhoods include Edgewater Estates, Sweet Bottom Plantation and Riverbrooke. Affluent estates with antebellum architecture can be found as well as apartment communities, older brick, ranch-style homes and subdivisions. Duluth still retains some of its original small-town businesses, along with chain businesses, many accessible by Ga. 400 and I-85.

Suwanee

Suwanee is named after the Shawnee Indians who settled here in the latter part of the 18th century. Following the official founding of the city in 1837, Suwanee became a railroad stop along the Southern Railroad route. It remained a small country town well into the ’70s when construction of I-85 and U.S. 23 brought easy access to the region.

The property tax in unincorporated Gwinnett County is $28.84 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Tax Commissioner: 770-822-8800.

of Gwinnett County, Duluth has some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in metro Atlanta and is home to some of the best golf courses and private tennis clubs. There are numerous parks for recreation and participatory sports, including Bunten Road Park and Shorty Howell Park. North Point Mall, a major shopping center, is located near Duluth. The Southeastern Railway Museum, which preserves and operates old railroad equipment, is a must-see for any

Since then, Suwanee has experienced tremendous growth, from 2,412 residents in 1990 to more than 20,000 today. To help manage growth, the city has developed a comprehensive development plan that promotes pedestrianoriented development and mixed-use zoning. The city was designated a Tree City USA for 29 years for its commitment to preserving 27 percent of its land as greenspace.

Such foresight has allowed Suwanee to retain its old-fashioned charm while providing contemporary convenience. Only 35 miles from downtown Atlanta, Suwanee is close to big-city attractions, business districts and shopping. Many antique shops and historic structures, including several Victorian and regional farm-style homes, are located near downtown Suwanee. N

City

770-945-5035

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

$9,397

Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS

ELECTRICITY

City of Buford 678-889-4600

City of Lawrenceville 770-963-9834

City of Norcross 770-448-2122

Georgia Power 888-891-0938

Jackson EMC 800-462-3691

Sawnee EMC 770-887-2363

Walton EMC 770-267-2505

GAS

Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV

AT&T att.com

Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com

Direct TV directv.com

Dish Network dish.com

WATER

Buford 678-889-4600

Dacula 770-963-7451

Gwinnett City Water 678-376-6800

Lawrenceville 770-963-2414

Norcross 770-448-2122

CABLE TV

Spectrum 888-438-2427

Comcast 800-266-2278

HOSPITALS

Eastside Medical Center 770-979-0200

Northside Hospital Gwinnett 678-312-1000

Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion 678-312-4790

Summit Ridge Center for Behavorial Health 678-442-5800

City Hall and the Town Green in downtown Duluth

upcoming

Theater & Concerts

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

The Atlanta Opera performs composer Benjamin Britten’s adaptation of the classic play by William Shakespeare. March 2-10, atlantaopera.org.

Neil deGrasse Tyson: The Search for Life in the Universe, Fox Theatre

The popular astrophysicist and author discusses mankind’s ongoing search for habitable planets and intelligent life in outer space—and on Earth. March 10, foxtheatre.org.

Blippi, Gas South Arena

The beloved children’s entertainer and his friend Meekah dance, sing and explore what makes different cities special on the Wonderful World Tour. March 12, gassouthdistrict.com.

The Emperor’s New Clothes, Center for Puppetry Arts

Charlotte, N.C.’s Grey Seal Puppets stage this fun version of the classic story, with the emperor presented as a pig, his crafty tailors as foxes, his prime minister a near-sighted camel and his councilor a walrus. March 12-24, puppet.org.

Cinderella, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

The Atlanta Ballet 2 presents a short, familyfriendly adaptation of the classic fairy tale for ages 2-12. March 16-17, atlantaballet.com.

A Tale of Two Cities, Alliance Theatre

The Alliance Theatre stages a “radical reimagining” of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of the French Revolution, forcing viewers to ask themselves “Am I who I am because of my actions or the circumstances of my birth?” Through March 17, alliancetheatre.org.

Stellaluna, Center for Puppetry Arts

This charming production returns to tell the story of a baby fruit bat who is accidentally dropped by her mother and raised in a nest of baby birds. She does her best to act like a bird so as not to confuse her new siblings, until she’s separated from them and discovered by a group of bats. March 26-May 19, puppet.org.

To Kill a Mockingbird, Fox Theatre

Madonna, State Farm Arena

The influential pop star performs as part of her Celebration Tour, a retrospective look back at her decades-spanning musical career. April 1, statefarmarena.com.

The Black Crowes, Fox Theatre

The popular rock band, originally formed in Atlanta, return to the Fox Theatre for an evening of classic rock and roll. April 3, foxtheatre.org.

Fat Ham, Alliance Theatre

This production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play reimagines William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” with a queer Southern protagonist named Juicy. Contains considerable explicit language and adult themes including death, violence, sex and sexuality. Recommended for audiences 16 and up. April 3-May 12, alliancetheatre.org.

Six, Fox Theatre

This award-winning musical tells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII—Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr—in the form of a rock concert. This production includes flashing lights, strobe effects, theatrical haze and loud music throughout. April 16-21, foxtheatre.org.

To Kill a Mockingbird, Fox Theatre

Aaron Sorkin’s stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel stars award-winning actor Richard Thomas as attorney Atticus Finch. May 7-12, foxtheatre.org.

Heart, State Farm Arena

The legendary rock band fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson performs classic hits including “Magic Man,” “Barracuda” and “Crazy on You.” Fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Cheap Trick also performs. May 10, statefarmarena.com.

The Preacher’s Wife, Alliance Theatre

The Alliance’s production of this musical based on the film and novel “The Bishop’s Wife” features an original score by actor and comedian Titus Burgess (“The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) and book by actress and writer Azie Dungey (“Harlem”). May 11-June 9, alliancetheatre.org.

Greta Van Fleet, Gas South Arena

The Grammy Award-winning rock band performs in support of its 2023 album “Starcatcher.” May 14, gassouthdistrict.com.

PHOTO: Joan Marcus

PHOTO: Julieta Cervantes

Six, Fox Theatre

Bad Bunny, State Farm Arena

The Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican rapper and singer performs two dates as part of his Most Wanted Tour. May 14-15, statefarmarena.com.

Kenny Chesney, Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The country music megastar performs on his Sun Goes Down Tour with special guests, the Atlanta-based Zac Brown Band. May 18, mercedesbenzstadium.com.

Star Wars and More With the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

The ASO performs pieces from classic film scores, including many by composer John Williams, including “Star Wars” “Jurassic Park” and more. May 19, livenation.com..

Exhibits & Events

Fundamentally Food, Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Children up to 8 years old will love this handson exhibit. Select produce from the farm, climb on a John Deere tractor, milk Buttercup the milking cow, shop at a grocery and enjoy a pretend meal at the museum’s play diner. Ongoing, 404-659-5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Giants of the Mesozoic, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

This exhibition recreates life in the badlands of Patagonia, Argentina, where the largest dinosaurs in the world were unearthed. Ongoing, 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org.

Turning Point: The American Civil War, Atlanta History Center

View original artifacts including cannons, uniforms and swords, and learn about life on

the front lines and on the home front as you immerse yourself in one of the nation’s largest Civil War exhibitions. Ongoing, 404-814-4000, atlantahistory.com.

Atlanta Fair, Across From Center Parc Stadium

Atlanta’s oldest annual fair features carnival games, classic fair food and thrilling attractions and rides including the Expo Wheel and the Flying Dutchman, as well as roller coasters like the Time Warp, Zero Gravity and Silver Streak. March 1-April 7, atlantafair.net.

Lilburchaun Parade and St. Paddy’s Celebration, Lilburn City Park

Break out your best green clothes and bring your kids and pets to this parade of bikes, strollers, wagons and other non-motorized vehicles, led by a leprechaun stilt walker and bagpipe player. Prizes will be awarded for Mr. and Ms. Lilburchaun, two Little Lilburchauns, Best Dressed Pet and Best Decorated Ride. March 16, cityoflilburn.com.

Movie Cars & Cars of the Stars, Savoy Automobile Museum

This exhibition showcases famous cars from the movies as well as impressive automobiles owned by movie stars. April 2-Aug. 4, savoymuseum.org.

Orchid Daze: Reflections in Bloom, Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s annual celebration of its signature orchid collections features a dazzling exhibition by Atlanta artist Lillian Blades, a series of mixed-media works designed to illuminate the orchids’ vibrant colors. Through April 14, atlantabg.org.

Dutch Art in a Global Age: Masterpieces From the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, High Museum of Art

This exhibition showcases more than 60 paintings by leading Dutch artists including Rembrandt, Jacob van Ruisdael, Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Willem Kalf and Rachel Ruysch. April 19-July 14, high.org.

Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina, High Museum of Art

This exhibit tells the story of the enslaved potters of the Old Edgefield District, who crafted beautiful stoneware storage vessels under duress—and links the past to the present through the work of leading modern Black artists who have responded to or whose work connects with the Edgefield artists. Through May 12, high.org.

Lilburn Food Truck Tuesday, Lilburn City Park

From May through October, the second Tuesday of the month brings an assortment of local food trucks and live music at the bandshell. Satrting May 14, cityoflilburn.com.

Maymester, Woodward Academy

Woodward Academy’s new experiential learning program for Middle and Upper School students provides a hands-on educational experience with a variety of cross-disciplinary courses ranging from Zoology to Sports Marketing, Game Development, Nature Photography and many more. May 15-23, woodward.edu.

Animation Land, Children’s Museum of Atlanta

This interactive exhibition explores the world of animation with a series of hands-on exhibits, graphics and videos, offering a uniquely personalized experience. Become an animator and bring your creations to life with a variety of animation tools and techniques. Starting May 18, childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Splash Bash, Lilburn City Park

Join DJ Matt for a kids’ dance party with family-friendly tunes and games. May 25, cityoflilburn.com.

Shaheen Collection of French Works, High Museum of Art

This installation from the High Museum’s permanent collection focuses on French artwork of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ongoing, high.org.

Animation Land, Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Giants of the Mesozoic, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

PHOTO: Fernbank Museum

hidden ATLANTA

INSPIRING LIFE IN THE HEART OF ATLANTA Piedmont Park

By Carly Felton and Sheila Cosgrove

In major cities, people need a respite from the hustle and bustle— someplace where residents and visitors alike can relax and feel at one with nature. In New York City, that place is Central Park; in Chicago, it’s Lake Michigan; in Atlanta, it’s Piedmont Park.

Located in Midtown and bordered by Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street, Piedmont Park is the place where Atlantans go on weekends. In fact, this serene oasis is one of the metro area’s most-visited locations, with more than 6 million visitors each year.

The park offers more than 200 acres of wide-open spaces for picnicking, sunbathing and relaxing. A paved trail leads visitors through rolling hills, past Lake Clara Meer, tennis courts (where you can play tennis or pickleball), an off-leash dog park and more. Other amenities include soccer and softball fields, two playgrounds and a bocce ball complex. The aquatic center has a landscaped deck, four lap lanes and a current channel perfect for floating away on a lazy summer day.

THE DETAILS

LOCATION: 1320 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

HOURS: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

CONTACT INFO: 404-875-7275

WEBSITE: piedmontpark.org

As if all this weren’t enough, the park also hosts a number of annual events, including the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Piedmont Park Arts Festival and the Music Midtown and Atlanta Pride festivals.

The park is maintained by the nonprofit Piedmont Park Conservancy, which has overseen several renovation projects that have upgraded the park’s facilities and expanded its footprint in recent years. Larger and more popular than ever, Piedmont Park continues to reign as the jewel of Atlanta’s green crown.

PHOTOS: (Far Left and Top Right) Kevin C. Rose/AtlantaPhotos.com; (Bottom Right) Piedmont Park Conservancy