Alpharetta FREE TO A GOOD HOME
DECEMBER ‘15/JANUARY ‘16 VOL. 1, ISSUE 3
live•work•shop•eat•play•pray locally
HAPPY NEW YEAR get fit for free on the greenway
get your EAT on at
AVALON
ALPHARETTA-AMERICAN
Date Night Down the Road
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It’s a Wonderful Life!
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ATLANTA WORKSHOP PLAYERS PERFORMING WITH A PURPOSE
AS 0 MI PA S N L G AG AV E 30 E IDA
GIRL
RESTAURANT GUIDE EVENTS CALENDAR
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Entertaining THE ART OF MODERN
ATLANTA | ALPHARETTA | MGBWHOME.COM H O L I D AY D E L I V E R Y FOR 12/23 DELIVERY AND ENJOYMENT, PLACE YOUR IN STOCK ORDERS BY LOCALLIFEPUBLISHING.COM 3 12/2 AND SPECIAL ORDERS BY 11/11.
hello.
Alpharetta Magzine is published by: Local Life Publishing, LLC 980 Birmingham Road, 501-286 Milton, Georgia 30004 locallifepublishing.com info@locallifepublishing.com
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No. I’m not referencing Adele’s hit single here. It’s simply fitting to address our readers, our neighbors and friends this way. We live, work, shop, eat, play and pray in Alpharetta just like you. And we just wanted to say, “Hello.”
President CHRIS SMITH Vice President, Publisher REGINA GULICK
It’s truly a pleasure to be producing our third issue of Alpharetta Magazine. We have received great feedback and suggestions from the community and have incorporated many of those ideas herein. You wanted a piece about restaurants at Avalon, so we’ve got that here for you. You asked for a condensed restaurant guide and calendar of events, so you’ll find that, too! We think you’ll love the feature, The 12 Days of Christmas - Alpharetta-style, by Lisa Lossie which highlights cool things to do on New Year’s Eve in Alpharetta. We have a gem in Atlanta Workshop Players located right here in Alpharetta off of Holcomb Bridge Road. AWP is a non-profit acting studio which provides a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for teens and young adults. Read about their good work on p. 19. Our next issue publishes in February so be sure to send us your stories and feedback so we can continue to make this publication all Alpharetta hopes it to be. Live locally! Warm Regards,
Regina SINCE 1998
Contributing Writers LISA LOSSIE, ELIZABETH CHENEY EILEEN WROBLESKI, TOM MAICON Administrative Assistant SARAH MABAL DO YOU LIKE US? facebook.com/alpharettamagazine TWITTER: @atlantaadgirl
For advertising inquiries, (Alpharetta, Milton)
please contact our
Advertising Director: MARY PODGORNY mary@locallifepublishing.com (678) 479-8929 Alpharetta Magazine is published bi-monthly by Local Life Publishing, LLC. The opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the Publisher. Sharing articles on social media from our digital publication is permitted and encouraged. Digital subscriptions are complimentary. Visit locallifepublishing.com for details and be sure to “like” us: facebook.com/ alpharettamagazine
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PHOTO COURTESY ALPHARETTA CONVENTION VISITORS BUREAU
INSIDE
December / January 2015
PUBLISHER’S LETTER, P4 ADVERTISING INFORMATION, P4 BIG CREEK GREENWAY, P8 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS-ALPHARETTA, P10 ATLANTA WORKSHOP PLAYERS, P14 GET YOUR EAT ON AT AVALON, P16 RESTAURANT GUIDE, P18 DATE NIGHT DOWN THE ROAD, P21 RECONSIDER THE FLU VACCINE, P22 INTERIOR DESIGN: RUNWAY LOOKS, P24
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DIXIE CHICKS IN ALPHARETTA, P24 WHERE TO GOLF, P26 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, P26 ADVERTISER INDEX, P26 PAMPER ME, PLEASE, P28 EVENTS CALENDAR, P28 ALPHARETTA-AMERICAN GIRL, P29 ALPHARETTA HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL, P30 WHERE TO WORSHIP, P30
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BIG CREEK GREENWAY GET FIT FOR FREE IN 2016
Enjoy Alpharetta’s nearly 16 miles of trails.
restrooms on sight.
ALPHARETTA BIG CREEK GREENWAY Trail Length: 8 miles one way joins 1.5 mile loop Type of Trail: Out and back; easy Access Points: YMCA at Preston Ridge Road or North Point Parkway or Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta Characteristics: 12 foot wide paved path for biking, walking, roller blading, inline skating along creek; birds and mammals, flora and fauna, can be seen from the trail. Access to beginner and intermediate mountain bike trails. Restrooms available.
WEBB BRIDGE PARK Trail Length: approx 1.7 miles Type of Trail: Loop Access Points: 4780 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta Characteristics: crushed limestone, perfect for running and walking. Shaded, more private trail that winds by creek. Restrooms available.
Find picturesque scenery and nature preserves on these week shaded, mostly flat paths. All trails are open year round, dawn to dusk, and free to the public.
COGBURN ROAD PARK TRAIL Trail Length: .2 mile Type of Trail: Out and back Access Points: 12825 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta Characteristics: Paved trail through the park. Playground and
NORTH PARK TRAIL Trail Length: 1 mile Type of Trail: Out and back Access Points: 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta Characteristics: Paved trail through the park. Playground and restrooms on sight.
WILLS PARK Trail Length: 1.8 mile Type of Trail: Loop with spurs Access Points: Old Milton Parkway or 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta Characteristics: 110 acre park with 8 foot wide paved asphalt path for walking. Winds through arboretum and passes the equestrian area. Restrooms available.
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PHOTO BY LISA LOSSIE AT COOKIES WITH THE CLAUSES IN ALPHARETTA
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By Lisa Lossie
It’s Christmas time in Alpharetta and there are
enough events to keep you as happy as a head elf! Here’s what’s going on throughout the season. Get ready for the twelve days of Christmas, Alpharetta style, y’all! 1. On the first day of Christmas take a holiday cooking class. From building gingerbread houses to a romantic sea-food dinner, Publix, Whole Foods and Sur La Table offer weekly cooking classes to help you add some sugar and spice to your holidays. 2. On the second day of Christmas enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center. Children 10 and under are welcome. Bring your camera and get ready to snap some smiles! Bring a new unwrapped gift to event. 3. On the third day of Christmas take an “Adventure to Santa” at North Point Mall. Join Shrek and his friends on a magical, interactive adventure to find Santa at the North Pole. Go to www.dreamplaceexperience.com/locations/view/north-point to reserve your spot. TIP: if you don’t want to purchase a Santa picture package, you can still do the adventure by just showing up and they will find a spot for you. The adventure is free! 4. On the fourth day of Christmas take a spin on the ice, ice baby at Avalon. Through January you can skate on the rink, inspired by Rockefeller square in NYC. The fun keeps going in January too! Check out Movie Magic on 1/7 and dress up as your favorite character as you skate to movie soundtracks. On 1/14, Avalon goes retro with Disco Skate, pretty groovy! And on 1/21 grab your glow sticks and neon attire and get ready to shine at Neon Skate! 5. On the fifth day of Christmas experience some Christmas magic and visit Santa at Avalon. Parents are encouraged to stop by the Concierge and pick up an “I Am Santa’s Gift” tag. The “tag” will interact with Santa’s hidden iPad and and provide your child’s name, age, Christmas wishes and even a little help - like, clean your room or stop fighting with your brother!
DAYS OF CHRISTMAS alpharetta-style 6. On the sixth day of Christmas whip up some hot chocolate, pack the kiddies in the car and get ready to enjoy the holiday light show all around town. The McMinn’s invite you to stop by their magical display which includes Car’s Movie characters, Peanuts and a 7 foot ferris wheel carrying Santa and all of his friends. 595 Flying Scot Way, Alpharetta 30005 7. On the seventh day of Christmas take in a synchronized holiday light show with Christmas in Castille. The neighborhood is gated so when the gates close for the night, the show ends. 4220 Tivoli Way, Alpharetta 30004. 8. On the eighth day of Christmas don your pointe shoes and take in a holiday performance of The Nutcracker December 11th13th. At the matinee performances Saturday and Sunday, there’s even Sugarplum Storytime. Presented by Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and performed at the Milton Center - 86 School Drive, Alpharetta. 9. On the ninth day of Christmas sing out loud! Bundle up, wrangle the kids, recruit some neighbors and treat the hood to some good ole fashioned Christmas Caroling! 10. On the tenth day of Christmas visit a house of worship! 11. On the eleventh day of Christmas get your fur babies into the spirit of the holidays with Santa Pet Pictures. December 13 and December 20 from 4-7pm, Santa at Avalon with take snaps with pets. Walk-ups only. 12. On the twelfth day of Christmas give back to the community! North Fulton Community Charities is getting ready for its annual Santa Shop December 16th-19th. The store is taking donations of new toys and gift cards. This year, the Santa Shop is expected to help more than 2,300 local children experience the magic of the holidays! You can go to nfcchelp.org/holiday to donate or see when the shop is open
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KIDS CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE PERFORMANCE AT A TIME atlantaworkshopplayers.com
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Atlanta Workshop Players is a non-profit
“Kids Changing the World, One Audience at a Time.” This motto stands as the foundation for a unique, super-cool, non-profit Performing Arts Studio, The Atlanta Workshop Players (AWP).
AWP is soaring into its 35th year in the entertainment industry, launching successful careers on Broadway, television and film by training ages 4 to 104. The Creative Director, Lynn Stallings, has created a professional performing arts program that delivers intense training AND fun at the same time! AWP promotes kindness, love and acceptance for everyone. Anybody can feel it when they walk thru the doors. No one is just a student- everyone is ‘family’. What makes AWP different? It’s the stellar performers and staff who are passionate about using their talents to make the world a better place. The news is filled with stories of hate. Lynn said, “If you can teach people to hate, you can certainly teach people to love,” and that is what AWP does. It’s more than professional training. AWP helps students find a ‘voice’……a voice strong enough to stand up for what is right. The school is a safe-haven for anyone to be themselves and walk through the doors to open arms because every person matters. Imagine a place where children discover their unique value and through the performing arts and use their talents to make a positive difference. This is art, with a purpose.
Performing Arts Studio in Alpharetta
BY ELIZABETH CHENEY
The Atlanta Workshop Players strive to have a positive impact and with that in mind, the students & staff create original productions performed at the studio’s Barefoot Playhouse. (Yes, at the Barefoot Playhouse, shoes are optional and fun is guaranteed). The themes of these shows address social issues that kids and teens face everyday. The stories unfold with humor and music and profound moments that remind people to treat each other well. They produce PSAs and Movies and theatrical productions with meaning. Lynn puts her heart and AWP’s message into everything here. The school has provided 1,800 performing arts scholarships and always gives back to the community in anyway it can. AWP’s professional theatre company, AWPlayers, recently performed a benefit in honor of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, which raised $300,000. AWPs outreach program performs for retirement homes and has developed programs for at-risk Teens and special needs children. AWP will continue to change lives, not just professionally, but personally, making love visible anyway it can. Whether it’s creating lifelong friendships, or a lifelong career, AWP teaches the power to be happy. Everyone has it! Enjoy! UPCOMING PERFORMANCES: Senior Company Presents: Beneath the Surface Feb 27th- 28th, March 5th- 6th Apprentice Company Presents: Masquerade April 23rd, 24th & 30th, May 1st
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BY TOM MAICON LOCAL RESTAURANT GURU
GET YOUR EAT ON AT
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Avalon
Avalon recently put its first year in the books; and nobody can argue the significance this swanky mixed-use development has brought to the Alpharetta landscape, especially from a culinary standpoint.
I’m sure I speak for many when I say the powers that be at Avalon should each be handed some sort of fancy award — golden forks or, something — and never be forgotten by Alpharetta foodies when Christmas card season rolls around. Think about it, they lured Ford Fry — to the suburbs! — and landed not one, but two Charleston, SC-based Indigo Road concepts. All that while signing popular inside-the-perimeter dough-slinger Giovanni Di Palma of Antico Pizza on the dotted line. Did I mention that this is the suburbs? Well it is, and we have compiled our sure-bet dining destinations to help you navigate your way the next time you need to get your eat on at Avalon. BOCADO BURGER BAR 2820 Old Milton Pkwy • Alpharetta, GA 30009 • Tel: 678.248.5223 bocadoburger.com This hopping laid-back burger joint is a spinoff of Bocado, a hip Westside eatery whose burger received so many accolades it sparked this Alpharetta outpost solely dedicated to the meaty, double-stack sandwich. But don’t think typical burger joint. This fun burger shop has a little more to say about local ingredients than most; and the cocktail list is at least a tad edgier. Into craft beer? No problem, the small but eclectic brew selection should suffice the most snooty beer enthusiasts. So sit back, relax, enjoy a burger and fries — and a boozy shake — on the lazy patio watching others try their hand at bocce ball.
PHOTO BY KELSEY SHULZ
OAK STEAKHOUSE
COLLETTA 900 3rd St • Alpharetta, GA 30009 • Tel: 678.722.8335 collettarestaurant.com Avalon has been a highly anticipated big deal for Alpharetta that has finally come to fruition. And now that time is actually telling we are starting to see the cream rise to the top. Colletta, the latest concept by Charleston-based Indigo Road, is without a doubt among the cream. The best of the entrees is a well-executed smoky beef rib agnolotti. An appetizer of meatballs — despite the $14 price tag — is a must try along with the octopus and buttery white beans. Sitting at the bar? Perfect. Cocktails at this sleek Italian eatery are as good as it gets at Avalon. OAK STEAKHOUSE 950 3rd St • Alpharetta, GA 30009 • Tel: 678.722.8333 oaksteakhouseatlanta.com Here’s the beef! This handsome, wood-toned steakhouse is an offshoot of the popular Charleston, SC original run by — you guessed it — Indigo Road Hospitality Group. Get your cow on with both wet and dry-aged cuts of Certified Angus. Who says beef can’t rise to the top? Aside from steak, the menu is filled with plenty of other worthy options and the kitchen sources locally whenever possible. Start with a lightly broiled, bubbly, oysters Rockefeller with Benton’s bacon and a slather of hollandaise, and then move on to a heartier dish of housemade papardelle bolognese with micro basil. ANTICO PIZZA AVALON 3185 Avalon Blvd • Alpharetta, GA 30009 • littleitalia.com A recreation of the notorious Westside pizzeria near Georgia Tech, this Alpharetta outpost puts out those same blistery Neapolitan style pies that turned the in-town spot into a foodie stampede. Well, it didn’t take long for a similar foot-stomping herd to overrun this Ava-
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Stop by for coffee … then tour your child’s future! The Queen of Angels Catholic School community invites you to join us for an informational coffee and tour. Learn how our faculty prepares students from Kindergarten to 8th grade to meet the demands of the 21st centurty learner. We share a beautiful 100 acre campus with Blessed Trinity Catholic High School allowing our students to participate in a unique educational setting from Kindergarten to High School! ADMISSIONS COFFEE FROM 9:30-11 A.M. ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: December 3 • January 21 Principal presentation at 9:35
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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OAK STEAKHOUSE
EL FELIX
PHOTO BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE
PHOTO BY KELSEY SHULZ
lon hot spot and they don’t appear to be moving on any time soon. San Gennaro is the must-try pie — chunks of fennel-laced sausage, gooey mozzarella and those beautiful sweet, round peppadew peppers elevate this charred pie from good to fabulous. EL FELIX 21130 Avalon Blvd #1030 • Alpharetta, GA 30009 • Tel: 678.248.5239 • theelfelix.com Ford Fry’s El Felix is the one I most frequent at this hoity-toity retail
EL FELIX
PHOTO BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE
complex, because this Texican eatery and margarita bar is super casual and the fajitas — a mix of Springer Mountain chicken, hormone-free beef and White Oak Pastures pork belly — are easily the best bang-for-your-buck meal to be had at Avalon. The colossal, overflowing meat skillet feeds a family of three with leftovers for less than $30. A piping hot bowl of Tortilla soup is a testament to Fry’s Texas upbringing and is richer and beefier than any other you’ll encounter around these parts.
La Casa
Authentic Italian Grill Alpharetta’s “BEST Italian Restaurant” located in a quaint historic home • reservations accepted
Extensive Wine List Corporate and Social Events Private Dining
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Separate Rooms Intimate Dining Space Full-Service Catering NEW DAILY SPECIALS
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PHOTO COURTESY ALPHARETTA CONVENTION VISITORS BUREAU
Date Night down the road By Claire Murphy
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The first brewery in the deep South was founded in Jekyll Island, Georgia in 1738. Today, Jekyll Brewery is proud to be the first brewery located in Alpharetta, Georgia. Award winning Brew Master and Co-owner, Josh Rachel provides creative direction for a lineup of craft beers, which covers the global spectrum of brew styles. Jekyll Brewing is intensely focused on hand-crafting sophisticated beers from the finest ingredients. They are passionate about the art of creating a great beer, the camaraderie of the craft brewing industry, and the joy of sharing it with Alpharetta. Rather than meet your date for a typical happy hour at a bar, head on over to Jekyll Brewery at 4pm for a tour and tasting of their craft beer. Tour packages start at just $18. Their entire operation is located on Marconi drive at the north end of Big Creek Greenway here in Alpharetta. We love their seasonal Redneck Christmas Stout Ale.
to Jekyll Brewery at 7pm for a concert and a good cause. Distinct Grace is performing at Jekyll Brewery on January 9th and February 13th. Formed in 2013, Distinct Grace is made up on group of guys who combined their love of music and desire to give back to our troops. In April 2014, Distinct Grace incorporated as a 501 c Non-Profit Organization in the Georgia. The band is centered around making music and donating time and money to Veterans’ Organizations like Still Serving Veterans, Desert Angels, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Chuck Lunsford is the Co-founder of Distinct Grace Band. His father, Charles, served in the Army. His Uncle fought in Vietnam; and his Grandfather fought in WWII. And Chuck had joined the Air Force in 2007, carrying on the family tradition of serving our country.
This Stout is comprised with a little bit of everything – tones of chocolate & roasted malts along with hints of coffee & cream texture from oats. The medium hop bitterness supports the robust flavors which display the complex layers. Add mocha coffee & peppermint and it magnifies the roast & chocolate. Bitterness 58 IBU; Color SRM 45; ABV 8.0%
He felt that the only way to reach a broader audience for the sake of fundraising and getting their message across was to bring in a full band. Alan, Kevin, and Chris Murphy have helped make Chuck’s vision a reality. Visit them online at distinctgrace. com. And, when you buy music, art, or apparel from them, they donate every penny back to a Veterans Organization. 501 (c) (3) EIN: 46-5110627
At 5:30, zip over to Avalon for a bite to eat at one of their fantastic restaurants (see page _____ for a quick preview of five of the best).
All in all, you’re guaranteed to get a second date after this one. A brewery, an amazing restaurant, a little music and some charity. Yours will be a match made in Alpharetta. CM
And if you happen to plan your date for January 9th, then return LOCALLIFEPUBLISHING.COM 21
Reconsider THE FLU VACCINE
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safety for pregnant women and the fetus, or the effect on reproductive capability.
By Eileen Wrobleski, ND, CNC, HHP Abundant Life Wellness in Crabapple
The numbers are out on the effectiveness of last
year’s flu vaccine, which is touted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health organizations as “the best way to prevent the flu.” According to a February 2015 CDC report, the effectiveness of the flu shot was just 18 percent overall, 15 percent among children ages two to eight, and nine percent for seniors ages 65 and older. The nasal spray flu vaccine showed almost no benefit for children ages two to eight. Last year’s flu season was said to be one of the worst in years, and by January 2015, the CDC had warned that the flu vaccine was a poor match to the influenza A strain, which caused most cases of the flu, because it had mutated early in the season. Yet, health officials still urged everyone to get a flu shot, saying it would make symptoms less severe, without providing evidence to support this claim. In addition to questions regarding the flu vaccine’s effectiveness are concerns about its safety. Side effects range from numbness and tingling of the skin, chest pain, shortness of breath, laryngitis and convulsions, to spinal cord inflammation (myelitis), optic nerve inflammation (optic neuritis), facial palsy and paralysis. Though recommended for pregnant women, the flu vaccine is categorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Pregnancy Category B or C Biological. This means adequate testing has not been done in humans to demonstrate
The best way to prevent the flu is to maintain a strong immune system through optimal lifestyle and nutrition. Avoid sugar and processed food (sugar immediately decreases immune system function), get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and optimize your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is important for proper immune function and is also an effective antimicrobial. Studies show that children who take just 1,200 IUs of vitamin D3 daily are 42 percent less likely to get the flu. Adults can supplement with 5,000 to 8,000 IUs daily during the winter months. Other ways to support optimal immune health include proper hydration, regular exercise, stress-reduction techniques, hand washing and daily probiotic supplementation, as 80 percent of the immune system resides in the gut (see Importance of the Microbiome, Milton Magazine, July). Take homeopathic preparations and herbs for respiratory health, including sambucus, myrrh and echinacea. Also, supplement with oil of oregano, garlic, olive leaf and monolaurin, which are immune-system builders that provide potent antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial support, without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical antibiotics and vaccinations. ABUNDANTLIFEWELLNESSGA.COM
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interior design RUNWAY LOOKS
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By MGBW Heather Unger
People often ask us what inspires our designs. And
fun on the cushions of our spectacular new ‘70s-inspired Bastille birdcage chair.
This season we saw great runway looks inspired by one of our favorite design eras: the early 1970s, a freedom- and fun-loving time with great creativity. Here’s how it translated into some elegant and unexpected elements for our rooms.
2.) Leathers in fun colors: Two new leathers in soft hues that we’ve just added to our line speak to springtime and nature’s influence on us, as well as to fashion: eucalyptus and denim. They look especially fresh paired with sofas and chairs in crisp white slipcovers, which can be done in a washable denim fabric for easier maintenance.
while it ranges from our travels to the latest movie sets to reimagining past styles for today, fashion is always a part of it.
1.) Tibetan wool: Fur and shearling vests have been making appearances in all kinds of weather. We added touches to our rooms on ottomans and chairs. You can see it looking especially
DIXIE CHICKS IN ALPHARETTA
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre•Sunday,•August 14th, 2016 at 7:00PM•Ticket Price: $20.50 TO $40.50
Innovators, renegades, villains, mothers, influencers
and music superstars, Dixie Chicks, announced today a return to touring with their upcoming DCX MMXVI World Tour. The multiple Grammy Award®–winning and multi-platinum selling band will kick off their highly anticipated North American tour, on June 1, 2016 at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. DCX MMXVI World Tour will visit over 40 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada with dates lined up in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Vancouver, Washington DC, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Boston and more. The North American leg of the DCX MMXVI World Tour immediately follows the group’s previously announced European tour shows. Since their first album, the music of the Dixie Chicks have stirred emotions in fans across the world making them one of the most
biggest and most influential bands of our time. Not just “big for a country band” or “big for a big female band,” the Dixie Chicks are a multi-platinum selling act in North America, Europe and Australia. They are one of a mere handful of acts with multiple albums achieving “diamond” status (meaning sales over 10 million copies) – both WIDE OPEN SPACES (1998) and FLY (1999) hit that stratospheric landmark – and over the years have sold over 30 million albums worldwide and won thirteen Grammy Awards. Their on-stage reputation has helped them sell over $100 million worth of concert tickets while outspoken songs like “Goodbye, Earl” and “Not Ready To Make Nice” made it clear that this power trio played by nobody’s rules. The Dixie Chicks have grown from a band into a cultural force becoming the biggest selling female band of all time in the U.S. dixiechicks.com
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The Decksouth
Difference
At Decksouth, we specialize in building high quality decks, porches, and outdoor living spaces that complement and enhance any home or environment.
Custom decks, porches, and patios since 1998 decksouth.com • inquiry@decksouth.com • 770-452-DECK LOCALLIFEPUBLISHING.COM 25
WHERE TO GOLF
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GOLF CLUB OF GEORGIA • 1 Golf Club Dr., 30005 www. golfclubofgeorgia.com Two Arthur Hills-designed courses, Lakeside and Creekside are distinctly different from each other offering the golfer enormous architectural, aesthetic and strategic variety. In 1999, Golf Digest honored Lakeside’s par-5, 607 yard 11th hole as one of “America’s Best 99 Golf Holes.” ALPHARETTA ATHLETIC CLUB - EAST• 3430 Highway 9 N, 30004 www.alpharettaac.com Alpharetta Athletic Club’s East Course offers a par 72 Michael Riley design that plays nearly 7000 yards from the back tee. Featuring undulating greens, demanding tee shots, and challenging approach shots, it is regarded by many to be the premier Championship golf course in Greater Atlanta. TROPHY CLUB OF ATLANTA• 15135 Hopewell Rd., 30004 www.americangolf.com/trophy-club-atlanta Carved out of heavily wooded terrain in order to create a challenging yet playable course, they now offer Champion Bermuda greens. Nominated as Golf Digest’s “Best New Public Course” when opened in 1992, it was designed by DJ DeVictor and ABC-TV Golf Analyst Steve Melnyk.
gifts for your the horse lover in your life
ALPHARETTA ATHLETIC CLUB - WEST• 1785 Dinsmore Rd, 30004 www.alpharettaac.com Although the par 70 Willard Byrd design tips out at 6100 yards, this course will test the patience of any golfer. This risk-reward course gives you the choice to shape a fairway wood to a narrow fairway or go for the gusto and let it rip. It boasts narrow tee shots and pure rolling stamp sized greens.
ATLANTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB• 350 Tournament Players Dr., 30004 www.atlantanationalgolfclub.com Building on a legacy of greatness, this course was crafted by renowned father and son team Pete and P.B. Dye. The 6942 yard, par-72 course meanders across 240 acres of natural hardwoods, babbling brooks and rolling hills, perfect for the golfers who demand challenge, playability, beauty and fairness. MANOR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB• 15951 Manor Club Dr., 30004 www.manorgcc.com Home to the only Tom Watson championship golf course in Georgia with 18 masterfully designed and memorable holes winding throughout hardwoods and towering pines, quiet lakes and streams. Seeped in the tradition of golf’s birthplace, Scotland, this course is extraordinary, boasting impeccable course conditioning and breathtaking vistas.
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WHITE COLUMNS COUNTRY CLUB • 300 Clubhouse Dr., 30004 www.whitecolumnscountryclub.com This Tom Fazio designed golf course has consistently been rated one of the area’s top courses, guarded by towering pine trees and featuring large greens. Golfers will find deep bunkers and countless elevation changes as the course layout gradually increases in challenge and splendor building to a crescendo over the last final five holes.
1234 Main Street, Alpharetta•404-123-4567
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ECHELON GOLF CLUB• 501 Founders Dr., 30004 www. echelonliving.com A broad-shouldered beautiful and formidable test designed by famed golf course architect Rees Jones, this course wanders over 600 acres of rolling hills, providing striking elevation changes and panoramic views, most notably on the back nine. This semi-private course also features a 32acre practice facility.
ABUNDANT LIFE WELLNESS P23 ALLURING FAMILY DENTISTRY P5 ALPHARETTA CONVENTION VISITORS BUREAU BACK COVER CRABAPPLE BEDS & BONES P4 CRIST ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION P12 DEBRA DINKINS-BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY P22 DECKSOUTH P25 DURA-CRAFT SIDING & WINDOWS P13 FIFTH THIRD BANK P9 FRONTDOOR COMMUNITIES P7 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS-ALPHARETTA P20 IMAGE MAIDS P20 INK & PAPER P26 JOHNS CREEK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA P11 KATHY PADGETT-BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY P22 LA CASA ITALIAN GRILL P19 LAVIDA MASSAGE-ALPHARETTA P15 THE MILTON THERAPIST P20 MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS P3 PEACH AND THE PORKCHOP IFC PETER BRANDI ESTATE SALES P27 PREMIER INDOOR COMFORT IBC QUEEN OF ANGELS CATHOLIC SCHOOL P17
1234 Main Street, Alpharetta•404-123-4567
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Atlanta’s Experts in Estate Liquidations We know Atlanta better than anyone and have had over 6,000 sales. Peter Brandi Estate Sales has a solid reputation and clearly stated standards about what your estate is worth. We provide an exceptional service to clients who are re-locating, scaling down, or divesting themselves of family possessions. Peter is a licensed and certified appraiser (renewed annually). He holds a Degree in Fine Art and has an extensive business background. 940 Canton Street • Roswell, GA 30075 • 770/552-1899 • peterbrandiestatesales.com
PETER BRANDI ESTATE SALES
PAMPER ME{please} ALPHARETTA has no shortage of fabulous places to relax with a facial or massage. If you don’t have time to fit yourself in during these busy holidays, ask your significant other to get you a gift certifical. Our favorite: LaVida Massage - Alpharetta LAVIDA MASSAGE ALPHARETTA 12460 Crabapple Rd. 770-740-0654 lavidamassagealpharetta.com ALPHARETTA LIFE SPA Inside Life Time Fitness 855 North Point Parkway 678-327-2624 www.lifetimefitness.com/ lifespa/
MASSAGE ENVY 5530 Windward Parkway 678-336-1280 www.massageenvy.com
NATURAL BODY SPA 7300 North Point Parkway 678-319-0008 www.naturalbody.com
SOLERA SPA & SALON 1655 Mansell Road 678-585-0700 www.solerasalon.com
MEZZ SPA 52-A North Main Street 770-557-1988 www.mezzspa.com
NIRVANA MED SPA 4380 Kimball Bridge Road 678-256-6320 www.nirvanalasercentre.com
SPA SYDELL 404-667-0333 www.spasydell.com
M SALON AND SPA 12850 Highway 9 N, Ste.300 678-297-1800
YOUTHTOPIA MED SPA 3665 Old Milton Parkway 770-772-4806 www.youthtopiamedspa.com
things to do•places to go•people to see
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PHOTO COURTESY ALPHARETTA CONVENTION VISITORS BUREAU
American Girl stores celebrate girls’ interests with engaging products and experiences designed just for them. By Claire Murphy
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Alpharetta-American Girl
There’s no end to the fun that’s in store at
American Girl! Stop in with your favorite girl (s) to share a special lunch, gather for a great event, give a perfectly planned party, and more. Every visit ignites a smile. Find American Girl at Alpharetta’s North Point Mall, 1202 North Point Circle. American Girl stores celebrate girls’ interests with engaging products and experiences designed just for them. Located at twenty premier shopping and entertainment destinations nationwide, American Girl stores have been praised as leading models for experiential retail and provide a special place for girls to make lasting memories with their families and friends. At the American Girl stores, girls ages 3 and up can explore the shops filled with our popular American Girl historical and contemporary dolls, browse our award-winning library of books, enjoy a delicious meal in the on-site restaurant, and treat their doll to a new look in the Doll Hair Salon. But there’s so much more- exciting programs and special events for girls are also held throughout the year.
since 1986.
Over 27 million American Girl® dolls have been sold through the company’s catalogue, retail stores, and website since 1986. The American Girl catalogue ranks as the largest consumer toy catalogue and one of the top 30 consumer catalogues in the country. American Girl® magazine has a circulation of over 400,000— ranking it among the top ten children’s magazines in the nation and the largest publication dedicated exclusively to girls ages 8 and up. The award-winning magazine receives more than 5,000 pieces of reader mail after each issue. American Girl’s proprietary retail stores have welcomed over 72 million visitors. The stores have won numerous awards and are recognized as premier models for experiential retail. The American Girl website receives over 67 million visits per year. American Girl has a long-standing commitment to children’s charities nationwide. To date, the company has donated more than $100 million in cash and products.
More than 151 million American Girl® books have been sold LOCALLIFEPUBLISHING.COM 29
DECEMBER 18- vs. Johns Creek 19- vs. Milton 28-30- Christmas Tournament at Allatoona High School
ALPHARETTA
HIGH SCHOOL RAIDERS VARSITY BASKETBALL
JANUARY 2- at Centennial 5- vs. Northview 8- vs. West Forsyth 9- vs. Walton 12- vs. South Forsyth 15- vs. Habersham Central 19- at North Forsyth 22- at Lambert 26- vs. Chattahoochee 29- at Johns Creek FEBRUARY 2- vs. Centennial (Senior Night) 5- vs. Northview 9-13- Varsity Region Tournament at Lambert
PRAY LOCALLY
LIVE•WORK•SHOP•EAT•PLAY• Alpharetta Church of God•churchofgod.cc Alpharetta First United Methodist•afumc.org Alpharetta Presbyterian Church •alpharettapres.com Atlanta Chinese Christian Church North • acccn.org Bethany Baptist Church • hightowerbaptist.org Big Creek Church • bigcreekchurch.com Birmingham United Methodist•birminghamumc.org Bridgeway Baptist Church•bridgeway.net Calvary Chapel•calvaryalpharetta.com Chabad Of North Fulton•chabadnf.org Child Evangelism Fellowshi cefcanada.org Christ The Shepherd Lutheran Church LCMS•cts.org Clear Springs Baptist Church•sbcga.com Community Of Chris cofchrist.org Congregation Gesher L’Torah•gltorah.org Countyline Baptist Church•clbchurch.com Crabapple First Baptist Church•crabapplefbc.org Elam Ministries•elam.com Faith Life Ministries•faithlifeministries.net First Baptist Church of Alpharetta• fbca.com Grace North Atlanta • gracenorthatlanta.org Habakkuk Christian Mins•habakkukchristianministries.com Hanuman Mandir•srihanuman.org Hopewell Baptist Church•hopewellbaptistchurch.org Inner Quest • innerquestchurch.org Islamic Center Of North Fulton•icnf.org
Johns Creek Baptist Church•jcbc.org Keepin’ it Real•keepinitreallighthouse.com Kingdom Ambassadors International Center Living Truth Church•livingtruthchurch.net Messiah Lutheran Church•messiahlutheran.ws Methodist Hour International•methodisthour.com Midway Community Church•midwaycommunitychurch.org Midway United Methodist Church•midwayumc.org Morning Star Chapel•morningstarchapel.org Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church•mountpisgah.org Mt Pisgah Christian School•experiencepisgah.or New Millennium Church •newmillenniumchurch.net North Gate Church Of Atlanta•antiochchurch.life North Point Community Church•northpoint.org Olive Branch Tabernacle Of Faith•obtoffaith.com Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church•poplutheranchurch.com Restoration Church of God•restorationnchurchna.org Saehan English Ministry•saehanem.org Spirit Of God Christian Church•spiritofgodcc.org St Aidan’s Episcopal Church•staidans.org St Brigid Catholic Church•saintbrigid.org St James United Methodist Churc stjamesumc.org St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Churc sta.org Stonecreek Church•stonecreekchurch.org Union Hill Church•unionhillalpharetta.com Vision Baptist Church•visionbaptist.com
God our Creator, we pray: Almighty God, bless our nation and make it true to the ideas of freedom and justice and brotherhood for all who make it great. Guard us from war, from fire and wind,from compromise, fear, confusion. Be close to our president and our statesmen; give them vision and courage, as they ponder decisions affecting peace and the future of the world. Make me more deeply aware of my heritage; realizing not only my rights but also my duties and responsibilities as a citizen. Make this great land and all its people know clearly Your will, that they may fulfill the destiny ordained for us in the salvation of the nations, and the restoring of all things in Christ. Amen 30
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Experience
Awesome! Matilda’s Cottage
Did you know you have a Convention and Visitors Bureau right here in Alpharetta? THINK OF US FIRST for your corporate meeting, wedding, reunion, sports event or any hotel needs you have in Alpharetta. Take advantage of the FREE planning resources of the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau including FREE consultation on venues, service providers, fields and facilities, hotels and more. RELOCATING?
Need a place to stay while in town? Relax and house hunt with no worries. Visit awesomealpharetta.com for specially designed Alpharetta hotel packages and rates, then book your reservation directly from our website. Doesn’t get much easier than that!
VISITOR INFORMATION
Need brochures and information for your guests? Book your hotel rooms with us and receive complimentary welcome bags for your hotel guests. We offer information about shopping and dining, attractions, events, maps, local coupons, and more. Visit our Alpharetta Welcome Center located at 178 South Main Street for more details!
Want to be IN THE KNOW? Follow us on social media and sign up for our e-newsletter at awesomealpharetta.com to get the latest information about what is happening in Alpharetta!
CALL TODAY and ask for our FREE EVENT PLANNING GUIDE. TO
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Need a group of hotel rooms for your guests? Reserve these rooms with one call to the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Room rates are collected from Alpharetta’s 23 hotels and provided to you as a comprehensive list of options. Every hotel has free parking and the modern amenities for today’s traveler. Many offer a selection of suites, complimentary breakfast and internet, private meeting and hospitality rooms and local shuttle service. All hotels are easily accessible with close proximity to shopping, dining and 300 things to do.
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PLANNING AN EVENT?
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