Points North

POINTS NORTH ATLANTA | ISSUE 153 | FEBRUARY 2013

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AHT INTERIORS; WESTIN; BITE

contents

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34 17 { DEPARTMENTS } 6 MY TURN 8 DUE NORTH 46 TRAVEL: ALBANY, GA. 62 CALENDAR 66 FIVE THINGS

{ ON THE COVER } Eleanor’s — a Hidden Hometown Gem within Smyrna’s Muss & Turner’s restaurant. Photo by Derek Wintermute Photography

S P E C I A L A DV E R TI S I N G S E C TI O N S 42 | Home Interior Profiles 60 | Heart & Vascular Health

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14 FASHION INCUBATOR

26 BOOMTOWN IS BACK

We recently had the opportunity to chat up four talented youngsters in the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)’s {Fashion Incubator}, a program designed to support the next generation of fashion designers in New York City. Read on for fashion tips and trends from a few of the country’s hottest hemstitchers.

Wondering if now is a good time to sell your house?

Local experts shed some insight into the reality of today’s real estate market and, without giving too much away, we think you’ll enjoy what they have to say!

17 HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS Atlanta’s Northside is home to unique people, places and things that perhaps we’ve overlooked or simply never taken the time to discover. With the introduction of our new editorial series, we pledge to go deep to uncover Hidden Hometown Gems, highlighting a key community from our coverage area in each issue.

This month is a sneak peek at what’s to come.

Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

facebook.com/ PointsNorthMagazine

@pointsnorthedit

34 HOME INTERIORS With the New Year comes new home improvement projects and if you’re resolving to liven up your living space, take a look at these local home makeovers. Be warned: Inspiration is sure to strike shortly thereafter.

Follow us on Pinterest: pointsnorthatl

MY

turn PRESIDENT / CEO

Witt Beckman PUBLISHER

Carl Danbury Jr.

EDITOR

Bre Humphries

PHOTO COUTESY OF ROB SMITH

SENIOR EDITOR

Heather KW Brown

treasure

It has come to my attention

Robin Harrison A S S I S TA N T C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

Shannah J. Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ellie Hensley Glenn Kaufmann Amber Lanier Nagle Jennifer Smith Williams

but never taken the time to investigate its purpose).

As the editor of a community magazine, this is simply unacceptable, which is why I’m so excited to introduce our Hidden Hometown Gems series. The purpose is to encourage readers (and myself!) to explore businesses within their communities that they may have overlooked, whether it’s just down the street or in the neighboring town. This month, we present a sampling of gems throughout Atlanta’s Northside (page 17), and throughout the year, we’ll visit each community in turn (stay tuned in March for Acworth and Kennesaw).

I plan to spend a lot of time visiting locally owned businesses for the sake of research, and I’m asking you all to do the same. If you uncover a gem in your community, please let me know by emailing myturn@pointsnorthatlanta.com.

Happy hunting!

ADVERTISING

770-844-0969 sales@pointsnorthatlanta.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Marita Kahler S E N I O R M E D I A C O N S U LTA N T

Karen Poulsen ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Tom Tolbert CIRCUL ATION MANAGE R

Tiffany Willard

All Points Interactive Media Corp.

568 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041 770-844-0969 www.pointsnorthatlanta.com © 2013 Points North All Points Interactive Media Corp.

All rights reserved.

Points North is published monthly by All Points Interactive Media Corp.

The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editor, the publisher or of Points North. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Subscription information:

Bre Humphries, Editor

Points North offers a 12-month subscription for $12. Visit pointsnorthatlanta.com for details.

Pl e as

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

c yc l e T h i s M a zi n e

To send comments and/or suggestions on this or any other subject, e-mail us at: myturn@pointsnorthatlanta.com.

Re

ag

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that I don’t know as much about my hometown as I thought I did. It started when I stopped by the Donut Depot in Cumming, a family-owned bakery that I assumed was new. I’d never seen the sign, and wouldn’t even know it existed if a friend hadn’t mentioned it in passing.

“How long have you been open?” I asked the woman who rang up my muffin.

The response caught me off guard; they celebrated their first anniversary in December.

I had driven past this very strip mall countless times in the past year and somehow overlooked this local gem. One bite of the muffin confirmed I’d been missing out.

And that wasn't the only such instance.

At Christmastime, a photo opp with Santa lured me for the first time to Wakoola Gardens, a delightful outdoor oasis and gift shop off the beaten path in South Forsyth, and one of the giveaways in our January wedding issue clued me in to Three in One Studio, a charming outdoor film and photography studio a mere 3 miles from where I grew up (I’d always admired the property

HUNTING

CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR

DUE

north

{ ENTER TO win } A GETAWAY TO PANAMA Breaking through traditional barriers of design to create an inviting juxtaposition of Panamá’s unspoiled landscape along with cosmopolitan appeal, The Westin Playa Bonita Panamá is an upscale beach hotel strategically located alongside the Pacific Ocean, on a mile-long stretch

of golden sand on Playa Bonita Beach.

Just 20 minutes outside of Panama City, the 100-million-dollar Westin Playa Bonita features 611 elegant guestrooms, including 67 spacious suites, all with panoramic views of the ocean and rainforest, six fine dining restaurants, four bars, three infinity-edge pools, a state-of-the-art Sensory Spa by Clarins, expansive fitness center and the largest meeting and event space in Panama. This

the PRIZE

One Points North reader will win a three-night, four-day stay for two with an all-inclusive plan in an Ocean View Room, a 50-minute Aromatic Massage and Aquabella Circuit for two at the Sensory Spa by Clarins. This prize, valued at $1,250.00, is valid for one year and subject to blackout dates and availability. To register, go online to pointsnorthatlanta.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WESTIN PLAYA BONITA PANAMÁ

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

über-chic beach hotel, whose open-air 19th floor VIP lounge boasts spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and ships lining up for the Panamá Canal, also happens to be a secluded escape that is part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world.

For more information, call 877-8001690 or visit starwoodhotels.com.

Regan was a 20-year-old collegiate dancer when she underwent open-heart surgery.

For 28-year-old Rachel, who returned back to the hospital less than a week after coming home with her newborn son, the diagnosis was a rare condition that strikes young women and can result in sudden death called Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), followed by a heart attack.

At 32, Rekisha had been away for the majority of her newborn son’s life and had celebrated her other five children’s birthdays plus her wedding anniversary in a hospital bed, waiting for a transplant that finally came. Knowing her family had a history of heart disease, Mary Leah diligently followed up on her own health, only to get confirmation at the age of 30 that her heart was enlarged and only functioning at 10 percent.

!

D E R “I am very focused on making memories right now,” Mary Leah said. “Everyone has a terminal condition called life, but for me it’s a different timeframe if I don’t get a new heart. Women need to learn that if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have the opportunity to make memories with your family.”

These stories and many others have inspired female administrators at North Fulton Hospital and female leaders in the community to participate in a “Go Red, North Fulton!” campaign. One line in particular resonated with them: “But there’s a leadership role just waiting for women like you to pounce on: Leading the charge to end this deadly foe once and for all.”

febr uary 2013

If you “heart” the women in your life, then here are a few facts you need to not only read, but take to heart! According to The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement, heart disease kills one in three women each year, which if you take a beat to think about, equals approximately one woman every minute.

Thanks to The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement, which advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health, we can change the future of women in our lives as well as in others.

The “Go Red, North Fulton!” campaign is inspired by the American Heart Association’s national “Go Red for Women” campaign. goredforwomen.org/ home/about-heart-disease-in-women/

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEREMY ADAMO

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHAMROCKIN’ FOR A CURE

ShamRockin’ FOR A CURE 2013 The quest for a cure continues March 9 at 7 p.m. with a St. Patrick’s Day-themed party to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The annual ShamRockin’ for a Cure, presented by Jon Baker Financial Group, will rock the stage at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park.

Based in Alpharetta, ShamRockin’ For A Cure is a grass roots, volunteer-run organization dedicated to raising funds to find a cure for CF. All funds raised by ShamRockin’ For A Cure go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

More than 1,100 revelers attended ShamRockin’ 2012 and raised $170,000.

Event co-chairs Lara Dolan and Brian O’Reilly believe the fifth year will be the best yet. ShamRockin’ 2013 has a goal to raise $200,000 in one night for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“ShamRockin’ has been the party on the Northside for the past few years and 2013 promises to deliver again,” O’Reilly said. “Dancing the night away to 80’s music, great food and drink, entertainment and energy … that is what ShamRockin’ delivers. We have more VIP suites, new food vendors and more entertainment than ever before.”

This year’s event will sell out at 1,200 tickets. For $85 per ticket, attendees will be welcomed by 98.8 The Bone’s radio host Axel Lowe. Attendees also will be 10

Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

entertained by cover band HardCrush.

Food will be provided by local Alpharetta restaurants such as SmokeJack BBQ, Hudson Grille, The Roswell Tap, Twisted Taco, Ray’s on the Creek, Village Taqueria, Dal Cuore Italian, Adele’s Cajun and others.

All beverages are also included in the ticket price. The 2013 beverage sponsors are Deep Eddy Vodka, Strongbow Cider, Karma Tequila, Abita Beer, The Crusher Wines, Guinness Beer and Rockstar Energy Drink.

Soft drinks are also available.

ShamRockin’ attendees have the option to book a night at the hotel sponsor Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta at a discounted rate.

Breakfast and shuttle service is included.

Companies or large parties may purchase VIP areas including specialized admission, parking and bar areas. A silent and live auction will feature a trip to the American Music Awards, African Photo Safari Trip (with hotel accommodations and airline points), jewelry, restaurant experiences, home improvement and much more. Other ShamRockin’ sponsors include: Jim Ellis Audi Atlanta, Hope-Beckham Inc., Arrow Exterminating, JH Design & Color Studio, Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hilton Garden Inn, UPS, nTier Training and Points North Atlanta. Tickets are now available at shamrockinforacure.org.

For more information on Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit cff.org.

Cooking

101

Curious about what cooking classes have to offer, but afraid your remedial kitchen knowledge won’t be up to scratch?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and Williams-Sonoma’s cooking classes at North Point Mall in Alpharetta might just be the perfect place. Join Chef John Wilson as he guides an intimate group of aspiring cooks through menus inspired by popular cookbooks and healthy trends. Wilson is a Culinary Institute of America graduate whose enthusiastic, patient demeanor makes it impossible to get lost or left behind. Follow along, take note of his expert advice and savor some delicious new dishes. You’ll even receive the recipes at the end of the evening. Classes cost $35 to $75 per person. This month’s class takes place Feb. 13; to reserve your space, call 678-393-0397.

— Ellie Hensley

MD

Who will be your vein doctor?

A doctor who is trained in cardiovascular surgery and phlebology.

A doctor who has practiced in Atlanta for 20 years.

A doctor who offers all the modern vein treatments.

A doctor who owns and operates his/ her own clinic.

A doctor who will take care of you from beginning to end of your treatment.

DR. LOUIS PREVOSTI Cardiovascular Surgeon

1100

“

I was impressed with Dr. Prevosti’s proactive approach. He took the time to determine the root cause of my problems and he has an incredible bedside manner. I am an active tennis player and am so happy my legs don’t feel tired or achy anymore! — Audra

Johnson Ferry Rd. NE | Suite 165 | Atlanta, Georgia 30342 | 404.446.2800

www.VEINatlanta.com 72

Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com

DUE

north RAISING THE BAR

PHOTO COURTESY OF MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL GROUP

ON BLISS

When the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta opened its doors last year, The Spa, much like the hotel and staff, raised the bar on what it truly means to be pampered from head to toe. The 15,000-square-foot spa pampers guests with innovative and restorative therapies inspired by the elements of life, combining treatment philosophies from Asian and western cultures to provide the ultimate in rejuvenating and pampering treatments.

Proof that Mandarin Oriental’s exclusive signature spa therapies and specially designed treatments take guests on a journey unlike they’ve ever experienced, The Spa offers a couples’ suite with marble bath and twin massage beds — perfect for treating your Valentine to something special. Of course, guests are invited to sit and relax in the steam room, sauna and vitality pool, as well as in the women’s relaxation area with an outdoor terrace (men’s relaxation area is separate).

Tying into its peachy location, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta has the “Peaches and Cream” treatment, an indulgent journey that will melt away muscle tension while restoring the body’s balance. A skin softening apricot kernel exfoliation prepares the skin for a comforting massage using warm cream and peach oil. The treatment ends with a blissful red clay scalp massage to soothe all the stress away. Duration is 1 hour and 50 minutes of pure bliss. Visit mandarinoriental.com/atlanta/.

support

When tragedy strikes, support from the community can serve as a beacon of light. For local toddler Tripp Halstead, who suffered critical injuries when a tree branch fell on his head last fall, that support has taken many forms. From spirit nights at local Chick-fil-As to shoutouts at collegiate cheerleading competitions, community initiatives have made it possible for Tripp’s mother to stay by his side full time as he makes his way to recovery. This month, Château Élan joins the mission with a golf tournament on Feb. 9, during which 100 percent of proceeds will go to the Halstead family. To register, visit fortripp.com.

For more ways to donate, visit teamboom4tripp.com, and follow facebook.com/tripphalsteadupdates to keep track of Tripp’s progress.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HALSTEAD FAMILY

FOR TRIPP

TOURNEY TIME IN THE ATL

While at least one team we traditionally root for in the NCAA Men’s Final Four will not be dancing this year, there’s still plenty to cheer about because the 2013 tourney will be right here in Atlanta. Even without tickets, basketball fans will find a number of reasons to hoop and holler, such as Bracket Town, which will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center April 5 through 8.

Inside Bracket Town, which showcases most NCAA sports like golf, tennis, soccer and of course, basketball, fans can choose between a number of activities like basketball youth clinics and the Legends Game, featuring stars from the past who have paved the way for future athletes, as well as contests and autograph sessions with some of the greats.

Also happening that weekend is the Big Dance concert series, a threeday music festival for all ages, and the Final Four Dribble. On April 7, more than 3,000 of Atlanta’s youth will dribble basketballs around the Georgia World Congress Center. This event is free but requires registration. Participants in the Final Four Dribble receive a Final Four basketball, a T-shirt and free admittance to Bracket Town that day. For more information and a complete list of events, visit ncaa.com/finalfour. pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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Burkman Bros.

Daniel Vosivic

INCUBATOR BRAVURA The Country’s Hottest New Hem-Stitchers Hit Atlanta { WRI T TEN BY JENNIFER SMITH WIL L IA MS }

PHOTOGRAPHY LEFT TO RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF POUYA DIANET/ALLIED INTEGRATED MARKETING; MOSES ROBINSON/GETTY IMAGES; BEN ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY; POUYA DIANET/ALLIED INTEGRATED MARKETING; BEN ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

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WHIT

IN A LAND FAR, FAR AWAY from our offices in North Atlanta, five wizardly talented youngsters sit in an airy studio, literally just creating cool new ideas for clothes. They’ve all put in their training, climbed the corporate ladder in some form or fashion, and inevitably found kindred style-spirit in the common denominator that is the fashion community.

With four seriously sophisticated brain groups developing unmatched lines for hip, individual men and women of all ages, the style world (no matter what humble state it sits in) is about to get rocked.

These designers are part of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)’s {Fashion Incubator}, a program designed to support the next generation of fashion designers in New York City, and we recently had the opportunity to chat up four of them as they brought a sneak peek of their latest collections to Atlanta. Each is a well-traveled,

Emanuela Duca

well-received nuance of trend and taste that adds an edge to any wardrobe. And the designers have said so themselves, “any wardrobe.”

FOR THE GUYS… I asked the Burkman Bros. (burkmanbros. com), Doug and Ben, to describe how someone outside the city limits fits into an edgy design trend like theirs. Can a suburbanite really wear their line? Both answered with a guffaw, saying that, “Our line is neither urban or suburban. It’s about looking cool while living a casual lifestyle, which is something everyone likes to do.”

The once-GAP designers bring a sense of style that comes out of “what we’d wear ourselves.”

FOR THE GIRLS… WHIT (whit-ny.com) brings a much more feminine approach to the Incubator, with

Burkman Bros.

designer Whitney Pozgay (Austin, Texas native) giving fashion the platform to tell its own story.

“My inspiration comes from ladies like Jane Birkin, Jean Seberg and Mia Farrow,” she said, “but it’s ultimately about bringing the classics together with a vintage look.

Sort of like a retro-feminine-tomboy.”

Pozgay describes herself as a girly tomboy, which admittedly plays out through her line. Will it hit hot in the streets of Alpharetta? “Everything has great wearability. Really, I want to give women something that allows them to be a creative dresser.”

Likewise, self-dubbed “the cool tomboy,” Daniel Vosovic (danielvosovicny. com) also plays to that “everyday woman” who yearns to mix her casual, comfortable everyday life with something a bit more edgy.

“Tailoring is every woman’s best friend,” he said. “We provide clothes that

are soft and balanced with an urban structure. And of course, they’re washable.”

LOCAL COUTURE For the Cherry on Top… Rounding out the group is Emanuela Duca (emanueladuca.com), the femme fatale with an extravagantly unique line of delicate jewelry and accessories. Born in Rome and an inhabitant of NYC since 2005, she’s spent years perfecting the art of metal-working.

“I like having a statement piece done in a very sophisticated way,” Duca said.

“It’s for a woman who is not afraid to express herself.”

The Incubators are selling to celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Michelle Williams and Emma Stone, and some are already available to purchase online. Check out the designers individual websites to keep tabs on local retailers coming soon!

pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS

habits

{ WRITTEN BY THE E D I TO R S O F PO I N T S N O RTH }

are inherently hard to

break, which is why we often dine at the same restaurants and frequent our favorite big box shops. Thank-

fully, as editors of a community magazine constantly searching for new content, we know better. We know plenty more awaits discovery in Atlanta’s Northside. So, that’s exactly what we’ve set out to do. With the introduction of this new editorial series, we pledge to go deep to uncover Hidden Hometown Gems, those potential new favorite places that perhaps we’ve overlooked or simply never taken the time to try. Throughout the year, we’ll highlight a key community from our coverage area in each issue. Here, we offer a sampling of what’s to come.

SERIES SPONSORED

BY VIXEN VODKA

S H A R E YO U R G E M S !

No one knows the Northside like you, dear readers! Help us uncover hidden gems in your hometown by emailing myturn@pointsnorthatlanta.com. pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS

Eleanor’s SMYRNA

Few things epitomize the “hidden

SERIES SPONSORED

BY VIXEN VODKA

18

gem” concept quite like Eleanor’s and if you’ve never been to the popular neighborhood joint Muss & Turner’s in Smyrna, well, then you’re officially missing out on two gems! As with many great discoveries, there’s an even better story behind it.

The restaurant and bar discreetly found beyond the cooler door is named for Eleanor Seale, who interviewed for a front-of-the-house position in the midst of construction for Muss & Turner’s, which opened in February 2005.

Previously, she had been an office manager for a doctor’s office, but at the urging of friends and family, Seale decided to pursue her passion for cooking — at the age of 63. Seale, who grew up in Harlem, had also owned a liquor store in the past.

The Muss & Turner’s team immediately connected with Seale, and though they knew she was special, they couldn’t have predicted just how important she would become. Within months, Seale, who had an affinity for QuickBooks, took on a whole new level of engagement with the business. “[She did] all of this stuff that if I had to focus on myself, I’m not sure we

Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

would still be in business,” said owner Ryan Turner of Seale, who from human resources and controller to friend, drinking buddy, de facto Mom and in-house Sage, became the glue that held it all together.

“I remember coming home and talking to my wife. I said ‘I don’t know how, but I want to do something for her,’” he said.

Given the opportunity to expand in 2011, the Muss & Turner’s team chose to create a bar experience that didn’t previously exist — one that would provide two different experiences without having to travel. One that required a fun discovery process and produce a positive reaction such as “Why do I keep seeing people go into that cooler and not come back out?” as one patron famously asked.

Eleanor’s, which opened on Mother’s Day last year, isn’t all about its speakeasy entrance, though I can say from personal experience that it is almost as much fun to introduce Eleanor’s to a friend who has never been as it is to discover for yourself. The food is fabulous, the service is great and what can we say? We love the story of how the Muss & Turner’s team created a place that celebrates their appreciation for someone so important to them. Talk about a gem. 770-4341114, 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Ste 309, mussandturners.com

Johns Creek Arts Center

Marvelous Cupcake

JOHNS CREEK

There’s more to the Johns

SUWANEE

Given our weakness for sweets

Old Mill Park ROSWELL

While the shops and restaurants along Canton Street buzz with business, an historic gem hides nearby. Featuring an interpretative walk that highlights the old mill ruins, Roswell’s Old Mill Park provides access to Vickery Creek and its 30-foot dam, which was constructed in the 1830s to supply power to the mills. An audio tour, downloadable via visitroswellga.com, allows visitors to step back in time as they explore the Mill Village and hike to the ruins at leisure, and the Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge is the perfect place for a picnic or a photo opp when the weather warms.

95 Mill View Ave.

and the sheer volume of cupcakeries in the communities around Atlanta, we’ve become connoisseurs of these single-serving confections, and we’ve learned that not all are created equally. Our greatest complaint is that some put more emphasis on visual appeal than taste — icing that’s too stiff or piled too high, cake that’s too dry to uphold the “right” shape, garnishes that are pretty but impractical. None of these problems exist at Marvelous Cupcake. The shop is less showy than some of its competitors (it’s located in an often overlooked strip mall), but it boasts some of the best cupcakes in town. Here, the cake is always light and moist, the icing is creamy and subtly sweet and the proportion of the two is just right.

(They’re visually appealing, too, but that’s just the icing on the cake!) Flavors rotate daily, with favorites like Maple Bacon and Red Velvet making frequent appearances, and a drive-through window offers a quick and convenient fix for your sweet tooth. marvelouscupcake.com

Creek Arts Center than meets the eye.

In fact, it may not catch your eye at all if you’re not specifically searching for it, but a wonderfully assorted world of artistic opportunities awaits in its inconspicuous facility. Recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as a “Jewel of Johns Creek,” the arts center offers a variety of camps, classes, outreach programs and events. For the seriously aspiring artist, six- to eightweek classes in topics from ceramics and sculpture to jewelry and mosaics are available each season, while those who’d rather dabble in a new medium may be interested in the center’s experimental art workshops.

Groups of eight or more can organize a fun-filled evening of Bottles and Brushes, or work with the center’s staff to customize a group event. A gallery in the lobby features instructors’ artwork for show and sale (stop by through March 2 for a special Georgia Watercolor Society exhibition) and the annual Art in Bloom fundraiser on March 21 promises an inspiring evening with artistic interpretations in fresh flowers.

6290 Abbots Bridge Road, Building 700, 770-623-8448, johnscreekarts.org

FACING PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DEREK WINTERMUTE PHOTOGRAPHY; LEFT TO RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ROSWELL CVB; THOMAS HARRISON; SHANNAH J. SMITH

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HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS

Bite’s interior was recently redesigned by Wilcox Design Group

Antebellum Restaurant Bite Creative Cuisine & Catering A L P H A R E T TA

Chef Leif Johnson and partner Derek Bakarich launched their first Atlanta-area restaurant, Bite, after Johnson’s ultra-successful five-year run with Bite as a catering business in Dunwoody. In fact, during the recent expansion and redesign of the space

by Wilcox Design Group, catering orders flourished. A new patio will provide guests with an al fresco dining option soon.

Before coming to Atlanta, Johnson was executive chef at the winery that produces Toasted Head wines in Dunnigan Hills, Calif. Bakarich and his wife Staci moved to Duluth six years ago, and he remains a partner in a few Los Angelesarea Mexican restaurants.

Bite initially attracted a substantial crowd for lunch, particularly with business and ladies’ groups who appreciated Johnson’s “new American” cuisine, a fusion of influences that give him and his rightSERIES SPONSORED hand man in the kitchen,

BY VIXEN Jason Morgan, a boundVODKA less canvas for exploring

textures, spices and unfamiliar combinations that woo patrons.

Bite’s menu combines casual fare like small plates, flatbreads and salads with glimpses of intriguing execution in the pasta and main dish categories. Creations like mussels and Spanish chorizo, corn and poblano fritters and a smoked pork and grilled pineapple flatbread are rarely seen.

Nor is “The Double,” which combines house-ground short rib and brisket, special sauce, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and American cheese — a stunning burger interpretation. Seared duck breast is accompanied by roasted butternut squash, parsnip, red chard and a port demi, while Bite’s redfish is served with vegetable couscous and celery root purée.

Other top selections are the signature street corn, red chili pork tacos, lobster roll and chipotle spaghetini, a marvelous dish that combines smoked chicken, spinach, tomatoes and Parmesan.

A new full bar includes a well-conceived roster of craft beers, spirits and wines that you likely won’t fi nd at your local package or grocery store, which further enhances the restaurant’s penchant for originality and creativity, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more likeable service staff than the one at Bite. 11500 Webb Bridge Way, 770-754-5500, biteatl.com

LEFT TO RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARK WILCOX | WILCOX DESIGN GROUP; FORSYTHLOCAL.COM

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

FLOWERY BRANCH

When Nick and Allison St. Clair opened Antebellum in Historic Flowery Branch in a turn-of-the-20thcentury home where another eatery had failed, the skeptics lined up for a feeding frenzy. Not only are there few restaurants nearby, none featured interpretative Southern cuisine.

St. Clair eschewed the plastic-plate, meat-and-three mantra once present in small towns throughout the South, and Antebellum is indulgently graceful with a sweeping, wraparound porch that is essentially Southern. Inside, soft lighting, hardwood floors, wrought iron decorations and a certain familiarity hearken diners back to the good ‘ole days, and if that doesn’t do it, a lonely train whistle from the nearby railroad line and St. Clair’s unique flair with textures, spices and execution certainly will.

In a short time, St. Clair has proven to be a worthy student of the culinary South despite his background. He was raised in southern California, trained in Santa Barbara wine country, and cut his culinary and management teeth in Spokane, Wash. Upon moving to the Atlanta area a few years back, St. Clair worked with Top Chef Kevin Gillespie and took a post

at Aspens Signature Steaks in West Cobb, but he longed to put a different sizzle on his cuisine.

His version of fried green tomatoes, served with bacon jam, a fried egg, brioche, hot sauce and shaved mimosa ice, is as scrumptious as it is decadent. The sweet potato soup with apple cider cream and fried collared greens is sensational, and we long to sample St. Clair’s grilled andouille sausage with fried chicken, Cajun remoulade, chow-chow peanuts and celery.

St. Clair’s entrée offerings are conceptually intriguing and executed with flair. A root beer-braised, bone-in short rib with fried pumpkin, corn bread purée and cranberry relish continues to enthrall, while the grilled wild salmon — served with crispy cheddar grit cake, smoked tomato vinaigrette, jalapeño jam, country ham chip and local greens — is extraordinary. The wild shrimp with Logan Turnpike cheddar cheese grits, country ham, peppers, onions and lemon butter sauce can make the most loquacious diners stutter due to immense flavors. For dessert, Antebellum’s Jack Daniels chocolate bread pudding with house-made vanilla ice cream and caramel is a real treat.

The St. Clairs are young, energetic and focused on providing a great experience for all guests. Both the town of Flowery Branch and the venue itself offer a bona fide Southern experience that is well worth the excursion. 5510 Church St., 770-9658100, antebellumrestaurant.com

A CALIFORNIA CONNECTION There was a time when entrepreneurs flocked to the Golden State to seek their fortunes, but restauranteurs have come to view Atlanta as fertile ground (Atlanta Top Chef All-Star Richard Blais, for instance, who trained at The French Laundry in Yountville).

Atlanta’s Northside has attracted some of California’s rising stars, too, including the chefs of these two Hidden Gems. Check back later in 2013 for Publisher Carl Danbury’s in-depth account of the California connection in the local dining scene!

pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS

COMING SOON IN HIDDEN H O M E TOW N GEMS Stay tuned for the following communities in our Hidden Hometown Gem series!

March – Acworth & Kennesaw April – Dunwoody & Sandy Springs

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Moxie Burger M A R I E T TA

Truth is, some of us love burgers, and since we previously considered these patties as part of the comfort food repertoire, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to Chas D’Huyvetter. As the owner and operator of Moxie Burger, this local boy has successfully elevated the burger to the status of culinary kryptonite. D’Huyvetter decided years ago that the world needed a bit more moxie, and his neighborhood restaurant puts a delicious dent in the appetites of Atlanta’s Northside. It’s a comfy space with a sizeable bar, deep wooden booths and a menu written in chalk, but what keeps us coming back for more is the juicy burgers. The signature Moxie, 6-ounce certified Angus beef, topped with fried green tomato, bacon, pimento cheese and the über special, super secret moxie sauce is unbelievable.

Of course, should you want to venture outside the beef burger box, menu offerings also include ground lamb from White Oak Pastures, black bean patties, ground turkey, grilled chicken, and the opportunity to build your own burger.

Salads, “dawgs,” a kids’ menu and a wellconceived list of libations (craft beer and wine) ensure everyone in the family is happy. We would be even happier if more Moxie Burgers opened in our communities ... “the world needs more moxie,” after all! 255 Village Pkwy NE, 770-627-3201, moxieburger.net

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MOXIE BURGER; JAD DRIGGERS

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Call Today To Learn More...

Circle A Farms CUMMING

We’re big proponents of locally grown produce, so imagine our delight at this discovery. A farm churning out lettuce in our back yard! Who knew? Circle A Farms, the realized dream of owner Jeff Adams, produces hydroponic lettuce, which means it’s grown using mineral nutrient solutions in water without pesticides or herbicides or even soil, and the result is the most vibrant, flavorful salad greens you can find. Varieties like Butter Bibb, Romaine and spring mix are available year-round for delivery to various sites throughout Cumming. 770-652-3304, circlealettuce.com PN pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

COMPUTER MEDICS OF LANIER Specializing in PC and laptop repair, network setup and trouble shooting, virus removal, data recovery, hardware upgrades and smartphone and tablet screen repairs, Computer Medics’ trusted technicians provide both onsite appointments and services in their repair shop, with night and weekend service available by appointment.

4730 Hammond Industrial, Ste. 100 • Cumming 678-910-3033 • computermedicsoanier.com

dk GALLERY Nestled on the historic Marietta Square, dk Gallery represents emerging and established contemporary painters and sculptors of the South who have demonstrated advanced mastery of their media. This month’s show features “Expressions of Love: Poetic Abstractions by Jennifer Rivera and The Atlanta Poetry Community.�

25 W. Park Square • Marietta 770-427-5377 • dkgallery.us

EYESITE FAMILY VISION CENTER With four locations in Atlanta’s Northside, Eyesite’s locally owned vision centers bring more than 20 years of eye care to the community.

Services include comprehensive eye exams for adults and children 3 years of age and up, treatment and management of ocular disease, preop and post-op care for Lasik surgery, and more.

Locations in Buford, Duluth, Cumming and Gainesville, eyesite4u.net

INSIDESIGN This full-service interior design boutique places emphasis on all the interior wood products of a home, as well as detailing the interior ďŹ nishes such as home furnishings and accents. Insidesign’s 10,000-squarefoot showroom provides inspiration for all your senses and delivers an excellent level of quality.

1231 Ashford Crossing • Dunwoody 770-673-0721 • myinsidesign.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS

MARMI Marmi is a top retailer for ladies shoes and features hard-to-find, narrow sizes. Marmi stores offer a relaxed, boutique-like atmosphere and helpful staff trained in proper fit and comfort.You’ll also find a unique array of accessories, including handbags, belts and jewelry.

Lenox Square, Buckhead and The Forum on Peachtree Parkway, Norcross marmishoes.com

SALON 124 Each Salon 124 stylist regularly attends training and advanced education courses, keeping them at the forefront of growing and developing stylists and providing customers with consistent, creative and attentive service. The “124 Experience” guarantees that you’ll never feel rushed or pushed at Salon 124.

635 W. Crossville Road, Roswell and 6603 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth • salon124.com

SOUTHERN LANDSCAPE SUPPLY This family-owned business sells a variety of landscape and masonry supplies in bulk quantity, including stone, topsoil, mulch, gravel, sand, and bioretention soil. Their professionals have more than 60 years of experience and are dedicated to providing customers with the highest quality product and service at a competitive price.

1705 Ronald Reagan Blvd. • Cumming 770-205-9393 • southernlandscapesupply.com

TRISH LAND Inviting you to celebrate the joys of color and design, scents and textures, nature and home, Trish Land’s inspired gift boutique features European farm-style furniture and accessories, original art and special treats for yourself or that special someone.

3131-A Main St. • Duluth 770-875-3382 • trishland.com

UNCLE DOMENICK’S This truly authentic Italian market and deli serves grab-and-go meals such as fantastic paninis on crispy ciabatta and imported meats and cheeses. It is also one of the few local places to find Sapori del Vallo, a fresh pasta imported from Southern Italy. Try it at home with one of their homemade sauces.

11705 Jones Bridge Road • Johns Creek 770-676-7180

WOODY’S MEAT & SAUSAGE CO. Charles “Woody” Horsnby specializes in providing unique, handground, blended-to-perfection Italian sausage from a 100-year-old recipe, hand-cut, aged choice beef of all kinds trimmed to your specifications, incredible thick-cut bacon from Virginia, brats, brisket, chops and more.

5925 Atlanta Hwy.• Alpharetta 770-674-1655 • woodysmeatandsausageco.com

pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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Boomtown WELCOME BACK TO

Have you heard the news?

Some experts are predicting that we are on the brink of the next Real Estate Boom { W RITTEN BY A MBER LA NIER NAG L E }

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Mark Spain feels as if he has successfully navigated a ship through the perfect storm. As CEO of Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta/ The Mark Spain Team, he sees clearer skies and calmer seas ahead in the housing market.

“In

the last month, I’ve come to the realization that I have made it through the Great Real Estate Depression,” Spain said. “The housing numbers are finally moving in the right direction, and I am breathing a sigh of relief.”

Consider a few key statistics: On the north side of Atlanta, home inventory is 41 percent less than it was this time last year, and that means less competition for sellers. Median sales prices for homes are 15 percent higher than a year ago. And the average time it takes a homeowner to sell a home in North Atlanta is down 33 percent from last year.

“Today, good homes are selling rapidly in and around North Atlanta and most good listings are receiving multiple bids,” Spain said. “If a buyer finds a home today, he better put his best foot forward and make a great offer, or he may lose out to a higher bid.”

Spain believes the positive up tick in the real estate market will restore hope to once-despaired homeowners who have lost so much equity in their homes over the past four years. And rather than defaulting and walking away from their homes, Spain thinks these homeowners will regain some confidence and actually ride out the market. With less distressed homes being pushed into the housing inventory, the market will continue to stabilize. A tight inventory of homes for sale will help home prices rise and launch a new wave of newly-constructed homes.

“I am enjoying seeing all the construction going on in South Forsyth and North Fulton,” Spain said. “I

never thought I could get excited about getting stuck behind a lumber or cement truck, but when it happens to me today, I savor the moment as a sign of the Great Recovery!”

Selling, Selling, Sold!

Rhonda Duffy of Duffy Realty of Atlanta agrees with Spain — the Northside is primed for recovery — and Duffy should know. She has been ranked sixth nationwide and first in Georgia for sold properties for eight consecutive years.

“It’s really been a seller’s market for about 18 months now,” she said. “I tell people to look around.

There are fewer ‘For Sale’ signs in the yards, and that’s a good thing. It’s a great time for homeowners who want to move on with their lives and have been waiting for the right time.”

According to Duffy, houses are moving across the board — in every price range and in all areas of North Atlanta.

If you are considering selling your home, Duffy recommends you start down the path by hiring a professional to get an accurate valuation of your property.

Next, she suggests that you take a realistic look at your financial position, where you are and what you owe.

“Homeowners whose mortgage balance is greater than the market value of their home should consider short sales, because short sales may be going away soon,” Duffy added. “Of course, the bank must agree to grant a short sale. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t.” pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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{ LO C A L R E A L E S TAT E }

{

On the north side of Atlanta, home inventory is 41 percent less than it was this time last year, and that means less competition for sellers.

Homeowners should spend the next weeks examining their properties and making all necessary repairs and improvements such as replacing burned-out light bulbs, repairing the leaky faucet in the foyer bathroom, repainting the scuffed-up wall in the hallway, cleaning the windows, and having the carpet professionally cleaned, if necessary.

A home’s curb appeal is crucial to getting a buyer to open the door and come inside, so homeowners should weed flowerbeds and spread fresh mulch and

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}

pine straw, rake leaves, mow grass, clean and edge walkways and driveways, and trim dead tree limbs and overgrown bushes. The entrance should be immaculately clean and inviting — a new welcome mat, a fresh coat of paint on the door and a planter full of pansies for a splash of color.

And homeowners should consider staging their homes before placing them on the market. Home staging, the art of making your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, and more welcoming, works.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

{ LO C A L R E A L E S TAT E }

“If you prepare your home for presentation,

posture your home for marketing, and set the price correctly, your home will not stay on the market very long. ALEX MCGRAW | McGraw & Associates with Harry Norman, Realtors

”

A study conducted by the Real Estate Staging Association in 2011 found that staged homes sell 79 percent faster than unstaged homes.

“But even with market conditions improving, homeowners must understand and acknowledge the importance of properly marketing their homes,” remarked Alex McGraw of McGraw & Associates with Harry Norman, Realtors. “There’s more to it than flyers and a ‘For Sale’ sign.

Homeowners should know what is required and expected of homes in particular price ranges (i.e. details, upgrades, finishes, etc.) and reach out to the contacts and buyers searching for these elements.”

McGraw also emphasizes the importance of realistic pricing that takes into account current market conditions.

“Understanding value and pricing is crucial to generating traffic and obtaining an offer from a qualified buyer, even in a market with less supply,” he said. “If you prepare your home for presentation, posture your home for marketing, and set the price correctly, your home will not stay on the market very long.”

Shopping around for a New Home It’s good news for buyers, too. Mortgage rates remain at or near their record lows and homes are still priced affordably and rather enticingly.

“And banks are lending,” Duffy added. “So if you find your dream home and you’re ready to move, jump-in and make your best offer.”

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Duffy recommends her clients start the process by completing a house hunting worksheet that her agency uses to help buyers better define their dream homes.

“I tell them to do the worksheet alone, and if there is more than one buyer, I ask both buyers to complete the form alone and compare the results with one another and talk about their answers,” she said.

“It forces them to prioritize their favorite elements and helps them rule out homes during their house-hunting journey.”

According to Duffy, finding the right house is actually easier than finding the right loan, so for buyers, finding financing should come before they start house hunting. Commercial banks, mortgage companies, credit unions and thrift institutions offer home loans.

“Different lenders may quote you different rates, fees and points, so you should contact several lenders to make sure you’re getting the best offer possible,” she said.

“Know how much of a down payment you can afford, and find out all the costs involved in the loan. Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is simply not enough.”

Once buyers know what each lender has to offer, Duffy recommends they negotiate for the best deal that they can get.

On any given day, lenders and brokers may offer different prices for the same loan terms to different consumers, even if those consumers have the same loan qualifications.

“Shop, compare and negotiate! There’s no harm in asking lenders or brokers if they can give better terms than the original ones they quoted,” she said.

And Duffy says that minor credit problems shouldn’t deter a potential buyer from wading back into the real estate waters.

“Just keep looking until you find a lender,” she said. “I know a guy who went to eight lenders before he was approved by the ninth, so don’t give up.” pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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{ LO C A L R E A L E S TAT E }

Next, buyers should look at everything the market has to offer, rate the houses, and start driving by the homes at the top of the list. If they like what they see from the curb, buyers should schedule a time to walk around the house with the agent.

“After the buyer begins narrowing his or her search, I urge them to begin an investigation of sorts,” she said.

“They should look into schools and areas where they will do their shopping, and they should talk to the neighbors. And they need to look online to research crime rates and determine if any sex offenders are living in the neighborhood.”

Buyers who like what they see and what they learn about the neighborhood should make a strong offer and cross their fingers.

Yes, the real estate market is bouncing back and that’s good news for buyers, sellers and the overall economy. PN

WHAT ABOUT

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE? The commercial real estate market — apartment complexes, office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, warehouses, etc. — seems to be picking up steam, too, which is not unexpected since the markets are somewhat related.

“We feel the low watermark for commercial properties occurred from the summer of 2009 into 2010,” noted David Belle Isle, who specializes in new commercial loans at Belle Isle Law Group. “But 2011 was a decent year, and 2012 was a good year for commercial sales and refinances.”

But are there still concerns? Steve Rothschild, a partner at Preferred Real Estate Funds, LLC with 29 years of experience in the market, thinks so.

“Our economy is still struggling, and so our tenants are still struggling,” Rothschild said. “And our banks still have not dealt with some of their problems either. So yes, there is still reason for concern, but I am cautiously optimistic. By 2015, the commercial real estate market should be in full growth mode once again.”

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

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pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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HOME INTER IOR

makeovers

Resolving to liven up your living space this New Year?

Check out these local projects for inspiration!

BATHROOM DESIGNER: Allison Havill Todd Interiors ahtinteriors.com LOCATION: Suwanee, South Forsyth County BEFORE: The terrace-level bathroom was a window-less room with a tricky layout, so Todd worked with Brian Santoro of Santoro Signature Homes to redesign the space.

THE GOAL: To create a chic, sleek bathroom with contemporary influences to reflect a redesign of the entire terrace level.

AFTER: “The former tub/shower combo was demo’d and Santoro opened up that space to accommodate a large walk-in shower with bench seat. The glass block tiles provide separation between the shower and vanity area as well as privacy without making it feel closed in,” Todd said. A combination of marble, stone tile and slate flooring set the stage for the room’s white, black and gray color palette, and Todd chose a quartz counter and stained the customdesigned vanity to complement it.

The wallcovering provides a nice, contemporary accent. “Because of it’s light background and widely spaced, subtle pattern, it gives the illusion of opening up the space and minimizing hard lines and angles,” she added.

KEY ELEMENTS: “The vessel sink is, of course, the crowning jewel,” Todd said. “And the waterfall faucet is a statement piece.”

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

the little fleck “Ioflove metallic in the [quartz countertop] for a little bit of glam.

The space feels light and twice the size of the dark, dingy room it was before.

”

ALLISON HAVILL TODD PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AHT INTERIORS

pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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HOME INTER IOR

makeovers

A palette of blues, tans and browns energized this space.

FA M I LY RO OM DESIGNER: Catherine Gregory Interiors catherinegregoryinteriors.com LOCATION: Roswell BEFORE: “The bones of the room were good, however the room lacked character, color and warmth,” Gregory said.

THE GOAL: To create additional seating, pops of color and an atmosphere that would fit the homeowner’s desire for casual elegance.

AFTER: Gregory incorporated multiple seating areas and created a cohesive color palette to energize the space and tie together the colors located throughout the entire first floor of the home.

KEY ELEMENTS: “The addition of the grand chandelier in the space helped unify the vastness of the room,” Gregory said. Also, the floral fabric used for the drapes added a vibrant and fun feeling.

BEFORE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHELSEA EIDSON

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

HOME INTER IOR

makeovers

DINING ROOM DESIGNER: Habachy Designs, Inc. habachydesigns.com LOCATION: Johns Creek BEFORE: The sunroom was closed off from the rest of the house and rarely used by the homeowners.

THE GOAL: To create a dining/breakfast area with easy access to the kitchen and living room and a great view.

AFTER: “We redesigned the space by first removing the walls between the sunroom, living room and kitchen,” said Michael Habachy. “We maxed out the height of the ceiling and installed larger, more energy-efficient windows for a cleaner, more contemporary look. This really opened up the room to the outdoors, taking advantage of the wonderful, natural view of the forest.”

KEY ELEMENTS: The addition of beams to the ceiling added interesting architectural detail, and small tiles were replaced with whitewashed, hand-scraped oak flooring. “It makes the room appear larger and gives an organic, warm feel to the space,” he said. Finally, the old ceiling fan was replaced with a sculptural, Fortuny light fixture, and side windows were covered with ivory linen sheers to soften up the room.

Installing larger windows opened this redesigned space up to the outdoors, taking advantage of the view of the Chattahoochee National Forest just beyond the property.

BEFORE PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARMEN FRAME | IN DEPTH STUDIOS INC.

pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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HOME INTER IOR

makeovers

YOU T H BEDROOM DESIGNER: Home Expressions Interiors by Laura Bloom homeexpressionsinteriors.com LOCATION: Alpharetta BEFORE: This little girl’s room, decked out in pink and white, was outdated and no longer appropriate for its nowpre-teen occupant.

THE GOAL: To create a more mature bedroom for the homeowner’s daughter that was still fun and whimsical but sophisticated enough to carry her through her teen years.

AFTER: Bloom replaced white case goods with wood-toned ones and layered colors for more depth, starting with an intense shade of aqua on the walls. She also introduced fresh, organic fabrics to make it feel clean and modern. Since the height of the room inhibited a canopy bed, Bloom evoked the same feel with a custom awning style canopy above the top portion of the bed.

KEY ELEMENTS: “The structured canopy formed an elaborate focal point that was balanced by more simple and feminine window treatments on either side of the bed,” Bloom said. “These treatments consist of box pleated mini-ruffle valance that mimics the canopy with an under layer of metallic threaded sheers for a youthful and fresh feel …

A multicolored shag rug placed on top of existing broadloom not only added a final layer of color but also helped define the space while instilling some youthful, retro-style fun.”

By selecting warm “ wood-tone case goods for most pieces, as opposed to the little-girl whites, [we created] a sense of maturity.

LAURA BLOOM

BEFORE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAURA BLOOM

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

”

HOME INTER IOR

makeovers

BEFORE

MASTER BEDROOM

the backdrop “ofWith the lake as our focus, we were able to achieve a vision of nature.

”

LINDA MAGNESS, OWNER, LAKOTA COVE

DESIGNER: Lakota Cove, lakotacove.com LOCATION: Lake Burton, Ga. BEFORE: The upstairs master bedroom of an older home featured a fireplace and private bathroom but “lacked passion and the strength of such a large room,” said Lakota Cove owner Linda Magness.

THE GOAL: To create a private haven for the homeowners and their guests that embraced rustic style.

AFTER: “With the backdrop of the lake as our focus, we were able to achieve a vision of nature by working with wood, paint, timbers, logs and color combinations,” Magness said. “The floors were completely sanded and stains were used to coordinate with the handcrafted timber frame furniture. Walls were painted a deep rich royal blue and matched with the English Chestnut stain blends throughout the room. Rugs, lamps and bedding were chosen to bring fish, bear and moose accents into the room. Black was used in several elements to add strength and boldness.”

KEY ELEMENTS: A faux-painted fireplace and remodeled tile hearth and mantel pull all the room’s colors together. Woven wood window treatments allow in light but provide for complete privacy at night.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELISSA YARBROUGH | LAKOTA COVE

pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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HOME INTER IOR

makeovers

DESIGNING DREAMS Each year, Allison Havill Todd Interiors provides a room makeover to an individual or family in emotional or physical crises through Designing Dreams. The 2012 recipient was Michele Williams, president of Canine Adoption Network, who suffered immensely with the loss of her husband last spring.

“We wanted to provide her with some rooms in her house where she could relax and enjoy time with friends,” said Todd, whose team redesigned the living room and an adjacent room in Williams’ Ball Ground home. “Prior to the makeover, the living room had a beaten up old sofa and a small TV on a stand in the corner – that’s it. We added a textured, durable wallcovering to this room that made the space seem three times bigger.” The main living room was transformed with all new furnishings including a comfortable sofa, storage ottoman, upholstered chairs, area rug, pillows, tables, lighting, artwork and custom draperies. The adjacent room was converted into a home office. “We chose pet-friendly fabrics and also installed some upscale dog gates,” Todd added.

“After the initial shock wore off, I was able to sit and absorb [the new rooms],” Williams said. “[They’re] very comforting and overwhelmingly peaceful.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALLISON HAVILL TODD

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN ACCESS Launching your own home design project? Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC), which has served the professional world of interior designers, architects and builders for 50 years, is now open to the public! ADAC made its campus available to the community last October, offering access to more than 60 showrooms featuring the industry’s top product lines for home improvement and décor. Product lines include furniture, fabric, rugs, lighting, accessories, floor and wall coverings, antiques, fine art and framing, kitchens, bath, tile and stone, and home theater products.

If you work up an appetite while perusing the 550,000-square-foot facility, pop into The Hungry Peach, a gourmet boxed lunch and catering company located onsite. Owned and operated by Atlanta natives Conor Hubbard and Chef Suzanne Vizethann (a former champion of Food Network’s “Chopped”), the boutique café dishes out artful interpretations of Southern favorites like “Mastered” pimento cheese, sweet basil chicken salad and Georgia peach cobbler cupcakes.

Throughout the year, signature industry presentations, celebrity and media events, educational programs and networking opportunities make ADAC a one-of-a-kind design destination. For details, visit adacatlanta.com.

D E S I G N ERS O N T H E H O R IZO N Mark your calendars — the American Craft Council Show returns to the Cobb Galleria Centre March 15 – 17 with a special exhibit titled “Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft.” Be sure to pick up Points North’s March issue for a peek at the designers participating in the display!

pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL WHETHER IT BE PURE DESIGN, home design, interior design or creative communication, Creative Director & Designer Mark Wilcox exercises the limitless possibilities of creative thought for each design project. His signature modernist aesthetics and custom-tailored design solutions will help you communicate your own unique style, personality and fashion.

WilcoxDesignGroup, LLC

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

404-538-2343 wilcoxdesigngroup.net

AHT INTERIORS TAKES the fear out of working with an interior design professional by making the entire process a seamless and rewarding experience. Allison Havill Todd is known for her keen listening skills and fun, approachable style and continues to receive rave reviews for her stylish, creative, comfortable designs. Her work has been featured in dozens of publications locally and nationally.

Allison is the creator and founder of Designing Dreams, a 501 (c) 3 foundation dedicated to providing beautiful interior environments for those in physical or emotional crisis. She also volunteers at assisted living homes and other facilities with one of her therapy dogs as part of Forsyth County’s Humane Hearts program. She is an avid supporter of both the Forsyth County Humane Society and the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta where she adopted two of her beloved dogs.

OVERCOME YOUR DESIGN DELIMMAS WHETHER YOU’RE DECORATING an entire house or refreshing a single room, Karen’s Fabrics can coordinate your décor. Karen’s in-home consultants will help you sharpen your vision, pull your rooms together and create one-of-a-

Contact Allison and her team and let them design a dream for your style of living!

kind window treatments, bedding, upholstery and more, working with you from concept to completion and overseeing everything from measurements to installation.

770-887-7612 ahtinteriors.com info@ahtinteriors.com

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

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A SOUTHERN BOY REDISCOVERS HIS TASTE BUDS IN ALBANY, GA.

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{ W R I TTE N BY G L E N N K AUF MAN N }

rowing up in Georgia, you think

of Atlanta as the center of the southern food universe. Part of that is youth, and the rest is our own sense of place. Older now, better traveled, and with a much improved (I hope) palate, I’ve found a place not far from home that soothes those youthful cravings for Southern cooking, and satisfies the best parts of my adult tastes. In short, Albany and a few of the surrounding communities offer a surprisingly diverse mix of upscale dining, quality locally produced products, and a healthy (and sometimes not so healthy) dose of downhome, Southern fare.

Tucked into the southwest corner of the state, just three hours from Atlanta, Albany is close enough for a gourmet weekend foray, but far enough to make it a real getaway.

As the birthplace of Ray Charles and the childhood home of food maven Paula Deen, Albany’s stature in Southern musical and culinary circles is secure. And for visitors, the surrounding countryside is home to a host of quality providers and artisan purveyors. Finally, with the Gulf Coast just a couple of hours away, daily fresh-off-the-boat seafood deliveries make their way to Albany and environs without the air cargo hassle or pricing.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK

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AEL AT B AU NRY,E GHAE A} D E R } { F

/

Clockwise from top left: Breakfast at Aunt Fannie’s; Pearly’s famous country cooking; Riverfront BBQ; Henry Campbells’s french onion soup; Elements Coffee Co.

Tourism with Your Taste Buds From that fi rst locally roasted morning cup of coffee, Albany serves up great food and drink in a wide variety of styles and atmospheres. For those who prefer to start their mornings on the lighter side, Elements Coffee Co. serves an excellent cuppa, breakfast sandwiches, bagels and simply divine baked goods.

But the best dining days begin with a good breakfast, and Albany takes breakfast seriously. There are two standouts for

Tucked into the southwest corner of the state, just three hours from Atlanta, Albany is close enough for a gourmet weekend foray, but far enough to make it a real getaway.

}

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ALBANY CVB AND VENDORS

the classic down-home breakfast. Aunt Fannie’s Checkered Apron delivers a top notch, but “no frills” breakfast. The coffee may come in Styrofoam cups, but the biscuits are tender, the grits sublime, and the gravy answers to a higher power: somebody’s grandma (or Aunt Fannie).

Across town, Pearly’s offers a similar diner experience. Here, the omelets are divine, and the house “breakfast in a cup”

(choice of meat with eggs, grits and cheese), and salmon croquettes kick start the day with a clever, unexpected local touch.

Both Pearly’s and Aunt Fannie’s also offer equally well-regarded lunch and dinner choices, but breakfast is where they really shine and deliver something special.

As your day progresses through Albany’s galleries, shops and museums, you’re sure to accumulate an appetite and CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

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/

{ F HAE A} D E R } AEL AT B AUNRY,E G

White Oak Pastures

a powerful thirst. Fear not, for cold sweet tea and a sumptuous lunch are never far off in these parts. If lunchtime finds you in downtown Albany, the pork, beef and sides at Riverfront BBQ are everything you could hope for in a South Georgia barbecue joint. There are sauces that range from sweet to nuclear, meat that melts in your mouth, and a large open room that is an open invitation to meet the locals who flock there.

If all of this eating is making you hunger for a bit of gourmet retail therapy,

White Oak Pastures is dedicated to raising sustainable, hormone-free beef on grassland that is free of chemical fertilizers.

}

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ALBANY CVB AND VENDORS

Tommy Mc’s offers a luscious assortment of locally sourced fruit and vegetables, and a store filled with edible eye candy.

Later, after you’ve ticked all the boxes on your gourmet gift list, the true taste of Albany reaches its zenith at Henry Campbell’s Steakhouse amidst a soul-coddling,

multi-course dinner extravaganza. A typical Henry Campbell’s experience begins with a salad of spinach, strawberries, toasted Cromartie pecans, red onions, blue cheese and red wine vinaigrette. The meal then moves forward to a 16-ounce, bone-in Kansas City Strip with sides such as tender CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

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{ A L B A N Y, G A }

/

Above: Wine at Still Pond Vineyard Top right: Sweet Grass Dairy cheese Bottom right: Jonah’s Fish and Grits

sautéed asparagus, classic creamed spinach, or their incomparable white cheddar/truffle macaroni and cheese. Vegetarians might choose a divine risotto, sea bass or any one of a number of other entrées that are more than just an obligatory nod to meatless alternatives. For fans of the grape, the knowledgeable Henry Campbell’s staff will happily suggest bottles from the extensive house cellar.

If you prefer something a bit less extravagant, consider taking advantage of Albany’s proximity to the Gulf Coast. The Catch combines Southern favorites (Creole

Sweet Grass Dairy produces a range of excellent cow’s milk cheeses using sustainable rotational grazing methods that are good for both the animals and the pastures.

}

WINE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ALBANY CVB AND VENDORS; CHEESE PHOTO AND FISH AND GRITS PHOTO COURTESY OF GLENN KAUFMANN

grouper, shrimp and grits) with inventive coastal fare (wasabi tuna, brown sugar salmon) leveraging Albany’s longstanding relations with regional fisherman in an upscale oyster bar setting. It may look like flip flops are optional, but it tastes like you’ve snuck past the velvet rope.

Around Albany Further testament to the southwest Georgia

food scene’s commitment to freshness, a host of regional craftsman have made great strides in providing the area with quality, small-batch, locally sourced meats, wines and cheeses. For traveling gourmands, any visit to Albany and southwest Georgia must include a brief foray through the surrounding countryside. Here again, a full day’s worth of attractions awaits the adventurous foodie.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

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Albany Tidbits: A LIST OF FUN (NON-FOOD) ATTRACTIONS

Radium Springs Gardens

Albany Civil Rights Institute

An oasis of wildlife in the heart of Albany, Radium Springs deposits 70,000 gallons of clear, 68-degree water per minute from an underground cave. The park features a restored terrace, a casino garden with indigenous and exotic flora and gazebos.

Located next to Mt. Zion Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King spoke during the Civil Rights Movement, this museum tells the story as it unfolded here in Albany during the Movement. albanycivilrightsinstitute.org

Albany Museum of Art

Chehaw

Flint RiverQuarium & Imagination Theater

An 800-acre nature park with a 100-acre AZA-accredited zoo where the animals (including alligators, rhinos and cheetah) are not caged in but free to roam in larger areas. parksatchehaw.org

This 175,000-gallon tank, open-air Blue Hole spring has hundreds of different aquatic species and an aviary with species indigenous to the area. flintriverquarium.com

Home to an ever-growing African, European and American art collections and one of the most impressive collections of sub-Saharan African art in the southeastern United States. albanymuseum.com PHOTOS COURTESY OF GLENN KAUFMANN

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{ A L B A N Y, G A }

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About an hour west of Albany in the town of Bluffton, beef evangelist Will Harris and his family raise their cattle on a uniquely certified organic family farm that dates back to 1866. White Oak Pastures (open to visitors seven days a week) is dedicated to raising sustainable, hormone-free beef on grassland that is free of chemical fertilizers. White Oak’s beef (and poultry) are tender, succulent, divine and all grown and processed completely onsite under the family’s watchful eye. Within easy driving distance of Albany, White Oak Pastures is a must-see for gourmands, foodies and anyone interested in sustainability and green ventures. I was lucky enough to meet Harris and sample White Oak’s beef at a wine tasting at Still Pond Vineyard, a delightful family vineyard and winery about 30 minutes away in the town of Arlington.

The Still Pond tasting room is open to the public six days a week and offers a wide selection of wine-related gifts, complimentary nibbles and tastings of the winery’s selection of muscadine wines. For those not familiar with it, muscadine grows well in hot, humid climates, producing berries that range from bronze to dark purple.

Common varieties include Noble, Carlos and Magnolia. Still Pond’s wine varietals include the Late Harvest Noble, Crimson Clover, Confederate Peach, a Plantation Red and a Plantation White. Tending toward the sweeter side, the bottles from Still Pond are excellent on a warm evening with a light bite. Then again, their heavier reds pair well with the beef from White Oak Pastures. But of course, where would good wine be without cheese?

Fortunately, just outside of Thomasville, Sweet Grass Dairy produces a range of excellent cow’s milk cheeses. They use sustainable rotational grazing methods that are good for both the animals and the

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{ A L B A N Y, G A }

/

The plates of southwestern Georgia are piled high with inventive and sustainable dishes that satisfy both body and soul. pastures. And in addition to their farming operation, Sweet Grass operates a tasting room and store in downtown Thomasville.

Here, they stock a range of wines, cheeses, high-end products (dishware, cooking goods, etc.) and friendly, informed staff happy to talk about the Sweet Grass philosophy of eating well.

Whether you make your way to Thomasville in time for lunch or dinner, Jonah’s Fish and Grits puts a “musttaste” stamp on the day’s exploration.

Located just off the downtown corridor in a modest dining room, Jonah’s feels like down-home food. And it is just that, if down-home cooking had an adventurous younger brother who always made the tried and true taste fresh and new. Think of bacon-wrapped Diver’s sea scallops in a signature house peach-tree chutney, or Gulf Coast grouper with cream sherry in a classic, potato bacon chowder. Jonah’s is a genuine local secret surprise. Then again, we’ve come to expect nothing less than the best from this corner of our state.

From breakfasts and a white table cloth dinner in Albany to excellent regional wines, sustainable family farmed meats and cheeses in the surrounding countryside, the plates of southwestern Georgia are piled high with inventive and sustainable dishes that satisfy both body and soul. PN pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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HEART & VASCULAR

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Heart Attack WARNING SIGNS FOR WOMEN Chest tightness, arm pain and shortness of breath. Most people know these as the “typical” symptoms of heart attack for anyone, but these warning signs are more characteristic of what men experience. The symptoms displayed by women are considerably different.

“Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, and more than 60 percent of women who die suddenly of heart disease never reported having any previous symptoms,” said Jose Torres, M.D., a cardiologist on staff at North Fulton Hospital. When a woman has a heart attack, she may experience shortness of breath and chest tightness, but she may also have overwhelming fatigue, dizziness, vomiting and back or jaw pain. Because these latter symptoms are often blamed on stress or other issues that are not immediately life-threatening,

With a heart attack, minutes matter.

“Seeking help sooner and being proactive about your care can help save heart muscle.”

— Jose Torres, M.D., cardiologist, NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL

women have a harder time recognizing these early warning signs. Women also wait longer before seeking medical care. “With a heart attack, minutes matter. Seeking help sooner and being proactive about your care can help save heart muscle,” Torres said. To help make North Fulton women more aware of the serious heart risks facing them, female leaders from the community, including administrators from North Fulton Hospital, are taking part in a “Go Red, North Fulton!” campaign

during February’s Heart Month. “Like many of the women in North Fulton County, these are very dedicated, hardworking women — exactly the type who might chalk up heart attack symptoms to the busyness of their lives,” said Deborah C. Keel, CEO of North Fulton Hospital and a participant in the “Go Red, North Fulton!” campaign. “Women need to be aware of the gender-specific symptoms they might experience. We’re just hoping to ‘model’ that awareness.”

NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL

Northside Hospital HEART AND VASCULAR The Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute’s board-certified cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have the highest level of expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders like congenital heart defects, coronary artery blockages and heart failure. An

established leader in cardiovascular services and an accredited Chest Pain Center, Northside recently expanded its award-winning program to offer the latest in vascular surgery services. Northside Vascular Surgery is one of the most skilled vascular surgery programs in the Southeast and the only program in the nation equipped to treat high-risk patients with custom-modified endografts for aortic aneurysm. In addition to receiving UnitedHealth Premium® Cardiac Specialty Center designation for outstanding cardiac care services, Northside is the first hospital in Atlanta to treat patients with the new wireless INGENIO™ pacemaker, which allows

www.nfultonhospital.com

cardiologists to remotely monitor the respiratory and heart rates of their cardiac patients.

“We are privileged to provide high quality care to our community. Patients can choose Northside with confidence for conscientious, reliable cardiac services,” said Liz Sobczyk, director of cardiovascular services. Other services provided by the Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute include nuclear cardiology and diagnostic testing, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and interventional cardiology, Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI, or angioplasty), pacemaker implantation, cardiac rehabilitation and educational classes.

We are privileged to provide high quality care to our com“munity.

Patients can choose Northside with confidence for conscientious, reliable cardiac services.”

— Liz Sobczyk, director of cardiovascular services, NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL’S HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

northside.com/hvi

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WellStar HEART SCREENING It’s important to take a proactive interest in your heart health, as prevention, early detection and education are the primary steps to a healthy heart. That is why WellStar offers heart screenings. A heart screening is a fast and non-invasive CT scan used to determine the risk of coronary artery disease. Using a multi-slice scan, the heart screening can help cardiologists determine the participant’s level of risk for heart disease or future cardiac issues. The screening is recommended for those

who have diabetes, family history of heart disease, history of smoking or tobacco use, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. All testing is performed by registered technologists, with test interpretation by board-certified WellStar physicians. Each participant receives a personalized report with test results. Heart screenings are offered at several locations in Cobb, Cherokee, Douglas and Paulding counties. To schedule your personalized preventive screening, call 770-956-STAR (7827).

WellStar Heart Screening is a preven“ tive program designed to determine your

risk of coronary artery disease and the detect areas of hardening in the coronary arteries.

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Healthy!

Sarah is an eighth grade teacher. Mike is an accountant who spends countless hours sitting at his desk. Kate is an ICU nurse. All of these professions require standing or sitting for long periods of time — a huge risk factor for chronic venous insufficiency, the disease responsible for varicose and spider veins. Chronic venous insufficiency can make legs feel tired and achy. It also causes leg and ankle swelling, restless legs and night cramps.

There are some simple ways to help alleviate these symptoms throughout your workday.

Your calf muscle acts as your peripheral heart,

pumping blood through your veins back to your heart. When you stand for long periods of time, blood becomes stagnant, and puts more pressure on your veins. Exercising while at work is a key factor in helping to keep your legs (and heart) healthy. Whether it’s taking the stairs or walking for 10 minutes at lunch, each extra stride you make will help improve your cardiovascular health. If you have time outside of your busy day to exercise, try jogging or swimming; both activities will increase circulation in your legs. Another action you can take is to wear compression stockings.

Available for both men and women, compression stockings help alleviate symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and reduce swelling in the legs. While exercise and compression stockings will help, it is best to seek treatment by a vein specialist who can cure the underlying problems.

Whether it’s taking the stairs or walking for 10 “minutes at lunch, each extra stride you make will help improve your cardiovascular health.”

— Dr. Louis Prevosti, MD, FACS

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pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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calendar

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHERINE ASHMORE

Calendar submissions should be sent to calendar@pointsnorthatlanta.com two months prior to the month in which the event will occur. Please note that dates and times might change.

[F E B. 5 – 10 ] Flashdance — The Musical Fox Theatre

PERFORMING ARTS F I D D LE R O N TH E R O O F [Through Feb. 3] Catch one of the most popular Broadway musicals in history, presented by Company J. Morris and Rae Frank Theatre, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Dunwoody, 678-812-4002, atlantajcc.org/companyj

G O O D P E O P LE [Through Feb. 10] The funny and insightful story of fate, class divisions and identity by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David LindsayAbaire wrestles with the question of whether our lot in life is determined by choice or circumstances.

Alliance Stage, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, 404-733-5000, alliancetheatre.org/goodpeople

TH E A DV E NTU R E S O F M I G HT Y B U G [Through March 17] Audiences will take a trip to Bugville in this superhero adventure story

62

featuring bugs, butterflies, beetles and more.

Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, 404-873-3391, puppet.org

BIKE AMERICA [Feb. 5 – 7] Winner of the 2013 Alliance National Graduate Playwriting Competition, this tale by Mike Lew follows a downon-her-luck girl on a cross-country bike trip in search of a place that always seems just out of reach.

Alliance Theatre – Hertz Stage, Atlanta, 404-733-5000, alliancetheatre.org/bike

F L A S H DA N C E — TH E M U S I C A L [Feb. 5 – 10] Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the pop-culture phenomenon of “Flashdance” appears in musical form with a score that features the biggest hit songs from the movie along with 16 brand-new songs.

The Fox Theatre, foxatltix.com/flashdance

Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

D E ATH AT TH E D O O - WO P

G O O D G O D A’ M I G HT Y

[Feb. 8 – 15] The Murder Mystery Company kicks off their winter season with this interactive detective dinner.

Black Mark Studios, Atlanta, 888-643-2583, grimprov.com

[Feb. 14 – 24] Starring Tony Award-winning actress and legendary singer Melba Moore, this electrifying comedy will give audiences a behind-the-scenes look inside an African-American church in the midst of change.

14th Street Playhouse, Atlanta, 404-733-5000, lolitasnipesproductions.com

D R AC U L A [Feb. 8 – 16] Based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 classic gothic horror story, Atlanta Ballet presents this performance that mixes romance and passion with horror and pain.

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 404-862-2081, atlantaballet.com

ONCE UPON A M AT TR E S S [Feb. 14 – 16] This romantic musical comedy features Princess Winnifred and Prince Dauntless as they take a test from the Queen before they can marry.

City Center Auditorium, Woodstock, 678-494-4251, elmstreetarts.org

CONCERTS | COMEDY A N E V E N I N G O F E LTO N J O H N W ITH TE D H OW E

[Feb. 8 – 9] An acclaimed pianist, Howe will perform music from his Summit Records CD, “Elton Exposed: Revealing the Jazz Soul of Elton John.”

The Velvet Note, Alpharetta, 855-585-5838, thevelvetnote.com

TH E C U M B E R L A N D C O LLE C TI V E [Feb. 22] Enjoy an eclectic mixture ranging from

folk-pop anthems and country to contemporary soul and old-time blues.

The Velvet Note, Alpharetta, 855-585-5838, thevelvetnote.com

ART | EXHIBITS

LO C A L C O LO R E X H I B IT [Through March 9] This exhibit features a diverse collection of approximately 50 photographs from six local and regional photographers that capture moments of beauty through landscape, portraiture and photojournalism.

Sellars Gallery, Simmons Visual Arts Center, Brenau University, Gainesville, brenau.edu

TH E S O UTH ’ S N E X T WAV E [Through March 31] This exhibition doubles as a design challenge, with viewers asked to vote for their favorite Southern design vignette; winners will be announced at a special party on Feb. 8.

Museum of Design Atlanta, 404-979-6455, museumofdesign.org

A R T PA P E R S A R T AU C TI O N [Feb. 8 – 9] Bid on impressive works by famed and emerging artists, plus enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live music or DJ at the preview party (Feb. 8) and silent auction (Feb. 9).

Mason Murer Fine Art, Atlanta, artpapers.org

VA S E F O R M S [Feb. 8 – March 3] This exhibit marks the Arts Alliance of Georgia’s first national juried ceramics exhibition.

Studio 101, Woodstock, artsalliancega.org

KIP’S ANGELS [Feb. 15 – March 1] This group show features Christine Biasetti, Jennifer Ferris and Amy Frank, three students of portrait artist Kip Rogers, showcasing a diverse range of paintings.

Roswell Visual Arts Center, 770-594-6122, llove@roswellgov.com pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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[F EB. 16 – S EPT. 4] Wit In Wood: The Art of Moses Robinson The Heritage Sandy Springs Museum

S W E E TH E A R T A R T S & C R A F T S S H OW [Feb. 16 – 17] This juried show features works from 25 professional craft designers and ďŹ ne artists.

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Young Harris, Ga., robinrobertspromotions.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSE CHAMBERLIN | OUR LABOR OF LOVE

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERITAGE SANDY SPRINGS

calendar

[ FEB. 8 – 9] ART PAPERS Art Auction Mason Murer Fine Art, Atlanta

W IT I N WO O D : TH E A R T O F MOSES ROBINSON [Feb. 16 – Sept. 4] Moses Robinson, a South Carolina native who moved to Sandy Springs in 1845, used found objects such as peach pits and walnut shells in his unique artistic carvings, and hundreds of examples of his craftsmanship are on display in this exhibit.

The Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, 404-851-9111, heritagesandysprings.org

dancing to beneďŹ t the Epilepsy Foundation.

The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta (Buckhead), 404-527-7155, epilepsyga.org

HEART & SOUL GALA [Feb. 16] Enjoy dinner and dancing to the music of “Platinum� at this fundraiser for Senior Services North Fulton, which provides meals-on-wheels to homebound seniors.

Atlanta Athletic Club, Alpharetta, 770-993-1906, ssnorthfulton.org

CHARITY EVENTS

TA S TE O F LOV E G A L A

KICKING FOR AUTI S M C LI N I C

[Feb. 9] This stylish black-tie event celebrates the successes of those with epilepsy, featuring gourmet dining, wine pairings, entertainment, auctions and

[Feb. 23] Kicking for Autism provides socially welcoming soccer clinics for middleschool aged children with high-functioning Autism and Asperger’s; clinics

are run by teen volunteers and speech pathologists.

Marcus Jewish Community Center, noahnewman.a@gmail.com

SYMPHPONY GALA [March 2] This black-tie beneďŹ t for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and its education and community programs will feature a performance by Grammy Award winner Steve Martin and bluegrass band The Steep Canyon Rangers along with dinner and a silent auction.

Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta, 404-733-4921, woodruffcenter.org

SPECIAL EVENTS R O S W E LL R O OT S F E S TI VA L

[Feb. 1 – 28] Celebrating black history and culture,

“An evening at Mia is like a visit to Central or Southern Italy?�

www.miaitaliano.com or facebook.com/MiaRistoranteItaliano

Authentic fare from a chef and two owners who were born in Italy!

MOUTH-WATERING SPECIALS • GREAT WINE LIST • DELICIOUS HOME-MADE SEASONAL SOUPS Open Tuesday -Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday Noon - 9 p.m.

2300 Bethelview Rd., Suite 104, Cumming • 770-887-3000 (SFFO $PSOFST 4IPQQJOH $FOUFS t #FUIFMWJFX 3E BOE )JHIXBZ

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Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALPHARETTA CVB

Heating & Air Conditioning Specialist 4FSWJDF t *OEPPS "JS 2VBMJUZ #BTFNFOUT "EEJUJPOT

[ FEB. 23 ] Great British Car Fayre

“Quality You Can Count On”

Historic Downtown Alpharetta

this festival features an array of events, including a Unity Concert and special performance from Soweta Street Beat Dance Theatre Company, educational opportunities in geneology, storytelling and more, a cornbread cook-off, jazz performance

by Freddy Cole, Roswell Poetry Slam and more.

Various Locations in Roswell, roswellgov.com

GW I N N E T T C O U NT Y M A S TE R G A R D E N E R S [Feb. 11] This month’s meeting features Wilf Nicholls, director of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia with a presentation on “Adding Interest to the Garden with Foliage, Berries and Bark.”

The Bethesda Senior Center, Lawrenceville, 770-564-4680, gwinnettmastergardeners.com

TH E M I X [Feb. 14] This social event for singles presents a great opportunity to meet new business leaders.

Taylor Brawner Hall, Smyrna, themix1.eventbrite.com

1 6TH A N N UA L N O R TH ATL A NTA H O M E S H OW [Feb. 15 – 17] More than 100 experts in the home remodeling and landscaping industries will showcase the latest services and products in home improvement ideas at what is known as Gwinnett County’s largest home show.

Gwinnett Center, Duluth, atlantahomeshow.com

A DV E NTU R E C U B S : BABIES, BABIES, BABIES [Feb. 16] Take your toddler (ages 2 – 3) to discover the wild world of baby animals.

Zoo Atlanta, zooatlanta.org

F I R E & I C E C E LE B R ATI O N [Feb. 16] This annual chili cook-off is open to individuals, restaurants and civic groups, and also features kids entertainment, live music, streetscape ice sculptures and ice skating on Blue

Ice of Blue Ridge.

Downtown Blue Ridge, blueridgemountains.com

Serving North Atlanta for over 38 years. t 3FTJEFOUJBMt $PNNFSDJBM t /FX $POTUSVDUJPO

F O R S Y TH S E N I O R E X P O [Feb. 16] Seniors and their families and friends can learn about planning for the future with topics including health care, housing, finance, safety and more.

Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, Cumming, 770-781-2178

S TR O LLE R C U B S : A M A Z I N G AU S TR A LI A [Feb. 20, 23] You and your little one will learn about the wildlife of the Land Down Under during a program tailor-made for infants – 2-year-olds.

Zoo Atlanta, zooatlanta.org

15-Point Tune-up for Your Heating System for only $79.95 for the First Unit and $59.95 for Each Additional Unit!

Call for a Free In-Home Estimate

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(770) 886-1998 www.reliance-hvac.com

G R E AT B R ITI S H C A R FAY R E [Feb. 23] Soak up family fun, food and British cars, including iconic automobiles like the Rolls Royce, and famous sets of wheels like the original Lotus Esprit driven by “James Bond” in the movie “The Spy Who Loved Me.” Plus, catch a special Beatles tribute concert.

Historic Downtown Alpharetta, 678-925-4736, empire-events.net/great-british-carfayre-alpharetta

R O S W E LL G R E E N E X P O [Feb. 23] In order to educate residents about “green” practices, this event features children’s activities, an appearance by Captain Planet, educational sessions, featured speakers and more.

Hembree Park, Roswell, roswellgreenexpo.org

A PAG E F R O M TH E B O O K F E S TI VA L [Feb. 28] New York Times bestselling author Bruce Feiler discusses his newest book, “The Secrets of Happy Families.”

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 678-812-4005, atlantajcc.org pointsnorthatlanta.com | February 2013 | Points North

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Discover Your Best Fit. Skip the dressing room during your next shopping excursion and take advantage of Me-Ality, a digital size-matching station that provides a personalized shopping guide. A simple, 10-second body scan provides a discreet print out of exact body measurements and the participant’s best fit across a wide range of popular brands and stores. The technology is now available at Perimeter and North Point malls. For more information, visit me-ality.com.

Celebrate Southern Foods. Embrace the heritage of our region’s foodways as the Southern Food Tour kicks off on Feb. 16 at The Goat Farm in Atlanta. The epicurean evening features a pig roast and samples of Southern classics, plus music and a preview of the Southern Food Tour short film.

Tickets cost $45; visit southernfoodtour.com for details.

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Show Your Art Appreciation. This month, businesses throughout Dunwoody are teaming up with the Dunwoody Fine Art Association to showcase local artists. Pop into participating businesses and you’ll find works in all mediums on display and for sale, from watercolors to collages.

The art appreciation culminates at the opening of the new Dunwoody Fine Art Association Pop Up Gallery in the courtyard of Dunwoody Village Shopping Center on Feb. 23. For more information, visit dunwoodyfineart.org.

Points North | February 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com

Wine and Dine Your Valentine. Rekindle the romance in Downtown Norcross on Feb. 14 with an array of activities geared to sweethearts. Cozy up in a horse-drawn carriage, share some smooches in the kissing booth, renew your vows with the city judge, enjoy an intimate dinner at a local restaurant, hold each other close as you dance to live music, and more. For more information, visit aplacetoimagine.com.

Come One, Come All! This month brings not one, but two opportunities to catch the circus with your family. First, the Big Apple Circus hits Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta Feb. 1 – 18 with “Legendarium,” an all-new show featuring circus traditions. Then, from Feb. 13 – 18 at Philips Arena and Feb. 21 – March 3 at the Gwinnett Arena, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present “Dragon,” boasting the Shaolin Kung Fu Warriors, magnificent Asian elephants, Siberian tigers and more. For more information, visit bigapplecircus.org or ringling.com.