Points North by Points North Atlanta Magazine

CONTENTS

POINTS NORTH MAGAZINE

PHOTO COURTESY OF BANANA REPUBLIC

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOMENTUM ADVENTURE

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROOKE WHITIS

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

ISSUE 132 | MAY 2011

DEPARTMENTS

An Atlanta Ballet veteran, Loveless has had an amazing 25 years in ballet slippers. As she nears her

Atlantans Dominique Love and Elizabeth Feichter couldn’t ﬁgure out why the city never had a food

last curtain call this month, the 28-year-old ballerina reﬂects on her dance journey with her biggest fan — her mother.

festival to call its own, so they decided to do something about it. The result? The inaugural Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, promising a tantalizing journey

through Southern cuisine with more than 200 epicurean activities in town May 19 – 22.

46 | A PASSION FOR FASHION

74 | 5 THINGS I MUST DO THIS MONTH

KRISTI NECESSARY LOVELESS

THE MOM MONOLOGUES Earlier this year, we asked for essays about motherhood in celebration of Mother’s Day, and the response was overwhelming. From humorous anecdotes to heartfelt accounts, maternal readers had plenty to say about life with their little ones. Here, we bring you a few of our favorites. For even more Mom essays,

ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

NORTH ATLANTA DANCE ACADEMY The North Atlanta Dance Academy, which recently relocated to a 17,000-square-foot facility in Johns Creek, offers beginning to advanced level classes in

visit us online at www.ptsnorth.com.

classical ballet, character, modern, jazz and tap dance.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to give something back to the woman who has given you

You know the drill — we’ve got all the action you can handle in these high-ﬂying, adrenaline-pumping

everything. From timeless treasures to unique ﬁnds, Points North has perused local shops and the Web to help you show your appreciation on May 8.

escapades. Go grab the reins, a paddle, a boa or the steering wheel for a line-up that will add a little pep to your step.

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

COLUMNS 6 | POINTS OF VIEW 8 | ALL POINTS BULLETIN 70 | CALENDAR

TRAVEL | RECREATION 49 | COSTA RICA FOOD 64 | FOOD FOR THOUGHT: SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT

64 GENUINE ADVENTURES

SP E CI AL ADVE RT I SI NG SE CT IO N

POINTS OF VIEW When All Else Fails, Call Your Mother “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” — Washington Irving

My mother is my best friend, but it took me years to truly appreciate it. When I was young, she was my compass who guided me down the honorable path to womanhood. But she wasn’t my best friend quite yet, she was just my, well, my mom. She told me to eat my vegetables, scolded me when I was disobedient and nursed me when I was sick. My neighborhood buddies never did anything like that! In those dreaded teen years, my mom and I would squabble about the clothes I wore, the places I went, and my messy room. My girlfriends were fun and loved that new off-the-shoulder shirt that was so en vogue then. But my mom? Not so much. But then something happened. I grew up. My mom was not my best friend when I was a child and teen by design. She had a job to do, teach her daughter to grow up strong, honorable and trustworthy, not to be my buddy on a Saturday night. And in that process, I became the woman she is proud of today. So, now she doesn’t tell me to eat my veggies anymore, but she is one of the ﬁrst people I want to talk to when the going gets tough, for she always knows just what to say to make those “clouds of darkness” dissipate. As much as I love my daughter, I have to remember this important lesson. Be a mom ﬁrst, being a best friend comes later. There will be days when my daughter won’t appreciate that when I say “no” it’s because I love her. But no doubt, one day she, too, will see that all a mother does is for the love of her child. So, Mom, thanks for being tough when it mattered, sweet when I needed it, and the one true friend every child should have.

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

Editor

Creative Director

Advertising

Witt Beckman

Julie C. Hostetter

Robin Harrison

770-844-0969 sales@ptsnorth.com

Publisher

Senior Editor

Assistant Creative Director

Carl Danbury Jr.

Heather KW Brown

Shannah J. Smith

Account Executives

Managing Editor

Office Manager

Bre Humphries

Holly Widemire

Nate Curtis Tom Tolbert Justin DeCusati

Editorial Intern

Circulation Manager

Andrew Neveils

Tiffany Willard

Associate Publisher

Karen Poulsen

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

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Kelsey Harrison, Rachel Macri, Amber Lanier Nagle, Rupa Ramon, Tamara Holly Smolyansky, Katie Valentine, Tiffany Willard

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

Subscription information:

Contributing Writers ag

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.

All Points Interactive Media Corp. 568 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041 770-844-0969 www.ptsnorth.com

President / CEO

Pl e as

Points North

A PB ALL POINTS BULLETIN

MAY

Enter to Win a Memorable Mountain Getaway! You say May; we say mountains! Then again, we say mountains almost every month of the year simply because it’s PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWAIN COUNTY NC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE the perfect place to relax, regroup and renew — regardless of the season. Bryson City, N.C., situated a short and scenic three-hour drive north of Atlanta, is a haven for artisans of all kinds. This means, of course, that the opportunity to buy something no one else will have just increased significantly, whether you’re looking to furnish a room or find a new book. Indeed, the town of Bryson City is small but the number and variety of shops will keep you happily entertained, as will the endless number of outdoor activities available in the Great Smoky Mountains and the option to please your palate during winery or local brewery tours. While the mountains certainly provide the quintessential kick back and relax setting, visitors of all ages can get away from the hustle and bustle and still find plenty of things to do — at a leisurely pace, of course.

The Prize

A LIGHTER LOAD As a mom of two little ones, I’m always on the prowl for products minus those pesky petrochemicals that do more harm than good, and only a few products make the cut when it comes to greening my laundry routine. One of the newer products on the market is Vaska, a botanically based line of laundry care that has kicked chemical cleaning agents to the curb in lieu of herbs that clean effectively without ingredients that can irritate the skin. Vaska’s liquid laundry detergent, aptly named Herbatergent, uses real lavender and advanced botanicals as cleaning agents (available in Light Lavender or Scent Free), while its Spotoff is a Mom’s best friend, helping to ward off stains not only on clothes but also around the house on rugs and upholstery. The Vaska line of laundry care, which also includes a fabric softener called Herbasoft, is sold at Target. 8

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF VASKA

One Points North reader will win a fabulous getaway to the mountains, compliments of Bryson City and Swain County. This giveaway, valued at $1,500 and valid through May of 2012, includes 2 nights lodging at Lands Creek Log Cabins (www.landscreek.com), two spa certiﬁcates for Lakeview at Fontana (www.lakeviewatfontana.com), two fully guided raft trips with Nantahala Outdoor Center (www.noc.com), tickets for a family of four to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (www.gsmr.com), dinner for two at Fryemont Inn (www.fryemontinn.com) and dinner for two at Thirteen Moons (www.nvnc.com). Reservations are required and some restrictions do apply to this giveaway. Please go the giveaway section of our Web site at www.ptsnorth.com for more information on this prize and to enter the drawing.

A PB ALL POINTS BULLETIN

MAY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILARY ABBOTT COMMUNICATIONS

Carousel Designs Baby Bedding

Enter to Win A “Welcome Baby” Giveaway Package!

It’s Mother Day this month, and if you are a mother-to-be who needs to put some ﬁnishing touches on your nest, here are a few great products to peruse before your baby makes his or her big debut. Founded in 1988, Carousel Designs Baby Bedding (www.babybedding.com) is a local company that offers more than 100 pre-designed ready-to-ship crib bedding collections along with more than 300 fabrics, plus it allows parents to design and create their own virtual nursery online! At just 14 pounds, the Mutsy Easyrider stroller (www.mutsy.com) is a stylish, easy-touse basic stroller that features a unique suspension system to help get over curbs or bumps, a 5-point safety harness, kokopax extendable leg rest, tall, ergonomic handles, a large Mutsy Easyrider canopy, adjustable back, and one-hand fold. The kokopax Stroller (www.kokopax.com) eco-classic carrier has distinctive features we couldn’t help but share, including a lightweight anodized frame, eco-friendly fabrics custom designed in the United States and a convenient kickstand to position baby at eye-level for a 360-degree worldview. With adorable designs and attention to promoting healthy foot development, Pediped’s (www.pediped.com) award-winning shoes specialize in perfecting your baby’s ﬁrst steps. For playtime, the Kushies Zolo Boa Stack & Squeeze Toy (www.kushiesonline.com) promotes tactile and auditory development your baby needs and naptime doesn’t get much better than One lucky Mom (or Dad) will take home some of the hottest goods for their bundle of joy with our “Welcome Baby” Giveaway package. The package will include a Carousel Designs crib with the soothing tunes of Baby Blanket blanket of winner’s choice, a Mutsy Easyrider stroller, kokopax eco-classic baby carrier, two Music (www.babyblanketmusic.com), which pairs of pediped Originals baby shoes, a winner’s choice lullaby CD and a Kushies Zolo Boa features popular songs from such artists as children’s toy. Please go the giveaway section of our Web site at www.ptsnorth.com to enter Madonna and John Mayer.

The Prize the drawing for this prize.

Cleaning for a Reason

* *

EcoMaids, a cleaning service committed to protecting the environment, is now committed to another cause — helping women with cancer maintain a clean home. EcoMaids of North Atlanta has partnered with the Cleaning for a Reason Foundation, an organization that provides house-cleaning services free of charge to women undergoing cancer treatment. For Jackie Allen, EcoMaids of North Atlanta’s co-owner, the decision to join was a personal one. Allen lost her mother to cancer, and she wanted to have the chance to help other women battling the disease. Allen said the non-toxic cleaning products EcoMaids uses are perfect for women undergoing treatment, because they don’t pose a threat to the women’s immune systems. To ﬁnd out more about Cleaning for a Reason or to request their services, visit www.cleaningforareason.org. To learn more about EcoMaids or schedule a green cleaning, visit www.ecomaids.com/northatlanta. — Katie Valentine

* 10

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

A PB ALL POINTS BULLETIN

MAY

Marvelous Moms What better way to celebrate your role as a mom than by shopping and simultaneously helping the cause for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta? Wait. I know the answer to that question: shopping at any of the three Sage locations around metro Atlanta or online on Saturday, May 7! By shopping at any of these venues that particular day, Sage will donate a percent of the day’s sales to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Not that you need a bonus to this already fun reason to go shopping, but we’ve got one anyway: At the Avenue of Forsyth location, shoppers will also be able to enjoy a special trunk show by PeaceLoveMom co-founder Lori Poyner from 1 to 4 p.m. Now, that’s what we call marvelous, Mom! www.sageclothing.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

While I will confess to plastering a poster (or two) of a unicorn in my room as a youngster, the thought of seeing one up close and personal wasn’t something I ever considered. Recently, however, my kids and I walked among unicorns, dragons, mermaids, sea monsters and a number of legendary creatures whose names I simply can’t pronounce! Whether you’ve ever believed in mythical creatures or not, “Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids,” one of the newest exhibits at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, will tap into your curiosity and try to reveal the historical connection between nature and legend. Visitors are treated to a range of fun facts, some of them preserved specimens and fossils of prehistoric animals like the lower jaw of a Gigantopithecus, some of them towering above like the 9-foot-tall Aepyornis, said to be the largest bird ever to have lived, as well as a number of interactive stations. The biggest hit of our afternoon was building our own dragon on the interactive screen where we could choose which head, body, legs, wings and tail we wanted our creature to possess. Featuring the most enduring creatures from across the continents, “Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids” will run through Aug. 14. www.fernbankmuseum.org

GIVEAWAY WINNERS To ﬁnd a list of giveaway winners, take a look in the “Online Only” section of www.ptsnorth.com!

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEW HALE

IN SEARCH OF UNICORNS AND DRAGONS

AUTISM SPEAKS Ain’t nothing gonna hold down Brookwood High School graduate Cortland Hale — not even his experience with autism. The charismatic young man and former football star has overcome numerous obstacles associated with his disorder to follow his dreams, and he takes every opportunity to speak out about his story, offering inspiration to other families struggling with the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States. This month, Hale is joining thousands of walkers in Atlanta to take steps toward raising funds and awareness for autism — and you can, too. The 2011 Georgia Walk Now for Autism Speaks takes place Sunday, May 22 at the Georgia World Congress Center’s International Plaza. Visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org to join or support team “Cortland’s Walk,” or create your own team to make strides for Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to increasing awareness, funding research, and advocating for individuals and their families.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STRAND

SILENCE PLEASE! Sometimes all a Mom needs is a little silence. Want to treat her to some quiet time without giving up your quality time? Head to the Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta. Taking a step back to relive the bygone days of silent cinema, The Strand is featuring a movie series with perhaps some of the best films from that era in one of the best venues, where in addition to the traditional snacks of popcorn, candy and Coca-Cola, patrons can also purchase wine, beer or a mixed drink. Not kidding about the concessions, but of course, I am kidding about the silence. After all, The Strand is one of only four historic theaters in the state of Georgia with the ability to showcase silent films with live organ accompaniment. With The Strand’s Mighty Allen Theatre Organ setting the scene, classics such as “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans,” and “Flesh and the Devil,” which went down in the books as Greta Garbo’s first American appearance, will surely delight mom and her movie buffs not only this month but throughout the summer and into the fall. For more information and movie times, call the box office at 770-293-0080 or visit www.earlsmithstrand.org. ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

BRINGING UP A

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTA BALLET

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

ballerina

As Kristi Necessary Loveless Nears Her Last Curtain Call with the Atlanta Ballet, She and Her Mother Reﬂect on Her Unexpected Journey

{

WR I T T EN BY A M BER L A N I E R NAG L E

}

lmost every little

girl dreams of being a princess — living in a magical kingdom surrounded by a cast of adoring family members and friends, wearing wispy, girly-girl costumes with skirts that twirl and ﬂow like water, and eventually meeting a handsome prince and living happily ever after with him. It’s the imagery of fairy tales and bedtime stories. Rarely does life imitate the tales of storybooks, but Kristi Necessary Loveless has actually enjoyed such a life. Several years ago, the sparkling blue-eyed dancer took the world of ballet by storm with her long, slender physique, her graceful, sophisticated moves, and her impeccable technique. She drew immediate attention in Atlanta’s performing arts circles through her effortless connection with audiences. Today, she remains one of the city’s most beloved ballerinas. Her charisma captivates all, so when 28-year-old Loveless announced that later this month, she would be ending her nine-year career with the Atlanta Ballet — hanging up her satin pointe shoes for good — the performing arts world gasped in disbelief. “It’s bittersweet, but it’s time,” Debbie Necessary said of her daughter’s departure from ballet. “I’m sure that she will miss it — her friends at Atlanta PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTA BALLET

Almost every little girl dreams of being a princess ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

Pottery Studios

KRISTI NECESSARY

loveless

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTA BALLET / CHARLIE MCCULLERS

Ballet, the stage, the bright lights, the thunderous ovations, the sense of accomplishment — but she is ready to grow in a new direction.” Necessary never imagined her daughter’s life would unfold in the way it has. “I wanted her to pursue her dreams and be happy in whatever path she chose, and Kristi chose ballet,” she remarked. “I was there at the beginning, and when she dances her ﬁnal performance in ‘Ignition,’ I will be there watching as I have for 25 years.”

D O N ’ T M I S S K R I S T I N E C E S S A RY LOV E LE S S’ LAST PERFORMANCE

graphic Voices,” an eclectic amalgam of dynamic and innovative dance that will ignite the soul. Performances will be on the Alliance Stage at the Woodruff Arts Center, May 13 through 15. For more information on Atlanta Ballet’s current and upcoming season, visit the official Atlanta Ballet blog at www.atlantaballetblog.com.

Points North | April 2010 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTA BALLET

This month, the Atlanta Ballet will perform “Ignition: New Choreo-

Becoming a Ballerina Indeed, Necessary has been her daughter’s most passionate admirer, chauffeuring Loveless all around town to literally hundreds of lessons, practices and rehearsals when her young daughter didn’t have a driver’s license. She has attended most of Loveless’ performances showering her with endless encouragement and praise. It seems a ﬁtting tribute to Necessary’s devotion that her daughter’s retirement comes in May, the month the world honors the love and support of mothers. “All that I am today, all that I have accomplished so far in my life, I owe to my mom and dad,” Loveless said. “I started ballet at three, and Mom has always been my biggest fan.” Her mother recalls some of those ﬁ rst days in the studio and on the stage of the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. “When she was very young, my husband Steve and I were sitting in the audience watching the performance, and he leaned over and whispered, ‘I don’t think that Kristi has much of a future in ballet. She’s not very good, and she can’t seem to follow the teacher,’” Necessary

KRISTI NECESSARY

loveless

A B R I E F H I S TO RY O F T H E AT L A N TA B A L L E T More than eight decades ago, dance visionary Dorothy Alexander dreamed of delivering dazzling classical ballet performances to the Atlanta arts community. She created the Dorothy Alexander Dance Concert Group and ignited a regional ballet movement that swept across America. Today, the Atlanta Ballet — renamed in 1967 — is the oldest professional dance company in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. The Atlanta Ballet consistently wows and inspires local audiences with beautifully orchestrated performances. The company’s eclectic repertoire is punctuated by both inventive original performances and timeless classics such as “The Nutcracker,” “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Swan Lake” and “Peter Pan.” Throughout its rich history, the company has toured the globe, captivating audiences with masterful performances in Taipei, Seoul and London. In 1996, the Atlanta Ballet opened its Centre for Dance Education — an instructional institution serving more than 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year through offerings of ballet, modern, jazz, ﬂamenco and hip-hop dance classes. Last year, the company moved into a world-class facility on Marietta Boulevard, a renovated 54,000-square-foot manufacturing plant positioned in the heart of West Midtown’s budding arts and culture district. Under the artistic leadership of John McFall, the Atlanta Ballet remains one of the premier dance companies in the country and continues to play a pivotal role in the city’s cultural renaissance by delivering one riveting performance after another.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTA BALLET

laughed. “I smile when I think back to those days. You just never know what the future holds.” The Necessarys were not overbearing parents and they didn’t have a speciﬁc parenting philosophy, but they did believe in exposing Loveless and her two sisters to many different activities. “We did stress work ethic,” Necessary noted. “We taught them, ‘If you are going to do something, then do it right.’” Along with ballet, Loveless tried gymnastics, ice skating and soccer. “I quickly rejected soccer,” she related. “I hated wearing the sporty, red shorts, so Mom made me a red skirt to wear on the ﬁeld with my uniform.” After a few years, Loveless chose to dedicate her time and energy exclusively to ballet. She was a lump of clay in an artist’s hands waiting to be shaped into something more beautiful. She was physically strong and coordinated and actually listened to her instructors and made corrections without argument. Loveless became known for being easy to work with 18

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

and unafraid of taking on exceptionally challenging roles. At 13, the young ballerina suddenly progressed from merely dancing routines to performing brilliant artistry. Teachers and audiences marveled at her polish and vivacious elegance. “We witnessed the transformation,” Necessary said. “She just suddenly blossomed, and that’s when we began realizing her full potential and aptitude.” Two years later, Loveless attended a summer program at the prestigious School of American Ballet, a feeder school for the New York City Ballet. After working with and watching the young dancer for a few weeks, the school extended a rare invitation to her. “They wanted her to stay,” Necessary recalled. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but we said, ‘No.’ We just couldn’t allow our 15-year-old daughter to move to New York without us. God gave her to us to raise, and we weren’t willing to let strangers watch over her and be her parents.”

A Final Bow Though her parents always supported her career in dance, they stressed the importance of a fallback plan and encouraged Loveless to continue her formal education. “I always loved ballet,” Loveless said. “When I was in kindergarten, I told my mom that I wanted to be both a ballerina and a teacher when I grew up. Because of the physical demands of ballet on the human body, dance had to come ﬁrst.” But she never abandoned her dream of becoming an educator. While dancing, she took classes and received an undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and is well on her way to completing a Master’s degree from Brenau University. In 2004, the ballerina extraordinaire met her own prince charming when her sister dragged her to a party on the campus of Georgia Tech. “I’ll never forget meeting Matt. He was standing outside,” Loveless said. “He was an engineering student and knew nothing of ballet, and it didn’t matter.” Understandably, Matt Loveless’ interest in ballet grew exponentially. He has even performed minor roles in three ballets since meeting his princess ballerina. The two were married in May of 2008, and the newlyweds set out on their own journey toward happily ever after. They hope to start a family soon. Loveless danced her last principal role in February as Aurora in Tchaikovsky’s “The Sleeping Beauty” and will dance her ﬁnal farewell this month in “Ignition.” “Watching her dance has been a gift — a true blessing — and we have been thankful for every moment of the adventure,” Necessary said. “I’m certain that Kristi will be a wonderful teacher, too. She will be great at whatever she does. That’s just who she is — beautiful on the inside and out.” PN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NECESSARY FAMILY

The decision seemed like the end of the world to young Loveless, but it wasn’t. She returned to the Atlanta Ballet’s Centre for Dance Education and studied under and alongside a nurturing network of gifted dancers and instructors — Rosemary Miles, Armando Luna, Sharon Story, John McFall, Christian Clark and Christine Winkler. Plus, Loveless’ two younger sisters, Courtney and Abbie, also danced at the center. “My ﬁrst principal role was the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Atlanta Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker,’” Loveless noted. “But my most memorable role was playing Juliet in ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ I loved performing that role with Christian, my longtime dance partner and friend.” Loveless notes that the performance precipitated her ﬁrst out-ofbody experience, a state of spiritual transcendence that some dancers and athletes describe as euphoria. “Time stood still, and nothing else mattered during that performance,” she said. “It was as if my body dissolved into the music and stage, and I became part of something bigger. It is an amazing feeling that I have only experienced a handful of times.”

Top: From left to right, Kristi Necessary Loveless with her sisters, Abbie and Courtney Bottom: Debbie Necessary and Loveless

{

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N : Atlanta Ballet 1695 Marietta Blvd., NW Atlanta, GA 30318 404-873-5811 www.atlantaballet.com

}

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

monologues

Earlier

this year, Points North sent out a call asking our readers to submit essays about motherhood in celebration of Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. It seems our moms have a lot to say about life with their little ones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from humorous anecdotes to heartfelt accounts, we received many touching submissions from Atlanta and beyond, and were thrilled to read each one. Following are a few of our favorites; to read even more Mom essays, visit us online at www.ptsnorth.com.

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Fruit Loops Apple Jacks A W R I T T E N BY K E L S E Y H A R R I S O N C o l um bu s, G a .

son, Aiden, is 5 and from his marvelous little boy mind flows an abundance of curious inquiries. He wants to know what makes Jell-O jiggly and if dogs can pray and if belly buttons can be untied. I’ve often scrambled to compose on-the-spot answers and, admittedly, I’ve deferred my fair share of questions with the response, “Go ask your dad.” I love that I have the privilege of watching him wrestle with the literal and the abstract as he figures out language and concepts and life, that sarcasm is wholly lost on him because he chooses to trust people, and, most of all, I love to hear him teaching his sister something as if he’s the world’s leading expert on the subject, though he’s only learned it moments before. Yes, I certainly appreciate his young, eager mind, but, honestly, sometimes I get tired or busy or just plain selfish and I don’t always give his questions the energy they deserve. This happened a few months ago. One lazy evening after supper, I was nose deep in a book when Aiden asked, “Mom, are Fruit Loops or Apple Jacks good for you?” Without looking up, I offered a half-hearted reply, “Ummm ... well, they’re not terrible for you, but they’re not really good for you either.” A while later, noticing that it was unusually quiet, I closed my book and looked at Aiden. Mouth gaping, eyes wide, arms limp at his side, he said, in

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROOKE WHITIS

the most astonished, disheartened voice, “You mean ... TV lies?!?” I gave him a consoling hug, kissed his head and smiled at his sweet naivety. After putting him to bed that night, I lingered in his doorway, as I often do, watching the covers rise and fall with his tiny little breaths. My heart felt heavy and sad. I felt like I had taken a hammer and a chisel and carved out a chunk of his childhood. I wanted to be like a sentry standing guard, alert and vigilant, ready to do battle with anything else that threatened to tarnish his innocence. I began thinking about the ways that the world will lie to him, the distorted messages that he’ll receive about what it means to be a man, to be successful and talented and happy and of worth. Genuinely, in that moment, I felt a crushing sense of helplessness. Then I remembered that, for a few more years anyway, Little Man thinks we’re cool. He listens to us, watches us, and, for better or worse, imitates us. What an opportunity! What a responsibility! By ﬁercely guarding my own heart and mind and choosing to live in truth, I can help my children learn to do the same. I can’t live like I believe that I have to be skinny to be valuable, that ﬁnancial security brings happiness, or that other peoples’ approval matters most of all. If I do, then my children will, too. Take care, friends, little eyes are upon you! ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

The Mom Monologues

Motherhood ... in a Big Way! EL MACRI TESY OF RACH PHOTO COUR

W R I TTE N BY R AC H E L M AC RI Ke nne sa w

one really knows what they sign up for when they become a parent. You won’t truly understand the depth to which you will worry, love, agonize over, dream about and live for your child until that profound day when you become a mom. When we first strapped our baby Peter into his crisp, new infant seat (properly secured by our local policeman), I had my first anxiety attack when we pulled away from the hospital staff. You mean we’re on our own now with this baby? Why, I barely know him and I’m going to take him home for the next 18 years? After my relatively quick post-partum cry, we were home and he seemed to fit right in. Everything I did was by the book. Before I headed to the local CVS store, I cross-checked all supplies and had backups. To say that I was slightly neurotic is an understatement! Then along came Philip, Andrew and Molly. All of the control I once had in my career and easily enough with my first child had evaporated. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 11 years now since Peter’s birth

Today You Taught Me: A Letter to My My Little One

Some 22

W R I TTE N BY RUPA RA M ON Dunwoody

say that it’s a parent’s duty to teach, guide and to lead a child toward their path. While

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

and that I’m now considered a “seasoned” mom. If you consider seasoned being able to offer advice on what to do if your child has an “accident” in the Publix aisle or which immediate care centers have the best late night staff, then yes, I’m your mom. A sage mother of six once told me that we’d soon get less social invites as our family grew exponentially in a small timeframe. I have to say that’s probably true and when I do call my in-laws to tell them we’re coming for a visit, the conversation usually begins with something like “Brace yourself….” Some stereotypes of big families are true: We do get seated in far, dark corners of restaurants and I do carry extra shoes in my minivan (a must for us large-family types). But my children do match when they go to school, and to the best of my abilities, their hair is combed. Homework gets checked and the little ones are read to and snuggled with each night. Our routines are the same as smaller families, we just take more time getting it done. Not surprisingly, I never need an Ambien to fall asleep! Growing up as an only child, I missed having fights with siblings and the convenience of having companions on rainy days. I missed … the noise. It’s quite ironic that both of my parents are the eldest of five and they just had me. My mother’s comment was that she didn’t think she could love another child as much as she did me. Well, Mom, I beg to differ and although I may not run to the parenting manuals with my younger children as I did with my first, I’ve evolved through experience as a more confident and relaxed mom. I’m so proud to see them love and take care of each other, especially with our second oldest child with special needs. Their tenderness towards him truly inspires me to be the best I can be. They simply … complete me.

there may be some truth to that, to me, every moment spent with you is a moment of learning, discovering, understanding and realizing a little more about this world that I am a part of and which I now share with you. For me, it is not about what I teach you, but what you, my imp of an angel, teach me. As I watch you breathing, drifting into sleep, I am reminded of how incredibly fortunate I have been. One

SEE WHAT ATLANTANS ARE SAYING ABOUT ALPHADERM “Before you have [plastic surgery], go see Dr. Glavey. Try Thermage and Fraxel. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to look refreshed and renewed.” “Dr. Glavey recommended Radiesse and Botox. I feel like I look 20 years younger.” “My husband and I have had our regular exams with Dr. Glavey for close to 20 years. The very ﬁrst day [after Thermage], I could see the results. They were immediate and long lasting.” “It’s been three weeks since I had the Sculptra process done. My expression lines have been minimized substantially. When I look in the mirror, I see a more youthful appearance. One thing I love about Dr. Glavey is that she took the time to explain everything to me.”

“My skin had sun damage, uneven skin tone, brown spots, freckles, and wrinkles. After my second Fraxel treatment, it had become much softer and the brown spots were disappearing. It just looked so much clearer. The end results were remarkable!” “By the end of college, I had acquired some acne scarring. I found Dr. Christine Glavey and, wow! My skin is clear. I can see the improvement.”

GO TO www.Alpha-Derm.com TO SEE THE FULL VIDEO TESTIMONIALS!

Christine Glavey, MD, FA AD Medical Director Certiﬁed by the American Board of Dermatology

“Winner, Best Dermatologist 2011” – Jezebel Magazine

401 South Main Street Suite C-7 Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 770.475.2004 www.alpha-derm.com

® INJECTIONS • ACNE LASER TREATMENTS • JUVEDERM INJECTIONS • LASER COLLAGEN REPLACEMENT • LIQUID FACE-LIFTS

GE® • BODY SCULPTING AND SHAPING • COSMETIC LIP AND HAND RESTORATION • SILK MICRODERMABRASION • DERMATOLOGIST-GRADE PE MA

S • COMPREHENSIVE DERMASCOPIC EXAMINATION FOR SKIN CANCER • RADIESSE® INJECTIONS • PERLANE ® EL

FRAXEL® LASER REJUVENATION TO THE FACE, NECK, CHEST OR HANDS • THER

The Mom Monologues

UR TE SY PH OT O CO

MO N OF RU PA RA

thought keeps coming back to me over and over. And it begins with the words “Today you taught me...” On some nights it is Love. On others it is Patience. Courage, humor, humility and self-deprecation all feature in this thought as, night after night, I realize what a difference you make in my life and how much you teach me every day. My mind ﬂashes back to when you

It’s about more than just “the teeth" – it’s about the experience. At Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry, creating positive experiences requires our very best efforts. Having good doctors is a start, but really it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Our remarkable staff has the education and abilities we all expect, but most importantly we possess the awareness that children are not small adults, not even close! Children need and deserve a slower, more thoughtful, more insightful approach.

You’ve got to think like a kid.

Over 50% of our new patient referrals come from parents and pediatricians, come see why! 4205 North Point Parkway |

Alpharetta

| 770.664.4936

3915 Johns Creek Court | Johns Creek | 678.740.0122 www.AlpharettaChildrensDentistry.com

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

were a baby, a toddler. When you knew no fear. No ego. No embarrassment. You kept it simple. You bore no grudges. You forgave. You weren’t afraid to try or take risks. When your curiosity would lead you to explore corners and do things that you had been instructed not to. You would anyway, never worried that you might get hurt or worse, that I may say, “I told you so.” (Even though, I’m ashamed to admit, I did.) Fear of failure was unknown to you. You were the epitome of “Just being.” Free to explore. Ready to trust. Eager to learn. Open to the world. Embracing whatever came your way. You probably knew boo boos and bandages were part of the deal, but you didn’t stop to think about them or let them stop you from just being who you were or doing what you had to do. Now that you’re 4 1/2 and all grown up, ready for kindergarten, aware that not everyone in class likes you all the time, that not all games are safe and that not every corner of the world around you is worth the risk of exploring, I only hope that your spirit of adventure and your fearlessness are not overshadowed by your knowledge and awareness of the “real world.” As I watch you leave your baby years behind and take on the world in your own wonderful way, I’m proud of you and overjoyed by how much you’ve grown. I hope that fear of the future or concern about what “they” may think never impede your boundless spirit. I hope that your unique and wonderful personality continues to sparkle and shine through all your life, never stopping you from just being you. And even as these thoughts and hopes flood my mind, one glance at your serene sleeping face brings me back to this moment — now. Could anything be more beautiful? Today, my dear M, you taught me to live in the moment. PN

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. VINTAGE DESIGNS

{ { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { {

MOTHER’S DAY

GIFT

{ { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { {

Looking for special gift ideas for the woman who gave you everything? Then read on for a host of ideas sure to put a smile on her face. [ W R I TTE N BY J U L I E H O STE TTE R ]

{ { { { { { { {

GUIDE

S T. V I N TAG E D E S I G N S N E C K L AC E S , $ 4 5 TO $ 3 7 5 Looking for beautiful jewelry to show your mom how special she is to you? Then peruse St. Vintage Designs’ stunning collection of beautiful handmade jewelry designed by Atlanta resident Paige Jansen Nichols. Each piece of jewelry incorporates one-of-a-kind antique medallions and artifacts that Nichols has picked up over the years from locations across the globe. And Jansen, a cancer survivor, donates 50 percent of the proceeds to medical research, so you know your purchase goes toward a good cause. Where to ﬁnd: www.saintvintagedesigns.com

{ { { { { { { { { { { { { { S O U T H E R N M Y WAY C O O K B O O K , $ 3 4 . 9 5 Cookbook author Gena Knox grew up in the small town of Reynolds, Ga., where farming defined the landscape. With that love of the land grew an irresistible pull to the kitchen and a healthy helping of admiration for local farmers and artisans. Dedicated to her mother, “a true Southern lady,” Knox has compiled a mouthwatering masterpiece of Southern-inspired recipes such as pickled shrimp, Vidalia onion soup and flat cornbread brought to life with stunning full-color photography. It’s more than just a cookbook; it’s a visual feast of foods and farm life sure to get your mother itchin’ to get in the kitchen. Check out Mix It Up online at www.ptsnorth.com for a sneak peek at a few recipes! Where to find: www.genaknox.com or Barnes and Noble

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDSAY PHILLIPS

{ { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { LI N D S AY P H I L LI P S S N A P S H O E S /S W ITC H F LO P S , $ 2 5 TO $ 6 4 Women have born a long love affair with their shoes, that’s for sure. Evolving from a high school art project of ceramic flip flops, the young entrepreneur Lindsay Phillips began exploring how to take one flip flop and dress it up countless different ways. And voila, the SwitchFlops were born. Now her SwitchFlops offer more than 1,000 different looks, just with the switch of the patented decorative strap. For those looking for a dressier shoe, the Snap Shoes offer slingback wedges, ballet flats and heeled sandals with infinite looks to match any outfit. Where to find: Parsons Gift Stores in Cumming and Alpharetta, www.parsonsgifts.com; House and Garden Boutique, Woodstock, 678-494-5800.

{ { { { { { { { { { N A PA F I R E L I T E S , $1 4 T O $1 0 0

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLOOMIN’ POTS

to the gel fuel that will burn for nearly two hours. And with so many different pots to choose from, you are sure to ﬁnd the one that will suit her unique sense of style. Where to ﬁnd: Bloomin’ Pots, 770-851-9339, www.bloominpots.com

{ { { { { { {

Does your mother love entertaining friends and family on her patio? Then she will light up when she opens a Napa FireLite, a decorative ceramic ﬁre pot that brings instant charm and romance to dining al fresco. The dramatic dancing ﬂame crackles when it burns but will not blow out in the wind, thanks

M AG N E T I C P I C T U R E F R A M E S , $1 4 . 9 5 TO $ 3 2 . 9 5 With kids growing so fast, what’s a mother or grandmother to do with all those pictures! How about a picture frame that’s magnetic so you can swap out old photos for new ones with ease? Available in a variety of different styles and colors, these frames are dressed up with ﬂowers, hearts and other decorative magnets so you can create a custom look. Can’t decide on just one photo? Then consider the magnetic photo stick (pictured) that lets you post numerous photos on the wall. Where to ﬁnd: Gifted! Artist Market & Gift Boutique, 944 Canton St., Roswell, 678-585-0071 and Main Street Art Co., 3005 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta, 770-360-9797

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

{ { { { { { L A DY P R I M R O S E , $6.99 TO $52 AND UP Every lady likes to be pampered, and the Lady Primrose line of bath and body products is sure to make your mother feel like a queen. Working with a French par-

PH O TO

COUR

TE SY O F LA D Y PR IM R

O SE

fumer and English toiletry house, Lady Primrose created a luxury line of products to be used in only the finest hotels — until the word got out, that is, and hotel guests were asking if they could buy some to take home. Twenty years later, Lady Primrose still graces those fine hotels, but it is also available at specialty retailers around town. Our personal favorites are the elegant gift options in crystal jars, such as bath crystals, lotions and bath powders. You can also engrave the bottle with your mother’s initial to add that loving special touch. Where to find: Twigs and Lace, 64 North Main St., Alpharetta, 770-772-5136 and Shoppe of Vinings, 3244 Cobb Pkwy., Atlanta, 770-818-0708.

{ { { { { O R C H I D S BY G R E G O RY J O S E P H DESIGNS, $90 TO $1 8 5 Flowers are so beautiful, yet so fleeting. So why not buy your mother flowers that won’t wilt away so she may enjoy it for years to come? Gregory Joseph Designs (GJD) specializes in exquisite, life-like permanent botanicals that are so realistic, even a mom with a green thumb will scratch her head in wonderment. GJD offers a wide selection of arrangements and unique containers, as well as in-house design consultation to make your gift one-of-a-kind. And as a special touch, he can use your own personal containers, making it possible to take that hidden family heirloom and have Gregory work his magic to create a sentimental gift to cherish. Where to find: Gregory Joseph Designs, Atlanta, 404-539-0143

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREGORY JOSEPH DESIGNS

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN HARRISON

{ { { { { { { { { { HANDMADE ARTISAN PURSES F R O M A C R O S S T H E G LO B E , $ 3 5 T O $ 70 Each purse found at Ten Thousand Villages is as unique and beautiful as the woman you are giving it to. The store is dedicated to providing a vital, fair income to the people of the Third World by selling their handicrafts in North America and telling their stories. And while they sell a wide variety of home décor goods, pottery, jewelry and other decorative items your mother may enjoy, their purses will surely turn heads, as they are as diverse as the rich cultures they come from, such as India, Nepal, Egypt and Vietnam. There is something for every taste, style and budget. Where to ﬁnd: Ten Thousand Villages: The Avenue Forsyth,

{ { { { { { { { PROMISE ME PERFUME, $1 9. 9 9 TO $ 5 9 Give your mother the scent of compassion and courage with the Promise Me fragrance. Susan G. Komen for the Cure partnered with

PHOTO COURTESY OF TPR HOLDINGS

Cumming, 678-455-8739; Perimeter Place Shopping Center, 770-3999922; and in Virginia Highland. www.tenthousandvillages.com

TPR Holdings to launch the first and only proprietary fragrance to benefit breast cancer research, which offers a beautiful tribute to those who have been touched by this disease. The sophisticated floriental opens with a fresh burst of mandarin, bergamot and blood orange, but at its feminine heart comes pink peony, wild orchid and rosewood. Each Promise Me fragrance purchase includes a limited edition scented bracelet and, best of all, helps fight for an end to breast cancer. Where to find: Dillard’s department stores

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

THE INAUGURAL ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

takes foodies on a journey THROUGH SOUTHERN CULINARY CULTURE

[ W RI T T E N BY B RE H UM P H RI E S ]

If there’s one thing we draw our identity from

here in the South (other than Southern hospitality, that is) it’s food. Call me biased, but few other regions in the country have such strong ties to cultural dishes, and here in the South, our food has soul. It’s a point of great pride for epicureans in Atlanta, and locals Dominique Love and Elizabeth Feichter are no exception. The two co-owners of Corporate Community Outsourcing got connected to the food festival circuit when Food & Wine magazine enlisted their consulting services to create a cause-marketing campaign to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the magazine’s Food & Wine Classic in Aspen in 2006. “We would walk away from the classic and say ‘This is really amazing, we would love to have something like this in the South. Why isn’t there something honoring Southern chefs?’” Feichter recalled. So the two took their idea to Food & Wine Publisher Chris Grdovic.

SAVOR “She said, ‘I don’t want to talk about a festival. I have no interest in talking about a festival, don’t come to me about a festival,’” Feichter recalled. But the ﬁve minutes she agreed to spend listening to their concept turned into more than an hour-long meeting, which ended with support from both Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure magazines for a comprehensive celebration of Southern food, drink and culture right here in Atlanta.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

“This is different than

anything the city has seen before — it’s not a street festival, it’s a culinary weekend where you can be a real food lover who is into the ﬁner details or just someone who enjoys food and wine.

south THE

”

ELIZABETH FEICHTER | Co-founder, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA COLLINS DESIGNS

Festival founders Dominique Love and Elizabeth Feichter

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something unique in the marketplace. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing else like this in the country that honors one regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditions,â&#x20AC;? Feichter said. The inaugural Atlanta Food & Wine festival will feature more than 200 epicurean activities in Midtown Atlanta and restaurants throughout the city on May 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22, promising a tantalizing journey through the foodways of the South. Prep Work The ďŹ rst step to bring the festival to fruition was to create a Founders Council of culinary professionals from Atlanta and across the entire Southeast â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a total of 13 states, plus Washington, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; so that the entire region would be represented. The resulting council members, along with special guests and curators who were recruited later, include a wide range of culinary talent, from award-winning chefs, mixologists and master P R I X F I X E PAC K AG E S t Connoisseur, $2,500 o *ODMVEFT GFTUJWBM PQFOJOH SFDFQUJPO FBSMZ BDDFTT UP 5BTUJOH 5FOUT 4USFFU $BSU 1BWJMJPO BOE HFOFSBM USBDL TFNJOBST BOE EFNPOTUSBUJPOT BDDFTT UP $POOPJT TFVS -PVOHF SFTFSWF XJOF CFFS BOE TQJSJUT UBTUJOHT POF " MB $BSUF FWFOU EJTDPVOUT PO TQFDJBM FWFOUT BOE EJOOFST BOE $POOPJTTFVS BOE GFTUJWBM HJGU CBHT t VIP, $1,000 o *ODMVEFT HFOFSBM USBDL TFNJOBST QBOFM EJTDVTTJPOT EFNPOTUSBUJPOT BOE DMBTTFT FBSMZ BDDFTT UP TFNJOBST BOE EFNPOTUSBUJPOT 5BTUJOH 5FOUT BOE 4USFFU $BSU 1BWJMJPO POF " MB $BSUF FWFOU EJTDPVOUT PO TQFDJBM FWFOUT BOE DIFG EJOOFST BOE GFTUJWBM HJGU CBH t 3-Day, $500 o *ODMVEFT HFOFSBM USBDL TFNJOBST QBOFM EJTDVTTJPOT BOE EFNPOTUSBUJPOT 5BTUJOH 5FOUT BOE 4USFFU $BSU 1BWJMJPO BOE GFTUJWBM HJGU CBH t Foodster, $150 o *ODMVEFT i#SFBL UIF 3VMFTw QBSUZ XJUI $IFG /BUIBO -JQQZ BU UIF 8 "UMBOUB o .JEUPXO IPUFM i" %BZ JO UIF (BSEFOw TFSWJDF BDUJWJUZ CBSCFDVF GFBTU BOE DSBGU CSFX TBNQMJOH BU 8BOEFSMBOE 'BSN JO %FDBUVS BOE 5BTUJOH 5FOUT BOE 4USFFU $BSU 1BWJMJPO t Day Pass, $200 - $250 o *ODMVEFT TJOHMF EBZ BDDFTT UP TFNJOBST EFNPOTUSBUJPOT QBOFM EJTDVTTJPOT 5BTUJOH 5FOUT BOE 4USFFU $BSU 1BWJMJPO t Single Tasting Tent and Street Cart Pavilion tickets, $75 - $125

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL sommeliers to barbecue pit masters, fry cooks and local growers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want this to become commercialized â&#x20AC;Ś we wanted to recognize Southern talent, and sometimes that means your nameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not on a billboard or you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a television show, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still doing great stuff,â&#x20AC;? Feichter said. This idea was also important to the Atlanta Founders Council members, a group of chefs who hand-selected special guests from states across the South to participate in the festival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really wanted to do our best to showcase some of the stars that may not get as much recognition [but] their product is just so good â&#x20AC;Ś kind of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mom and popâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; people coming from smaller towns, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all sourcing locally and producing seasonally,â&#x20AC;? said Chef Ford Fry, who will be participating in the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fried chicken trail and hosting a Pig Out, Texas-Style dinner at his restaurant, JCT Kitchen and Bar. The Founders Council was also responsible for planning the programming for the event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Atlanta Food & Wine worked very hard to make sure the voice of the region was heard in every aspect,â&#x20AC;? said Gina Hopkins, sommelier and co-owner of Restaurant Eugene, which was one of the ďŹ rst restaurants to sell out a wine dinner for festival weekend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we wanted to see more of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cool and interesting about the South and not whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clichĂŠ,â&#x20AC;? added Chef Steven SatterďŹ eld, who will be teaching a seminar and hosting a dinner at his restaurant, Miller Union. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not overcooked collard greens and sticks of butter or anything â&#x20AC;&#x201D; more like doing interesting explorations of culinary history.â&#x20AC;? After putting their chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hats together in several visionary meetings, three overall themes emerged to serve as the framework for the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old Traditionsâ&#x20AC;? paying homage to classic techniques and rituals, â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Traditionsâ&#x20AC;? highlighting chefs, purveyors, mixologists and growers who bring innovation to Southern cuisine, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imports and Inspirationsâ&#x20AC;? focusing on Southern latitudinal comparisons in spirits, such as wine from South Africa and South America, or south-of-theborder tequilas. Sipping, Savoring, Sampling The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival features a diverse range of programming, from seminars and demonstrations at Loews Atlanta, the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ofďŹ cial host hotel,

THE FINEST IN LUXURY SALON SUITES rve e e s e r suit r u yo day! to

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own salon? You could realize that dream tomorrow with a single call to Solera Salon & Spa in Alpharetta. Stylists who join Solera Salon & Spa in Alpharetta have access to all the business support and service they need in a world-class private suite facility built from the ground-up just for you. At Solera Salon & Spa, salon & health professionals are in business for themselves, but not by themselves. Solera Salon & Spa is the ideal environment for independent business owners striving to maximize their earning potential. Support for our business owners includes: UÊ Õ Ì iÊÃÌ>vvÊÌ Ê iiÌÊÌ i ÀÊ ii`Ã UÊ*iÀÃ > âi`ÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊv ÀÊÃÌÞ ÃÌÃ½Ê}ÕiÃÌÃ UÊ Õ ÃiÀÛ ViÊV>vjÊ> `ÊÀiÌ> Ê UÊ ÕÃ iÃÃÊ V À« À>Ì ]ÊÌ>ÝÊ Vi ÃiÊ>ÃÃ ÃÌ> ViÊ UÊ >À iÌ }Ê«À }À> Ê V Õ` }ÊVÕÃÌ ÊÜiLÊ«À wÊ iÊ UÊ-> iÃÊi`ÕV>Ì ]Ê ÃÕÀ> ViÊ> `Ê Ì iÀÊ«À }À> ÃÊ

This environment allows stylists and other professionals to earn far more than traditional salon environments. You not only capture all of the revenues generated from services, you also >ÛiÊÌ iÊ «« ÀÌÕ ÌÞÊÌ ÊÃi ÊÌ iÊÀiÌ> ÊÞ ÕÊLi iÛiÊ Ê> `Ê ii«Ê> Ê Ì iÊ«À wÊÌÃ°Ê ÃÌÊ vÊ> ]Ê- iÀ>Ê-> ÊEÊ-«>Ê> ÜÃÊ«À viÃÃ > ÃÊÌ Ê`iÛi «Ê better relationships with their customers with a completely private suite, ready to be decorated in whatever personal style desired. Each luxury suite is also ready for business the day you arrive, with a European shampoo bowl, cutting chair, appliance station, dryer and mirror. In addition to offering the best possible environment, Solera Salon & Spa will provide a complete menu of spa and medi-spa services. This will allow stylists to offer their clients a true full-service experience. The Alpharetta facility will be open mid-summer and reservaÌ ÃÊ>ÀiÊLi }ÊÌ> i Ê ÜtÊ > Ê ÀÊi > ÊÌ `>Þ°

WWW.SOLERASALON.COM 1 6 5 5 M A N S E L L R D , A L P H ARE TTA 30009  1/3 mile West of Highway 400) T E L . 678. 585. 0700

ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL to tasting experiences at a special Street Cart Pavilion and the festival Tasting Tents. “When we talk about tasting tents, it’s more than just stepping from table to table,” Feichter explained. “We wanted to create a culinary journey throughout the South … for instance, what is fried chicken

in North Carolina, or in Atlanta? What’s the difference between Texas barbecue and Western North Carolina-style barbecue?” Of course, each bite will be paired with a corresponding beverage. “That tasting tent component is where we think of sipping and savoring and sampling the South. So

TREAT UNWANTED VEINS NOW! Call 404-255-3252 to schedule your free consultation For over 20 years our doctors have specialized in leg and facial vein treatment in Atlanta. We offer the latest treatments for varicose veins: Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) and Radiofrequency VNUS closure. t 30 Minute Ofﬁce Procedure • No General Anesthesia • 98% Success Rate • Covered by Most Insurance Plans

Now using revolutionary VEINWAVE to treat small, resistant facial and leg veins on patients of all skin types. 5669 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. Suite 155 Atlanta, GA 30342

(404) 255-3252 www.myveincenter.com

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Mark J. Mittenthal, MD, FACS J. Mark Rheudasil, MD, FACS Board-Certified Vascular Surgeons

you might try a sparkling white wine with fried chicken, or bourbon with anything,” Feichter said with a laugh. Individual tickets are available for the Tasting Tents and the Street Cart Pavilion, but the best way to experience the festival is to purchase one of the packages, which offer a combination of events for an inclusive food and wine experience. “Our packages start at the high end, our Connoisseur Package, which is everything that you could possibly want in a food and wine experience for the weekend,” Feichter continued. The Connoisseur Package includes entry into a special Connoisseur Lounge at Loews with appearances by special guests throughout the weekend — perhaps an acclaimed chef preparing breakfast, or a master sommelier hanging out in the wine lounge. “It’s a casual opportunity to get up close and personal with talent in a nonprogrammed way,” she explained. A LA CARTE Atlanta Food & Wine features more than 200 events over the course of the weekend, but a few in particular have people behind the scenes licking their lips in anticipation: t Chef’s Choice Wine Dinner, Empire State South – Features food and wine pairings by Atlanta’s own Hugh Acheson, Karen and Ben Barker from Magnolia Grill in Durham, N.C., and Frank Stitt from Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham, Ala. t Grilling Demo: Dry v. Wet, Loews Atlanta Hotel – Brothers Kevin and Kent Rathbun (of Rathbun’s in Atlanta, and Abacus in Dallas, respectively) battle it out over the use of rubs or marinades on the grill. t Pig Out, Texas Style, JCT Kitchen – Texas expat Ford Fry teams up with fellow Texan Tim Love of The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro & Love Shack in Fort Worth for a kickin’ good time with six whole pigs roasted in Love’s special “Love Box,” plus specialty cocktails and Texas tunes. t Traditional Southern Supper, Miller Union – Features fresh, local ingredients prepared by Atlanta’s Chef Steven Satterﬁeld along with The Lee Brothers of Charleston, S.C.

After days of strolling through the tasting tents and soaking up seminars, festival-goers can enjoy A la Carte chef dinners and special events in restaurants throughout the city. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We joke that if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a ticket with us for dinner that night, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be eating out in Atlanta because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve monopolized all the restaurants,â&#x20AC;? Feichter said. Each dinner pairs an Atlanta chef or restaurant with guest chefs, sommeliers or mixologists from another state, making for once-in-a-lifetime dining opportunities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is different than anything the city has seen before â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a street festival, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a culinary weekend where you can be a real food lover who is into the ďŹ ner details or just someone who enjoys food and wine,â&#x20AC;? Feichter said. And the combination of a continually rising restaurant scene with a renewed interest in our regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture made the timing just right for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a growing trend, and rightfully so, to explore the history of our culture a little bit more, and discover it again. And Atlanta is starting to embrace that,â&#x20AC;? SatterďŹ eld said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think for a long time Atlanta was really trying to be the non-Southern Southern town, trying to be more worldly. And the chefs are pushing to get back to our roots â&#x20AC;&#x201D; where is this food coming from and why do people make these things and why is it so good? A lot of us are exploring that in our own realms in our restaurants and I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that we wanted to bring to the table.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one great big bite of the South,â&#x20AC;? Hopkins said. We can almost taste it now. PN F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival takes place May 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22. Tickets and packages will be available online up until the festival, but you must purchase before the events begin. To learn more, visit www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s See That Smile! t 4FSWJOH UIF %FOUBM /FFET PG $IJMESFO "HFT UP t 4UBUF PG UIF "SU 'BDJMJUZ t *OUFSOFU "DDFTT 8* '* t 5FFOT )BWF 5IFJS 0XO 8JOH t 4DIPPM 'PSNT t #PBSE $FSUJĂś FE 1FEJBUSJD %FOUJTU XJUI 0WFS :FBST &YQFSJFODF

Christy Haffner

D.M.D.

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Haffner is a Board CertiďŹ ed Pediatric Dentist specially trained to treat the dental needs of children. Dr. Haffner is also on staff at Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Healthcare of Atlanta.

" " ! "# # #

770-777-9400

www.drchristyhaffner.com Pediatric Center | 3300 Old Milton Pkwy | Suite 250 | Alpharetta, GA, 30005

Rock-U Summer Camp s Ages 9 - 17 s Roswell High School s 4 Week Sessions

this June s Music Composition s Band Improvisation Sessions s Activities and Guest Speakers s Live Finale Performance s Stage Presence and Performing Tips s Effects and Gear Training

Band and Orchestra Summer Camp Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Play!

s Camp Open to all 2nd-8th Graders s All Levels of Experience are Welcome s Music 101 Beginner Camp $179 s 2 Week Sessions this June s Camp Location: The Milton Center s Different Themes for the Campers to Choose From s Fiddle Camp s Jazz Band s Bach to Rock to Hip Hop

$279/wk. Includes Instrument if Needed

%VBM "DDSFEJUBUJPO 4"$4 "$4*

Come Grow With Us A School Worth Learning About...

Diï¬&#x20AC;erentiated Instruction: .VMUJ 4FOTPSZ 3FBEJOH "QQSPBDI t 8SJUJOH BDSPTT UIF $VSSJDVMVN t 4NBMM (SPVQ .BUI *OTUSVDUJPO %FEJDBUFE &MFNFOUBSZ 4DJFODF -BC t 4UBUF PG UIF "3U 5FDIOPMPHZ -BCT t $SPTT $VSSJDVMBS 5FBDIJOH 5SBOTJUJPOBM UI (SBEF "DBEFNZ t *OEJWJEVBM 1FSGPSNBODF 1MBOT College-Preparatory Curriculum: "EWBODFE 1MBDFNFOU "1 $MBTTFT t )POPST $MBTTFT t $PMMFHF GPS 4VDDFTT t 4"5 "$5 5FTU 1SFQ *OEJWJEVBM (SPVQ $BSFFS $PVOTFMJOH t $PMMFHF 7JTJUBUJPOT Extra-Curricular Programs 'PPUCBMM t 4PDDFS t $SPTT $PVOUSZ t $IFFSMFBEJOH t 7PMMFZCBMM t #BTLFUCBMM t #BTFCBMM t 5FOOJT t (PMG %SBNB t #BOE t $IPSVT t 4USJOHT &OTFNCMF t (VJUBS t ,FZCPBSEJOH t 0EZTTFZ PG UIF .JOE :FBSCPPL t /FXTQBQFS t .BUI $MVC t *OUFSOBUJPOBM $MVC "WFSBHF 4"5 4DPSF t /BUJPOBM )POPS 4PDJFUZ t +VOJPS #FUB $MVC t /BUJPOBM %&$" $PNQFUJUJPO ".$ .BUI $PNQFUJUJPO t -FBEFSTIJQ 'PSTZUI t 5FBN #VJMEJOH -FBEFSTIJQ 3FUSFBUT %BJMZ %FWPUJPOT #JCMF $MBTTFT t 8FFLMZ $IBQFM 4FSWJDFT

)JHIMZ 2VBMJmFE BOE $FSUJmFE 5FBDIFST t 'VMMZ "DDSFEJUFE Online Enrichment and Courses for Homeschool Students

Inspiring Minds â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Nurturing Souls

Learning... Loving... Serving...

A Christ-Centered, Non-Denominational, Service Oriented School for Grades K-12

For further information, please contact us at 678.947.3583 or www.horizonchristian.org 36

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

THE

ARTS ARE

ALIVE WELL

[ WRITTEN BY CARL DANBURY, JR. ]

North Atlanta Dance Academy Leads a Private Sector Cultural Initiative in Johns Creek

“On the clear understanding that this kind of thing can happen, shall we dance?” — “THE KING AND I” OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II; RICHARD RODGERS

In this era of budget cuts

throughout our public school systems, cultural arts programs such as music or musical theater are often dropped. In an effort to counteract these cutbacks, a number of entities in the private sector have taken up the slack, and North Atlanta Dance Academy, co-founded by Michael and Kitty Garrison, has proven to be one of the main characters on this particular stage. Stepping up for the Community The Garrisons opened North Atlanta Dance Academy (NADA) in a 7,000-square foot facility off Old Milton Parkway and Jones Bridge Road in 1997. During those ﬁrst 13 years in business, they provided ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

North Atlanta Dance Academy

ballet, pointe, modern, jazz and tap dance instruction to thousands of children and young adults with a dozen NADA graduates working professionally. “The public school system’s focus has to be on preparing children for academics. It’s a wonderful ideal if they can provide a good music program or a good musicall theater program, but the reality is that, with budget cuts, they often aren’t able to fulﬁll it. When times get hard, the arts are going to get cut. I ﬁrmly believe that people like us can take up that mantel for our communities,” Michael said. Several former students have earned scholarships to colleges and universities, such as Marissa Pan, who earned a perfect score on her SAT and now attends Harvard University, and Natalie McChesney, who attends Brigham Young University. Earlier this year, NADA moved into a resplendent 17,000-square-foot facility, The Johns Creek Center for the Arts and Design, with six studios and the ability to add new programs for local children and young adults on State Bridge Road. The move was engineered by local commercial developer Penn Hodge, an avid and longtime supporter of the arts in Alpharetta and Johns Creek. “The opportunity came along because of the economy and we are very fortunate

to have a space this large, and a landlord who understands the arts,” Kitty told Points North. “It is nice to have someone who understands and supports what we do and who provided us with this opportunity.” Michael, who began his professional dance career with the Tampa Ballet in 1980, distinguished himself as a gifted character dancer and held principal and soloist roles in many performances during his career. He has been teaching since 1985 and is a master instructor in ballet and modern dance. “Nowhere in our plans did we envision a facility this large,” he said. “We didn’t think it would be realistic but we knew how perfect it could be and what we could do with the space if we could make the numbers work and afford it. Mr. Hodge did make sacriﬁces to be able to get us in here.”

Raising the Curtain on New Classes NADA offers an accelerated program, a pre-professional program for exceptionally talented students and an open-school program for children not suited for the ballet. The open-school program offers ballet training but is more focused on contemporary dance. “T his prog ram affords the opportunity for all children to get into a dance class with their own age and their own level, and to be able to enjoy the experience without the pressure of making comparisons to themselves and another student who may be on a different track,” Michael explained. North Atlanta Dance Academy “Students increase t hei r s t reng t h a nd

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

ﬂexibility, it conditions them physically, and also challenges them psychologically. If you provide them with a good experience, something that they look back on and have enjoyed, then essentially we feel like we are doing the arts a favor because not only do they have an appreciation for the arts but as they progress in life, they will support the arts,” he continued. The additional space enables NADA to expand their pre-professional program, and also to add a new curriculum for its students. “Ultimately, what we would like to do when a parent walks through our doors with a young dancer is to be able to say, ‘Yes, we have something for you,’” he offered. “The expanded facility ﬁnally allows us to expand our program to include the musical theater division for any students who wish to pursue that curriculum,” Kitty explained. Students who select the musical theater program will receive instruction in jazz and tap dancing, as well as voice and acting lessons. The program will be directed by Xylina Nuckles and Peter Powlus and will be unveiled this fall. A precursory program is offered this summer. NADA’s summer programs are held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays from July 11 – 29. Drop-offs begin at 9 a.m. Students may select from a single week, two weeks or all three weeks, and have a choice of either the dance or the musical theater curriculum, or a combination of the two. For more dedicated students, a performance program will be held during those same three weeks, but they must attend all three weeks and must stay two hours longer each day. On the third Friday, they will provide a performance for parents. Each summer class is based upon age and skill level for children ages 7 to 18. The summer dance program includes ballet and pointe, jazz, modern and a new

ART

OF ALL

TRADES In addition to NADA, Johns Creek Center for the Arts and Design is also home to Performing Arts North (PAN), a non-proﬁt collection

Michael & Kitty Garrison

class on acting for dancers to help them be more expressive. A Window to the Arts Providing full access for parents and a safe environment for their children is top of mind at NADA. “When we opened our school, we made a concerted effort to welcome parents to be able to see the process. We have, and always have had, observation windows so that parents understand the process, glean information from what we are trying to do and as a result have more trust in us,” Michael said. “We have plenty of waiting areas for the parents so that they can be here and we want the parents to see what is going on.” “That’s a key selling point — our big observation windows — so that the parents can stay the entire time. We don’t ask the parents only to drop off and then pick up,” he stated. Parents also learn by observing the classes. “They have a greater appreciation of the difﬁculty and the challenges of the dance program, and year to year, they can see the improvement their child is making on a daily or weekly basis. This is not just a place where you drop your kids off while

you go to the grocery store,” Kitty said. The benefits of participating in structured programs offered by NADA are plentiful for the students. Classes are limited to 15 students or fewer and foster personal interaction with the instructor and with other pupils. “The students will always discover something about themselves, and if they come away with a sense of achievement, that is good for their self esteem, their confidence, focus and [their] interest. Most of our students in our advanced classes are straight-A students and overachievers,” Michael said. “In order to be able to pursue dance at a high level — every hour of their day is filled — and they have to keep their academics as a priority or they can’t stay in the dance company. Ultimately, the parents will make the decision and we support them.” “The discipline of dance translates to the discipline required for studying,” Kitty offered. And that’s an excellent reason to ask, shall we dance? PN

of educational theater companies, including The Shakespeare Studio, which was founded in 2006 and provides acting lessons and professional production standards for high school and college students. PAN offers weekly themed summer acting camps for children ages 7 to 14. The center’s newest tenant, Musik21, provides individual lessons for those interested in pursuing the piano, guitar, voice, violin, viola and ﬂute with instruction by seven renowned teachers, including Piotr Folkert and Dorota Lato, founder and president of the Chopin Society of Atlanta. Musik21 offers three unique weeklong summer camps for students in grades 1 through 12. Providing voice and choral instruction, the “Classics to Broadway” summer music camp will conclude with a concert repertoire performance by students. Musik21 also sells pianos and other instruments. Gallery Events is an arts event hall with the capacity to serve up to 300 guests for a special event or dinner. Design tenants include Window Traditions, Atlanta Kitchens, Closets & More and Parrott Building Group. Johns Creek Center for the Arts and Design 10700 State Bridge Road www.johnscreekad.com Musik21 770-777-7474 www.musik21.com Performing Arts North 770-781-4524 www.performingartsnorth.org

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N : North Atlanta Dance Academy 770-772-8000 www.northatlantadanceacademy.com

Gallery Events 678-369-3800 www.galleryeventsatlanta.com

ptsnorth.com | April 2010 | Points North

30 31 32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

WANT AN a-MAY-zing ADVENTU RE? , WE’VE BEEN THERE, DONE THAT YOUR TURN!

[

W R I TTE N BY HE ATHE R K W B ROW N W I TH A D D I TI O NA L R E P ORT I N G BY CARL DANBURY, JR. & TI F FA NY W I L L A RD

[

As this is the penultimate EDITORIAL SERIES SPONSORED BY MGD 64

installment for our often-high-ﬂying, adrenaline pumping escapades, we aren’t going to mince our words any more: Get out there and have some fun! We’ve personally experienced ﬁve of these adventures, so grab the reins, a paddle, a boa or the steering wheel for a line-up that will add a little pep to your step.

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Speaking of steps, check out the ofﬁcial shoe of our Genuine Adventures on page 45, and don’t forget, we still have several giveaways up for grabs, including free stand-up paddling lessons from YOLO Board, rock climbing or caving with Rock Dimensions and a complimentary Buckhead/Downtown Atlanta helicopter tour for two with Prestige Helicopters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOMENTUM ADVENTURE

Drive a dune buggy in Baja

for

cool, cool summer

PASSION

FASHION

WHETHER YOU’RE CONSERVATIVE OR CAREFREE, THIS SUMMER’S HOTTEST TRENDS WILL KEEP YOU LOOKING COOL

Retro

[ W RI T T E N BY TA M A RA H OL LY S M OLYA N SKY ]

CO UR TE

SY O F BE LK

IT’S A

PH O TO

Style industry leaders and fashion bloggers agree on summer’s warm weather basics. Here are our favorite ways to wear the hottest trends this season. OF BA NA NA RE PU BL IC

PHO

Orange Cr

TO C OUR T

ESY

ush

OF B ELK

PH OT O CO UR TE SY

Stripes O CO UR

TESY

OF W H IT

E HO US

E | BL AC

Ladylike Looks

Military

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

PHOT

UR O CO

TESY

K MA RKE

LK OF BE

PHOT

R ETRO

tops with faded, ﬂared denim Say yes to yesteryear with ’70s and ’80s inspired styles. Pair groovy peasant sandals step back onto for a look that’s comfortable and effortlessly fashionable. As for shoes, platform awesome. Accessories take a the scene. For dressier looks, high waist pants and crop tops are like, totally s. Rather than head-to-toe trip back in time with geometrical earrings, skinny belts and rubber cuff bracelet couture, not a costume. retro, it’s best to wear these items sparingly. The key is to look like you’re wearing W H E R E TO FI N D I T: K.La: www.shopkla.com, Multiple metro Atlanta locations Belk: www.belk.com, Multiple metro Atlanta locations

OR A NGE CRUSH

Step into the limelight with vibrant hues . Shades of citrus are ripe for the picking and tangerine is at the top of the crop. You’ll see loads of breezy dres ses, tanks and shor ts in this sunny shad e, and the same colorful details in accessories from strappy sand als to coral jewelry. Take center stage at night with a vivid wrap dress or add a subtle splash of color to career wear by tying on a signature scar f. Whether you have fair skin or a darker complexion, orange-toned garments will range from pretty peaches to dramatic gingers so you’re bound to ﬁnd the perfect hue for you. W H E R E TO FI N D I T: Belk: www.belk.com, Multiple metro Atlan ta locations Luna: www.shopluna.com, 3167 Peachtree Road, Atlanta

FA S H I O N F O R E C A S T Unpredictable summer weather can range from sunny and mild to hot and humid, so keep these timeless pieces on hand. SUNNY: Sheer beach hoodies and long sleeved “tissue” tees will protect your arms and chest from damaging rays. (Bonus: They’re inexpensive and look cute with cropped jeans and a tank top.) HUMID: Moist air can lead to bad hair days, so top off your look with a sexy straw fedora or a colorful scarf. RAINY: A pair of knee-high, candy-colored rain boots will keep your feet dry and your legs looking long and lean. (Tip: It’s best to wear a pair of thin socks underneath to avoid sweaty missteps.)

STR IPES Sailor-inspired styles are making waves this summer and you’re sure to see a boatload of choices at all price points. Ralph Lauren’s boatneck tops, wide leg pants and striped tunics are clean cut and preppy, and his classic cuts make them perfect for business-casual Fridays. As for weekends, navy and white stripes are beach bound in the form of bikinis, bandeaus and tote bags. Show off your sea legs with sexy cork espadrilles or fall head over heels for cute striped wedges. For a literal translation of the nautical trend, get on board with anchor motifs, which will be featured prominently on tanks, tees and charm bracelets. W H E R E TO FI N D I T: Belk: www.belk.com, Multiple metro Atlanta locations Ralph Lauren: www.ralphlauren.com, Lenox Square

L A DY L I K E L O OK S

Polite society will be happy to know that polished, feminine frocks are most deﬁ nitely in fashion this season. Tea-length skirts in shades of blush, shoulder-baring polka dot blouses and pretty pumps work together to create summer’s softest silhouette. Figure ﬂattering shift dresses (you can thank the curvy beauties of Mad Men) are also on the map, as are clutch purses, silk scarves and jeweled pins. This look may not be über revealing, but it shows just the right amount of skin … and a lot of class. W H E R E TO FI N D I T: White House | Black Market: www.whitehouseblackmarket.com, Multiple metro Atlanta locations Lavender: www.lavenderboutique.com, The Avenue Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 138, Cumming

M I L I TA RY

stiff, dark military looks of ons, how ‘bout you? Say “at ease” to the butt love We do! we yes i, khak love We h tones can easily look ed take on this trend. Head-to -toe eart relax more a to ” ntion “atte pay and er wint make for a look that’s more ied to a full skirt and lightweight jacket, appl n whe but , rmed unifo and l chia paro . Pair slim ﬁt cargo pants s best when worn one piece at a time work d tren This t. Scou Girl than up n grow t sleeved, brass buttoned a casually chic look or introduce a shor for lry jewe bold and tank le simp a with of leopard print ﬂats for a tee, your favorite cuffed jeans and a pair e whit c basi a to et jack e esqu arymilit gent look. fun interpretation of this otherwise strin W H E R E TO FI N D I T: Buckhead Marketplace ue Forsyth, The Avenue East Cobb and Aven The , .com thing eclo .sag www e: Sag tions lic.gap.com, Multiple metro Atlanta loca Banana Republic: www.bananarepub

H OT O R N OT ? It may be on the rack, but that doesn’t mean it’s on the mark. Here are the styles to set your sights on, and the overdone trends to steer clear of. FRESH NEW LOOKS Flared denim: laid back and flaw forgiving, they’re the ultimate in boho chic (which is still in style) Peep-toe pumps: eternally feminine, but only with a perfectly polished pedicure Canvas totes: great for your everyday essentials with enough room for your Kindle, a Luna bar and a copy of this magazine Cat-eye shades: sexy, mysterious and perfect for running errands sans mascara BEEN THERE, WORN THAT Jeggings: “muffin top” may have been the flavor of the month, but it has reached its expiration date Gladiator sandals: unless you’re Russell Crowe, keep these unbecoming shoes in ancient Rome Mammoth handbags: your purse should never upstage you, conceal your cute outfit, or break your back Aviator sunglasses: too masculine for this summer’s feminine styles

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

Now is the Time to Buy! 8FMM *OGPSNFE JO /PSUI (FPSHJB 3FBM &TUBUF o -BOE $PNNFSDJBM 3FTJEFOUJBM $6450. )0.& 0/ -",& -"/*&3

4"/%&34 30"% t $6..*/( (" 5)& ("5&4 "5 .$(*//*4 '&33: t 0ʺ DF 4QBDF GPS TBMF PS MFBTF t 3FEVDFE GPS RVJDL TBMF t -PDBUJPO -PDBUJPO -PDBUJPO 5IJT POF IBT JU BMM -BSHF m STU n PPS TVJUF TR GU 0QFO n PPS QMBO )BSEXPPE n PPST JO MBSHF SFDFQUJPO BSFB /FX 1BJOU 4JY 0ʺ DFT 4VQQMZ SPPN -BSHF DPOGFSFODF SPPN CVMM QFO ,JUDIFO 5XP MBSHF CBUISPPNT 'SPOU BOE CBDL FOUSBODF $POWJFOBOU UP HB

t BDSFT [POFE 0 * (SFBU MPDBUJPO t -FWFM "MM VUJMJUJFT BWBJMBCMF 4VSSPVOEJOH QSPQFSUJFT EFWFMPQFE )FBSU $FOUFS BOE .FEJDBM Pʺ DFT $MPTF UP /PSUITJEF 'PSTZUI )PTQJUBM "MTP QFSGFDU GPS "TTJTUFE MJWJOH GBDJMJUZ

$975,000 Call Patricia 678-779-4663

t 1SJTUJOF HBUFE MBLFGSPOU QSPQFSUZ PO MBLF MBOJFS t $PNQMFUF SFCVJME t #S #B t 1SJWBUF t &MFWBUPS UP BMM n PPST t 8JOEPXT HBMPSF t 5FSSBDF MFWFM X MJWJOH BSFB JODMVEJOH CE CB m SFQMBDF t %FUBDIFE TUPOF FOUFSUBJONFOU BSFB X m SFQMBDF HSJMM TJOL SFGSJHFSBUPS t 4FDVSJUZ TZTUFN t (FOFSBUPS t /FX EPDL BOE EFFQ XBUFS

$1,600,000 Owner/Agent

“Let Our Agents put their experience to work for you!”

$299,000 Call Patricia 678-779-4663

)"3.0/: #&/% 46#%*7*4*0/ )"-- $06/5:

Serving North Georgia Since 1968

www.raymossrealtors.com 48

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

t #FBVUJGVM 8FMM .BJOUBJOFE 3BODI t #% #" t -PWFMZ 4VOSPPN t -BSHF -PU Only $164,900

Office: 770-476-1234

Patricia Walker 3FBM &TUBUF "HFOU

Cell: 678-779-4663

t TRAVEL Costa Rica

Into the Wild From the Rainforest Surrounding the Arenal Volcano to the Coast of Peninsula Papagayo, A Trip To Costa Rica Leads to Exotic Adventures and Environmental Awareness [ W R I T T E N BY B R E H U M P H R I E S ]

matter where you go,

nothing quite compares to a room with a view. Such was the case in Costa Rica. The Central American country is a playground for adventure, with opportunities for canyoning, white water rafting, canopy tours, hiking and so much more; still, I got the greatest thrill from the mesmerizing view from my suite at The Springs Resort and Spa in La Fortuna: the majestic Arenal Volcano standing sentinel over the rainforest around it. With a bed situated directly across from ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows, the volcano is the ﬁrst sight that greets you in the morning, and its silhouette in the darkness bids you sweet dreams each night. The Arenal Volcano is one of the world’s 10 most active volcanoes. Even during the rainy season (May through December), its presence protrudes through veils of fog to a height of 5,437 feet. Usually you can still make out a whisper of smoke snaking from its mouth, and on clear nights, you may glimpse the glow of magma spilling down its side, or even a larger eruption of boulders tumbling toward the base. Surrounding the volcano is the 29,692-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, which itself is encompassed in the 504,094-acre ArenalTilaran Conservation Area, one of 11 zones

View of the Arenal Volcano from The Springs Resort and Spa PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPRINGS RESORT AND SPA

travel

| COSTA RICA

PHOTO COURTESY OF SWISS TRAVEL

Carara National Park

Perdidos Springs at The Springs Resort and Spa

managed by the Costa Rican National parks administrator to protect the area’s geologic and biological diversity. In Costa Rica, conservation like this is a country-wide effort and eco-consciousness is the cultural norm; here, the locals are acutely aware of their natural surroundings, so it’s only natural that the mindset would seep into tourism, and sustainable efforts are second-nature. Healing Waters Flow Forth With an advanced recycling program, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system and a dedication to reforestation, The Springs is no exception to Costa Rica’s eco-conscious state of mind. The resort is located in the heart of the Arenal region, approximately 2 hours by car from the airport in San Jose, so we enlisted Swiss Travel for the drive. If you truly want to explore the country, Swiss Travel is an excellent option, as the company specializes in private tours and full- or halfday group adventures, from hiking along hanging bridges in Monteverde’s Selvatura Park to exploring the exotic Carara National Park. As we neared The Springs, our route took a sharp turn upward. Situated 1,000 feet above the Arenal Valley, the 165acre, ﬁve-star resort has been built into a hill so that each level has an optimal view of the volcano. Though temperatures reportedly reach an average of 80 degrees here during the day, late afternoons are a bit cooler during the rainy season, so we soon set out for the resort’s signature hot mineral springs

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

as much for the warmth as for the healing properties they promote, such as improved circulation and stress prevention. The Springs features a total of 18 freeform, landscaped pools, most of which are fed directly by the property’s hot mineral springs, with temperatures that vary from 83 to 103 degrees. Our personal tour of the pools started with a stop at the La Laguna swim-up bar for Caipirinhas to sip as we wandered along lush paths until we came upon the Los Perdidos jungle bar hidden back in the brush, where a waterslide between two of the pools made us feel like kids again. As if the warm waters are not therapeutic enough, many treatments at The Springs Spa incorporate indigenous botanical ingredients for heightened health beneﬁts, and we relished a luxurious couples massage before dozing side-by-side in cozy loungers with yet another view of the volcano. Monkey Business With our minds and bodies utterly soothed, we booked a tour to The Springs’ on-property wildlife preserve, a partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Energy that provides refuge to animals that have been conﬁscated from poachers or donated by other private preserves. We started by paying a visit to the wild cats — a puma, seven ocelots, two jaguarundis and 23 doe-eyed, docile margays with sweet demeanors. We then came upon capuchin and squirrel monkeys, the latter of which showed off for us, swinging playfully through their cages. We tried to feed them bits of fruit, but one was more

O f f e ring da Vinc i Robot ic Gy n Su r g er y Less Invasive â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Faster Recovery â&#x20AC;˘ Call for your free consultation.

interested in fashion than food, and made a grab for the sunglasses on top of my head with his long tail. The wildlife preserve tours are also available by horseback and ATV, as well, and the Arenal area is ripe with additional opportunities for adventure. You can venture deep into the rainforest to repel down waterfalls into the depths of the canyons, soar above the treetops on a canopy tour, tackle class 3 and 4 rapids on the Toro River, commune with nature at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, cast a line on Lake Arenal, and even get up close and personal to the volcano itself on tours of lava observation points. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked up an appetite, The Springs has plenty of options. At lunch, Treetops Grill is a fun spot that looks down on the canopy of trees below. For cocktail hour, snag a seat at Ginger Sushi for fresh, local ďŹ sh and festive beverages. The Windows restaurant boasts the best view of the volcano by day, and offers fine dining by night in a relaxed atmosphere, where the twinkling lights of La Fortuna in the distance dance in the background as friendly waiters offer deep sea ďŹ shing tips to guests like my husband, who was just itching to get to the next leg of our journey, a weekend on Costa Ricaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northwest coast. Catch of the Day on the Coast After bidding goodbye to a crystal-clear morning view of the volcano sans fog, we embarked on the 3.5-hour journey from The Springs to the Peninsula Papagayo in the Guanacaste province. As we traded Arenal for the coast, the landscape changed drastically; the vibrant colors of the rainforest lost a bit of their edge, replaced with a different kind of beauty in the form of prairieland, cattle ranches and tropical dry forest. Blending seamlessly into this new natural environment is the ďŹ ve-star Four Seasons Costa

Here because you & your baby deserve

simply the best. The areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only husband & Wife OB/GYN team. John C. Reyes, M.D. Ingrid V. Reyes, M.D.

â&#x20AC;˘ Exclusive maternity care from the ďŹ rst appointment to the delivery room â&#x20AC;˘ 3D/4D Ultrasound â&#x20AC;˘ Annual exams, contraception & IUDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;˘ Abnormal Pap smears/HPV testing â&#x20AC;˘ Irregular or heavy periods

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Tubal sterilization options Treatment of ovarian cysts Total laparoscopic hysterectomy options Hysteroscopy Endometrial ablation options Treatment of uterine ďŹ broids/polyps

VISIT OUR W EBSITE FOR ALL OUR S E RV IC E S

404.446.2496 | www.reyesobgyn.com Call to Schedule Your Appointment Emory Johns Creek Hospital Physicians Plaza â&#x20AC;˘ 6335 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 204 | Johns Creek

Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trusted Plastic Surgeons for Over 10 Years.

< > K : NDJ G H : A ; 6

HEG>C< A>;I Mark M. Beaty, M.D. Board CertiďŹ ed American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Ulthera Ultrasound Lift and Portrait PSR resurfacing provide minimal down-time skin tightening and wrinkle reduction CALL F O R F ULL D E TA I L S

86AA ID96N ;DG 8DCHJAI6I>DC M ILTON H ALL P LASTIC S URGERY Old Milton Parkway, Suite | Alpharetta, GA www.miltonhallplasticsurgery.com ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

travel

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FOUR SEASONS

| COSTA RICA

the beach with his fishing rods, intent on hooking the best catch in Costa Rica. While he set about his mission, I chose a shaded spot by one of four pools, where staff members made rounds to offer cool towels or clean my sunglasses. As I basked in the sunshine, I spotted a few blue jays and wondered what other wildlife I might encounter here. Rumor has it that howler monkeys make an appearance on property from time to time, and I wanted to see one almost as badly as my husband wanted to catch his roosterﬁsh. There’s no shortage of activities at the Four Seasons — guests are welcome to participate in cooking classes and salsa dancing, morning and sunset hikes, kayaking and snorkeling off the beach, and off-site excursions like canopy tours, catamaran cruises and even a trip to neighboring Nicaragua. There’s also a 220-acre championship golf course, which is fun to explore even if you’re not hitting the links. A guided

Above: Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo’s Catch of the Day Outpost Right: Private suite terrace at the Four Seasons

Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, a 2,300-acre resort community that exceeds the highest standards of luxury without becoming ostentatious. In fact, the resort was designed to do just that by architects who incorporated elements of the natural environment into colors and structures so well that it’s hard to even see the resort from the ocean during the dry season. Soon after we settled into our suite, my husband hit

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

“Quality You Can Count On” Serving North Atlanta for over 38 years. r 3FTJEFOUJBMr $PNNFSDJBM r /FX $POTUSVDUJPO

$20 off Service Call Call for a Free In-Home Estimate

(770) 886-1998

www.reliance-hvac.com 52

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

MENTION THIS AD 0íFS HPPE UISPVHI

golf course tour gives you the scoop on the resort’s reforestation and conservation efforts, plus an incredible 360-degree gulf view from Hole 3. The resort’s five-star spa is a perfect peaceful pastime, where many natural Costa Rican skincare ingredients make an appearance in treatments like the Rainforest Aromatherapy massage. And of course, there are plenty of options for fishing, whether off the beach, by kayak, or by deep-sea or inshore fishing charters. Whether you catch your own fish or not, a visit to the resort’s Catch of the Day outpost on the beach allows guests to handselect the fresh fish they’d like prepared for dinner that very night. Another dinner option is Tico’s lounge, which serves sushi and small plates ranging from personal-sized pizzas to popcorn, plus the serenades of a lively Latin trio. But our best dinner of all was a special date night at Di Mare, the resort’s Italian-inspired restaurant, where we watched the sun setting over the ocean with a divine meal of mushroom risotto and macadamia-crusted sea bass. Growing Together, Giving Back The Four Seasons is one of many to enjoy elite status under Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism, which ensures the highest level of green initiatives, and the resort implements them into every detail, from limiting land use to just 30 percent of the peninsula to providing polar water bottles for purchase in place of plastic, with proceeds benefiting a local conservation organization. An extension of this is the resort’s sense of social responsibility, which manifests in their “Growing Together” volunteer program, with various outreach projects in the community. Guests interested in this “voluntourism” can register online in advance to clean trails in national parks, provide food for a low-income family, or interact with kids in a local school. Armed with a colorful children’s book I brought from home, I joined one of the Four Seasons ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

travel

The month of May is American Backyard’s Celebration of the Great Outdoors.

reate your own backyard retreat with Tropitone’s dining and deep seating outdoor products. Tropitone has a long history of product durability and their RelaxPlus® cushions and deep seating create indoor comfort perfect for your outdoor set. Purchase a Tropitone 5- or 7-piece set by May 22 and receive up to $400 off with a factory authorized rebate. See store for details.

We are an authorized dealer for Big Green Egg smokers, Napoleon Gourmet Grills and Broil King Gas Grills.

| COSTA RICA

volunteer ambassadors to pay a visit to a local elementary school in Guanacaste. With the younger ones, I passed out coloring books and encouraged them as they worked, taking great care to color inside the lines. With the older kids, I read aloud a children’s book version of “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” with bright pictures they could enjoy since they didn’t understand the words, even though they start learning English at this age. The purpose of bringing people like me is to expose these students to native English speakers. Afterwards, they indulged their curiosity, asking me what it’s like to be a journalist and if I’m on CNN. When we left, one girl hugged me and told me God was with me, a touching ending to a poignant experience. On the way back to the resort, I received another reward — the sighting of three howler monkeys whooping and hollering to each other low in the trees on the side of the road. On our last morning in Costa Rica, we encountered these creatures yet again when they woke us at 5 a.m. with their howling, so loud we half expected to see them standing on our porch when we stumbled out of bed to investigate. The sound was unearthly, and even a bit scary, so we stepped hesitantly out of the suite to scan the trees for a sight of them. Alas, they were hidden from view in the dense trees, so we eventually went back to bed to the sound of their howls mingling with the crashing of the waves from below, like a symphonic send off from this exotic adventure. PN

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N

American Backyard 955 North Point Drive (next to Best Buy) Alpharetta, GA 30022

(770) 754-5750 Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am to 7 pm Sun 12 to 6 pm

It’s time to start thinking outside the house! 54

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo www.fourseasons.com/costarica/ The Springs www.thespringscostarica.com Swiss Travel www.swisstravelcr.com

The Non-Surgical Solution

To Herniated Discs, Sciatica & Lower Back Pain

FDA approved, non-surgical lumbar decompression system that has proven to be over 75% effective in the treatment of bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatic pain! VAX-D treatment reduces the pressure in the lumbar spine, relieving the pain from pinched nerves and helps the body heal itself.

Get Relief From:

LAKELAND CHIROPRACTIC CENTER -BLFMBOE 1MB[B t $VNNJOH ("

770-781-9050

t Neck Pain t Headaches t Lower Back Pain t Sciatica t Disc Herniation t Disc Bulge t Shoulder Pain t Knee Pain t Auto Accidents t Sports Injuries

Call for an Appointment Today! ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

S PE C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G SE C T I O N

93rd PGA Championship Returns to Johns Creek THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP and its historic Wanamaker Trophy will return to the Atlanta Athletic Club once again for the 93rd PGA Championship, Aug. 8 – 14, and tickets are now on sale for the Season’s Final Major. Since 1916, The PGA of America has worked to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. In keeping with these missions, there are several ticket packages designed to give more people an opportunity to participate in the 93rd PGA Championship. Admission ticket prices range from $25 for a Monday practice round ticket to $550 for a week-long Wanamaker Club ticket. In addition there are several parking upgrades available that range from $20 a day to $250 for the week. The PGA will continue its tradition of having free parking and shuttle option as well. The PGA Championship also will cont inue its popular junior ticket policy for 2011. Juniors age 17 and under will be allowed access into the Championship Grounds with an accompanying ticketed adult. Each ticketed adult will be allowed up to four junior admissions to the PGA Championship at no additional charge. Junior tickets must be picked up on site at the Will Call Ofﬁce at the Championship main entrance on the day of admission. 800-742-4653, http://www.pga.com/pgachampionship/2011 ________________________________________

Barnsley Gardens Summer Celebration Summer fun begins at Barnsley Gardens Memorial Day weekend. On Friday, May 28, guests will enjoy late night music and cocktails (and swimming) at the

pool with live music provided by Keenan BARNSLEY SUMMER CELEBRATION Blount & Friend. In PHOTO COURTESY OF BARNSLEY GARDENS June, t he popular D i ve I n T he at e r returns with overnight guests enjoying g o o d c o m p a n y, cocktails and great movies like “Little Fockers” ( June 4), “The Tourist” (June 11) and “Dinner for Sc h muc k s” ( Ju ne 25). Beginning in J u l y, B a r n s l e y ’s 93rd PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: Atlanta Athletic Club Firefly Night at the PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTA ATHLETIC CLUB Ruins with Williamson Blount is featured on four Saturday evenings (July 2, July 16, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20). In September, Scott Thompson makes a return visit to Barnsley Gardens with live performances Sept. 10 and Sept. 17, and Oct. 8 at the Beer Garden. Barnsley Gardens features luxurious cottages, attentive service and quiet serenity. Amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course, three restaurants, a full-service spa and the Outpost, an activity center featuring horseback riding. 770-773-7480, www.barnsleyresort.com ________________________________________

Summer Wine Events at Wolf Mountain Vineyards in Dahlonega Special food events are scheduled now through December and advance reservations are required. In

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT ION , G O T O T H E “I N T HE MAGAZ INE ” TAB AT WWW. PTS NORTH. COM

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

S PECIAL ADVERTIS ING S ECTION

SHARPSHOOTERS USA PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

IMAGINE IT!

WOLF MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMAGINE IT! THE CHILCREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA

PHOTO COURTESY OF WOLF MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS

June, visitors will enjoy the Father’s Day BBQ Brunch, and Wolf Mountain’s Tribute to Tuscany month, which features Italian favorites complete with housemade tapenades and an olive oil tasting. The Fourth of July weekend features the Red, White and Bluegrass Brunch, which combines Southern regional cuisine with live Bluegrass music. Also in July is Wolf Mountain’s Tribute to California Cuisine, Jazz and Bubbles, which features recipes from Napa Valley’s renowned restaurants paired with estate wines, live jazz and the release of a new vintage of sparkling wines. In August, celebrate with a Wolf Mountain’s Artisan Cheese and Vineyard Luncheon Buffet, where guests experience an array of handcrafted cheeses from Southeast-based artisan dairies, the winery’s estate wines and delightful summer fare. Wine tastings also are available Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. through mid-December. 706-867-9862, www.wolfmountainvineyards.com ________________________________________ Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta Kick off summer at Atlanta’s only children’s museum in the heart of downtown’s Centennial Olympic Park area and experience the power of hands-on play! Colorful, interactive learning zones include a farm with tractor and milking cow, fishing pond, paint wall, sand table and giant ball machine. These are ideal for crawling babies and children up to 8 years

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK: Duluth PHOTO COURTESY OF BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

old. Daily programming offers families a full day of fun learning and play. TEAM Up! Explore Science & Sports opens June 11. Check out the fun and fascination involved in becoming a winning athlete. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org ________________________________________ “Summer Shoot and Scoot” Promotion at Sharpshooters USA and Andretti This summer, Sharpshooters USA and Andretti Indoor Karting and Games have teamed up for a special offer for guests. The Summer Shoot and Scoot offer provides guests the opportunity to enjoy a discounted price at Sharpshooters USA, a state-ofthe-art shooting facility in Roswell, and then take their receipt to race at Andretti, also for a discounted

F OR M ORE IN F ORM AT ION, GO TO THE “IN THE MAGAZ INE ” TAB AT WWW. PTS NO RTH. CO M

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

rate. This summer, Sharpshooters also is offering The Machine Gun Experience, a new rental program and the only one of its kind in Georgia, which allows you the opportunity to shoot today’s modern LE and military machine guns at their indoor range. 770-500-3473, www.sharpshootersusa.com ________________________________________ Renowned New York Street Artist Featured at Barefoot in the Park The Seventh Annual Barefoot in the Park Fine Arts Festival, held May 6 – 8 at the Town Green in Duluth, features world-renowned street painting artist Anthony Cappetto, who will be creating an original 3D painting during this year’s festival. Cappetto created large pastel works on paper for exhibitions in New York from 1997 through 2000 and has been active in street painting since 2001, participating in festivals and events throughout the United States, Mexico, Italy, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and Japan. All proceeds from Barefoot support arts education programs. www.barefootinthepark.org

THE SPA AT CHÂTEAU ÉLAN PHOTO COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU ÉLAN

Spectacular Summer Destinations: Every Day is Ladies Day this Summer at Château Élan Château Élan is offering two unique packages this summer for ladies and groups, and the options include their Sparty (spa party) or Girls Just Wanna Have Wine packages. Sparties are a perfect combination of relaxing spa services and gatherings of friends or co-workers. They are an ideal option for employee appreciation days, bridal or baby showers, bachelorette or birthday parties or welldeserved girls getaways. Massage, nail or facial spa parties are available any day of the week. F O R M O R E I N F ORM AT ION , G O T O T H E “ I N T H E M AG AZIN E” TA B AT W W W. PT SN ORT H .C OM

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

S PECIAL ADVERTIS IN G S ECTIO N

SEASIDE, FLA. PHOTO COURTESY OF GULF COAST COTTAGE RENTALS

May 2011

Sunday, 1st, 5th, 22nd, 29th 9TH ANNUAL WHITE WINE, SPARKLING WINE & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Enjoy a sampling of seasonal fresh seafood paired with our uniquely blended white wines

$30 per person plus tax and gratuity Seatings at 12:30 and 2:30pm

Sunday, 8th 9th ANNUAL MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

Treat mom to a vineyard brunch that she is sure to never forget.

$30 per person plus tax and gratuity Seatings at 12:30 and 2:30pm

VINEYARD CAFE Lunch: Thurs-Sat:12-3pm TASTING ROOM Thurs-Sat: 12-5pm Sun: 12:30-5pm ESTATE TASTING - $10 (Tasting of our estate still wines) RESERVE TASTING - $20 (Tasting of our still & sparkling wines)

www.wolfmountainvineyards.com | 706-867-9862 Reservations required for all Food Service

A Smart Place t o PLAY! Feature Exhibits TEAM UP! Explore Science & Sports June 11 – September 11, 2011 Once Upon a Time... Exploring the World of Fairy Tales Coming October 2, 2011 Explorer Camp – June & July Party Celebrations – All Year Long!

The Girls Just Wanna Have Wine getaway includes deluxe overnight accommodations in an inn room with two double beds, lunch for two in Fleur de Lis, Cafe Elan or Versailles, a complimentary winery tour and tasting, and a Château Refresher facial or neck, back and shoulder massage for each guest (spa gratuity is included). The prices for this package range from $319 – $399, but additional guests can be added for just $85 plus tax per person. 678-425-0900, ext. 41, www.chateauelan.com ________________________________________ Gulf Coast Cottage Rentals in Seaside, Fla. Painted from a palette borrowed from the sunset and sea, the cottages of the 80-acre Seaside, Fla., community could have been cut from a storybook. Clusters of tin-roofed, pastel-painted and picket-fenced cottages set amidst the acclaimed coastal community draw folks to visit again and again. Summer is all things beach and vacation fun, so pack light and head for Seaside. Throughout the summer, Seaside is home to a menagerie of events. The peak season kicks off on Mother’s Day weekend with the 23rd Annual ArtsQuest Fine Art Festival. More than 100 artists from around the country show off their talents throughout the sidewalks and townscapes. Multiple live musical performances are offered throughout the weekend. Also this summer are ﬁreworks on the Fourth of July, parades on more than one occasion, concerts, theater performances, farmers markets, yard sales and town lightings. Cottage Rental Agency has been providing a seaside home away from home for decades and continues to present the best collection of accommodations. Experience some or all of these spectacular summer community events. www.cottagerentalagency.com FOR MOR E INFOR MATION, GO TO THE “IN THE MAGAZINE ” TAB AT W W W. PTS NORTH. COM

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

S P E C I A L A DVERTIS IN G S ECTION

MEXICO BEACH PHOTO COURTESY OF MEXICO BEACH

OCEAN LODGE: St. Simons Island

________________________________________ Ocean Lodge on St. Simons Island Ocean Lodge is a palatial tapestry of Florentine beauty set along the southern Georgia coastline. Old World elegance is exuded throughout the hotel, including a spectacular ocean-view rooftop terrace and restaurant. Ocean-view guest rooms are so luxurious that you’ll ﬁnd it impossible not to relax. A full kitchen, separate bedroom area and beautiful living area all open onto a private ocean-view verandah. You’ll enjoy ﬁrst-class service from the moment you arrive. 912-291-4300, www.oceanlodgessi.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN LODGE

NORTHWEST FLORIDA PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA ROSA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ________________________________________ Lodging Options in Northwest Florida With sugar-white sand beaches, comfortable accommodations, quality cuisine and cultural attractions, all a mere 6-hour drive from home, the beach towns along Northwest Florida beckon Atlantans to this favorite ocean-side locale. Begin making your own vacation memoires with Dale E. Peterson Vacations, which offers an extensive portfolio of accommodations in the area, including Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Seagrove and Panama City. Whether you need a one-bedroom condo or a four-bedroom home, this company has the right place to begin your next beach getaway in picturesque stretch of Florida’s coast. 866-994-3149, www.destinresorts.com/ATL ______________________________ Tons of Fun in Mexico Beach If a laid-back getaway is more your style, a visit to Mexico Beach, a three-mile-long paradise that prides itself on the absence of highrises, traffic lights and fast food chains, is just what the doctor ordered. And the ocean-side community has plenty of fun for the whole family planned this summer. Mark your calendars for the 2011 Plein Air Paint-Out, during which nationally recognized Plein air artists will capture the allure of Florida’s Forgotten Coast from Mexico Beach to Carrabell May 13 – 22, or salute America during the “Best Blast on the Beach” Independence Celebration, featuring a 5K race, kid’s fishing tournament and a firework show on July 4. Plus, pay a visit to Sunset Park on Thursdays through September for Music in the Park! 888-723-2546, wwww.mexico-beach.com 5

FOR MOR E INFOR MATI O N, G O TO THE “IN THE MAGAZ INE” TA B AT WWW. PTS NORTH. CO M

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Save Room for Dessert Points North Picks for Our Favorite Desserts in the Northside [ WRI TTEN BY T H E ED I TOR S OF P O I N T S N O RT H ]

If there is one thing for sure

, the Points North staff boasts a mighty big sweet tooth, so it was our pleasure to taste test the dessert menus at area restaurants and share the goodies with you. Have a favorite dessert that’s not on our list? Send us your sweet suggestion to editorial@ptsnorth.com, as we would love to go on another sugar tour.

Some ingredients are just meant to go together. Milk and cereal. Macaroni and cheese. Peanut butter and … chocolate. Seriously, nothing quite beats a peanut butter cup for satisfying a sweet tooth, particularly if it comes from Aqua Terra Bistro. The thin shell of painted chocolate is ﬁlled with whipped peanut buttercream, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and garnished with a caramelized banana and a drizzle of thick caramel sauce. It’s rich, smooth and sweet with a little crunch and the touch of burnt sugar from the banana offers an added depth. Look out, Reese’s!

AQUA TERRA BISTRO 55 E. Main St., Buford 770-271-3000 www.aquaterrabistro.com

Regardless of how big your sweet tooth is, it will be

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN HARRISON

no match for a slice of cake from Marietta Diner. The options are incredible and the slices are enormous, which makes them all the more tempting to eat since they also happen to be delicious. All of the desserts are homemade and most are recipes exclusive to the Marietta Family Restaurants, so the options vary. The craziest choice is, well, the Crazy Cake. Designed for those of us who simply can’t decide on one ﬂavor, this treat has layers of carrot cake, red velvet and chocolate suicide. When it comes to picking one ﬂavor though, the most popular is the white chocolate raspberry mousse cake, which was very well received in our house.

Aqua Terra Bistro’s Peanut Butter Cup

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

MARIETTA DINER 306 Cobb Pkwy., Marietta 770-423-9390 www.mariettadiner.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR

Fleming’s Steakhouse’s chocolate lava cake

Our idea

of the perfect date night: Dinner for two at Fleming’s Steakhouse (steak for him, seafood for her, and a family-style side of chipotle cheddar mac and cheese to share), a bottle of the restaurant’s private label Forty-Six Diamonds Cab, and an utterly decadent ﬁnale — the best chocolate lava cake you’ve ever tasted. It’s a bold statement, I know, but the hot chocolate center ﬂows perfectly from this rich cake, which is served with homemade Chantilly cream and a few tart-sweet raspberries. But what really makes it unique and indelibly delicious is the salty addition of chopped pistachios and a side of French tuiles, thin, crispy cookies.

FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE 4501 Old Perimeter Way, Dunwoody 770-698-8112 www.ﬂemingssteakhouse.com

Greenwoods draws in Southerners looking for a hearty meal in a charming, Roswell setting, but my, oh, my, wait til you try its homemade pies! If you have yet to sample their perfect pastries (also available at Swallow the Hollow across the street) then you are in for a real treat as each pie is so big and puffy it looks like a work of art from a Norman Rockwell painting. Pie availability depends on

O f f ice s I n

Alpharetta, John’s Creek & Woodstock

Tired of The Mega-practice? We get to know each of our guests, provide comfortable exam room amenities, allow for extra time with the provider but most importantly, deliver with your practitioner not the call group. Choose A Doctor Consult with Dr. Hughan Frederick, a boardcertiﬁed physician, who specializes in: UÊ i>ÛÞÊ i ÃÌÀÕ>Ì UÊ } À Ã Ê*Ài} > VÞ UÊ*iÀ > i ÌÊ ÀÌ Ê ÌÀ

Choose A Midwife

i ÛiÀÞÊÜ Ì Ê Ê-Ì ÀiÞ]Ê>ÊViÀÌ wÊi`Ê ÕÀÃiÊ `Ü vi]ÊÜ ÊÃ«iV > âiÃÊ \ UÊ7>ÌiÀÊ ÀÌ Ã UÊ >ÌÕÀ> Ê >L À UÊ ÝÌÀ>Ê ÌÌi Ì ÛiÊ i`Ã `iÊ > iÀ

Call for your Immediate Appointment Today!

770.521.2229 www.isisobgyn.com ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

IT’S RAINING SWEETS

Now here’s a sweet that pulls out all the stops – The Purple Rainmaker at Purple Rain Restaurant and Lounge includes a PHOTO COURTESY OF NINH CHAU - IMAGEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Criollo chocolate soufflé and a chocolate truffle with gold nugget streusel (we’re true karats here) and – the icing on the

and a silver-curtained bar) make Purple Rain a swanky spot for any night out on the town. 3550 Mall Blvd NW, Duluth, 770-418-9086, www.purplerainatl.com The Purple Rainmaker CHECK OUT MIX IT UP ONLINE!

We’re simply smitten with Food 101 Chef Justin Keith’s take on chess pie, a classic Southern dessert – his lemon basil chess pie still has that sugary, custardy quality that characterizes this sweet treat, with the addition of those fresh, vibrant ﬂavors we’re craving this spring. It’s just perfect for an al fresco afternoon at the Sandy Springs restaurant,

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANNAH J SMITH

cake – an amethyst necklace. With its $1,000 price tag, this treat is reserved for only the most special occasions, but the hip lounge scene (with creative cocktails

Homemade apple and coconut cream pies

what’s baking in the kitchen, but typical options include pecan, chocolate cream, coconut cream, apple, cherry and blackberry. And yes, you can purchase pies for takeout so you can trick your party guests into thinking you’re a master baker. We promise not to tell.

or on your very own porch. Visit us online at www.ptsnorth.com for the recipe.

Healthy eating habits made easy. That’s Good Measure Meals. TM

Whether your goals are losing weight, keeping it off, or even managing diabetes, Good Measure Meals™ has a solution for you. Our freshly prepared gourmet meals are designed to taste great and provide optimal nutrition. High Fiber. & FRESH – Locally-prepared gourmet meals mic. Low Glyce . at F w Lo & CONVENIENT – Over 80 pickup locations; home delivery available

Caramel mocha cake

& FLEXIBLE – No contracts. Vegetarian & diabetic meals available

Saving room for dessert at Alpine Bakery & Trattoria

& VARIETY – Over 200 menu items

Call 404-815-7695 or order online today at

GoodMeasureMeals.com 66

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALPINE BAKERY & TRATTORIA

GREENWOODS 1087 Green St., Roswell 770-992-5383

100% OF OUR PROCEEDS GO TO OPEN HAND/ ATLANTA

is quite a feat, indeed – it would be easy to ﬁll up on steaming plates of pasta, super-sized calzones and traditional Italian entrées. The good news is the dessert counter in the bakery greets you as you enter, and once you’ve caught sight of all the fanciful cakes,

Greenwoods draws in Southerners looking for a hearty meal in a charming, Roswell setting, but my, oh, my, wait til you try its homemade pies!

Call Today To Learn More...

cookies, pies and pastries, dinner time restraint gets a bit easier. You can purchase whole cakes and pies in the bakery, though most are available in the restaurant by the slice or wedge. There’s caramel mocha cake, Death by Chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse pie, apple crumb cheesecake, pastry platters, cookie samplers and oh, so much more. But my personal favorite is the assortment of cheesecake trufﬂes, twobite spheres of creamy, chocolate-covered cheesecake in ﬂavors like white chocolate raspberry, chocolate, coconut cream, New York-style and turtle with caramel and pecans.

ALPINE BAKERY & TRATTORIA 12315 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta 770-410-9883 www.alpinebakeryandtrattoria.com

What would you expect from one of the Northside’s ﬁ nest restaurants other than the perfect sweet conclusion? Chef Boyd Rose at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails in Crabapple serves his carrot cake warm, tops it with buttermilk cream cheese icing, a hint of orange zest and toasted pecans. Even a few friends who don’t normally enjoy carrot cake have called it “awesome.” But, if the carrot cake doesn’t do it for you, try the pecan pie a la

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

REMODEL YOUR BATH OR KITCHEN TODAY! GRANITE, MARBLE, QUARTZ & CEASAR STONE LARGE INVENTORY OF EXOTIC GRANITE Granite & Tile Restoration & Repair TILE & MARBLE r 'MPPS BOE 8BMM *OTUBMMBUJPO r %FFQ (SPVU $MFBOJOH r (SPVU 3FQBJS 3FQMBDF r 1PMJTI 3FTFBM r 4UBJO 3FNPWBM r $BVMLJOH 3FQBJS

$50 OR 10% OFF

$250 OR 10% OFF

You Pick the Bigger Discount!

Any Tile/Marble or Granite Installation of $500 or more

770-569-9501

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL DANBURY JR.

GRANITE r $VTUPN GBCSJDBUJPO BOE *OTUBMMBUJPO r 4FBMJOH r $IJQ 4DSBUDI 3FQBJS r 4UBJO 3FQBJS r 4FBN 3FQBJS

Milton’s Carrot Cake

Any In-Stock Granite Purchase of $2,000 or More

SHOWROOM: 8BSTBX 3PBE r 3PTXFMM 4FSWJOH &OUJSF .FUSP "UMBOUB 'PS 0WFS :FBST ] www.luxortile.com

mode with white chocolate orange ganache or his ﬂourless chocolate torte with port wine raspberry sauce. What your waistline doesn’t like, your taste buds most certainly will! MILTON’S CUISINE & COCKTAILS 780 Mayﬁeld Road, Alpharetta, 770-817-0161, www.miltonscuisine.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY SOME COOKIES?

BEFORE

2010 Recipient: Jesse’s House

AFTER

Nominate someone in physical or emotional hardship or a non-proﬁt organization serving them Allison Havill Todd Interiors will supply all the talent to transform a room from top to bottom, with the support of generous local and national suppliers. Go to www.designingdreams.org for the nomination form and return it by July 1, 2011 Because we believe that beautiful interiors are healing. And supporting those in our community who are in crisis by making their home more comfortable brings comfort to us all. Designing Dreams... transforming lives, one room at a time. Designing Dreams is a non-proﬁt founded by AHT Interiors. Visit AHTInteriors.com for more information.

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Cakes are lovely, pies divine, but there is just something about a warm, delicious cookie right out of the oven with a nice glass of cold milk. Heavenly. So, here are few of our favorite hangouts for cookie crunching. Roswell’s Fickle Pickle, housed in a quaint Victorian cottage, serves up some tasty munchies including its famous Cajun fried pickles. But pass the salt at least once, and grab some of their sweet, freshly baked cookies. Made by their in-house pastry chef each day, these cookies are, simply put, scrumptious. From frosted oatmeal, chocolate ginger and lemon poppy to M&M chocolate chip, carrot cake, toffee bars and delicious strawberry lemon bars, you may have to pack up a dozen to go. 1085 Canton St., Roswell, 770-650-9838, www.ﬁcklepicklecafe.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANNAH J SMITH

Ä´ n Ä´ Why not get an anti-aging laser What we love at Bella: Â&#x2026;Ä´ - ) #Ä´ '0 Ä´ Ä´ 4 -*+.ÄÁ96 Â&#x2026;Ä´ -*2)Ä´ +*/Ä´ . -Ä´ - /( )/Ä´;Ä´!*-ÄÁ;@@ Â&#x2026;Ä´ Ä´ 'ÄÁ8<6

treatment that will actually give you LASTING results long after your appointment?

Fickle Pickleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assorted cookies Mike Field, chef and owner of the hot lunch spot WildFlour in Alpharetta, can whip up a bounty of delicious sandwiches to be sure, but I simply can never resist his homemade cookies. They are huge enough to share, but I promise you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to. My personal favorite is the M&M cookie, just like my grandma used to make, but other favorites include the chocolate chip almond chocolate chip, a choco-

Alethea Tinkle Laser Specialist & Educator

678.908.3491 4603 Wieuca Rd. Atlanta, GA 30342 www.beautybyalthea.com

late loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight packed with so much chocolate that mentioning â&#x20AC;&#x153;chocolate chipâ&#x20AC;? twice is no typo. 5815 Windward Pkwy., Alpharetta, 678-822-9453, www.wildďŹ&#x201A;ouratlanta.com Blue Moon Pizza in Marietta and Vinings has scrumptious pizzas, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to ďŹ ll up on that doughy, cheesy feast. But show just a little restraint because on its dessert list is a large chocolate chip cookie brought fresh from the oven on a skillet and topped with Blue Bell Ice Cream. Ok, maybe this falls more in the dessert category than a pure simple cookie, but I still have dreams about it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that good. 2359 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, 770-984-2444 and 4600 West Village Place, Smyrna, 770-436-4446, www.bluemoonpizzaatl.com If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever stepped foot in Muss and Turners, located in Smyrna, you are not surprised to see this on the list of places to go for a delicious cookie. I mean, any place that makes a double chocolate and pecan cookie called Evil deďŹ nitely knows how to make your mouth water and your knees weak. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even get me started on the white chocolate blonde brownie served here. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Suite 309, Smyrna, 770-434-1114, www.mussandturners.com

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

CALENDAR

MAY

[ C O M P I LE D BY A N D R E W N E V E I L S ]

Welcome to the Points North calendar. Events are listed by genre and each listing includes a description, date, a Web address (if available) and a phone number. Calendar submissions should be sent to calendar@ptsnorth.com two months prior to the month in which the event will occur. Please be advised that dates and times might change.

in hopes that she will ﬁnd a suitable husband. Stellar Cellar at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 770-218-9669, http://stjames-marietta.episcopalatlanta.org

PERFORMING ARTS “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

[Through May 29]

¡Bienvenidos! This production of a classic story artfully blends Spanish and English in a bilingual interpretation. The Center for Puppetry Arts, 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org

“ALICE IN WONDERLAND”

[May 6 – 7]

The Shakespeare Studio returns for an encore presentation of this timeless story of adventure. Audiences join Alice on her nonsensical adventures as she meets Lewis Carroll’s characters in the historic Summerour House and its gardens. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 678-366-3511, www.autreymill.org

“THE RELUCTANT DEBUTANTE”

“THE WIZ”

[May 6 – 15]

Ease down the yellow brick road for this fantastic musical produced by CYT Atlanta. Based on “The Wizard of Oz,” this iconic musical is sure to please your senses with wonderful performances from local students. The Milton Center Theatre, 877-411-4CYT, www.cytatlanta.com

“HAIR”

[May 17 – 22]

Unforgettable songs such as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In” and “Good Morning” make grand appearances in this energetic, ultimate American rock musical. Parental discretion advised. The Fabulous Fox Theatre, 800-745-3000, www.foxtheatre.org

[May 6 – 21]

The Polk Street Players are proud to present this comedy of misunderstandings about Sheila and Jimmy Broadbent, who have rented a London ﬂat to launch their daughter, Jane, into society

ART EXHIBITS ART ON A LIMB

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HUDGENS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

[Through May 21]

[May 1 – 31]

It’s ﬁnder’s keepers in this month-long event in which two pieces of original artwork are placed along Suwanee’s trails each day. Visit the Suwanee Creek Greenway, Sims Lake Park and White Street Park for a beautiful view of spring and some creative artwork. Suwanee trails, 770-945-8996, www.suwanee.com

CIVIL WAR EXHIBIT

[May 1 – Dec. 31]

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, the Smith Plantation will highlight the Smith Family’s activities during the War. Activities surrounding Willie Smith, the oldest son who enlisted in the confederate Army, will be featured. Smith Plantation, 770-641-3978, www.archibaldsmithplantation.org

SMITH PLANTATION SCULPTURE EXHIBIT

[May 8 – 9]

Fine art sculptures made of bronze, clay and metal from local award-winning artists will be on display in the historic home and on its grounds. Smith Plantation, 770-641-3978, www.archibaldsmithplantation.org

Southern Folk Art Exhibit This exhibit showcases works by Southern folk artists and potters, celebrating the life and environments in the South. The Hudgens Center for the Arts, 770-623-6002, www.thehudgens.org

ART EXHIBITS

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

GEORGIA ARTISTS: A JURIED ART EXHIBIT

[May 13 – June 24]

This showcase of artists from Georgia has work from established and emerging artists of all sorts of media. Abernathy Arts Center, 404-613-6172, www.fultonarts.org

CONCERTS COMEDY SANDY SPRINGS OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES

Trampolines r Arbors r Lawn Furniture Storage Barns r Play Sets r Playhouses Basketball Goals r Picnic Tables

[May 1]

Free and open to the public, this concert series kicks off with A-Town A-List (www.atownalist.com) on an expansive lawn. Heritage Green on the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn, 404-851-9111 ext. 203, www.heritagesandysprings.org

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A CHERRY BLOSSOM MOTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY TRIBUTEâ&#x20AC;?

[May 1]

The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra will feature internationally renowned Brazilian pianist Dr. Sergio Gallo. Guest performing will be local mezzo soprano, Maria McDaniel. This concert is the perfect gift of music to your mother. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 770623-8623, www.ludwigsymphony.org

"%*30/%"$, $)"*3 ."*/5&/"/$& '3&& 10-:ĹŹ-6.#&3 Many colors & styles to choose from MADE IN THE

USA

[May 7]

F U OFX DVJNF QVSDIBTF TU &YQJSF PNFST POMZ T .B Z

Hop on our website or come by for a visit!

Store Hours: Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday 10AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6PM Sunday 12AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5PM LOCAL DELIVERY*

*Can ship anywhere, ask for quote

STAR 94 WOOFSTOCK

.F Poin OUJPO SFDFJWF ts North BO E DPNQ MF EFMJWF NFOUBSZ SZ 0O

Serving Metro Atlanta Since 1989

)XZ /PSUI r "MQIBSFUUB ("

(770) 569-7772

www.sweetlandoutdoor.com

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tail-wagging good time for manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend and their owners. Come on out at noon and enjoy the weather and the music. Town Center Park, 770-945-8996, www.suwanee.com

THE MICHAEL Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;NEAL SINGERS

[May 13]

Singing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ballads, Blues and Broadway,â&#x20AC;? also known as The Great American Songbook, this symphonic chorus and chamber ensemble will dazzle you with the power of their voices. Roswell United Methodist Church, 770-594-7974, www.mosingers.com

CHARITY EVENTS DERBY DAY

[May 7]

Enjoy live music from BackFlash, a silent auction and a viewing of the Kentucky Derby on large screen televisions along with traditional derby cuisine at this beneďŹ t for Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Healthcare of Atlanta, presented by Johns Creek Friends. Country Club of the South, 404-785-7337, www.choa.org/derbyday

MOTHERS FEEDING OTHERS

[May 8]

To celebrate Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, the Southern Trilogy sites (Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation) will waive admission costs in exchange for food donations, which will be given to the North Fulton Food Bank. Southern Trilogy Homes, 770-640-3253, www.visitroswellga.com

MONARCHS & MARGARITAS

[May 13]

View beautiful gardens in full bloom, bid on incredible prizes and services and sip on delectable drinks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all to beneďŹ t the Dunwoody Nature Center. Glenridge Hall, 770-394-3322, www.dunwoodynature.org

THE DRAKE WALK

[May 14]

BeneďŹ tting The Drake House, this walk and festival will help homeless mothers and their children step up in life. The course takes participants through Historic Rowell and features plenty of food and music. Historic Roswell, 770-587-4712, www.thedrakehouse.org

ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

CALENDAR

MAY

NORMAN’S LANDING CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC

[May 16]

This tournament will be held at the Polo Golf and Country Club, with all proceeds going to United Way of Forsyth County. Polo Golf and Country Club, 770-886-0100, www.normanslanding.com

SPECIAL EVENTS BLOOMING ACTIVITIES AT SCOTTSDALE FARMS

[May 16, 23 & 30]

Sundays in Roswell will be ﬁlled with the music of Laura Coyle on May 16, Caroline Herring on May 23 and the Dolce Chamber Orchestra on May 30. Roswell’s Historic Town Square, 770-6413705, www.roswellsundaysonthesquare.com

ARTS IN THE PARK

[Through May]

You can make a gift for your mother from May 2 – 8, learn how to prepare a tiramisu dessert and orange Champagne mimosas on May 12, and learn how to grill delicious fare on May 18. Reservations required. Scottsdale Farms Garden Center, 770-777-5875, www.scottsdalefarms.com

CINCO DE MAYO COOKING CLASS

[May 4]

Join the ﬁesta as Chef John Wilson teaches you more than another Spanish meal to cook, but cooking skills that will enhance any meal. Barrington Hall, 770-640-3855, www.roswellgov.com

BARD IN THE YARD

SUNDAYS ON THE SQUARE

[May 6 – 21]

The North Fulton Drama Club will perform “The Taming of The Shrew” on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Barrington Hall, 770640-3855, www.northfultondramaclub.org

A TASTE OF ALPHARETTA

[May 21]

Celebrating art in its entirety, this annual festival offers a unique opportunity to observe artists mastering their craft, plus roving musicians, poetry readings, a chalk art competition and more. Town Center Park, 770-945-8996, www.suwanee.com

MEMORIAL WEEKEND CONCERT

[May 27]

What better way to kick off Memorial Day weekend than with a musical tribute to our troops? The evening includes a performance by a military band as well as a sky-jumping demonstration. Town Center Park, 770-945-8996, www.suwanee.com

BREW AT THE ZOO

[May 28]

Enjoy samples of award-winning brews, wine tastings, live music performances and more at this signature summer event. Zoo Atlanta, 404-624-9453, www.zooatlanta.org

MOVIES AT RIVERSIDE PARK

[May 29]

Sponsored by B98.5 FM, this free event will show “Fantastic Mr. Fox” beginning at dark. Riverside Park, 770-594-6158, www.roswellgov.com

[May 12]

Sample delicious appetizers, entrées and desserts from more than 60 restaurants. Experience chef competitions, culinary demonstrations, exhibits, live music, an artist market and a Kids Zone. Old Milton Parkway at Willis Park, 678-297-2811, www.awesomealpharetta.com

Make the Most of Your Day

Trophy Trout Fishing IN SUCHES, GA

Fly Fishing for Trophy Trout Along 2000 Ft. of River Access and Private Ponds

ROSWELL MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

[May 31]

Pay tribute to our military service men and women on this special display of patriotism, including the Atlanta Wind Symphony, an armed forces tribute, a 21-gun salute and more. Roswell City Hall, 770-640-3253, www.roswellmemorialday.com

BABA’S GYRO & KABOB Authentic Greek, Persian & Italian Cuisine Dine-In | Take-out | Delivery | Catering Try our Lamb, Kubideh, Chicken, Steak, Pork & Cornish Hen Kabobs!

Don’t miss our Spanakopita, Baba Ghanush & Mirza Ghasemi!

Enjoy our Gyros, Souvlaki, Falafel, Moussaka & Chicken Wraps!

Our Italian entrees are the best in the area! Penne Milano, Chicken Parmesan, Ravioli ala Vodka and more. Also serving beer and wine.

Mention Points North & receive 20% off with the purchase of 2 drinks 10% off take-Out (max discount $10) 2000 FT. OF RIVER ACCESS • TROPHY TROUT • VERY PRIVATE

Call Georgia Trophy Trout For More Details

706-747-9750

www.gatrophytrout.com

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

2310 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Suite A Cumming Open 7 Days a week: 11am - 10 pm 770-888-8100 | www.babasgyros.com

'-: '*4)*/( t 5"$,-& t 065'*55&3 t 53"7&CLOTHING

)BSEZ r .PVOUBJO ,IBLJ r $PTUB EFM .BS RODS â&#x20AC;¢ REELS â&#x20AC;¢ WADERS â&#x20AC;¢ COOLERS

Classes: 'MZ 'JTIJOH 4DIPPM t 'MZ 5ZJOH $MBTTFT

www.cohuttafishingco.com r & .BJO 4U r $BSUFSTWJMMF r ptsnorth.com | May 2011 | Points North

5 THINGS I MUST DO THIS MONTH

[ COMP I LED BY BR E HUMP HRIE S ]

MAY

PHOTO CO

U RT

FH ER E

ROUP ANT G AUR EST ER RV SE

LOGO COURTESY OF CHATTAHOOCHEE NATURE CENTER

2 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF W HOTELS

Dine out for Dimes. Prepare your palate for a philanthropic evening as March of Dimes Dining Out returns to restaurants around Atlanta on May 13. To benefit the organizations’ Georgia chapter, restaurants such as Food 101, C & S Seafood, Canoe and more will serve three-course meals with wine pairings to tables of 10, which may be purchased for $1,000 to $1,500. Visit www.marchofdimes.com/georgia for more information. Savor the Flavors. Grab your appetite and make your way to The Avenue Forsyth on May 19 for Flavors of Forsyth, a tasting event featuring the area’s finest restaurants, plus music from Last Five Standing and a fun-filled Kids Zone. As you sample all the fare, be sure to cast your vote for crowd favorite! Food samples range from $1 – $3 with proceeds benefiting United Way of Forsyth. Visit www.unitedwayforsyth.com for more information.

S ED

PHOTO COURTE SY O FW ILL IA M

LOGO COURTESY OF FLAVORS OF FORSYTH

Let the River Move You. Pull out your party shoes and head to the Chattahoochee Nature Center on May 7 for their exclusive annual gala, “Rockin’ at the River: Come Shake Your Tail Feathers.” The star-lit evening features cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing and auctions to beneﬁt the center’s environmental education programs. General admission tickets are $125; to purchase, call 770-992-2055, ext. 226 or visit www.chattnaturecenter.org.

Points North | May 2011 | ptsnorth.com

Art and Design Lovers Unite. This month, the inaugural Art & Design Show House invites guests to purchase original artwork and peruse the latest trends in interior design all under one roof. Located at 21 Whitlock Drive in historic Marietta, this unique show home has actually been designed around the art itself. The house, which beneﬁts the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, is open to the public May 7 through 22. Tour tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For details, including information on a candlelight kick-off event and a cooking demo with Johnnie Gabriel, visit www.artanddesignshowhouse.com. Take a Dip. Hit the WET Deck at W Atlanta – Buckhead for the hotel’s hot summer series, “Poolside on Peachtree,” on Sundays through August. Guests at the fourth-floor, indoor pool parties can soak up food and drink specials from an inﬁnity-edge heated pool overlooking Peachtree Street while a DJ spins tunes that are sure to make a splash. To top it off, pool-level rooms become personal indoor cabanas for a special day rate starting at $69 from noon to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.watlantabuckhead.com.