CONTENTS
POINTS NORTH MAGAZINE
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ON THE COVER: LOCAL TENNIS LEAGUES
GLAMPING
With countless facilities in metro Atlanta and thousands of members in associations like ALTA and USTA, tennis is clearly a popular pastime. Whether you’re interested in tennis for sport or socialization, find out how to take advantage of all the local racquet.
A night in the great outdoors may be the best way to commune with Mother Nature, but if you prefer a warm bed and electricity, places like The Martyn House and North Georgia Canopy Tours offer the best of both worlds by putting the “glam” in camping.
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YOGA Forget your standard sun salutations and lounging languidly in child’s pose. Classes like “Power Max” and AntiGravity Aerial Yoga are taking the practice to new levels at studios around town. This month, we gave two of them a try for ourselves.
Named for an enchanted hillside in Scottish legend, North Georgia’s Brigadoon Lodge on the Soque River is a magical haven for fly-fishermen, with trout averaging 20 inches and 8.5 pounds, plus its own private-label wine.
exclusive
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ONLINE
FOOD ON THE GO
EVA FRIEDLANDER With the help of local author Mickey Goodman, Hungarian Holocaust survivor Eva Friedlander shares her story of trials and perseverance in her book, “Nine Lives of Marriage — A Curious Journey” (EDF Publishing Co.; available at www.ninelivesofmarriage.com). For a peek inside the pages, visit www.ptsnorth.com.
When you don’t feel like cooking, you don’t have to turn to fast-food chains. Instead, indulge in some of the best takeout Atlanta’s Northside has to offer. Read on for restaurants we recommend for their tasty — and transportable — dishes.
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DEPARTMENTS COLUMNS
BRIGADOON LODGE
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PHOTO COURTESY OF NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
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PHOTO COURTESY OF TRISHA YEARWOOD
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH GEORGIA CANOPY TOURS
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PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGADOON LODGE
PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA LAYNE | THE PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION
ISSUE 143 | APRIL 2012
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POINTS OF VIEW
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ALL POINTS BULLETIN
76 |
HEALTH BEAT
78 |
CALENDAR
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5 THINGS I MUST DO THIS MONTH
TRAVEL | RECREATION 50 |
PORTLAND, ORE.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 38 | Springtime in the Mountains 59 | Cosmetic & Dental Procedures Cover Photo Courtesy of istockphoto.com | Andrew Rich
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POINTS OF VIEW PRESIDENT / CEO
Witt Beckman PUBLISHER
Carl Danbury Jr. A SSOCIATE PUBLISHE R
Karen Poulsen
EDITOR
Bre Humphries
get active
SENIOR EDITOR
Heather KW Brown CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR
Robin Harrison A S S I S TA N T C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
Shannah J. Smith
ATLANTA!
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Rachel Buckley Artisha Johnson
One of
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
m y favor i t e
Braden Danbury Julie Hostetter Olja Lakic Abigail Hobbs Thomas Elisabeth Warrick
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770-844-0969 sales@ptsnorth.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
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Pl e as
c yc l e T h i s M a zi n e
To send comments and/or suggestions on this or any other subject, e-mail us at: myturn@ptsnorth.com.
Re
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springtime traditions is an annual camping trip with my college friends. Each April, we head to the same secluded spot near High Shoals Falls in Hiawasee, near our alma mater of Young Harris College. Admittedly, this is by no means the most active kind of camping; there’s no hiking in and out with only what we can carry in our backpacks. In fact, our physical exertion is usually limited to tossing beanbags in a game of cornhole or teaching each other new line dancing moves after the sun sets and we’ve cranked up the country music from the speakers in our cars, which are always loaded down with plenty of supplies to keep us comfortable while we’re roughing it. Food is the most important factor, and we feast all weekend on delicacies like grilled bacon-wrapped venison strips stuffed with jalapeños, veggies in “silver turtles” roasted over the coals of our campfire, and breakfast burritos made with last night’s leftovers and fresh eggs scrambled with a portable burner. Plus, plenty of coolers are packed with
homemade snacks we’ve painstakingly prepared in advance (my personal specialty is redneck caviar). I love spending an entire weekend in the great outdoors, but a few creature comforts are what make a camping trip most enjoyable for me, so I’m especially intrigued by the luxurious “glamping” experiences offered by The Martyn House and North Georgia Canopy Tours (see story, page 32). In this issue, we offer a few more incentives to get out and get active this season, whether you’re enlisting with a local tennis league (page 16), trying a new style of yoga (page 20) or casting a line at Brigadoon Lodge (page 46). In case you’re curious, that’s me in the photo with my very first Brigadoon catch, and trust me, the simple act of fishing becomes quite active indeed when you’re wrestling a trout of that size! Maybe next time, I’ll even take a fly rod along on our annual camping trip.
A PB APRIL
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HIGH HAMPTON INN
ALL POINTS BULLETIN
Enter to Win a Stay at North Carolina’s High Hampton Inn Originally a summer retreat for Civil War General Wade Hampton and his family in the mid-1800s, the historic High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, N.C., hits a major milestone when it opens for the season on April 27, celebrating its 90th season of welcoming guests. With an emphasis on good, old-fashioned fun, the iconic inn in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains is often compared to the resort depicted in the movie “Dirty Dancing;” there are no televisions or telephones in guest rooms, encouraging visitors to relax and reconnect. Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound with a George W. Cobb-designed golf course, six clay tennis courts, miles of hiking trails, a 35-acre lake for swimming, boating and fishing, plus a European spa when you’re ready to head indoors for some pampering treatments. In the summertime, cool mountain breezes keep guests comfortable, and an interactive children’s program adds an extra incentive for families. Tradition is also a top priority here, with high tea served every day at 4 p.m. and men donning coats and ties each evening in the dining room, where southern specialties like High Hampton Fried Chicken often appear on the menu. For more information, call 800-334-2551 or visit www.highhamptoninn.com.
The Prize This month, one lucky Points North reader will receive two night’s lodging for a party of two at High Hampton Inn, including three daily meals. This prize, valued at $675, is valid through November 2012, subject to availability and excluding holidays. To enter to win, please visit the giveaway section on our Web site at www.ptsnorth.com by April 30.
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A PB
What better way to celebrate spring and the start of our “get active” issue than with one of Atlanta’s favorite runners? Gayle Barron, fitness expert for Waffle House, has been training walkers and runners since 1992. As the five-time winner of the Peachtree Road Race, three-time winner of the Atlanta Marathon, and winner of the Boston Marathon, Barron was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. She always enjoys helping beginner as well as intermediate athletes meet their various race goals, so we’ve recruited her to help send this issue into a full sprint. Whether you’re running your first 5K or training for another marathon, don’t be shy! Barron is suited and ready to toe the line with any questions you might want to ask regarding your training. Write to us at editorial@ptsnorth.com and get ready for a timely and personal response from the running guru herself.
The Forum, an open-air, shopping oasis on Peachtree Parkway in Norcross, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary! On April 21, enjoy a day packed with fitness, fun, food and fashion. At 8 a.m., tie up those laces for the inaugural Run The Corners 5k walk/run and 1k Fun Run. After working up an appetite, jog over to The Taste of The Forum for some great food. By purchasing $0.50 tickets, diners may sample and enjoy a variety of dishes from The Forum’s most popular restaurants. No dish costs more than five tickets and all proceeds from these two activities will be donated to the Robert D. Fowler YMCA “Partner With Youth” campaign. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring the little ones to the kid’s zone, complete with a magician, juggling stilt walker, face painting, music and more. The following day, April 22, head back for Belk’s Pure Fashion show, where virtuous young women hit the runway along with live entertainment including a performance by Alpharetta’s Von Grey. Find the full anniversary schedule online at www.theforumonpeachtree.com. By offering elite merchandise in a beautiful, European-style shopping center, The Forum has become a shopping and dining favorite in the Atlanta area. — Rachel Buckley
ASKA |
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET ... ASK
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF SHOPPING AND DINING
GIVEAWAY WINNERS To find a list of giveaway winners, take a look in the “Online Only” section of www.ptsnorth.com!
ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
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A ST ANDRE ESY OF HEELS COURT NW PHOTO OPS AND PI LOLLYP
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA STASKA | LOLLYPOPS AND PINWHEELS
PHOTO COURTESY OF GAYLE BARRON
APRIL
ALL POINTS BULLETIN
A PB ALL POINTS BULLETIN
APRIL
PHOTOS & SKETCHES COURTESY OF DRUID HILLS CIVIC ASSOCIATION
H O M E I S W H E R E T H E H I S T O RY I S Join the Druid Hills Civic Association April 20 – 22 as they celebrate Atlanta’s rich architectural history. The 2012 Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour & Artist Market will feature five spectacular homes and a “collector’s garden.” Step through the vast beloved door of 812 Springdale Drive and admire its magnificent, double
staircase. For a glimpse into the architectural world of the Italian Renaissance Revival, look no further than 1156 Springdale Road Northeast. Take a stroll through the light-filled French Manor that rests on 794 Springdale and applaud the early 20th-century craftsmanship of its neighbor at 804 Springdale.
Following a terrible fire, 857 Oakdale Road underwent an extensive renovation, which melded the best of its original 1917 design with many contemporary refinements. These are just a few of the many exquisite details that will be discussed at this anticipated event. Come show your appreciation for these
historic landmarks and the welcoming families that call them home. Proceeds from the tour and market will directly benefit the Druid Hills neighborhood and its efforts to protect and support all aspects of historic preservation. For more information, visit www.druidhills.org. — Rachel Buckley
AND THEY’RE OFF! Kingston Downs is proud to host Atlanta Steeplechase once again on April 14. Presenting a wide range of races and activities, there is no better way to kick off the steeplechasing season. Watch in amazement as canines leap and flip through the air during the Disc Dog Southern Nationals. Ladies will enjoy expressing their race-day showmanship at the annual hat contest and parade sponsored by Von Maur. After watching top competitive steeplechase horses thunder down the track, little ones will delight in playing jockey on a pony ride. Proceeds will benefit Camp Southern Ground and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Don’t miss this annual celebration at Georgia’s only spring venue for horseracing. For more information or to buy tickets, please call 404-237-7436 or visit www.atlantasteeplechase.org. — Rachel Buckley PHOTO COURTESY OF ATLANTA STEEPLECHASE
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SOUTHERN FOOD WITH STYLE When it comes to food products, we’ll choose locally made over mass-produced any day, especially when those products are created by such a character as The Southern Haberdasher, a Kennesaw resident with a self-proclaimed dedication to “the ministry of dressing and eating well.” What began as a passion for men’s fashion led Dan Mullis to seek out fresh foods, and he started his own garden of peppers and herbs in 2008. Before long, his collection of one-of-a-kind sauces, marinades and “Southern tapas” (think “fancy” pickled okra and “applesaulsa”) was in high demand, thanks to great taste with no preservatives or artificial flavoring. One of our personal favorites is Grandad’s Salsa Verde, with a medium high heat factor, just the right amount of tang, and a hint of sweet from Spanish onions before the hot kicks in. And did we mention that this haberdasher is philanthropic, too? A portion of sales benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank. To order, visit www.thesouthernhaberdasher.com.
Raise a Glass to Buckhead’s Favorite Beverage Whether in one of the city’s many reputable restaurants or in a cozy chair at home, LOGO COURTESY OF BUCKHEAD WINE FESTIVAL Atlantans have developed an unshakable appreciation for wine. For this very reason, Grape Crush Productions is proud to present its first annual Buckhead Wine Festival at the Andrews Entertainment District. On April 28, wine lovers 21 and older will gather to celebrate this refined beverage. Taste a variety of wines from around the world, enhance your wine knowledge at one of the many wine seminars and savor tasty treats from local vendors. Guest will also enjoy live entertainment and the opportunity to shop at the pop-up market. This event supports the Atlanta Community Food Bank through a canned food drive and monetary donations. For exclusive wine seminars and early entry, guests may purchase VIP tickets online for $40. General admission is $25 online and $35 at the door. As the last event of Atlanta Food and Wine Month, this event is sure to be a “grand” finale. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.grapecrushevents.com. — Rachel Buckley
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A PB APRIL PHOTO COURTESY OF NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
ALL POINTS BULLETIN
ALL THINGS BUNDT Looking for a unique spin to your everyday dessert? Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery features anything but the old-fashioned cakes that come to mind. In fact, the new store — which opened late last year in Sandy Springs — is introducing one-of-a-kind delicacies that appeal to every age group. Ranging from miniature bite-size cakes that are sold by the dozen (cleverly named Bundtinis!) to tiered cakes and large bundts that serve the entire family, these nostalgic desserts are made fresh daily and incorporate great taste and both contemporary and fun décor. As you walk into the bakery, you will be greeted by the smell of freshly baked goods and a soothing color palette that gives the store a clean and fresh appeal. Whether it’s for a special occasion or merely to satisfy your craving of an old family favorite, these bundt cakes will surely keep you coming back for seconds. For more information, please call 404-2362114 or visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com. — Olja Lakic 12
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
GEYSER TOWERS KEEPS STONE MOUNTAIN VISITORS COOL After walking, hiking, biking or jogging around Stone Mountain Park on a Georgia-hot day, you may have contemplated dousing yourself with a large cooler of water. You are not alone; Stone Mountain has considered it, too. The new Geyser Towers attraction will give park visitors the opportunity to frolic around in the summer heat without fear of a total meltdown. Sporadic geyser eruptions and offshoots of water will be a pleasant, cooling surprise for visitors as they climb through multiple levels of suspended rope bridges and net tunnels in the towers, which are big enough for adults but also suitable for kids. Toddlers, who are not yet up to the challenge of climbing through the towers, can keep cool in a trickling creek. Don’t forget to visit Geyser Towers for a quick cool-down during your trip to Stone Mountain this summer. It is reported to be the second installation of its kind in the world. For more information, visit www.stonemountainpark.com. — Artisha Johnson ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
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D O LVET VE T’S S TO RY I had ssome tough ttimes when I was really young, like when I thought my brothers sisters and I w were going to be split up. Luckily we were all adopted and sis together. Maybe it was during those times when I started to realize I like making other people smile. Even when I’m pushing my clients through a really tough workout, I can still get a smile out of them. Yet, until a few years ago, I didn’t really like my own smile. My friends at Atlanta Dental Spa changed that. After they improved my smile, I had the confidence to perform in bigger arenas which led to “The Biggest Loser”. Now people compliment me on my smile every day. And I love showing it off to millions of people every week. Thanks, Atlanta Dental Spa! I’m smiling proof that Atlanta Dental Spa Spa’ss “Hard Wor Work and Dedication” has made them the best dentists in America! Dolvett Quince, BodySculptor Inc.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF iSTOCK
COURTING A NEW SPORT
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE RACQUET WITH LOCAL TENNIS LEAGUES [ WRITT E N BY ARTI S HA JO HN S O N ]
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he thought of joining a tennis league may bring to mind expensive country club membership fees, pretentious behavior and tea with cucumber sandwiches, but that’s a common misconception, as recreational tennis is played on residential courts, at parks and at tennis centers throughout the metro area. Joel Ballantyne, founder of T2Tennis, believes the large number of tennis courts in subdivisions and neighborhoods may be the reason that tennis is so popular in Atlanta compared to other cities. “Outside
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
of Atlanta, most tennis is played … out of clubs and larger tennis facilities,” he said, adding, “In Atlanta, the majority of tennis is played in neighborhoods.” Thousands of tennis facilities in Atlanta host two of the largest tennis leagues in the country. As the largest city tennis league, Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association — better known as ALTA — has between 70,000 and 80,000 members and has been engaged in league play for approximately 40 years. The United States Tennis Association (USTA), a national
PHOTO COURTESY OF T2TENNIS
“You don’t have to be good at tennis to try it, play it and enjoy it. [Tennis is] for people of all backgrounds, all ages, all skill levels.
”
MATT OLSON, Executive Director of USTA Atlanta.
league, reports having hundreds of thousands of members, the most in the world. USTA Atlanta is its largest league. Novice players, however, need not be intimidated. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, league play can be enjoyable and competitive. “You don’t have to be good at tennis to try it, play it and enjoy it,” said Matt Olson, executive director of USTA Atlanta. “[Tennis is] for people of all backgrounds, all ages, all skill levels,” he said. Leagues typically use rating systems to determine the skill level of players and/or teams, then match them with others in the same range to ensure competitive matches. Facilities also offer league tennis lessons for those who want to improve their game. While tennis, like any other sport, is competitive, league play isn’t solely rankings and division charts. It is a highly social
PHOTO COURTESY OF USTA ATLANTA
PHOTO COURTESY OF USTA ATLANTA
event. Diana Barker, president of ALTA, described ALTA as her Atlanta “welcome wagon.” Barker said that she was encouraged to join a tennis team in her subdivision, and met eight to 10 new people after walking into her first tennis practice. It did not take long before she was recognizing fellow teammates and opponents in the
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Local Tennis Leagues
PHOTO COURTESY OF USTA ATLANTA
grocery store. “It was what introduced me to the social aspect of living in the Atlanta area,” Barker said, “I’m still friends with people that I was on tennis teams with 15 years ago.” Olson described league play as “the social connection” in Atlanta. In order to play in a traditional tennis league, players must join a tennis team. Barker suggests that individuals who are looking to join a league team contact a tennis facility in their area. ALTA has a facility locator on its Web site. You can find facilities in your area by simply entering your city or county. Facilities should be familiar with the tennis leagues and can let you know if teams are available to join. ALTA’s Web site also lists the teams playing in a particular facility. If you live in a subdivision with tennis courts, you can contact the tennis director and get information about team play in that subdivision. ALTA and USTA both assist members with finding teams and teams with finding members. For those who are not able to commit to playing on a traditional league team, flex tennis leagues offer individuals or partners (teams of two) the opportunity to play in a league. Flex leagues typically offer flexible match scheduling and are managed online. T2Tennis and Ultimate Tennis are both flex leagues that service the Atlanta area. According to Ballantyne, players can join T2Tennis by creating a profile online. After creating a profile, the player will need to register for a league, such as singles, men’s doubles or mixed doubles, and choose a home court. T2Tennis also has a player rating system to foster competitive matches. Players will play approximately five matches during a six-week season. Players are given two weeks to complete each match. Flex leagues can also compliment traditional league play.
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Players can use flex leagues to improve their individual tennis skills, which should lead to improved team play. Ballantyne says that one of the misconceptions about T2Tennis is that players have to choose one or the other, traditional or flex. He believes the leagues are complementary and players participate in both. League play is seasonal and players will need to find out which leagues are playing during a particular season. For example, ALTA’s Wheelchair Tennis League plays during the spring and the fall, while the Senior Mixed League plays in the winter. However, leagues that are offered in the spring and the fall with ALTA may be offered in the summer and winter with USTA Atlanta. In essence, if you want to play league tennis, there are plenty of opportunities to do so in Atlanta. You may get to know your neighbors in the process. PN
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N ATL ANTA L AWN TE N N IS A SSOCIATION ALTA membership costs $25 for adults and $10 for juniors (age 18 and under) per calendar year. Membership allows members to play in one or more leagues throughout a year. Players can register for membership online, by mail or in person. 6849 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta 770-399-5788 www.altatennis.org USTA ATL A NTA Players will need to join USTA in order to participate in league play with USTA Atlanta. You can join online, by mail or by phone at 800-990-8782. Adult membership costs $44 per year and junior membership (under age 19) costs $20 per year. There is also a registration fee to register for an USTA Atlanta league. 1200 Ashwood Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta 770-416-4333 www.atlanta.usta.com T2TENNIS Players must register online. Creating a member profile is free. To register to play in a league costs $30 per person per season. www.t2tennis.com U LT I M AT E T E N N I S www.ultimatetennis.com
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STRIKE A
POSE ANTIGRAVITY AERIAL YOGA Fitness Three Feet above the Floor [ W RI T TEN BY HEATHER KW BROWN ]
Dangling upside down from the ceiling isn’t normally how I spend my Sunday afternoons, yet I recently found myself channeling an inner Batgirl I didn’t even know existed. With my legs curled around a u-shaped silk swing tethered to carabineers high above me, and my face hovering 3 feet above the floor, I reminded myself that this soft, trapeze-like apparatus, better known as a hammock, is designed to hold more than 1,000 pounds. My safety assured, I then tried to “center myself and focus,” but as the blood rushed to my head, the only thing I could do was laugh. And hard. It didn’t help that the friend I had recruited to try AntiGravity Aerial Yoga with me was laughing, too. In other scenarios, we might have been booted from the class, but as it turns out, laughing is not only healthy, it’s expected. “Most people feel some sort of cathartic release when they are inverted,” said Jane de Albuquerque, who co-owns Launch Awareness Yoga Centre (LAYC) with Kelli Carraway. “Some laugh and some cry; that’s okay ... it’s good for you.” “Inversions are the number one pose used to treat depression. [They] stimulate the pituitary and pineal gland, refresh the circulatory and lymphatic system, and increase mental alertness and concentration,” de Albuquerque said, adding, “AntiGravity Yoga goes a step further by offering zero
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compression inversions. Our clients can elongate and create space between vertebrae without causing pressure and stress on their spine, especially the cervical spine ... and because the hammock is supporting us, we can hold inversions much longer than in a traditional yoga practice.” Though these inversions are touted to positively affect so many systems, my motivation for trying this floating fitness class was purely because it sounded like so much fun. A playful patchwork of calisthenics, dance, gymnastics, Pilates and yoga fused together, AntiGravity Aerial Yoga is the brainchild of Christopher Harrison, a former gymnast and Broadway dancer. And then there’s me — a far-from-graceful runner who shamefully admits to stretching rarely (bad athlete, bad athlete) and barring rabid dogs and emergencies, I typically shy from any kind of dramatic movement. Despite my penchant for being grounded, my curiosity would not be deterred and I eagerly showed up for class at the 2,000-plus-square-foot LAYC studio in Kennesaw. The hardest part for me was adjusting to being airborne, but I quickly realized just how great this style of yoga can be, and when words like bat, peanut, cocoon and womb are converted to poses, the effort tends to feel less like work and more like play, reminiscent of hanging from the monkey bars as a
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JESSICA LAYNE | THE PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
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YOGA kid on the playground. Only now, the environment is peaceful and controlled, the motions are slow and methodical, and the result is a full-body workout that improves flexibility, muscular tone and cardiovascular health, while also realigning the body. “M o s t p e o p l e leave here taller after the first class,” said de Albuquerque, a competitive athlete and former runner herself. “I practiced yoga as a way to rehabilitate my knees after surgery and I fell in love with the practice. I became a certified yoga instructor and met Kelli [who] introduced me to AntiGravity Yoga. I was able to work out and tone muscles without creating stress, L AU N C H AWA R E N E S S pounding, compresYO G A C E N T R E sion in my joints, and 3450 Acworth Due West Road I still received some of Suite 390 the benefits of a yoga Kennesaw 770-975-4795 practice.” www.launchawareness.com AntiGravity Yoga has a number of classes within its curriculum, allowing it to be accessible to all people regardless of age, fitness level and prior yoga experience. Classes include low impact cardio, strength and flexibility training, balance, agility exercises and inversions. Private Sessions are also available. Launch Awareness, which celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, offers traditional yoga, restorative yoga, pre- and post-natal yoga as well as kids classes, in addition to AntiGravity Yoga, and is Georgia’s first AntiGravity Yoga franchise. Don’t be surprised if you see a LAYC studio pop up in your area soon.
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HOT YOGA Breathe, Sweat and Don’t Forget Your Water [ W R I TTE N BY B R AD E N DAN B URY ]
“Oh man, I’m going to throw up
on my yoga mat and embarrass myself in front of all of these women,” I thought to myself, looking around Mind Body Heart (MBH) Yoga Studio. There were 11 people in the class — 10 of them women. I was the lone man and the only student in danger of vomiting. I decided on the slightly less embarrassing option of sitting on my mat to catch my breath. Calmer and more settled after a couple of minutes, I noticed the squeaking of feet shifting on the mats had grown louder while the instructor’s voice faded. My chin fell to my chest, and I passed out. The instructor and a physical therapist in the class awoke me moments later and pressed a cup of water into my hands. Obviously, I underestimated the Power Max yoga class. Having taken some yoga classes previously, I decided to bypass MBH Yoga’s beginner-friendly classes in lieu of something more demanding. Mission accomplished. MBH Yoga practices the Power Vinyasa-style of yoga popularized by Baron Baptiste, and it is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Mary Beth Howell, founder and owner of MBH Yoga, explained that what sets her studio and its style apart is the emphasis on intuition instead of tradition. While more rigid styles of yoga do not allow for changes to the selection and order of postures, Howell’s classes encourage instructors to adapt the tempo, poses and difficulty. Howell was quick to assure, however, that this does not mean making assumptions about the abilities of the students. It means that the classes, especially the Power Max class, are calculated to keep everyone moving and breathing at their peak levels to achieve the best possible results. My previous experience with yoga was the exact opposite. Sure, all yoga has a lot of standing and bending, sitting and stretching, but in other classes, I had time to rest in child’s pose with my head on the mat or a couple of leisurely sun salutations to the ceiling. Not so in Howell’s studio, where the focus is “one breath, one movement.” When the class inhaled, we moved into one posture and held. Then as we exhaled, we shifted into a different pose and held. It is a calming and enjoyable practice of meditation
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770.6 6 4.220 0 www.specialtypoolandspa.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCKPHOTO.COM | ©ERIC WOOD
YOGA
through movement, but it also requires and builds strength, flexibility, balance and fitness. Whereas other yoga classes were used as a warm-up before moving to the weight room, these classes move quickly into a taxing core workout, and with the heat, very little time is spent “warming” muscles. Yes, the heat. Most of MBH Yoga’s classes, which are open to students of any level, are held in a heated room where temperatures climb up into the 90s. The practice of hot yoga provides a number of benefits. Less time is spent preparing the body for exercise since it warms automatically with the room’s temperature, allowing the class to quickly ramp up to a fast pace and stay there. Those heated muscles also make it possible for students to stretch further and deeper into the poses. Finally, the heat causes students to sweat throughout the class, ridding the organs of toxins. Students are instructed to bring towels and water bottles as well as their yoga mats to class. Ill-prepared for the heat and the sweat, I simply got dehydrated and the water bottle sitting in my car certainly didn’t help. Asked for the most important advice she gives to students with no experience with yoga, Howell said, “Come with an open mind and come more than once.” Like any strenuous workout, most people are going to be sore after the first class or two of power yoga, but the pain recedes with patience and enough practice, leaving students with a newfound sense of peace and strength. After successfully remaining conscious, I rejoined the class at the instructor’s suggestion. The women congratulated me on how gracefully I passed out and complimented my bravery in not runM I N D B O DY H E A R T YO G A ning to the car. I resolved to 4320 Settendown Village Road Cumming come back soon and make it 770-862-1053 through an entire Power Max www.mbhyoga.com class on my feet. PN
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For a list of additional yoga studios around town and descriptions of the types of yoga they offer, visit us online at www.ptsnorth.com. 24
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
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KXb\ D\ ?fd\ Kfe`^_k Food-on-the-Go Gets Fresh and Fabulous [ W R I T T E N BY E L I S A B E T H WA R R I C K ]
It’s 5 p.m. You’re stuck in bumper-tobumper traffic, and your blood pressure is rising in the equal yet opposite direction of your blood sugar. It has been an exhausting day, and the last thing you want is to walk into your kitchen and try to scramble something together with what little you have left from last week’s grocery run. You want something delicious and filling, and you want it now. Your best bet? Indulge in some of the best takeout Atlanta’s Northside has to offer. Following you’ll find five restaurants we recommend for their tasty — and transportable — dishes.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN HARRISON
RosaMia Ristorante Italiano
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Cooking has been a lifelong passion for Maria Serafino-Gabelman and Rosa Bitussi, co-owners of RosaMia Ristorante Italiano. Italian by way of New York and South Africa respectively, these two serve up authentic, homemade Italian cuisine that has patrons packing the Johns Creek bistro every weekend. Open for lunch and dinner every day except Sunday, the restaurant offers dishes that stand out for their quality and authenticity. According to Serafino-Gabelman, everything they serve is homemade — from pasta to pizza to pesto — and everything is crafted from family recipes, with a few twists thrown in to keep things fresh. With the added benefit of their drivethrough pick-up window, you can enjoy the
Take-n-Bake pizza from Blue Moon
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SING PHOTOGRAPHY | AMY HUNGISNGER
luxury of fine dining without getting out of your car. Serafino-Gabelman says that all of the restaurant’s dishes are available to go, from their variety of gourmet pizzas and salads to their classic Italian entrées. Some of the restaurant’s specialties include chicken petronella, seared sole, homemade cavatelli, pappardelle with bolognese and meatballs, lasagna, eggplant parmigiano, veal saltimbocca, and roast beef carpaccio, each of which comes with RosaMia’s signature homemade focaccia bread served with seasoned dipping oil. And don’t forget dessert! The restaurant offers a number of homemade desserts,
including millefoglie, a french custard-filled puff pastry with berries, cannoli, tiramisu, hot apple strudel, and malva pudding, a traditional South African specialty that Serafino-Gabelman likened to a sweet hot waffle à la mode. But be sure to order early; these delicacies sell out each week. Customers who dine in can enjoy live music Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, and reservations are always recommended. But with RosaMia’s takeout service, you can also savor the finest Italy has to offer from the comfort of your own home. 11730 A Jones Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770 -772- 6456, www.rosamiaitalian.com
Blue Moon Pizza Kelvin and Mandy Slater have been in the restaurant business for years, but when they decided to open their own restaurant in 2003, they knew they wanted it to be a special place that was affordable enough to allow people to eat there often. And Mandy says that is exactly what they’ve gotten with Blue Moon Pizza, their Windy Hill eatery that has since expanded to four locations. “We have customers that come in literally every day for lunch. They love it,” she said. Mandy says that it’s the freshness and the quality of their ingredients in addition to their attention to detail that makes their restaurants so special. They know that presentation is an important element of taste, and they work hard to make sure their pizzas look and taste great. For example, Mandy said that if they plan to include peppers on a pizza, they’ll include all three colors. “Visually, it adds a little something extra.” Although they can whip up a pizza with any combination of toppings, Mandy says that people request a few of their signature recipes time and time again. She says customers love the Classic (topped Previous Page: RosaMia’s chicken petronella with capellini Left: RosaMia’s millefoglie PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN HARRISON
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Food-on-the-Go Continued Heading
‘Cue’s barbecue chicken
Barbecue restaurants are best known for their meat, and the secret to ‘Cue’s barbecue flavor is in the meat itself. Unlike other restaurants that use spice rubs on their meat, Gray assured that ‘Cue’s meat is cooked without seasoning so that patrons get the true flavor of the smoke and the meat.
‘Cue’s barbecue ribs
with pepperoni, Italian sausage, red onions, mushrooms and bell peppers), the Santa Fe Chicken (seasoned black beans, chicken, jalapeño peppers, red onions, spicy ranch, cilantro and fresh avocado) and Grandma’s (a 16-inch Sicilian-style pizza topped with extra virgin olive oil, hand-crushed plum tomatoes, sliced garlic and fresh basil). Luckily, Blue Moon Pizza has quite a few options for those looking to enjoy their tasty pizzas at home. They offer delivery within a three-mile radius of each location and recently started a curb-side service that allows patrons to drive up and have their order delivered to their car. They also offer a “Take-n-Bake” option that allows customers to pick up a ready-made pizza at
the restaurant, then cook it at home on their own time. This is an ideal solution for those who live a bit farther from the restaurant or who have time to kill before other family members get home. When you’re craving fresh pizza with that special, restaurant-quality taste, Blue Moon Pizza has the locations and service options to leave you satisfied. Locations in Marietta, Vinings, Buckhead and Sandy Springs; www.bluemoonpizza.com
‘Cue Barbecue When Paul Doster and Beth Gray, coowners of ‘Cue Barbecue in Milton and Cumming, say they make everything at their restaurant, they’re not just blowing
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grub and go. Not only do these meats and sides travel well, they reheat well too, which makes leftovers the next day that much better — if you have any! 13700 Highway 9 N, Milton, 770-6670089; 1370 Buford Highway, Cumming, 770-888-1048, www.cuebarbecue.com
N_Xk Efk TO TA K E AWAY Some dishes are just better suited for dining in. Whether the food doesn’t travel well (like seafood if you live more than a few blocks from the restaurant) or it’s best eaten hot from the pan (like gnocchi that can get gummy or nachos that can get soggy), ask someone from the restaurant before you order, just in case.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAYNE SLOOP
smoke. In addition to smoking all of their own meat, they also craft their own pork sausage, pickles and all of their own sides from scratch. At ‘Cue, they even bake all of their own breads in-house — from buns to Texas toast — something Gray said is truly unique to the restaurant. ‘Cue’s specialties include their hickory wood-smoked pork (sliced or chopped), homemade sausage, salads “with all the fixins,” and a variety of seasonal sides, including sweet potatoes (served year-round), and butternut squash and fried okra, which they cycle in and out, depending on the season. The restaurant also serves a variety of Southern-style meats, including beef brisket, smoked pork and chicken, in addition to baby back ribs. Barbecue restaurants are best known for their meat, and the secret to ‘Cue’s barbecue flavor is in the meat itself. Unlike other restaurants that use spice rubs on their meat, Gray assured that ‘Cue’s meat is cooked without seasoning so that patrons get the true flavor of the smoke and the meat. Should you decide to season these offerings, ‘Cue provides three sauces: a traditional barbecue sauce, a sweet-hot mustard-based sauce, and a vinegar-based North Carolina-style sauce. Although there’s plenty of room to sit and enjoy ‘Cue at one of their two locations, it is so easy to grab that delicious ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
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Food-on-the-Go Continued Heading
Jules Café and Grill Jules Café and Grill has only been open since January of this year, and already, the restaurant has claimed its fair share of repeat customers. “When customers taste the food, they’re surprised at how good it is, and they keep coming back for more. We’ve had people come in for lunch because they work nearby, then they bring their families back in for dinner,” said owner Ahoua Jules. Serving up a blend of American cuisine and Southern-style home cooking, it’s no surprise that people are eager to try everything this place has to offer. Unassuming in its cozy storefront location and seating only 25 guests at a time, taking food to go is a perfect option for enjoying this quaint café. The restaurant’s top dishes include fall-off-the-bone, oven-baked chicken, five-hour, slow-cooked oxtail, hearty beef and vegetable stew, and a wide selection of delicious sides, including macaroni and cheese, fried okra, collard greens and black-eyed peas. In addition to hearty soul food, Jules Café and Grill offers hot and cold sandwiches as well as a few healthier selections for those looking to bring home something light. These include turkey and veggie burgers, fresh vegetable stew and grilled salmon with fresh vegetables. Jules said he is proud that everything in his restaurant is cooked fresh. That fact presents itself in every bite — the food is delicious. One of the restaurant’s particularly unique offerings is its fresh-squeezed ginger juice drink created by Jules’ wife and business partner, Jackie. It’s a blend of fresh ginger, lemon and pineapple juice that Jules describes perfectly as “a little punch, a little spice and a lot refreshing.” Swing by Jules Café and Grill or call ahead to take away some hearty home cooking, made all the more delicious because you didn’t have to make it yourself. 8465 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-645-2506, www.julescafega.com
Athens Restaurant Brothers Art and Peter Soublis have owned Athens Restaurant, their traditional Greek eatery, since 1979. Initially established on West Peachtree, the brothers relocated to Roswell when their intown lease was up in 1992, and they’ve been delighting the suburban community with traditional Greek fare ever since. Originally from Kalamata, Greece, the Soublises are proud of their traditional fare and boast that every Greek dish they serve is made in-house. All of their recipes have been passed down from family members or adapted from traditional recipes by family and friends. Some of their most popular items (and the ones you should order) include dolmades (herbed beef and rice stuffed grape leaves),
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One of Jules Café and Grill’s particularly unique offerings is its fresh-squeezed ginger juice drink created by Jules’ wife and business partner, Jackie. It’s a blend of fresh ginger, lemon and pineapple juice that Jules describes perfectly as “a little punch, a little spice and a lot refreshing.” pastitsio (the Greek spin on lasagna), and moussaka (an eggplant-based entrée covered with meat sauce). Their spanakopita also proves a particularly delectable take on the traditional savory spinach and cheese pastry. The restaurant is run out of a small storefront café where patrons order at the counter and take a seat or take their food out the door. Having been in the business so long, the Soublises know that friendly service goes a long way with customers. “After 20 years, we know a lot of people by name. My wife, in particular, knows everybody who comes to the counter. It’s amazing!” Art said. In addition to their great food and service, the Soublis brothers offer their dishes at very reasonable prices. Their most popular dish, the gyro wrap with homemade tzatziki sauce (served with fries or a side salad), is just $6 during lunch. With great food, service and value, Athens Restaurant is definitely a go-to for to-go Greek cuisine. Brannon Square, 10753 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell, 770-552-8599, www.athensgreekrestaurant.com PN
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Glamping LET’S GO
CHECK OUT THESE GEORGIA DESTINATIONS THAT PUT THE GLAM IN CAMPING
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MARTYN HOUSE & JULIE HOSTETTER
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Glamping THE MARTYN HOUSE [ W R I T TEN BY J ULI E HOSTETTER ]
To some, camping in the moonlight with the earth as your pillow is a slice of heaven. To others, well, let’s just say they’d like a warm bed and a electricity. Though I admit I’m in the latter category, I can’t deny the appeal of sleeping under the stars while nature sings its gentle lullaby. A camping novice, I found my backto-nature bliss at The Martyn House in Ellijay, an ethereal bed and breakfast in the North Georgia Mountains that magically combines the charms of camping with the cherished amenities of home sweet home. Here, guests sleep in luxuriously rich cotton sleeping tents from India, each secluded in nature so that one feels alone in the woods, when in fact, they’re just a short walk from the comforts of owners JoAnn Antonelli and Rick Lucas’ quaint 1930s farmhouse, where Antonelli’s fine farm-to-table cooking awaits. Each tent boasts an imaginative moniker, such as Hummingbird Haven or Bohemian Bungalow, and comes complete with fresh linens, a table and chairs and best of all, a real bed, as well as electricity, a private bath and a covered veranda. For those chilly nights, a heater is on hand, and for steamy ones, a fan ensures your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable. The moment I stepped inside my tent, I felt as if I was a woodland fairy who stumbled upon an enchanted cottage. The tents themselves are lush with color and whimsy
with bold, colorful stripes and exquisite detail, while the private bathroom is an oasis in the camping community, complete with an antique washstand, a lidded composting toilet and a hot water shower with a squeaky-clean teak floor. Guests can explore the North Georgia Mountains by kayaking, white water rafting, tubing, fly-fishing or biking, or spend a day exploring the galleries, stores and restaurants of Downtown Blue Ridge. But most guests don’t leave the property at all, and it’s no wonder why. They can immerse themselves in nature just steps from their tent by traversing the many hiking trails on the 18 acres of property or just relaxing around the bonfire. Those wanting to nurture their artistic nature can tour Antonelli’s art studio or take a photography class in Lucas’ studio. Not only are Antonelli and Lucas gracious hosts, so are their little furry friends — dogs Grace and Maya and cats Essie and Ruby. Each night they will find their favorite guest and if the feeling is mutual, may spend the night snuggled at your feet. After a relaxing day and a s’mores nightcap, we headed to our tent for the night. It was a crisp fall evening, but the warm down comforters and occasional heater were all we needed for a good nights’ sleep. Without a TV, I had the pleasure of discovering my inner artistic self by sketching in the provided journal,
where many guests before me had left their handiwork. I’m no Rembrandt but I was delighted by how relaxing it was to sketch away into the night instead of sitting before a blaring television. And yes, crickets serenaded me to sleep with their lullabies, and the crow of a rooster was my alarm clock, which suited me fine, as otherwise I may have missed the magnificent sunrise that illuminated the tent in dramatic glowing colors. As I stepped into our bathroom to get ready for the day, a playful praying mantis waved hello from the lampshade. After our delicious breakfast on the farmhouse veranda, I awaited a massage treatment and explored the organic gardens, then settled down into a lounge chair on the wraparound porch. As cows mooed in the distance from the neighboring farm and the rushing water of the fountains soothed me to a state of near Nirvana, Maya’s friendly nudge returned me to earth, and I smiled knowing that a city girl like me could so quickly embrace the serenity of nature and the many pleasures of camping in style.
THE MARTYN HOUSE 912 Flat Branch Road Ellijay, GA 706-635-4759 www.themartynhouse.com
Facing Page: Glamping at The Martyn House, Ellijay, Ga.
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Glamping NORTH GEORGIA CANOPY TOURS [ W R I TTEN BY S HAN NA H J. SMITH ]
Having tent-camped my way across the United States, I’d say that I’m fairly experienced at — and even enjoy — setting up a tent, inflating an air mattress and hunkering down for a night out in the wild, but when I heard about the glamping experience offered at North Georgia Canopy Tours in Lula, Ga., I was eager to forego all the hassle of preparation and simply revel in the coziness of luxurious camping. As my husband and I headed up on a beautiful afternoon, I was even more excited that, not only would I get to enjoy a few luxuries while camping, but I’d also be spending the night in an authentic nativeAmerican teepee.
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North Georgia Canopy Tours has installed seven of 10 planned teepees in their campground that also offers rustic campsites. The campground’s theme centers around the Seven Clans of the Cherokee Indians (historically, the Cherokee lived in more durable yurt-like structures), and each teepee features custompainted symbols and patterns based on those clans. The teepees range from 18 to 26 feet in diameter and sleep from two to 10 adults. We were fortunate enough to book the Deer Teepee, perfect for couples and secluded from the rest of the camp. As soon as we stepped into our teepee, I was impressed with the sturdiness of the
structure — quite reassuring since it would later prove to be a windy night — and all of the room that we had inside. The furnishings were rustic and included a queen bed, lamps, a bench and a dresser. The bed was made, and towels were provided for our jaunt up to the bathhouse later that evening. There were numerous outlets offering ample power, and, yes, there on the floor was one of the best distinctions between camping and glamping that I can think of: an air conditioner/heater. While this was a luxurious way to camp, the teepee still housed a few critters common to camping. Several granddaddy longlegs spent the night with us in
Glamping
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WWW.NORTHGEORGIACANOPYTOURS.COM
the upper portions of the teepee, and my husband played a victorious game of kungfu with a rather large spider not long after our arrival. We enjoyed a full moon during our visit, but a flashlight was still a necessary item on our way to the bathhouse after dark. There are no fires allowed near the teepees, and the entire campground shares one fire pit, so we skipped the standard roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and drove into nearby Gainesville to enjoy dinner at one of its many restaurants. Drinks and vending machines were available at the main office, but a stash of snacks kept our late-night cravings at bay. We ordered our breakfast at check-in for a small fee and it was ready to pick up first thing the next morning. Along with the glamping experience, the zip-line tour at North Georgia Canopy Tours was a fun and thrilling exercise. While we opted for the two-hour Sky Bridge Tour, which includes nine zip-lines, two sky bridges and two nature walks, the three-hour Adventure Tour ups the ante with a total of 12 zip-lines and the fastest zips on the course. North Georgia Canopy
Tours also offers a professionally designed disc golf course and a series of well-hidden geocaches. For novice geocachers, a GPS or a geocaching app for your mobile device is recommended. My husband and I decided to use the maps app that came preloaded on my phone, which turned a simple hike into an epic hike before we gave up and downloaded the Geocaching Buddy App, which proved to be far more accurate and led us promptly to our first find. With all of the activities to offer, the enthusiastic staff and the unique opportunity to spend a night “luxuriously” camping in an authentic teepee, this experience is one I definitely look forward to repeating in the future. PN
NORTH GEORGIA C A N O PY TO U R S 5290 Harris Road Lula, Ga. 770-869-7272 www.northgeorgiacanopytours.com
Above: Teepee Glamping at North Georgia Canopy Tours, Lula, Ga.
G L A M P I N G I N G E O R G I A S TAT E PA R K S Yurts at three of Georgia’s State Parks provide the perfect opportunity to spend the weekend in the woods without the hassles of traditional camping. These wood and canvas structures sleep up to five or six and feature ceiling fans, small heaters and electrical outlets plus decks, picnic tables and a grill or fire ring right outside. Reservations required; visit gastateparks.org/yurts for more information. Fort Yargo State Park Fort Yargo offers an entire yurt village with five units, each offering a lake view, though units 2 and 3 are highly recommended. There’s also a canoe under each yurt, so you can paddle around with the family, as well as swim at the beach, fish, hike and play wooded disc golf during the days. 210 S. Broad St. Winder, Ga. 770-867-3489 PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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High Falls State Park Located on the park’s lake, six yurts promise peaceful views of the water and are just a short walk from the swimming pool — a plus for the kids. There’s no lake swimming here, but the waters are known as one of Georgia’s top fishing spots for hybrid and white bass. 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, Ga. 478-993-3053
Red Top Mountain State Park Only one yurt is available at Red Top, but its phenomenal location on Lake Allatoona makes it the most coveted spot in the park system. It stays rented most weekends, so make your reservations early! Bring your own boat or rent from a nearby marina while you’re here, or simply swim from the sand beach, or hike through 15 miles of trails. 50 Lodge Road SE Cartersville, Ga., 770-975-4226
Purchase a Tropitone 5- or 7-piece deep seating or dining set between April 13-30 and receive up to $400 off with a factory authorized rebate. See store for details.
American Backyard is an authorized dealer for Big Green Egg smokers, Napoleon Gourmet Grills and Sabre Gas Grills. 955 NORTH POINT DR. (NEXT TO BEST BUY) IN ALPHARETTA
770.754.5750
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
in the mountains BLAIR SV ILLE, GA. FOR A FA MILY-FR IENDLY springtime retreat, you can’t beat this special town. Blairsville’s lakes beckon families, from Lake Nottely to Lake Winfield Scott in Suches. Each offers boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking and camping, and Lake Nottely has 106 miles of shoreline, two marinas and public boat ramps. Vogel State Park features a lake and beach, picnic shelters, children’s playground and miles of hiking trails. Families can trek the 300-yard trail to Helton Creek Falls to see twin cascades set in a deep hardwood forest and head to nearby Brasstown Bald Mountain, Georgia’s highest point, for a view of four states. On land, attractions include the Misty Mountain Railroad, Mountain Life Museum, Sleepy Hollow with its fairytale dwellings, and a miniature collection of castles and palaces at the Old Court house Museum. T he
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area also offers lots of mountain cabins and family-friendly eateries, like The Sawmill Place and the Aviator Café. 877-7455789, www.visitblairsvillega.com
BR ASSTOWN VALLEY R ESORT & SPA THIS PEACEFUL MOUNTAIN paradise in Young Harris, Ga., offers plenty of incentives to visit this spring. 706-379-4606, www.brasstownvalley.com
Art on the Lawn M AY 6 Enjoy a relaxing sidewalk stroll on the Waterfall Lawn as Brasstown hosts a variety of artisans and their work.
Mother’s Day Brunch M AY 13 Menu items include gourmet salads, a breakfast station, fruit, bread and cheese montage, seafood station, carving station, hot entrées and dessert.
5th Annual Horsin’ Around BBQ Showdown M AY 2 6 This Kansas Cit y Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition at the Brasstown stables features more than 20 different barbecue samples, live music, a kids fun zone and vendors.
BIG CA NOE L A ST Y E A R , t he Great er Atlanta Home Builders Association awarded Big Canoe its most prestigious honor, Community of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the
picturesque Appalachian foothills an hour north of Atlanta, the community’s year-round and part-time residents enjoy an authentic mountain lifestyle fi lled with amenities. The homes meld into Big Canoe’s lushly forested surroundings, and people frequently encounter flocks of wild turkey, deer and other wildlife, not to mention that invigorating mountain air. Residents indulge in the 8,000-plus-acre gated community’s 22 miles of hiking trails, championship-level golf course, state-of-the-art fitness facility, lakes, tennis club, swim club, fine dining at the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti, and more than 50 clubs and organizations. Homes at Big Canoe range from $200,000 to more than $3 million. The developer, Big Canoe Company, is celebrating PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG CANOE
AS A NEW SEASON BEGINS TO BLOOM, HEAD TO THE HILLS FOR FUN EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS
Annual Mother’s Day Arts & Crafts Show M AY 12 – 13 More than 40 juried arts and crafts vendors will display their handmade wares. BIG CANOE
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in the mountains its 25th anniversary and carries zero debt. The Big Canoe Property Owners Association, with more than $40 million in assets, has been judicious in maintaining the community’s facilities and infrastructure. For more information, call 770-893-2733 or visit www.bigcanoe.com. Rent a l accom mod at ion s i nc lude luxury homes up to six bedrooms as well as condos and villas ranging from one to four bedrooms. For rental information, call 706-268-3178 (an Atlanta line).
CARTERSVILLE, GA. JUST 45 MILES NORTH of Atlanta, the charming community of Cartersville in Bartow County offers plenty of fun for visitors. www.notatlanta.org
Adairsville will celebrate its role in eventually capturing Andrews' Raiders at the Adairsville Depot.
Duck Derby M AY 12 This benefit for Advocates for Children features 20,000 – 30,000 rubber ducks floating the Etowah River, plus prizes, entertainment, a Kids Korner and more at Riverside Park Day Use Area.
Mountain Music Series at Red Top M AY 2 6 Enjoy bluegrass, traditional and old-time music all day each Saturday at Red Top Mountain State Park's Vaughn Log Cabin.
CASHIER S, N.C. Adairsville Commemorates the Civil War 150th A P R I L 1 2 – 14 To commemorate the 150th A n n iversa r y of t he Great Locomotive Chase, Historic
area with plenty of fi ne dining options and lots of shopping. This spring, plan your visit around the city’s special events. www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com
WITH WATERFALLS, hiking, fishing, camping, golf and more on the highest plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. There is also a charming downtown
Tour de Cashiers M AY 5 R ides depart at the Village Green at the Cashiers Crossroads and follow scenic routes with views of mountain lakes, rugged gorges, wild flowers and flowering shrubs as well as dramatic differences in leafi ng at different elevations.
Zachary-Tolbert House Opening M AY 11 Home to the Cashiers Historical Society, this house museum is a fantastic spot to explore as you learn about the past. Tours begin May 11 and last through October. Plan to stay for the day, and even bring a picnic lunch to enjoy amid the lush, native flora shades of the 4-acre Interpretive Nature Trail, where picnic tables and benches wait in secluded coves.
CHEROK EE, N.C. THIS GATEWAY TO BOTH the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway offers attractions such as the Oconaluftee Indian Village, which opens on May 1; "Unto These Hills" Outdoor Drama; Museum of the Cherokee Indians; and, of course, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel. But perhaps the greatest draw at this time of year is the fantastic fishing opportunities, and the Cherokee Indian Reservation features 30 miles of streams. Each year, the Cherokee Fish and Game Management stocks the streams with nearly 400,000 rainbow, brook and brown trout, adding to the existing population of fish in the crystal-clear mountain waters. www.fishcherokee.com, www.visitcherokeenc.com
Smokies Fly-Fishing Tournament M AY 18 – 2 0 This t wo-person team flyfishing competition is held on
“ A Jewel in the Mountains”
Special Spring Rates
99 per night
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Championship Golf | Guided Trail Rides | Tennis | Hiking Swimming Pool & Fitness Center | The Equani Spa
6321 US Hwy 76, Young Harris, Georgia 30546 www.brasstownvalley.com Call for Reservations: 800-201-3205
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2011 COMMUNITY of the YEAR
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
in the mountains the 2.2 miles of trophy, catchand-release water on the Cherokee Reservation. Registration fee includes tournament registration for two people, competitor swag, several meals during the competition and more.
April 2012
Sundays: April 1st, 15th, 22nd & 29th AWAKENING OF THE VINES & BLUEGRASS BRUNCH
Sunday, April 8th EASTER BRUNCH
www.wolfmountainvineyards.com | 706-867-9862 Reservations required for all Food Service
DAHLONEGA, GA. JUST NORTH OF METRO Atlanta, Dahlonega is the perfect place for a quick getaway. www.dahlonega.org.
Bear on the Square A PR I L 21 – 22 A weekend full of music, folk dancers, an artists’ market and more make this a favorite spring event.
Appalachian Jam Sessions A P R I L 2 8 – O C T. 1 3 Every Saturday, North Georgia’s mountain music pickers a nd si nger s f lock t o t he Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site to play and listen to acoustic bluegrass and oldtime string music.
First Friday Night Concert Series APR IL – OCTOBER On the first Friday of each month, Hancock Park showcases the diversit y of local musicians.
Mountain Flower Fine Arts Festival M AY 19 – 2 0 More than 70 artists of all varieties will be present, and visitors will be able to watch some of them as they create their art on the spot.
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GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIRGROUNDS LOC AT E D A LONG T H E shores of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, Ga., the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds offer a wide variety of unique venues a nd be aut i f ul yea r-round camping facilities. As spring rolls around, the venue comes alive with entertainment and fun for the whole family. This season is an especially good time to visit the Hamilton Rhododendron Garden, a botanical paradise bursting with dogwood, tulip, magnolias, native azaleas, wild flowers, trillium and more than 400 varietes of rhododendron. Though the gardens are open year-round, peak viewing season usually occurs the last two weeks in April through the fi rst two weeks in May. Plus, mark your calendar for an array of music, festivals and more. www.georgiamountain fairgrounds.com
MercyMe A PR I L 21
BMW Rally M AY 4
Georgia Mountain EggFest M AY 18 – 19
George Jones with Confederate Railroad M AY 2 6
HEN DER SON V ILLE , N.C. HISTOR IC Hendersonville and the Flat Rock area provide breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the
backdrop for great family vacations. This cool mountain destination is filled with golf, shopping, dining, theater, children and family activities, museums, historic sites, outdoor recreational venues, national and state forests, rivers and waterfalls, as well as several events to keep you entertained this spring. www.historichendersonville.org
Tour de Falls M AY 12 – 13 A 12-mile tour by shuttle bus includes four spectacular sites in DuPont State Recreational Forest: Triple Falls, High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Julia.
Garden Jubilee Festival M AY 2 6 – 2 7 Downtown Hendersonville welcomes more than 200 vendors selling thousands of plants, garden clinics, arts & crafts, lawn and garden accessories, garden experts, food and a Lowes Kid’s Clinic. Garden topics include “WOW! What a beautiful front yard,” “No sun in your garden? No problem” and “Through the Garden Gate: Pathways and Patios.”
INN AT HALF-MILE FAR M THIS LUXURY BED AND BREAKFAST in Highlands, N.C., welcomes guests to a magnificent blend of the past and present, offering time for reflection amidst acres of fields, forests, ponds and streams. Enjoy fishing, golfi ng, whitewater rafting, hiking or a relaxing day on the patio or poolside. All stays include gourmet, chef-prepared breakfast, wine and hors d’oeuvres each evening, and freshly baked cookies daily. In May, June and September, guests who pay for two nights get a third night free Sunday through Thursday, and additional specials are listed online at www.halfmilefarm.com or on the inn’s Facebook page. And if you can’t find a special for the dates of your trip, simply call the inn at 800-946-6822 and mention this article in Points North for a 10 percent discount on your stay!
In this Quaint Village, there is as little or as much to do as one may wish. Here the beauty is natural — not man made. There are charming resorts, inns, lodges, cafés and shops. It’s a place to explore, hike, fish, play tennis or golf on a choice of a scenic courses.
Cashiers is Beautiful Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 238 – Cashiers, NC 28717 Phone: 1-828-743-5941 E-mail: cashcham@dnet.net www.cashiers-nc.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF INN AT HALF MILE FARM
in the mountains
INN AT HALF MILE FARM
MOUNTAINTOP CABIN R ENTALS MOUN TA I N TOP C A BI N Rent als has been pleasing guests since 2003 with superb customer service and fi rst-class accommodations. Guests experience the best of Blue Ridge in lodging and receive an exclusive area guide, plus the exclusive MTV Card with discounts to more than 40 participating merchants, restaurants and activities. Spring is the perfect time to visit MTCR and Blue Ridge to experience t he outdoor activities the area has to offer. This time of year is a great time to canoe on the Toccoa River, hike or bike on the many trails in the area, take a canopy tour through the tree tops, watch a movie at the Swan drivein theater, take a trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or visit Mercier Orchards for the famous U-pick events. During the month of April, pay for four nights and get the fi fth night free! 866-40-CABIN, www. mountaintopcabinrentals.com.
SCENIC HIGHWAY 197 LEAVE YOUR CIT Y BLUES beh i nd and t ravel off t he
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beaten t rack to nor t heast Georgia. Scenic Hwy 197 is the path to some of North Georgia’s best att ract ions. www.scenic197.com s BATESVILLE GENER AL STOR E R ESTAUR A N T: Established in 1904; serves break fast and lunch and boasts “the best burger in Batesville.” 706-947-3434 s BURTON GALLERY AND EMPORIUM: From fi ne art to funky, the gallery features the best of Georgia artists — paintings, baskets, wood, pottery, metal and more. www.burtongalleryand emporium.com s COTTAGE GARDEN: Specializing in unique gifts for the home and garden. 706947-1601 s HICKORY FLAT POTTERY: Features potters producing functional stoneware along with jewelr y, copper art, hand-blown glass and more. www.hickoryflatpottery.com s L A PR A DE’S M A R I NA : Only full service marina on Lake Burton with boat and slip rentals, two restaurants, live entertainment and more; per fect weddi ng venue ! www.lapradesmarina.com
s MARK OF THE POTTER: Features art, handcrafted pottery, a potter working on the weekends, and the best view on the Soque River at the old Grandpa Watts’ Gristmill. www.markofthepotter.com s NORTH 40 LODGE: Quaint and cozy lodge only one mile from Lake Burton, perfect for reunions, weddings a nd weekend get aways. 706-947-1075 s S O Q U E A R T WO R K S : Feat ures un ique ar t and craf t s creat ed i n t he North Georgia mountains a nd neig hbor i ng st at es. www.soqueartworks.com
TOWNS COUNT Y, GA. JUST TWO HOURS NORTH of At la nt a, t he mount a i n t op t ow n s of H i awa ssee and Young Harris, Ga., offer beaut y and adventure, plus plenty of upcoming activities and events. 800-984-1543, www.mountaintopga.com
2012 Spring Garden Tour M AY 12 – 13 Sponsored by t he Tow ns Count y Chamber of Commerce, the tour features beautiful flower, herb and vegetable gardens in Hiawassee and Young Harris.
Georgia Mountain Eggfest M AY 18 – 19 The ultimate cooking experience invites guests to stroll, sample and experience wonderful food at t he Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
Vince Gill Concert JUNE 23 The legendary country music artist will delight audiences with an intimate performance at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds’ Anderson Music Hall.
WOLF MOUNTAIN VINEYAR DS WITH SWEEPING mountain views and phenomenal food, this Dahlonega winery is the perfect place for lunch at the Vineyard Café on a spring afternoon (available Thursday – Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.) or a tasting of awardwinning wines in the Tasting Room (open Thursday – Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 – 5 p.m.). For a real treat, make a reservation for Wolf Mountain’s special Sunday brunch, with monthly themes and seatings at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. (Cost: $30 per person.) 706-867-9862, www.wolfmountainvineyards.com.
Awakening of the Vines Bluegrass Brunch A PR I L 1, 15, 22, 29 Features the current release of Wolf Mountain’s family of estate wines
Easter Brunch APRIL 8
White Wine, Sparkling Wine & Seafood Festival M AY 6 , 2 0, 2 7 Features fresh seafood with uniquely blended white wines
Mother’s Day Brunch M AY 13 ✢
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Legendary A
Lodge
North Georgia’s Brigadoon Lodge is a Fly-Fishing Haven with its own Private-Label Wine [ WR I T T EN BY B R E HU M PHR I ES ]
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGADOON LODGE
as one of the top 10 fly-fishing destinations in the world for its stream-bred, trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout. In fact, studies suggest that this private stretch of the Soque has the second highest number of trout per mile in the United States with an average size of 20 inches and 8.5 pounds, making for a great day of fishing for both avid anglers and novices like me. AN ENCHANTED HILLSIDE
zipped my jacket against the breeze coming off the water and snagged a seat by the fire pit on the patio of Brigadoon Lodge. From here, I had a prime view of the fishermen in the Soque River, my husband included. Within minutes, he’d hooked a trout in the cool, clear water, and was wrestling to keep it on the line. He had already lost count of the number of fish he’d caught that day with the help of experienced guide Mark Smith, but this particular one wasn’t giving up easily, and, like most in Brigadoon waters, this trout was certainly big enough to put up a fight. I should know; I had caught my first trout in this very stretch of river just a few months earlier, and had fought fiercely to bring him in — all 20-plus inches of him. Beginner’s luck on my part? Maybe. But most likely it was just the magic of Brigadoon, which is consistently ranked
I
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According to Scottish legend, Brigadoon is a utopian village that rises out of the mist in the highlands of Scotland for one idyllic day every 100 years — the perfect namesake for an enchanting piece of property surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. “That’s how we started our tagline, one perfect place,” said owner Rebekah Stewart. “That’s what Brigadoon Lodge looks like. When it’s in bloom and the mist is rising off the river, you’ve never seen anything as beautiful in your life. The sheer cliffs and the waterfalls — it’s just stunning.” Located outside of Clarkesville, Ga., on Scenic Highway 197, Brigadoon Lodge is a natural paradise on a 15-acre hillside with 1.5 miles of river frontage. Stewart originally purchased the property in 1989 to construct a private weekend home. When she realized just exactly what she was working with — ancient growth, including 300-year-old rhododendrons and ancient hemlocks — preserving as much of the property as possible became her top priority. “You don’t take a chainsaw to that,” she said. “We pruned it with fingernail scissors practically.”
LARGE PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGADOON LODGE | INSET PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK SMITH
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Brigadoon Lodge The idea to turn Brigadoon into a commercial fishing lodge came after Stewart discovered what else she had at her fingertips: countless trophy-sized trout. “I just fell in love with fish, and perfectly managing [the river] is an undertaking,” she said. She originally opened the property to paying anglers as a means to support a full-time yardman. “[River management] is invisible gardening,” she claimed, recounting the meticulous techniques involved in water management, like aeration dams, under pruning, pool shaping and clearing of springs. And conservation remains a high priority for Stewart. In addition to maintaining the river, current efforts at Brigadoon include a hands-on endeavor to save the property’s hemlocks in partnership with The University of Georgia. The efforts of Stewart and her staff simply enrich the beauty that Mother Nature has already bestowed on this little piece of earth along with what is quite possibly the prettiest stretch of river in the country. “It is just an exceptional property in every respect,” Stewart said. “Most important is that the forest wasn’t cut and the trees keep that water cold. And, of course, there’s a food source for the fish.” In addition, the bank opposite the lodge is a sheer cliff, further protecting the water from the sun. To maintain the health of the fish, the entire operation is catch-and-release with barbless hooks. The conditions make for such superior fishing that Brigadoon regularly draws high-profile clientele like Jimmy Carter, who fishes here once a year. Further enhancing the fishing experience, guests at Brigadoon have access to top-quality fishing equipment and experienced guides, like Smith as well as Randy Schiltz of The Field and Fly. After a day on the water, guests
can drift to the fire pits and covered porches of the main lodge for camaraderie, and rest their heads in luxurious lodge or cabin accommodations. Options include the grand main lodge, the charming Oban cabin, and the fully-equipped, three-story Craggemore cabin, perched high on a hill overlooking the water. FLY LINE WINE
The lodge’s food and beverage program is quite simple, as guests may cater lunch and dinner through a local restaurant or enlist the services of a private chef, but no matter what’s on the menu, you’ll enjoy it alongside bottles of Brigadoon’s own private-label libation, Fly Line Wine. “We were just looking for a betterthan-average dinner wine,” Stewart explained of the wine’s inception. “Brigadoon Lodge is in a dry county, so we had hit-or-miss gas station wine to begin with. And a lot of our customers are real connoisseurs, so we were originally looking for a house wine to serve at the lodge.” For two years, Stewart and the fishermen who visited Brigadoon tested various wines during dinner at the lodge. “I know nothing about the wine business, but we drink a lot of it!” she said. Throughout the process, Stewart and her guests tested more than 100 wines from different vineyards, mostly in California.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGADOON LODGE
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What they ultimately chose for their private label were a Chardonnay and a Cabernet from a vineyard in Napa Valley. Once the decision had been made, Stewart partnered with the winery to tweak the flavor profiles a bit, such as reducing the acidity on the Cabernet and adding a little more oak aging. Now, the wines are not only served at Brigadoon, but also available in select retail locations across Georgia and South Carolina, including Total Wine & More in metro Atlanta. Stewart claims the Cabernet, which is actually a blend of 85 percent Cabernet with 5 percent Merlot and 10 percent Petit Syrah, is possibly the best value under $20 on the market. “It has aromas of black cherry, cedar and just the right amount of oak. It’s delicious,” she said. “The Chardonnay is really light ... really refreshing. It’s almost reminiscent of a Pinot Grigio, it’s that light and smooth for summer,” she explained. And keeping with Brigadoon’s eco-conscious nature, both are low in preservatives, an added bonus for consumers who are allergic to sulfites. Stewart hopes to make her wines available in 13 states along the Atlantic coast by June 1. She’s also working on two new varietals under the Fly Line Wine label, a Merlot and Pinot Grigio. The wine business may seem like an unlikely extension for a fly-fishing lodge, but really, the two complement each other quite nicely. After all, Stewart said, fishermen appreciate nothing more than single malt Scotch and fi ne wine after a day on the river. PN
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Postcards ]ifd Portland Notes from a City with a Passionate Sense of Place
Above: Portland’s outdoor dining scene Bottom Left: Octopus Terrine by Bluehour’s chef Thomas Boyce Bottom Right: Coffee stop on Pedal Bike Tours
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[ W R I T TEN BY H EATHER KW BROWN ]
I
t was barely 11 a.m. and so far,
I’d found my way to a plate of artisan cheese, a charcuterie board, a swig of house-made soda, a slice of pizza topped with seasonal veggies, and mouthwatering cookies from a sister-owned bakery called Two Tarts. As I stood in line at one of the most popular food trucks in town, my bike leaned against a nearby tree and its cage, which would have contained a plastic water bottle in any other place, sported a recycled paper cup half-full of freshly roasted coffee. I suddenly felt like a local. Since my last visit to Portland, Ore., nearly 13 years ago, the city has become a powerhouse of refined palates, and my plan was to absorb as much as I could. Considering I still had an hour to go on my Bites by Bike tour, I was clearly on the right path. Our stop at Cacao, which specializes in craft chocolates often produced locally in small batches, served as a sweet ending to my three-hour tour, but it was merely a taste of Portland, where experiencing the city’s passions are just as fun as they are filling. Food Fetish The sign on the aforementioned food truck read, “Simply, it’s Thai chicken and rice served with soybean sauce and soup on the side,” but the line of loyal fans waiting in front of Nong’s Khao Man Gai at 10th and Alder for her one and only dish at this location is perhaps the more telling sign about Portland’s food culture. Whether found on the hundreds of registered food carts that have ditched their wheels and set up camp in pods, or in neighborhood restaurants around the
Above: The stylishly appointed rooms at The Nines Below: Blend No. 67, a caffeine-free herbal infusion called Meadow by Steven Smith Teamaker
TL A N R PO
ORE city, the search for a culinary experience is short. Incredible food is inescapable. Of all the restaurants on my list, I was most excited about Beast, where witty quotes are scribbled in chalk on pitch black walls and “Top Chef” Master Naomi Pomeroy floats through the open kitchen preparing a six-course, prix fixe meal that
PHOTO CREDITS FACING PAGE: TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVEL PORTLAND BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUEHOUR BOTTOM RIGHT COURTESY OF HEATHER KW BROWN THIS PAGE: TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NINES BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER KW BROWN
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Portland, Ore.
is only available at two seatings four nights a week. My friend and I sat at one of two communal tables in Pomeroy’s 24-seat restaurant, said to be relocating this summer, and waited to be wowed. We did not have to wait long, as the house curry-spiced carrot velouté, shiso pickled oyster and fried garlic soon arrived, followed by a charcuterie plate that has garnered almost as much attention as the chef herself. And for good reason: Pomeroy’s fois gras bon-bon and her steak tartare and quail egg toast were worth every minute I’d spent on the plane from Atlanta to Portland. In a city packed with so much skill, the biggest challenge is deciding which of the chef-driven restaurants to visit. Luckily, we
Left: Stumptown Coffee Roasters, one of the hometown favorites Right: Hopworks BikeBar serves organic beer Bottom: Lemon Bar by Bluehour’s chef Thomas Boyce
PHOTO CREDITS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: TOP TWO PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRAVEL PORTLAND; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUEHOUR
VISIT THE EXPERT
IN SPINE CARE & PAIN MANAGEMENT MEET JONATHAN NEWTON, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Jonathan Newton, a board-certified pain physician previously of Northside Hospital, has opened a new practice in East Cobb. Dr. Newton provides care for all painful conditions including back and neck complaints. He will thoroughly evaluate you and tailor the treatment regimen to your unique pain issues.
SERVING PATIENTS IN THE ATLANTA METRO AREA INCLUDING EAST COBB, MARIETTA, ROSWELL, SANDY SPRINGS, AND SURROUNDING AREAS.
1121 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 400 | MARIETTA
770-771-6300 | www.naSpinePain.com 52
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
knew a few locals who had been biting at the bit to try Grüner, a restaurant serving alpine cuisine. Talented owner/chef Chris Israel immediately made an impression, starting with the attractive beer list and homemade pretzel bread. To say that Grüner ranks as one of my all-time favorite restaurants is a bold statement but is rightfully deserved — the signature spätzle with Riesling-braised chicken, morels and crème fraîche was absolutely amazing. Tapping into my German roots and my love of craft beer simultaneously is a rare but welcome confluence. Anchoring the post in Portland’s sexy and sophisticated Pearl District is Bluehour. With the recent addition of Chef Thomas Boyce, this modern yet elegant staple, already established as one of the city’s favorites, upped the culinary ante yet again. Boyce left Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in Los Angeles, and moved with his wife Kim, a baker and author of the James Beard Award-winning cookbook “Good to the Grain.” Under his helm, the menu has been reinvigorated, reflecting influences of the Pacific Northwest in its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Tucked elsewhere in the Pearl District is Metrovino, which pairs two of Portland’s passions in one place, its food and its wine. Boasting the city’s only Enomatic wine system, which offers nearly 100 wines by the taste or by the glass, this is a popular hotspot for oenophiles and foodies alike as the dishes are innovative and downright delicious. Daring drinkers should belly up to the bartender for a beer cocktail, as Metrovino also has a strong list of locally distilled and internationally renowned spirits and local beers. Every city has a few hidden gems that shouldn’t be missed and Tasty n Sons on North Williams is one of them. Go for brunch and don’t be shy when Erin’s Sweet Biscuits make it to the table. We sure weren’t. ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
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Portland, Ore.
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with a friendly staff
Expanded wine program including winemaker’s dinners and special tasting events Open Tuesday -Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sunday Noon - 9 p.m. www.miaitaliano.com or facebook.com/MiaRistoranteItaliano 2300 Bethelview Rd., Suite 104, Cumming • 770-887-3000 (SFFO $PSOFST 4IPQQJOH $FOUFS t #FUIFMWJFX 3E BOE )JHIXBZ
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Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
Liquid Love While other cities simply hum with activity, Portland buzzes, one way or the other. No doubt the palpable pulse around town has much to do with their love of libations, and an unquenchable thirst for manifesting their creative juices into one passionate pour after the other. When it comes to both the art and the appreciation of brewing a beloved beverage, few places, if any, can compete. The brewery scene — 47 in Portland city limits, 61 in the entire metro area — outnumbers any other city in the world. That’s music to any beer lover’s ears, and having heard so much about the many buildings repurposed into pubs and breweries by the McMenamin brothers, I insisted on peeking into at least one of them. Fun and wildly whimsical, I’m convinced these venues are so popular because the notion of Willy Wonka popping out from behind the bar can’t be entirely dismissed. My friend and I opted instead to hop atop stationary bikes and pedal electricity back into Hopworks BikeBar with every ounce of oomph we could muster in sandals. Then, much like the locals, we swapped our bike seats for bar stools. Hanging above us were 40 bicycle frames, in front of us was a chalkboard full of craft beer on draft, and behind us were beer bottles on the wall, as if someone had stayed too long and decided to start counting backwards from 100. As the city’s ďŹ rst eco-brewpubs, BikeBar and its sister property Hopworks Urban Brewery serve handcrafted organic beer, and proved to be much more our speed. Much like cycling though, conquering the local liquid landscape requires a good amount of pacing. Coffee in Portland is part hobby, part habit. I wish I could say the same for myself — I’m all habit, and happiness began each day with a cup of caffeine at one of the hometown havens like Stumptown Coffee Roasters and World Cup Coffee. As artsy
Much like the artisan tea he crafts, Steven Smith has an undeniable draw, his demeanor excited but calm, like he knows something incredible is about to happen in each cup. and ample as they are cool and crafty, coffeehouses here promise to please, with many shops also hosting private cuppings, Happy Hour espresso tastings and guided tastings. Tea, on the other hand, has rarely stirred an equal amount of emotion for me. One would think that after nearly 30 years and two previous ventures in the tea business, Steven Smith, who founded Stash Tea Company and then Tazo, might feel the same. Not so. Smith is perhaps more motivated, dare I say obsessed, than ever about tea, and his brick-and-mortar tea atelier in the northwest quarter of the city is a treat not to be missed. Though Smith’s silver hair might shed light on his 60-something age, it belies the youthful, almost contagious enthusiasm he showed toward the sachets of tea lining a table in his tasting room at Steven Smith Teamaker. Much like the artisan tea he crafts, Smith has an undeniable draw, his demeanor excited but calm, like he knows something incredible is about to happen in each cup. Hues of bright yellow, rustic orange and deep reds emanated from porcelain cups as we joined Smith in tasting a flight of his small-batch brand of boutique, ultra premium teas, each of which is numbered, named and artfully packaged with fun descriptions. Favorites from our flight tasting were the Big Hibiscus, touted as “the cabernet of hibiscus teas,” and the Fez, which teams rare green teas from
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GOLF CLUB For more info and rates call 770-887-6114 or check out our website at www.laniergolfclub.com
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Portland, Ore.
China, spearmint grown in Oregon and lemon myrtle from Australia. For brew off the beaten path, drive out to the Willamette Valley, home to Saké One, the world’s only American owned and operated sakery. After an extensive tour and a food pairing with both traditional and fruit-infused sake in the tasting room, my attention turned, as is common in this area, to wine. Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley is renowned for producing some of the world’s best Pinot Noir and, with more than 225 wineries and tasting rooms nearby, sipping and swirling is standard practice. Green Scene Besides perfecting their crafts, Portlanders love preserving their environment. Living up to its eco-friendly reputation, the city is currently in the top five for LEED-certified, or sustainable, buildings including hotels. The Nines, which opened in 2008, is among them. A member of the Luxury Collection of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, The Nines is one of only a handful of properties of any type worldwide to rank as a LEED Silver-Certified hotel, and yet, it is decidedly without the slightest bit of bohemian vibe. On the contrary, located atop the landmark Meier & Frank department store, once one of the largest retail outlets west of the Mississippi and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 331-room boutique hotel is aptly bedecked with both art and fashion. Providing a peek into the property’s retail past are three life-size gown sculptures made from mesh and recycled screen doors as well as an eye-catching rendering of Clark Gable from his days as a tie salesman at the Meier & Frank flagship store in the 1920s. The hotel’s palette of punchy colors and unmistakable tint of Tiffany blue throughout the corridors and guestrooms
56
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
OREG
ON
turned to shades of farmer chic at Urban Farmer, the onsite restaurant, where cowhide and mason jars go together like the pantry and pickled veggies. As a modern steakhouse, Urban Farmer sticks to the Oregon farm-to-fork philosophy with a range of meat options, including a beef called Cascade Red, said to be the first new breed of cattle introduced to the United States in 47 years. Steering myself beyond butcher blocks and baristas was tough, but a long run on the tranquil trails through Hoyt Arboretum about 3 miles from downtown was long overdue and well worth the wait. I wound through lush singletrack and wide-open spaces, stopping occasionally to admire the view. Seems I just can’t get enough of this city. After nearly a week, I learned a number of things about Portland — it’s been dubbed The World’s Best Street Food, Best Beer City in the World, Top Sustainable U.S. Metros, Best Running City in America by Runner’s World, and ranked #1 on Travel + Leisure’s list of Best Cities for Summer Travel. What I didn’t know until I was ensconced by glossy covers, tattered paperbacks and aging out-of-print editions, is that it is also home to the world’s largest independent bookstore. Filling an entire city block, Powell’s City of Books has 122 major subject areas and more than a million books, all conveniently categorized into nine color-coded rooms. I looked at the map unfolded in my hand. My friend had wandered off to the cookbook section and I simply stood there, wondering where to start. Truth is, regardless of where you are and what you’re doing in Portland, you’ll find nirvana in almost every direction. Pick a passion and go. PN
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N www.travelportland.com
ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
57
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
The Latest In
COSMETIC & DENTAL PROCEDURES
Ready to look your best? Local dentists, dermatologists, plastic surgeons and vein specialists weigh in on the best and most innovative options in dentistry and cosmetic procedures.
ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
59
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Atlanta’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Center remier Image Cosmetic & Laser Surgery is Geor-
P
gia’s first plastic surgery practice to subspecialize in face and body procedures. The highly respected
board certified surgeons, William E. Silver, MD, Louis M. DeJoseph, MD, and Marc Klein, MD, have over 55 years of combined experience. They have developed and perfected several procedures that have received quite a bit of notoriety including the development of the QT Mini Face LiftTM which has been featured on Fox 5 and 11 Alive News. The QT Mini Face LiftTM was co-developed by the facial plastic surgeons at Premier Image, Dr. Silver and Dr. DeJoseph. They
BEFORE
AFTER
had many patients who wanted a younger, more youthful looking face but didn’t have the time to spend recuperating
The QT Mini FaceliftTM can be coupled with other facial proce-
from a traditional face lift. Patients achieve the results they
dures such as eye lift, brow lift, rhinoplasty, chin augmenta-
want with minimal downtime. Since its
tion, and CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Many
development they have performed thousands of QT lifts with satisfied patients all over the country. TM
With the QT Mini Face Lift there are fewer incisions, less bruising and swelling, and patients can return to most activities in 3 to 5 days. The QT lift can be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Just like in a full face lift, the skin is tightened as well as the jaw line and neck line. The muscle layer underneath the skin is also tightened which is the big differ-
times patients choose to have both facial
PREMIER IMAGE COSMETIC & LASER SURGERY
PREMIER IMAGE COSMETIC & LASER SPA
the benefit of having everything done at
10779 Alpharetta Hwy. Suite 140, Roswell, GA 770.645.4310
are long lasting because the same techniques that are used in a traditional face
www.picosmeticsurgery.com
other mini face lifts. With the QT , results
lift have been incorporated into the QT TM
Mini Face Lift .
60
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
coordinates these surgeries with Dr. Silver or Dr. DeJoseph and can offer liposuction
William E. Silver, MD, FACS Louis M. DeJoseph, MD Marc Klein, MD
TM
taneously. Body specialist, Dr. Marc Klein
4553 N. Shallowford Road Suite 20-B, Atlanta, GA 770.457.6303
TM
ence between the QT Mini Face Lift and
and body sculpting surgery done simul-
and breast augmentation in conjunction with facial procedures. Patients receive once saving both time and money. Surgeries are performed in their state-ofthe-art, out-patient surgery center located at Premier Image’s main campus in Dunwoody. The center is operated by Northside Hospital and only doctors of anesthesia and fully trained and accredited staff members are used to provide patients with the highest standards of quality and safety.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Vein Treatment: More Than Vanity ith warmer weather approaching, many of us
A: If you are having your spider veins treated, typically they
reach into our closets to pull out cooler cloth-
will vanish within 4 to 12 weeks, however sometimes it
ing. The Georgia heat invites us once again to
can take up 6 months. More than one treatment ses-
bear our hibernated legs. If you find yourself embarrassed,
sion may be necessary. For treatment of varicose veins,
or feel unattractive in your new change of wardrobe, you are
recovery time is about one week, in which patients will
not alone. An estimated 25 million Americans suffer from
see immediate results.
W
Venous Reflux Disease, which causes unsightly spider and varicose veins among other discomforts. While vein treat-
Q: I have small spider veins and am also experiencing some
ment may be purely cosmetic for some, for others it can
burning and itching in my legs. At first I thought my issue
be considered a real medical necessity. Stagnant venous
was just cosmetic, but could the pain be associated with
blood can lead to leg fatigue, aching, swelling, itching, burn-
my spider veins?
ing, skin discoloration and clotting. Practically all abnormal
A: Yes, most likely you are suffering from chronic venous
veins can be completely eradicated in an office setting
insufficiency, also called venous reflux disease, the cul-
under local anesthesia. Modern vein treatments get rid of
prit of your unsightly veins and unpleasant discomfort.
the aching, tiredness, pain and swelling of venous reflux,
There is also a good chance that your insurance will
as well as eliminate their unsightly appearance. All with-
cover your procedures because you have a real medi-
out interfering with your daily activities.
cal condition. At Vein Atlanta, 95% of our
Here Dr. Louis Prevosti answers a few
procedures are covered by insurance.
commonly asked questions: Q: What makes Vein Atlanta the best place to get veins treated?
Q: I am an African American woman who has spider veins. If I am treated with
A: Vein Atlanta offers all of the modern
a surface laser will my skin will be dis-
treatment options. Some vein clinics
colored?
offer limited options; many do not of-
A: Yes, if you have tan or naturally pig-
fer surface laser treatments or micro-
mented skin the laser absorbs the
phlebectomy. Vein Atlanta is also
darker color, which can burn or bleach
owned and operated by myself (Dr.
the skin. At Vein Atlanta I use sclerotherapy on individuals with darker skin tones. Sclerotherapy is another form of spider vein treatment in which injections of polidocanol are used. Q: Once my veins are treated, how long will it take for my veins to go away?
62
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
VEIN ATLANTA Dr. Louis Prevosti 1100 Johnson Ferry Rd. Suite 165, Atlanta, GA 404.446.2800 www.VEINatlanta.com
Prevosti). Other vein clinics are operated by out of state corporations or non-physicians. Also some doctors treat veins as their secondary line of work. I am a cardiovascular surgeon with over 20 years of experience in Atlanta. 100% of my practice is dedicated to the treatment of veins.
MD
Who will be your vein doctor? A local doctor who owns and operates his/her own clinic A doctor who is trained in vascular surgery and phlebology (vein medicine) A doctor who is part of the Atlanta medical community A doctor who offers all the modern treatment techniques
“
A doctor who will take care of you from beginning to the end of your treatment
DR. LOUIS PREVOSTI Atlanta’s Most Dedicated Vein Specialist
1100
My name is LuAnn. I am a Nurse Practitioner and I stand on my feet all day long in my job. In the last few years, I had begun to have a lot of problems with deep aching pain and swelling in my leg. I started to have to limit my activity and the pain began to interfere with my life. I had been to several doctors who could not help me because of a complicated venous condition that I have had my entire life. Then I was referred to Dr. Prevosti. The procedures that he performed for me completely eliminated the pain and swelling. I am now able to do things that I have never been able to do before! Dr. Prevosti’s compassion and expertise in the treatments that he provides are the best in his field.
Johnson Ferry Rd. | Suite 165 | Atlanta, Georgia 30342 | 404.446.2800
www.VEINatlanta.com 72
Points North | December 2011 | ptsnorth.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Body Contouring 2012 t last, a trimmer, healthier, better looking body can
A
be yours. Have you ever wondered why no matter how much you diet or exercise that some areas of
your body will not change? The reason is that your body’s shape is largely predetermined by in born genetics. Problem areas like your stomach, hips, thighs, neck, and arms are likely to keep their unsightly bulges. Fortunately, Dr. Alexander Gross and the Georgia Dermatology Center have solu-
legs. The treatment feels like a hot stone massage, and a
tions to these problems.
series of 5 sessions produces the best results.
COOLLIPO LASER ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Tumescent liposuction is the treatment of choice for the
Dr. Alex Gross completed his internship and residency in
reduction of fat volume. CoolLipo combines traditional
Internal Medicine at Emory University, and his Dermatology
tumescent liposuction with a special laser device that liq-
fellowship at Vanderbilt University. He is Board certified in
uefies fat and provides additional skin tightening. CoolLipo
both internal medicine and dermatology. Dr. Gross is a fellow
is an outpatient procedure performed
of the American Academy of Dermatol-
comfortably on awake patients utilizing
ogy, the American Academy of Dermato-
local anesthesia. There is no cost or risk
logic Surgery, and the American Academy
associated with general anesthesia and
of Cosmetic Surgery.
hospitalization. Most patients are able to
A respected expert in the fields of der-
return to normal activity within 1-2 days
matology and dermatologic surgery, Dr.
after the procedure. Ultimate results are
Gross trains other physicians to perform
usually seen at 8-12 weeks following the
cosmetic surgery. With the addition of the
procedure.
Exilis treatment, the Georgia Dermatology Center is Georgia’s premier body contour-
EXILIS Finally, there is a non-invasive way to reduce stubborn fat deposits and tighten the skin without surgery! The Exilis procedure uses radiofrequency energy to deliver deep thermal heat to the skin, initiating fat loss, collagen remodeling, and skin tightening. Exilis is also affective for reducing cellulite. This groundbreaking
64
GEORGIA DERMATOLOGY CENTER Dr. Alexander Gross 1505 Northside Boulevard Suite 1500, Cumming, GA 770.781.5077 678.845.7494 Med Spa www.gadermctr.com
ing center. Other cosmetic procedures available at the Georgia Dermatology Center and Medical Day Spa include short incision face lift (S-lift); Botox and soft tissue filler injections; MicroLaser Peel; ProFractional laser resurfacing; FotoFacial RF; and laser hair removal. To schedule a free Exilis or tumescent liposuction consultation or
procedure treats the neck, jowls, arms,
discuss other offered services, please call
love handles, stomach, thighs, back and
our office at (770) 781-5077.
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
Georgia Dermatology Center offers the world’s most innovative and effective techniques for the diagnosis of skin diseases as well as skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction and body contouring. Dr. Alexander Gross is a respected leader in physician education, medical and cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and laser technology. Board Certified in both Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Gross provides his patients with 20 years of practical experience and state-of-theart treatments. “Whether your issue is medical or cosmetic, my goal is to ensure comfort and satisfaction by providing a comprehensive approach to your concerns. We offer a variety of options for reversing skin damage and enhancing your look by combating the signs of aging. Regardless of your age, we can help you achieve younger and healthier appearing skin.”
Beautiful skin starts here. Call and schedule your consultation today!
Medical Degrees BS Biology Emory University; MD University South Florida; Board Certified Internal Medicine Emory University and Dermatology Vanderbilt University Areas of Expertise Adult and Pediatric Dermatology; Skin Cancer Treatment; Liposuction; Botox; Soft Tissue Fillers; S-Lift Facelift; Laser Resurfacing; Excilis-a fat reducing, skin tightening procedure. Med Spa Services Include FotoFacial, Microdermabrasion, ReFirme, VelaShape, Profractional Resurfacing, Micro Laser Peel, Laser Hair Removal, Facials, Chemical Peels, pharmaceutical grade skin care products.
Dr. Alexander Gross
1505 Northside Boulevard, Suite 1500, Cumming Georgia 30041 | Northside Forsyth Hospital Campus 770.781.5077 Office | 678.845.7494 Med Spa | gadermctr.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Enhancing Your Natural Beauty
F
DR. KEITH WEST*, DR. THADDEUS FABIAN*, DR. JOHN SYMBAS, DR. MICHAEL MCNEEL*, DR. KEITH HANNA*
or north side residents looking for top notch cosmetic or plastic surgery, they need look no further than the skilled plastic surgeons at Marietta Plastic
Surgery. With locations in Marietta and Woodstock, their state of the art facilities are conveniently located to all of
With patient safety and
Atlanta’s north side. The team of surgeons at Marietta Plastic Surgery (MPS)
front, Marietta Plastic Sur-
has over 50 years combined experience in all types of facial,
gery’s state-of-the-art oper-
breast, and body procedures, designed to produce natural-
ating rooms are accredited
looking results. Board certified by the American Board of
by the American Asso-
Plastic Surgery*, they have been trained at top plastic sur-
ciation for Accreditation of
gery programs, like Emory, Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt.
Ambulatory Surgical Facili-
The surgeons have also received advanced training in a
ties. As safe as an accredited hospital operating room, this
wide variety of plastic surgery procedures, ready to perform
onsite surgical center offers the convenience and discretion
the newest procedures that have met their high safety stan-
patients appreciate.
dards and expectations.
MPS offers a wide range of other facial rejuvenation pro-
At MPS, patients have the luxury of
cedures to compliment surgical and non-
working with highly skilled and trained
surgical procedures. Micro-dermabrasion,
surgeons in all types of procedures, with
facial peels, laser skin resurfacing and fa-
no need to look for “specialists” in specific
cials are offered at both locations. Their
areas. The surgeons understand the en-
Fraxel Laser treatment offers patients a
tire body, its inner-workings and implica-
highly effective way to rejuvenate their
tions of all procedures so patients know
face, softening fine lines and the appear-
that their surgeon is recommending and performing cosmetic procedures with the health of their entire body in mind. Even injectables are performed by an MPS surgeon, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and Juvederm®. Deep discounts on injectables abound, but it’s unlikely a true plas-
MARIETTA PLASTIC SURGERY Marietta Location 823 Campbell Hill St. Marietta, GA 770.425.0118
that even BOTOX injections can produce
Woodstock Location 149 Towne Lake Pkwy Suite 104, Woodstock, GA 678.494.2380
unsatisfactory results if not injected cor-
www.mariettaplasticsurgery.com
tic surgeon will be administering them. Because the surgeons at MPS understand
66
comfort always at the fore-
ance of wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation. A popular procedure at MPS is the “Mommy Makeover,” designed to help moms achieve a smoother silhouette, closer to their pre-baby body. It includes a combination of a breast augmentation and/or lift, along with a tummy tuck or liposuction and can help patients drop a dress size or two. Contact MPS for your personal and pri-
rectly, they feel strongly about performing
vate consultation.
all injectables themselves.
*Drs. Keith West, Michael McNeel, Keith Hanna and Thaddeus Fabian
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
High Definition (HD) Dental Imaging ew faster, lower radiation 3D Cone Beam Imag-
over 20 years and an early
ing (CBCT) offers High Definition (HD) Dental
adopter of this powerful
Imaging to better diagnose and treat dental
diagnostic tool, Dr. Gur-
N
ley recommends that
patients.
PreXion3D is a revolutionary 3D X-ray system that pro-
all cosmetic and im-
vides sharp, high resolution images with more information
plant surgical patients
than the traditional dental X-ray unit.
have a 3D Cone Beam
High quality 3D images enhance diagnostics and treat-
Imaging Scan prior to
ment planning for a wide range of procedures including cos-
any procedure to ensure
metics, dental implants, surgical procedures, endodontics,
that the underlying core
periodontics, restorative dentistry and even general den-
and foundation of a pa-
tistry. Many underlying conditions — such as root fractures, periodontal degeneration, root abscesses, TMJ, and endodontic failures — that could not be seen on a traditional 2D X-ray can now be evaluated from a variety of angles and treated before they become a major problem.
tient’s teeth and gums are healthy, strong and ready for the ultimate cosmetic transformation. After all, can you imagine spending your hard earned money to
3D imaging offers a minimally invasive
create the perfect smile only to have to
approach with more accuracy of implant
undo it to treat a serious underlying con-
placement. Measurements assure that
dition that could have been caught before
the optimum implant is placed.
the cosmetics procedures were done?
In addition to significant reductions in radiation exposure and faster scanning
About Dr. Gurley
times, this new scanner offers a wide
Dr. Gurley is the founder of and premier
range of innovations:
practicing cosmetic dentist for North At-
Benefits include: • Reduced radiation exposure (up to 53%) • Faster scanning time (from 8.6 to 33.5 seconds) • High definition and detail for maximum clarity and anatomical detail • Four new scanning modes for targeted or full mouth imaging And as one of Atlanta’s premier cosmetic dentist serving North Atlanta for
68
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
lanta Aesthetic Dentistry. He and his staff
NORTH ATLANTA AESTHETIC DENTISTRY Dr. Shawn Gurley 4165 Old Milton Pkwy Suite 140, Alpharetta, GA 770.664.1244 www.northatlantasmiles.com
are committed to creating the perfect smile for each and every patient. By demanding the highest standards of dental excellence and incorporating only the ‘best of the best’ cutting-edge technologies and equipment, Dr. Gurley provides a five-star level of service to all of his dental patients. In order to reduce patient time in the dental chair, virtually eliminate patient discomfort and create lasting results,
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Introducing jetclear Transdermal Peeling
T
he Jet Clear treatment will pressure wash your skin with saline and oxygen delivered at super-
sonic speed to to unclog pores and remove build-up on the skin. The fine jet aerosol spray penetrates deep below the skin surface to clean, peel and hydrate. This is a highly effective treatment for improving skin texture, softening hyperpigmentation and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it’s great for acne! The treatment can be done on your face, hands,
ALL ABOUT YOU LUXURY DAY SPA
Bellanina Facelift Massage
3005 Old Alabama Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 770.772.7225 www.allaboutudayspa.biz
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70
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Byrd Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Center arcia Byrd, M.D. has been performing body
M
sculpting techniques for over 20 years and it has proven to be one of the most rewarding
experiences not only in her career but in her life. Dr. Byrd explains, “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see the smile that a patient gives me after having had liposuction or a tummy tuck. For many of my patients it’s a life chang-
BEFORE
AFTER
ing experience and a great confidence booster and I’m so
ing the surgery, the patient is able to stand, walk, and dress
happy that I am able to do this for them.”
themselves. The resulting scar is shorter, more aesthetically
Dr. Byrd takes a different approach to her treatment of
pleasing and the abdominal silhouette more youthful with
each individual patient. She has her own trademark proce-
less complications or prolonged recovery time as was asso-
dure which she calls “Soft Beautification™”. This special pro-
ciated with the traditional tummy tuck.
tocol is custom tailored for each person to restore a more
For those seeking a non-surgical approach to body sculpt-
youthful and healthy appearance. “We’re not a center that
ing Byrd Aesthetic offers CoolSculpting™, often referred to
believes in the “one-size-fits-all” theory. Instead, we real-
as “Freeze Your Fat”. This FDA approved technique is clini-
ize that each patient is an individual with individual goals
cally proven to permanently reduce up to 20% of fat in the treated area.
and needs” says Dr. Byrd. ®
fat removal system is the
Another new non-surgical procedure
advanced liposuction technology that Dr.
available at Byrd Aesthetic is Exilis™.
Byrd most utilizes. This technique takes
Using radiofrequency energy to deliver
less time, gets better results, and causes
deep thermal heat into the skin, Exilis™
significantly less trauma to the patient.
initiates collagen remodeling, skin tighten-
Aqualipo
®
also promotes skin tight-
ing, and in some areas fat loss. Exilis stim-
ening for better body contouring while
ulates collagen production to rebuild skin
dramatically reducing bruising, swelling
structure, smooth out wrinkles resulting in
and bleeding. Fat cells are permanently
a tighter more youthful appearance.
Aqualipo
destroyed so results are long lasting. Plus, there’s no need for general anesthesia with very minimal or no downtime. For patients who have a lot of excess skin as well as fat Dr. Byrd has adopted a revolutionary minimally invasive approach to the tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure that can safely and effectively be
BYRD AESTHETIC & ANTI-AGING CENTER Marcia Byrd, M.D. 11050 Crabapple Road Building B, Roswell, GA 770.587.1711 www.byrdaesthetic.com
Dr. Byrd is getting amazing results from her complete array of injectables and soft tissue fillers such as Dysport, Xeomin, Radiesse, Restyane and others. There is also a complete day spa with a licensed aesthetician who performs facials, peels, and laser skin rejuvenating procedures. Dr. Byrd performs Fractional CO2 laser
performed as an office procedure under
resurfacing for the most significant results
local anesthesia. Immediately follow-
in skin rejuvenation.
ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
71
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Lose fat the laser-assisted way! aser Body Sculpting is the new-
Dr. Lawrence is a nationally recognized,
est and most promising technique
female plastic surgeon who practices cos-
in permanent fat removal. Un-
metic plastic surgery in Atlanta, Georgia.
like traditional liposuction, the Selective
She is certified by the American Board
Laser Induced Melting (SLIM) proce-
of Plastic Surgery. As one of Atlanta’s top
dure uses advanced technology to deliver
woman surgeons, she specializes in aes-
dual wavelengths of laser light, specifically
thetic plastic surgery of the face, eyes,
L
designed to completely liquefy fat and tighten skin. For the patient this means gentler, more thorough fat removal, less bleeding and bruising, and improved skin tone after liposuction. Normal activity can be resumed within 24 hours. The most frequently treated areas in men are
MARISA LAWRENCE, MD
nose, breasts and body. Contact her of-
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 960 Johnson Ferry Road, NE Suite 120, Atlanta 404-303-7004 www.cosmeticsurgery.cc
303-7004, or check out her website at
fice to schedule an appointment at (404) www.cosmeticsurgery.cc.
the “love handles,” breasts, abdomen, and neck. In women they include the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, knees, jowls and
BEFORE
AFTER
chin.
Lux 1540 ™ Th : Frac e ONLY tiona l Las FDA er C Treat leared fo ing S r triae
72
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Minimally Invasive Dentistry WHERE TECHNOLOGY IS LEADING US
W
hile technology leads the way to less invasive dentistry (both general and cosmetic), science reveals that your dental health is
of utmost importance to your overall health. Atlanta Dental Spa embraces the science and technology and delivers these benefits to their patients. With breakthrough procedures like veneers that require no drillNO-PREP VENEERS
ing and trays that heal gum disease and may reduce heart attack risk, the educated dentist is spending
PERIODONTAL TRAYS cure gum disease without
more time planning and less time drilling. “We know
needing painful deep cleaning. The trays deliver oxy-
that the less we have to cut on your teeth, the better
gen to deep gum pockets which kills the bad bacteria
the treatment will be in the long run,” explain Atlan-
and gives the body a chance to heal itself. Furthermore,
ta Dental Spa founders Dr. Susan Estep and Dr. Pe-
the trays eliminate the bacteria and inflammation we
ter Boulden. “And it’s no surprise that people don’t
now know is involved in cardiovascular plaques and
want you to drill down their teeth. Patients truly de-
cardiovascular disease. “For several years, we have
sire these new treatment options.”
used these trays in our practice, and
The mission statement of the Atlan-
the evidence is overwhelming that
ta Dental Spa team involves dedica-
these trays promote healing both in
tion to using the best treatments
the mouth and the whole body,” re-
available in dentistry. It just so hap-
port Drs. Boulden and Estep. “So far,
pens that these treatments are also
none of our patients has had to resort
less invasive and beneficial to your
to gum surgery, and many of our pa-
overall well-being. The highly award-
tients overall health has improved.”
ed and accredited team of Atlanta Dental Spa doctors excel in the use
NO MORE CROWNS!
of these treatments. Here are three
“We don’t have to grind teeth down
such treatments available at Atlanta Dental Spa: NO-PREP VENEERS enable the Atlanta Dental Spa team to do a complete smile makeover without having to drill your teeth or even numb you
ATLANTA DENTAL SPA Dr. Susan Estep Dr. Peter Boulden Roswell & Buckhead 770.998.3838 www.AtlantaDentalSpa.com
to nubs anymore,” explain the doctors. “We like to keep as much of your natural healthy tooth as possible, and not grind it down like we used to have to do for a crown. When you have a cracked tooth or old filling that is failing, we can use small porcelain fill-
up. And you can get same-day smile
ings to restore and restrengthen your
results with a cosmetic mock-up.
teeth.”
ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
73
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Luna Plastic Surgery Headline r. Patricia Yugueros enjoys the
D
Dr. Yugueros is a Diplomat of the
full spectrum of aesthetic and
American Board of Plastic Surgery, and
reconstructive Plastic surgery,
is a member of many local and national
with special interest in breast surgery,
scientific societies, including the Ameri-
body contouring, including abdomino-
can Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Yu-
plasty and buttock enhancement with
gueros has also been the recipient of
fat transfer, and Liposuction. She ap-
prestigious awards by the American Col-
plies the latest innovative techniques
lege of Surgeons and the Plastic Surgery
for facial surgery including midface rejuvenation, face and neck lift and rejuvenation of the hands. Dr. Yugueros earned her medical degree in Cali, Colombia. She then completed her Plastic and Reconstructive surgery at the prestigious Mayo Clinic
LUNA PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Patricia Yugueros 6335 Hospital Pkwy Suite 216, Johns Creek, GA 678.892.7820 www.lunaplasticsurgery.com
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Concierge Dentistry What is Concierge Dentistry? Concierge dentistry is a term that’s being used more and more often these days, but what exactly does it mean? To learn more, read on: Concierge Dentistry What constitutes concierge dentistry changes from dental practice to dental practice according to the office’s target demographic. However, the term essentially means that the dental practice will do everything in its power to make your child’s visit as comfortable as possible. Concierge dentistry is much more important in a pediatric dental practice because it will include a number of “perks” that will help your child adjust to dental work.
tooth and can continue to role play at home in a fun, positive manner which gives them time to process what they have learned, thus allowing for a successful appointment. · The office environment: Children respond well to large, open spaces painted in bright colors with plenty of activities to take part in. Our office offers a warm environment that’s replete with stuffed animals, coloring books, brightly colored balloons, toy baskets and other activities that will help calm and distract your child before his or her appointment. Our open treatment bay area even overlooks our antique carousel that is open twice a year for the children to enjoy rides with popcorn, lemonade and face painting!
Pediatric Concierge Dentistry In today’s society, it is important to feel that you are choos- · Parental presence: Concierge Pediatric Dentistry ining the very best dental care for your children, and parents volves welcoming and even encouraging parents to sit who put their trust into a business deserve the very best in in on their child’s appointments. After all, there’s nothing the quality of care in both the dentist and staff. Pediatric more comforting than knowing that mom or dad is there. Concierge Dentistry takes many forms, but one of the most · Appointment Scheduling: Today’s life style is very busy basic is the dentist’s willingness and understanding to defor parents and we appreciate your time. We are a solo velop a treatment plan that takes a child’s practice which allows us precise schedulanxiety into account. ing of appointments and seating our pa· Happy visits: A happy visit is a visit tients on time. We do not overbook our that’s separate from your child’s actual patients to keep the doctor busy, theredental appointment. During a happy fore, our concierge philosophy allows us visit your child and a Treatment Coordito give quality care and the emotional nurnator work together to repair the tooth turing our patients and families deserve. of a stuffed animal. To reduce anxiety, If you’re interested in the possibilities the stuffed animal will have the same of Pediatric Concierge Dentistry, then MICHAEL P. dental problem as your child, and in a HEALEY DDS, PC you should contact the office of Michael playful way they will learn that it is easy Healey DDS, PC. Dr. Healey is a children’s 1145 Hightower Trail to restore a tooth. Helping an adult fix dentist with a focus in pediatric dental GA 400 & Northridge the stuffed animal’s tooth gives a child a and orthodontics and has a practice that Close to Roswell feeling of control over the situation with Alpharetta & East Cobb is located right at the junction of Roswell, their own teeth, which in turn reduces 770.993.9395 Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta anxiety. Your child will take a “goody www.dochealey.com and Marietta. For more information, call bag” home filled with some of the tools (770) 993-9395 today. that helped to repair the stuffed animal’s
ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
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HEALTHBEAT STEP UP TO THE PLATE
for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Join Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Turner Field on April 24 as Georgia Tech and UGA compete during the 2012 Challenge for Children’s charity baseball tournament. Since 2004, this annual event has helped raised more than $1 million for the pediatric hospital. For those who wish to sponsor this heart-warming cause, six levels of sponsorship ticket packages are available. These packages provide a unique way to entertain friends, business associates and family members. Sponsors may also donate their ticket packages back to Children’s. The tickets will then be given to patient’s families. April 20 is the deadline to purchase sponsorship ticket packages, so don’t miss this great opportunity. All the funds raised during this event directly impact the lives of the young patients and their families. So whether you root for UGA or Georgia Tech, the real support will be behind the brave little patients of this world-class hospital. For more information or to become a sponsor, visit www.choa.org. — Rachel Buckley
A NIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE As parents or future parents, we all want our children to be safe in our world, but we all know that accidents can happen. In fact, unintentional injuries from motor vehicle crashes, drowning and falls are the leading cause of death in children 14 and under. Safe Kids Georgia is continuously working to prevent accidental injuries and fatalities in the state of Georgia. On May 4 at 7 p.m., the organization is hosting the “Celebrating the Possibilities” Gala to learn about accident prevention for children and families. Safe Kids Georgia knows that almost all fatal accidents could be prevented, and wants to spread the knowledge of how to prevent such accidents from occurring. You can help by purchasing a table for 10, asking friends to purchase a few tickets, or by donating valuable items to the silent auction being held at the gala. Call 404-785-7926 or visit www.safekidsgeorgia.org for more information on how to contribute. — Abigail Hobbs Thomas
GIFTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
If you’ve ever wondered exactly what you could do to help a friend or family member in medical distress, Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) just made it a little bit easier with the introduction of MedGift. A patient gift registry developed by Atlanta native Diem Brown, who beat ovarian cancer at the age of 23, MedGift allows patients to register for “Needs” (financial support related to medical expenses), “Wants” (like magazine subscriptions, medical devices or family meals) and “Wishes” (such as prayers or child care). The service also allows patients to share updates about their health and care. Powered by RelayHealth, MedGift is available to GMC patients at the Duluth and Lawrenceville hospitals. For more information, visit www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.
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CALENDAR
[ C OMP IL ED BY RAC H E L B U CKL E Y ]
APRIL Calendar submissions should be sent to calendar@ptsnorth.com two months prior to the month in which the event will occur. Please note that dates and times might change.
“IT’S A LONG NIGHT” ©THOMAS ARVID. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PERFORMING ARTS
and visual arts at locations throughout the city. Sandy Springs 770-951-0021 www.artsandysprings.org
G H O S T B R OTH E R S O F DA R K L A N D C O U NT Y
[April 4 – May 13] From the brilliant minds of Stephen King, John Mellencamp and T Bone Burnett comes this Southern gothic tale. Making its debut in Atlanta, this production is sure to be a nationwide smash hit. Alliance Theatre, 404-733-4650 www.alliancetheatre.org
PA S C A L B O UTE R I N : S O LO S H OW [April 20 – May 12] French artist Pascal Bouterin shares his unique work with Atlanta audiences at this anticipated event. Huff Harrington Fine Art, Atlanta 404-257-0511 www.huffharrington.com
P E TE R PA N [April 5 – May 27] Fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan and all of his wonderful friends. With so many wonderful adventures in store, this production is sure to bring you and your family plenty of happy thoughts. Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta 404-873-3391 www.puppet.org
JENNIFER FERRIS E X H I B IT
[ A PRIL 13 - 15] Trading Places
JAC K A N D TH E B E A N S TA LK [April 13 – 22] Fee-fi-fo-fum! Jack, his beanstalk and that crazy giant are ready to take you and your family on a wild adventure. Don’t miss this wacky rendition of a classic tale. Elm Street Culture Arts Village City Center, Woodstock 678-494-4251 www.elmstreetarts.org
GEORGIA SENIOR F O LLI E S C O U NTRY JA M B O R E E [April 20 – May 6] Join this inspiring organization as they ‚ bring rock n’ roll, comedy and cancans to the stage during this familyfriendly show. Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to snag yours early. Cumming Playhouse 770-781-9178 www.playhousecumming.com
LE S M I S E R A B LE S [April 24 – 29] With incredible new staging and scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this production of a world-renowned tale will captivate fans new and old. Fox Theatre, Atlanta 800-745-3000 www.foxtheatre.org
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[April 28 – May 5] Enjoy vibrant paintings using a mixture of collage and acrylic paint by this Atlanta native. Galerie Matilda, Roswell 770-754-7831 www.galeriematilda.com
SEUSSICAL TH E M U S I C A L [April 27 – May 6] CYT Atlanta presents this fantastical, magical, musical world full of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, centering on Horton the elephant. Milton Center Alpharetta 404-543-2381 www.cytatlanta.com
ART/EXHIBITS
M AQ U E T TE S , M O D E L S A N D S K E TC H E S : PU B LI C A R T A S PROCESS [Through April 13] Show your support and help art appreciation grow and thrive within Fulton County at this educational event. Abernathy Arts Center, Sandy Springs 404-613-6172 www.fultonarts.org
B E LLE Z Z A A R T S H OW A N D S A LE [April 5 – 28] Enjoy a variety of original artwork in an array of medium. From sculpture to watercolor, don’t miss this wonderful
Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
CONCERTS/COMEDY opportunity to start or continue your personal collection. Bowen Center for the Arts Dawsonville 706-216-2787 www.sawneeart.org
U R B A N L AY E R S [April 6 – 28] New York painter/printmaker Kang Joo Lee features pieces from her most recent body of work in this solo exhibition. 2 Rules Fine Art, Marietta www.2rulesfineart.com
TR A D I N G P L AC E S [April 13 – 15] Vinings Gallery will be playing host to Ford Smith Fine Art as the two galleries have traded places in an effort to share their featured artwork with neighboring communities. Vinings Gallery, Smyrna 404-794-7762 www.viningsgallery.com
ARTSSPRING [April 13 – May 13] Art Sandy Springs presents this 5th annual spring celebration of the arts featuring a 30-day calendar of events to celebrate music, theater, literature
A N E V E N I N G W ITH OSCAR AND TONY
[April 14] The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra is excited to perform a variety of selections from numerous Academy Award-winning films and Tony Awardwinning Broadway shows. Theater at Johns Creek High School 678-748-5802 www.johnscreeksymphony.org
P R O - M OZ A R T S O C I E T Y [April 15, 29] Enjoy the beautiful voice of soprano scholarship competition winner Jennifer Zuiff on April 15. The organization’s annual Spring Fling Concert will be held on April 29. Both events are free and open to the public. Peachtree Christian Church Atlanta www.mozartatlanta.com
CHARITY EVENTS 1 8 7 3 S O C I E T Y C LU B
[April 3] Calling all party animals! SweetWater Brewery is proud to present a performance by Yacht Rock Revue. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta Humane Society and their efforts to provide comfort
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA HANNA PHOTOGRAPHY
[ A PRIL 3] 1873 Society Club and care to less fortunate animals. SweetWater Brewery, Atlanta 404-974-2877 www.atlantahumane.org
TA S TE O F TH E N ATI O N [April 12] Gourmands will enjoy this event, beneďŹ ting Share Our Strength, as more than 40 of Atlanta’s favorite chefs offer cuisine samples along with live, silent and beverage auctions, wine tastings and live entertainment. Georgia Aquarium taste.strength.org
S TO N E M O U NTA I N C A N C E R C LI M B [April 15] Help Kids Against Childhood Cancer, a group of 9- to 12-year-olds who raise money for the AFLAC Cancer Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, by making a pledge. Email mbelson1260@comcast.net. Stone Mountain Park www.stonemountainpark.com
L A D I E S N I G HT O UT [April 19] AHT Interiors will be hosting a fundraiser to beneďŹ t their annual charitable room makeover organization, Designing Dreams. Guests will enjoy cooking demonstrations, wine and much more. Inspirations Kitchen & Bath Showroom Alpharetta 770-887-7612 www.designingdreams.org
ZO O M A H A LF M A R ATH O N [April 22] Join the women of ZOOMA as they run 13 miles from Grand Hall to Pine Isle Point inside Lake Lanier Islands Resort. The run beneďŹ ts the Orange Duffel Bag Foundation, an organization that helps at-risk young people gain conďŹ dence and leadership skills. Lake Lanier Islands Resort Buford www.zoomarun.com
RHUBARB JONES C E LE B R IT Y G O LF CLASSIC
SPECIAL EVENTS
[April 30] Join the honorary chairman Jeff Foxworthy in the ďŹ ght to ďŹ nd a cure for blood cancers at this 20th annual event. As the event host for 19 years, Atlanta radio legend Rhubarb Jones has helped raise more than $2 million for this great cause. Country Club of the South Johns Creek, 404-720-7829 www.rhubarbjones.com
E S S E NTI A L S F O R YO U N G LI V E S D R I V E [April 30 – May 7] With Mother’s Day right around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to lend a hand to less fortunate mothers and their small children. Donate “essentials� such as baby wipes, food, formula and more. Various drop-off locations, metro Atlanta , 678-775-1401 www.homeaidatlanta.org
E G G S TR AVAG A N Z A
[April 7] This annual family favorite will feature thousands of candy-ďŹ lled eggs, Atlanta Braves games, prizes and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, 404-872-5338 www.callanwolde.org
TA S TE O F F O R S Y TH [April 7] Twenty-ďŹ ve local restaurants are eager to share their best dishes with you and your family. With a kids’ zone, Atlanta Puppet, egg hunt, music and more, this event is sure to thrill the entire family. City of Cumming Fairgrounds www.cummingfair.net
ITA LI A N CO O K I N G C L A S S [April 12] Make fresh mozzarella from scratch
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CALENDAR
and cook an authentic, healthy Italian pizza on the grill with Chef Michael Bologna of Vingenzo’s Restaurant. Classes fill up fast, so reserve your spot today. Scottsdale Farms Garden Center Alpharetta 770-777-5875 www.scottsdalefarms.com
C LI NT J O H N S O N BOOK SIGNING AND P R E S E NTATI O N [April 13 – 14] Marietta’s Great Locomotive Chase weekend will be featuring this renowned Civil War historian and author. Johnson will be giving presentations on three of his books as well as holding a book signing. 2 Rules Fine Art Marietta 404-355-6897 www.2rulesfineart.com
E A R TH DAY KIDS FEST [April 14] Join the Captain Planet Foundation and the Chattahoochee Nature Center as they host this 10th annual event. Kids will have a blast learning about protecting and preserving our planet through a series of hands-on activities, an encounter with eco-superhero Captain Planet and live performances by Laughing Pizza. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell 770-992-2055 www.chattnaturecenter.org
ARTS & CRAFTS F E S TI VA L A N D I N TH E WATE R B OAT S H OW & S A LE [April 14 – 15] Bring the entire family for live entertainment, visual arts, food and much more. Admission is free with a $10 fee per vehicle. Lake Lanier Islands Resort, Buford 770-945-8787 www.lakelanierislands.com
I C A N D O IT ! [April 14 – 15] Hay House Publishing is proud to present this motivational conference featuring nine personal growth authors. Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, 800-654-5126 www.icandoit.net
C R E ATE A FA I RY GARDEN [April 16] Enhance your garden by using natural stones, miniature lawn pieces and unique plant material. These are just a few of the many helpful tips presented in this anticipated class. Scottsdale Farms Alpharetta, 770-777-5875 www.scottsdalefarms.com
D O GWO O D F E S TI VA L [April 20 – 22] Celebrate the blooming of the city’s favorite trees at this Atlanta event with live music, amazing art and more. 404-817-6642 www.dogwood.org
S P R I N G R A M B LE I N R O S W E LL
B E A R O N TH E S Q UA R E M O U NTA I N F E S TI VA L
[April 20 – 22] Join Georgia Trust in celebrating Roswell’s historic charm. Tour the historic shops of Roswell and indulge in mouth-watering meals during this unique event. Roswell 770-992-1665 www.georgiatrust.org
[April 21 – 22] Explore Southern Appalachian culture, art and music during this event. Historic Public Square, Dahlonega www.bearonthesquare.org
S W E E T WATE R 42 0 F E S T [April 20 – 22] Enjoy a weekend packed with activity. From stand-up comedy and live music to a cask ale tasting and guest brewers, this event is sure to please. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Park Pride for park improvement. Candler Park Atlanta www.sweetwater420fest.com
GW I N N E T T C O U NT Y M A S TE R G A R D E N E R S M E E TI N G [April 21] As curator of Woodland Gardens at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Jamie Blackburn is an expert in urban horticulture. Join him as he presents “Right (Native) Plant, Right (Urban) Place: Underutilized Trees for Southeastern Landscapes.” George Pierce Park’s Senior Activity Center Suwanee 770-831-4173 www.gwinnettmastergardeners.com
PA R E NT A N D C H I LD F R E N C H TOA S T C L A S S [April 26] You and your child will love gathering fresh eggs and learning to make this tasty breakfast with one another. Classes fill up fast, so reserve your spot today. Scottsdale Farms, Alpharetta 770-777-5875 www.scottsdalefarms.com
B LE S S I N G O F TH E D O G S [April 29] Bring the family and your furry friends for a day of food, fun and dog contests with categories like “Best Eyes” and “Most Obedient.” Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church, Cumming 770-887-6801
R O S W E LL WO M A N S C LU B S H OWC A S E H O M E [April 29 – May 20] Tour the home of retired Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Mark Wohlers and his wife Kimberly. The 16th annual event benefits educational and charitable organizations. Parking and free shuttle at Olde Blinde Dog Irish Pub, Milton www.roswellwomansclub.org
Pardon ss rogre GDOT’S P “OPEN” ... we are 11 - 5 & Saturday 1 - 5 Sunday
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Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
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ALTOBELI’S RESTAURANT & PIANO BAR
For 23 years, Altobeli’s has set the standard for fine
dining in north Fulton by combining excellent Italian cuisine and great live entertainment. Since the beginning, our guests enjoy our unobtrusive, yet attentive service, and a classic menu that has evolved over time.
YOU’LL ENJOY THESE MENU FAVORITES: • Gluten-free grilled salmon • Grouper a la Toscano • Veal & Sausage Cacciatore • Filet Gorgonzola • Pasta Levronaze • Linguine Carbonara • Chicken Paisano
Live entertainment six nights a week Ask us about our “business-bonus” lunches and dinners! OPEN 11 A.M.-2 P.M. TUES-FRI FOR LUNCH AND DAILY AT 5 P.M. FOR DINNER
Call 770.664.8055 for reservations or book online www.altobelis.com 3000 OLD ALABAMA ROAD, ALPHARETTA 30022
ptsnorth.com | April 2012 | Points North
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5 THINGS
[ WRIT T EN BY RAC HE L BUCK LE Y ]
I MUST DO THIS MONTH
APRIL
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PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER
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Points North | April 2012 | ptsnorth.com
Catwalk for a Cause. ABS Fine Art & Apparel is excited to use the aesthetic world of fashion to raise funds for a great cause. The benefit fashion show will be held Saturday, April 28 at 5 p.m. at JS Venue Plus in Morrow, Ga. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Orange Duffel Bag Foundation, an organization dedicated to the character development of at-risk young adults. To purchase tickets ($20) and for sponsorship opportunities, call 404-431-3069. Cook with Trisha Yearwood. Country music sweetheart and former Points North cover girl Trisha Yearwood will be sharing her family’s traditions and recipes this month with a six-episode series on the Food Network. After publishing two successful cookbooks, the country diva is ready to premiere “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen” on April 4. Join Yearwood as she cooks some comforting food seasoned with Southern hospitality. For more information, visit www.foodnetwork.com. Support Environmental Education. The Dunwoody Nature Center is celebrating 20 years of environmental education at Dunwoody Park with its popular event, “Monarchs & Margaritas.” With margarita in hand, guests will enjoy a silent and live auction featuring one-of-a-kind artwork as well as a private dinner for 12 in the Glenridge Hall dining room. Join members of the Dunwoody Society on Saturday, April 21 at the historic Glenridge Hall for this anticipated event. For more information, visit www.monarchsandmargaritas.org. Proceeds support conservation efforts and educational programming. Build Your Creativity. LEGOLAND Discovery Center is now open and ready to entertain Atlanta families at Phipps Plaza, and children and adults alike will love the wide variety of activities. From slaying dragons on Kingdom Quest to fighting fires at the LEGO Fire Academy, this imaginative attraction is sure to build wonderful memories for all of Atlanta’s little dreamers. For more information, visit atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com. Celebrate Another New Year. One of Asia’s largest celebrations comes to Atlanta as Bangkok Thyme in Sandy Springs marks the Thai New Year with the time-honored Songkran Festival. From April 13 – 15, diners will receive blessings with fragrant water, a Thai tradition, and enjoy special offerings of traditional Thai dishes. For more information, visit www.bangkokthyme.com.