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In this April 2016

Issue 191

ISSUE

POINTS NORTH Atlanta

Celebrating 15 Years & Counting

8 16

Patio Party April showers bring May ﬂowers, but April sunshine makes Atlantans want to dine al fresco. Weather willing, we share what to sip, standout dishes to try and the best seats to do both at seven hot spots around town. See you there?

Fit for Success Meet Tammy Stokes of West Coast Workout, Lisa Browning of Core Bodyworks and Ally Ponte of Vibe Fitness. While each woman approaches wellness in her own way, they share a common passion for making the Northside a healthier haven.

Your Serve

40 50

Augusta’s (Other) Great Greens

Thought we were going to talk tennis, didn’t you? Many locals have swapped rackets for pickleball paddles. A sprightly combination of tennis, pingpong and badminton, the new sport is gaining popularity among players of all ages.

Golf fans dreaming of Augusta National can experience Champions Retreat, a respite created by arguably the sport’s biggest names with Southern hospitality suitably on par.

In Grandfather’s Shadow Linville, N.C., is not only home to the glorious Grandfather Mountain, but also to Eseeola Lodge, a marvelous mountain escape, as well as several spectacular club-oriented communities like Linville Ridge.

DEPARTMENTS 6 62 66

ON THE COVER The view from Hole No. 16 | Photo courtesy of Linville Ridge Golf Club

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 28 Women’s Health Advisor 46 Active Adult Living

40 facebook.com/pointsnorthatl

EDITOR’S LETTER DUE NORTH AFTERTHOUGHTS

twitter.com/pointsnorthatl

instagram.com/pointsnorthatl

pinterest.com/pointsnorthatl PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARA HANNA; CHAMPIONS RETREAT

4 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

Editor’s LETTER

PointsNorth Atlanta PRESIDENT / CEO Witt Beckman PUBLISHER Carl Danbury Jr. EDITOR Heather KW Brown CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Harrison

Giving it a Go

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Shannah J. Smith

FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS MONTH, Roberta Gibbs bought a brand new pair of boys’ Adidas running shoes, left the nursing shoes she had trained in at home and boarded a bus from San Diego, Calif. to Boston, Mass. She was the first woman to run and the first to finish the Boston Marathon in 1966 — a time when it was not socially acceptable for women to do so. Gibbs had to disguise herself so officials wouldn’t pull her from the race. The countdown to run my first Boston Marathon is officially underway and I can hardly contain my excitement. The notion of running fast enough to qualify sounded as far fetched for me as finishing undetected might have to Gibbs (whose story is highlighted in Due North), but if I’ve learned anything from the women profiled in this issue, an active, healthy lifestyle combined with the courage to give it a go often results in success. Not knowing whether they would succeed, each of our local women forged ahead, turning their personal passion to stay healthy into a business. Along the way, they have bolstered their communities and encouraged the rest of us to believe in our goals regardless of how big or small. On the flip side, most of us don’t need much of a push to snag a seat on perch-worthy patios. We know the weather gets credit too, but Colleen Ann McNally dedicated time and taste buds to finding the best seats for dining al fresco. Holding court elsewhere around town, the sport of pickleball has paddled its way into the limelight and is gaining a loyal following from tennis players searching for a different spin. Of course, most of the sporting spotlight this month focuses on iconic greens. Mindful of the Masters in Augusta, we ventured to the exclusive Champions Retreat, where the course was created by three of the sport’s legendary players and Southern hospitality is on par with the experience. Former professional golfer and broadcaster Ken Venturi said, “I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be.” While I, along with hundreds of Atlantans, can run through Boston with that thought in mind, I believe the most important step is having the courage to start and finish a journey. #RunBold

HEATHER KW BROWN, EDITOR heather@pointsnorthatlanta.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Colleen Ann McNally CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sam Boykin Jennifer Colosimo Amelia Pavlik Colin Ritsick ADVERTISING 770-844-0969 sales@pointsnorthatlanta.com SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT Karen Poulsen ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE George Colmant CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Tiffany Willard

ALL POINTS INTERACTIVE MEDIA CORP. 568 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041 770-844-0969 pointsnorthatlanta.com ©2016 Points North Atlanta All Points Interactive Media Corp. All rights reserved. Points North Atlanta is published monthly by All Points Interactive Media Corp. The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editor, the publisher or of Points North Atlanta. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Points North Atlanta offers a 12-month subscription for $15. Visit pointsnorthatlanta.com for details. Please Recycle This Magazine

6 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

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PATIO

ENVY

8 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

“WE’D LIKE A TABLE

outside, PLEASE.”

written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY

With every blue sky comes the hope of snagging a coveted spot for al fresco dining and we’ve found seven picks prime for dining with Vitamin D. Beyond the patio, pedestrian friendly streets and shops abound so you can stay outside even longer. Don’t forget the sunglasses.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PACES & VINE

April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 9

PATIO ENVY

PACES & VINE Southern comfort meets modern delight at Paces & Vine, located in Vinings Jubilee since 2014. Chef Ian Winslade is able to play with the familiar ﬂavors and neighborhood feel he helped to create at Murphy’s, their big sister restaurant in Virginia-Highland, while maintaining the same standard for using ingredients straight from farms. Fresh air is the ideal complement to the fresh food. With capacity for private dining up to 56, this patio may be the perfect place for your special occasions this spring.

; LUNCH ; DINNER ; WEEKEND BRUNCH ; DOGS WELCOME FOR SIPPING: Before you default to your favorite bottle, consider attending wine tasting events held each Wednesday. This month pops off with Judgement of Paris on April 6, pitting California Cabs and Chardonnays against French Red Bordeaux and White Burgundy. STAND-OUT DISHES: We have to point out the chickpea hummus with grilled pita and

pickled vegetables, Whiskey Shrimp Scampi with lemon rosemary risotto, spinach and kale and the truffle mac and cheese. OUR SEAT: On a cool night, we’d like to be as close to the outdoor brick ﬁreplace as possible. For the sporting crowd, televisions are within rooting distance. 4300 Paces Ferry Road Southeast, Vinings, pacesandvine.com

DRIFT FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR As fans of restauranteur Doug Turbush’s Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar, we couldn’t wait to dive in to his latest East Cobb concept. With attention paid to each salty detail, Turbush traveled to meet the families behind the eight boutique varieties available at the raw bar, or served smoked or wood-roasted. As beautiful as the interior’s breezy, yet sophisticated, custom-built furniture and sculptures are, reserve seats for dinner on the spacious patio. You can almost imagine coastal waters, rather than a blacktop, on the other side of the wood planters and blue awning. Mixologist Jose Pereiro’s creative cocktails,

made with top-notch spirits and ingredients that stay aﬂoat with the same standard of quality set by Chef Brendan Keenan’s menu, can further indulge any illusions. We’re hooked.

; DINNER FOR SIPPING: Pereiro shows off with combinations like Boxing the Compass, made with St. Augustine rum, Blackwell rum, sherry, ginger-lemon syrup, lime and bitters. STAND-OUT DISHES: For some Asian influence, try the Carolina trout with bahn mi flavors, lettuce wraps and pickled jalapeño aioli or yellowfin tuna poke with avocado, spicy radish and plantains. OUR SEAT: We pick one of the eight outdoor stools that extend the eye-catching, indoor wraparound bar. 4475 Roswell Road, Marietta, driftoyster.com

LEFT TO RIGHT: Bocado Burger's bocce ball court and patio dining; Boxing the Compass cocktail at Drift

BOCADO BURGER Last summer, the lines at then-brand-new Bocado Burger were borderline insanely long. While we may have been a little “hangry” waiting, we couldn’t blame the excitement when the chic Westside restaurant opened their Avalon outpost devoted to an American staple. Time will tell if the lines level off or double, but like any of Avalon’s restaurants, great people watching is guaranteed. Not your average burger joint, the menu curates the ﬁnest local ingredients, such as Many Fold Farms, Sweetgrass Dairy, Holeman & Finch Bread Co., The Spotted Trotter, Caly Road Creamery, Green Ola Acres Farm and High Road

BOCCE BALL COURT PHOTO COURTESY OF RAFTERMEN PHOTOGRAPHY

10 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

PATIO ENVY

TOP TO BOTTOM: South Main Kitchen’s Brussels sprouts; Anis Café & Bistro’s French-inspired patio

Ice Cream, just to name a few.

; LUNCH ; DINNER ; DOGS WELCOME FOR SIPPING: The warmer the temperature, the harder it is to resist a hand-spun chocolate shake, made with Cacao Atlanta chocolate and sea salt. Leaving the kids at home? Their bar is well equipped to make cocktails like the Master Blaster, too. In fact, the esteemed beverage program has inspired a spin-off concept, AMER, now open in Inman Quarter. STAND-OUT DISHES: The Bocado Burger stack with American cheese, bread and butter pickles and mayo started it all. If you must skip the hand-cut herb fries, you might not miss them too badly with alternatives like quinoa salad with cowpeas, avocado, cucumber, radish, cilantro and cashew-lime butter. OUR SEAT: A picnic table within view of the bocce ball court. 2820 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, bocadoburger.com

Having your own cook-out at home? Borrow Bocado Burger’s Master Blaster recipe. 1 ounce Beefeater Gin 1 lemon ½ cup Génépi (herbal liqueur) Juice of ½ cucumber (use a Vitamix or blender to grind cucumber. Strain out pulp with ﬁne sieve) ¼ cup simple syrup Short shake. Top with a splash of bitter lemon soda. Garnish with sea salt and a cucumber slice. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CRISTINA D’VICTOR; ANIS CAFÉ & BISTRO

12 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

SOUTH MAIN KITCHEN Housed in a space ﬁlled with reclaimed wood and original brick dating back more than a century, South Main Kitchen does its part to elevate downtown Alpharetta’s reinvigoration efforts. The deliberate design — exposed ceilings and vintage lighting — highlight the history, while feeling current, stylish and proud of what’s next.

; LUNCH ; DINNER ; SUNDAY BRUNCH FOR SIPPING: The beverage program aligns well with the seasonality of the food menu — fresh, in-season and hailing from local purveyors. If you are into mezcal, you’ve come to the right place. New for spring is Smokey and the Bandito, made with mezcal, aperol, lime, agave, and alderwood smoked sea salt. Here, you can air your desire for what’s chic — in fact, the word “snobs” adorns the upstairs bar. STAND-OUT DISHES: You’ve heard “ingredient driven.” At South Main, you taste Chef Christy Stone’s modern, healthier version of Southern comfort. We were quite content with Brussels sprouts, dressed in feta, bacon and lemon Dijon vinaigrette as well as blood orange glazed pork belly with white bean purée, pickled red onion and hot pepper sauce. The cauliﬂower ravioli and kale chips are other prime examples. OUR SEAT: Currently, at the historic area’s only rooftop bar, but once the alleyway’s bar and lounge area becomes available later this season, we might have to split our time. Come early or stay late on Thursdays, when food trucks ﬁll the streets from 5 to 9 p.m. beginning April 19. 9 South Main Street, Alpharetta, southmainkitchen.com

April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 13

PATIO ENVY LEFT: Desserts at Table & Main

ANIS CAFÉ AND BISTRO Seeking sunny yellow with a whimsical vibe and bright blooms? Anis Bistro, tucked off Buckhead’s quaint Grandview Avenue is a “hidden gem” for feeling like you’ve escaped to the south of France. A 2014 Diner’s Choice award from OpenTable proves after 20 years, this charming patio has withstood its changing skyline.

; LUNCH ; DINNER ; SUNDAY BRUNCH ; DOGS WELCOME FOR SIPPING: Ask your server to suggest a wine from their extensive list. We suggest an after-dinner coffee so you can sip until you’ve had your ﬁll of the atmosphere. STAND-OUT DISHES: The Tartare de Tomate is a beautiful stack of roasted vine ripe tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and baby arugula saba vinegar. Those who favor white wine sauce with their mussels will need extra bread with their famous Moules Marinières. The Saucisses Merguez Grillées — grilled Merguez sausage, Yukon Gold potato purée, baby Vidalia onions, Dijon mustard — was another pleasant surprise. Oh, and

leave room for dessert. OUR SEAT: Come on Thursday nights to enjoy live music on the patio. 2974 Grandview Avenue, Buckhead, anisbistro.com

TABLE & MAIN This roundup wouldn't be complete without Canton Street’s colorful awnings and crowds. Since opening in 2011, Table & Main’s “simple, seasonal and Southern” cuisine has been a mainstay on our list of desired spots to dine. Set a little below street level and secluded by greenery and a brick ﬁreplace, the elegant patio is an extension of the porch and dining rooms with white-clothed tables, friendly, expert servers and warm ambiance. Add the ﬁre pit and custom marble tables at Osteria Mattone, an Italian concept across the street from the same talented team, to your personal patio check list as well.

; DINNER ; CLOSED MONDAYS FOR SIPPING: If you’re waiting for the outdoor seat, and odds are this may be the case for walk-ins, begin at the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. Toast the evening with one enjoyed by men and women alike — The Girly Drink, made

with Gruet brut sparkling wine, Four Roses Yellow Label bourbon, Combier, Peychaurd’s bitters and orange. Browse their library of more than 50 bourbons, ryes and whiskeys for additional handsome options. STAND-OUT DISHES: We started with the beet salad, with beets prepared three ways, satsuma citrus, Capra Gia goat cheese and a 6-minute egg and the plate of house-cured or preserved goods. We won’t argue with their fried chicken's loyal following, however spring additions to the menu make choosing challenging. Don’t miss the Myer lemon and rosemary grilled South Carolina trout. OUR SEAT: A sign by the bar quoted Hemingway’s belief that standing at a bar beats sitting at a table, but we will argue here that he never visited Table & Main. Regardless of table, your check will arrive in a copy of a literary classic. Linger longer with bourbon pecan ice cream to read a few lines and add a memory from your meal in the margins. 1028 Canton Street, Roswell tableandmain.com

Chef Matt Swickerath already had our hearts with his menu at Valenza, so now that he’s helped turn the space next door into a Napolean-style pizzeria, he’s got our (food) souls too. The hearty Italian toppings on delicious double zero and a slew of sides and salads are worth over-stuffing yourself. Inside, the rustic vibe is perfect for casual dining amongst the aromas of a smoldering brick oven (handmade in Italy), but now that the weather calls us outside, their cozy patio provides a handful of seats with a quaint view of the Dresden daily. It’s also a great place to sharpen your smoke skills. Swickerath, along with Haven Chef Stephen Herman and Big Green Egg’s Bruce Bohannon are leading a hands-on Smoke Cooking Class April 30.

; DINNER FOR SIPPING: Order the Super Tuscan Poggialupi, Rodano with your meatsy pizzas or a local brew to wash down your whites. Finish with an ice-cold shot of Limoncello. STAND-OUT DISHES: Start with the creamy burrata salad and wood-roasted carrots. Your main course should include the No. 2 pie with Brussels sprouts, fontina, pancetta and cipollini or the No. 8, a pie packed with guanciale, pecorino, black pepper and a fresh farm egg cracked and drizzled over top right at the table. OUR SEAT: It's ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served, so we'll take what we can get!

VERO PIZZERIA

1441 Dresden Drive, Brookhaven,

Reviewed by Jennifer Colosimo

veropizzeria.com PN PHOTO COURTESY OF IAIN BAGWELL

14 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

ANYTHING BUT

Coasting with Tammy Stokes written by AMELIA PAVLIK

Heat and sweat:

two facts of life that are unavoidable in late May in Koh Samui, Thailand. This was pretty obvious to Tammy Stokes as the tiny beads of perspiration rolled down her forehead, and she stepped into the infrared sauna at the Kamalaya luxury spa resort for the ﬁrst time. She’d spent the morning in the jungle heat doing yoga and sipping on hot “cleansing” soup, so spending 30 minutes in the wooden sauna felt like a monumental challenge, but the owner of Atlanta’s West Coast Workout (WCW) was on a 14-day mind, body and spiritual detox to celebrate her 50th birthday. She wasn’t going to let a little heat deter her.

STARS ALIGN The groundwork for what would become Stokes’ dedication to a healthy lifestyle was laid during childhood with her father and stepmother in Los Angeles, Calif. “My stepmom always encouraged us to be involved with food preparation and selection. I loved going to the farmer’s markets and then cooking a fresh, farm-to-plate meal,” said Stokes, who has gained the support of health and wellness experts ranging from Dr. Oz to Dr. Mark Hyman. “And of course, we walked or rode our bikes to the markets.

It always made me feel good, even as a young child, to eat healthy, exercise and be outdoors.” So, when Stokes had an opportunity to complete a college internship in Southern California with a woman who owned spas (she was majoring in physical education with a minor in nutrition from Western Illinois University), she jumped at the chance. “Eventually, this woman invited me to be a part of her transformation team — a group of nutritionists, trainers and stylists who work with celebrity clients to get them prepared for their next big audition, movie role or red carpet [event]," Stokes said. For four years, Stokes lived a fastpaced lifestyle working with Hollywood A-listers including John Travolta, Jamie Lee Curtis and the cast of “General Hospital.”

CALIFORNIA DREAMING At the age of 25, Stokes learned she was pregnant with her ﬁrst child. Her father suggested she move to Atlanta, where real estate was more affordable than in California. “It was such a demanding and physical job; I just wasn’t able to keep up anymore,” Stokes said. “So, I decided to make the move.” Going from LA to Atlanta was a

culture shock, especially in the 1990s. Stokes described the transition as going “from Earth to Mars.” “I started to accept that this was just the way things were and resigned myself to this way of life.” Stokes found herself driving everywhere and eating less healthy than she once did. What really started to eat away at her was the loss of her long and lean body shape. “The options for exercise were so different out here. For example, most people were working out in gyms on machines verses in smaller studios and outdoors,” Stokes said. To break her new cycle, Stokes needed a break from Atlanta. “I didn’t really know what the solution was, but I knew that returning to California for a few weeks was the only way I might ﬁnd one,” she added. Stokes spent the days and evenings in southern California biking, enjoying fresh juices and vegetables and catching up with her friends and colleagues from the transformation team. “My catch phrase during these conversations was ‘Well, we don’t have that in Atlanta,’” Stokes said until a friend pointed out that what she was saying was an excuse. “That was a wake-up call for me. I decided that if I couldn’t ﬁnd what I needed, I’d create it.” PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA HANNA

16 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY OF

April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 17

TAMMY STOKES

On her plane ride home, Stokes wrote her business plan and WCW was born.

energy to live my dreams,” she said. “Sharing this gift is what my life is about.”

RECIPE FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

REACHING FURTHER

Stokes’ ﬁrst WCW location in Sandy Springs is celebrating nearly a decade since opening, and was followed by a Buckhead studio three years later. “I started the studios with one workout — a class that used a medicine ball and really kicked your behind,” she said. “I watched the bodies transform like magic.” Ten different class formats, ranging from barre to cardio yoga, are all unique to WCW and are based on Stokes’ 30 years in the industry. “The method at the heart of all of the formats is full-body training without muscle isolation, which helps create that long, lean shape,” she said. “By the end of the workout, you will have had 55 minutes of cardio infused with resistance training moves. It’s a

Really Raw Breakfast Serves One ½ cup pomegranate juice ¼ cup whole oats (raw) 2 tablespoons ground ﬂax ½ cup berries (frozen, mixed) 1 tablespoon coconut (raw, shredded) 2 tablespoons walnuts (raw, crumbled) 2 teaspoons goji berries (dried) Sprinkle of cinnamon Place all ingredients in order into a small travel bowl with lid. Cover and let soak in your refrigerator overnight for a raw and divine, healthy breakfast the following morning.

real eye opener to the value of your time and dollar.” Stokes also started offering private training sessions to members of the Atlanta community and various celebrities (many of their photos decorate the walls of the WCW studios), but the ambitious entrepreneur had bigger plans to expand her business, building upon the philosophy that the exercise component of wellness is only a fraction of being healthy. In 2010, Stokes wrote “Live Your Healthiest Life: A West Coast Approach To Balanced Living” a book with advice to take beyond the studio, from recipes for healthy meals to strategies for battling stress. She also started sharing her recipes at wellness retreats held at luxe destinations from Tennessee’s Blackberry Farm to the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta. Stokes takes groups of four to eight people to LA (people create their own groups and suggest dates) for her Live Your Healthiest Life Immersion Retreat. She didn’t stop there. Her latest business venture, a freestanding café on West Paces Ferry Road called Cafe West Express, continues to spread Stokes’ mantra – “do what matters, live healthy, be happy” – in a delicious way. This endeavor started in Stokes’ kitchen where, since that life-changing trip to California, she’s been making infused waters, fresh juices and healing soups. The café offers pick-up options as well as the option of having your selections shipped. “If I can’t workout with everyone, I hope to feed them the foods that have enriched my life and provided me the

Juggling as many acts as she does makes it challenging to practice what she preaches. “I do the best I can to balance the personal with the professional,” Stokes said. It helps that Stokes and her family have made Buckhead their home base, making it easy to run back and forth between the studios. It’s her family — John, her husband of 21 years, son Matt, daughter Alex (who gave birth to Stokes’ first grandchild last year), and her doodle, Dodger, that are at the heart of what makes her happy. She also draws inspiration from her 94-year-old grandmother who still lives independently. And then there was the 22-hour solo trip to Thailand that Stokes took in June 2015 to celebrate her half-century milestone. “I am over silly experiences that don’t matter. I want the things that I take time to do to have meaning,” she said. Stokes picked Kamalaya so she could tailor her days to her needs, whether that meant practicing tai chi or yoga, being treated to Thai spa therapies, or spending time listening to monks chant. Thanks to determination and a little meditation, she completed her first 30-minute heat detox, too. Afterwards, she sipped an electrolyte-infused tonic and took in the lush landscaping surrounding her. Stokes’ health and wellness journey had taken her from coast to coast and halfway around the world. We’ll be following along to find out where it might take her next. PN FOR MORE INFORMATION westcoastworkout.com cafewestexpress.com PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARA HANNA; TAMMY STOKES

18 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

GOING THE

Distance with Lisa Browning written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY

A purple sticker

with the image of Ganesha, an elephant-headed Hindu deity known as the remover of obstacles, adorns Lisa Browning's paddleboard. The wellness guru’s goal this year is to race that paddleboard in the ChattaJack, a 31-mile race through the Tennessee River Gorge. Anyone that has tried standing on a paddleboard only to immediately fall into the water can appreciate the testament to core body strength that a feat of this magnitude requires. Yet, perhaps more impressive is Browning’s deeper love for and study of overcoming physical challenges, a passion she has channeled into business success for almost as many years as miles she’ll attempt in Chattanooga. While she may ﬁnd extra inspiration from a glance at Ganesha, many Atlantans look to her for motivation to reach their own ﬁtness goals, big or small.

CORE MATTER Located in a historic brick building along the railroad tracks in Acworth, Core Bodyworks holds classes for yoga, Pilates and tai chi as well as massage therapy, private training sessions, a variety of workshops and yoga teacher training. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA BROWNING; PN STAFF

20 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

Browning and her husband bought the building in 2004 after searching for just the right space, but Browning’s introduction to the fitness industry began at a young age, and flourished in the mid ’80s through massage therapy. “I had a really strong following, and I will say that massage wasn’t as widespread back then,” said Browning, who found her niche working with regional, national and world-class athletes as owner of Sports Massage Therapy Associates – one of the city’s first of its kind – in the Virginia-Highland area. Different than a spa, Browning’s neuromuscular approach focused on healing chronic pain: how it hurt, why it hurt and what could relieve it. After 11 years, Browning was ready to expand. She knew she wanted to move north of the city, and she knew she wanted to include Pilates and yoga classes. A certified instructor for both,

“When I get people moving, I can see the imbalances and what muscles aren’t ﬁring,” Browning said. “You start to develop a knack, an eye for the body if you’re living and breathing it all day, which is kind of what I’ve done.”

DECIDING DISCIPLINES

Browning realized that by teaching people how to move and incorporate physical training, she would be more equipped to assist people in their health and ﬁtness goals – and preemptively, before any painful damage was done. Twelve years later, Core Bodyworks, and the woman behind it, are arguably stronger than ever.

Browning’s level of commitment and breadth of experience aren’t the only aspects making her studio stand out from the crowd. She and the talented team of instructors she has assembled hold the mind-body connection in high-esteem as a leading principle of their practices. All disciplines are based in breath and challenge the body to strengthen and lengthen by requiring focus and balance. Improving memory and controlling stress are just a couple of beneﬁts, but to ensure these and more are reached, Core Bodyworks chooses to keep classes intimate in size. April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 21

LIS A BR OWNING

“Our classes are deﬁnitely smaller,” Browning said. “If we have ﬁve people in class, that’s a good, thorough class that night.” The schedule includes a variety of offerings for all levels, from beginners to seniors, and private training sessions are available by appointment. Overall, the studio is designed to be a perfect place to learn and grow. “Core Bodyworks was formed to explore the relationship with our

22 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

physical body, to understand its function and use, the implications of the chemical and emotional systems on the physical body and to explore its vast potential,” Browning said. Yoga has perhaps become her favorite aspect for the latter. “All of the philosophies are so enjoyable to learn and to share with people,” Browning said. In addition to the studio space, the front of Core Bodyworks has a shop that sells the

MantraSpot stickers of Ganesha and more wordy ﬂashes of motivation – start here, heart wide open, commit, still the mind, let it go. “I love the broader study of it,” she added. “When I do yoga at this point, at my age, I don’t go for the fast and hard anymore because I do my sweating elsewhere. We still have a teacher that offers those classes, but my personal practice is a little slower.” Browning is also particularly proud of the studio’s unique tai chi offerings, led by Jocelyn Simpson in the style of the Dr. Paul Lam. “Our Tai Chi for Health programs range from the slow, healing, meditative Tai Chi for Rehabilitation (designed to help overcome setbacks in life, whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual) to the energetic Tai Chi for Energy to long forms, including Sun 73

and Moving Stillness Fan form for those who desire extra challenge,” Simpson wrote in an email. Their admission that they “have something for everyone” would sound cliché if I hadn’t seen the mix of students arrive, unafraid of the intimidating work-out equipment, and heard Browning’s stories – of everything from her paddleboard plans to her sessions with a baseball player who suffered a head injury. In this sacred space she’s created, you may feel the murmur of an inner notion, even just for a moment, that you too can prevail any obstacles in your way, on or off the mat. PN FOR MORE INFORMATION corebodyworks.com

Changing gears at CycleBar Brookhaven resident Jeff DeLorme is bringing CycleBar to Dunwoody. A new concept in premium indoor cycling that offers a high-energy workout in a concert-like atmosphere, the studio – or CycleTheatre, as they call it – opens this May, but we’re telling you now so you can beat the crowds and maybe even score some free rides. We’re pretty pumped to try one of the 50 bikes for ourselves, then cool down with complimentary water bottles and luxury amenities in the locker room, or track our performance data via CycleStats and download music played by the DJ booth after class. With a pay-per-class option, no membership is necessary to try each of the four different workout models. The classic ride is a choreographed mix of upper body work, hills and drills — and an intoxicating fusion of mind, body and music. Intimidated by performance monitors? Go for the Connect class, where videos are turned off, allowing you to focus on your best self. Like to mix it up? Go for a themed class, guaranteed to offer something different. Follow CycleBar Dunwoody on Facebook for more grand opening news and giveaways. dunwoody.cyclebar.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA BROWNING; CYCLEBAR

April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 23

Point with Ally Ponte written by JENNIFER COLOSIMO

A few minutes of logistics and a quirky pep talk later, we were body rolls deep into a playlist of top 40 dance tunes. The Vibe Infusion class uses popular songs to alternate between choreographed cardio routines, weight lifting and stretching for something everyone can sweat to (and laugh about) without that hour-long trudge on the treadmill.

FIRST STEPS

Walking into

a group fitness class for the first time can be a lot like the first day of high school. Even though you thought really hard about what to wear and how to carry your books, everyone else is doing it differently and in a much cooler way. While that experience often finds you counting down the minutes until it’s time to go home, my first Vibe class felt more like hanging out with old friends who appreciate being silly together. In fact, Allyson "Ally" Ponte,

founder/CEO of Vibe Fitness and creator/master trainer for Club Vibe and the Vibe Fitness formats, addressed my fear from the moment she turned on her microphone. “Raise your hand if you care that the person in front of you isn’t doing the steps correctly!” she screamed with an impossibly big smile and infectious giggle. “We are going to have so much fun today, so if you’re worried about getting these moves right, just remember that if you think you look good, you totally do!”

Ponte’s story started several years ago, when her part-time fitness instructor job and degree in fine arts birthed an idea for a really good workout. Ponte teamed with Life Time Fitness, where she taught Zumba and started fleshing out the idea for something with a different … well, vibe. “I am a fan of all dance fitness formats — they all serve a purpose,” Ponte said. “But Club Vibe takes interval training in a different direction. We eliminate the separation of dance classes and boot camps.” The tagline “dance with a purpose that delivers results” guarantees a serious workout — one that leaves you breathing hard and wanting more (whether you nailed every step or not). “We’ve tried to create a class that’s positive, uplifting, inspiring and motivating,” Ponte said. “Dance is subjective. Fitness is not. But our class is very multi-level and it’s athletic, so it really doesn’t matter if you’re a good dancer.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALLY PONTE

24 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

This year, Ponte will surpass training 100 instructors to teach Vibe Fitness classes. To each, she passes on the notion that the ﬁrst step in every class is to foster a sense of community. They are motivators, ﬁrst, with a positive attitude. They have to be welcoming and fun, humble, sincere and ignite that feeling that Vibe is a no-judgment zone. “People feed off of that,” Ponte said. “[As an instructor], you’re a role model, whether you want to be or not. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, that creates the sense of community.”

Catch a different free ﬁtness class each Wednesday at 6 p.m. through October at the Avalon Plaza.

AN INSPIRING PERFORMANCE “Fifteen minutes into Ally’s class for the ﬁrst time, I knew that my life was about

to change,” said Ponte’s friend and Vibe Chief Operations Officer, Kelly Schur. “She almost instantly re-ignited my love of dance.” The two became fast friends bonding over a mutual love for gardening, art, Justin Timberlake and – of

course – dance. Ponte encouraged her to become a dance ﬁtness instructor and the two started working on the Vibe Fitness formats together. Many Ponte fans agree that her greatest strength is not measured by ﬁtness standards. Yes, they’re worth

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ALLY P ONTE

FINDING THE noting — Club Vibe leads men and women in classes across eight states and will make its European debut this year in Germany — but the reason people have jumped on board so passionately is because of the person doing the choreography. “People really love Ally,” Schur said. “Her abundant passion for life, her genuine care and love of people and her devotion to health and wellness is completely authentic and unwavering.” Between teaching classes, conventions and master class tours, Vibe Fitness has reached more than 1,000 participants. Free guest passes are available to any class currently on her schedule at Life Time Fitness locations in Alpharetta and Johns Creek. “She has inspired North Fulton residents to make healthy lifestyle choices and changes through exercise. She has created, led and participated in countless fundraisers and community events including the family-friendly ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ National Dance Day, hosted at Avalon on July 23 this year and is always willing to help others in need,” Schur said. “She truly leads by example and is a dynamic force seeking change in her community.” While I may not feel any closer to dancing back up for Beyoncé, Vibe left me adequately sore, enriched and searching for downloadable Timberlake tunes for my next run. That kind of workout is as good for muscles as it is for the soul. PN

Perfect Stryd … written by HEATHER KW BROWN

was only a matter of time before the next best thing arrived for athletes and, luckily, I recently ran across it.

As a longtime runner, I’ve owned my fair share

of heart rate monitors and GPS watches in hopes

athletes and coaches have repeatedly told us

of tracking data and collecting speciﬁc feedback

that holds them back. Our goal was to provide

to improve my performance.

one number that can consistently help you run

Training and racing efforts based on heart

Currently, Stryd is only available as a chest

response time while the effectiveness of pace

strap device, but the potential to move it off the

depends on the reliability of a GPS signal that

chest to another location is part of the long-term

occasionally drops or changes with terrain.

plan, along with simultaneous feedback provid-

Enter Stryd (aptly pronounced “stride”), the ﬁrst wearable device to measure running power.

ed right from the app while exercising with the device.

Created by Princeton engineers and bolstered

Using ﬁrst-of-its-kind sensing technology

by endurance athletes, Stryd enables runners to

to calculate power, measured in watts, is an

accurately measure the intensity of their training

innovation that even three-time Ironman World

— regardless of terrain — to improve efficiency.

Champion Craig Alexander has dubbed “the

According to Robert Dick, Ph.D. and CEO of Stryd, “There has never been an accurate or easy way to show training intensity and efficiency, and

next step in the evolution of running.” With Stryd, runners will move one step closer to a personal record. stryd.com

... And a fabulous look!

ctress Kate Hudson looks fabulous when she’s running, and while we can’t say for sure if she has heard about Stryd yet,

we know she’s developed a fun and comfortable

line of athletic clothing. Fabletics, launched in October of 2013, and co-founded by Hudson, aims to ﬁll a gap in the activewear industry between the luxury market and fashionforward, high-quality options at a different price point. Stylish enough to wear for errands around town yet designed for performance in the yoga or rowing studio, Fa-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

bletics just might become another new

experiencevibeﬁtness.com

favorite. fabletics.com

facebook.com/allypdancepage PHOTOS COURTESY OF STRYD; FABLETICS

26 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

better, and Stryd does exactly that.”

rate often come with the disadvantage of a slow

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WOMEN’S

health

ADVISOR SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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GET A LEG UP ON NEW TREATMENTS from VEINatlanta The VenaSeal is the first “superglue” treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration to permanently treat abnormal leg veins by sealing them with superglue. It is a new minimally invasive way of treating venous insufficiency (reflux), which causes bulging varicose veins. Venous insufficiency also causes leg symptoms such as leg pain, aching, tiredness, heaviness, swelling, restless leg, night cramps, burning, itching, eczema, redness, skin discoloration and skin ulcers. The VenaSeal treatment is performed in the office and requires only one small needle prick. Unlike the current treatment methods of thermal ablation, with VenaSeal there is no need for the additional injections of local anesthetic around the vein or the need to wear compression stockings after the procedure. Patients can return to their normal daily 28 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

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STAY SAFE WHILE HAVING FUN IN THE SUN with Dermatology Associates of Georgia Dr. Maren Cotes, a Mohs surgeon at Dermatology Associates of Georgia knows the importance of skin cancer screening for women. The incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has been increasing throughout the past 30 years. In particular, women under the age of 40 are twice as likely to develop a melanoma as are men of the same age, and it is the most common form of cancer in young adults between the ages of 25 and 29 years old. You may be at higher risk of developing a melanoma if you have greater than 50 moles, light skin, freckles or a family history of melanoma. In addition, the use of tanning beds in particular has been shown to increase the risk of melanoma in women under the age of 45. The good news is that sun safe behavior and regular skin screenings with your

WOMEN’S

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ADVISOR dermatologist can help prevent and detect melanoma. Early detection can dramatically improve melanoma outcomes, so be sure to schedule your annual skin check! The physicians and providers at Dermatology Associates of Georgia are happy to see you at their Johns Creek, Piedmont, Decatur, Monroe or Dekalb Medical Center locations. A wealth of additional information on skin cancer, melanoma and sun safety can be found on the American Academy of Dermatology’s website at aad.org. 770-622-4412 | dermga.com

Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton IS PROUD TO BEGIN DELIVERING BABIES IN OCTOBER 2016! Their new labor and delivery unit will feature 10 modern labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDRP) rooms — allowing mothers the comfort of staying in the same

Northeast Georgia Medical Center is rated Georgia’s No. 1 Women’s Hospital for the third year in a row by CareChex, an independent healthcare ratings agency.

room throughout t hei r v i sit — complete with memor y foa m mattresses, hyd rot herapy showers and floor-to-ceiling windows. The unit will also have a family waiting area, two cesarean section suites, on-site lactation consultants, a sunlit nursery and more. Choosing an obstetrician who will deliver at NGMC Braselton is convenient and easy through Northeast Georgia Physicians Group OB/GYN. Together, Dr. Kimberly Barrett, Dr. Clayton Cox, Dr. Holt Harrison, Dr. Francis Lake and Dr. Jeffrey Ward have more than 85 years combined experience welcoming new additions to families just like yours. Get to know their physicians by watching their videos online or calling for more information. 770-848-9335 | ngpg.org/braselton-babies

FAST FACTS from Emory Johns Creek Hospital ³ Emory Johns Creek Hospital is dedicated to providing women with exceptional health care. The hospital offers a full range of women’s health services including: a state-of-the-art women’s heart center, breast imaging, childbirth classes and a full maternity wing with a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). ³ The Emory Women’s Heart Center diagnoses, screens, treats and helps prevent heart disease in women. The multi-disciplinary cardiovascular team provides counseling on weight loss, diet and exercise programs to treat and reduce women’s risk of heart disease.

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30 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

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WOMEN’S

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ASK THE DOCTOR of Georgia Dermatology Center & Medical Spa

ADVISOR ³ The Center for Breast Care at Emory Johns Creek Hospital is recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. The center has a team of experts available in breast imaging and radiology; medical and radiation oncology; and pathology and reconstructive plastic surgery. ³ Emory Johns Creek Hospital’s Women’s Services team is equipped to handle all stages of pregnancy and childbirth. Their team of experts creates an individualized birthing plan with each expectant mother, which may include: a birthing coach, midwife, specially trained doula or a natural childbirth without medication. Emory Johns Creek Hospital is designed with large birthing suites and in-room sleepover couches to give patients and their families a comfortable stay. ³ For the rest of the family, Emory Orthopaedics, Sports & Spine treats a wide range of conditions resulting from sports injuries and congenital musculoskeletal issues. Surgical treatments include: total hip and knee replacements; arthroscopy of knees, shoulders, wrists and ankles; meniscus and ACL repairs, among others. They also provide outpatient treatment for various pediatric orthopaedic injuries or conditions. ³ Emory Johns Creek Hospital offers comprehensive cancer care to patients with Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. It’s the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center in Georgia. ³ Emory Johns Creek Hospital’s Hyperbarics and Wound Care Services provides treatment for patients with chronic or non-healing wounds caused by diseases such as diabetes and vascular disease. The 3,000-square-foot office opened in 2015. It’s located on the second floor of the Physicians Immediate Med building on 2575 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, Ga., at the intersection of Mathis Airport Road and Highway 141. ³ Emory Johns Creek Hospital is a 110-bed acute care facility located at 6325 Hospital Parkway, in Johns Creek. 678-474-8200 | emoryjohnscreek.com

RELIEVE PREGNANCY PAIN with Forsyth County Wellness Center Chiropractic is a beneficial natural way to relieve pain associated with pregnancy and the nursing months. The increased pressure that is 32 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

put on the lower back from the weight of the abdomen decreases the space of the disc in the lumbar region causing increased pressure on the nerves leading to low back pain and sciatica. Nursing an infant can also create upper back pain and spasms from looking down continuously. That increased muscle spasm in the muscles that attach to the base of the skull can cause headaches. Regular chiropractic care will also keep the pelvic region aligned allowing for easier childbirth. Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free solution to low back pain, sciatica, pain between the shoulders and headaches due to pregnancy. 770-781-9050 | forsythcountywellness.com

MIDWIVES PROVIDE FULL SPECTRUM OF WOMEN’S CARE at Wellstar Health System While midwives have enjoyed a surge of popularity with birthing mothers in recent years, women of all ages in East Cobb, Marietta and Roswell are increasingly choosing midwives for the full spectrum of their gynecological healthcare needs. WellStar Health System’s growing team of midwives deliver babies, perform routine gynecological exams, treat infections, discuss birth control and educate patients starting in their teen years through and beyond menopause. “Our patients enjoy the extra time midwives spend with them,” said Wronda Jordan, a certiﬁed nurse midwife at WellStar Northwest Women’s Care in East Cobb. As part of a multidisciplinary health care team of physicians and advanced practice practitioners, midwives provide their patients a team-based approach to care, collaborating on complex health issues a patient may be experiencing. When it comes to childbirth, Jordan said midwives focus ﬁrst on the health and safety of mother and baby. And although midwives are known for assisting natural deliveries, they respect and support each patient’s goals. “We help them to have the labor experience they want,” she said. “With someone who wants to go natural, we’ll give them education on how to do that with minimum monitoring and how to keep the family involved. For another patient, we may offer anesthesia and medication. We’re equally supportive and are

Dr. Alexander Gross is a respected leader in medical and cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery and laser technology. He is a physician trainer, practicing for more than 20 years and double board certiﬁed in both dermatology and internal medicine, offering an exceptional level of experience and expertise. I worry about my skin and signs of aging. What can I do to keep it looking young?

Q A

“Anti-aging is a fundamental of dermatology and we fight it in many ways, focusing on the 3 P’s: protection, products and procedures. Protection means sun avoidance and use of sunscreen to limit the effects of sun exposure. Products are pharmaceutical-grade topicals exclusive to dermatologists. These repair and improve the look of the skin. Procedures are effective for wrinkled and sagging skin on the face. We use injectables and fillers to smooth the signs of aging. Other procedures include lasers to even skin color, tone and texture, as well as tighten sagging skin. Lasers are also used for body contouring and melting fat under the skin. Other skin tightening and body sculpting procedures include liposuction and S lift. All the 3 P’s will give a more youthful appearance. Remember, quality doctors mean quality results, so make sure your doctor is board certified and trained for the procedures and treatments you are having them perform.” 770-781-5077 or 678-845-7494 | gadermctr.com

there to assist as each mother’s labor unfolds.” Choose WellStar for a full range of world-class women’s services and healthcare providers who personalize their care to each patient’s individual needs. 770-956-7827 | wellstar.org

The Non-Surgical Solution… TO HERNIATED DISCS, SCIATICA & LOWER BACK PAIN

n Integrated office designed to offer the highest quality healthcare to their patients, Forsyth County Wellness has combined the best possible group of chiropractors, nurse practitioners, athletic trainers and massage therapists working together to better serve you. Their chiropractors offer specific adjustments and spinal traction to alleviate symptoms of back pain, sciatica, headaches, neck pain and shoulder pain. They also provide specialized care for auto accidents, sports injuries, and disc herniations. The nurse practitioner is available for any additional recommendations including blood work, allergy testing, physical therapy or general prescriptions. This not only gives a higher quality of healthcare to the patient, but also the convenience of staying under one roof. Working closely with the nurse practitioner, the athletic trainers can provide on-site physical therapy and strengthening to alleviate symptoms and facilitate the healing process to prevent future injuries.

FORSYTH COUNTY WELLNESS 564 Lakeland Plaza • Cumming • 770-781-9050 www.forsythcountywellness.com Call for an Appointment Today! April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 33

WOMEN’S

health

ADVISOR BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE! at Modern OB/GYN The field of gynecologic medicine has advanced significantly during the last several years with medical management and minimally invasive options being offered as the primary approach to most gynecologic issues. With different options available, have you asked your doctor the right questions? Pain, heavy cycles, fibroids and other gynecologic issues can be managed successfully in different ways. Women should consult with their doctors for the option right for their situation. “Women should participate in and be educated about the different medical and surgical options open to them,” said Dr. Ingrid Reyes of Modern OB/GYN. “A patient should always feel comfortable asking questions and having their physician listen to them. Together, we make the best choice for their medical care. Medical care should be individualized each and every time.” 404-446-2496 | reyesobgyn.com

34 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

COLONS NEED LOVE TOO from Atlanta Gastroenterology According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.; it is also the most preventable. Screening colonoscopies are recommended for every adult beginning at age 50 and younger for those with a family history or other risk factors. During the procedure, a trained gastroenterologist will check for any signs of cancer and remove existing polyps that may turn into cancer over time. Since a colonoscopy is performed under light sedation, most patients have little if any discomfort, and the procedure itself usually takes less than 30 minutes. 1-866-468-6242 | atlantagastro.com

GET BACK YOUR GLOW at Byrd Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center Just approved in January by the Food and Drug Administration, updated microneedling systems have been making beauty buzz. As seen in Vogue earlier this year, the technique — using a needle-studded wand to pierce

tiny holes into the skin, potentially down to the dermis, to improve collagen — might be the right solution for treating telltale signs of aging, from wrinkles and sagging skin to tired eyes, ﬁne lines, acne scars or even overall facial balance. While the professionals at Byrd Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center believe it is important to stay abreast of all the newest and latest available technological advances in cosmetic procedures, they only offer procedures that give the best outcomes for patients. With more than 35 years combined experience, Dr. Marcia Byrd and Dr. Paul McCluskey offer microneedling for its unique advantages for patients: it’s a great alternative for those sensitive to the heat of laser work, have conditions like melasma or rosacea, and want a faster, considerably cheaper option for smooth, radiant results without the stinging or ﬂaking. Since any facial cosmetic surgery is a big decision, for both aesthetic and safety concerns, trust only a reputable medical professional with solid needling experience to restore the more youthful, refreshed look to your face. 770-587-1711 | byrdaesthetic.com X

Pickleball, Anyone written by SAM BOYKIN

A combination of tennis, pingpong and badminton takes the court

As a longtime tennis player, I was skeptical and even a little dismissive about the sport of pickleball. I ﬁrst noticed folks playing the game a few years ago at my neighborhood YMCA, but I groused when the local parks and recreation department built a few pickleball courts that encroached on my tennis turf. I couldn’t help but notice the unmistakable “thwock” of players striking the ball with their small wooden paddles and all the laughing. While the games looked competitive, everyone always seemed to be having such a good time. Still, I thought, pickleball? Why even bother with a game that is essentially a scaled-down version of tennis using oversized pingpong paddles and a whiffle ball? Then I actually played a game and immediately realized what all the fuss was about.

SPEARHEADING THE SUBURBAN SPORT I’m hardly alone. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, including around the Atlanta 36 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

area. According to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) — yes, pickleball has its own association, founded in 1984 — the sport was invented in 1965 by three dads in the Seattle, Wash., area trying to keep their kids entertained. By 1990, pickleball was being played in all 50 states. The number of places to play has nearly doubled since 2010, with more than 2,000 locations, according to the USAPA. Georgia has nearly 70 sites listed on the USAPA website, including community centers,

“It was really easy to learn, and we immediately fell in love with the sport.” TOM EARLEY

YMCA facilities, retirement communities and neighborhood parks. Ann and Tom Earley helped spearhead the sport in Georgia. The Canton couple has been playing for nearly 15 years. They ﬁrst discovered the sport while vacationing in Arizona. They had stopped at a golf and RV resort to play tennis, and noticed some people near the far courts playing pickleball. They asked the Earleys to join them. “It was really easy to learn, and we immediately fell in love with the sport,” Tom said. When the Earleys returned to Canton, they started playing pickleball on the two tennis courts they had on their property, lowering the nets and marking the boundary lines with tape. An official pickleball court measures 20 by 44 feet, a little more than half the size of a tennis court. The Earleys invited some friends over to play, and soon word spread. Eventually, in 2012, the couple converted their two tennis courts into six official pickleball courts, and dubbed it the North Georgia Pickleball Club. Today upwards of 30 people

play on the courts four days a week. This includes Bill Hess, a USAPA Georgia Regional Ambassador who helps introduce people to the sport and organizes clinics and tournaments. Hess and his wife, who live in Cherokee County’s Lake Arrowhead, ﬁrst started playing pickleball about seven years ago with neighbors at the local tennis courts. They eventually became friends with the Earleys and now play at their courts several times a week. Hess said that similiar to Cherokee County, neighboring areas such as Cobb and Forsyth are also seeing pickleball’s popularity explode. “It’s amazing how the sport has grown throughout the region,” he said.

BEVY OF BENEFITS FOR ACTIVE ADULTS Both Hess and Earley emphasized that while pickleball is not as strenuous as tennis, it still offers a great workout and is the perfect option for folks dealing with arthritis or joint pain. Because of this, the game is particularly popular among

older people and retirees who want to remain active. Steve Dunn, 68, of Cartersville, started playing pickleball in 2008 after a buddy on his softball team brought him to the Earleys’ courts one afternoon. “After that I was hooked,” he said. “I’m an active guy. I don’t watch TV and I don’t read, so pickleball has been a real savior for me. My wife and I play at least three times a week and we’ve made a ton of friends. I can see us playing well into our 80s.” Lynn Paul, 68, of Cobb County, ﬁrst heard about pickleball from a fellow tennis player in 2014. She and a few friends started playing together, but were frustrated by the lack of local courts. “I went to the county and told them we

needed pickleball courts. They said ‘what’s that?’” Paul was among a growing number of people in the area interested in the sport, and over the past few years, the county has built about 10 courts. “It’s really picking up steam here,” Paul said. “The growth has been phenomenal. I even told my tennis team not to put me on the roster this season because I prefer pickleball now. It’s every bit as competitive as tennis, but I feel more joy when I play pickleball. Everybody is just so supportive and friendly.” The sport is also thriving at the Marcus Jewish Community Center Atlanta (MJCCA). The center’s chairman, Ed Feldestein, explains that Sid Cojac introduced pickleball to

Sid Cojac

the center about ﬁve years ago after moving to the Atlanta area from North Carolina. “It took Sid and me over a year to convince the MJCCA to give it a try,” Feldestein said. “At ﬁrst, it was extremely difficult

to even [recruit] four players. Little by little our numbers grew.” Today, there are nearly 150 active players and the center has 10 painted courts. The center also hosts pickleball tournaments every spring and fall, which draw people from Athens and Augusta. Cojac, who at 102 was known as the “Mayor of Main Street,” still occasionally got out on the courts to play, according to Ashley Cohan, the MJCCA’s associate program director. Cojac sadly passed away last month, but his legacy lives on. The center also has a growing number of younger players in their 20s and 30s. “The sport has really taken off here, and we have Sid to thank for that,” Cohan said.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL HESS; MARCUS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER ATLANTA

April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 37

PICKLEB ALL

FUN FOR YOUNGER PLAYERS While pickleball tends to attract older players, that doesn’t mean younger people aren’t getting involved as well. Rob Moody, 47, of Cumming, has been playing for about two years at his local YMCA. “I was lifting weights and taking these intense boot camp exercise classes,” he said. “I was in good shape, but I wasn’t having any fun.” He decided to give pickleball a try, and now plays at least three times a week. Moreover, he says that since he started

playing, about 10 new courts have opened around his home in Forsyth County. “It’s very social and interactive,” he said. “We have so much fun. At the end of a couple of hours, you’ve had a great workout. You forget about the fact that you’re exercising.” Moody said that while most of his fellow pickleball players are in their 40s and 50s, the fastest-growing demographic of new players at his YMCA is teenagers. “They’ve discovered how fun it is,” he said. I eventually did as well. For starters, the game has a quick

learning curve, so it’s easy to develop basic shot-making skills, even if you’re not particularly athletic. And while you don’t have to cover as much territory compared to tennis, the game is fast-paced, which has sharpened my hand-eye coordination and improved my tennis volleys. While I always work up a sweat when I play pickleball, my lower back doesn’t ache afterward like it often does following a few sets of tennis. Now that I’m in my 40s, I’ll undoubtedly have to deal with more of these aches and pains in the coming years, so it’s

nice to know I can play pickleball if and when tennis is no longer an option. Now that I’m a fan, I don’t look at pickleball as just a kinder, gentler sport I can ease into as I grow older. Rather, it’s a unique game and a great opportunity to compete, have fun and exercise. And isn’t that what sports are all about? PN

FOR MORE INFORMATION south.usapa.org

PICKLEBALL BASICS Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island

Originally made from wood, pickleball paddles are

near Seattle, Wash., pickleball is one of the country’s

now constructed of lightweight composite materials,

fastest-growing sports, with nearly 2.5 million players.

such as aluminum and graphite. The plastic balls have

The pickleball court measures 20 by 44 feet. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.

holes in them and travel about a third of the speed of a tennis ball. Go to usapa.org for details about places to play, regional clubs, tournaments and events.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARCUS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER ATLANTA

38 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 39

Winning Weekend An exclusive glimpse into golf history and good hospitality written by COLIN RITSICK

rowing up right down the road from Atlanta Country Club, some buddies and I occasionally snuck on the course when it was closed on Mondays to play nine holes right before the sun went down. We hardly ever saw anyone else and I remember leaving excited because we played such a beautiful and well-kept golf course. There was a tinge of adrenaline to it.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHAMPIONS RETREAT

40 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

That’s how I felt after my ﬁrst round at Champions Retreat Golf Club — almost like I got away with something. The golf course is so organic and tucked away that it feels as if no one is supposed to be there. It was like I stumbled upon a buried treasure in the middle of the rural Georgia woodlands. Located approximately two hours from Atlanta, this Heritage Golf Group’s property has something to offer that no other place in the world can — a 27-hole course with each 9-hole track designed by Arnold Palmer, Gary Player or Jack Nicklaus. Those three names, perhaps the three biggest in all of golf history, add such validity to the club that it is worth the trip to play a round. Each year, to celebrate one of the most important weeks in golf, non-members have the chance to stay and play during the Masters. While it isn’t always easy to steer a golfer away from a course, Champions Retreat has so much to offer, it is easy to see how golf is only one of the reasons to visit. 42 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

THE STAY The ﬁrst thing you see when you pull onto the grounds is a sweeping view of cottages and pine trees that parallel the road, followed by an undeniable ﬂuidity. Hues of

copper and green mix and match on every cottage and golf building with an arcadian brick-style siding, giving off a rustic, organic feel to the club. A small sign outside the ﬁrst cottage read “Jones.” The next read “Nelson” and I started to catch on. Nicklaus, Palmer, Watson, Snead, Hogan, Sarazen and Player round out the row of cottages that parallel No. 9 of Player’s Creek Course. All of the cottages, which feel like small mansions, are designed similarly, some darker and more handsome than others, some lighter and fresher than others, but all of them beautiful and beckoning.

CHAMPIONS RETREAT

I stayed in Sarazen, a tranquil well-lit cottage with an open kitchen and living room design. Rough-sewn pine wood ﬂooring, designer furniture and granite countertops are cast into the light from the wall of windows ahead, providing an unobstructed view of the fairway just beyond it.

THE SWING Along a creek, through a bluff and around an island, three nine-hole courses make their way amongst the dense woodlands of Evans, Ga. in what was once an untouched timber plot. The idea for Champions Retreat came to fruition at the 1999 Masters Champions Dinner. Player, the leading visionary, sought out his two most accomplished peers to help craft the course. Already knowing the topography, he wrote down “Creek,” “Island” and “Bluff” on index cards and let Palmer, the senior member of the three, draw ﬁrst. Palmer drew Island. Nicklaus then drew Bluff. That left Player with Creek. Each nine-hole track embodies its designer and his golf game. The Island Course is long, loose and powerful. Plenty of room to land shots off the tee, but precision is mandatory around the greens. Palmer was known for his graciousness and charisma during his playing days, and his course at Champions Retreat is no different. Beautiful views of the Savannah River and surrounding marshlands make this nine feel like a true Southern gem. The Bluff Course is downright tough. For a Georgia course not in the mountains, it has dramatic elevation changes and is a tight, long course. There is very little room for error in approach shots, and even less from the tee box. What made Nicklaus such a threat for so long on tour was his competitive nature. Bluff Course rises to that same standard, and many view it as the toughest of the three nines. The Creek Course is a beautiful combination of power and charm. A golfer with precise long irons or hybrids is in luck, but it is wide enough not to intimidate the

average player. The ﬁrst half of the course meanders through low wetlands and the back half is mostly uphill. The ninth hole is the money shot. A slightly elevated tee box lets you see the sweeping long, thin fairway with a pond on the right, but also

the row of cottages amongst the towering pine trees along the left. It is the ideal way to end a round. Each course is unique and challenging, but undoubtedly fun. Aside from the legendary status of the course, what

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHAMPIONS RETREAT

April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 43

CHAMPIONS RETREAT

stood out was how private it felt. Not private in the sense of a membership, but solitary. In three rounds of golf, I saw maybe four other groups the entire time. The “thwack” of iron on golf balls along with birds and rustling leaves are the local soundtrack. It felt like I was wandering in the forest and happened upon this beauty. The key to a successful course isn’t necessarily how easy or difficult it may be, but rather how many holes you distinctly remember when you are ﬁnished playing; and I can picture every hole perfectly.

THE SUSTENANCE Throughout my two-day stay, I sat down for some of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life. An oyster roast and Low Country boil for dinner on Friday was a true Southern treat, but honestly I could’ve

eaten nothing but the sausage from the boil and been a happy man. As Executive Chef Doug Seaver explained, the reason I’ve never tasted anything like it before is because they make and package it in-house. A former executive chef for Big Night Entertainment Group of Boston, Mass., Seaver brings more than 25 years of culinary experience and an emphasis on supporting local purveyors with a farm-totable program. Thankfully, more was to come. Our Breakfast of Champions the next morning was grits, eggs, more sausage and sundried tomatoes in a skillet accompanied by fried quail and waffle in another. If I could repeat any meal from the weekend, it’d be this one. A Southern dining experience would not be complete without quality barbecue.

THE SOIRÉES There is one exception to the seamless ﬂuidity of the grounds and architecture, and another exception to members-only access — the big red roof just beyond the Grill House, the size of a fairway, heralding The Barn. The Barn at Champions Retreat is designed to host a slew of party options: corporate gatherings, large dinner parties, member functions, but most notably, weddings. This 10,000-plus square-foot event facility is staking its claim as one of the newest and nicest wedding facilities in the Southeast and officially opens in time for this year’s Masters Tournament, held April 4 through 11. It is the only facility at Champions Retreat that can be reserved by the public any time of the year, if sponsored by a member or for signiﬁcantly large events.

And boy, let me tell you — they’ve got quality. Hal Rowland, a local from Appling County, serves as Champions Retreat’s exclusive pit master. With him at the helm for dinner Saturday night, the pork loin, sausage and ribs smoked to perfection in his personal smoker were nothing short of decadent. Tender and savory, they didn’t quite fall off the bone — which Rowland says is a good thing. He likened a perfect rack of ribs to a loose tooth on a baby: not quite falling off, but pulling apart easily with a little tug. When asked how long it took to perfect his craft, Howland shrugged and said, “You’ve just got to go out and burn up some meat.” A sommelier from Moët & Chandon tantalized our thirst buds with a champagne tasting on Friday night, and a truly relaxing afternoon on Saturday was courtesy of a complete spa treatment including foot, hand and back massage. Driving away on Sunday afternoon, the arcadian cottages and towering pine trees stared at me in my rear-view mirror. I couldn’t help but feel like I did when I ﬁrst played the course — like I got away with something. Champions Retreat not only grants guests full access to the club, but they are made to feel like they belong. PN

The Barn at Champions Retreat is unlike anything else at the club, but it reﬂects the overall idea of Heritage Golf Properties, which is relaxation and Southern hospitality at its purest. Architect Richard Fletcher summed it nicely: “You just can’t help but have fun in a barn.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION championsretreat.net

For rates and availability, contact Shelby Toro at 706-854-6977 or shelby@championsretreat.net PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHAMPIONS RETREAT

44 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

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46 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

SENIOR LIVING CARE FOR COUPLES

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48 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 49

50 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

LINVILLE, N O RTH CA R O LI N A

Mountain

GRANDEUR

& GOLF

IN GRANDFATHER’S SHADOW written by CARL DANBURY

WHEN YOU THINK OF SEASONAL escapes, Avery County, N.C., might not leap to mind. It’s a four-and-a-half hour drive from Atlanta’s Northside, located within a good holler from the Tennessee border and Boone, N.C. The entire county is home to about 18,000 residents. During the winter months, Beech and Sugar Mountains are inundated with downhill skiers, snowboarders and tubers while the town of Banner Elk is abuzz with après-ski activities and visitors swelling overnight and longterm accommodations. Just 9 miles south, the town of Linville barely notices and beneﬁts little from the crowded slopes. When the calendar ﬂips to the merry month of May, however, the delectable hamlet in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain State Park is a hub

for outdoor enthusiasts, relaxation seekers and golﬁng purists. A friend once suggested that Linville has “two stop lights and four world-class golf courses.” The mountain oasis also is home to The Eseeola Lodge at Linville Golf Club, which affords guests the opportunity to play one of those four while the welcoming staff spoils them with unfettered hospitality before, during and after their round. A quick drive away is Linville Ridge Country Club, a mountain community paradise that summons vacation-home buyers and club members for an enjoyable summer mountain season. The community and club, founded in the early ’80s by Naples, Fla. developer Raymond Lutgert and his son Scott of the Lutgert PHOTO COURTESY OF LINVILLE RIDGE

April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 51

LINVILLE, N .C.

PREVIOUS PAGE: The amazing view from hole No.1 at Linville Ridge Golf Club ABOVE AND LEFT: The Eseeola Lodge front entrance; No. 11 tee box looking squarely at Grandfather Mountain

Companies, is built upon a 1,800-acre site high atop Flattop Mountain and squarely stares at Grandfather Mountain’s frown. The unique locale is revered for its gorgeous, challenging golf course with world-class views and extraordinary home sites. I visited the area at the height of leaf season in mid-October, just a few weeks before both Eseeola and Linville Ridge shut down for the winter. My mountain sojourn was a bit shorter than I would have liked, but there was little question that both are perfect for either temporary or seasonal escapes.

EASY ESEEOLA First opened in 1892, The Eseeola Lodge will open the 2016 season May 20. As it was when professor William James of Harvard University visited in 1891, Eseeola has managed to maintain its 19th-century charms while fast-paced, modern superﬁciality has enﬂamed nearly everything else. “At last, I have struck it rich here in North Carolina and am in the most peculiar and one of the most poetic places I have ever been in,” James wrote. “Strange to say, it is on the premises of a land speculation and would-be boom. A tract of 25 square miles of wilderness, 3,860 feet above sea level at its lowest part, has been bought, between 30 and 40 miles of the most admirable alpine, evenly graded, zigzagging roads in PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ESEEOLA LODGE; CARL DANBURY

52 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

LINVILLE, N .C.

various directions from the center, which is a smallish cleared plateau; and exquisite little hotel built, nine cottages round about it, and that is all. Not a loafer, not a fly, not a blot upon the scene. The serpent has not yet made his appearance in this Eden, around which stands the hills covered with primeval forest of the most beautiful description, filled with rhododendrons, laurels and azaleas, which, through the month of July, must make it ablaze with glory.” Initially, Linville speculators were fixated on nearby mica mining opportunities. The leader of the effort was Hugh MacRae, a resident of Wilmington, N.C., and graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). After a horseback ride to the area during which he became completely enamored, he asked his wellheeled father for the funds to purchase nearly 16,000

“At last, I have struck it rich here in North Carolina and am in the most peculiar and one of the most poetic places I have ever been in.” WILLIAM JAMES | Harvard University, 1891

acres encompassing Grandfather Mountain, parts of Sugar Mountain, Grandmother Mountain and Flattop Mountain. MacRae built the Yonahlossee Road from Linville across the eastern slope of Grandfather Mountain to Blowing Rock, opening the area to more efficient transport. He also opened a stagecoach line on the 20-mile scenic route that today is known as U.S. Route 221. He founded Linville Improvement Company and began construction on The Eseeola Lodge. Wilmington architect Henry Bacon, best known as the architect of the Lincoln Memorial, played a large role in the use of American chestnut and Linville was the beneﬁciary. Many of the town’s buildings and cottages were covered with chestnut bark shingles, providing the tone and allure of the resort town. Thick chestnut bark shingles cover much of the exterior of The Eseeola Lodge, which remains one of the best April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 53

LINVILLE, N .C.

LEFT: The Brady, one of Eseeola’s well-dressed 24 rooms and suites

examples of its use. The simple bark-covered building has served as the main inn for visitors since a ﬁre destroyed the original Eseeola Inn in 1936. Although 14 golf holes had been built from 1895 to 1900, the company contracted Donald Ross to design and build a new course in 1924. The design seamlessly suited the topography and two years later, the course was completed using mule and pan grading to carve its spectacular mountain setting. The original 14 were abandoned for use, but with the addition of Ross’ 18-hole treasure, Linville Golf Club and the sport’s emerging popularity, in part because of Bobby Jones’ Grand Slam in 1930, the destination became a highly sought vacation spot. Jones often played at Linville during visits to the area. In addition to golf, visitors enjoyed ﬁshing, bridge, tennis and fabulous social events.

THE LEGACY CONTINUES After World War II, the members and property owners purchased The Eseeola Lodge and the club under the name Linville Resorts Inc. The Eseeola Spa, opened in 2002, properly pampers patrons while the nearby ﬁtness center and recently added Olympic-sized, salt-water pool provides guests with workout opportunities. Har-Tru tennis courts are located near the golf

clubhouse, and tennis professional Bill Zopp conducts daily clinics, lessons and five weeks of tennis camps each summer. Outdoor programs director Alan Burchell arranges fly-fishing, canoeing, kayaking and sporting clays for members and guests. He can also point you to the best locales for walking and hiking nearby or on the many trails at Grandfather Mountain. While those active pursuits are worthy pastimes, if golf is your chosen activity, Linville Golf Club is not to be missed. Golf packages are available Sunday through Wednesday evenings (May 25 through June 30 and Aug. 24 through Oct. 15). All golf packages include lodging, breakfast and dinner, a resort service charge and one round of golf per day with a cart. The course can be very challenging because of Ross’ trademark small, fast greens, but five sets of tees for men and two sets for ladies help golfers manage their threshold for painful approach shots. While golfers must cross the valley creek 14 times during their round, there are no forced carries at Linville Golf Club. The challenge comes from elevation changes, sloping fairways and the immense scenery. One of my favorites is the view from the 11th tee box, a 427-yard, downhill par-four with a glorious view of Grandfather Mountain. As I am inclined to believe, short-yardage par fours are the key to a great golf design, and Ross provides three examples at Linville: No. 7, No. 10 and No. 16. Each measures less than 340 yards from the blue tees, yet is crazy good. The course’s signature hole is the 449-yard par-4 third hole, a challenge for even the best low handicapper. Director of Golf Tom Dale, whose father Burl was

OLD HAMPTON STORE & GRIST MILL Step back in time at the Old Hampton General Store. Located at the foot of Grandfather Mountain, this historic 1920 general store and grist mill was the original train stop for the Tweetsie Railroad. Today, the Old Hampton Store is a thriving place to gather for fun, family, food, art and crafts and live bluegrass music. For anyone in the area looking for unusual gift items and a great meal, be sure to stop in, explore and shop in the old-fashioned store and grist mill. Better yet, dine in the country restaurant, which serves barbeque piled high on sourdough bread, smoked turkey sandwiches perhaps best experienced on the front porch and banana pudding that will make you remember the visit long after the wafers have disappeared.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ESEEOLA LODGE

54 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

LINVILLE, N .C.

the head pro at Linville for almost 25 years, commented that the course isn’t the longest, nor the most difficult, but it is the most enjoyable to play.

WARM ENVRIONS Although there is a certain element of genuine rusticity at Eseeola, the 24 rooms and suites, as well as the cottage, are flawlessly and comfortably decorated, quiet and equipped with private baths and porches. The few number of overnight accommodations means attentive personal service is guaranteed, whether from a longtime staff member or one of the many seasonal employees. While few of us have rich uncles with grand estates to visit, Eseeola exudes that feeling of trusted allegiance to all that stay in the lodge. Part of the allure is the modified American plan, still used by some of the finest resorts. The plan includes breakfast and dinner each day, and a 15-percent service charge and sales tax. The lavish breakfast provides a leisurely beginning to each day and dinners under the skilled hands of Executive Chef Patrick Maisonhaute and his fabulous staff simply are not to be missed. Maisonhaute’s signature dishes include boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin from his native France, and grilled local mountain rainbow trout. A tried-and-true seafood buffet is offered every Thursday evening and comes highly recommended. Sommelier and Maître d’ Brandon Wilson is passionate about the marriage of food, wine and spirits, and has compiled a fine list for Eseeola’s members and guests, including a dozen wines-by-the-glass selections.

THE RIDGE TO ARCADIA Tucked nearby is Linville Ridge Country Club, a remarkable mountaintop setting. The million dollar views aside, the execution of vision combined with attention to detail by the staff is essential for a seasonal venue, particularly one catering to second-home owners or guests that primarily winter in Florida, or live nearby in the Carolinas. The highly awarded golf club is the focal point of the community, and reaching 4,945 feet above sea level on hole 13, it is recognized as the highest in elevation for golf courses located east of the Mississippi River. Originally designed by George Cobb and then redesigned in 2007 by Bobby Weed, a former apprentice with Pete Dye, Linville Ridge is very playable in part due to Weed’s tweaks. Members and guests have witnessed these improvements aimed to better accommodate all levels of golfers. The bunker redevelopment lessens the severity of the faces and cuts down the use of fescue grasses outlining them, helping to ease the burden on mid- to high-handicappers. With ﬁve sets of tees for men and three for ladies, ranging from 4,788 to 7,030 yards, golfers of all levels can enjoy the layout’s incredible vistas and undulating terrain. The layout is fair and the course conditioning is second to none. Fourteen holes have long-range views of the valley, while 11 of them offer gracious views of Grandfather Mountain. The elevation of the 16th begins at 4,850 feet at the tee box and settles at 4,740 feet at the green complex. The 110 feet of elevation change is equivalent to an 11-story building. Imagine playing a round of golf on a sunny July afternoon with temperatures in the mid-70s? 56 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

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April 2016 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 57

LINVILLE, N .C.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Belvedere poolside restaurant; Cottage for sale at Cranberry Cove; Two-story cottage with loft

Few other courses in the Southeast can mirror that! In addition to golf, the club also offers activities such as tennis (eight Har-Tru courts), two croquet lawns, bocce ball, hiking trails, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the Bark Park for dogs and an unequalled mountaintop ﬁtness center with twice-weekly yoga offered. All kinds of card games are enjoyed by members, as is the ability to join a photography, book and art club during the season. Organized weekday activities for children and grandchildren of members are

available via Camp Linville Ridge, for children ages 5 to 15. During the past 35 years, Linville Ridge has made constant improvements to its amenities, including five dining options, the club, fitness center and a marvelous terrace that offers a more formal venue for corporate gatherings and traditional clubstyle weddings. The most popular dining and activity venue is the Belvedere, a spacious indoor/outdoor poolside restaurant and pavilion with two native stone fireplaces. Casually elegant, the innovative dining menu includes steaks, seafood, wood-fired pizzas and delicious sides. The Sandtrap Clubhouse, which also is home to the golf shop and locker rooms, offers three dining options. The SandTrap is a casual deli counter providing light breakfast, lunch fare, short-order selections, espresso drinks and smoothies. The Elevation Pub is the hub of social activity and provides a comfortable atmosphere for dining, cocktails and entertainment. The Sandwedge is a full-service, casual PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINVILLE RIDGE

58 | POINTS NORTH | April 2016

restaurant. Under the direction of Executive Chef Bernhard Smit, breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings are available seven days a week, during season, for members and guests. Wine enthusiasts benefit greatly from the relationships established by certified sommelier Adam Shirah, the food and beverage director at Linville Ridge. He procures an array of vintages for members to accompany the fine cuisine offered. Shirah also extends invitations to winemakers and their representatives to the club for informative wine tastings, social gatherings and intimate wine dinners. Special events such as the Welcome Back Gala, Rustic Spit Roast and the Independence

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Imagine playing a round of golf on a sunny July afternoon with temperatures in the mid-70s? Few other courses in the Southeast can mirror that!

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LINVILLE, N .C.

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feet and spans an 80-foot chasm. The park is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the spring and fall, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning May 27. grandfather.com

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availability of monthly home rentals and temporary club memberships during the season, future buyers can experience the lifestyle before they fully commit to buying property here. The newest sale offerings are located in a wooded section of the community but provide breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge range. Each of the 20 cottages at Cranberry Cove is built at an average elevation of 4,000 feet and situated on a minimum of one-acre homesite. Floor plans include three- and four-bedroom cottages, both in one- or twostory designs with bountiful home amenities and conveniently located near the community entrance on Highway 184. Other re-sale properties are available, as are several lots via Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Linville. While the fall scenery here is something to behold, I look forward to a Linville visit this summer. The elevation provides a fanciful escape from the summer heat, and the lush greenery and eye-popping blooms are what captivated those who first settled the area. Summer allows the ability to enjoy all aspects of what the area offers (except for winter sports, of course), including warm days and cool nights. Who couldn’t enjoy a long-range mountain sunset, a glass of fine wine and a crackling fire as the sun disappears over the horizon? For a few days in October, it was nearly therapeutic, for an entire month in the summer, it very well might be salubrious. PN FOR MORE INFORMATION eseeola.com linvilleridge.com PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

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FLOWER of the MONTH C

12 months of beautiful flowers once a month for a year for the price of 10 months. CALL 404-228-7903 TO ORDER.

MAKING MAGIC HAPPEN Tune into Atlanta Bon Vivant on Atlanta and Company every Tuesday to see Sean in action.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE BEHIND THE SCENE PHOTOS.

facebook.com/seanokeefeevents twitter.com/seosays instagram.com/seanokeefeevents

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New for spring 2016 is the Seaside Collection — Peter Millar’s version of lived-in luxury featuring sun-washed brights, playful patterns and a smattering of winsome prints.

Shop FOUNDED IN 2001 with a single cashmere sweater, Peter Millar has grown into a premium lifestyle apparel brand. The wide range of casual sportswear, tailored dress furnishings and luxury, performance golf attire is now more easily available to Northsiders courtesy of their Avalon location in Alpharetta, a partnership store with industry veterans Robby and Greg Miller of Miller Brothers Ltd.

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From the everyday aesthetic of Crown sportswear to the elevated capsule of clothing and accessories known as Collection and the active e4 Performance line, Peter Millar can outﬁt a gentleman for every occasion. New for spring 2016 is the Seaside Collection — their version of lived-in luxury featuring sun-washed brights, playful patterns and a smattering of winsome prints. Curated from the traditions of the sporting life, Peter Millar is emblematic of the conﬁdence and charisma of the person who wears it. petermillar.com

Celebrate WHEN THE SOUTHEAST’S oldest and largest, private nonproﬁt nature learning center is in your back yard, that’s pretty good. When that center, with 127 acres of preserved wetlands and woodlands, celebrates the big 4-0, that’s even better. Roswell’s beautiful Chattahoochee Nature Center is doing just that May 12, with the seventh annual Rockin’ at the River. This progressive

gala begins with music, food and drinks at 6:30 p.m. before moving to a gourmet dinner and live auction. Patron tickets are $250, general tickets are $125 per person and corporate sponsorships are available. The next 40 years of plant and animal life, from the hawks, eagles and owls to the turtles, ﬁsh and toads will thank you. chattnaturecenter.org

Plant WHILE THIS MONTH makes many want to spend time in the garden, no one said it had

April 2016

to be your own. Those sprouting green thumbs (or not) can delight in the late blooming daffodils at Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground and other spring favorites such as hundreds of dogwoods, azaleas, viburnums and Spanish bluebells. Plan your visit around one of four events happening later this month. On April 21 at 11 a.m., author, radio and TV host The Georgia Gardener, Walter Reeves, answers your questions and signs copies of his book to help “Solve Your Garden Problems.” Dig deeper with more chances to learn: come April 23 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a plant sale of native azaleas and other plants, as well as a free lecture at 1 p.m., April 28 at 11 a.m. for a Garden Talk with former HGTV star Erica Glasener, followed a chance to discover the world of bees with beekeeper Nancy Cook on April 30 at 11 a.m. gibbsgardens.com

Support THE ANNUAL Wesleyan Artist’s Market takes place April 28 through 30 at the campus of the Wesleyan School, located at 5404 Spalding Drive in Peachtree Corners. Browse through acrylic and oil

paintings, folk art, ceramics, mixed media, photography, textiles, pottery, glass, jewelry, wood and more from nearly 100 professional artists, as well as select Wesleyan student artists. Maybe you’ll get a head start on ﬁnding a Mother’s Day gift or something special for a grad, and with free admission, might as well come see for yourself what has made this event so successful for 18 years and counting. wesleyanartistmarket.org

Attend YOU BETTER BELIEVE we were curious when Cirque du Soleil’s new show rolled into Atlantic Station and we wasted no time getting the details. We also caught up with a Northsider who happens to be the lead percussionist in “Kurios.” Kit Chatham, now 39, grew up in the Mableton and Austell areas of Atlanta, graduated from the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in music education and lived in Marietta while he taught percussion at Harrison High School in Kennesaw. Chatham was in the band PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETER MILLAR; GIBBS GARDENS

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room at Harrison High when the call came from Cirque du Soleil casting in 2005. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been with the company, performing in six of its shows the past 11 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of my family still lives in the Atlanta area,â&#x20AC;? said Chatham, whose parents live in Cumming. Asked which Cirque show has been his favorite, Chatham said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think [â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kuriosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;] is the most solid; from A to Z, it is one of the strongest shows Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever been a part of. I have many different hats and play mostly drums, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also in the ďŹ rst act with the juggler.â&#x20AC;? If a member of the show is impressed, what does that mean as a member of the audience? From our perspective, the entire production simply went beyond the realms of creativity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the stage, props and costumes were all steampunk on steroids. The details were so vast and the acts were so varied, making the show one you can watch multiple times and still see something new each time. From start to ďŹ nish â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kuriosâ&#x20AC;? was beyond words â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what

popped out of that cabinet of curiosities next. The show runs through May 8, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what tricks Cirque has up its sleeve. cirquedusoleil.com FROM WATCHING CIRCUS ACTS TO WATCHING DANCE COMPETITIONS, metro Atlanta is busy this April. The Eating Disorders Information Network (EDIN), a locally based non-proďŹ t, is gearing up for the 6th annual Celebrity Dance Challenge on Thursday, April 14 at 6 p.m. At this beloved event, Atlanta celebrities are paired with professional dancers to

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compete in all types of dance. Created to raise awareness about eating disorders and the importance of positive self-esteem, EDIN is fashioned after hit shows like â&#x20AC;&#x153;So You Think You Can Danceâ&#x20AC;? andÂ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dancing with the Stars.â&#x20AC;? Proceeds from the event go directly into the community through programs and projects to prevent eating disorders through awareness, education and outreach. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and be thoroughly entertained by emcees Bert Weiss of Q100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Bert Show and Mara Davis of Atlanta Eats Radio. myedin.org

Read ON THE MINDS OF MANY runners this month is the Boston Marathon and for every reader whose mom, sister, daughter, grandma and niece has found freedom in a pair of running shoes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Ladies of Running,â&#x20AC;? is a book worth sprinting to ďŹ nd. This latest work by running legend and longtime author Amby Burfoot features 22 inspiring proďŹ les of the rebels, rule breakers and visionaries who changed the sport forever. Points North Atlanta tracked PHOTOS COURTESY OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

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April 2016

For every woman who has found freedom in a pair of running shoes, this book is worth sprinting to find. down the former Runner’s World editor to ask why he decided to write the book. “My best running was in the mid-’60s and early ‘70s and that’s when so many of these first ladies were making their debuts and big breakthroughs,” he said. “I felt like it was such a great project to put these women between the covers of a book, so people could get a wide ranging feeling for who they were and what they did.” Among the pioneers of women’s running is Atlanta’s own Gayle Barron about whom Burfoot said, “She was a beautiful woman who ran beautifully and attracted many people to the sport. Her influence in Atlanta, the South and the nation was tremendous.” Aptly timed is the story of Roberta Gibbs, who will celebrate her anniversary this year

as the first woman to finish the Boston Marathon. “She doesn’t even know why she ran the marathon. It was just because [the officials] said, ‘no,’ ... she felt this thing that grabbed her soul and told her she had to do it to reverse some of the false beliefs about women’s limitations,” Burfoot said. Promising to capture your attention and your heart almost as much as it makes you cheer for their outright audacity and passion, “First Ladies of Running” is yet another contribution by Burfoot to the running world. firstladiesofrunning.com PN

OOPS! In the March 2016 issue we incorrectly identiﬁed the name of the Orlando International Airport. In the February 2016 travel feature about St. Kitts, we misspelled Kittitians and incorrectly identiﬁed the island as a British Virgin; it’s part of the Leeward Islands.

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After THOUGHTS

As we read the proﬁles this month, we couldn’t help but acknowledge the inspiration behind our own decision to live active, healthy lives.

“The person who most inspires me to try and stay healthy is my wife. She doesn’t harp on me about eating right or exercising but does encourage me to take steps, no matter how small, in the right direction. I know she wants me to be around for a long time, both for her and our children.”

“My older sister. She has often exempliﬁed for me that we create our own happiness and her own joy is contagious.” Colleen

Robin

“For me, it’s a love for the outdoors. Growing up, I chose mowing the yard over vacuuming. Now, I choose to run marathons and explore national parks. Being active has led to many memorable experiences and I can only hope it leads to many more healthy years.”

“My kids inspire me to make healthy choices. They are a big motivator when it comes to cutting grains and sugars out of my diet. I may fail on occasion — it is hard — but when I look at their sweet faces, I just keep starting over again.”

Heather Shannah

Share your answer with us on social media using #PNAfterThoughts

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