Editor’s Letter

[ EDITOR’S LETTER ]

Music has a funny way of working into our psyches, doesn’t it?

I can hear a song I haven’t heard in years, and it has the transportive power to take me back to a memory as quickly as any photo, flavor or scent can. You may be surprised to learn that Buckhead has a rich music scene—one that’s thrived in the past, is dynamic in the present and is primed to continue building a legacy for the future. The stories were too good not to explore in our music-themed “The Beat Goes On” cover story. In it, our writers explore history that might surprise you, uncover favorite hotspots for music-makers, look forward to some of the up-andcoming stars primed to make a splash and places where you can get your kids involved in music right in our backyard. I had the honor of profiling multitalented, Grammy Award-winning recording artist and producer Lecrae, who appears on our cover. He’s a serious hit-maker, and though he could’ve chosen anywhere around the world to call home and headquarter his Reach Records recording studio, he chose Buckhead’s neighbor, the Upper Westside. Read on to find out why.

This issue is jam-packed with other stories you won’t want to miss: Giannina S. Bedford offers tips for taking a camping trip the whole family will enjoy, Karina Antenucci catches up with Cynthia Bailey of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and Angela Hansberger offers sommeliers’ recommendations for under-the-radar white wines, just in time for summertime sipping.

Wishing you a joy-filled start to the summer, all!

Sara Hanna

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

SIMPLY NOW

TRAVEL FAR

River Royalty P20

There's plenty to love aboard the American Queen Steamboat Company’s newest ship, American Countess.

Glittering crystal chandeliers, leather stools, creative cocktails and high-end wine make the onboard bar feel ultra-chic.

NEWS

BY: Ginger Strejcek

GYM-DANDY

BOUTIQUE FITNESS CENTER COMING TO THE WESTSIDE

Get pumped: TruFusion fitness center and yoga boutique is set to open its first Georgia location later this year at The Interlock, a new mixeduse development on the Westside. Offering everything from barefoot bootcamp to hot Pilates, the expanding franchise is crushing it with unlimited access to a blitz of training, workshops and group classes—up to 240 per week in 65 different styles— taught by certified instructors.

“Not only do we offer four fitness studios under one roof with everything from yoga, barre, Pilates, weights, cycling and more, but we offer a unique atmosphere that is relaxing and spa-like yet urban and edgy,” says Brett Cortese, TruFusion franchisee.

State-of-the-art technology, including sound-reactive lighting and fine-tuned humidity and heat, creates a dynamic experience for the body and mind, he says. “Some of our studios will feel serene and relaxing but other spaces will be invigorating with the heat turned up to really get the blood flowing and get in a fantastic workout.”

The lofty interior, grounded in natural elements such as wood and stone, also features a reception area, living garden wall, kombucha station and retail section stocked with Lululemon gear, yoga mats, bike shoes and the like. Luxe locker rooms have showers and steam rooms.

Tapping into the community vibe in the high-energy setting, the center will occupy a 13,000-square-foot space at 14th Street and Interlock Avenue with direct access to the parking deck. n

TRUFUSION

1115 Howell Mill Road N.W., Suite G201 Atlanta 30318 trufusion.com

NEWS CLIPS

TAKING THE WHEEL

Greg Mabry assumes the role of General Manager at Bentley Atlanta, where he’s been an integral part of operations for the past 14 years. In his new position at the luxury car dealership, he’ll be hiring and training staff, developing merchandising strategies and creating effective marketing programs. “This promotion is an achievement that I’m proud of because it gives me the opportunity to elevate the brand within the Atlanta community, bring freshness to the store culture and set new business performance records,” says Mabry, who enjoys connecting with Bentley owners. “They are unique individuals with fascinating stories. I take pleasure in helping them treat themselves to the Bentley experi-

ence.” bentleyatlanta.com

BLOCKBUSTER VIDEOS

Congrats to Dunwoody’s The Davis Academy students Will Morrison and Ariella Lewis, the only Georgia students whose documentaries won awards in C-SPAN’s national 2021 StudentCam competition. Morrison placed second, with a $1,500 cash award, for The Missing Piece for Autism, about the impact of COVID-19. Lewis earned an honorable mention nod and $250 for Equality and Protection for All: Laws and the LGBTQ+ Community. With more than 2,300 participants, the 17th annual contest challenged students to explore the most pressing issues facing the country. The 150 winning videos can be viewed at studentcam.org.

MAKEOVER MAGIC

With the summer season in full swing, Bella Medspa has a sure-fire way to get that golden glow. The spa now offers the buzzy anti-aging platelet-rich plasma treatments at both its Buckhead and Alpharetta locations. Applied through injections or micro-needling and using the body’s own PRP, the procedure lifts and firms the skin like face fillers but also builds collagen by stimulating tissue growth. “PRP is quickly becoming the go-to for anti-aging skincare with injectable PRP taking over the beauty industry,” says Alethea Joy Tinkle, owner of Bella Medspa. “Our clients are seeing improvements in their elasticity and tone, even mentioning we have turned back the clock five years.”

bellamedspaatl.com