Surrounded by natural splendor on the banks of Eagle Lake, the simple things in life are made even better at The Spires. With all the serenity of our 27,000 wooded acres yet all the vitality of our location at Berry College, it’s second nature to explore new opportunities and make genuine connections when you’re here.
This spectacular setting is brought to life by resort-style amenities, chef-prepared dining, friendly neighbors and a carefree lifestyle — plus the assurance of quality care available on-site if ever needed.
Come see our breathtaking lake and mountain views for yourself — call 706-607-5322 or visit RetireAtBerry.com to schedule a personal tour.
Publisher's Note
OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin
With one child out of college and on her own, and a rising senior in high school and third grader still under my roof, you might think I’d have this parenting thing
OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin MANAGING PARTNER Chris Forino CREATIVE DIRECTOR Elizabeth Childers WRITERS Ian Griffin, Nina Lovel, Mark Suroviec, Curry Teems
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andy Calvert, Ivan Felipe AD DESIGN Elizabeth Childers
PUBLISHER V3 Publications, LLC
CONTACT hello@v3collective.com
CREATOR Neal Howard
Pro-tips for Perfect Parenting of Pre-Pubescent People
Letters
to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the perspective of the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. Nero Romansky, the unqualified, long-lost descendant of Julius Caesar, answers his letters from his less-than-loyal subjects.
It’s like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but the “gold” turns your skin green when you hold it too long.
“Constantine, why aren’t you in school today?”
Nero asked his precocious nephew.
“Uncle Nero, it's summer vacation. There is no school until August.” Constantine giggled.
“Twas there ever a time that parents needed Emperor Nero’s advice, and it thus is now.” Nero looked towards the thousands of families in the Enchanted Land, forgetting his nephew was still in the room.
First question.
DEAR NERO,
“If this month’s column is parenting advice, we must know more about your qualifications. Do you have children?”
— Chloé Scarboro | Bartender at Barnsley Gardens / Mother
DEAR CHLOÉ
Let’s deal with the elephant in the room and answer your unspoken question. You find me incredibly attractive, but Chloé, you cannot have my baby. Frankly, I’m flattered by your offer. And to send this scandalous email to EmperorNeroRomanskyKnowsAll@gmail.com? My dearest Chloé, If you were that into me, you could have shown interest the old-fashioned way by swiping right on Tinder.
Technically, ole’Nero does not have any biological children. However, you forget who you are talking to. As the Emperor of Rome, GA, I govern 99,443 subjects in my empire as a metaphorical father figure. Consider me OVERqualified to dish out pro-tips.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DEAR EMPEROR,
“Yesterday, my two-year-old threw a temper tantrum in the frozen foods aisle of Walmart because I would not open a popsicle inside the store. What advice do you have for dealing with difficult behaviors in public? Whenever my son acts out, I get really anxious and feel like a failure as a parent.”
— Min Li | Mother, struggling with the Terrible Twos
DEAR MIN,
First, the bad news. It's obvious to all caregivers that this situation is 100% unique to you. Who has ever seen a child misbehave in public? I know I haven’t. Feelings of failure, because everyone else’s child is perfectly obedient, are a natural response to your lack of kid control.
Now for the good news. You are already crawling through the frozen food section. My advice is to bury your parental insecurities deep into the pit of your stomach…with lots and
Mark Suroviec, M.Ed., is the Chief Ambassador of Fun at WorkPlay Solutions, the author of Forever Sisters, and the Vice President of the Children’s Museum of Rome. He hopes you pity laugh at his humor and satire stories, especially the ones that aren’t funny.
lots of frozen pie. It’s why grocery stores keep Key Lime on the bottom shelf.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DEAR NERO
“My wife and I can not agree on the proper age to buy our child a cell phone. She thinks our daughter is old enough now, and I think we should wait. Could you settle the argument?”
— Santiago Cabrera | Father of a rising 6th grader
DEAR SANTIAGO,
This is a tough one. Experts agree that parenting is all about consistency. So, to be consistent, you should bulk all the significant milestones together. Get her a cell phone for her birthday when she’s old enough to do ALL of the following:
• Go on a first date
• Buy a lottery ticket
• Rent a car without a co-signer
• Run for president
The magic number is age 35, my friend. If you need a place to crash tonight, the palace has a luxurious futon in the guest room.
Me Vexat Pede,
— Nero
DEAR WISE AND GENEROUS NERO,
“Parenting during the summer is tough. Where can I find educational opportunities for my kids, especially when it's hot or in bad weather? If only there were a fun and safe place for children to explore our community.”
— Anonymous | Concerned Parent
DEAR ANONYMOUS
I appreciate your sincere question, which was cut and pasted from the mission statement of the Children’s Museum of Rome. Nero agrees that the 13,000 children under age 12 in Rome and Floyd County would benefit from a facility dedicated to STEAM play and education.
Imagine curious children experiencing a replica of what makes Rome, GA, special. They connect with our beloved landmarks and businesses, learning about baking, banking, farming, and firefighters. They practice caring for a sick animal, changing a flat tire, and the importance of preventative medicine. They splash their friends in a water table shaped like the Coosa River and climb to the scenic view atop the Clocktower. Who wouldn’t want to build this together?
Me Vexat Pede,
— Nero
SERIOUSLY?
“Are you doing the shameless plug thing again? I’m surprised you didn’t share a call to action like, Please become a community partner at givebutter.com/CMOR*
— Dr. Humbert R. Tuffleson, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Ancient History at Georgia Highlands College
DOCTOR PROFESSOR HUMBERT, Guilty as charged.
Me Vexat Pede,
— Nero
Disclaimer: Emperor Nero Romansky is a satirical character written and created by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed. All people and quotations are fictional, invented by the limited imagination of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of the author, editors, or V3 Magazine. * Children’s Museum of Rome is a genuine 501c3 organization seeking to help children build lifelong memories and skills in their future careers through the power of play.
Do you have questions? Emperor Nero has answers. Please send your letters to: EmperorNeroRomanskyKnowsAll@gmail.com or scan the QR code
LIGHTBULB MOMENTS
JUNE: Firework Safety
Summer is in full swing, and there isn’t a holiday that says summer like the 4th of July. If the local show put on by professionals isn’t enough and you choose to shoot off fireworks of any kind, please follow the guidelines below.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks
Adopted
Sometimes you have to wait a generation to tell your story.
Here and Now with Nina Lovel
She had already had two babies by two different men. Her parents had taken one to raise, and her sister, the other. Trying to prove to her family, herself, and her small Alabama community that she could do more than have babies out of wedlock, she enrolled in the student nursing program at Floyd Hospital and moved to Rome. She met a married doctor, and found herself pregnant with his child. Desperate for her family not to know of this third strike, she stayed in Rome long enough to have the baby in early December, and by the time she went home for Christmas, the secret was hers alone to keep.
The doctor, beloved by all who knew him, was somewhat of a character. Stories of his wandering eye were well known, even by his loving wife, who accepted it and loved him anyway.
He and his wife, unable to have children, had already adopted a son and daughter, and when he told her there was another baby coming along, she declined to adopt it but mentioned a couple, friends of theirs from college, who had made it
known they would love to adopt a baby.
That’s how I met my mom and dad.
But decades would pass before I knew this story.
I grew up knowing I was adopted, even before I understood what it meant. And once I understood, I was indifferent because why would I want to know any other parents than my own? My mom and dad loved me. I was their world; they were mine.
I was a fulfillment to them, not a substitute, and I grew up well cared for. I had a happy childhood with play dates, immunizations, straightened teeth, nice clothes, a lovely home, and a world-class education.
By the time I learned of my birth story, I was grown, married, and about to complete a second degree. A few months before this second graduation, realizing that I had had an easier time in school than some of my classmates, I was talking with my mom while cruising the Tennessee River on their friends’ houseboat, and the question just popped out: “I am so thankful that I find it easy to learn; sometimes I wonder if I’m just lucky-intelligent, or do you and Dad get the credit, since you had me reading before kindergarten?”
“Well, you’ve always been smart,” said my beloved mama. “and though you’ve never asked about your biological parents, if you want to hear what little I know, it may help answer your question.” I wanted to hear.
“Your father was a physician. He and his wife were friends of ours in college, and we occasionally went out to dinner. Your mother was a student nurse from out of town with whom
he carried on. When she turned up pregnant, all she wanted was to have the baby and get home before her older brothers found out about it. That’s all I know about her.
“One night at dinner, the doctor told your father and me that there was a “good baby” about to be born, and did we want to adopt it? And yes, we certainly did!
“And you were that baby. We never socialized with them again, because you were a painful reminder to his wife. He died a few years ago; I kept his obituary, if you would like to see it.”
Wait, what???
“Mom! Don’t you realize that *I* am about to graduate from NURSING SCHOOL?”
My sweet little low-key mama smiled and said, “Yes, I’ve always found that interesting.” His obituary had a photo. This, THIS, was blood of my blood, and I had never even known!! Busy with school, work and family, I put the obit in my bible and forgot about it.
In the ensuing months, I lost my mom to a fast-moving cancer, supported my mourning father in the way that only-children get to do, and still managed to keep my 4.0 while finishing school. And, we were finally expecting a baby!
I was three months pregnant when I graduated nursing school.
Here came beautiful Jessica to make me a mommy, followed four years later by spirited Jedd. We moved back into my childhood home, where my dad had his own space as well. We had a pool. We had career trajectories. We entertained, we traveled, and we thrived. Basking in the generational wealth into which I had been adopted, I was not ungrateful, but it was easy to take things for granted.
That changed the day I met my siblings.
In a conversation at work one day, I mentioned I was adopted, and a coworker asked if I had ever looked for my biological parents. I told them what little I knew about my father and that I didn’t know much about my mother, and since I was born at McCall Hospital, and it was closed, I guessed I never would.”
I guessed wrong. “Because our hospital had purchased McCall to get the licensed beds,” my coworker said, “we microfilmed all of their
records. Your birth record is just across the hall.”
This was back in the day when a nurse could stroll into the Medical Records department and ask to see the microfilm records from McCall Hospital, and she would be led to the film room and shown how to use the viewer. So, there I went.
As I advanced the microfilm through the year of my birth, the names of many childhood friends scrolled by. There was one record on my birth date; it bore only a mother’s name. The name was “Ross”*. I recalled the tiny beaded baby bracelet in my scrapbook: “••BABY•GIRL•ROSS••”. There was an Alabama address. Dr. Hortman had delivered me. Oh! I could find Dr. Hortman at church and ask him what he knew! (What was I thinking?) Sweet, precious Dr. Hortman said he’d delivered ten thousand babies and “couldn’t remember much”. I knew he knew more than he would ever tell, but I also knew he had “forgotten” it out of respect for everyone involved, especially me. Just, such a wonderful man.
I sought no more information, but it found me anyway. Coincidences that can only happen in small towns across state lines, happened. A coworker knew my birth family. The family tree
had branches. My birth mother was no longer living, but I had aunts and uncles and cousins and siblings, and when did I want to meet them?
I did not want to meet them. No, really, please. Just no. My life was great; I lived in a dream. Thanks for the info, but I did not want to meet them. At all, ever.
It took a few years for me to cave in. What wore me down was that a sweet friend’s mother knew one of my aunts, and the aunt was polite and persistent. She promised that I would meet only her; no others. We met at the friend’s house, and as I talked, they exchanged knowing glances. Then they told me how lucky I was to have been adopted. My siblings had had harder lives. We promised to keep in touch.
On a 1989 summer holiday, I finally decided to meet my sister and older brother. Other than some resemblance in our fair-to-ruddy complexions, the red in our hair, and the fact that each of us had a four-year-old child, we shared nothing at all, not even a common dad. They were nice, but there was little to talk about. Their childhood had not had the same attention to health, education, and white-glove grammar that mine had. I tried not to feel like a snob; they were my own flesh and blood. They were not bad people; they were just not lucky like me.
We simply had no shared history. I have some treasured photographs from that day; it was the only time we were together. Within two years, that sweet aunt and my
brother would come find me at the hospital to tell me that my sister had died in her sleep from an alcohol-related injury. They invited me to the funeral and included me as family, but the two uncles my mom had not wanted to know about me still did not want to know, and they ignored me. My brother stayed by my side, but I felt overwhelmed and out of place.
I was a grown-up introverted only child, with a husband, two kids, a growing career, and an aging father-in-residence. I tried because I thought I should, but it just didn’t work. I couldn’t get my head, much less my heart, around an influx of new family. I stayed in touch with the aunt and her family, but she is also now gone. I am Facebook friends with her daughter and two of my nieces, one of whom is a transplant nurse in Mississippi. (Might there be a gene?)
The joy of my own
I can imagine no thrill greater than seeing your progeny grow into happy productive adults with careers and children of their own; mine have not disappointed me. In her mid-twenties, Jessica called to let me know she had started nursing school. I was thrilled but surprised; I’d had no clue that she wanted to be a nurse!
When she graduated two years later, she was seven months pregnant with my beloved first grandchild, Maddie. Are you counting here? That comes to three moms conceiving three babies while in nursing school. Woo. Maddie is now in high school, where several health career pathways are available to her. We don’t know what she’ll choose, but if it happens to be nursing, we’ll know that there really must be a gene.
From all of this, more gratitude than ever.
Many of my childhood friends were adopted, since birth control choices were so limited back then. One did not learn she was adopted until she was sixteen; it shocked her whole world. One longed to find her birth family, but never did. One found his biological father later in life and wound up deeply wounded. This all underscores just how lucky I have been. Every adoption story is unique; mine is miraculous.
Adoption is a gift to both the child and the parents. While newborn babies may be harder to find today than they were before women had more choices, there are still many children in need of a good home and ready to love. Foster families need support. Students need mentoring. Every child is a gift from God.
Might you be where you can give one their luckiest day?
*Some names have been changed in case there’s family out there I haven’t heard about yet.
WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT PARENTS’ FINGERTIPS TODAY, IT CAN BE OVERWHELMING TO KNOW WHAT’S BEST FOR KIDS.
However, having a trusted physician to build a long-term relationship is a significant reason why Harbin Clinic Pediatrics encourages families to make annual wellness appointments. Not to mention, fewer germs are going around in summer, making it a great time to get up to date on annual screenings before the fast-paced back-to-school days. Wellness visits are essential at every age and stage
to help prevent future potential health problems and to ensure that children’s growth and development are on track. Keep reading to learn more about why Harbin Clinic Pediatrics encourages wellness visits at every age.
BABIES AND TODDLERS
Because young bodies are rapidly changing, full exams with pediatricians include assessments of vital signs, growth markers, full physical exams, age-specific immunizations and developmental health screenings. Pediatricians strongly recommend seeing infants eight times before they turn 16 months.
Checkups are scheduled 3-5 days after birth, at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years and 30
Dr. Todd Kelley, Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Rome
Dr. Melissa Davis, Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Rome Davis Sabino
months of age. Thereafter, he or she is seen every year for their wellness visit.
Harbin Clinic Pediatric providers want patients to know that milestones and annual health screenings are important to track a child’s health at every stage of development. Along with recommended screenings and immunizations, wellness checkups are a necessary step to understanding a child’s overall health. By performing these health screenings at specific wellness visits, pediatricians can detect a wide range of potential diseases and conditions. Annual wellness exams are essential for a child’s healthy development both inside and out.
EARLY CHILDHOOD & ELEMENTARY AGES
At the beginning of life, parents are well-versed in the importance of key wellness visits, and they lean heavily on the advice of their pediatricians. But sometimes wellness exams fall by the wayside as children get older. It’s important to remember that wellness visits are essential at all ages, not just in the early stages.
Early childhood health screenings look for signs of blood disorders, developmental delays, autism, heart defects and other health complications. Detection of these problems at an earlier age allows for effective treatment planning and can help prevent potential issues that could have lifelong implications as a child gets older.
Harbin Clinic Pediatric providers describe the joy of serving patients over the years and watching them grow and develop throughout various stages of childhood. But seeing a child annually also allows providers to pick up on social behaviors, milestones and learning development, which are also key to tracking growth. For example, it’s not uncommon for vision or hearing impairments to first be discovered at a yearly checkup.
TEENAGERS
For children ages 12-18, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening for conditions such as obesity, hypertension, hearing and vision impairment, high cholesterol, psychosocial/behavioral concerns and STIs.
Teenage years can sometimes be difficult and overwhelming for a child. As an adolescent goes through puberty, they’ll likely experience new emotions or sporadic hormones, and there is a significant benefit to having a health advocate they can trust alongside a parent or guardian. A pediatrician can better guide them through their physical, mental and sexual health since they have had an engaged role in their health background.
Harbin Clinic Pediatricians believe in caring completely for patients at every age and through every stage of life. From babbling babies to graduation caps, Harbin Clinic pediatricians encourage annual wellness visits to manage the physical, emotional and mental well-being of children.
To learn more about health exams for your child and what is recommended based on your child’s age, or to schedule an appointment with a Harbin Clinic pediatrician, visit www. harbinclinic.com/pediatrics.
Dr. Katherine Fields, Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Cartersville
Dr. Chelsea Tehan, Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Adairsville
Story: Ian Griffin Photos: Andy Calvert
Yeah Baby!
The excitement of having a baby on the way doesn’t come without stress. Owner Ana Maria Kirk and the team at Cheeky Baby Boutique are happy to help find the best products for the new arrival. Whether it’s a gift or an essential item like a stroller or highchair, Cheeky Baby has you covered.
What called you to open your shop and how did it come to fruition?
Mary Andersen opened the store in 2020. She had such joyful memories from when her little ones were little cheeky babies that she wanted to help customers build the perfect nursery to welcome their cheeky baby home and create their own joyful memories.
The store has grown and changed a lot since then. Before joining Mary as her manager and subsequently becoming owner in January of 2023, I was a Montessori teacher for eight years. Education has always been an integral part of my life and being able to expand the store to help educate expecting parents on car seats and bringing in wooden toys that spark a child's imagination utilized my skills and passion for learning and guiding.
Ana Maria Kirk
What is the best way for customers to engage with your store?
To stay up to date, follow us on Instagram at @cheeky_baby_boutique and/ or on Facebook at cheekybabyrome. We post new products, restocks, sales, and of course adorable pictures of Cheeky Babies. If customers have any questions, they may call or text us at 706-388-2099 or email us at hello@ cheekybabyboutique.com.
What products or services do you specialize in?
We really have a little bit of everything throughout the store. We have pajamas, baby blankets, scooters, bathtubs, strollers, carriers, feeding essentials, hats, toys, clothing from preemie up to 6 year, and so much more.
Our favorite area in the store is definitely the gear showroom. We are the only store in the area where you can actually see car seats and strollers in person. We currently carry Nuna, UPPAbaby, Doona, Thule, Veer, Wonderfold, Britax, and new brands will be coming in before the end of the year. No one wants to make a large purchase without being able to actually put your hands on these products. And we are here to demo gear and show you the differences between them. All of the products we have are amazing, but it is our job to help you find the one that fits your family the best. Plus, we will assemble the stroller or wagon for you, so you can roll right out the door ready for your next adventure.
We have two Child Passenger Safety Technicians on staff to help you find the safest car seat for your Cheeky Baby. When you purchase a car seat with us, we offer car seat installs. These car seat installs are all about educating you on the car seat. We make sure you know how to not only install the car seat correctly, but also how to adjust the car seat so it fits your Cheeky Baby. The safest car seat is always the one that is installed correctly and properly fits your little one.
What makes shopping with you unique for customers?
Our customer service is second to none! We truly enjoy what we do and are eager to assist each of our customers with whatever they may need. We have an amazing selection of must-have and fun items for little ones. Plus, expecting parents can sign up for baby registries with us online or in-store. Having the baby registry online allows out of town friends and family to shop too! We offer free shipping over $49 and complimentary gift wrapping as well. We try to make the entire process as easy as possible for everyone.
How does your store appeal to parents in particular?
We are constantly trying to figure out ways we can help our customers to make their life easier. From assembling strollers, to helping create a baby registry, to curating the perfect gift, we are here to help in any way.
During the holiday season, the back of the store turns into Santa's workshop. We run a special that offers complimentary assembly for large wooden toys purchased before Thanksgiving. Parents love this service because the holiday season can be so busy and trying to hide toys can be so tricky. Customers purchase the toy before Thanksgiving then let us know when they would like to pick it up. Our little elves in Santa's workshop get to work to have it all assembled before Christmas! Last year, we assembled 13 doll houses, 10 service stations, 4 tool benches, and 3 kitchens. It is our favorite part of the holiday season, and it helps take some stress off parents during a very hectic time of year.
What is your favorite product or service you offer?
It is so hard to choose my favorite product. I think it may change daily. Right now I love the Danish brand Maileg. They make the most unique toys that spark little one's imagination. It is a favorite of all ages, and I have the best time changing out the Maileg house in our display window every week.
What is the highest compliment a customer could give you after shopping at your store?
That we have made their life easier and they now feel like they are a part of the cheeky baby family! Shopping for babies and children can be so overwhelming, and we want to take some of the stress away. We are here to help customers figure out which stroller will work best for their family or help find outfits that will go together for family photos or even help to understand what a sleep sack is. For us to be a resource for the Cheeky Babies in our town and beyond is a great honor we cherish!
Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm • Appointments available 306 Broad St Rome, GA 30161 • www.cheekybabyboutique.com offering upscale goods with local, homegrown charm
TOTALLY RAD!
Jamie and Jerry Baker set out to create a haven for teachers, children, and parents to shop for educational toys in a fun and welcoming environment.
From their engagement in the community to the quality and diversity of the products on the shelves, it’s safe to say they accomplished their mission.
Story: Ian Griffin | Photos: Andy Calvert
Jamie & Jerry Baker
About Us:
R.A.D. Toys, established in 2023, is the brainchild of Jamie and Jerry Baker and is the sister store of Trendy Teachers, founded in 2020. Inspired by the lack of local options for teachers and parents seeking educational toys, we took the leap during the COVID era to create havens for families and teachers alike.
Products & Services:
At R.A.D. Toys, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of educational toys, books, sensory play items, STEM toys, toys for neurodivergent children, and dress-up. Our commitment to affordability means we follow MSRP and often beat Amazon’s prices. Some of our favorite brands we sell include Melissa and Doug, Lego, FatBrain Toys, and Learning Resources, Mindware, and more!
Astra Certified Play Expert
We are also the only ASTRA Toy members in Rome and have earned the ASTRA Certified Play Expert credentials. This has deepened our knowledge about child development and the importance of play—through all ages!
We received research-based instruction in several core areas, including theories of child development, characteristics of major developmental stages, types of play and their benefits, advocating for play, and making sense of play.
These educational sessions and classes helped us gain valuable insights and skills that help us understand the science behind play, enabling us to better serve our customers when picking out toys.
Achievements & Milestones:
We are proud to say that our dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, we were honored with the “Emerging Business of the Year” award by the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce, following previous accolades such as the “Creative Marketing Award” in 2022 and the “Business Expansion Award” in 2023. Jamie Baker was also invited to and has accepted a spot as a board member for the Downtown Development Authority.
Mission & Vision:
Beyond business success, our mission is rooted in community engagement. We take pride in hosting monthly free interactive events for children, fostering creativity and learning. Past events include “Crafts with the Easter Bunny,” “Grinch Day,” and “Paint n’ Pot,” a collaboration with our neighboring business, Bluem.
Personal Touch:
Behind R.A.D. Toys is a small but dedicated team—Jamie Baker, the friendly neighborhood entrepreneur, supported by my husband, son, and a local teacher. Together, we pour our hearts into every aspect of running our stores, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for all who walk through our doors.
TAn Entertainer's Dream
Where southern hospitality meets modern luxury, 146 Nelson Blvd has everything a family could want, all in one dream property.
he Stonebridge neighborhood offers a blend of Southern charm and modern convenience, making it a superb place to call home. As you drive through the tree-lined streets, you will relish the sight of beautifully manicured lawns, inviting front porches, and the warm glow of streetlamps, evoking a sense of community. Stonebridge is not just a neighborhood; it's a lifestyle where neighbors become friends, children play freely, and every day feels like a retreat. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll with the dog around the neighborhood, going for round of golf with the family, or simply savoring the serene beauty of the landscaping, living in a beautiful Stonebridge home means experiencing the best of suburban living.
Hardy Realty & Development Co. has a new home listing on the market located at 146 Nelson Blvd, Rome, Georgia, in the Fairways at Stonebridge Golf Club that seamlessly blends classic charm with contemporary luxuries. This move-in-ready, inviting 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom craftsman-style residence built in 2008 as a custom-designed home by Frank Betz, exudes a sense of timeless elegance and offers an ideal blend of comfort and sophistication. “You’ve got everything you could possibly need in this house,” says realtor Lindsay Hoyt Hunt.
At the first sight of this house, you will fall in love with the impressive stone exterior with cedar shake siding, the lush greenery, and mature trees, all creating a picturesque setting for those coveted front porch conversations over iced tea during summer afternoons. The outdoor spaces are perfect for a quiet night at home with the family or a dinner party with friends.
text CURRY TEEMS | photo ELIJAH BALL
The idyllic backyard, with a view of the fifth hole of the Stonebridge golf course and a large fenced-in area perfect for animals and kids to run around in, offers many amenities that will be attractive to potential buyers. “There’s a wood-burning rock fireplace, a newly renovated back deck, and a built-in hot tub with a veranda,” says Hunt. The outdoor area is ideal for your morning coffee with the birds, your late evening talks with friends, and all of the quality family time in between.
“The current owners have lived here since 2008, so you’d think there would be some settling in the walls, some paint chips, and the floors would be scratched up,” says Hunt, “no, this place looks like it has just been built, like it hasn’t even been lived in.” This spacious and thoughtfully designed layout of this home has been well taken care of since its initial build.
With 4,274 square feet of living space, this house boasts an airy floor plan that effortlessly flows from room to room. Large windows throughout the house allow natural light to flood in, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. These cozy yet sophisticated spaces are perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings with family.
If you love hosting, this home has been designed with you in mind. “This is an entertainer’s home,” says Hunt. The expansive kitchen, with its modern appliances and ample counter space, is perfect for preparing gourmet meals for large gatherings. “The kitchen underwent an extensive remodel in 2020,” says Hunt, complete with new white cabinetry, beautiful handles and knobs with a gold finish, quartz and wood countertops, all new stainless-steel appliances, and a classic subwaystyle backsplash. This is a kitchen meant for cooking dinner for friends and making everything from scratch with the kids, whether it is pizza dough, bake sale goodies, or memories.
The outdoor spaces further enhance the home's appeal for entertainers. Imagine summer barbecues on the newly renovated deck, complete with a hot tub for guests to unwind in after a day of festivities. The outdoor fireplace provides a cozy spot for evening conversations under the stars, while the spacious backyard offers plenty of room for games and activities, ensuring that both adults and children are entertained.
For those who enjoy gatherings, the home's multiple living areas provide the perfect setting
for cocktail parties and holiday celebrations. The breakfast room and formal dining area can accommodate both casual brunches and elegant dinner parties, making every meal a memorable event. The family room, with its inviting fireplace, provides a warm and intimate atmosphere for smaller gatherings, while the larger living room can accommodate a crowd, making it ideal for hosting everything from book clubs to Superbowl parties. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a grand celebration, this home is the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with friends and family.
Once all the guests go home and the kids are in bed, this is also a house where relaxation can be a priority, especially with the brand new, complete primary bathroom renovation. This luxurious space now has a speaker sound system and a freestanding soaking tub for those nights when mom needs a jazz-infused rose petal bath and a glass of wine to unwind. “The current owners just put in a sauna steam room shower, so they are together, and you can turn it on or off depending on what you want, and heated floors,” says Hunt, which are wonderful for the cold winter mornings when getting out of the cozy bed seems impossible.
This bathroom is more than just a place to get ready; it's a personal retreat designed for ultimate comfort and tranquility. These thoughtful details enhance the spa-like experience, making it a sanctuary where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re indulging in a long soak in the tub, enjoying the invigorating steam of the sauna, or simply taking a moment to breathe, this primary bathroom is the epitome of luxury and relaxation.
The sense of peace and relaxation extends throughout the property, ensuring that every corner of this home is a place where you can unwind and recharge. From the vibrant community spirit to the luxurious amenities within these walls, living in this Stonebridge home is an experience that combines the best of both worlds. Here, comfort meets elegance, and every day is an opportunity to enjoy the finer things in life.
For more information contact Lindsay Hoyt Hunt at lindsayhoythunt@hardyrealty.com, Cell: 706-266-1335, or Office: 706-291-4321. You can also visit HardyRealty.com to view this listing.
