Alpharetta, GA February 2026

Hello friends,

I grew up in a small town. Did you?

I remember the bakery, florist, pharmacy, home goods store, candy store and hardware store all bearing family names, dotting the quiet Main Street. I felt that those families were royalty and was jealous of the kids who could stand behind the counter, working the cash register, ruling the stockrooms and rearranging merchandise on shelves.

Later, when I got a job at the home goods store (Wayside Gifts, Plymouth, Mich.), I was paid to ring up sales, wrap gifts and use the feather duster on the glass figurines in the window. And, I fell in love with the stock boy. We dated for a year before all things small-town began to bore me.

Now, the familiarity of shopping locally and feeling like a part of a community is pure joy.

In this LOVE LOCAL issue, we’re proud to cover small businesses and hometown favorites.

Enjoy this issue and be sure to support the family-owned businesses that make Alpharetta so special.

All my best,

SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @ALPHARETTACITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn

Are you implementing the tax-saving strategies your business needs?

Every year, new rules and opportunities emerge that can lower your tax bill—but only if you know how to use them. Without a plan, you could be missing deductions or paying more than you should. The right approach

Lifest yle + Luxur y

A Million Steaks

Grilling one million steaks might sound impossible, but not for one Alpharetta resident who has earned the title of LongHorn Steakhouse Grill Master Legend for grilling one million steaks. Sammy Cisic is now among the elite class of only 35 Grill Masters ever to be celebrated as LongHorn’s  Grill Master Legends. Sammy serves as an integral part of the Alpharetta team and is known for his pride in the quality of his food.

AHS Artists Shine

Six Alpharetta High students were selected to design 14 murals that can be seen for miles along the Big Greenway Trail. Muralists include Jordan Bride, Victoria Ramirez, Sophie Comeau, Emily Hartnell, Kaitlynn Mitchell and Aaliya Panda.

“Students were selected based on their artistic ability and interest,  through an application process,” explained Alpharetta High School fine arts teacher Alaa Belkasim.

“The students who were selected put a lot of effort into making the designs flexible.”

AllCare Primary & Immediate Care Now Open in Halcyon

AllCare Primary and Immediate Care – an acclaimed practice providing comprehensive, compassionate and accessible healthcare throughout metro Atlanta – is now seeing patients at its latest location at the Halcyon mixed-use development in Alpharetta. Located at 6135 Ollie Walk, Suite 200, it offers AllCare’s trademark combination of primary and immediate care in the middle of the popular live-work-play community. To learn more, visit:  Allcare-ga.com/location/halcyon

We Love Our Vets

The City of Alpharetta has received the 2025 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor, recognizing our strong commitment to recruiting, employing and supporting U.S. military veterans.

Elegance that elevates

From concept to completion, we’re your full-service partner for transforming your space. Whether you’re dreaming of a stunning kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, or fully custom closets, we’ve got you covered. With 13 cabinet lines, 25+ custom closet colors, and an extensive selection of countertops, tile, and flooring, we offer options to suit every budget and every style. Let us help bring your vision to life - and turn your house into your dream home.

The Designery Atlanta 404.999.4585 | TheDesignery.com 6080 Sandy Springs Circle NE | Atlanta, GA 30328

Pattern Power

CUSTOM LAMPS TRANSFORM A ROOM, ONE SHADE AT A TIME.

ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

“To me, creating a home is less about decorating and more about surrounding yourself with pieces that spark joy and encourage relaxation and creativity,” says Kristina Holdorf, owner and designer at Urban Fresh Home. “I’ve always loved exploring how texture, color and light work together, and that curiosity has become the heart of my lampshade designs.”

As a keen photographer, gardener and former florist, she draws endless inspiration from her hometown of Perth, Western Australia, where she is continually captivated by the vibrant native flora. She often features accomplished Australian textile designers, incorporating their work into lampshades. At Urban Fresh Home, each lampshade is meticulously crafted in the Alpharetta studio, blending traditional craftsmanship with a modern flair. CONTINUED >

Join

Bring

“Inspired by rich textures and colors, I carefully select high-quality fabrics that evoke the beauty of nature, alongside luxurious prints from the UK and USA,” says Kristina. “Each lampshade not only illuminates a room — it transforms it, adding personality through color, texture and thoughtful design.”

Every lampshade is handmade to order and available in different shapes, fabrics and sizes — no two are ever the same. At a time when so much is mass-produced, there is real beauty in owning something unique, thoughtfully made and local.

Sharing is caring for her and Kristina leads workshops designed for those who want to learn the art of lampshade making and other DIY projects for their home.

Alpharetta feels like the perfect place to share this creativity.

“The city is alive, warm and wonderfully diverse, and I truly love being part of this community — especially Saturday mornings at the Farmers Market. That’s what makes a community thrive: people who live and work side-by-side, supporting and cheering one another on.”

In her shop, she is surrounded by other talented small businesses — from Pedro’s Upholstery just behind the studio to Nedrick Gavin Jewelers next door — each is creating something personal, meaningful and beautifully unique.

And of course, she’s gathered quite the list of local restaurant favorites. Kristina and friends absolutely love ArtAro Café — the relaxed vibe makes her feel like she’s back in Australia. “And the coffee is fantastic. If I need a quick bite, I can literally run across the road to Jack’s Feed Store & BBQ. Rena’s is always a favorite, and we recently enjoyed the most wonderful family dinner at Mozaika Mezzo,” she says.

Sharing is caring for her and Kristina leads workshops designed for those who want to learn the art of lampshade making and other DIY projects for their home.

When Kristina is not in the studio, she also loves spending time in the community, involved in ministry work.

On Wednesday evenings from 6–8 pm, there’s a free open house craft night at the studio where women come together to knit, crochet, embroider or simply work on a creative project. It’s a warm, welcoming space to relax, build friendships, enjoy uplifting conversation and maybe even learn a new skill — and the group just keeps growing!

Movement Matters

Minimizing pain and restoring function for patients is Dr. Naylor's game

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Dr. Brandon Naylor believes in the body and its wondrous capabilities. As a hip and knee replacement specialist and orthopedic surgeon, he utilizes the minimally invasive and muscle-sparing Direct Anterior hip approach, proven to minimize postoperative pain while improving function when compared to traditional approaches. We caught up with him at his practice at Total Joint Specialists in Alpharetta to find out what drives him.

YOU ARE CONTINUALLY SEEKING A PATIENT-CENTRIC APPROACH TO JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY, INCORPORATING PERSONALIZED KINEMATIC KNEE ALIGNMENT STRATEGIES, RAPID RECOVERY PROTOCOLS, ROBOTIC ASSISTANCE TECHNOLOGY AND CUSTOM IMPLANT MANUFACTURING. TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAY.

An average day is a mix of clinic, surgery, teaching and research. In clinic, I spend a lot of time listening while helping patients understand  why they’re hurting and what their best options truly are. The three most common complaints I see are knee arthritis, hip arthritis and pain or stiffness that’s limiting someone’s ability to stay active or independent. In the operating room, my focus is on hip and knee replacement, increasingly in outpatient and ambulatory settings, with an emphasis on precision, safety and rapid recovery.

WHY DID YOU PICK ALPHARETTA AS YOUR BUSINESS HOME?

Alpharetta has an incredible blend of growth, community and quality of life. It’s a place where people are active, engaged and invested in their health. From a practice standpoint, it allows us to deliver high-level, academic-quality care in a setting that still feels personal and accessible.

WHAT NEW MEDICAL TOOLS, STRATEGIES OR TREATMENT PATHS ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT FOR 2026?

I’m particularly excited about the continued expansion of outpatient joint replacement, including more complex cases being done safely in ambulatory surgery centers. Advances in robotics, navigation and patient-specific alignment strategies are allowing us to better restore a patient’s natural anatomy rather than forcing everyone into a “one-size-fits-all” model. I’m also enthusiastic about improved perioperative pathways, with better anesthesia techniques, pain control and preoperative education that meaningfully improve the patient experience.

WHEN YOU CAN TAKE A BREAK, WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GRAB LUNCH IN ALPHARETTA?

Downtown Alpharetta has become a go-to. I’m a fan of places like Flatlands Bourbon & Bayou or Butcher & Brew

when I have time to sit, and quick stops around the Avalon area when the schedule is tight.

AND WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GO ON A DATE NIGHT IN ALPHARETTA?

Date nights usually mean downtown Alpharetta or Avalon. A nice dinner followed by a walk through the area is hard to beat. It feels relaxed but still special.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.

At home it’s my lovely wife Caitlin, our young daughter Blair, and our two Whoodles (Weaten Terrier/Poodle), Rylee and Larkspur.

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Brandon Naylor is a highly skilled and experienced board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery. Trained at the prestigious Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, Dr. Naylor has built a reputation for providing expert care and innovative solutions for patients with joint pain. With numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapter contributions, Dr. Naylor is recognized as a leader in the field and frequently shares his expertise as a speaker at national and international surgical conferences.

Beyond his dedicated practice, Dr. Naylor enjoys an active lifestyle, including sailing, running, mountain biking, ice hockey and playing golf. Notably, Dr. Naylor has competed in numerous marathon and Ironman events, reflecting a commitment to personal fitness and endurance, which drives his primary goal of minimizing pain and restoring function for his patients.

TotalJointSpecialists.com

3400 Old Milton Parkway Building C, Suite 290 Alpharetta 770.292.6500

Alpharetta has an incredible blend of growth, community and quality of life. It’s a place where people are active, engaged and invested in their health.

BRIMMING WITH JOY

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Create your signature hat at Star's

“Without hats there is no civilization”

- Christian Dior

Ashley Davis would agree.

Ashley is the owner of Star’s Hat and Jewelry Bar in Alpharetta, where hats take center stage, next to jewelry and the curation of personal style.

“We offer a variety of hats at a variety of price points. Many hat bars only offer a few styles in a variety of colors, but we have numerous styles and colors and can find a hat for anyone who comes into the store,” she says. “You can walk out in a few minutes with a unique customized hat or we can mill a hat specifically for you and your style.” Find cowboy hats, rancher style hats, fedoras and even top hats.

Ashley is a devoted mom and loving wife with a flair for transforming spaces and ideas into reality. Her journey as a former teacher laid the groundwork for her attention to detail, which she now channels into her dual career as a general contractor and interior designer.

She thrives on the thrill of the DIY challenge and has an undying passion for crafting and art. She is always seeking new ways to bring a personal touch to every project and experience.

She finds inspiration from customers and scours trends and fashion online. “We want each hat to showcase the individual’s personality, and each customer has their own style that we work to find while creating their hat.”

She chose Downtown Alpharetta for her shop location and opened in 2024. “It is a vibrant community with some amazing retail. As a small business, we wanted to be where there were other small businesses that help support one another,” she notes.

Since opening, Ashley has enjoyed contributing to the community, and supporting local schools is always a priority.

In the shop, her mission is to inspire and empower you to embrace your true self. “We curate a collection of hats and jewelry that not only enhances your personal style but also connects you with the beauty of nature and the spirit of freedom. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the vibrant and eclectic essence of boho-chic fashion,” promises Ashley.

She is excited about the continued rise of cowboy hats in 2026. “People are realizing they’re not just for ranch life or country concerts, they are for everyday style.”

235 Market St Suite 5H, Alpharetta 470.326.9909

StarsHatAndJewelryBar.com

THE SMARTER WAY TO STRENGTH TRAIN.

678-918-4818

www.discoverstrength.com/alpharetta

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY VALERIE SHEPHERD

DOOR County’s WONDERLAND

A wintery dream straight out of a Hallmark movie

If you’re craving a holiday escape that feels like stepping inside a snow globe, Door County, Wisconsin delivers. I know because this Georgia girl went there searching for a little winter wonderland and found it the very second I landed. With its twinkling lights, snow-dusted pines and small-town charm, this peninsula has everything you need to get into winter mode.

The quiet of winter is the perfect time to imbibe in some of Door County’s locally made wine, spirits and brews or do a little holiday shopping at local galleries and boutiques. Here’s how to experience it like the leading character in your own Hallmark movie:

WHERE TO STAY:

COZY INNS THAT GLOW WITH HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Whether you’re craving modern Scandinavian design like The Dörr Hotel in Sister Bay or a cottage-like lodging hugging the shoreline, like my favorite, the Edgewater Resort, Door County has it all. Although the Edgewater Resort is packed in the summer, during the winter, their snow-drift-decorated porches will have you feeling like you’re on the set of a film!

WHERE TO EAT:

CANDLELIGHT, COFFEE AND HOLIDAY FEASTS

At The White Gull Inn, dinner by candlelight transports you to a simpler era, and for a morning or daytime indulgence, be sure to stop by the Door County Coffee Company - their cherry crème latte tastes like Christmas in a cup! And if you’re lucky enough to visit during Julbord at the long-time Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, you’ll be treated to a traditional Scandinavian holiday buffet. To taste and sip some local creations, be sure to stop

by the Wisconsin Cheese Masters, Scaturo’s Baking Company, Bridge Up Brewing (most eclectic decor winner for sure!) and Anchored Roots Vineyard & Winery.

WHERE TO WITNESS NATURE: WINTER’S QUIET BEAUTY

Nature is where Door County truly sparkles during winter. At Bjorklunden, you’ll find a small stave church built in traditional Norwegian style, its wooden beams framed by frosty birch treesso picturesque you’ll have to remind yourself you’re in the US, not Scandinavia! For a more active adventure, you can hike or snowshoe through The Ridges Sanctuary, a 1,600-acre preserve with rustic bridges and a stunning frozen shoreline. Or, if you prefer a little thrill, try an e-bike tour to Cave Point and Whitefish Dunes State Park.

Small towns like Door County come alive with traditions that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Be sure to stop by the Door County Maritime Museum and Edgewood Orchard Galleries - it’s a MUST visit for a swirl of artwork, art pieces (including jewelry!), all housed in a converted old barn.

Door County in winter is more than just a destination; it’s a seasonal mood maker and experience that blends tradition, nature, food and festivity into a single shimmering package. It invites you to slow down, sip something warm and step into scenes so charming they almost feel scripted. And while we all know the snow will eventually melt, the memory of this holiday wonderland will linger long after the last twinkle light fades. DoorCounty.com

“With its twinkling lights, snow-dusted pines and small-town charm, this peninsula has everything you need to get into winter mode.”

HISTORY Restored

ALPHARETTA'S FIRST SETTLEMENT WILL BE A PARK

ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

The Farm House Heritage Park will receive a $1.9 million facelift from Hasbun Construction. Located at the northeast corner of Ga. 400 and Old Milton Parkway, the park will mark a site that many consider the first settlement in Alpharetta.

The settlement at the Farm House site predates Alpharetta’s 1858 charter and once included a grist mill, sawmill, cotton gin, post office and general store. A dam was constructed to provide power to operate the mills and cotton gin. The grist mill operated as late as the 1920s. Its dam created a backwater, which was used as a swimming hole into the 1950s.

Historical documents show the site served as a thriving commercial center that straddled an important trade route between 1834 to 1858.

Mike Buchanan, author and co-creator of the documentary “Saving Farm House,” says he is pleased the city is taking measures to preserve its history. Alpharetta may have undergone momentous changes since, but the city’s sense of community has persevered.

“We need Farm House to be in our history. Therefore, Farm House needs us,” Buchanan says. “History, like natural resources, must be preserved lest they be lost forever.”

The park will include a 12-foot boardwalk path, overlook, historical markers, Americans with Disabilities Act compliant accessibility and entrance plaza. Construction is expected to take less than a year.

The area also is uniquely situated with other recreational facilities with connectivity to the Alpha Loop and the Big Creek Greenway. Situated at the midpoint, it will serve as a natural anchor between the two trails.

Voters approved the project as part of the $29.5 million parks bond passed in 2021.

WALK STRONGER. LIVE BETTER.

Expert

hip and knee care

by Dr. Brandon Naylor Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Rediscover Freedom of Movement! If HIP or KNEE pain is limiting your life, it’s time to take the next step. Dr. Brandon Naylor is a nationally recognized expert in joint pain, offering a spectrum of treatments, from injections to minimally invasive and advanced arthroplasty techniques proven to reduce recovery time and maximize function.

“I was back on my feet in no time. Dr. Naylor gave me my life back!”

– Susan M., Age 67, Total Knee Replacement

Dr. Brandon Naylor Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 6TH

ALPHARETTA SYMPHONY – REVOLUTION

Innovation Academy - 125 Milton Ave | 7:30 PM

Kick off the 250th birthday celebration of America with music that celebrates the rich history of the nation. While there will be a nod to British roots, most of the performed works will be quintessentially Americana. Ring in America’s 250th anniversary with the Alpharetta Symphony!  AlpharettaSymphony.org

FEBRUARY 7TH

Loop Around the Lake

Fort Yargo State Park, Winder | 9:00 AM Every Saturday for a long, leisurely stroll on the inner-loop (yellow trail). Bring provisions for 3-4 hours to complete this 7-mile loop hike. Pet-friendly! This hike starts & ends at the Visitor Center parking lot. Please pre-register & pay at the Visitor Center. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.  Feb. 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th from 9a - Noon

FEBRUARY 7TH

"Beethoven’s 5th,” music of Ludwig van Beethoven

Birmingham United Methodist Church, Milton, | 7:30 PM

Performed by David Coucheron, violin, concertmaster of Atlanta Symphony; Charae Krueger, cello, principal cellist for the Atlanta Opera Orchestra; the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra; and pianists William Ransom and Julie Coucheron.  MusicMilton. org/events-tickets. Tickets are $40 per seat. $10 for students 25 years or younger, with valid student ID.

FEBRUARY 7TH

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

Wills Park Pool - 1815 Old Milton Pkwy | 10:00 AM

The Polar Bear Plunge is a fun and meaningful Alpharetta tradition that started in 2018. Every year in February, dozens of plungers jump into the Wills Park pool during “Freezin’ for a Reason” to support charitable organizations both near and far. Over the years, plungers have worked together to raise almost $500,000, making a huge impact on the community.

AlpharettaPolarBearPlunge.com

FEBRUARY 12TH

GALENTINE’S DAY at AVALON

400 Avalon Boulevard | 5:00 PM

Gather your girl squad and celebrate friendship during this festive gathering filled with drinks, food, retail specials and fun. For more information: ExperienceaAvalon.com

FEBRUARY 21ST

ALMOST MAINE PRESENTED BY ARCADIA THEATER

The Spotlight, North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Cir | 7:30 PM

This delightful play presents nine intertwined vignettes about the residents in a small town falling in – and out of – love. Held in Alpharetta’s newest community theater, this play will make you laugh at the surprising absurdity of romance. Through March 1.  Arcadia-Alpharetta.org

Feel Better. Stay Better. All in One Place.

Life doesn’t follow a schedule. That’s why AllCare is here - your neighborhood clinic in Buckhead, Peachtree Plaza, and beyond--o ering both primary care and immediate care, all under one roof. Whether it’s a routine checkup, a nagging cough, or a last-minute injury, our trusted team of providers is ready to help.

And once you walk in for an urgent need, you’ll stick around for long-term care. That’s the AllCare di erence.

We’re open 7 days a week with extended hours to fit your life. No confusing hando s. No starting over with someone new. Just one care team that knows you and cares for it all.

Why Choose AllCare?

• Primary care and immediate care in one convenient location

• Open 7 days a week: 8 am to 8 pm weekdays, 9 am to 2 pm weekends

• In-person and virtual visits

AllCare Buckhead

4605 Roswell Road

Atlanta, GA 30342

Phone: (678) 904-5611

Ramin Sadeghi, DO

Evelyn Larson, NP

• Same-day appointments and walk-ins welcome

• A Piedmont Clinic Member

• Most major insurance accepted plus a ordable self-pay options

AllCare Peachtree Plaza

2900 Peachtree Rd, Suite 301

Atlanta, GA, 30305

Phone: (470) 730-4747

Jasmine Watson, PA

Elevating expectations.

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