BuckHaven, GA July 2025

WHERE WILL YOU GO NOW?

OUR ANNUAL TRAVEL ISSUE

OUR DEAR DARLING DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

SANTA FE'S MAGNETIC CHARM

THE RETURN OF THE CATTLE: CATALOOCHEE RANCH

Simplifying Healthcare: Primary Care & Urgent Care Services in Georgia

What if your Primary Care provider could also handle your urgent care needs, so you only had to go to one location? We developed AllCare Georgia Primary & Immediate Care to do just that. We believe that the consistency and continuity of care from a primary care doctor who knows you and is invested in your long-term health and well-being is what every patient deserves.

• Comprehensive Primary Care

• Immediate Care

• Preventative Care and Wellness

• Chronic Disease Management

• Post Hospital Care

• Pediatric Care Ages 4+

HOURS OF OPERATION

MONDAY- FRIDAY 8am-8pm

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 9am-2pm

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS.

WALK-INS & SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS

OFFERED 7 DAYS A WEEK.

ALLCARE GA ALPHARETTA

13800 Highway 9, Suite K, Alpharetta GA 30004

678.935.9614

www.allcare-ga.com/locations/alpharetta

ALLCARE GA ELLARD VILLAGE

8480 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta GA 30022

770.881.7725

www.allcare-ga.com/locations/ellardvillage

Hello friends,

Hello Friends,

I love that our travel issue lands in July when vacationing and celebrating Independence Day are top of mind.

This year, we take you to a private villa with a staff of five from Kristy Petrillo in the Dominican Republic, a stunning Santa Fe resort, a refined ranch and boutique resort in Western North Carolina and to the Meritage Resort & Spa for a quintessential Northern California wine country holiday.

Be sure to check out our sister publications, Alpharetta City Lifestyle and Johns Creek City Lifestyle for other travel stories that will inspire you.

DO tag us on FB and IG with your vacation pics this summer. And, if you know of a destination or hotels our travel writers should check out, please email me.

This photo was taken on a fabulous full day of flats and bay fishing (on the fly) near Islamorada, Florida Keys. The water was so still we could see the tarpon. And they could see us.

Happy trails to you!

SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @BUCKHAVENCITYLIFESTYLE

July 2025

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

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Aleksandar Kapetanovic

COPY EDITOR

Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sean O'Keefe

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6

Elevating

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JULY 2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Cleaning Corp. wants to help you keep it clean, at a community event at The Marq in Brookhaven. 2: The new Patek Philippe boutique by Brown & Co. Jewelers, which has officially opened its doors. 3: Antlers Up! Kids get up close with Brookhaven Bucks players at home games at Oglethorpe University 4: Cian Khajavi grew up in Brookhaven and is playing for the Brookhaven Bucks this summer. 5: Kids enjoying the Water Balloon Home Run Derby at a Brookhaven Bucks game at Oglethorpe. 6: Floral Arranging Workshop with Canaan Marshall during Bodacious Blooms Festival at Buckhead Village 7: The community-wide festival was for floral enthusiasts with workshops, over-the-top installations and in-store specials

Women Helping Women

Georgia Skin Specialists’ Dr. Corinne Erickson hosted nine clients of Dress for Success Atlanta. Each of the women had a one-on-one consult with a provider, a medical-grade facial and a consultation with Emmyaward-winning makeup artist  Nyssa Green. They also left with a bag full of skincare products and a wealth of information. Pictured are Dr. Corinne Erickson and Lillian Davis.

THE RETURN OF THE CATTLE

Cataloochee Ranch brings a refined cowboy experience to Western North Carolina

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Slowing down in the UTV as we passed the hilly pasture, adventure guide Steven Reinhold pointed out two shiny black Heifers, grazing in the tall green grasses. The young females are among eight of Cataloochee Ranch’s very first beef cattle herd and will be bred later this year. These “Founding Mothers” are important to the vision of the cattle operation which practices sustainable agriculture growth while pioneering an innovative approach to cultivating quality cattle in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Tom Alexander founded the ranch 100 years ago and was credited for being one of the pioneers of the Aberdeen Black Angus breed in Haywood County. Once he passed away in the 1970s, the herd slowly dissolved. Today, the owners, Annie and David Colquitt, and their team are bringing back the Black Angus, which seem right at home.

Chef Jeb Aldrich for one, couldn’t be happier. The ultimate goal for the Cataloochee Ranch Beef Cattle herd is to provide meat to the community year-round and to the property’s signature restaurant he oversees. The main dining room’s soaring ceilings and massive wood beams remind you you’re at a ranch, but the food coming out from Chef Jeb’s kitchen will make you forget just about everything else. This is not your daddy’s steak on a plate. The nuanced flavors and beautiful plating are what you might expect from a Relais & Chateaux resort, a designation the ranch proudly holds.

The drive time up to Waynesville, North Carolina is under three hours and once you park your car at your Cataloochee cottage, you’ll be on foot strolling, exploring, hiking, fishing and generally adventuring all across the Cataloochee Ranch.

The food is not fussy, just thoughtful and surprising in all the right ways.

It is this winning combination of earnest hospitality, love of the land and worldly refinement that make staying at Cataloochee Ranch so special.

Come for the horseback riding, bird watching, art workshops and guided hikes with adventure experts who live and breathe the local flora and fauna, geologic formations, wildlife and the history of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Cataloochee Ranch spans 685 acres, with a significant portion held in a conservation easement.

And, stay for the sweeping views from the property and open balds spread across hundreds of acres along the southeastern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The newly renovated cabins feel historic (some are) but the high thread count linens, attentive staff, beautifully appointed furnishings and spa-inspired bathrooms are everything we want when we travel today.

The Colquitts also own and operate The Swag, another stunning Relaix & Chateau boutique property, complete with a path outside the main lodge which, in 100 steps lands you in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The drive time up to Waynesville, North Carolina is under three hours and once you park your car at your Cataloochee cottage, you’ll be on foot strolling, exploring, hiking, fishing and generally adventuring all across the Cataloochee Ranch.

Or, join me on my cottage porch and rock awhile - we’ll count our blessings for the land beneath our feet and its loving caretakers.

CataloocheeRanch.com

119 Ranch Dr Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Shadesof Summer

your consultation today and discover the art of luxurious living.

California DREAMING

Tucked into the sun-drenched hills of Napa Valley, The Meritage Resort & Spa offers the quintessential Northern California wine country retreat. With lush vineyards, indulgent spa treatments, exquisite dining, and world-class wine tasting, it’s a haven for those seeking a taste of wine country living’s mix of relaxation and refined indulgence.

My morning started with breathtaking views and fresh air, followed by a stroll through the resort’s nine-acre private vineyard and a dip in the pool under the golden California sun. It’s best to start the day with exceptional coffee at Blend Café. As the day unfolds, stop for a gourmet lunch at Olive & Hay, the resort’s signature restaurant, where rustic sophistication meets farm-to-table excellence with carefully curated wines that reflect the region’s renowned vineyards.

Ember Steak at The Meritage offers an elevated dining experience featuring expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, incredible sushi and seasonal sides. Many dishes are crafted using produce from the chef’s garden, fresh eggs from the vineyard chicken coop and produce from select local farms. The ambiance is warm and sophisticated, and the service is impeccable.

The Meritage Resort and Spa is Napa County's premier destination for fun under the sun.

One of the most unexpected highlights was Crush Lounge. I didn’t expect to love bowling so much, but the upscale vibe, lively atmosphere, and stylish design won me over. Between games, I treated myself to a boozy milkshake and a smash burger; just two of the many standout items on the curated bar menu.

Wine tasting at The Meritage Resort is an exceptional experience, featuring three distinct on-site tasting rooms: Trinitas Cellars, Anarchist Wine Company and Gen 7 Wines.

For those who prefer a bit of sparkle, Sora Bubbles and Bites serves a signature flight of three sparkling wines and a curated list featuring over 30 varieties of bubbles from around the world.

Purchase a bottle of wine from any location to enjoy on the lawn, surrounded by panoramic vineyard views and relaxed elegance.

Tucked away near the hotel’s sun-drenched vineyard, the spa offers a serene sanctuary. The calming scents of eucalyptus and lavender filled the air, instantly relaxing me. Guests enjoy treatments infused with locally sourced ingredients, including nourishing grapeseed oils and herbs. Holistic rituals are designed to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.

Sora Napa Champagne Trolley; a must have for any Napa experience.

“The calming scents of eucalyptus and lavender filled the air, instantly relaxing me.”

If you feel like getting out and about there is no better way to explore than with Napa Valley Bike Tours. Pedal through the heart of Napa, down vineyard-lined roads. Each turn offers breathtaking views, charming wineries and peaceful moments that invite you to slow down and savor the journey.

Whether you’re enjoying a sunrise coffee, an afternoon massage, or a sunset tasting, the resort invites you to fully immerse yourself in the easy elegance and natural beauty that make Napa Valley and The Meritage Resort and Spa a truly unforgettable destination.

Santa Fe’s Forever Sky

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Both slightly intimidating and entirely charming, Santa Fe resonated with me for weeks after my visit. I walked on Pueblo land where Native American communities have thrived for centuries and whose members were the first to set foot on that very land. I felt a pull and warmth that couldn’t be explained.

Most people I talked to who live in Santa Fe believe in its magnetic attraction but wonder, “do we whisper or shout about it?”

The soaring peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains just outside Santa Fe are silhouetted against dramatic sunsets, viewed from choice spots at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. The luxury property with 65 intimate casitas sits on 57 acres of high-desert mountain landscape that seems to soak up the noise of the world. Each casita or suite has a wood fireplace, spa-inspired bathroom and private patio for contemplation and conversation. The resort’s onsite Adventure Center offers a myriad of custom family adventures and authentic cultural excursions led by in-house, local expert guides. The signature restaurant, Terra, provides sustenance and beautiful plates with indoor and outdoor dining.

From your casita at the Four Seasons, hike or bike the resort’s own trails to a vantage point where seven different Native American communities, or Pueblos, can be mapped. The Tesuque Pueblo is nearby, and we had an excellent meal at the Tesuque Village Market. Farming, art and a rich livelihood continue on this ancestral land.

I stared into the eyes of the 24-foot bronze sculpture, the Apache Mountain Spirit Dancer, that dominates the outdoor plaza on Museum Hill, Santa Fe’s home to four world-class museums, as well as the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens. The Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum is in John Gaw Meem’s 1930 Pueblo-Spanish Revival Director’s residence. The father of Santa Fe Style, Meem, was one of New Mexico’s most influential architects. The collection at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indianis housed in an eight-sided building, a nod to the traditional Hogan homes used by the Diné (Navajo) people. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is home to over 70,000 artifacts from the Native Southwest. My favorite, the Museum of International Folk Art showcases toys and textiles from more than 100 countries, representing the largest international folk art collection in the world. Browsing the cases full of miniatures and art, I was reminded we all share common bonds: family, music, work, play and home.

For a charming in town stay, the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is steps from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Sandstone walls, impressive hand-carved doors, sculptured stairways, bright guest rooms and polished staff members make the world-class retreat remarkable. Walk to the Georgia O’Keeffe to experience an intimate view of the legendary artist’s life.

Our Dear Dominican Republic

A family vacation for three generations

My grandson Teddy will never forget where he lost his first tooth.

The whole family was following the progress of the tiny white nugget as it was tongue-twisted and cajoled, the main topic of conversation during our breakfast, lunch and dinner at Villa Cantamar in the Dominican Republic.

We arrived at the sprawling private villa in good spirits and ready with our cabana wear and appetites. We were welcomed by the engaging staff of five who were with us all week, preparing and serving three full meals and healthy snacks daily, picking and carving coconuts for our happy hours, quietly working around the stunning cliff-side property and tidying up after us. It was luxury!

Perched on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, far from las turistas, the 10,000 square foot estate sleeps 16 in five en suite bedrooms, each opening to a common courtyard with a pool and covered terrace where we gathered for morning coffee, snacks, billiards and an hourly tooth report.

Our hostess, Kristy Petrillo, is a real estate developer and lifestyle trendsetter who splits her time between her homes and 14 luxury vacation properties in Blue Ridge, Georgia and the Dominican Republic. Her design aesthetic is boho but refined. The sunken living room at Villa Cantamar opens completely to the terrace, with a wet bar (kept full of your preferences, thanks to the stealth staff), soft lighting and deep white sectionals for lounging and cuddle puddles with the grandchildren.

Each bedroom suite has been decorated by Kristy, with local art and nods to the history of the island, designed with the guest’s utmost comfort in mind.

“I believe a five-star experience starts with upscale furnishings and design. This isn’t like other vacation rentals. I design and furnish each home like I would my own,” says Kristy. “And I look for ways we can offer our guests enriching experiences and opportunities to make exceptional memories– like I do with my friends and with my sons.”

While we really had no reason to leave the grounds, we connected with Kristy’s Adventure Concierge, Josh Heisler who scooped us up for a nearby day trip to the Laguna Dudu where we ziplined out to the middle of a crystal clear cenote and dropped, screaming, 30-feet into the cold water. The park also has a bar and restaurant, and two lagoons with caves to swim into and various small craggy cliffs to jump from.

The next day, we followed Josh’s recommendation and posted up at Kite Beach, where we played in the waves, rented chairs and umbrellas and enjoyed fried chicken and frozen drinks served by the eager beach vendors.

Back at Villa Cantamar, smoothies awaited and we were informed dinner would be served in the garden overlooking the Atlantic (t-shirts and damp bathing suits welcomed). We toasted to Kristy and her staff’s vision and spectacular service and to the tooth fairy who finally visited us.

- Kristy “

This isn’t like other vacation rentals. I design and furnish each home like I would my own.

Clockwise: A delightful trail leads to this spectacular view, just for you and your guests. Just ask the staff and they will draw a bath for you at the edge of the world. A family dinner under the jungle-like canopy is steps from the villa. Birds eye view of Villa Cantamar, a shining jewel, one of many luxury vacation homes by the Kristy Collection.

Elegance that elevates

From cabinetry and countertops to flooring and tile, we transform your space with style. With every project, our goal is to turn places in your home into spaces you’ll love. Through combining our design expertise, one-on-one consultations, and VR technology, we provide an immersive experience to turn your vision into a reality. We do it all with an extensive range of premium products and seasoned professionals, promising your home the upgrades it deserves.

The Designery Atlanta

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

Your North Georgia Real Estate Team

283 Blue Sky Overlook | Blue Ridge

3 Bedroom | 3 Bathroom | 2,576 SF Offered for $1,150,000

Discover the perfect mix of rustic charm and modern luxury in this beautifully maintained, family-friendly cabin in the Aska Adventure Area. With two spacious porches, a chef’s kitchen, kids’ play loft, recreation room, and serene surroundings, it’s the ultimate retreat for both adventure and relaxation.

Thomas Echea

954.980.2830 | 404.668.6621 thomas.echea@compass.com

Laura Elleby

678.736.1132 | 404.668.6621 laura.elleby@compass.com

194 Blue Sky Overlook | Blue Ridge

4 Bedroom | 4 Bathroom | 3,228 SF Offered for $1,750,000

Escape to a private, custom-designed retreat in Blue Ridge’s Aska Adventure Area, where rustic charm meets modern luxury. Perched atop the range with 360-degree views, this gated cabin features a chef’s kitchen, guest suite, entertainment level with wet bar, summer kitchen with pizza oven, and lush, professionally landscaped grounds—perfect for refined mountain living.

PRIVACY AT THE BEACH

ARTICLE BY KARYN SLOVIN

There’s something undeniably special about escaping to the beach with good friends—especially when the setting is a luxurious beach condo overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Newman-Dailey Resort Properties never disappoint, and they had arranged for us to stay in a wonderful 9th-floor beachfront penthouse in Destin, Florida.

“There was no walking down long hallways to get to your room, no schlepping your luggage when checking in, as St. Maarten makes it extremely easy.”

St. Maarten at Silver Shells is one of several luxury high-rise condominiums on its beautifully maintained grounds. Featuring over 1,000 feet of private beach and an expansive 7,500-square-foot lagoon pool, St. Maarten offers a fitness center, full-service spa, four tennis courts, Sandbar beachfront restaurant and a children’s playground.

Our large condo boasted three generous bedrooms, stunningly decorated bathrooms and a well-appointed, large kitchen. The lovely deck overlooking the beach was perfect for early morning coffee and our cocktail hour before dinner. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the special features of the unit which was a private elevator. There was no walking down long hallways to get to your room, no schlepping your luggage when checking in, as St. Maarten makes it extremely easy.

In addition to enjoying our time together and relaxing on the beach, we did want to indulge in fresh seafood and some elevated cuisine. With the recommendation of the experts at Newman-Dailey, we dined at Bijoux in Miramar Beach. A stunning romantic spot featuring fresh Gulf-caught seafood with a New Orleans influence. Appetizers of tuna tartare and crab beignets were mouth-watering and the sesame-encrusted ahi tuna with the soy beurre blanc was a home run.

As we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this special penthouse overlooking the beach, this trip gave us more than just relaxation. Newman-Dailey gave us a chance to unwind in style and share late-night laughs with dear friends.

DestinVacation.com

JULY 2025

THROUGH AUGUST 31ST

Butterfly Encounter

Chattahoochee Nature Center  | 9:00 AM

See some of nature’s most spectacular works of art at the Chattahoochee Nature Center Butterfly Encounter. Witness hundreds of native species and purchase host plants and nectar to start your own butterfly garden. Website: ChattNatureCenter.org Admission: Free

JULY 4TH

Fantastic Fourth Celebration

Stone Mountain

Voted the “Best Place to see Fireworks in Atlanta” by Atlanta Journal-Constitution readers and a “Must-See Fireworks Show” by USA Today. Enjoy a day full of adventure with family attractions, live entertainment, hike to the top of the mountain, explore the miles of wooded trails throughout the park, then stay into the evening to experience the Music Across America Light Show. StoneMountainPark.com

JULY 24TH

Speaker Series: Rebekah Helfgot

Cathedral of Saint Philip Gould Room | 7:00 PM

Rebekah Helfgot will explore the life and works of one of Atlanta’s first female architects, Leila Ross Wilburn (1885-1967). A biography of Wilburn will be presented, along with an analysis and exploration of one of her earliest designs: the circa 1910 Reed House in Smyrna.

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