Issuu

Bon Voyage!

Our annual travel issue takes you away.

A P R I L 2 02 3

Revolutionizing THE WAY YOU SHOP

Trifecta Home Furniture is an exciting and unique monthly shopping experience With the largest selection of in-stock, high quality furniture, artwork, and accessories for your home or investment property, we are sure you will ﬁnd what you are looking for and more. All inventory is available to take home the same day or have delivered. Now oﬀering weekday Showroom Events at select locations.

SHOWROOM FURNITURE EVENTS SCAN TO VIEW DATES

Alpharetta • Buford • Marietta • Jacksonville • 30A (404) 369-7699 trifectahomefurniture.com

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS.

The Regan Maki Team is a team of real estate licensees affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Your Johns Creek Guide

It is with pleasure that we recommend The Regan Maki Team | COMPASS. We have listed our home several times in the last few years timing listings with favorable market conditions and were left disappointed each time. The difference in the strategy, sense of urgency, and overall commitment to success in Regan and her team were evident from the beginning and throughout the sales process. We have been in the community for ten years working with wellknown firms and can assure prospective sellers that they will not find a comparable firm to The Regan Maki Team to champion their property and advocate for them in the selling process. - Mr. and Mrs. Jeff McCart, The River Club

Regan Maki Couch M: 404.304.6452 | O: 404.668.6621 regan.maki@gmail.com reganmaki.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Hello friends,

April 2023 PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

April showers bring May flowers, my mom would promise as she held up my galoshes and raincoat. Of course, growing up in Michigan, those showers might be frozen, with one last snowfall to trudge through. Here in Johns Creek, we wait for the tulips, azaleas, lily of the valley, peonies and crocus to pop up to reward us after months of bare branches and cooler temperatures. SPRING is here! A season of promise, reminding us to get outdoors, tidy our yards, and take stock of all we are blessed with. In this EXPLORE issue, we take you away from yardwork to places that renew, excite and inspire. When I travel, I try hard to venture beyond the resort gates, talk to people in the shops and restaurants and make a connection with someone who lives locally. Conversations can lead to understanding and wonder. And, they cost nothing! Enjoy our stories of places near and far and find wonder around every corner. All my best,

COPY EDITOR

Stacy Conde | stacy.conde@citylifestyle.com SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com ADMINISTR ATIVE COOR DINATOR

Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Sue Haggerty, Valerie Shepherd

Corporate Team SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @JO H NSCREEKCIT Y LI FE S T Y LE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E .C O M /J O H N S C R E E K |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Johns Creek City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Johns Creek area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Johns Creek City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable,

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Spring Into Style

Classic Blinds & Shutters Design Center 488 N Main St Ste 109 Alpharetta, GA 30009

Expires 4/30/2023

M-F 10:00am - 5:00pm Sat 10:00am - 3:00pm Sun Closed 770-924-0282 www.classicblindsandshutters.com @classicblindsalpharetta

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APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

30 Best Vacay Ever

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Outdoor Living T R AV EL

Road Trip T R AV EL

Get active FI T NES S

Local Limelight T R AV EL

Travel Journal T R AV EL

Inspired By HO ME + DES I GN

Events

Gift Guide A RTS + C U LT U R E

Favorite memories from friends.

32 Keyed Into a Quick Getaway

Feeling a world away, not so far away at Playa Largo Resort & Spa.

36 Beauty of Nature on Full Display Secret Gardens of the Johns Creek Community is Saturday, May 6.

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Sue G. Collins Sunsets mean reflecting on the day’s journey and honoring gratitude. Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

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APRIL 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

1: Showroom manager, Jacob, enjoys the new issues of City Lifestyle while lounging at Palm Casual. 2: Reading up is Naomi from Georgia Roofing. 3: Now open, the Rumble crew.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @johnscreekcitylifestyle

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APRIL 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Sunset Concerts Are On

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West Milford Farm celebrates its third year of Sunset Concerts in 2023. Monthly concerts from March through October also spotlight local crafters and artisans in the barn pavilion. The 50-acre farm with historic buildings is a frequent destination for Metro Atlanta photographers and a backdrop for rustic chic and bohemian weddings. Weekly yoga classes and sound immersion events draw the local community. For tickets, photographer information, and class listings, visit WestMilfordFarm.com.

Decks • Patios • Pergolas • Fire Features • Sunrooms • Covered Porches Scan to read more.

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Virtual Consultations Available

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

With One Accord – Featuring Northview High School May 6 “With One Accord” welcomes music lovers of all ages to rejoice in the finale concert of Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-2023 season on May 6. The orchestra will perform alongside students of Northview High School, featuring the talents of professional musicians and aspiring musicians alike. This finale concert will invite audiences to witness a new generation of classical music. Johns Creek United Methodist Church 11180 Medlock Bridge Rd. JohnsCreekSymphony.org

UPCOMING EVENTS May 14th, 10am-3pm | Mother’s Day Mother’s Day Brunch and Permanent Jewlery Pop-Up with Society Boutique! Check out our Facebook Events page for more info & time slots!

School Superstars Medlock Bridge Elementary School hosted a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) Night in February (pictured) with a space theme featuring constellation mapping, robot exhibits, hovercraft rides and more. NASA Solar System Ambassador Snegdha Nellutla spoke to students about her STEM career path. River Trail Middle School eighth-grade student Aryan Batchu is a second-year champ in the 2022 Fulton County Schools Spelling Bee and will soon compete in the Georgia Association of Educators Spelling Bee. CONTINUED >

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B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

Fashion Finds at Georgia Lighting Georgia Lighting shared that they recently partnered with Lucas & McKearn, a line of distinct designer fixtures with a whimsical flair that can work in traditional and modern environments. And some of the fabulous and distinctly different fixtures are already on display. If you want lighting fixtures that look different than what everyone else has, stop by their showroom and check out their gorgeous inventory. 120 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Sugar Hill, 770.288.0650 GeorgiaLighting.com

Scan to read more.

Come join us for a Korean BBq Experience Traditional korean Dishes . wagyu Steak Cocktails . homemade macarons 9700 medlock Bridge rd Suite 112, Johns Creek, ga 30097 tel. (770) 802-8800 aristeakhouse.com

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Foundation Open in Alpharetta Foundation Social Eatery has reintroduced itself, and is now open in Alpharetta for dinner and Sunday brunch. The beloved staple from chef-owner Mel Toledo and wife Sandy, alongside operating partner Nick Hassiotis, features highlights like classic escargot and roasted king trumpet “scallop”, plus the return of favorites like chicken bolognese. Family-friendly, both dinner and brunch offer kids menus, and Petite FSE – a Parisian-style bistro and market set at the restaurant’s entry – will open soon. FoundationATL.com/

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/JohnsCreek

YEARS

Every Piece Comes With A Story Amish and American Made Furniture, Décor & Accessories Showroom and Design Center 160 N. Main Street, Alpharetta 678.436.5308 | dutchcrafters.com

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Buyers are Back in the Market Lower mortgage rates are bringing buyers back to the market. The housing market experienced a slowdown as mortgage rates increased last year, causing homes to receive fewer offers and remain on the market for a longer period. This resulted in some homeowners opting to delay their plans to sell. As rates are starting to decline, prospective buyers are making a return to the market. According to recent data from the Mortgage Bankers Association, there was a 7% rise in mortgage applications in the last few weeks compared to before, signaling a renewed interest in the housing market. If you have been contemplating selling your home but are uncertain about finding a buyer, this change in the market could provide you with an opportunity. Here is what experts have to say. Mike Fratantoni, SVP and Chief Economist, MBA says, “Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since September 2022 and about a percentage point below the peak mortgage rate last fall. As we enter the beginning of the spring buying season, lower mortgage rates and more homes on the market will help affordability for first-time homebuyers."

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says, “The upcoming months should see a return of buyers, as mortgage rates appear to have already peaked and have been coming down since midNovember.” Thomas LaSalvia, Senior Economist, at Moody’s Analytics. says, "We expect the labor market to remain robust, wages to continue to rise—maybe not at the pace that they did during the pandemic, but that will open up some opportunity for folks to enter homeownership as interest rates stabilize a bit." Sam Khater, Chief Economist, at Freddie Mac, says, “Homebuyers are waiting for rates to decrease more significantly, and when they do, a strong job market and a large demographic tailwind of Millennial renters will provide support to the purchase market.” If you’ve been thinking about making a move, now’s the time to get your house ready to sell. Let’s connect so you can learn about buyer demand in our area and the best time to put your house on the market. *Source: simplifyingthemarket.com

REGAN MAKI COUCH M: 404.304.6452 | O: 404.668.6621 regan.maki@gmail.com reganmaki.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No ﬁnancial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Lowcountry Magic Montage Palmetto Bluff loves the environment. And you.

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

When the baby alligators hatched at the edge of the May River at Montage Palmetto Bluff recently, they were born into the lap of luxury. The Montage staff naturalists were alerted and immediately worked to secure the hatchlings, who will stay with their mother for two years. They will snack on shrimp, small fish, and bugs like flies and snails, under the protective eye of their parents, the four-legged ones and the Montage staffers. Caution tape roped the area and nearby trail, so humans and reptiles alike would remain safe. This incredible respect for the environment and the 20,000 acres of natural beauty that surrounds the Montage property is

evident in every detail at the luxury resort in South Carolina. And, this month, programming is in place for guests to celebrate the Earth with education and immersive experiences to showcase the dolphins, raptors, reptiles, and sea turtles who make their homes in and along the May River. Wake with the birds, grab a coffee in the inn lobby and join the Dawn Chorus at Palmetto Bluff. Over 300 species of birds, including an array of migrant birds during the spring, create a symphony as the maritime forest comes to life. If rising early isn’t your idea of fun, there are guided bird walks through the trails.

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O UT D OOR LIV IN G | TR AVE L

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Celebrating 20 years Hear and see more than 50 species of birds, and learn about their habitats and the preservation efforts of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy. Or, join oyster recycling efforts. The culinary and service teams are working to return 100 percent of the oyster shells back into the May River to help continue the oyster population. Baby oysters need shells to adhere to for their growth, so the oyster population growth is limited by the number of shells available in the waterways. While honoring the environment is top of the list at Montage, it’s the hospitality and gorgeous amenities that will make you feel like you are the most important thing on earth. Recently renovated for the finest dining, The River House served us one of the best meals we’ve had this year. The waitstaff was gracious and attentive and the spirit-free cocktail the bartender created for me was beautiful and thoughtful. I felt seen. Spending time at Montage means living your best life. Whether it’s grabbing a bike and tooling through the canyon of towering oaks or nosing around the neighborhoods of million dollar (second) homes in Palmetto Bluff, you’ll feel connected. Kayaking, paddling or cruising on the May River is convenient, with 32 miles of waterfront on the property. Explore the Coastal Carolina marshlands, fly-fishing for redfish in the salt marsh flats or casting for largemouth in the freshwater ponds, trolling for trophies in the Atlantic or head out for an easy cruise to Hilton Head. Montage’s programming, dining, multiple experiences, and luxe accommodations all reflect the very best of what makes the Lowcountry special. Go with wide eyes and you’ll find the serenity that only our Earth can provide. MontageHotels.com/PalmettoBluff

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Dreaming of

Isle of Palms Find Your Way to Wild Dunes Resort ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

R OA D T R IP | TR AVEL

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3100 PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD DULUTH, GEORGIA 30097 AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J O HN S C R E E K

Sometimes you just want to do nothing on vacation, but don’t realize it until you pack the car with big plans and bags of gear, arrive at the resort, unpack, get your bearings and exhale. With luck (and planning), you’ll find yourself at the expansive Wild Dunes Resort in South Carolina, an easy fivehour drive to the tip of Isle of Palms, just outside Charleston. With 1,600 acres to explore on bike or foot, you can stay busy or find a lounge chair by one of the pools or on the beach to do less. The resort promises “unpretentious luxury” which, to us, meant all the amenities of an elevated resort in the company of families, friendly staff and plenty of opportunities for fun. The Sweetgrass Inn, which recently received a pretty renovation, is a modern oceanfront sanctuary that sits on four acres of the liveliest area at the resort,

R OA D T R IP | TR AVEL

featuring 153 rooms, sparkling pools, a world-class spa, al fresco dining, bustling meetings, and a rooftop bar. Also on the same campus, and a short stroll from the beach and resort recreation, is the Boardwalk Inn with 93 rooms. The decor across both is coastal, but with unexpected sophisticated touches of art and bold colors. From the warm welcome provided by the valet (self-parking is available), to the excellent service provided by wait staff, the vibe is professional, but approachable and friendly. Our dinner at Coastal Provisions, the signature restaurant and bar inside the Boardwalk Inn lobby overlooking the pool, was excellent. The She Crab Soup with brioche croutons was better than my motherin-law’s (my gold standard) and the saffron pappardelle with braised shank, sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese pistachios was

surprising and rich. Everything on the menu reflected Chef de Cuisine, Thalia Smith’s careful attention and creativity. A nightcap on the rooftop at The Nest gave us a chance to watch the stars come out, then we took our drinks down to the beach to feel small against the expansive sky and lapping waves of the Atlantic. Continue to feel grounded by booking a facial or massage at the Spa at Sweetgrass, with a mellow and shady spa-only outdoor patio lounge. You could easily spend the day reading, noshing and melting into the fluffy robes, drifting in and out of your vacation. The Links Golf Course, tennis center (yes, there’s pickleball), rental bikes, resort pools, splash pads, hot tubs, al fresco dining and grab-and-go snack options offer everything else you might need. DestinationHotels.com/Wild-Dunes

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Living the Best BOTE Life BOARDS CREATED IN DESTIN, BY AND FOR FAMILIES

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BOTE

Magda and Corey Cooper are constantly working. And playing. For the founders of superstar standup paddle board company BOTE, research and development for their boards starts in their hometown of Destin where they live with their three kids. “We are the consumer and our kids product test and inspire new ideas. We can do R&D in our backyard, try out new ideas with the kids and watch them interact with products and do our photoshoots at favorite parks nearby,” says Magda, a three-time collegiate National Champion swimmer at Auburn University and former financial advisor before partnering (in marriage and business) with Corey.

G E T ACT IV E | FITN ESS

Corey and Magda moved to Florida after graduating from Auburn University and soon saw an opportunity to improve the design of the paddle boards they were using on weekends. The Coopers chose to stay put in Destin, a small town where the outdoor lifestyle reigns, and have grown BOTE’s fleet to more than a dozen boards for fishing, paddling and family leisure. “We love the small town of Destin, the ease of access and all the nature surrounding us. For the brand, there are challenges - which is true for any business home - but we find that all our employees are into the same lifestyle, which benefits BOTE and makes our jobs more fun,” says Magda.

For many of us, Destin is a favorite vacation spot. For the crew at BOTE, the area feeds their passion. “We moved here because we like the water. We spend a majority of our time fishing and hanging out with friends. This is the DNA that is in the brand,” says Magda. They have found unending Southern hospitality and support from a welcoming community that cheers their business on, fueling growth and creativity. “Destin is not your typical ‘Florida,’” says Corey. “It’s a smaller town, more connected to Alabama than Miami and with a slower pace. The local culture has influences from all over, but it definitely has its own style and flavor. Old school charter fishing CONTINUED >

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G E T ACT IV E | FITN ESS

boats, kayaking, water-skiing, surfing -- water is the epicenter of the Destin lifestyle, which fits us perfectly.” While the original shape of their first board is still around, the brand has expanded. Exploded, really. They have always taken design seriously, with an end goal of function and beautiful design. “I wanted a board that was stable enough to fish from, yet paddled efficiently,” says Corey. “A board that could hold a cooler for my beer. A board that was simple, fresh and fit our lifestyle. A board that virtually anybody at any age could paddle with ease. It needed the capabilities of a boat with the simplicity of a board. And, it needed to look good...really good.”

MAGDA’S FAVORITE SPOT FOR A SUNSET PADDLE Launch at Clement Taylor Park on the North Channel and paddle toward Crab Island. For a paddle across more enclosed water, put in at Norriego Point, and paddle Destin Harbor with access to the canals to explore and peek at the houses. BOTEBoards.com AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J O HN S C R E E K

Postcards from a Friend

of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America, with an elevation of 14,115 feet. There’s no other word I can use for our trip to Pikes Peak besides breathtaking. The physical feeling of being on top of the world makes Pikes Peak more than a destination, but an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

ARYELLE PEREZ, JOHNS CREEK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

For Thanksgiving 2021, my now fiancé and I decided to ditch our families and celebrate with some friends in Colorado. In the week we were there, we went to explore Denver, and ended up in Colorado Springs. On our last day our friends insisted we drive up to Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is the highest summit

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | TR AVE L

ALISA TANNER - WALL, OWNER, CHERRY STREET BREWPUB AT HALCYON & NORTHSHORE/CHATTANOOGA

My last vacation is one I will never forget. My husband, Chase, and I were on our babymoon to relax and celebrate before our first son, Holden, would join our family

in May 2022. We went on a 7-night Celebrity cruise to the Western Caribbean. We had such a special time together, seeing sunrises, sunsets, beautiful ocean beaches, eating all the yummy food, and just enjoying our time together as a couple before our world would be changed entirely.

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Keyed Into a Quick Get away Catamaran sunset cruise

Aerial view

ARTICLE BY VALERIE SHEPHERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VALERIE SHEPHERD AND PLAYA LARGO

Feeling A World Away, Not So Far Away at Playa Largo Resort & Spa

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

Over the past few years, many of us have had the urge to go a world away, but not physically be a world away. So when I was looking for a quick weekend getaway that would only be a couple hours flight from Atlanta, but still feel like a remote tropical oasis, I keyed in the Florida Keys. Paradise was definitely found among the ocean, abundant wildlife and palm trees at Playa Largo Resort & Spa. A retreat awaits those looking to slow down, less than an hour ride from

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770-525-3601 the hustle and bustle of Miami. From the minute my friends and I stepped onto the luxurious property, it was time to embrace the island life mentality and reconnect with all of the nature (and fun!) surrounding us. First up on the agenda was to stretch out on one of The Keys few beaches on the

5050 Kimball Bridge Road | Johns Creek, GA 30005 Assisted Living | Memory Care | ALC000279 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

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secluded shoreline of the resort, surrounded by what used to be a pineapple farm. Watching the fish and sting rays dart through the crystal-clear waters, as iguanas casually strolled by, I had to keep reminding myself where I was. After an amazing dinner at their open-air beach bar, I was first in line to take part in their daily ceremony, Eventide, where they celebrate the transition from day to night by having you write down your worries, put them in a floating fire-pit and send them out to the ocean. Now that my friends and I were extra worry free, we decided to take it a step further and visit Ocean Spa at the resort. Since I’m one for trying the “specialty” of any spa, I signed up for the “Paradise Polish.” Words cannot describe the scents and new level of smoothness I felt. And, as I walked out of the spa on cloud nine, I somehow made it to cloud nine plus (yes – it’s a thing!) meeting up with everyone at the poolside cabana we reserved. As my friends dined and relaxed in the shade, I claimed my spot on one of the in-water pool loungers while sipping a fruity drink. We ended our night by chartering a sunset catamaran cruise on the “Carolina Moon” (say hi to Lolly if you go and ask her to blow the conch!) and then walked over to the chimineas set up on the beach for s’mores, wine pairing and a sip of their exclusive signature pineapple rum. The next morning, knowing it was our last full day, we packed in the action. With so many options like taking the Playa Largo Resort’s Eco Tour, using the property’s beach bikes to cruise the miles of paved bike trails weaving in and around The Keys and water, and the many watersports like parasailing, kayaking, and snorkeling… we decided to split up and do it all. That night, luckily my friend had seen others dining IN the water, and booked us for a special dinner where we were literally surrounded by fish – both on our plates and at our feet at the “Water Table” dining experience. I highly recommend it and book before you go, especially if going during peak season! There’s a reason why Conde Nast readers voted Playa Largo a Top 10 Resort in The Florida Keys in 2022. It’s because this hidden gem, tucked away in what surely must be paradise, has it all. Especially since it breathed a little life back into this mom during the soul-filling weekend! PlayaLargoResort.com

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Expansive pool overlooking the Bay

ON VIEW THROUGH JUNE 30, 2023

1600 PEACHTREE ST. NW | ATLANTA | SCADFASH.ORG Lud modeling a dress by Alix (Madame Grès) for Vogue. Courtesy of the Horst P. Horst Estate and @TheArtDesignProjectGallery.

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Beauty of Nature on Full Display SECRET GARDENS OF THE JOHNS CREEK COMMUNITY IS SATURDAY, MAY 6 ARTICLE BY SUE HAGGERTY

“If you look the right way, you can see the whole world is a garden.” -Frances Hodgson Burnett, Author, The Secret Garden Surely, for those who garden, there can be nothing better than the smell and feel of fresh soil as gardeners everywhere begin to work the land in preparation for another new season. Excitement grows with the pruning and planting, watering and nourishing, and then those first buds, leaves, flowers come back to life as if by magic! But you know it takes hard work to create something remarkable. The Secret Garden Tour will, once again, provide the opportunity to view six of these remarkable gardens within Johns Creek, along with the splendid woodland and cottage gardens of Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. This drive-yourself/walking tour takes place on Saturday, May 6th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and there is no set order to follow. Visitors can pick and choose how they wish to tour and linger at the various gardens along the way. Enjoy a pre-purchased box lunch at Autrey Mill. Enhancing the experience will be musicians and artists scattered among the gardens, playing and painting as folks roam amongst the blooms of spring.

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ONE TASTE WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING At Pet Wants, we start with fresh food like salmon, duck, whitefish, and chicken. Premium protein sources meant for consumption by your dog and/or cat. We focus on clean ingredients. Give your pet what they want by going to Petwants.com/JohnsCreek or

call us at 678-369-7987

CONTINUED >

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As you are touring, you might wonder how these various homeowners created and continue to maintain their remarkable gardens. It’s a labor of love. Two of these gardeners have provided several tips which help to yield successful results. • Donna Heinzelmann says to use good garden soil mixed with a pre-emergent and Bio-Tone Starter when planting, which encourages deeper roots and faster growth. Each year, add organic matter or top beds with a 2 inch layer of compost. Put down a pre-emergent in the rest of the garden mid-February. • Ingrid Jacobs suggests finding plants and flowers that you like, but fit within your gardening talents and the time you have to spend maintaining their growth and development. Feeling inspired? Now is the perfect time to consider putting some of these tips into practice. While at it, circle May 6th on your calendar and plan to take the tour. As the facilitator of this event, Johns Creek Beautification (JCB), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to enriching the beauty and prestige of the city through landscapes, preservation, and public art. The Secret Garden Tour is a key component in accomplishing these goals. Monies raised through sponsorships and the sale of passes from prior tours, have enabled the JCB to fully fund the installation of the metal horse sculpture installed in the center of the Bell/Boles Roads Roundabout. Created by artist Eric Strauss and entitled “Entwined Strength,” this gift to the city is there for the entire community to enjoy. Passes for the Secret Garden Tour are on sale now, accessible through the website for $35. For garden tour details, to volunteer, become a sponsor, and to learn more about JCB, please visit JohnsCreekBeautification.org

“If you look the right way, you can see the whole world is a garden.” —Frances Hodgson Burnett, Author, The Secret Garden

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Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Bungalows & Cottages

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APRIL 2023

GEORGIA LIGHTING

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. APR IL 23 R D

Live Music - Coming Home

JOHNS CREEK METHODIST CHURCH A concert full of comforting, feelgood music by The Johns Creek Chorale. The Johns Creek Chorale is dedicated to bringing together women and men from diverse backgrounds to experience the joy of singing and to continue a life-long love for choral music. TheJohnsCreekChorale.com APR IL 27TH

Men's Late Lunch

13 TH ANNUAL LIGHTING

OF THE YEAR | 2022 | WINNER

Transform your space with lighting and home décor products from Georgia Lighting Check out our beautiful inventory of lighting, fans, and accessories!

(770) 336-6750 | georgialighting.com 120 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Sugar Hill, Georgia 30518 40

EVE N TS

A B B OT T ' S B A R & G R I L L 1 09 00 ME DLO C K B R I DG E R D ST E 1 04 | 2:0 0 P M Join your fellow gentlemen friends, (and make new ones) at this monthly event! Open to all, membership not required. JohnsCreekChamber.com APR IL 29 TH

Johns Creek International Festival "Taste of the World"

1 9 30 B O B BY J O NE S DR I V E , J O H NS C R E E K | 1 1 :0 0 A M The 2023 Johns Creek International Festival is a celebration of the best traditional food, music and art from our own backyard.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/JohnsCreek

Flowers For Every Occasion Family and locally owned flower shop providing unique designed arrangements and caring flowers services for any occasion.

Let fowers say it for you Anniversaries • Birthdays • Congratulations • Love & Romance • New Baby • Sympathy • Thinking of You Thank You • Valentines • Mother’s Day • Memorial Day • Father’s Day • Veteran’s Day • Thanksgiving • Christmas

(678) 395-3505 | summerbreezeflowersjc.com AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J O HN S C R E E K

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

BOOKS TO TAKE YOU AWAY I asked my expat and travel-savvy friends to recommend books to take me far away. Here you go!

Blue L at it ude s by Tony Horwitz Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before. The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.

T he I sla nd of M is si ng Tre e s by Elif ShafaIt It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town,

G IF T GU ID E | ARTS + CU LTURE

the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.

T he C or f u Tr i log y by Gerald Durrell Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy. Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued

his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.

C ut t i ng for Stone by Abraham Verghese Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, Indian-American medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.

T he Mu seu m of I n noc enc e by Orhan Pamuk The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.

ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF SPRING FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT.

GET SPECIAL OFFERS ON THE NEW 2023 BMW 430i CONVERTIBLE. Buy in store or online.

H i g h - q u a l i t y c a re w i t h h o m e tow n h ea r t Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to our community. We’ve added two floors to the hospital, three floors to the Physicians Plaza and a parking deck, all to better serve you and your family. The new areas provide physicians, nurses and our care teams an interdisciplinary space to focus on family-centered care and ongoing wellness, supporting you with the unparalleled service and knowledgeable professionals you’ve come to expect. No matter your health needs – from routine to advanced – we’re here to help you make your health a priority.

emoryhealthcare.org/johnscreek | 678-474-7000