Fall, Georgia Style A R T S + C U LT U R E
TH E GIVIN G SE A SO N: N O N PRO FITS TO FO LLOW E XPLO RIN G: N ATIV E AM ERI CAN H ERITAGE M O NTH E N TE R TA I N M E NT
M IN ECRAFT M EETS TH E SYM PH O NY N OV E M B E R 2 02 6
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A Taste of
5 – 6 APPLES, PEELED & SLICED
1½ TSP CINNAMON, DIVIDED
½ CUP UNSALTED BUTTER
¼ TSP NUTMEG
¾ CUP PACKED BROWN SUGAR
1 TSP VANILLA
¾ CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
1 TBSP LEMON JUICE
½ CUP OLD-FASHIONED OATS
1 TBSP CORNSTARCH
½ CUP CHOPPED PECANS
¼ TSP SALT
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread in a buttered baking dish. Brown the butter in a saucepan until golden and nutty. Combine flour, oats, pecans, remaining brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon and salt. Stir in browned butter and vanilla until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over the apples. Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel. Simple. Cozy. Delicious. WISHING YOU A HOME FILLED WITH GOOD FOOD, GREAT COMPANY & PLENTY TO BE THANKFUL FOR THIS THANKSGIVING.
Regan Maki & Cal Couch REGAN MAKI COUCH c. 404.304.6452 | o. 404.480.HOME | Regan@AnsleyRE.com CAL COUCH c. 678.725.3942 | o. 770.284.9900 | Cal@AnsleyRE.com 404.480.HOME | 3035 PEACHTREE ROAD, SUITE 202 ATLANTA, GA 30305 | ANSLEYRE.COM All data believed to be accurate but not warranted. Ansley upholds Equal Housing Opportunity & Federal Fair Housing policies. If you have an existing relationship with another brokerage, this is not intended as a solicitation.
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Hello friends, Driving around Johns Creek, signs of fall are everywhere. Porches are teeming with pumpkins and wreaths. The leaves on the trees lining our streets are tinged with color. Parks and paths are dotted with folks enjoying one another and the cooler air. Inside, calendars are filling with holiday markets, Thanksgiving plans and community events. Our family is planning for visits from out-of-town guests (hooray!) and my 65th birthday (wait, what?). My daughter is dreaming up Camp Sue Gay - a weekend full of all my favorite things. We'll hike, fish, cook, listen to music, play dominoes and tell stories. I also suggested we each commit to a favorite nonprofit, either by volunteering or making a donation. In this issue, we provide a round-up of nonprofits to inspire us! Whether you are a pet lover, prefer to support families in need or are all about nature, there is a group that needs your help. I know many of you already make philanthropy a priority. We serve on boards, tithe regularly and volunteer to fill the many needs in the community. Grab a friend or neighbor and encourage your family members and colleagues to join forces this holiday season to contribute to a nonprofit that pulls at your heartstrings. There are SO many. Enjoy this issue! And, on behalf of Jim, Karyn and all of us at City Lifestyle, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
November 2026 PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com S E N I O R AC C O U N T M AN AG E R
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com AD M I N I ST R AT I VE D I R E C TO R
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R
Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rachel Loyd, Trina Sargalski C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R
Trina Sargalski
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson
All my best,
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @ J O H N S C R E E KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at CityLifestyle.com//Franchise. 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
Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/JOHNSCREEK
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
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, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
GEORGIA LIGHTING
Transform Your Holiday Dining Space with Beautiful Light
(770) 288-0650 | georgialighting.com 120 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Sugar Hill, Georgia 30518
inside the issue NOVE M B E R 2 0 2 6 | TH ANK F U L
28 Featured
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24 28
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Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.
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WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?
Departments
The Giving Season Nonprofits doing the work.
Exploring our Past Celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
Cranberry Chambord Chutney
4
Lifestyle Letter
8
City Scene
10
Business Monthly
14
Giving Back ARTS + CULTURE
20
Back Stage ENTERTAINMENT
24
Must See ARTS + CULTURE
28
Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAGE
30
Travel Journal TRAVEL
32
Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE
34
Events
Want To Break Free From The Can? This Homemade Sauce Will Wow Your Thanksgiving Guests!
On the Cover Nestled in the rolling hills of Georgia’s upper Piedmont, Victoria Bryant State Park is one of northern Georgia’s best kept secrets. GAStateParks.org
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city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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COURTESY OF BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM
1: Boehringer Ingelheim celebrated the grand opening of its new U.S. Animal Health headquarters here. 2: Town Center is the 2026 Outstanding Public Improvement Project. Ben Song, Kimberly Greer, Chris Haggard. 3: Great connections, music, and conversations at the Johns Creek Chamber gathering at ChuChat.
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With Heartfelt Gratitude, WE THANK YOU This season reminds us to reflect on the people who have made our journey so meaningful — and you’re at the top of that list. Your trust, support, referrals, and the relationships we’ve built along the way mean more to us than we can put into words. We never take for granted the opportunity to be part of such important moments in your lives. From our family to yours, THANK YOU for being part of our journey. We are truly grateful for YOU — this season and always.
REGAN MAKI COUCH c. 404.304.6452 | o. 404.480.HOME | Regan@AnsleyRE.com
CAL COUCH c. 678.725.3942 | o. 770.284.9900 | Cal@AnsleyRE.com 404.480.HOME | 3035 PEACHTREE ROAD, SUITE 202, ATLANTA, GA 30305 | ANSLEYRE.COM All data believed to be accurate but not warranted. Ansley upholds Equal Housing Opportunity & Federal Fair Housing policies. If you have an existing relationship with another brokerage, this is not intended as a solicitation.
NOVEMBER 2026
Your Skin. Your Story.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Northview High School is pleased to receive national certification from Magnet Schools of America for their exemplary 3DE program. This certification validates the experience NHS’ 3DE students have had, earning the magnet seal on the transcript for students who complete four years in the program. Northview’s 3DE program provides students with an exceptional experience that makes learning relevant and ensures they are prepared for life beyond Northview.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Brunch, Anyone? The Brunch Spot is open in Johns Creek, serving traditional, modern and international all-day breakfast. The Brunch Spot offers catering and has space to host your party. Breakfast or brunch, they have it all, along with specialty cocktails, mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks to pair with your favorite dish. Located at 5725 State Bridge Road, Suite 110. JohnsCreek.TheBrunchSpotGA.com
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THE Giving SEASON Nonprofits nearby to support ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
ATLANTA ANGELS
Atlanta Angels is a local chapter of the National Angels network, which has been transforming the foster care experience since 2010. It began with a simple but powerful idea: relational trauma is healed through healthy relationships. The Atlanta chapter was co-founded by an adoptive mom and foster mom in Cobb County, who both had firsthand experience with Georgia’s foster system. The mission of Atlanta Angels is to walk alongside children, youth and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building and mentorship. The vision is to ensure that every foster parent feels radically supported and every child and youth in foster care has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. One beautiful example of their programs at work comes from Alana and Pam. Alana connected with Atlanta Angels after recently aging out of care and becoming one of the 20% of young adults experiencing homelessness after aging out of care. A Program Coordinator met her for a warm meal, which ignited a transformation in her life. After being matched with Pam as her mentor, Alana tackled her program milestones with a level of determination and resilience that we admire greatly. Today, Alana has left homelessness and addiction behind, has an apartment of her own, is in school working towards her degree in automotive studies and is working in the automotive industry. Everyone at Atlanta Angels is so proud of Alana. We all need healthy, encouraging relationships to thrive, and it’s incredible to see what she has done with someone in her corner. Volunteers have the opportunity to be matched with youth experiencing foster care or with a fostering family, providing meaningful support and encouragement throughout their journey. AtlantaAngels.org
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G IV IN G BAC K | ARTS + C U LT U RE
Atlanta Angels
Atlanta Outdoor Club members venture out, with new friends
Founder, Dare To Dream, Atlanta Angels
ATLANTA OUTDOOR CLUB
On any given day in metro Atlanta, a group of strangers is lacing up at a trailhead along the Chattahoochee, at Sweetwater Creek or on Kennesaw Mountain. By the end of the hike, they aren’t strangers anymore. The trails are where connections begin. Founded in 2000, the AOC is one of Atlanta’s largest outdoor communities, with about 2,500 members and more than 50 events every week. Membership is free and open to adults 21 and older. Every event is led by a volunteer trip leader, and each carries a difficulty rating so members can pick their challenge and work their way up. You’ll find weekday evening loops, early-morning in-town walks, BeltLine urban CONTINUED >
Giving Kitchen pitches in when food and bev professionals need it most. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J O HN S C R E E K
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hikes and full-day climbs in the North Georgia and Carolina mountains. But hiking is just the start. Members backpack, kayak, go caving, whitewater raft, bike and paddleboard. Multi-day trips take groups to national parks, along the Appalachian Trail, and past trips to destinations include Peru, New Zealand, Japan and Switzerland. AOC Learn events teach skills from beginner hiking to backpacking, and social events keep friendships going off the trail. The club also gives back to the places members love, volunteering with the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. Gerrilyn grew up in a family where “hike” wasn’t in the vocabulary. After retiring as a federal judge, she signed up for a trail run. “I had no idea what a trail run was,” she admits. A patient trip leader waited at every intersection. Seven years and 600-plus hikes later, she leads events herself. AtlantaOutdoorClub.com
LATIN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
The LAA was founded in 1972 by sheriff deputy Angel Ortiz and Stratton Frank, a Miami native who moved to Atlanta in 1971. Ortiz and Frank founded a small organization to serve Atlanta’s then-emerging Latino population by helping immigrants find jobs and affordable housing. Ortiz and Frank wanted to help immigrants from Latin America settle into their new home country. Ortiz initially worked from the trunk of his car, interpreting for families and providing resources to help them adapt to their new community. The mission of the Latin American Association (LAA) is to empower our community to adapt, integrate and thrive. The vision is ‘Opportunity for All.’ By the numbers: 74,000 services annually. 22,000 Individuals and families served. 8,530 individuals for public benefits they are qualified to receive. Hunger stopped for 6,074 families with 323,990 pounds of food from the pantry. Homelessness was prevented for 200 families, with $295,000 in housing assistance. 72 families were rescued from domestic violence situations. Educational and workforce readiness programs were provided, with 2,067 youth services delivered. 9,967 economic development services provided to the community, including job training and workforce development programs, adult education and entrepreneurship classes. Some 2,345 Immigration Services for individuals and families. TheLAA.org
GIVING KITCHEN
In 2012, Atlanta chef Ryan “Hidi” Hidinger was diagnosed with stage-four cancer. Friends and colleagues across the restaurant community rallied around Ryan and his wife, Jen, helping cover the family’s living expenses during his treatment. That extraordinary response became the foundation for Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit created in 2013 to make sure food service workers facing crisis have somewhere to turn. Today, Giving Kitchen serves food service workers nationwide — from restaurants, bars and coffee shops to catering, concessions, cafeterias and food trucks. Giving Kitchen provides emergency financial assistance to workers facing illness, injury, the death of an immediate family member or a housing disaster and connects them to a network of community resources spanning housing,
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G IV IN G BAC K | ARTS + C U LT U RE
“Giving Kitchen provides emergency financial assistance to workers facing illness, injury, the death of an immediate family member or a housing disaster and connects them to a network of community resources spanning housing, health, employment and family services.” health, employment and family services. Since its founding, Giving Kitchen has helped more than 41,000 food service workers and awarded more than $18 million in financial assistance. But supporting the food service industry isn’t only about showing up when something goes wrong — it’s about celebrating the people who make food service what it is. Two out of three Americans have worked in food service. It’s where friendships form, families are supported and communities are built. Giving Kitchen’s vision is to build a food service community where crisis is met with compassion and care. Help support its mission to provide critical support to food service workers during their darkest times. This holiday season, the need is greater than ever. Help make sure no food service worker faces crisis alone by making a gift and supporting GK’s mission: Donate.givingkitchen.org/Save-a-Seat
CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER
Founded in 1994, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s mission is to educate, advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River and its lakes and tributaries for all the people and wildlife who depend on the river system. Through CRK’s Trash-Free Chattahoochee initiative, volunteers have removed more than 38 tons of trash and recyclables from our watershed this year alone. That’s about the same weight as eight school buses! You can support Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s trash removal projects, water quality monitoring, advocacy and educational programs by signing up to volunteer or making a donation at Chattahoochee.org.
FURKIDS ANIMAL RESCUE & SHELTERS
Furkids was founded in 2002 by Atlanta native Samantha Shelton after she discovered a frightened mother cat and three kittens outside her home. When she learned the family would likely be euthanized because the local shelter lacked space, Samantha stepped in to save them. What began as a small foster network has grown into one of Georgia’s largest no-kill animal rescue organizations. Furkids has rescued and altered more than 80,000 animals and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027. Furkids gives animals with nowhere else to turn the time, medical care and compassion they need to heal and find loving homes. Its no-kill model extends to animals who are critically injured, chronically ill, orphaned or frequently overlooked because of their age or medical needs. By healing each animal physically and emotionally, Furkids gives thousands of cats and dogs every year the chance not simply to survive, but to begin again. Its programs also address animal overpopulation and help keep pets with the people who love them through spay and neuter services, affordable veterinary care, fostering, education and community support. For an injured, sick or abandoned animal, the difference between being turned away and being saved often Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Latin American Association
Furkids
“By healing each animal physically and emotionally, Furkids gives thousands of cats and dogs every year the chance not simply to survive, but to begin again.” comes down to space and access to medical care. In 2026, Furkids opened two state-of-the-art facilities, the Sutherlin Dog Shelter and Giaquinto Medical Center, at its nine-acre headquarters campus near Alpharetta, giving the organization the ability to say yes to more animals with nowhere else to go. Together with its award-winning, cage-free cat shelter, the new facilities bring rescue, veterinary medicine, rehabilitation and adoption together on one campus, while expanding access to affordable veterinary services for community pets. With the full campus now operational, Furkids expects to double the number of animals it can save each year. Readers can adopt or foster an animal, volunteer, make a donation, contribute needed supplies or support Furkids by shopping at or donating gently used items to one of its thrift stores. Johns Creek Thrift Store and Furkids Pet Boutique at 9850 Nesbit Ferry Rd. FurKids.org NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J O HN S C R E E K
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MINECRAFT MEETS
the Symphony
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B ACK STAGE | ENTERTAI N ME N T
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A WORLD BUILT IN MINECRAFT BECOMES PART OF A LIVE SYMPHONY PERFORMANCE?
ARTICLE BY RACHEL LOYD
This month, Soundcraft: Minecraft in C brings its U.S. premiere to Atlanta, inviting audiences to experience a concert where music, digital worlds and imagination come together. Working with Minecraft YouTuber JazziiRed, young performers bring a digital Music Box to life alongside professional musicians from the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. Their role goes beyond watching or playing a game: they help shape the performance itself. On November 14, the project moves from Minecraft to the stage at LOOP, a newly opened cultural venue in Georgia Tech’s Creative Quarter, bringing together art, technology, performance and experimentation under one roof. Audiences will encounter a shared creative world, built through collaboration across generations and disciplines. Created by NON-SENSE Arts Foundation, Soundcraft combines Minecraft with Terry Riley’s landmark composition In C, bringing live music, digital building, visual storytelling and technology into one shared performance. The project was first developed in Seoul in 2023 with TOTAL Museum of Contemporary Art, Arts Council Korea (ARKO) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, bringing musicians and digital creators together to explore a new kind of concert experience. Now, the Atlanta edition brings that idea to a new community with partners including the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, LOOP, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestras of Atlanta (MYSO), Fulton County Arts & Culture/Public Art Futures Lab and Mimms Museum of Technology and Art. At the heart of the project is a simple question: what if a digital world could become part of the music itself? As musicians perform, the Minecraft environment responds, allowing sound and image to develop together. For families, music lovers and gamers alike, it offers a new way into the concert experience. From Seoul to Atlanta, Soundcraft creates a meeting place for different generations and ways of making. See what happens when young imaginations and a live orchestra share the stage. Performance: November 14 · LOOP, Atlanta, 665 Marietta St NW, Atlanta Tickets: $30; students under 21 free Performancedetailsandtickets:JohnsCreekSymphony.org/ soundcraft NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J O HN S C R E E K
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EXPLORING OU R PA S T
New Echota is one of the most significant Cherokee Indian sites in the nation and was where the tragic “Trail of Tears” officially began.
Native American Heritage Month ARTICLE BY MELISSA WEBB PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGIA STATE PARKS
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M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE
November is Native American Heritage Month, offering a meaningful opportunity to explore the Indigenous history preserved across Georgia. From ancient ceremonial mounds to the former capital of the Cherokee Nation, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites connects visitors with the people,
“Established as the Cherokee Nation’s capital in 1825, New Echota became a center of Cherokee government, commerce and culture.” places and cultures that shaped the state long before its founding. Here are five sites where visitors can learn more: Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site – Located in Cartersville, Etowah was home to several thousand Native Americans between approximately 1000 and 1550. One of the Southeast’s most intact Mississippian cultural sites, it protects six earthen mounds, a plaza, village area, borrow pits and a defensive ditch. Visitors can climb the tallest mound, explore museum exhibits and follow a nature trail along the Etowah River. GaStateParks.org/EtowahIndianMounds New Echota State Historic Site – Established as the Cherokee Nation’s capital in 1825, New Echota became a center of Cherokee government, commerce and culture. It was home to the first newspaper published in a Native American language and was also where the Cherokee removal known as the Trail of Tears officially began. Visitors can explore original
and reconstructed buildings, including the Council House, Supreme Courthouse and print shop. Chief Vann House State Historic Site – Built in 1804 by Cherokee leader and businessman James Vann, this two-and-a-half-story brick mansion was once known as the “Showplace of the Cherokee Nation.” Guided tours showcase its hand carvings, cantilevered staircase, antiques and colorful interior. The grounds also include a 19th-century Cherokee farmstead, seasonal gardens and the former site of the Springplace Moravian Mission. Kolomoki Mounds State Park – This southwest Georgia park preserves sacred ground shaped by an Indigenous community that thrived in the Lower Chattahoochee River Valley nearly 2,000 years ago. Visitors can walk among seven preserved earthen mounds and tour a museum built around an excavated mound. The park also offers hiking, camping, fishing and paddling. CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J O HN S C R E E K
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The Kolomoki Mounds State Park & Archaeological Museum is a historically significant state park and archaeological site located in Blakely. Dating from roughly 350 to 900 CE, it represents the oldest and largest Woodland Indian site in the southeastern United States
New Echota Courthouse
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M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE
Fort Mountain State Park – Along the summit of Fort Mountain are remnants of a mysterious, 855-foot-long stone wall. Its exact origins and purpose remain unknown, although it is thought to have been constructed by early Indigenous people, possibly for ceremonial or defensive purposes. Visitors can encounter the wall while hiking to the park’s historic stone fire tower and scenic overlooks. Together, these destinations reveal different chapters of Georgia’s Indigenous history, from ancient communities and ceremonial landscapes, and offer timely story opportunities centered on cultural preservation, archaeology, education and respectful travel. Happy exploring! GaStateParks.org
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Thoughtfully curated menus, warm hospitality, and a space that feels as good as it looks. This is how holiday parties should feel.
LET’S PLAN FOR THE HOLIDAYS MATTIE@RUSHINGTRADINGCO.COM NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J O HN S C R E E K
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Cranberry Chambord Chutney 28
There always seems to be a debate of some kind or another on whether homemade cranberry sauce or canned is best for your holiday table. Whether you are in the homemade camp or the canned camp, this recipe is a must-try for everyone. It’s easy and packed with yummy goodness! And if you’re in the canned camp, you may surprise yourself that you ever thought canned was the easiest route to your table! This sauce is a great addition to your poultry or pork when fresh cranberries are in season, but frozen cranberries can certainly be used in a pinch.
Ingredients • 1-pound fresh cranberries • 2 cups sugar • 2 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/8 teaspoon allspice • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon • zest of 1 lemon, cut into julienne strips • zest of 1 orange, cut into julienne strips • 1/3 cup Chambord liqueur
Cooking Instructions 1. Rinse and pick over cranberries. Discard any that are green or mushy and remove stems. 2. In a 2-quart saucepan, place cranberries, sugar, and diced apples. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. (No need to add liquid.) 3. Uncover and stir in spices. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover and add lemon and orange zest. Cover the pot and cook for another 5 minutes or until the mixture has thickened and the berries have popped. 4. Cool for 5 minutes, then stir in the Chambord and refrigerate until serving time.
WANT TO BREAK FREE FROM THE CAN? THIS HOMEMADE SAUCE WILL WOW YOUR THANKSGIVING GUESTS! ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
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N O M I N AT I O N S N OW O P E N
NOV. 1−DEC. 3 Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of people in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign. But none of it is possible without you.
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If you know someone quietly struggling or facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Your nomination could make all the difference. S CA N TO N O M I N AT E or visit KingdomBuilding Foundation.org
678.972.1385 | TrueSkinTattooRemoval.com 4536 Nelson Brogdon Blvd, Buford NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/J O HN S C R E E K
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VISITING MASIA DURBA IN CASTELLNOVO, SPAIN
The infinity pool at Hotel Masia Durba
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRINA SARGALSKI
ECLIPSE VIEWING, UNDERGROUND RIVERS AND THERMAL SPRINGS AWAIT IN LESSER-KNOWN SPAIN
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T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L
On August 12, 2026 the first of three solar eclipses in three years crossed Spain, and the remote town of Castellnovo provided an ideal home base for impressive and uncrowded viewing. Castellnovo will experience a partial solar eclipse in summer 2027, followed by an annular or “ring of fire” solar eclipse in January 2028. You don’t need astronomical phenomena for an excuse to visit this rural area rich in history and natural beauty, largely untravelled even by Spaniards. Castellnovo sits between two natural protected areas in the Valencia province of Spain, an hour’s drive from the Valencia metro area. Masia Durba, a small farmhouse hotel in Castellnovo and an ideal home base for the trip, is built atop the ruins of a Roman villa. A tall cypress tree welcomes visitors to the hotel. According to historians, the number of cypress trees indicated the kind of lodging available to traveling strangers centuries ago.
Masia Durba is marketed towards couples, but families, solo travelers or friend groups are welcomed with the same warm hospitality by proprietor Maria Teresa Durba. She inherited the hotel from her great-grandparents. Her family cultivated plums on the land; now the saltwater infinity pool overlooks decorative olive, almond and carob (a chocolate substitute) trees in the Palancia valley. Durba’s brother, a furniture importer, outfitted themed rooms with names like “Borneo” and “Madagascar” with ornate carved wooden furniture and textiles to match. Several of the spacious rooms include a hot tub. Each morning, a generous complimentary breakfast spread of Spanish meats, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, coffee and more awaits visitors in the sunny dining room. In the evening, guests can order a multi-course Spanish dinner, all prepared and served by Rafa and Marti, also members of the family. Order the house specialty: torrijas de horchata, a Spanish version of bread pudding, served with cinnamon ice cream. While in the area, explore Les Coves de Sant Josep, Europe’s longest underground navigable river, a crystalline blue pathway snaking through caves that used to house bats. A steady 68°F temperature provides a welcome respite from the summer heat. Duck when the boatman advises to avoid an encounter with a stalactite. After the tour, lunch at La Gruta, where the dining rooms occupy a natural stone grotto. Savor a paella senyoret cooked to your liking, whether “meloso” or the toothsome dry style with the coveted crispy “socarrat” rice at the edge of the pan.
The pool and terrace overlook almond, olive and carob trees
Centuries ago, the number of cypress trees indicated the kind of lodging available at a masia or lodge Marti, a member of the the Durba family, presents a paella Valenciana
A senyoret paella is known as a “gentleman’s paella” because all of the seafood is shelled. Start and finish with agua de Valencia, usually made with fresh orange juice, cava and a proprietary blend of white spirits. Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos is best visited during the less crowded weekdays. Soak in the Blue Flag-certified thermal springs while enjoying views of the surrounding cliffs. A spring, winter or fall trip is highly recommended, as the summer heat can be scorching, even with all of the nearby cooling waters. No matter what, a trip to one of Spain’s least-visited regions is both relaxing and invigorating.
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C I T Y L I FEST Y L E G I V ES BAC K
GIVING TOGETHER A Community That Shows Up
Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of families in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign and our nonprofit arm, Kingdom Building Foundation. But none of it would be possible without you. We can only help the people we know about, and
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I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE
that’s where our readers come in. If you know someone quietly struggling, whether it’s a single parent, a senior citizen, or a family facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Nominations are what make this whole campaign possible.
We provided a chair lift for a teenager paralyzed in a gymnastics accident so she could move freely through her own home again. We helped a child who lost an eye to cancer get the prosthetic because insurance wouldn’t cover it. We covered dental work for a man who needed his smile back just to walk into a job interview. We got heat turned back on for a family who had spent part of the winter without it. We helped a family keep up with bills while a husband and father fought pancreatic cancer, and we helped another family cover medical expenses after the unimaginable loss of a child. These are just a few examples of some of the hundreds of individuals that have been helped through nominations from readers like you. None of it happens without someone noticing first and speaking up. "We don't just send checks," says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle.
“We send a message: You are seen, you are loved, and you are not forgotten.” Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond the holiday season. "This is about community," Matthew says. "We believe we've been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing." Often, the person making the nomination gets just as much out of the experience as the recipient. There's something powerful about being part of the reason someone else's burden got lighter, especially when that need might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The campaign is completely confidential. No names are ever shared or publicized, and nominating someone is as simple as telling us their story. We are looking for those in our communities who fall between the cracks of getting help, and together as a community, we can meet those needs.
Nominations open November 1st and close December 3rd. To nominate someone in your community, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and find the form in our bio, or visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org.
This season, giving starts with you. Let's do it together. Nominate someone in need today.
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NOVEMBER 2026
events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
O NG OIN G
Blossom and Vine Floral Arranging Class 5950 State Bridge Rd. Ste. 100 Check out the full class schedule for fall and winter available now on the website! There are plenty of fun options to keep you feeling inspired and creative through the upcoming months. Visit our website to book a class! BlossomAndVine.com NOVE M BE R 7 T H
Diwali Festival 9:00 AM Celebrate Diwali, the traditional Hindu festival of light! You’ll find retail and food vendors, live entertainment and more. The symbolic meaning of Diwali is the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. NOVE M BE R 1 0 T H A N D 2 5TH
Technology Workshop Park Place - 3125 Old Alabama Rd | 2:00 PM Tuesday, Nov. 10 will be a “hands on help” session that offer one-on-one help for whatever tech/device help you need. Wednesday, Nov. 25 will be a workshop covering Smart home and wearable devices. Each month workshops are held on a different topic. The cost is Free to attend. NOVE M BE R 2 0 T H - D EC E MB E R 2 4TH
Lawrenceville Christkindl Market Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie Street Founded in 2016, the Atlanta Christkindl Market brings the authentic traditions of Germany’s centuries-old Christmas markets to metro Atlanta. The markets feature artisan vendors, handcrafted gifts, authentic German food and beverages, holiday entertainment and family-friendly experiences. For more information, please visit ChristkindlMarket.org NOVE M BE R 2 1 ST - 2 9 TH
Festival of Trees Gas South Convention Center - Duluth The Georgia Festival of Trees is a special five-day holiday event for all ages. Wander through a beautiful forest of dazzling holiday trees, shop for unique gifts and enjoy treats from local vendors. GaFestivalOfTrees.org
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