West Cobb, GA February 2026

SLATER NALLEY:

A Voice That Heals, A Story That Resonates

Letter From the Editor

February invites us to think about love, but not just in the grand, romantic sense. For us, this month is a reminder to appreciate what’s close, familiar, and often overlooked. The places we return to, the people who know our names, the businesses that shape our neighborhoods. This is where every day love lives.

That’s why our February issue is dedicated to Loving Local. Supporting local isn’t about perfection or doing everything “right.” It’s about intention. It’s choosing connection over convenience when you can, and recognizing that small choices, like where you shop, eat, and gather, can strengthen the communities we call home.

Loving local also means slowing down enough to notice the stories around us. The passion behind a small business. The creativity of a local maker. The care woven into food, art, and spaces created by people who live where we live. These are the details that give a place its heart.

In this issue, you’ll find stories that celebrate community, connection, and a bit of romance, including a spotlight on hometown American Idol star Slater Nalley, a date-night guide to Marietta Square, a look at how Cobb Chamber's 2025 Citizens of the Year have changed our community for the better, and much more.

Whether this month inspires you to shop small, explore your neighborhood with fresh eyes, support local voices, or feel more rooted where you are, I hope these pages remind you that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up for what’s right in front of you.

With love and gratitude,

ANA MARKOSI, EDITOR

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Marcus Dickman | marcus.dickman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Ana Markosi | ana.markosi@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Ian Jarvis Hathaway | ian.hathaway@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Bickford | paulwbickford33@gmail.com

Linda Carroll | lclifephotos@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tran Bui, Andrew J. Bramlett, Wendy Edwards

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Albright Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Have you had friends over for dinner or have you gone out lately?

Are you part of a group of friends that travels, paints, gardens, plays cards, etc.?

Do you have an exercise group that helps you maintain your indepedence?

Are you living in a maintenance free home?

As a couple, are you having the same needs as you age?

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Asher & Rose Grocers joins Marietta Square

Mother-son owner-operators Chef Greg Lipman and Betty Bahl have reopened Piastra as a brand-new concept: Asher & Rose Grocers. Their vision is to offer the freshest locally grown and raised products, including fresh bakery items, produce, dairy, house-made meals, custom cuts of meat and fish, and a curated selection of dry goods.

Dynamite Dance Factory opens in Kennesaw

Dynamite Dance Factory is a brandnew studio providing instruction in multiple dance styles, including jazz, hip hop, tap, and ballet. Dynamic Dance Factory offers classes for dancers ages two and up. Visit dynamitedancefactory.com to learn more or visit the studio at 3920 Cherokee St. NW, Suite 103.

Cobb Chamber staff members honored

Cobb Chamber’s Kimberly Harmon and Michele Howard were selected as honorees for LiveSafe Resources’ 41st Annual Tribute to Women of Achievement. Each year, LiveSafe Resources, a Marietta domestic violence resource center, honors 15 women leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their personal, professional, and volunteer endeavors.

Photography by Cobb Chamber

YOUR FUTURE IS OUR PRIORITY

At Bridger Law Group, we understand that life in Cobb County is built on hard work, family values, and community. When an accident threatens your well-being, you need an experienced team that fights with integrity and dedication. Our personal injury firm combines former judges, former insurance lawyers, and former government lawyers with a personal commitment to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Bridging the Gap

How Bridger Law Group levels the playing field for Georgia families

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

“Assigning a dollar value is not about greed. It’s about recognizing the harm done and giving families a path forward.”

Founder and Managing Partner of Bridger Law Group, Gerardo Briceno’s commitment to personal injury law began long before law school. As a high school senior, he started working at a law firm, where he quickly discovered a passion for advocating for people facing life-altering circumstances.

While completing his undergraduate studies, Gerardo worked full-time at the firm, rising from legal assistant to paralegal and gaining firsthand exposure to how injury cases affect real families. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law, equipped with both legal expertise and practical experience.

Today, Gerardo focuses his practice on representing individuals and families harmed by negligence, including cases involving car accidents, trucking collisions, premises liability, and wrongful death. He understands that personal injury clients are often navigating physical recovery, emotional trauma, and financial instability all at once. “Many of our clients are dealing with medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future,” Gerardo says. “The last thing they should have to do is fight an insurance company by themselves.”

Gerardo is especially driven by the power imbalance in personal injury cases. “Insurance companies have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts,” he explains. “When someone is injured or has lost a loved one, it’s just one family standing up to that system. Our role is to even that scale.”

To Gerardo, compensation in a personal injury case represents accountability. “A lawsuit is often the only tool available to hold negligent parties responsible,” he says. “Assigning a dollar value is not about greed. It’s about recognizing the harm done and giving families a path forward.”

In 2013, Gerardo founded Bridger Law Group to build a practice centered on empathy, transparency, and

results. His background as a business owner in industries like nightlife, restaurants, real estate, and construction gives him a strategic advantage in injury cases, particularly when dealing with corporate defendants, liability issues, and complex insurance structures.

Bridger Law Group operates on five core values: innovation, integrity, education, client service, and teamwork. The firm leverages modern technology to streamline personal injury cases and improve communication. “Our systems are fully digital,” Gerardo says. “That allows us to move cases efficiently and stay responsive to our clients, no matter where we are.”

Integrity guides every case decision. “We don’t make promises we can’t keep,” Gerardo says. “If we can’t genuinely add value or achieve a meaningful result, we’re upfront about that.” Education is equally important. Clients are kept informed at every stage, while the firm stays current with evolving personal injury laws and insurance practices.

Transparency is a defining feature of the client experience at Bridger Law Group. Clients receive regular updates and clear explanations, so they always understand their rights, options, and case progress.

Beyond litigation, the firm remains deeply connected to the Metro Atlanta community, participating in community service projects that reflect its commitment to helping people beyond the courtroom.

Outside the office, Gerardo enjoys traveling, staying engaged in his community, and spending time with his wife, their dog Brady, and their newborn son. Gerardo remains focused on expanding Bridger Law Group’s reach, ensuring more injured individuals and families have strong, compassionate advocates when they need it most.

Visit BridgerLaw.com to book a free consultation and learn more.

Date on the Square

A

Guide to

a Romantic Night at Marietta Square

Marietta Square is one of the most charming and walkable destinations in Metro Atlanta, making it an ideal spot for a memorable, well-rounded date night. With its historic buildings, brick-lined streets, and lively yet relaxed atmosphere, the Square offers the perfect blend of romance, entertainment, and local flavor. Whether you’re planning a first date or celebrating a special occasion, Marietta Square provides everything you need for an evening that feels both effortless and intentional.

From dinner and drinks to entertainment and a scenic stroll, Marietta Square offers a thoughtfully paced date night all within easy walking distance, making it one of the best spots in Cobb County for a memorable evening together

Hamp & Harry’s

Start your evening with dinner at Hamp & Harry’s, a Southern-inspired restaurant steps from the Square. Known for its polished yet welcoming atmosphere, Hamp & Harry’s is perfect for setting the tone of the night. The menu features elevated comfort food made with high-quality ingredients, making it easy to find something for every palate. Begin with shareable appetizers like deviled eggs or pimento cheese, then move on to entrées ranging from fresh seafood to classic Southern favorites. The stylish interior and attentive service encourage relaxed conversation while still feeling special enough for a date night.

7 Tequilas

After dinner, walk over to 7 Tequilas to keep the evening lively. This vibrant Mexican restaurant and bar is a favorite for its margaritas, tequila selection, and upbeat energy. Even if you’ve already eaten, it’s an ideal stop for a drink or a small bite. The colorful decor, music, and friendly crowd create a fun contrast to dinner, helping the night feel dynamic and engaging. If the weather is nice, outdoor seating offers great views of the Square and excellent people-watching.

The Strand Theatre Glover Park

Next, head to the historic Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre for entertainment. A relic of the Reconstruction era, this beautifully restored venue hosts a wide range of events, including live music, comedy shows, plays, and classic film screenings. Checking the event calendar ahead of time allows you to plan your date around a show you’ll both enjoy. The Strand’s intimate setting and vintage charm add a sense of occasion, turning your night out into a shared experience you’ll remember.

End the evening with a relaxing walk through Glover Park, located at the heart of Marietta Square. The park’s fountain, open lawn, and surrounding lights create a peaceful and romantic atmosphere, perfect for slowing down after a busy evening. Grab dessert or coffee from a nearby shop, find a bench, and enjoy quiet conversation. On certain nights, live music or community events bring extra charm to the space.

2. CHOOSE A COLOR THEME

Valentine’s boards usually lean toward red, pink, and white, but what matters most is that the board feels cohesive. Adding gold or silver accents makes the board feel more luxurious.

3.

PICK YOUR CORE ITEMS

Mix sweet and savory so there’s something for everyone. A good rule of thumb is to use three cheeses and three meats. Aim for a mix of hard and soft cheeses, like Gouda, Brie, and goat cheese. Choose meats that are easy to eat, like prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni. A fun trick is to fold your salami into roses.

4. ADD VALENTINE'S SWEETS

Indulgence is romantic. Add sweets like chocolate-covered strawberries, truffles,  or heart-shaped chocolates.

5. FRESH FRUIT & EXTRAS

Ingredients like fresh fruits, tangy spreads, and salty nuts add variety to your board. Fruits like strawberries and raspberries fit nicely on a board, and their rich red hue fits the Valentine's theme. Nuts like almonds and pistachios add a salty crunch.

6.

CRACKERS & CRUNCH

Choose two to three crackers or breads to accompany your meats and cheeses. Make sure the flavors complement your board.

7. ARRANGE THE BOARD

1. Place the cheese first

2. Add meats and sweets

3. Fill the gaps with fruit

4. Add small bowls last for dips, spreads, or nuts

Tip: Arrange items in curves instead of straight lines for a soft, romantic look. Remember, a beautiful Valentine’s board doesn’t need everything. A few items done well look better than overcrowding.

JOHN Wesley DOBBS

Cobb County's Civil Rights Pioneer

ARTICLE BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

A glance at a map of Downtown Atlanta reveals a variety of streets named after African American leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. There's M.L.K. Jr. Drive, Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, John Lewis Freedom Parkway, and John Wesley Dobbs Avenue. What residents of Cobb County may not know is that the latter thoroughfare’s namesake has a strong tie to the Kennesaw and Marietta area.

John Wesley Dobbs was born on March 6, 1882, on a farm just north of Kennesaw. His grandparents and parents had all been enslaved in North Cobb before the Civil War and stayed in the area during Reconstruction. After his parents separated in 1884 and his mother moved to Savannah, John Wesley Dobbs was raised by his grandparents on their Kennesaw farm. In 1891, he moved to Savannah to live with his mother.

Dobbs was a student at the Atlanta Baptist College, now Morehouse College, and would stay in Atlanta for the rest of his life. He worked first at an Atlanta drugstore, but in 1903, he passed a civil service exam and was hired as a railway mail clerk. Dobbs worked on board a mail railroad car sorting letters as trains barreled across the southern landscape. Positions in the federal government like this were some of the most prestigious jobs available to Black Americans outside of Black communities.

In 1906, he married Irene Thompson, and they spent their honeymoon at his uncle’s farm in Kennesaw. They moved to Houston Street in Atlanta in 1909 and had six children. Over the next few decades, Dobbs became a leader in the Auburn Avenue community. An early sign of his growing importance came in 1911, when he joined the Prince Hall Masons and quickly rose through the ranks. This group was for African Americans, unlike other segregated Masonic groups.

During this period, Dobbs maintained strong connections to Kennesaw. Biographer Gary Pomerantz has noted that Dobbs saw his uncle, Jesse, at the Kennesaw Depot weekly and that the Dobbs family spent their summers at Jesse’s farm. Dobbs is also known to have visited the King’s Wigwam, an African American summer resort located just north of Kennesaw from 1915 to 1919.

In a July 31, 1915, article for the Atlanta Independent, Dobbs described the resort as being “situated on one of the most ideal spots for a summer resort in Georgia.” His account described the resort’s lake boat ride as “pure, fresh, and cool air” and a bucolic atmosphere. Sadly, in 1919, the resort was permanently closed.

In 1932, Dobbs became the Grand Master of the Prince Hall Masons in Georgia, giving him even greater influence on Auburn Avenue. At the same time, Dobbs became more civically involved and pushed for greater civil rights. In 1936, he founded the Atlanta Civic and Political League and encouraged African American voter registration in a period of disfranchisement. Dobbs was an advocate for voter registration for the rest of his life, and at the time of his death, the organizations he founded supported the registration of more than 175,000 voters. Beginning in 1946, Black voters were allowed to participate in statewide primary elections, and they began to exert greater influence on Atlanta elections in the 1940s and 1950s. Dobbs emerged as the leader of this new voting bloc.

Dobbs was known as the “Unofficial Mayor of Auburn Avenue” and coined the street’s nickname, “Sweet Auburn.” In the 1940s, he worked with Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield to improve the street, leveraging his role as a community

John Wesley Dobbs is buried in Atlanta’s South-View Cemetery

leader and the newfound power of Black voters. Thanks to Dobbs, streetlights were added to Auburn Avenue, and the City of Atlanta hired its first African American police officers. As the Civil Rights movement gained traction in the late 1950s and 1960s, Dobbs was seen as a symbol of the old-guard moderates. He played an important symbolic role in the Atlanta Sit-Ins of 1960 when he turned in his charge plate at Rich’s department store to protest segregation policies.

John Wesley Dobbs passed away on August 30, 1961. That very same day, Atlanta’s public schools were desegregated. People came from as far away as California and New York to attend his funeral, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a speaker. He's buried in Atlanta’s South View Cemetery. His daughter, Mattiwilda, was a noted opera singer, while his grandson, Maynard Jackson, was the first African American mayor of Atlanta. In 1994, Houston Street, where Dobbs lived, was renamed John Wesley Dobbs Avenue.

Cobb Chamber's 2025 Citizens of the Year

Four Cobb County Citizens Making Their Community a Better Place to Live

The Cobb Chamber’s Northwest Cobb Area Council, which represents Northwest Cobb’s four distinct districts of Acworth, Kennesaw, West Cobb, and Town Center, has selected four community advocates as 2025 Citizens of the Year. These outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.

Barbie Brown

Kennesaw Citizen of the Year

Barbie Brown has dedicated her life to creating a meaningful impact in her community. As the founder of The Brown Agency, she’s helped countless individuals build successful careers and brighter futures for their families with multiple branches in the area. Barbie serves on many nonprofit committees, notably as the treasurer of the Davis Direction Foundation in Cobb County, supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction and mental health challenges. She also served on the Board of Directors for The Safe Path Children’s Advocacy Center, where she helped protect and support children who are victims of abuse and neglect, and on the Board of Directors for Blue Thanksgiving, serving first responders and families in need. She’s helped raise more than $300,000 through galas and local charity events that she has co-chaired.

Megan Strange

Acworth Citizen of the Year

Megan Strange has dedicated more than two decades to North Cobb Christian School, where she currently serves as Upper School Principal. Her commitment to academic excellence and student development has shaped countless lives and strengthened the school’s reputation within the community. Off campus, Megan guides the Principals 101 leadership group through the Atlanta Christian School Association. Her influence also extends internationally, having served as a presenter and delegate at the Vancouver Symposium on Christian Education, where she collaborated with global leaders in faith-based education. Megan is equally committed to service beyond the classroom. She's led several domestic and international mission trips, guiding students and faculty in hands-on ministry and outreach that reflect her deep faith and global perspective. As an active member of the Acworth Business Association, Megan supports local initiatives and helps build meaningful partnerships between education and the business community. In December 2000, Megan moved next door to past Acworth Citizen of the Year Alderman Butch Price, who helped foster her love for the city.

Kat Schwaig

Town Center Citizen of the Year

Kat Schwaig first served as interim president of Kennesaw State University in 2021 before being appointed president in 2022. Since then, she has guided the university through a period of significant growth and innovation. Under her leadership, KSU launched Taking Flight, a strategic plan designed to elevate the institution to national prominence and strengthen academic excellence. During her tenure, the university has implemented a comprehensive student success initiative, introduced more than 50 new undergraduate and graduate degrees, minors, and professional credentials aligned with in-demand fields, and launched FLIGHT, a first-year student engagement program focused on community, academic progress, and retention. KSU has also achieved an 81% increase in external research awards, more than doubled research expenditures, joined Conference USA, and relaunched HatchBridge, a community-centered business incubator. Kat’s leadership has been recognized through honors including the Oscar Burnett Award for Distinguished Achievement in Business, the Cobb Executive Women’s Glass Ceiling Award, and Atlanta Magazine’s Women Making a Mark Award. She is an active community leader, serving as chair of SelectCobb and on the executive committees of both the Cobb and Metro Atlanta Chambers of Commerce.

Joyette Holmes

West Cobb Citizen of the Year

Joyette Holmes, a Board Member on the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, has made a lasting impact on Cobb County through decades of public service and leadership. She made history as the first woman and first African American to serve as both Chief Magistrate and District Attorney in Cobb County, where she worked to strengthen public safety while approaching each case with fairness, integrity, and compassion. Prior to her current role, Joyette was a partner at the Marietta law firm Gregory Doyle Calhoun and Rogers before being appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to serve full-time on the Board of Pardons and Paroles. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Joyette is deeply engaged in community service. She serves on the boards of MUST Ministries, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Hospital, Kennesaw State University’s President’s Community Advisory Board, the Cobb County Prayer Breakfast Committee, Capital City Bank’s Advisory Board, and the Cobb Chamber, where she is Marketing Chair and Co-Chair for Leadership Cobb’s 2026 class. Her service has been recognized by numerous community honors, reflecting her enduring commitment to justice and civic leadership.

SLATER Nalley

A VOICE THAT HEALS, A STORY THAT RESONATES

ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALBRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Before he ever stepped onto the American Idol stage, Slater Nalley sat across from his teacher with a song that helped her grieve, remember, and breathe again. That moment changed everything.

Music had always been part of Slater’s life, but it was never just a hobby. It was how he processed what it meant to be different, how he found purpose, and how he learned to stay grounded in who he was. While his peers were focused on sports, Slater was drawn to musicals, songwriting, and learning piano by ear. Being different was not always easy, but he kept showing up for the parts of himself that felt most true.

“I’ve had some really tough times that many of my peers don’t know about. Ones where I questioned a lot of things in life like what my purpose was and things no kid should really feel,” Slater admits. “I want my music to spread happiness, but have room for tears, too.” His goal is to put songs into the world that say, “Hey, you are not alone.”

Raised just outside of Atlanta with three younger sisters, Slater found comfort at his family’s property in South Georgia. That is where he would hunt, fish, ride horses, and talk about life with his dad. In those quiet moments surrounded by red clay and wide-open sky, he could imagine a future that made sense, even if others could not see it yet.

When Slater’s high school English teacher, Roswell resident Michelle Davis, lost her son Carter and his friend Natalie Henderson, she wrote something deeply personal and shared it with him. “When I asked Slater how he takes a poem and turns it into a song, I never imagined he would have interest in working on it and make it his own...all honoring Carter.”

Slater did more than simply turn words into lyrics. He listened, felt, and crafted Traces of You.

“To have my son live on in song is a priceless gift, one that breathes such joy in a place that is so sad. My family is eternally grateful,” Michelle shares.

She believed the message could resonate with others. “I imagined that anyone who had lost someone…whether they’ve passed or not, but a person no longer in their

life, could relate to this song because we often search for those little fingerprints our loved ones left behind.”

Michelle is part of a group called Warrior Moms, bonded by loss and strengthened by faith. Their message is simple. Grieve like a mother. Survive like a warrior.

Healing also happens in quiet spaces. At Roswell Area Park on Woodstock Road, there is a memorial bench created to honor Carter and Natalie.

Michelle says, “In these spaces, we connect to our kids and pray for comfort. And like Slater’s lyrics, anyone sitting on this bench or listening to ‘Traces of You’ hopefully believes this to be true: ‘everytime I see a bird fly by, I’m reminded that you’re answering our prayers’ and for me...it is everything.”

Moments like these shaped Slater’s understanding of what music can do. It is not just about performing. It is about connecting.

As he continued writing, Slater started sharing songs online. One of his videos reached more than five million views. That opened doors, but it is the people behind the songs that keep him grounded.

In 2024, he earned a Top 5 spot on American Idol. His sound, influenced by Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and John Prine, felt familiar yet fresh. His voice, soulful and raspy, seemed older than his years. That authenticity captured national attention.

He is now signed with Warner Music Nashville and Play It Again Music, the label founded by hit songwriter Dallas Davidson.

His first release, Foolish Pride, a song he wrote at just 15, is raw, emotional, and honest. It explores what it means to face your own flaws, to understand the part you play in heartbreak, and to be brave enough to admit it.

“At the end of the day, I am thankful to be here,” Slater says. “I am thankful that God has put me here, and I am thankful that I have been in such a fortunate situation to pursue what I love to do, and I’ve met the right people.”

His story is not about chasing fame. It is about choosing purpose. And sometimes, that starts with one song and the courage to share it.

Fresh

Take in sweeping alpine views

DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.

AN ALPINE ESCAPE

AN ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA

An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.

One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

WHERE TO STAY

Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.

WHAT TO DO

Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-year-old forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.

Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.

Peach Cobbler Factory Marietta

Make your next gathering unforgettable with our delicious selection of cobblers, banana puddings, and handcrafted desserts. We offer professional catering services for corporate events, private celebrations, and special occasions.

• Full-Service or Delivery Options Available

• Individual Servings or Family-Style Pans

• Customizable Dessert Menus

Let us take care of the sweet details. Contact us today to schedule your event.

Date Night

AT HOME

THREE CREATIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE LOVE

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

Not every date night needs to involve reservations or an elaborate itinerary. With a little creativity, you can create magical moments right at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to reconnect, here are three ideas for unforgettable at-home date nights.

ROMANTIC PICNIC UNDER THE STARS

Transform your backyard or balcony into a dreamy picnic spot! Spread out a cozy blanket, add a few fluffy pillows, and hang string lights or fairy lights for ambiance. A small fire pit or lanterns can also add a romantic glow.

Pack a picnic basket with finger foods and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Don’t forget a decadent dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Lay back and stargaze, identifying constellations or making wishes on shooting stars. To make it extra romantic, bring a bluetooth speaker and play soft music.

PAINT AND CREATE TOGETHER

Unleash your inner artists with one of these three fun and interactive dates. Grab some inexpensive canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints from the craft store. Don’t forget aprons or old clothes to protect against spills!

• Paint each other’s portraits for a mix of laughter and creativity.

• Work on a collaborative paintingeach person adds their own touch to a single canvas.

• Try a themed painting challenge, like recreating your favorite memory together.      Pair this date with a cheese platter and wine and don’t worry about being “good’ at painting - it’s all about enjoying the process together.

BREAKFAST IN BED

Start the day with love by turning breakfast into an indulgent experience. Prepare a tray with a DIY breakfast charcuterie board. Include mini pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, and pastries. Add small bowls of toppings like syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.

Mix up mimosas or serve coffee with flavored syrups and whipped cream for a café vibe. Then, snuggle up in bed and watch a favorite movie or TV series.

ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin.

To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.