Woodstock, GA March 2026

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At Thryv Medical , your wellness plan isn’ t created by wellness coaches or providers practicing outside their scope. Your care is led by Nurse Practitioners with prescriptive authority and an MD who oversees clinical protocols, ensuring that every recommendation is rooted in medical science.

We evaluate metabolic and hormonal health, order and interpret labs, prescribe medications, and design individualized treatment plans including clinically supervised weight-management programs supported by medical oversight and evidence-based guidance.

Our team delivers regenerative therapies grounded in the latest research, and every treatment is medically supervised with a focus on safety, clarity, and informed decision-making throughout your wellness journey. Call

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Where Home Lives

March is our Home issue, though not in the way you might expect.

When we talk about home, we are not just talking about houses, gardens, or front doors. Home is the word we come back to when we are trying to describe how a place makes us feel. This issue invites us to widen that meaning.

For many of us in Woodstock, home is not simply the place we unlock at night. It is the familiar drive past downtown. The route we walk without thinking. The sound of music floating through warm evenings. It is knowing where to sit, who you might run into, and that you belong before you even realize it. At this year’s State of the City address, Mayor Caldwell summed that up: “We are building a city that feels like home. That is our North Star.” Over the last few years, that vision has shown up in meaningful ways. Safer roads. Smarter infrastructure. Long-term investments that may not always be flashy, but quietly make everyday life easier. Downtown continues to grow with intention. The Mill District is stepping into its next chapter. A new hotel is planned to welcome visitors who want to experience Woodstock on foot. The parking deck has brought some welcome breathing room to our busiest blocks. These are not changes for the sake of change. They are thoughtful steps toward staying livable, walkable, and rooted.

Home is also care. This year, Dr. Andy Kragor and Dr. Michael Williams joined forces, bringing together a shared approach to orthopedic care built on trust, continuity, and relationship. It is a reminder that the best expertise is often felt most deeply on a personal level.

And then there is joy. The Woodstock Summer Concert Series has grown into the largest free concert series in the South. These are the moments that turn a city into a community.

Of course, home does not stop at the city limits. A date night might lead you to  Atlanta for a great meal, a gallery, or a show. We love that we get both. The closeness of home and the energy of the city. At the end of the day, home is family, community, and connection. As we look toward 2026, we would love to hear from you about the businesses and best-in-class services that make life here better. These are the stories we want to tell. They are, in every way, the stories of home.

Our home, Your home,

LISA THIBAULT, PUBLISHER

CHICKA ELLOY,

CO-PUBLISHER

@WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/WOODSTOCK

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Ken Carnes | ken.carnes@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Chicka Elloy | chicka.elloy@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Albright Photography

julie.albright@albrightphotography.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tran Bui, Sean O'Keefe

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Game. Building a Life.

Woodstock Builds the Next Home Chapter

Woodstock’s

Where You Go to Remember What Matters

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Welcome to Woodtsock, Police Chief Roland Castro 2: Elton John and Billy Joel tribute band Face 2 Face coming to the SCS WSTK 3: Whether you’re looking for deals and steals, you’re going to find all at our Outlets 4: Alpine. Where you can ALWAYS HAVE your CAKE and EAT it TOO. 5: Can’t wait to get back to spring evenings and food trucks at Truck and Tap 6: Visit Woodstock, GA team was honored to receive the Paul Broun Award for Marketing Initiatives. 7: Cheers from one of our favorites, Susto’s

Want to be seen in the magazine?

HAPPY SPRING from Cherokee Smiles Dental

Experience dentistry in a whole new way at Cherokee Smiles Dental. From the moment you arrive, our friendly team is here to make every visit stress-free and enjoyable. With the latest dental technology and a team of skilled professionals led by Dr. Ousley, we provide exceptional care tailored to your unique needs. Whether it’s aroutine cleaning or a complete smile makeover,you can trust us to deliver treatment with both expertise and compassion.

Dr. Kendra Ousley Your trusted dentist in Woodstock! All ages WELCOME at Cherokee Smiles!

www.cherokeesmiles.com 770-591-8446 9020 Hwy 92 St 102

GATHER & BLOOM HAS EXPANDED!!!

You can now shop our locally crafted gifts, attend our workshops, and get a custom bouquet made in both our Woodstock and Acworth Locations! Our Acworth location is now open at 4873 N. Main St. in Downtown Acworth! We’d love to see you there! We will have different gifts and be offering different amazing workshops at each location! Come make this holiday season extra special with us at Gather & Bloom!

Sign up for one of our amazing workshops here! 8582 Main St. Woodstock, GA | 678-403-2577 www.gatherandbloomboutique.com | V @gather.and.bloom

business monthly

GA Pressure Washing in Cherokee

It’s the perfect time to freshen up the place you call home. At GA Pressure Washing, we’re your neighbors—and we love helping homes in our community look their best. From gentle house washes to driveway cleanings that brighten things right up, our team shows up with care and attention to detail. Simple, reliable service that makes coming home feel even better.  Receive 10% off a house wash or driveway cleaning with code: CITY10.

A Local Woodstock Five Star Makeover

Five Star Painting brings fresh energy and expert craftsmanship to homes and businesses across our community. Their friendly, local team delivers professional interior and exterior painting with care and attention to every detail. From brightening a single room to giving an entire property a bold new look, they offer services that include walls, trim, exteriors, and custom specialty finishes. They help transform everyday spaces into places they truly love. Visit Fivestarpainting.com

Summer Nights, Signature Sound

The Woodstock Summer Concert Series returns in 2026 with a lineup that reflects its reputation as the largest free concert series in the South. The season opens May 9 with Black Jacket Symphony, followed by Carly Pearce on June 13 and Midnight Star on July 11. The Pop 2000 Tour arrives August 8, with a Face 2 Face Elton John and Billy Joel tribute closing the season September 12. For information on sponsorships, go to WoodstockConcertSeries.com

CHAMPAGNE SABRAGE: ART AND RITUAL

HOW A HISTORIC CHAMPAGNE TRADITION TRANSFORMS ORDINARY TOASTS INTO SOMETHING UNFORGETTABLE

ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI

Champagne sabering, also known as sabrage, is exactly what it sounds like: opening a bottle of Champagne with a saber in one clean, dramatic motion. Rooted in French history, the ritual was created to mark moments of victory and celebration with confidence and flair. While it looks bold and theatrical, when done correctly it is precise, controlled, and deeply traditional. This experience is brought to life by Sabrage Society Atlanta, a luxury brand focused on the art, ritual, and spectacle of Champagne sabering. Its mission is simple. Take a centuries old tradition and make it feel accessible, meaningful, and unforgettable for modern celebrations.

“I’ve always loved wine—the history, the craftsmanship, the artistry, and the simple fact that it’s alive,” says founder Rob Scruggs. “It’s also one of the only asset classes that can be consumed, which makes it completely unique. Some people may not realize that collectible wine including Champagne is considered an alternative asset class alongside real estate, fine art, vintage cars, and other collectibles.”

That blend of culture, value, and experience is what first drew him in. Wine is something people study seriously, but it is also meant to be enjoyed. “People who devote themselves to wine, whether by making it a profession or becoming certified sommeliers take it seriously, and I respect that. But at the same time, wine is fun. It brings people together, sparks conversations, and becomes part of the memories we make.”

After years of teaching Champagne and sabering classes and hosting events, he saw an opportunity to share that passion more broadly. “By highlighting the history, ceremony, and joy of sabering Champagne, I hoped to inspire more people to learn about Champagne itself and to experience how this tradition can bring a sense of celebration into everyday life,” he says.

That shared sense of celebration is what people connect with most. “Sabrage gives people a moment of pure ceremony, history, and shared excitement,” he explains. “Champagne already symbolizes celebration, but sabering a bottle elevates that feeling, it transforms an ordinary toast into something unforgettable.”

What surprises many first time participants is how approachable the experience really is. “The real challenge isn’t strength, it’s the moment. When you’re standing there with a saber in hand, everyone’s eyes turn to you.”

That pause, the anticipation before the strike is part of the magic. “And then it happens. The clean strike, the cork flying, and the Champagne flowing. The crowd reacts, the tension breaks, and jubilation takes over. It becomes a shared memory everyone leaves talking about.”

In a world where so many experiences are fleeting or digital, sabrage stands out as something tangible and real. “Sabrage is something tactile, celebratory, rooted in tradition, and accessible to anyone who wants to try it,” he says.

The beauty of sabrage is that it doesn’t require a grand venue—only a reason to celebrate. The experience can be brought directly to your home or event, whether it’s an intimate gathering, a milestone celebration, or a larger occasion meant to be remembered.

If you’re interested in bringing the art and ritual of Champagne sabrage to your next celebration, Rob Scruggs and the Sabrage Society Atlanta team offer private classes, luxury brand events, and curated Champagne experiences.

Sabrage Society Atlanta

saberingsocietyatl@gmail.com | (404) 984-1014

Facebook: Traveling Bacchus

Instagram: @confrerie_sabre_dor_ga

Pantone 2026: Cloud Dancer

A soft, luminous white redefining modern interiors with calm, clarity, and timeless design appeal.

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026 is “Cloud Dancer,” a soft, off-white that speaks to serenity, clear thinking, and calm in a busy world. This warm, luminous white acts as a neutral canvas that brightens spaces, balances bold accents, and makes rooms feel larger and more cohesive without dominating the palette. In the living room, painting walls and ceilings in Cloud Dancer opens up the space or built-in shelving to amplify light and create a peaceful backdrop for art and furniture, while textured throws and rugs add depth. In bedrooms, the shade on walls or bedding fosters restful stillness; pair it with natural wood and soft textiles for warmth. In kitchens and dining areas, works beautifully on cabinets, backsplashes, or walls, enhancing brightness without harshness; contrast

ARTICLE BY CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

it with matte metal hardware or deep accent colors like navy or charcoal to add sophistication. Also you can balance with earth tones like terracotta or olive. Smaller spaces like hallways, home offices, and bathrooms benefit from Cloud Dancer on ceilings or trim to reflect light and ensure visual continuity throughout the home.

As you prepare to see this color come to life in your own home. Consider what questions to ask your prospective painter? Such as…

UPFRONT UNDERSTANDING

• Did they provide a written proposal instead of an estimated cost?

• Does the proposal clearly specify the scope and non-scope needs of the project?

• Does the proposal specify what type of paint

RESPECT FOR YOUR NEEDS

• Will they prepare and follow a customized plan based on your needs?

• Is the plan detailed and specific?

• Does the plan consider work hours, people that will be around the property during the property and their needs, or any other special considerations you may have?

RESPECT FOR YOUR TIME

• Will they arrive at the agreed upon time each day?

• Will they depart at the agreed upon time each day?

RESPECT FOR YOUR HOME/PROPERTY

• Will they treat your property with the utmost care, as if it were their own?

PROCESS MADE PERSONAL

• Will a project supervisor be at the home/ property each day?

• Will they deliver progress updates regularly vis your preference (e.g. email, text, etc.)?

PEACE OF MIND

• Did they provide verifiable evidence of insurance so that you’re protected?

• Is their workmanship covered by a written, 2-year warranty?

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

• Will the project supervisor perform a final walk with you to identify any issues prior to project completion?

• Will they follow up with you once again after project completion to ensure satisfaction?

At CertaPro Painters, they understand that you don’t operate in the world of painting every day, like they do. That is why Jay Pitroff and his staff adhere to the procedures above. This ensures that you have a great experience, one that is grounded in “Certainty”.

KEV IN EGAN’S GLOBAL SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CAREER MEE TS FAMILY LIFE IN ROSWELL.

ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI

CALLING THE GAME.

BUILDING A LIFE.

Kevin Egan’s work has taken him across continents, into packed stadiums, and onto some of the biggest stages in sports and entertainment. From Dublin, Ireland to Atlanta, his journey has been anything but ordinary. Today, the global broadcaster, his wife Megan, and their children, seven year old James and four year old Maisie call Roswell home, putting down roots in a community that feels grounded and full of possibility.

Kevin currently serves as Apple TV’s lead host for Major League Soccer, a role shaped by more than two decades of on-air experience. His career includes a three-year run with WWE as the first non–North American voice to front Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. This summer, he’s Atlanta’s World Cup Host City Ambassador.

For Kevin, the best part of the job is clear.

“I think it’s the fact that I’m wearing a genuine smile on my face whenever I’m at work. My role as Apple TV’s host for MLS is my absolute dream job, and it only helps that I’m on air with some of my dearest friends. We spend most of the day laughing!”

That passion comes through in the way he talks about the sport.

“I’m so invested in the growth of our global game here in the US, and the trajectory Major League Soccer is on is undeniable. In December our 2025 season wrapped up with Lionel Messi winning MLS Cup, David Beckham with us on our broadcast desk, and the world watching it all play out. Just shy of five million people tuned in, and it was such an honor to host such a memorable broadcast.”

Roswell wasn’t always on the radar, but the timing aligned both personally and professionally.

“We hit the jackpot finding Roswell! My wife Meg and I were living in Miami for almost four years, when we decided to make the move, for personal and professional reasons. We had just become parents, and living on the 21st floor of a high-rise wasn’t exactly ideal with a baby!”

Atlanta also made sense for work. Kevin was already calling Atlanta United matches and had plans to begin covering soccer on CNN International.

What’s kept the family here goes beyond geography.

“Honestly I love it all, but if I was to hone in on one thing, I’d say community. There’s such a lovely collaborative zest and spirit for community where we live. Our kids are so lucky with the teachers they have, and our friends and neighbors are just the best.”

He’s already settled into a few local go-to spots.

“Meg and I love a cheeky little brunch date when the kids are at school, and for that we usually go to Fellows!” Kevin says. Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails is a favorite for dinner, while Mac McGee's and the Olde Blind Dog satisfy his love for Guinness beer. Burn Bootcamp has also become a staple, offering workouts, childcare, and a strong sense of community the family values.

This summer, Atlanta steps onto the world stage as the World Cup arrives, and Kevin believes it’s something everyone should welcome.

"It’s by far and away the biggest event on the planet, and we’re about to have over 500,000 fans come to Atlanta to party! The fun, the flair, and the flavor of each and every culture will be a joy to behold. Dive in and enjoy. We’ve got eight games in Atlanta, including a World Cup semifinal!"

Looking ahead, Kevin is focused on balancing both family life and a packed professional season.

“Our kids are at such beautiful ages, where Momma and Dadda are their best friends! This is what I want to savor every single day.”

Another new chapter is unfolding at the perfect moment.

"Meg and I are officially co-owners of a new pub, The Irish Exit, coming to downtown Atlanta in the heart of Centennial Yards, just steps from Mercedes Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. It will offer a proper pint of Guinness, craft cocktails, and modern Irish hospitality. I’m thrilled to be on this journey with my friend, Pierce White, in collaboration with The Dead Rabbit group out of NYC."

It's a fitting extension of the life Kevin and his family have built.

You can follow Kevin on Instagram, Threads, and X at @Kev_Egan, connect with him on LinkedIn, or book him as an emcee.

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From bold infrastructure to a downtown shaped for daily life, Woodstock’s next chapter prioritizes safety, mobility, and gathering places that feel unmistakably local for families.

WOODSTOCK BUILDS THE NEXT HOME CHAPTER

Woodstock has never been shy about ambition, but Mayor Michael Caldwell framed it with something quieter: home. In his fifth State of the City address, he credited neighbors, entrepreneurs, and first responders for shaping a downtown that feels lived-in rather than staged and a civic culture built on familiarity, trust, and pride.

The past four years offered clear evidence. The police department reached full staffing for the first time in more than a decade, alongside its most significant pay increase and an expanded downtown presence. Crime remains among the lowest in Georgia. Financially, the city’s credit rating climbed again; the tax rate is now 15 percent lower than in 2022, and the rainy-day fund has doubled. Even a headline infrastructure win arrived with a distinctly local touch: Cherokee County’s most enormous parking deck opened in the heart of downtown and remains free.

From there, Caldwell looked ahead. Woodstock is currently experiencing the highest level of active capital investment in its 129-year history. More than $50 million in public transportation and infrastructure projects are underway, joined by hundreds of millions in private development. Orange cones, he noted, are simply the visible markers of long-range planning. While other cities defer repairs,

Woodstock is choosing to build now, with durability in mind.

Mobility sits at the center of that strategy. The long-planned transformation of the Interstate 575 and Ridgewalk Parkway interchange into a diverging diamond has entered state oversight, with the Georgia Department of Transportation carrying it through design toward bidding next year. Closer to home, the reconstruction of Neese Road is nearing completion on its southern segment, while the northern portion and a new roundabout at Washington continue moving toward Arnold Mill.

Voters have also expanded the scope. A countywide transportation sales tax approved in November is expected to deliver roughly $65 million in dedicated funding for Woodstock projects, including widening Main Street, extending critical street connections, and improving several

high-conflict intersections. Regional coordination has helped move projects from planning to pavement, including federal appropriations supported by Barry Loudermilk and planning leadership from the Atlanta Regional Commission Downtown itself continues to evolve with restraint. The Woodstock Mill District will address a bottleneck on Towne Lake Parkway by extending Lyndee Lane and introducing a long-requested addition: Publix, designed as a walkable extension of downtown with integrated trails, public art, and more than 180 new trees. Nearby, the City Center development is advancing with a six-story, 130-room hotel planned to include restaurants, a spa, street-front retail, and conference space, all designed to reflect the scale and character of downtown Woodstock.

While construction defines the skyline, Caldwell returned to the fundamentals of

security and stewardship. Woodstock’s public safety investments emphasize consistency: a fully staffed police department, visible downtown patrols, and a leadership transition welcoming Chief Roland Castro. Fire services are expanding as well, with two new stations under construction, additional firefighters in training, and response times continuing to improve.

HOME ISN’T JUST A FEELING. IT’S A PLACE WE BUILD WITH STRONG FOUNDATIONS, SAFE STREETS, CONNECTED TRAILS, AND ROOM TO PLAY. THE ORANGE CONES ARE A PROMISE TO OUR CHILDREN FOR GENERATIONS AFTER THEM, TOO.

Financially, the city remains measured. Woodstock’s tax rate is at its lowest level in more than three decades, reserves now approach half of the general operating budget, and the city holds an AA-plus credit rating, signaling stability alongside growth.

Caldwell also highlighted attainable homeownership as a long-term priority. A planned downtown apartment project has shifted to owner-occupied condominiums, keeping wealth-building local. Woodstock now ranks among Georgia’s more affordable places to buy a home while remaining one of its most competitive markets.

And because home should include joy, the city’s cultural life continues to thrive. The Woodstock Summer Concert Series returns with artists including Carly Pearce, Midnight Star, and Black Jacket Symphony, underscoring a city committed not only to growth but also to gathering.

WHERE YOU GO TO REMEMBER WHAT MATTERS

Why Brevard Is Worth the Drive

It’s easy to gravitate toward the usual North Carolina destinations. Charlotte. Raleigh. Asheville. Familiar places that tend to fill up fast. But just three and a half hours from Atlanta, Brevard and Transylvania County offer something different. Something more grounded, refreshingly easy to enjoy, and lively when you want it to be.

Brevard’s appeal is that it doesn’t force one kind of experience.

“It’s amazing how, in just a few hours, you can step into a whole other world with beautiful mountains, 250 waterfalls, no traffic, and plenty of peace and quiet, with lots to do when you want it. Outdoor recreation, art, beer, music, and shopping. It’s all here, done Brevard style. ExploreBrevard.com is the go-to for lodging deals and everything you need to plan your time in our community,” says Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of Transylvania County Tourism.

ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY

What makes Brevard especially appealing is that it doesn’t ask visitors to fit into a single category. You don’t have to be overly outdoorsy to enjoy it, though the natural beauty is undeniable. The town works just as well for people who want to stroll, shop, eat well, and experience a true mountain community. What stands out just as much is how genuinely nice everyone is, from shop owners to locals you meet along the way.

It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a girls' trip, a couple's retreat, a family vacation, or a solo escape.

“While Brevard is a true outdoor paradise, it also has plenty of other things that make it an incredible community to experience. From a quaint, authentic downtown full of friendly folks to independent boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and an impressive lineup of breweries and music venues. There’s a different kind of fun around every corner,” Lovelace adds.

It’s a town that stays active without feeling rushed.

Music, Brews, and Local Flavor

Music and craft beer are part of everyday life here.

“Music and brews go together like peanut butter and jelly, and we have plenty of both, he says." From the classics at Brevard Music Center to bluegrass or funk at local venues, there’s always something playing. Pair that with our local breweries, and you’ll find live music pouring out somewhere almost every night.”

Where You Stay Matters

Lodging choices reflect that same flexibility, whether visitors want to stay close to downtown or retreat into the mountains.

“When it comes to places to stay, Brevard offers plenty of options from branded hotels near vibrant downtown Brevard and its restaurants and breweries, to comfortable cabins in remote mountain settings, to luxury resorts where pampering awaits,” Lovelace explains.

And then there’s Brevard’s most unexpected signature, white squirrels.

“For nearly 100 years, Brevard has been celebrating its white squirrels," Lovelace shares. "You’ll find the White Squirrel Shoppe downtown, images of our furry friends throughout town, and White Squirrel Weekend each May. And if you’re patient, stop by Silvermont Park or the Brevard College campus for a chance to spot one up close.”

A Weekend, Experienced Firsthand

On the drive into Brevard with my husband, two older teens, and dog, we stopped at Upper Whitewater Falls, a dramatic 411-foot plunge that the U.S. Forest Service calls “the highest waterfall east of the Rockies.” From there, we arrived without much of an agenda, which turned out to be exactly right. We stayed at Pilot Cove, a petfriendly cabin that immediately set the tone for the weekend. CONTINUED

Our first day was spent exploring downtown, stopping into local shops, grabbing coffee, and hanging out at Brevard Brewing Company. It’s walkable, welcoming, and full of locally owned spots that invite you to linger. We stayed downtown for dinner that night, keeping things simple and unhurried.

The next morning started at Pisgah Bakehouse, followed by something completely new for our family, fly fishing. Guided by J.E.B. Hall and Zach Hart from Davidson River Outfitters, we spent the morning learning the basics and enjoying the peacefulness of the river. One by one, we caught rainbow trout, and by the end of the morning, it was clear this would be our favorite part of the trip. We were officially hooked.

Lunch at the nationally known Oskar Blues Brewery checked all the boxes, with outdoor seating, a food truck, and a dog-friendly setup. One of Brevard’s biggest draws is the accessibility of its waterfalls. Many are close together and reached by short walks, making it easy to experience several in one afternoon. We visited Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, and Sliding Rock.

That evening, dinner at Wood and Vine felt like the perfect way to end a full day. On our final morning, we stopped at Morning Social, explored the Lumberyard District, and took the scenic route home.

Why We’ll Be Back

What stood out most wasn’t just what we did, but how the weekend felt. We had time to explore, experience something new, and truly connect. Brevard isn’t a place you rush through. It’s a place you stay longer because it reminds you of what matters.

Home to Generations of Woodstock Smiles

In every community, there are a few places that feel like home long before you realize it. They are the businesses you trust, the professionals who watch your children grow, and the familiar faces who become part of your family’s story. For many Woodstock residents, orthodontic care has long felt that way, and this spring, that sense of home grows even stronger. As Kragor Orthodontics celebrates ten years of serving the community, the practice welcomes a familiar and respected name back into local care. Dr. Michael Williams, whose career in Woodstock spans decades,

has returned to private practice and will now see patients as part of the Kragor Orthodontics team.

For generations of families, Dr. Williams has been more than an orthodontist. He has been a constant. A trusted presence during childhood milestones, high school years, and long after braces came off. His return has been met with excitement from patients and dental professionals alike, many of whom have been waiting to see where he would once again call home.

Dr. Andy Kragor, the practice's founder, understands that kind of connection deeply. Over the past decade, he has built Kragor Orthodontics with the same values that defined Dr. Williams’ legacy. Care that is personal, consistent, and rooted in long-term relationships. In a world where healthcare often feels transactional, both doctors have chosen a path that keeps people at the center.

The Woodstock office, now located just off Highway 92, reflects that philosophy. With twelve treatment chairs, multiple consultation rooms, a game room for younger patients, and thoughtful amenities throughout, the space is designed to feel welcoming and comfortable. It is a place where families feel known, not rushed.

Dr. Williams will practice part-time, expanding access and flexibility while maintaining the same high standards of care. The two doctors will not practice simultaneously, but they share a unified vision that ensures continuity and quality at every visit.

“Woodstock has always felt like home to me,” said Michael Williams. “I am grateful to continue serving families here alongside a practice that values people and community as much as I do.”

In this Home Issue, that idea rings true. Because sometimes, home is not just where you live. It is who has been there for you all along. And for countless families, Dr. Kragor and Dr. Williams have been exactly that.

Two trusted orthodontists continue caring for families who have called this community home for decades

ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRAGOR ORTHODONTICS

LAKE OCONEE

FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS

RITZ-CARLTON REYNOLDS HOSTS CHEFS, ARTISTS, AND VINTNERS FOR IMMERSIVE SPRING CELEBRATION BLENDING GLOBAL FLAVORS, FINE WINES, AND SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY LAKESIDE.

ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE

Set along 30 acres of pristine shoreline and cradled by towering Georgia pines just 90 minutes from Atlanta, The RitzCarlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is where refined luxury meets effortless lakeside calm. This spring, March 20–22, 2026, the resort becomes the center stage for the Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival, one of the Southeast’s most anticipated destination weekends.

Over four inspired days, the festival awakens every sense through inspired cooking, immersive dining experiences, and more than 200 wines from renowned vintners across the globe. Celebrated chefs and rising culinary talent take center stage, complemented by an eclectic mix of live performers and visual artists that infuse creativity into every corner of the weekend.

Guests are invited to join us in celebrating the art of food, wine, and togetherness, where every table tells a story and every glass brings people closer. For those looking to experience it all, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is offering a Lake Oconee Food & Wine Package giving guests access to the festival’s most sought-after events-Friday night’s Launch Party and Saturday evening’s Grand Tasting.

It is the ultimate lakeside escape filled with flavor, artistry, and Southern hospitality.

For more information, please visit LakeOconeeFoodAndWine.com

To book your room, please visit RitzCarlton.com/Reynolds

Atlanta’s Defining Destinations

Five places reshaping how the city is experienced in 2026

Atlanta is entering 2026 with a rare sense of cohesion. Longplanned projects are no longer theoretical. They are open, active, and shaping daily life. For visitors from North Georgia, these destinations offer a more layered experience than a weekend itinerary. Each reflects how the city is evolving without erasing its past. Historic bones remain visible. Green space is prioritized. Culture and infrastructure move together rather than in competition.

What makes these places compelling is not scale alone, though scale matters. It is the way they reframe Atlanta’s identity ahead of a global spotlight. These districts sit at the intersection of history, design, and civic intention. They reward slow wandering, photography, conversation, and return visits.

Atlanta’s momentum also feels intentional. These destinations are not isolated projects, but connected chapters in a broader urban narrative. For North Georgia residents, they offer a reason to return repeatedly, watching neighborhoods mature, seasons shift, and the city reveal itself slowly rather than all at once. This is not about checking landmarks off a list. It is about experiencing Atlanta as it wants to be seen in 2026. Confident, creative, and grounded in place.

Centennial Yards

The former Gulch has become Atlanta’s most ambitious act of reinvention. Centennial Yards unfolds between MercedesBenz Stadium and State Farm Arena, transforming long-neglected rail corridors into a mixed-use district of public spaces, dining, and pedestrian streets. For North Georgia visitors, it offers an easy entry point into downtown with wide walkways, skyline views, and proximity to major events shaping the city’s global moment.

“Atlanta’s most compelling destinations in 2026 are not defined by novelty or shine. They matter because history, design, and daily life finally move together, creating places that feel lived-in, intentional, and reflective of a city comfortable in its next chapter.”

South Downtown Revival District

Atlanta’s original downtown is being carefully restored rather than replaced. Fifty-seven historic buildings are reopening at once, creating one of the Southeast’s largest preservation efforts. Steps from the stadiums, South Downtown Atlanta blends early 1900s brick facades with emerging cafés, galleries, and creative offices. It feels authentic, photogenic, and deliberately unfinished in the best way.

Atlanta BeltLine Expansion

Often described as the city’s most influential development of the decade, the Atlanta BeltLine now connects more neighborhoods than ever. By 2026, Southside and Westside segments bring fresh energy beyond Midtown. Visitors can walk or bike through parks, breweries, and outdoor art without touching a car, experiencing Atlanta as a continuous social corridor.

Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry Pullman Yards

Atlanta’s largest park feels almost cinematic. Built inside a former quarry, Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry offers cliffside overlooks, a vast reservoir lake, and skyline views that surprise first-time visitors. It represents Atlanta’s investment in both beauty and infrastructure, quietly anchoring the Westside’s longterm growth story.

Once a railroad factory, Pullman Yards has become a rotating stage for Atlanta’s creative economy. Concerts, immersive exhibits, film shoots, and festivals fill its brick warehouses. For visitors, it captures the city’s entertainment momentum and its ability to repurpose industrial history into something culturally alive.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 8TH

Maker’s Mash at Reformation

Reformation Brewery - Woodstock | 12:00 PM

A curated outdoor market day that pairs well with a slow Sunday. Browse makers, artists, and small brands set up outside Reformation, with plenty of opportunities to pick up something handmade and genuinely local. Go early for the best finds, then linger with a drink and take your time. Think: community energy, not rushed shopping.

MARCH 14TH

Shamrock Crawl

Downtown Woodstock (crawl route) | 2:00 PM

Woodstock’s downtown crawl series turns a Saturday into a green-themed afternoon of walking, with stops at participating restaurants and bars. Expect an easy “choose-your-own-adventure” flow: pop in for a drink or bite, then move on when the mood shifts. Great for groups, but just as good as a casual date afternoon.

MARCH 14TH

The BanGos

MadLife Stage & Studios | 7:00 PM

If your perfect night includes sing-along choruses and big harmonies, this tribute to The Bangles and The Go-Go’s is a smart pick. It’s the kind of show that feels instantly familiar, even if you “didn’t realize you knew every word.” Dinner beforehand, music after, and you’re home before it feels like a production.

MARCH 24TH

Inside the Student Film Set

Woodstock Arts | 12:00 PM

The eighth annual Cherokee Student Film Summit gathered upper-level Audio/Visual Technology and Film students from across the Cherokee County School District for a day of industry-led learning. Presented in partnership with the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, the summit featured professionals from productions including Stranger Things, offering real-world insight into creative careers and transferable skills. For more information, visit Cherokeega.org

MARCH 26TH

WIT! – Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe

Woodstock Arts Theatre (8534 Main St.) | 7:30 PM

Live improv is one of the best kinds of “in-town” fun because it feels shared. No one knows what’s coming next, including the performers, and that’s the point. WIT! is a bright, laughter-forward night that works for date night or a small group, with downtown right outside when you’re done.

MARCH 27TH

Reinhardt University - FCA Clay Shoot

Garland Mountain | 8:00 AM

At beautiful Garland Mountain Sporting Clays in Waleska, for the inaugural Reinhardt University FCA Clay Shoot. You're invited to help fuel life-changing ministry at Reinhardt FCA as we strive to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. Visit Reinhardtfca.org to learn more or email Ashton Banks at abanks@fca.org