Atlanta Intown December 2025

The movies and the memories

EDITOR'S NOTE

I went to a 10 p.m. screening of “Wicked: For Good” on opening night. I didn’t have high expectations after reading the dismal reviews (including one by our own critic, Sammie Purcell). But I am a completionist at heart, and since I went to a late-night screening of part one a year ago, I felt compelled to see the story through.

So, I was quite surprised to find myself enjoying the movie and even getting a little verklempt at Elphaba and Glinda’s farewell tune, “For Good.” Yes, it’s too long, but I just let myself be taken away by the story, much in the same way I was back in 1975 when my parents let me watch “The Wizard of Oz” on TV. That movie remains a touchstone, as I know the “Wicked” films will be for a new generation.

Escaping into films, books, and music has always been a favorite coping mechanism when the real world becomes too heavy.

Along with world events, political upheaval, and the loss of beloved idols (Diane Keaton and Robert Redford, for me) and friends, it’s been an extra-heavy year.

In late October, I met friend and LGBTQ+ historian Dave Hayward for lunch at Manuel’s Tavern. Our conversation revolved around politics, preserving sanity in times of trouble, and movies. He brought me the New York Times Style Magazine with Glenn Close on the cover, and we discussed the upcoming screening of “Fairyland” –which chronicles

Editorial

Collin Kelley

Executive Editor

Beth McKibben

Editor-in-Chief

Sr. Editor Food & Dining

Cathy Cobbs

Managing Editor, Reporter Newspapers

Sammie Purcell

Associate Editor

Staff Writers

Katie Burkholder, Bob Pepalis, Logan C. Ritchie, Sarra Sedghi, Stephanie Toone

Contributors

Asiya Abdus-Saboor, Sally Bethea, Melody Harclerode, Jacob Nguyen, Alander Rocha

the life of late Atlanta activist and writer Steve Abbott – he was organizing for Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. at The Tara Theatre.

The screening will go on, but Dave won’t be there. A few days after our lunch, he died of a heart attack at the age of 76. One of the last topics of conversation we had before leaving Manuel’s that afternoon was the future of Dave’s significant archive of LGBTQ+ papers, books, and ephemera.

Dave co-founded the nonprofit Touching Up Our Roots, the LGBTQ+ story project and self-guided audio tour featuring sites important to queer Atlanta. He was an early member of the activist group Georgia Gay Liberation Front and was one of the co-founders of the city’s chapter of ACT UP, the political group

formed in the late 80s to end the AIDS pandemic. He participated in the city’s first sanctioned Pride march in 1972.

Dave was not an easy person. On my first day as editor of our sister publication, Georgia Voice, he sent a haranguing email about our coverage of Jimmy Carter’s death, noting that the late governor and president wasn’t always an LGBTQ+ ally. We had

Published By

Rough Draft Atlanta

Keith Pepper

Publisher keith@RoughDraft.news

Neal Maziar

Chief Revenue Officer neal@RoughDraft.news

Rico Figliolini

Creative Director

Circulation

Each month, 27,000 copies of Atlanta Intown are mailed to homes and distributed to businesses in and around ZIP codes 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30324 and 30329. For delivery information, delivery@RoughDraft.news

To subscribe to home delivery, ($125 / year) email delivery@RoughDraft.news

several testy exchanges, and I didn’t speak to him for a couple of months.

We started talking again at a book signing event for Marty Padgett’s book about Atlanta activist Michael Hardwick. From that day on, we spoke by phone several times a week, saw each other at local events, and met for lunch at Manuel’s.

Dave, above everything else, was a historian with the single-minded focus of chronicling Atlanta’s complicated history with what used to be called the gay rights movement.

In a 2021 interview, Dave said: “There’s a great deal of privilege and responsibility in that position. For me, most of all, in terms of being a witness, it’s remembering our holocaust. We lost so many people as a result of AIDS. So many groups, so many initiatives, have been forgotten as a result of that loss. For each one of us, if we could just use our voices in whatever way we can. You can’t live for anybody. You can’t bring anyone back to life. But you can call them up, call them forth, call them out in the present moment to honor and remember them as you educate the future.”

Thinking about Dave now, the lyrics of “For Good” spring to mind: “I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason – bringing something we must learn.”

Dave Hayward taught me – and so many of us – how to be patient, how to be dedicated, how to be a steward of the past so that people and their sacrifices are not forgotten. And those films, books, music, and scraps of paper we treasure are more than just escapes, but memories worth cherishing and sharing with others.

May your holiday season be filled with love, light, and memories of those who changed you for good.

Advertising sales@RoughDraft.news

Deborah Davis Account Manager | Sales Operations deborah@RoughDraft.news

Jeff Kremer

Sr. Account Manager jeff@RoughDraft.news

Suzanne Purcell Sr. Account Manager suzanne@RoughDraft.news

Operations

Savannah Pierce savannah@RoughDraft.news

MEDLOCK

Making it in local media

This column is adapted from A Pinch of Pepper, a periodic email newsletter about the business of local news, including behindthe-scenes looks at Rough Draft Atlanta. Subscribe at substack.com/@pinchofpepper

Five years ago this month, I bought Atlanta Intown and a portfolio of local newspapers whose (declining) revenue came almost exclusively from print advertising. It was, admittedly, an odd time to do so.

Media was being upended by technology, and some people were still spraying their mail with Lysol, let alone picking up print newspapers.

While the challenges are far from gone, and new ones seem to show up daily, the gamble has worked out beyond my expectations. In addition to creating the perfect job for myself, we are closing 2025 with record revenue and readership approaching one million people each month across print, web, newsletters, and social media.

I don’t take any of this growth or success for granted. As you will read below, industry headwinds remain fierce and macroeconomic uncertainty is a constant threat to advertising investment.

A young journalist recently told me that “Even my friends who don’t follow the news read Rough Draft,” and I blushed and beamed simultaneously, pride fighting its way through my imposter syndrome.

Industry update

In late October, I sat on my sofa with my laptop to write while the World Series played on my TV, a documentary streamed on my iPad, and my phone buzzed with texts. Four different screens were competing for my attention, a perfect snapshot of today’s media landscape and the challenge facing every company trying to earn even a sliver of it.

The documentary was "Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink" (stream it on PBS), which chronicles how hedge funds, particularly Alden Capital, have gutted newspapers across America, unraveling the civic fabric of communities in the process.

The Northwestern Medill School’s recent 2025 "State of Local News" report contains numbers that should alarm anyone who cares about our seemingly teetering democracy: more than 3,500 newspapers have shuttered over the past two decades. That means thousands of school boards and city councils now operate without anyone watching. In Georgia, Medill said that 17 counties do not have a local news source, and 117 counties have only one.

What about print?

There has been a lot of talk about The

decision to end its print edition at the end of this year. This move should not be seen as a retreat from journalism; the AJC will still be the largest newsroom in the Southeast, but rather as a normal evolution of a business aligning with customer demands and economic reality.

Simply put, the cost of producing and delivering a daily newspaper doesn’t work.

That said, our model of a free, monthly direct-mailed print edition will remain financially viable and editorially effective for years to come. We know that readers enjoy the chance to slow down, browse, and discover interesting stories, and that advertisers value reaching the most influential and engaged readers in metro Atlanta.

We have transitioned to become digital first in our content delivery, including redoubling our efforts on newsletters, but we aim to produce the best free print product in the market.

Since 2020, we have seen our revenue mix shift, and we are now 27% digital, representing a nearly 16-fold growth in digital ad sales. Every year, contributions from readers have increased, and it now represents slightly more than one percent of our total revenue.

But that’s only part of the story. Our total revenue is up almost 60% from the pandemic lows of 2020, and print revenue in Q4 is 22 percent higher than last year.

"Even

Here’s what we are working on for 2026:

■ Sarra Sedghi has expanded her work with us to include culture and events related to the FIFA World Cup 26.

■ Summer Evans, a familiar voice to public radio fans, is producing a daily Instagram Reel based on our morning newsletter. Please follow us at @ RoughDraftATL.

■ We will continue to look at measured geographic and vertical growth areas.

Thank you for supporting local journalism and please feel free to share any and all feedback with me via email at keith@roughdraft.news.

Happy holidays!

National Women’s Soccer League coming to ATL

By Collin Kelley

Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank will expand his sports empire with a newly awarded National Women’s Soccer League club. The franchise, which will begin play in 2028, will be operated by AMB Sports and Entertainment.

Atlanta will become the NWSL’s 17th team following the additions of Boston and Denver in the most recent round of expansion, according to a press release. Atlanta plans to play its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Blank’s investment in bringing women’s professional soccer to Atlanta will also include the development of a state-ofthe-art training ground dedicated to the NWSL club and staff.

In addition, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation will provide seed funding to launch the NWSL Foundation, which will focus on advancing research and innovation in women’s sports, with an emphasis on female athlete health and performance.

AMBSE is already engaged with NWSL in the initial stages of developing a club name and brand identity that will include direct input from city and state

soccer fans, according to the press release.

The search for team leadership has already begun and is being led by Blank, leaders across AMBSE and the broader Blank Family of Businesses, with support from Sportsology.

The announcement comes as Atlanta is set to host eight games in next year’s FIFA World Cup.

“We are thrilled to bring a National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Atlanta and Georgia and the passionate soccer fans here. We look forward to working with the NWSL and other club owners to continue building the best women’s soccer league in the world and are committed to creating a world-class organization on and off the pitch,” Blank said in a statement. “Our clear goal is to compete for championships beginning in 2028 and serve as a source of pride for fans in Atlanta, Georgia and the league for decades to come. Our city and state have a deep passion for the game of soccer, and I know our fans will embrace this club as they have Atlanta United."

Atlanta Sports Council President Dan Corso said Blank’s leadership in bringing an NWSL team to Atlanta reinforces the city’s standing as the center of the soccer world in America.

“It builds on our incredible momentum heading into FIFA World Cup 2026 and helps to position Atlanta as a

natural host city for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031,” Corso said.

Election Results: Light turnout, runoffs and a Democratic upset

By Alander Rocha and Collin Kelley

Light turnout, runoffs, and a Democratic upset in the Georgia Public Service Commission races were the stories of the Nov. 4 off-year election.

An estimated 1.5 million Georgians cast ballots in the election cycle, a fraction of the state’s eight million registered voters.

Locally, incumbent Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens decisively repelled three challengers to sail into a second term. Marci Collier Overstreet will be the next Atlanta City Council President, beating Rohit Malhotra by about 2,800 votes.

The biggest local story was the number of runoffs for city council and board of education seats, which were set to be decided on Dec. 2. Be sure to visit RoughDraftAtlanta.news to see the results.

But the most closely watched races in the state were for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Democrats Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson delivered an upset, defeating two Republican incumbents.

The wins come as the cost of electricity has become a major consumer issue. The defeated Republican incumbents had voted to approve six rate increases over the last two years, resulting in an estimated average increase of about $500 per year for the average household.

The double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and reshapes the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.

The PSC regulates Georgia’s major utilities, including Georgia Power, and its decisions directly impact residential energy bills.

Hubbard, a clean energy advocate, ousted Republican incumbent Commissioner Fitz Johnson in the District 3 race. In a statement, Hubbard framed the results as a clear mandate from voters frustrated by soaring power costs.

“Affordability is front and center in voters’ minds, and today they overwhelmingly said they’re tired of subsidizing corporate interests at the expense of their families,” Hubbard said. “As I serve out my first term on the Public Service Commission, I will work tirelessly to lower utility costs, to bring more clean,

reliable energy resources to this state, and to refocus the Commission’s work on the public interest.”

“This victory is a direct response to [Republican]’s cost-raising agenda that is

squeezing pocketbooks in Georgia and across the country,” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, a Rome Republican, announced her plans to resign from Congress after clashing with President Donald Trump over the release of the Epstein files.

The Lovett School received a record-breaking $30 million commitment from the Rollins Family, the largest single donation in the school’s 99-year history. The gift will support the construction of Rita Anne Rollins Hall, which will bring together makerspaces, media studios, a new chapel, performing arts venues, a dining commons, a learning commons, and an expansive campus green.

Demolition is underway on Sparks Hall, Georgia State University’s former classroom building in Downtown Atlanta. The demolition of the 65-year-old building is part of GSU’s plan to create a campus quad and expand the GSU Greenway to create more connections to its various buildings and facilities.

The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved the creation of an oversight commission for Mayor Andre Dickens’ $5 billion plan to encourage development in historically neglected neighborhoods in south and west Atlanta.

MARTA rolls out new fare collection system ahead of World Cup

By Collin Kelley

MARTA will replace its entire fare collection system over the next six months, with a goal of spring 2026 for implementation and customer transition.

Installation has already begun at Lindbergh, Doraville, West End, North Springs, Kensington, and India Creek.

The system will retain the popular Breeze name, but fare collection equipment, including Breeze cards and tickets, faregates, vending machines, and the mobile app, will be updated and modernized, along with fareboxes in later project phases.

The new system will allow open

payment where riders can tap their bank card, smartphone, or mobile wallet to pay for their ride. Fare will remain $2.50 for a one-way trip.

“It’s great to keep fares unchanged for years, but not an entire fare collection system,” MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt said. “MARTA is implementing some incredible projects and initiatives next year ahead of the World Cup, including new trains, a new bus network with ondemand transit zones, a new bus rapid transit line, and a new On the Go app and MARTA website. We need to ensure our Breeze system is aligned with these once-in-a-generation improvements and

Dive into the flavors and fun of Chamblee where global cuisine meets fresh air adventure and a welcoming community. Savor bold bites, enjoy events made for everyone, and experience moments that feel made just for you. Step in with open curiosity. Visit Chamblee and let the excitement find you.

ready for the future.”

Officials said customers should pay attention to signs and announcements at rail stations denoting which faregates are closed for construction to ensure smooth travel. Note that this is a systemwide project and the phased construction approach will mean new faregates may be installed, but not yet usable. Current Breeze cards and mobile app will not work on the new fare equipment.

Customers should continue using the existing Breeze mobile app, fare media, and equipment. Access to all rail stations will be maintained, and there will be a month-long period in spring 2026 for customers to transition from the current

Breeze system to the Better Breeze system. In other MARTA news, removal of the concrete canopy over the MARTA Five Points Station is underway as part of a major renovation of the transit hub. The existing concrete canopy, which was part of the station’s original design when it opened in 1979, is being removed by construction company Skanska. The removal process paves the way for a new, open-concept station and 32,000-square-foot mass timber canopy with three new pedestrian entrances. The redesigned station will feature communal spaces, public art, and sections designated for urban agriculture, enhancing the overall commuter experience.

Atlanta’s Favorite Real Estate Team

City explores taking over neglected Greenwood Cemetery

By Logan C. Ritchie

Greenwood Cemetery on Cascade Road in southwest Atlanta has fallen into disrepair under private ownership, and city officials are actively pursuing conversations about taking over the property.

The city has held meetings in recent months with stakeholders, including families of those buried at the 121-year-old cemetery, as well as Chinese, Greek, and Jewish community leaders.

Winding lanes inside the cemetery are worn down and full of potholes. Several large dead trees loom over dirty headstones, signage is broken, and the land is eroding in swaths.

Chartered in 1904, Greenwood is known for the Memorial to the Six Million, a site on the National Registry of Historic Places which holds annual events to commemorate those who perished in the Holocaust.

The cemetery has a large Jewish population, as well as the Chinese Memorial Garden and a gated Greek section. In 1928, the Greek Ladies Auxiliary Society founded St. Barbara’s Chapel, the oldest Orthodox church in continuous use in Georgia, according to local historian Victoria Lamos.

Atlanta Preservation Center. He believes the location and size of Greenwood is influential to the area.

Adjacent to Greenwood Cemetery, the City of Atlanta is revitalizing the John A. White Golf Course. A two-story, 29,000-square-foot multi-purpose activity center is expected to open in 2026 to serve both the senior community and golf enthusiasts.

“Whether it be a cemetery or an identified and acknowledged and recognized historic building on Edgewood Avenue, we are a culture/nation in transition.

Those buried at Greenwood include S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A; Frank Taffell, a founder of Congregation Beth Jacob; and Hank Ballard, who wrote and originally recorded in 1959 the party song “The Twist.”

Atlanta’s Parks and Recreation Commissioner Justin Cutler has for two months led preliminary talks about a possible transition in ownership. The most recent meeting, held on Tuesday, Oct. 28, was “an informal and private conversation between Commissioner Cutler and members of Atlanta’s Jewish congregations with loved ones buried at Greenwood Cemetery,” a City of Atlanta employee said. “Out of respect for the attendees, we are not sharing any information.”

Cutler was not immediately available for comment.

Greenwood is owned and operated by F. Coll Bowen, III, and formerly by his father, Frank Bowen, Jr. Calls to the cemetery by Rough Draft were unanswered.

Several stakeholders said broken landscape equipment on site is not being repaired or replaced by the Bowen family.

Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal confirmed that landscapers were hired by Ahavath Achim (AA) Synagogue to maintain the section used by the congregation.

Protecting spaces that have meaning and value is becoming more and more complicated and difficult, said David Y. Mitchell, executive director of the

Cemeteries should represent a place where we remember and visit to remind ourselves of past experiences and those that hoped for us to do better,” Mitchell said. “A cemetery is the zenith example of a space where we should feel our loved ones are at peace; yet, we see that it is the living that continue to be the issue, far more than the dead.”

Karen Lansky Edlin is the president of Eternal Life Hemshech, the organization that maintains the Memorial to the Six Million. Edlin said she hopes the City of Atlanta “steps in and moves forward” because of the memorial’s historic status.

“In 1964, the Holocaust survivors in Atlanta spent time discussing where to put the memorial. They knew synagogues and Jewish centers could come and go, but a cemetery would be forever,” said Edlin. “They wanted people to be able to come and visit. They wanted it in public place. And of course, it seemed most fitting to be in a cemetery. When we go to the memorial, we see evidence on the inside that people have come and they have visited. People are touched, and leave behind flags, coins, stones and stuffed animals.”

Rich Lapin learned about the potential change from his synagogue, Temple Emanuel in Sandy Springs. Lapin’s in-laws are buried at Greenwood Cemetery, where he and his wife have plots.

“I was surprised to learn about this recently, and am concerned about what it might mean for me, my wife, and her extended family who are buried at Greenwood Cemetery,” Lapin said.

Fees double at parks, despite budget surplus

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

Sally Bethea

When my mother moved into nursing care many years ago, I became the custodian of our family history: dozens of large envelopes, bulging albums, and even a small “horse-hair” trunk. They contained handwritten deeds, certificates, wills, and other memorabilia from the late 1700s to the 1940s. In this unorganized jumble of births, deaths, news stories, old photos, and family trees, I found an amazing woman—Helen Cowles Whitehead, my grandmother.

Born in New York City in 1880 and educated there in physical education and social work, my grandmother moved to Norfolk, Virginia, as the bride of a physician in 1909, and got involved in her community. Today, we would call her an activist. By the time she died in 1948, a few years before I was born, she had helped improve public welfare programs throughout the city and, in 1913, established Norfolk’s public playground program in five city parks. As a longtime advocate for rivers, parks, and other natural areas, I like to think that my DNA mix may contain some of her genes.

Beloved Green Spaces

Georgians love parks. Whether located in cities or remote areas, they are places where people can go for physical and mental well-being: a way to manage stress in an increasingly stressful world. In 1634, the oldest public park in America was created as the Boston

Two and a half centuries later, the first national park was established as Yellowstone National Park (1872), and the first state park, in 1885, at Niagara Falls State Park in New York. (The preservation of California’s Yosemite Valley in 1864 by President Abraham Lincoln was an early example of land being set aside for public use, instead of homesteads.)

Early in the twentieth century, social reform advocates initiated the playground movement in parks to promote health and happiness, public safety on crowded streets, and reduce crime. The first municipal playground was installed in New York City. Child and family welfare advocates, including my grandmother, saw the immense benefits offered by this innovative, largely government-funded concept. People of all income levels and abilities could find community, new skills, and solace in nature. Public parks became a

firmly established government responsibility nationwide.

Public green spaces are also essential to democracy. They function as social “infrastructure,” providing shared, accessible places in nature that can foster a sense of community.

The question of whether public parks should be free or require an entrance fee involves balancing social equity (fairness to all) and public health benefits against the need for maintenance funding.

Today, most of us are living with high levels of uncertainty in our personal lives and in our country. Affordability is a serious concern. A recent poll found that a majority of Americans say they’re spending more on groceries and utility bills than a year ago. At such a time— with a budget and reserve surplus of more than $14 billion—why did the state of Georgia decide to double the cost for its citizens to find exercise and some respite in a public park?

Entrance Fees

Georgia has nearly 50 state parks and 15 historic sites that attract millions of visitors every year. Maintenance of these sites costs about $109 million annually—half of which is offset by various user fees, including $5 for a daily parking pass, or $50 for an annual pass. The remainder is supported by state and

some federal appropriations. At least four southern states do not charge any fee for visitors to their public parks.

It’s no surprise that park maintenance and repair costs are rising—just like everything else. The Georgia Board of Natural Resources (Board), which oversees state park management, commissioned a performance audit that recently recommended dozens of ways in which Georgia’s parks can generate additional revenue from their millions of annual visitors.

Unanimously, the Board voted in favor of one recommendation: to increase parking pass fees. Daily passes will be doubled to $10 and annual passes increased to $70 beginning in January. A variety of other services, from golf fees to cottage and campsite rentals, were also suggested as possible revenue generators; the state says it has “no timetable” for implementing those increases now.

Tone-Deaf

and Callous

It’s true that people often value an opportunity more if they pay some amount for it. That said, I believe it’s completely tone-deaf and downright callous for the Board of wealthy political appointees to make it more expensive for families—and veterans and senior citizens—to enjoy Georgia’s public parks, especially as personal and family expenses are dramatically increasing.

The auditors found that the $10 daily pass could increase annual revenue by $3.7 million and that, hypothetically, $15.8 million might be raised if 10 percent of Georgia’s registered vehicles paid for the discounted park pass.

At the hearing before the Board vote, Mark Woodall, legislative chair for the Sierra Club Georgia Chapter, summarized the concerns of those opposed to the fee increase: “The state parks of Georgia should be for all the people of Georgia, regardless of income. With over $14 billion in reserve, it would be outrageous for the state parks to increase fees. In these difficult times, we ought to be encouraging people to get outdoors, not making it harder.”

Members of the Georgia Board of Natural Resources are appointed by the governor. All 19 existing members were appointed by Republican governors over the past two decades. Not a single one has experience or training as an environmental scientist, engineer, biologist, environmental educator, natural resource manager, or conservationist. The 2026 gubernatorial election will take place in less than a year. Voting matters!

The More The Merrier!

Virginia-Highland’s Winterfest & Tour of Homes come together for a weekend of holiday charm

On Dec. 13 and 14, get ready for a full weekend of holiday fun and community spirit. This year, Virginia-Highland’s two most beloved events, Winterfest and the Tour of Homes, are coming together for one weekend packed with charm and holiday cheer that supports the entire neighborhood.

By combining the vibrant energy of Winterfest with the historic charm of the Tour of Homes, the weekend becomes a major community fundraiser that offers something for everyone, from runners to shoppers to architecture lovers.

By merging these signature events, the Virginia-Highland Civic Association and Virginia Highland District Association are able to combine forces and raise more funding for essential services and neighborhood improvements, helping preserve the beauty and vitality of Virginia-Highland for years to come.

Unwrap the Weekend Schedule

Saturday, Dec. 13

8 a.m.: Jingle Jog 5K

10 a.m.: Holiday Parade

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Gift Market

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Kids Corner

Noon to 6 p.m.: Tour of Homes

Sunday, Dec. 14

Noon to 5 p.m.: Tour of Homes vahitourofhomes.org

A Closer Look

Jingle Jog 5K

The Jingle Jog is back and bigger than ever! Lace up your sneakers, put on your bells, and kick off Winterfest weekend with a festive 5K starting at 8 a.m. on Dec. 13. Your little ones can join the fun too with our 0.25-mile Elf Dash, free for runners under 12. Come decked out in your festive holiday gear–costumes are highly encouraged! Every Jingle Jogger will receive a commemorative race T-shirt.

Holiday Parade

The Holiday Parade rolls out at 10 a.m. after the Jingle Jog, making its way down Lanier Blvd, filling the streets with festive floats, music, and holiday cheer. Want to be part of the magic? Float registration

is now open, so gather your group, get creative, and join the fun!

Gift Market

Find gifts worth giving and support the 80 talented local makers and artisans at the heart of the festival. From youth-made crafts to unique vintage jewelry, the Gift Market is the perfect place to shop small and check off everyone on your list. The market is open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Tour of Homes

The annual event anchors the weekend with a self-guided look inside some of the neighborhood’s most charming residences, dressed up for the season. The tour runs both Saturday and Sunday. See page 15 for more on the tour.

Kids Corner

Winterfest is fun for the whole family! Bring your little ones to the Kids Corner

from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday for a day packed with holiday excitement from festive crafts and s’mores to face painting and bounce houses. It’s the perfect spot for kids to play, create, and make merry memories while you shop.

Volunteer

Winterfest wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers! From cheering on Jingle Joggers and welcoming families at the Kids Corner, there are plenty of ways to get involved and meet your neighbors. All volunteers receive a free official Winterfest T-shirt AND a free drink ticket. Sign up today and help make the Winterfest magic happen!

For the full schedule, participating vendors, and volunteer opportunities, visit vahitourofhomes.org or follow @vahi_tour_of_homes on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Homes for the Holidays

Step inside 10 Virginia-Highland homes decked out for the season

For the first time this December, the Virginia-Highland Civic Association (VHCA) will host its Tour of Homes in tandem with Virginia-Highland Winterfest, offering a full weekend of seasonal celebration. The collaboration brings together Instagram-worthy “homes for the holidays” with irresistible charm, shops, restaurants, and community spirit.

Returning to its original December schedule, the Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes celebrates a century of architectural charm and neighborhood pride with a showcase of 10 beautifully decorated homes, including homes featured in Architectural Digest and House Beautiful.

Tour times are Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person (children 10 and younger are free) in advance at vahitourofhomes.org or $40 the day of the event. The tour app is available on both Apple and Google Play.

The 2025 tour offers a rare peek inside these coveted homes, beautifully dressed in their holiday best, and the opportunity to be inspired by some of Atlanta’s top interior designers, including Heuer Design Collective, Bellwether Interiors and Nugent + Co.

Proceeds from the Tour of Homes benefit the Virginia-Highland Civic Association and its work with civic engagement, local schools, parks and community improvement projects.

This year, the magic of the Home Tour extends beyond the featured houses.

VHCA will host Window Wonderland, a charming and cozy display of storefront windows along North Highland Avenue. For this presentation, Midtown High School students were partnered with neighborhood businesses to create festive, creative window designs that bring the spirit of the season to life.

Continued on page 18

VIRGINIA - H IGHLAND

D E C E M B E R 1 3 - 1 4

The same weekend, Winterfest, a growing neighborhood event tradition, delights visitors from across the city with the Jingle Jog 5K, a holiday parade, gift market, Kids Corner and more.

The two perfectly paired events encourage residents and visitors to explore, shop local, and enjoy the mix of history and creativity that defines Virginia-Highland.

For more than 50 years, the Virginia-Highland Civic Association (VHCA) has been the heartbeat of one of Atlanta’s most beloved neighborhoods. Born from community activism in the 1970s— when neighbors joined together to stop a highway that would have cut through the heart of VaHi—the VHCA has carried forward the same spirit of stewardship and connection ever since. From advocating for green space and walkable streets to supporting local schools and preserving the neighborhood’s historic architecture, the VHCA continues to protect and nurture the qualities that make Virginia-Highland a true intown treasure.

Today, that legacy lives on through projects funded by events like the Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes. Every ticket sold supports the ongoing renovation of John Howell Park; grants for Springdale Park Elementary School, Virginia-Highland Elementary School, DT Howard Middle School and Midtown High School; and historic restoration and community improvement projects that keep VaHi thriving.

The VHCA Tour of Homes is more than a celebration of design. For 50 years, it has served as a living expression of what makes this neighborhood extraordinary: neighbors working together to ensure that the charm, creativity and community spirit that defined VirginiaHighland’s past will continue to shape its future.

By Asiya Abdus-Saboor

EDITOR’s NOTE: This story is a partnership with VOX ATL, a youth-led nonprofit media organization that prepares teens for life, career, and community by harnessing the power of youth voice and uncensored self-expression. Find out more at voxatl.org.

Sneaker culture as we know it today was launched in the 1980s when Michael Jordan wore his first pair of Air Jordan 1s, forever changing the sneaker game.

Banned by the NBA but embraced by sneakerheads, the Air Jordan 1 broke the mold and set the tone for sneaker culture as we know it, according to Foot Locker. What started as a pivotal moment in sports history has become equally significant to teen fashion.

In 2025, sneakers are more than just an item of clothing; they’ve become a whole lifestyle, with a constantly growing, evolving culture. From a notable increase in limited-edition sneaker drops (with four Jordan colorways scheduled to release in July) to paying over $1,000 for a single pair of shoes, the way we view sneakers has undergone a significant shift.

For teens, especially, sneaker culture has become one of the most important ways to express identity, stay on trend, and connect with others. Whether it’s waiting all day for a sneaker drop, planning an outfit around your shoes, or even just knowing how to navigate the SNKRS app to ensure you get shoes when they drop, being into sneakers is like speaking a whole different language.

Over the years, sneaker culture has evolved from a niche interest to a trendy and mainstream phenomenon. What began with basketball shoes like Air Jordans in the 1980s has now evolved into a multi-billiondollar market.

According to a recent industry forecast by EIN Presswire, the global sneaker market is projected to reach approximately $120 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 2.7%, indicating that the sneaker industry is expected to increase at this rate annually. On the other hand, Statista projects that the entire sneaker market will reach $120 billion by 2026, which is a much sooner projection. Either way, the sneaker market is experiencing constant, rapid growth.

How sneakers have taken over teen fashion WHAT VOX IS ATL?

Teens are willing to spend thousands of dollars on fashion. Piper Sandler’s Spring 2025 “Taking Stock With Teens” survey reports that the average annual spending of teens reached $2,388, with apparel and footwear among their top purchase categories. Nike was the number one choice for footwear, which highlights just how prevalent sneaker culture is.

Sneakers are also becoming the goto for nearly every outfit, not just casual wear. More teens are styling sneakers with everything from school uniforms to streetwear and formal outfits, such as suits and dresses. This trend reflects how deeply sneakers are embedded in teen fashion today.

Teens don’t usually have big paychecks either. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage for many teen jobs in Georgia is approximately $14 per hour.

That means a teen would need to work 36 hours just to save up $500. To reach the average annual spending of $2,388, they’d have to put in roughly 170 hours of work, about 4 hours per week for a whole year, just to stay on top of sneaker drops and keep up with trends.

But sneaker culture is about more than just style; it’s also about community. Sneakers are a way for teens to find their people and build friendships over shared interests. According to Hypebeast, “trend-driven Gen Z consumers … increase sell-out rates of readily available models that align with general dressing standards,” showing just how much teens are curating their outfits around sneakers. This mindset is helping to define teen outfits and shape their wardrobes.

“Sneakers are a universal language… we help to bring like-minded individuals together and it’s more than just sneakers now,” says KO, the creator of ATATF, one of the largest sneaker communities in the country. “The barriers that sneakers have broken down have allowed people to come into spaces they normally weren’t allowed to be in. You couldn’t wear sneakers to certain things, now you see people casually wearing sneakers to clubs or even getting married in them.”

In Atlanta, sneaker culture is extreme. With events like Sneakercon and “Sneakerballs” (formal dance events where sneakers are not just allowed but encouraged), and sneaker stores like A Ma Maniére Atlanta and Wish ATL, teens in the city are constantly surrounded by sneakers and immersed in the sneaker culture.

Daniel Ratner, a Georgia Tech student who began reselling sneakers in high school, remembers spending hours waiting outside of Wish. “During COVID, I would camp out every day for hours for shoes,” he says. “For some releases, 4–5 hours. For some, I camped out overnight.” When asked about his most memorable moments, he said, “There were these Valentine’s Day Air Force 1s at Wish, and people waited all night long. It was raining the entire time, and it sucked … but I got the shoes, so it was worth it.”

KO, the creator of ATATF, adds, “There are stories of people who camp for like weeks at a time for sneakers, and I think that’s kind of crazy in and of itself — but it’s coveted.”

As sneaker culture continues to grow, its influence on teen fashion only becomes stronger. It’s not just about shoes; it’s about identity, self-expression, and being a part of something bigger than yourself. And in places like Atlanta, that connection is just as strong in school hallways as it is on sneaker drop websites, local shoe stores, and resale apps. StockX and GOAT, two resale platforms, are gaining traction among teens, with StockX alone moving approximately $1.8 billion in merchandise in 2020. Projections indicate a $30 billion resale market by 2030.

Even still, it’s not a universal experience for all teens in Atlanta. Not everyone has access to expensive shoes or even wants to be part of the sneaker community. For some, sneaker culture can feel exclusive and

unattainable. Even just visiting popular stores like Wish ATL can be chaotic because parking is terrible, and people end up squeezing into random spots or walking from far away just to line up for 6 a.m. drops. Still, the culture remains magnetic, pulling in those who can participate and helping shape the sneaker scene in Atlanta.

Daniel Ratner agrees. “I would definitely say sneakers have become more acceptable in a formal or professional setting. A lot of people can wear different types of sneakers to work now, and companies are okay with it. There are definitely sneakers that can look more formal and can be dressed up.”

He also recalls the community aspect, saying, “I would say the community in general, especially in Atlanta, means putting

people who would never really interact in the same room and bonding over their love for a shoe.”

Sneaker culture is more than just a fashion trend; it’s a powerful expression of how teens today identify themselves. Sneakers have become a symbol of identity, creativity, and connection, with a significant impact on the way teens dress. In cities like Atlanta and across the world, teens aren’t just following sneaker culture; they’re leading it.

As trends and styles continue to change and evolve, one thing remains constant: sneakers aren’t just leaving their mark on pavement; they are leaving their mark on the future of fashion itself.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Holiday Guide: Make merry around Metro Atlanta with these festive events

By Collin Kelley

Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker

The classic holiday ballet pirouettes into the Cobb Energy Centre Dec. 6-27 accompanied by larger-thanlife sets and Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Tickets: atlantaballet.com.

Merry Mighty Mo and More!

The Fox Theatre is hosting this free event presented by Georgia Natural Gas and sponsored by Regions Bank on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. There will be complimentary photos with Santa Claus, sing-alongs with the "Mighty Mo" organ and a performance by the a cappella quartet Like The Dickens, followed by a special screening of Disney's “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.” Guests are encouraged to “Bring Your Socks to the Fox” by donating new socks for individuals and families served through City of Refuge. Tickets: foxtheatre.org.

Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes

The annual holiday tour of homes is Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 9 p.m., and will feature 10 homes plus an artist market. Tickets are $30 online until Dec. 12 or $35 on the days of the tour. All proceeds benefit St. Paul United Methodist Church, Grant Park Cooperative Preschool, and the Grant Park Parents Network. Tickets: candlelighttourofhomes.com.

Voices of Note Holiday Concerts

The Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus will hold its "Home for the Holidays" concert on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd NW. The Atlanta Women's Chorus will hold its "Seasons of Light" concert on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Church at Ponce and Highland, 1085 Ponce De Leon Ave NE. Tickets: voicesofnote.org.

Atlanta

Shakespeare Company's A Christmas Carol

ASC presents Charles Dickens' classic Dec. 6-23 (previews Dec. 4-5) at the Shakespeare Tavern in Midtown. Tickets: shakespearetavern.com.

Christmas Carol Concert

Spelman and Morehouse Colleges will once again come alive with music, joy, and unity as the colleges present the 99th Annual Christmas Carol Concert. The three-night concert series, free and open to the public, begins on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Morehouse College’s Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. It will continue at Spelman College’s Sisters Chapel on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. and will culminate with a final performance at Morehouse on Sunday, Dec.

7, at 6:00 p.m. Information: spelman. edu/events.

Y'allmark

Atlanta playwright Topher Payne draws on his experience writing holiday movies for the Hallmark Channel to create this stage play, featuring some of the same beloved tropes, plus star turns by Amber Nash and Kevin Gillese. Dec. 11-28 at 7 Stages in Little Five Points. Tickets: 7stages.org.

Madeline’s Christmas

The beloved children's play returns to Horizon Theatre Dec. 6–31 with 24 talented local girls performing alongside professional actors on a whimsical, Parisian-inspired set—bringing Madeline and her classmates to life in a way that’s both magical and memorable. Tickets: horizontheatre.com.

Ponce

City Market

The Old Fourth Ward shopping and dining destination is pulling out all the stops for the holidays with Santa's Village on Saturdays through Dec. 20, ice skating on The Roof through Feb. 15, Holiday Social Bar on The Roof through Jan. 4, The Village Retail's Makers Market through Dec. 20, and the Festival of Lights Menorah Lighting on Dec. 21 with Chabad Intown. See a full list of events at the link above. Information: poncecityroof.com.

Frozen Channukah

Mitzvah House will hold its annual family-friendly menorah lighting, holiday music, and winter wonderland activities on Dec. 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Ashford Lane in Dunwoody. Information: mitzvahouse.com.

William Close & The Earth Harp Collective

SCADshow will host this special event on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. The body of the Earth Harp rests on the stage while its strings extend over the audience, reaching up to 1,000 feet in length and attaching to the back of the venue. Each performance transforms the space itself into a resonant

musical instrument, immersing the audience inside the sound. Tickets: scadshow.com.

Mamma Dearest:

Here We Joan Again!

Out Front Theatre will stage the world premiere of Blake Fountain's mashup of "Mamma Mia" and "Mommie Dearest" Dec. 11-21 as Christina Crawford sets out to find her birthmother (Bette Davis? Judy Garland? Eartha Kitt?) over a holiday dinner meltdown. Fasten your seatbelts and hide the axes! Tickets: outfronttheatre.com.

Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

The ASO will host the “Deck the Halls” family concert (Dec. 7), Christmas with Trisha Yearwood (Dec. 10), Christmas with the ASO (Dec. 11-14), a holiday concert with Sarah Brightman (Dec. 17), Handel's Messiah (Dec. 1819), the Celtic Women Christmas Tour (Dec. 20-21), Sounds of the Season (Dec. 23), and A Drag Queen Christmas (Dec. 26). Tickets: aso.org.

Review: Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Luzia’ makes

By Jacob Nguyen

The Cirque du Soleil big top is back at Atlantic Station this holiday season for a production of “Luzia,” another highflying, jaw-dropping spectacle, and the show’s biggest “wow” factor –rain.

“Luzia” doesn’t have the same punch as the steampunk-inspired “Kurios” or the daredevil antics of “Volta.” It has a more mysterious enchantment about it, with a more minimal style closer to “Echo.”

As with most Cirque productions, “Luzia” has a very loose story arc. Subtitled “A Waking Dream of Mexico,” the show opens with our guide character falling from the upper reaches of the big top. His parachute fails, and he eventually has to whip out an umbrella and land Mary Poppins-style in the ring.

From this entry point, it’s two hours of acrobatics, trapeze work, juggling, life-like puppets, and traditional Mexican songs and music. You’ll see nods to Dia de Muertos, soccer, Frida Kahlo, mythical gods, and other cultural signposts.

And then there’s the rain I mentioned above.

This isn’t fake or projected water, but gallons and gallons and gallons of water falling from 62 feet above the center ring. The performers romped through it, spun on straps in it, rolled in circular hoops through it, and played soccer in it.

Perhaps the best spectacle of the night was the rain falling in a series of patterns to create the shapes of flowers, trees, and animals. It elicited gasps from the audience, me included, and a buzz about how they were able to create that special effect.

Another memorable moment was when

a pool of water appeared at the center of the ring and a demigod-like character rose from it and performed a dazzling routine high above the audience. Meanwhile, a giant leopard puppet stalked the edge of the pool.

I can’t forget to mention the juggler who somehow was able to catch silver batons falling from on high and still

Cheers to Home, Happiness & the Holidays

keep them all in motion. And there’s also a contortionist who appears to not have a single bone in his body.

The last big setup of the evening is teams leaping back and forth from these Flying Dutchman-style swings, which is truly butt-clenching to watch. The performers and crew received a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience for the sold-out opening night show.

If you need an escape for a few hours from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, “Luzia” is just the ticket. The show runs through Jan. 25, and tickets are available via cirquedusoleil.com.

By Katie Burkholder

South Atlanta artists are raising money after a fire destroyed the main building at South River Art Studios on Nov. 12.

DeKalb County firefighters arrived at South River Art Studios – four acres of unused land and warehouses turned into 45 artist studios, gallery, and event spaces in South Atlanta – shortly after 4 a.m. to find the main warehouse engulfed in flames.

Owner and sculptor Phil Proctor told ArtsATL that there was smoke and water damage to 100 percent of the building, and he doesn’t yet know if the building is salvageable.

“Even the parts that didn’t burn are not habitable at the moment,” he said.

Proctor estimated that around 25 to 30 studios were completely destroyed, including welder Ryan Durrett’s, who is fundraising to cover the decade of work.

“I lost at least $50,000 worth of tools, equipment, and materials,” Durrett said. “In addition to tools, I lost years’ worth of work. From sculptures, to wooden boxes,

to my office that I recently built for my girlfriend to work alongside me. These are all sentimental things that cannot be replaced.”

Durrett says his insurance will not cover the losses, so he launched a GoFundMe, which has raised nearly $66,000 at press time. Various fundraisers by other affected artists had raised a collective $151,000 at press time. Visit southriverartstudios.com to donate to all the individual artist fundraisers.

Mayor Andre Dickens’ office shared a letter on Nov. 17 with Rough Draft standing in “full support” of the artists affected by the fire.

“This loss is significant,” Dickens wrote. “We know that many Atlantans lost studios, art, and livelihoods in this tragic event… To the artists at South River Art Studios: we stand with you, and our city’s cultural identity is stronger because of your work.”

No one was inside the building when the fire started, and no injuries were reported. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

ASO extends Stutzmann’s term as music director

By Katie Burkholder

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announced that Nathalie Stutzmann’s term as music director has been extended for three years, to the 2028-29 season.

Stutzman, who is now entering her fourth season in the role, has achieved a number of milestones with the Orchestra, including the completion of a Beethoven symphony cycle, the ASO’s first week-long domestic tour in more than a decade, and an OPUS Klassik award nomination for the internationally acclaimed recording of Dvořák on the Warner Classics label. Stutzmann has helped shape the ASO by hiring 17 new musicians during her tenure.

“Extending my time with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is both a joy and an inspiration. Over the past seasons, the Orchestra and I have built a strong artistic bond, rooted in trust, curiosity and the shared love of discovery,” Stutzmann said in a statement. “The Orchestra’s sound and expressivity is developing beautifully

and together we will keep pushing artistic boundaries, bringing fresh energy to the great major repertoire, and sharing the spirit of Atlanta through our music.”

“Nathalie’s impact on the ASO has already been significant,” said ASO Executive Director Jennifer Barlament. “Her international profile has raised awareness of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra worldwide, and Nathalie’s expressive approach has resulted in dynamic performances that excite our audiences.”

Stutzmann is the second woman in history to lead a major American orchestra and was named Best Conductor of the Year at the 2024 Oper! Awards. Stutzmann’s 2025-26 season includes major debuts with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Staatskapelle Berlin, and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. She also returns to conduct the London Symphony Orchestra, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Oslo Philharmonic.

To learn more about the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, visit aso.org.

Dogwood Festival gets financial support, will charge entry fee

By Collin Kelley

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival will get to celebrate its 90th annual event next April thanks to community, corporate, philanthropic, city support, and a new entrance fee for visitors.

In August, the festival announced it was facing significant financial challenges due to production costs and might have to cancel the 2026 event if it couldn’t raise $250,000 by Nov. 1.

As of Oct. 29, the festival has raised $71,867 from community supporters and generous donations from philanthropist Deen Day Sanders and The Rich’s Foundation.

Additionally, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office has agreed to allow the festival to charge a nominal entrance fee without the fencing and gating of Piedmont Park, as is required under the ticketed permit type.

For the 90th annual event, taking place April 10-12, Atlanta Dogwood Festival

will charge $5 for Friday entry and $10 for Saturday or Sunday. Weekend passes and family packages will be offered, and tickets will be available in advance and at the gate, according to the press release.

“We are delighted to announce that the 90th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival will take place in April 2026,” festival executive director Brian Hill said in a statement. “The ability to charge an entrance fee — something previously not allowed under our permit — will be a tremendous help.”

Hill said the organization still faces a shortfall in its fundraising goal, and producing the 2026 event will be challenging, but he hopes the new support and ticket revenue will return the festival to a stable financial footing in future years.

Launched in 1936 by Walter Rich, founder of Rich’s department store, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has been a beloved family tradition for generations and a favorite local springtime event.

$200 billion in cuts to SNAP will make it harder for families in need to buy food.

Wholesome Wave Georgia is here to help.

Support

The Best New Restaurants of 2025

Rough Draft’s dining team, Beth McKibben and Sarra Sedghi, spent the last year eating at dozens of new restaurants across metro Atlanta. And after multiple visits to some serious contenders, they whittled the list down to just six restaurants that kept capturing their attention.

Restaurants in contention opened between Oct. 1, 2024, and Oct. 1, 2025 and reside within Rough Draft’s coverage zones in the cities of Atlanta, Brookhaven, Tucker, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody, along with greater metro Atlanta.

This year’s award winners brought something extra special to the Atlanta dining scene, including a coffee and sandwich shop doubling as a community hub, a fine dining restaurant leaning into Alpine ingredients, a next-level, seasonally driven breakfast spot, and a tiny counter-service restaurant whipping up made-to-order meals perfect for your next dinner party.

Now, introducing Rough Draft’s Best New Restaurants of 2025. Avize

956 Brady Ave., Westside Atlanta avizeatlanta.com

Avize is a culinary exploration of Chef Karl Gorline’s Bavarian heritage and the Alpine-bordering countries of Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy. For Gorline, Avize isn’t a literal interpretation of Alpine food traditions. Instead, the menu pays homage to these cuisines through foraged ingredients, such as serviceberries, and vegetables, grains, and herbs harvested weekly from the restaurant’s Bremen farm. The only physical indication Avize leans Alpine is in the dining room, where a taxidermied white mountain goat

named "Truffles" is given pride of place.

Gorline gussies up rustic dishes of venison, duck, and schnitzel, whipping gamey proteins, fish, and root vegetables into elegantly presented plates that are almost too pretty to eat.

Begin with the dandelion greens salad

studded with seasonal citrus, or the venison tartare. Gorline gets cheeky with his lemon pepper wet riff on frog legs. For the main event, order hay-smoked duck, fermented carrot Bolognese, or the fallow deer crusted with black sesame atop a serviceberry jus accompanied by eggplant and chicory.

While wine pairing suggestions come listed with each dish, tap in Avize Director of Hospitality and sommelier, Taurean

Philpott, for further advice. As with the food, wine at Avize favors Alpine producers.

Moody and cozy, with a playlist jockeying between 1980s New Wave and old-school hip hop, Avize makes fine dining fun and approachable. With the more casual vibes of Bar Avize next door, serving martinis on silver plates and everything from fries and oysters, to adult chicken nuggets topped with caviar, this Brady Avenue restaurant is the total package.

3432 Clairmont Road, Brookhaven eatdanbi.com

Don’t be fooled by Danbi Seasonal Kitchen’s appearance, or the counter service operation — this Brookhaven strip mall spot offers far more than meets the eye. Although the sleek, technology-forward interior, minimal staff, and no-tipping policy suggest a standard fast-casual operation, the actual product is on the same caliber as finer dining institutions. Chef Jack Kim has worked a wide range of restaurant jobs, and it shows.

With the exception of the cookies and brownies on the counter (those are baked ahead of time), Kim makes everything to order. The menu’s foundation on healthy, seasonal ingredients proves that food can be good for you and taste good, too. The smoothies, for example, don’t contain an excess amount of sugar, instead highlighting the god-given flavors in each ingredient.

The frothy beet smoothie gets its sweetness from Fuji apples and maple syrup, with the main ingredient’s earthy flavor at the forefront.

Everything is good here, but the Guajillo coconut salmon especially shines. The fish itself maintains that ideal doneness with just a hint of medium-rare, and the accompanying curry-like sauce, Brussels sprouts, and miso-glazed kabocha sauce almost outshine the main dish.

Madeira Park

640 N Highland Ave., Poncey-Highland madeiraparkatl.com

It’s been 16 years since Steven Satterfield opened Miller Union, now a Michelinrecognized restaurant for the James Beard-award-winning chef. But in 2025, Satterfield and Miller Union partner Neal McCarthy, and Dive Wine founder Tim Willard, opened Madeira Park in PonceyHighland.

They transformed the former cafe at the old Highland Inn into a lively wine bar where people pack the dining room and patio nightly.

The wine list–a constantly evolving project for Willard and sommelier and general manager Jade Palmer–features familiar favorites, boundary-pushing vintages, and collector wines. Pro tip: Ask for the “book” – an off-menu, hand-written list of limited-run and rare wines curated by Palmer.

Fortified wine lovers will find a healthy selection of vermouth, sherry, port, and Madeira, including bottled-aged pours of Terrantez dating back to 1899 and a century-old Sercial. And while Philip Weltner keeps cocktails low-ABV by dialing into fortified wines (try the Bijou with sweet potato shochu, vermouth, and sherry), heavy hitters like the Sazerac and Rob Roy round out his drinks list.

Bar snacks include salads, oysters, ham and cheese beignets, and beef tartare, with entrees featuring the seasonality of

Continued on page 28

Giving Kitchen provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support & a network of community resources.

GIVING KITCHEN’S ORIGIN STORY

In 2012, Giving Kitchen began with an extraordinary act of kindness: a community rallying around Chef Ryan Hidinger during his time of need. What started locally in Atlanta has grown into a national movement where food service workers in all 50 states have access to essential support during times of crisis.

THE NEED IS URGENT.

THE TIME IS NOW.

From first jobs to lifelong careers, food service workers are the backbone of our communities — fueling our routines, milestones, and celebrations. Yet, today’s rising economic pressures put this essential workforce at greater risk than ever.

No food service worker should face crisis alone.

For 12 years, Giving Kitchen has never turned away an eligible client. Now, we’re facing our most urgent moment yet. The need is greater than ever, and together, we can make sure help is there the moment it’s needed most. Together, we help food service workers. Your support gives food service workers the stability they deserve. Every 25 Minutes in 2025 a Food Service Worker Asks For Help.

72% Stayed Fed Workers avoided skipping meals because of Giving Kitchen’s assistance. $800 Saved in Late Fees Critical housing expenses covered to prevent eviction & homelessness.

GET INVOLVED

ingredients for which Satterfield is known. Led by Chef Ollie Honderd, order a bistro steak with crowder peas and caponata, or the daily fish en papillote seared in brown butter complemented with French filet beans.

Sammy’s 565 Northside Dr., Adair Park sammysatl.com

Jason Furst and Chef Sam Pinner have created a buzzy community hub in Sammy’s, a compact coffee and sandwich shop at Abrams Fixtures in Adair Park. Lines form early for coffee and bacon, egg, and cheese in the morning. In the afternoon, the lines return for sandwiches chock-full of ingredients.

You’ll meet Furst at the counter, greeting you with his sterling smile. Hospitality courses through his veins, and through his long, flowing locks and full beard. Pinner works the smoker out front, tending to the pork butts for Uncle Sam’s sandwich and the Miami Sami served on bread sourced from Pan American Bakery. For the Reuben, Pinner brines the pastrami and finishes it on the smoker, topping the sandwich with Southern-style coleslaw, based on his mother’s recipe.

Every Friday evening, Sammy’s transforms into a bar teeming with people ordering High Life ponies and martinis from Furst paired with smashburgers, whole smoked wings, and barbecue specials from Pinner.

Sammy’s already feels like it’s been around for years in Adair Park, with people huddled around tables, sometimes with small stockpiles of sandwiches. (Yes, they're just that good.) It can be hard to find a seat at peak hours–even outside–an indication that Furst and Pinner must be doing something right.

Season Marietta

301 Lemon St., Marietta seasonmarietta.com

You would have no idea Season just celebrated its first anniversary. Situated in a standalone building on Lemon Street, the breakfast and brunch restaurant has the aura of a place that’s been open for decades. The restaurant runs like an extremely well-oiled machine, with an attentive staff thrumming at both the back and front of the house.

There’s a smaller, separate coffee menu for diners who can’t function sans-caffeine. While the specialty and seasonal drinks are just as detailed and visually impressive as items from a neighborhood coffee shop, you also won’t go wrong just ordering a French pressed coffee.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that everything on Season’s food menu makes for a solid meal. The savory dishes like the chorizo chilaquiles and tamale huevos rancheros truly shine here. Chef Nick Jennings makes Season’s red chorizo in house, and sausage lovers who don’t try it are quite frankly doing themselves a disservice.

Those whose tastes steer sweeter should opt for the maduros-stuffed buttermilk pancakes or French toast served with blueberry compote, duck ham, Virginia maple syrup, and cinnamon sugar. Other must-orders include the pork belly grilled cheese, croque madame, and selection of biscuit sandwiches.

Come early, or make reservations. If not, be prepared to wait for a table. A meal at Season, however, is worth it.

Tipsy Thaiger

605 Atlanta St., Roswell tipsythaiger.com

Birdie Niyomkun, Phudith Pattharakositkul, and Candi Lee want Tipsy Thaiger to reflect their love for entertaining. Here you’ll find homestyle Thai dishes mingling with Thai street foods and finer

dining Thai dishes within the cozy environs of one of Roswell's most historic dining rooms.

Kicking off with a cocktail is the move, including with the gin-based Green Curry Sour, or Thaiger Martini mixed with vodka and yellow rice sake. The Mango & Sticky Rice mixes rum with clarified mango and a float of salted coconut foam.

With a food menu divided into gabglaam (bar bites, small plates) and gab-kao (shareable entrees served with rice), order everything family style, starting with the jackfruit dip and Thaiger salad comprising beets, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs tossed in Thai dressing and fried shallots. The unctuous chili jam clams are a must, which sees middleneck clams coaxed open as they’re quickly stir-fried in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce.

Never skip ordering she-crab fried rice for the table to complement entrees of 36hour braised Hung-Le short rib or the daily market fish, which can come fried, poached, or seared. For a decadent dessert, opt for the Thai tea toast – a hunk of toasted brioche covered in Thai tea cream and peanut crumbles served with coconut ice cream.

Tipsy Thaiger gently nudges you out of your Thai food comfort zone–and that’s a good thing–while also introducing you to the depth and breadth of Thailand’s foodways and hospitality traditions. In other words, it’s a triumph.

Design team selected for 14th Street public space REAL ESTATE

By Collin Kelley

The Midtown Improvement District and Midtown Alliance have selected global design firm Field Operations to lead the design of a new public space at 98 14th Street, a four-acre site purchased by the Midtown Improvement District earlier this year.

According to a press release, Field Operations will lead a multi-disciplinary design team initially responsible for developing concept designs, renderings, and cost estimates. The team’s work will continue into the final design as Midtown Alliance prepares to launch a capital campaign in early 2026.

Early ideas for the site include an expansive tree canopy, a flexible performance stage and pavilion, art installations, food and beverage spaces, water features, walking paths, active-use lawns, and more. This vision has been informed by feedback from the 2025 Midtown Community Survey, which received more than 4,800 responses from residents, workers, and visitors sharing what they’d like to see in the space.

Midtown Alliance expects to share concept renderings and preliminary cost estimates by Spring 2026.

In the meantime, interim site improvements, including grading, leveling, and installation of a temporary lawn for pop-

up events, are anticipated to be ready ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches next summer. These temporary improvements will allow the site to be used for public programming until construction begins on the permanent amenities.

“Great cities are defined by exceptional experiences in the public realm,” Mary Pat Matheson, Midtown Alliance Board Chair and CEO of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, said in a statement. “We’ve found the ideal partners to help bring this vision to life –creating an iconic public space that will become a landmark destination for everyone in our city.”

Field Operations' global portfolio includes Taopu Central Park in Shanghai, South Park Plaza at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, the High Line in New York, Domino Park in Brooklyn, and Tongva Park in Santa Monica, among others.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Midtown Alliance on this transformative project,”

Sarah Astheimer, Partner-in-Charge with Field Operations, said in a statement.

“Our goal is to create a new kind of public experience for Atlanta – a dynamic, inclusive space that reflects the unique character of Midtown. Rooted in local ecology and shaped by community, this urban oasis will bring together art, nature, and everyday life in the heart of the city.”

During these uncertain times, HammerSmith is here for you and your family. We provide safe, essential services, architectural designs and home renovations. Start planning today for how to live better in a changed world. HammerSmith is here for you and your family. We provide exceptional architectural designs and home renovations. Start planning today for how to live better in an ever-changing world.

Historic building makes news with renovation

PERSPECTIVES IN ARCHITECTURE

The Atlanta Constitution Building opened in 1947 as the most innovatively designed newspaper headquarters in the country.

Designed by Atlanta-based architectural firm Robert & Company at a cost of $3.0 million, the five-story Art Moderne Building with curvilinear walls, horizontal bands of windows, and understated exterior ornamentation housed the Atlanta Constitution newspaper, WCON radio station, WCON-TV station, and groundfloor retail space.

By 1955, the merger of the Atlanta Constitution and Atlanta Journal newspapers led to the decision to vacate the building. Although Georgia Power and other occupants used the building in subsequent years, the Atlanta Constitution Building has been vacant since 1972.

Neglect has taken a toll on the building with the removal of exterior windows, proliferation of graffiti, fire damage, and growth of trees on the rooftop.

After a decade of false starts, plans are underway for the rehabilitation of the Atlanta Constitution Building. The project team includes the

Atlanta office of design firm Gensler and multi-family developer Gorman & Company, in collaboration with the City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta. Given the building’s history and proximity to the Five Points MARTA Station, Centennial Yards, and the South Downtown district, Gensler Studio Director Doug Schuette notes, “Our firm is thrilled to be a part of revitalizing Downtown Atlanta.”

Phase I of the project involves the transformation of the historic building core and shell into a mixed-use destination called Folio House. To activate the pedestrian experience in Downtown Atlanta, Folio House will feature an interactive retail space on the ground floor. The upper floors will contain 50 affordable units, including studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Oversized windows retrofitted to fit the original openings will offer sweeping city views.

Gensler Project Architect Laura Sherman observes that the original building design and architectural drawings inspire their work: “We are committed to respecting the historic design, salvaging

building elements, and gaining design cues from the historic building for this project.” Construction crews are currently stabilizing and preparing the structure for renovation work. Historic features from the Atlanta Constitution Building, such as the curved form and brick pattern, inform Gensler’s Phase 2 design for a future adjoining residential building adjacent to the landmark.

Addressing Mayor Andre Dickens’ goal for more affordable housing across the city by 2030, Gorman & Company Development Project Manager Mira

Kaufman calls the project with fifty mixedincome affordable housing units “a stepping stone for more equitable housing across the city.”

With a skilled design and development team in place and a recent nomination of the building for the National Register of

Historic Places, the page has finally turned for this decades-old eyesore to have a brighter future.

For more information about the Atlanta Constitution Building/Folio House project, tune into the Uplifting Places podcast hosted by Melody Harclerode.