Simply Buckhead May 2026

Your Guide to Living Well in Atlanta

KID ENTREPRENEURS

YOUNG INNOVATORS

MAKING AN IMPRESSION

CALISTOGA

REVIEW: PINK LOTUS

ONE OF A KIND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Never Stop Dreaming.

Atlanta has always been a city where new visions emerge. Each generation brings its own personality, passion, and drive. While the details may change, the pursuit of perfection never goes out of style. For decades, Butler Tires & Wheels has helped Atlanta drivers bring those dreams to life with the craftsmanship and expertise that performance demands.

Butler Tires & Wheels - Atlantaʼs Automotive Authority Since 1959

STYLISH

36 FASHION

The Costume Conductor

Catching up with “Beyond the Gates” costume designer Jeresa Featherstone-Winfield

38 BEAUTY

Pore Decisions

What’s too much for young skin?

40 WELLNESS

Gut Check

What to know about inflammatory bowel disease

42 TASTEMAKER

Made for Women

Pvolve’s Westside studio leaders on the fitness method

FAMILY

44 KIDS

Understanding Autism Signs, diagnosis and support for families

45 PETS

Pet Protection

Know the facts before investing in pet insurance

46 STRATEGIES

Love Takes Flight

Plan your dream destination wedding with tips from Sandy Springs planner Elizabeth Klespies

CULTURE

52 ON STAGE

The Reel Story

A new documentary, in collaboration with SCAD, captures the tale of one of Atlanta’s oldest cold cases

54 ART

Southbound and Self-Found

Artist Patrick Eugène discovers his true calling in Atlanta

56 TASTEMAKER

Mixing It Up

Baker and entrepreneur Deirdra Lambright rises to new goals

57 EVENTS

Places to go and things to do

COVER STORY

DELICIOUS

68

Luscious & Lively

Thai flavors bloom at Pink Lotus in West Midtown

72

Flights of Fancy

Get liftoff with the Aviation,

Cutting Edge Firewood shares how the right wood transforms live-fire cooking

@livingwellatl simplybuckhead.com

@simplybuckhead

See Morgan Jones-Greenberg’s

BEHIND THE COVER

What could be cuter than kids pursuing their dreams of start-up success? For the cover of our “Kid Entrepreneurs” issue we tapped local jewelry designer and maker Elise Park. The budding business owner comes by her entrepreneurial spirit honestly: Her mom is Alice Park, photographer and founder of the popular Creativity Camps for girls. Our team converged on Alice’s Buckhead studio, and once ready with hair and makeup by Nyssa Green, Elise expertly posed for photographer Erik Meadows. She chatted easily about her favorite designs while smiling for the camera. At the same shoot, our team photographed the brothers behind Lil Homies with Lemonades and the Buckhead teen who runs Chastain Cookie Bros. Read all about these and other local young business owners on page 61.

@simplybuckhead

Photographer: Erik Meadows

Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Model: Elise Park

Makeup: Nyssa Green

Wardrobe: OshKosh Striped

Smocked Romper, Blue ($38), available at carters.com

Special thanks to Alice Park

Photography for hosting our team.

*Or so it seems. It’s a decadent, house-made, S even-Layer Chocolate Cake topped with chocolate frosting, hot fudge & sprinkles of sea salt in a drizzle of raspber ry coulis. Better yet, it’s gluten free & prepared with adherence to our extensive allergy safety protocols.

It’s best enjoyed a er ordering your favorite dish from our wide-ranging gluten free menu, like General Tso Cauliflower, Chicken Milanese Alfredo, Crab-Crusted Haddock, or our signature Maxx Burger with a side of fries.

Editor's Letter

Ibelieve that all kids are entrepreneurs at heart. Whether we encourage that industrious spirit is what makes the difference. My children are always pitching me ideas on how to make a buck, whether it’s selling painted rocks, homemade friendship bracelets on the side of the road or baked goods to friends and neighbors. Any time my daughter or son starts to tell me about a new idea or I catch them gathering ingredients on my kitchen counter for their next creation, I often have to stop myself from inquiring about the mess that will result from their inspired activities. Instead, I remember they are thinking outside the box. That is precisely what many of the young entrepreneurs in this issue’s cover feature have done. They’ve taken a small, homegrown idea and, thanks to encouragement from adults around them, turned it into something bigger. Take 11-year-old jewelry designer Elise Park, whose hobby transformed into a business that donates a portion of its proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. At 14, Hyatt Brandenburg has already founded a convenience store, became a balloon purveyor, and in his latest endeavor, launched a cookie cake business called Chastain Cookie Bros. Other savvy self-starters highlighted in this issue include a DJ and duos selling lemonade and offering cooking classes. The creativity and bullishness of these young spirits should serve as an inspiration to us all.

This springtime issue is also filled with many other captivating features, from a roundup of “smart” toothbrushes and a profile of costume designer Jeresa Featherstone to a feature on The Vanishing documentary, made in collaboration with SCAD.

I hope you enjoy reading every word. And the next time a child presents you with an outlandish entrepreneurial idea, remind yourself that you could be encouraging the next great American inventor or business magnate.

Sara Hanna

Giannina S. Bedford Managing Editor

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com

For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895

Joanne Hayes

Publisher and Founder

Sonny Hayes

Chief Financial Officer

EDITORIAL

Giannina S. Bedford

Managing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Senior Contributing Editor

Alan Platten

Creative Director

H.M. Cauley

Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karina Antenucci

Jill Becker

Chelsie Butler

H.M. Cauley

Lauren Finney Harden

Katie Hughes

Mickey Goodman

Angela Hansberger

Michael Jacobs

Denise K. James

Nicole Letts

Amy Meadows

Hope S. Philbrick

Claire Ruhlin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Madelynne Grace

Patrick Heagney

Erik Meadows

Joann Vitelli

SALES & ADVERTISING

Bea Bolia

Account Executive

Layal Akkad

Graphic Designer

DIGITAL

BHG Digital

Website Development Management

Mike Jose

Director of Audience Development

LEGAL

Scott I. Zucker

Legal Counsel

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Claire Ruhlin

Claire Ruhlin is an Atlantabased freelance writer whose work has appeared in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, LUXE Interiors + Design, Simply Buckhead, Sea Island Life, among other publications. A former magazine editor, she now works full time in creative strategy for brands, founders and creative businesses. She lives in a cozy Atlanta cottage with her husband and mini schnauzer rescue. Outside of work, you’re most likely to find her at the farmers market, sweating it out at Solidcore or plotting her next home project. For Simply Buckhead, Ruhlin covers the Foodie Journal column.

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

Copyright © 2026 by Simply Buckhead All rights reserved.

Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.

Calistoga Calling Page 20

Tucked into Napa Valley, Okaeri is a rejuvenating place to rest and reset.

BY Nicole Letts

The Williams-Payne House in Sandy Springs will become a community coffee shop with a live entertainment area, bar and ice creamery.

OLD HOUSE, NEW BUZZ

SUMMIT COFFEE TO TRANSFORM THE HISTORIC WILLIAMS-PAYNE HOUSE

In a bid to breathe new life into Sandy Springs’ Williams-Payne House, the historic building is set to transform into the latest Summit Coffee location. The property, once home to Heritage Sandy Springs, an organization dedicated to preserving local history, has been virtually unused since the organization closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city council and economic leaders saw potential in repurposing the

dormant site, prompting a citywide call for proposals.

The City of Sandy Springs Community Development Department received more than 70 inquiries and conducted more than 30 tours, but Summit Coffee, known for its strong community ties and several locations in metro Atlanta, emerged as the clear choice. “We kept gravitating back to Summit because they checked so many boxes,” says Chris Burnett, director

of economic development for Sandy Springs. “It was important to leadership to have a business we could be proud of that would reflect well on the city.”

Owners of the new shop hope to cater to a wide audience, from those on morning coffee runs to others gathering in the evening for live music and events. The surrounding park, Burnett says, will be the “secret to the success.” Plans include outdoor seating with a bar

area serving specialty drinks such as espresso martinis and a gazebo for live performances. A historic milking shed will house an ice creamery featuring Summit’s own brand, a first for its Atlanta locations. The home, which already has a small kitchen, requires minimal renovations, allowing for a late spring to early summer opening. n

Racing Simulator Center Debuts

F1 Arcade opened in February at The Interlock in West Midtown, bringing a first-of-its-kind Formula 1 entertainment experience to Georgia and the greater Southeast. The 15,500-square-foot venue features 68 racing simulators that move and respond to every wheel turn with varying difficulty levels and dual-screen setups. The facility also includes a full-service restaurant and bar with menu items such as ahi tuna tartare and wagyu

beef sliders. LP O’Brien, winner of Netflix’s “Drink Masters,” designed the cocktail program, and local artist Thomas Turner created tiremark murals for the space. f1arcade.com/us/atlanta @f1arcadeusa

Nontoxic Salon Arrives Frenchies, a new, non-toxic nail salon in Sandy Springs, opened in January. To avoid harsh chemicals, the company doesn’t offer acrylic nails and instead focuses on natural nail care with toxin-free

products. The business uses a three-step sterilization process for stainless-steel tools, while files, buffers and orangewood sticks are used once then given to clients or discarded. Freestanding basins replace traditional jet-equipped pedicure chairs to eliminate spaces where bacteria can grow. Other eco-friendly measures include emailed receipts, LED lighting and washable hand towels instead of paper products. Manicure services start at $45, and pedicures begin at $57. The salon has eight manicure

desks and an equal number of pedicure stations. frenchiesnails.com @frenchiesnailssandysprings

Golf Tees Off in Dunwoody

The Bunkr Golf Company, a new indoor golf facility in Dunwoody, is now open. The 3,300-squarefoot space features five simulator bays with three semi-private bays for everyday play and two private bays that can be rented separately or combined through connecting interior doors for events and larger groups. Co-owned by Ashton Phillips

and his mother, Jonl Steinke, the business was born from Phillips’ desire to continue golfing after becoming a father, when traditional all-day rounds became impractical. “Our vision is to create modern golf spaces that inspire improvement, build connection and make the game more enjoyable and accessible for today’s busy golfer,” says Phillips. The facility welcomes golfers of all skill levels, from serious players focused on improvement to families new to the game. thebunkrgolf.com • @bunkr_golfco

Let Them Eat (Bundt) Cake

Providing special needs kids with workplace experience

Celebrating Culinary Icons

Eat, drink and be merry

Taste of Atlanta’s 25th anniversary party kicks off with its annual food extravaganza on April 16 at The Works on the Upper West Side. The second festival in 2026 will follow on June 4 at Food That Rocks at City Springs in Sandy Springs.

“This year, we want to celebrate the success of the many culinary icons who have participated over the years, and we’ll feature top restaurants from all over the metro area, as well as having live music,” says founder Dale DeSena.

The festival has expanded since its inception in 2001 when it was held in Phipps Plaza’s back parking lot, then a tent at Lenox Square before relocating to other popular venues around Atlanta including Historic Fourth Ward Park and Tech Square. Annually, it attracts more than 1,000 party goers.

In 2001, DeSena was no newcomer

to the festival business. She had helped start Music Midtown and produced programming for the Chastain Park Amphitheater, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet and more.

Each year, Taste of Atlanta supports a nonprofit. Repeating this year is Second Helpings Atlanta, whose mission is to end hunger and food waste by rescuing healthy, nutritious surplus food and distributing it to those in need.

When Sergio Pacheco and Gloria Mattei-Pacheco’s son, Adrian, was diagnosed with autism, they knew he would need skills to navigate the adult world in a different way than they experienced in the corporate arena.

A chance visit to a California bakery sparked Gloria’s interest in purchasing a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise where her son could work and learn.

Sergio balked. “But Gloria, you don’t bake, you don’t even cook!” he said.

She wouldn’t let go of the idea, and after tasting the unique cakes at their housewarming party in Sandy Springs, Sergio agreed. The compromise was that Gloria would take over operations at the Alpharetta bakery while Sergio continued working at his corporate job.

“There was a big learning curve,” she says. “We knew the corporate world but not the retail world nor the community.”

They began reaching out, first by donating cakes for an event at Adrian’s school, then to other nonprofits, including large events with hundreds of guests. The business took off, and they achieved their goal by introducing Adrian to various jobs. Some required accommodations to fit his needs, but he excelled at hospitality.

Word spread to other parents of special needs kids, and the Pachecos invited them to work at what became franchises in Buckhead, Sandy Springs and Alpharetta. “We don’t have a formal nonprofit, but we work with the Lionheart School that makes referrals for kids on the autism spectrum and others,” Gloria says. The couple also serves on several community boards.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES nothingbundtcakesatlanta.com @nothingbundtcakes

Books Boost Babies

Promoting early literacy

A new partnership between the Fulton County Library System and Reach Out and Read Georgia is putting new books into the hands of babies from infancy to 6 months at each well-baby checkup. “Books for Babies is a trifecta between pediatricians, parents and babies to improve reading skills,” says Amy Erickson, executive director of Reach Out and Read Georgia whose core program extends to age 5. “We need to invest early because that’s where we can get the best results.”

Supported by the Fulton County Library Foundation, the early literacy initiative will reach more than 2,357 babies this year.

The program is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and has a waiting list of physicians eager to participate. Books help build trust, and the program gives pediatricians an opportunity to model fun ways parents can interact with their children.

and caregivers to read and visit their local library as well,” says Marcia Divack, a branch administrator with the Fulton County Library System.

According to the Georgia Milestones Assessment System, 61% of Georgia children are not reading on grade level by the end of third grade. “It can set them back years and has impacts on their vocabulary and on all aspects of learning,” says Divack.

REACH OUT AND READ GEORGIA reachoutandreadgeorgia.org @reachoutandreadgeorgia TASTE OF ATLANTA tasteofatlanta.com • @tasteofatlanta

“We hope that this will encourage not only children to read, but parents

Oralucent Pro Edition Light Therapy

Toothbrush ($199)

Take light therapy from facial to dental with Oralucent’s Pro Edition Light Therapy

Toothbrush. As you brush, blue- and red-light therapies work together to penetrate gum tissue and tooth enamel to whiten teeth, kill bacteria and aid gum health. Built-in artificial intelligence uses sensors to adapt to your brushing habits to maximize gum health, teeth whitening and antibacterial benefits. Included are one toothbrush handle, two replaceable brush heads, one rapid charging station, a wall charging plug with a USB port and a USB charging cable.

Oralucent • oralucent.com

@oralucent

TAO Clean UMMA Diamond Sonic Toothbrush ($199)

Get a dentist-level clean with the avant-garde UMMA Diamond Sonic Toothbrush from TAO Clean. This advanced tool delivers 40,000 brush strokes per minute and uses sonic vibrations to drive fluid and toothpaste between the teeth to ensure those hardto-reach places are cleaner than ever. It also comes with a patented germ-eliminating UV-C docking station, so it’s always sanitized and ready for use.

TAO Clean • taoclean.com @taoclean

Toothbrushes that talk

In an age when self-care is not only prioritized but praised, it’s hard to differentiate necessity from superfluity. Infrared saunas and vibration plates are enticing, but don’t forget to upgrade the fundamentals like your toothbrush. Transform your mundane dental ritual by investing in a top-rated toothbrush. STORY: Katie Hughes

Burst Curve

This electric toothbrush by Burst is both hygienist— and travel—approved. The curvature helps target cavity-prone back molars and removes plaque without damaging enamel, all in the dentist-recommended two minutes. Its tapered bristles allow for a sensitivity-cautious brush that polishes away stains and leaves a whiter smile. With up to a 75-day battery life, a compact design and a sanitary travel cap, you can brush wherever you go.

Burst • burstoralcare.com @burstoralcare

Better Brush

For an elevated version of the standard manual toothbrush, look no further than Trask’s The Better Brush. This curved toothbrush sports a familiar but sleek design that’s easy to hold, doesn’t roll and avoids contact with surfaces. The product is crafted from lightweight, recyclable materials and has smaller, softer bristles that stay gentle on the gums while still working those hard-to-reach places. Whether it’s marbled candy shop or glossy black, there’s a colored brush for everyone.

Start and end your days strong with this award-winning electric toothbrush from SURI. This sustainable and microplastic-free option combines innovation and functionality with a built-in pressure sensor to protect your gums, a high-amplitude motor for a deeper clean and a wireless charging travel case. With five color options and an industrial design, this toothbrush looks great on the counter.

SURI • trysuri.com • @discoversuri

Trask • shoptrask.com • @shoptrask

The Town with Two Names

Winston-Salem celebrates history and innovation STORY: H.M. Cauley

Iknew only two things about Winston-Salem before my recent visit. Several years back, someone gave me a Moravian star, a multi-pointed decoration that is intricately linked with the town’s Moravian settlers, Protestants from eastern Europe. I also knew this North Carolina town had tobacco connections, as that had been the state’s cash crop since the late 19th century. What I didn’t know was that these very different communities joined forces in 1913 to become the destination it is today.

The town’s earliest roots have been preserved at Bethabara Park where original Moravian-made

maps have helped historians outline the foundations of structures built in the early 1750s. Costumed curators demonstrate colonial arts and take visitors on tours of restored buildings and gardens. Those settlers spread out and established Salem around a central square with cobblestone streets leading to original structures including a church, bakehouse and tavern frequented by both sides during the Revolutionary War. Today, the town is a living history center where I sampled bread from a wood-fired oven at the bakery, toured the brick tavern dating to 1784 and sat in the pews of the

1822 African-American Moravian Church, noted as the oldest standing African-American church in the state.

The adjacent town of Winston has its roots in the tobacco-driven economy built largely by R.J. Reynolds, head of the eponymous company founded in 1875 that still makes its home there. The corporate HQ, a historic 1929 Art Deco building and local landmark, is now a Kimpton Cardinal Hotel that still shows its roots in the lobby, bar and elevator bank. Guest rooms are thoroughly modern and luxurious; I swooned over the deep soaking tub inside the glass framed shower area.

In 1917, the Reynolds family moved into Reynolda, a 26,387-square-foot “bungalow.” The property became self-sustaining with a dairy, cattle, farmed lands, schools, a church and a post office. Today, many of those structures have been transformed into boutiques, a doughnut shop and event spaces. The house grew to 60 rooms, and in 1964, was transformed into a nonprofit arts center with works by O'Keeffe, Cassatt and Sargent. Visitors can see Reynolds' home office, bar and basement shooting range and the 1918 Aeolian organ. Newpapers on the sleeping porch walls recount the story of a Reynolds heir who died by gunshot in 1932, and it's never been settled as suicide or murder.

Nearby notable sites are Graylyn, a 1920s manor house that's now a boutique hotel, and Spring House, an award-winning restaurant led by Chef Timothy Grandinetti.

Influences of the 21st century now share space with history, especially in the Innovation Quarter where an old power plant property has been revived for biomedical research facilities, breweries, art studios and restaurants. On the outskirts of town, former tobacco fields have morphed into wineries such as Shelton Vineyards and Jolo Wineries with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Two days is barely enough to take in all the area has to offer. An entire day could be spent in the Moravian archives or exploring the vibrant arts scene. But as a history lover, this trip ticked all the boxes. And it threw in that unsolved murder mystery to boot. n visitwinstonsalem.com

CALISTOGA CALLING

Three days in the northern tip of California wine country STORY: Giannina S. Bedford

Each time I’ve been to Napa Valley, I’ve fallen more in love with California’s world-renowned wine region. Aside from the wine, what I appreciate the most is the area’s ability to deliver novel experiences, pursuits that are for wine and non-wine drinkers alike.

On my recent visit, I traveled north along the Silverado Trail to Calistoga, where I checked into Okaeri, a Japanese-inspired inn that has seven individually decorated guest rooms. Perched on a hill off of Foothill Boulevard, the property opened in March 2025 after an extensive renovation.

Inside, I was transported to a minimalist interior with eye-catching decor choices, from the black and gold wallpaper along the stairway to the blue check-in desk. The public spaces feature carved wood furnishings, custom-built shoji screens painted with murals, Japanese art and Yakisugi black wood on the walls. The main dining room surrounds an indoor pond filled with 12 colorful koi fish, and the

bottom level boasts a karaoke room and wine cellar. At Okaeri, Japanese for “welcome home,” the rooms live up to the moniker with ample space and pampering. My room was the 565-square-foot Auzora Suite where the spa-like bathroom's round soaking tub beckoned from the second I arrived. I made use of all the room’s special touches: bath salts, soft robes and pour over service with a custom roast by Cento coffee. Other than the tub, my favorite in-room spot was sitting next to one of the two fireplaces, taking in the mountain views past my private patio.

Calistoga is known for its geothermal hot springs, so I took a short stroll from Okaeri through the town’s charming center and checked into the spa at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. For the next 30 minutes, I soaked in a mineral whirlpool bath infused with essential oils, sea minerals and electrolytes. The spa attendant let me get settled and then applied a face mask and CBD oil and salts to the warm water. After the soak, I spent 10 minutes in the steam room and another 10 in a blanket wrap with noise can-

celling headphones on, completely checked out. Following my bath, I visited House of Better, Dr. Wilkinson’s alfresco dining spot. I ordered grilled halibut tacos and Mud Water, a blend of masala chai, cacao, mushrooms and adaptogens mixed with oat milk. I relished the relaxing after-effects of my treatment and the warm California sun hitting my skin in the middle of winter.

While in Calistoga, I also visited Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and took an easy hike to the Bale Grist Mill, a water-powered mill built in 1846 that is still operational today. For an educational twist, I stopped by Grove 45 for an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting where Tasting Room Manager Emily Hernandez led me through the unique properties of their four extra virgin olive oils and two balsamic vinegars paired with light bites and popcorn.

Amidst my activities, Okaeri was a rejuvenating place to rest and reset. The inn also offers its own food and wine experiences, including private tastings of Kanpai Wines, the inn owner’s Napa winery, in the 150-year-old stone cellar, and Japanese-inspired meals, including a breakfast of miso marinated cod with traditional Japanese sides that left me satiated and energized, but not weighed down.

There are so many renown places to stay in Napa Valley, but Okaeri offers a rare kind of luxury that always makes a return trip to wine country a good idea. n

OKAERI CALISTOGA okaericalistoga.com • @okaericalistoga

A New Persona

The Tess, renovated and renamed, brings local charm to an Autograph Collection hotel STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

As a mom of two, I rarely get a night off. Staycations are sacred to me, so booking a night at The Tess on East Paces Ferry Road was something I had been looking forward to for months. Owned by Peregrine Hospitality, who also own Camelback Resort in the Pocono Mountains and Utah’s Deer Valley Resort, the hotel became a part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection in late 2025. I had visited this property once before, for the grand opening of its previous iteration as The Thompson

Atlanta-Buckhead. Now rebranded as The Tess, it is conceptualized around a fictional persona described as gracious and magnetic, and feels different than its predecessor. It’s grounded in approachable luxury and is elegant without being precious. I allowed myself to get swept up in The Tess persona as I crossed the threshold into the moody and vibe-y lobby and forgot the crumbfilled car I left at the valet.

While I often joke that I only need a soft bed and strong WiFi to enjoy a staycation, the hotel offers much

more, with intentionally designed accommodations that feel comfortable yet sophisticated. The rooms, priced from $279, look modern and fresh, with globe pendants, black marble countertops in the bathroom and curved furniture. My favorite room features were the wall-to-wall headboard, the sitting area and a moveable table where I fired off a few emails before making my way to The Tess’s crown jewel, its 10th floor lounge and restaurant, Tesserae.

At one point, Tesserae was a members-only club. Now, all are

welcome to enjoy cocktails and classic American dishes alongside panoramic views of Buckhead, downtown and Midtown. I particularly enjoyed a peaceful yoga class up there the next morning as part of the hotel’s daily wellness offering.

The design and layout of the hotel have remained largely the same, although there are plans to convert the ground-floor restaurant into a new concept and redesign some of the guest rooms to make them feel more cohesive. Other changes include spiffing up the rooftop pool with a mural by a local artist to add more appeal.

The hotel is keen to create local partnerships to lean into more sense of place. The Tess recently teamed with Shanita Miller, founder of the online platform Black Girl’s Guide to Atlanta, to create a luxury two-night package in the Female Founders’ Suite that features female-founded, Atlanta-based brands such as Dope Pieces, Glad & Young Studio, The Chai Box and Kindred Paper. The package, which runs through June, also includes a discount for services at Wellhaus Club within walking distance. What struck me most about The Tess was the friendly service—not always a guarantee in Atlanta despite the concept of Southern hospitality. I ran into a friend in the lobby who has been living at the hotel for two months while undergoing an unexpected home renovation. She told me how The Tess has felt like a home, mostly due to the staff. It’s good to know that The Tess has its foundation laid, and I’ll be back to see how the hotel evolves as it slips deeper into its new identity. n

THE TESS • 470.600.3510 marriott.com/atlnk • tesseraeatlanta.com @tessinbuckhead • @tesseraeatl

Elegance Elevated

A NORTH BUCKHEAD FAMILY HOME PROJECTS SOPHISTICATED COMFORT

Atrustworthy relationship is something noteworthy; a trustworthy relationship with a designer is something to cherish. Buffalo, New York, native and Buckhead resident Mallory Davis knows that firsthand after working with the team at Heather Eason’s Z & Co Design Group for many years. Davis met her husband, Brett, in

Atlanta after she “moved here for the weather” in 2014. The couple brought in Z & Co to work on their first home in Brookhaven in 2020 after Davis found the firm online and submitted an inquiry. In 2022, they purchased their current home, a 2016 traditional-style abode in North Buckhead, and hiring her trusted design firm was the only call Davis wanted to make.

Davis’ first house was inspired by a trip she and her husband took to Italy from which they brought back art and decor. Eason and her team interpreted Davis’ style as modern European after seeing her selection. “I had no idea what that was, but I said, ‘Let’s go with it,’” says Davis. The edict for the family’s new house was built on the original vision: a sophisticated, understated and neutral home that could stand up to family life with a toddler daughter, Audrey, and a Corgi, Winston. “Everything had to be kidproof and dog-proof,” says Eason. While Eason and the team knew Davis’ taste, they needed to scale things up for this home. “This one is much grander, with more architectural details, more character and more square footage. We

needed to elevate it,” says Eason.

Many of the furnishings, such as the informal dining table and counter stools, came over to the new home. Most of the effort the second time was focused on finding the right scale of decor, such as larger rugs and art. But new spaces needed fresh perspective, especially in the kitchen.

The couple’s last home did not involve a kitchen renovation, so when it came to their current home, avid cook Davis was excited to see her dream space come to life. Zellige tile from Ciot on the Upper Westside adds a hint of texture to the backsplash without overpowering the room, and an oversized island anchors the space as a gathering point.

Two-tone cabinets emphasize a casual yet luxurious look. “We introduced a playful twist through a semi-tuxedo cabinet scheme. The off-white cabinetry and range hood create a timeless background, while

“We included things that would stand the test of time.”— Heather Eason

the painted island and warm white oak bring in contrast,” says Eason. “It makes the space feel collected rather than overly formal.”

Wolf Sub-Zero appliances com plete the look. Just off the kitchen in the butler's pantry, a built-in Wolf coffee machine has become the home's most-used feature. "I said I didn't want to waste the money, but my husband insisted. Now, it runs day and night. It's the best money I've ever spent," says Davis.

One of the most impactful changes Eason and her team made to switch up the vibe was the floors that bring in a light warmth from wide white oak panels. Another smart change was the addition of custom storage by Kitchen & Bath Design Group out of Winder, which provided Davis with ample storage on the main level in the kitchen, mudroom and butler’s pantry.

Furnishings are centered around natural elements with lots of texture. For example, the durable vintage rug in the main living space adds depth and interest, while pottery and soft goods add organic forms. All details, down to velvet

linens on the beds, help create tactile and visual layers. “I didn’t want it to look like four walls,” says Davis. “I love imperfections.”

Eason and her team provided the family with a tight edit of accessories, something Davis,

who identifies as a minimalist, loves. Everything is sourced and set with intention. “We included things that would stand the test of time,” says Eason, such as finds from Scott Antiques Market and pieces by local artists like Caleb Mahoney.

the house, including in the nursery.

A deep, dusty pink keeps the room from feeling too precious, while a visually arresting light fixture by Palecek adds without feeling childish. “It’s made from hand-cut petals formed from coconut shells,” says

incredibly sophisticated nursery. We wanted the room to feel fit for a princess, but not in the typical bright-pink baby girl way. It’s a dream room.”

The home is elegant but by no means quiet. The family entertains

often, especially in the fall during football season, since Brett is a University of Alabama football fan. “There are people here nearly every weekend,” says Davis. To accommodate them, existing French doors were replaced with a full sliding glass panel to create a sense of

indoor/outdoor living between the main floor and the much-used screened-in porch.

Davis’ favorite room is the formal dining room that she uses any chance she gets. A round table that seats eight is the centerpiece, complemented by custom molding and Thibaut Daintree wallpaper. “It’s such a fun room,” she says. “All the time, I have delivery people who peek in there and comment on how the room is so pretty.”

The home, like most, is a continual work in progress. Eason and her team come in and refresh the rooms a few times a year. There are plans to build out the playroom next.

“We’re going to build a little village for Audrey,” says Eason. The unfinished terrace level is also on Davis’ wish list, with space for a workout room, bar, apartment and more.

The home is still casual, fulfilling Davis’ request. “Mallory doesn’t want to have someone come into her home and ask, ‘Can I sit here?’ We wanted it to be beautiful and elegant, but not stuffy,” Eason says.

Davis says it’s a mission accomplished. “My home makes me feel comfortable,” she says. n

IN THE DETAILS

1. Peaceful paintings.

Davis loves how the desk is styled in her primary suite, which features a small canvas painted by Wellon Bridgers, a Birmingham, Alabama-based artist. “This was the first piece she got from him; she’s purchased several more,” says Eason.

2. Intentional accessories.

This black cabinetry was initially outside Davis’ comfort zone, but it is now one of her favorite elements in the room, dotted with small-scale art and pottery sourced from Atlanta-based stores.

3. Treasured toys.

Davis’ grandfather purchased a dollhouse for her when she was 5, and her mother saved it, so she had it professionally refurbished for Audrey. “I had it on a table growing up, and now she does too. It’s a nice full circle moment,” Davis says.

BOARD

BY Nicole Letts

Style Step-Up

Give your stairwell the drama it deserves

Interior designer Mallory Mathison Glenn believes staircases deserve the same attention as any other room in your home. Often overlooked, stairs present unique opportunities for creative expression, from bold paint choices to gallery-style art displays. Here, Glenn shares her expert strategies for transforming a staircase into a stunning focal point that sets the tone for your entire abode.

How can we make sure our staircases generate as much visual interest as the rest of our homes?

Inject personality. Use your staircase as a blank canvas for art, wallpaper or a bold paint color that complements your home’s style. Mixing textures, such as a statement runner or interesting railing

DESIGN & REALTY

n SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace has been awarded the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France's Ministry of Culture. One of the French Republic's highest civilian honors, it was presented at a ceremony in New York on Feb. 11. The distinction recognizes Wallace's decades-long commitment to arts education and cultural exchange, most notably her transformative work in the me-

details, can also make a big impact. Think creatively about the color for trim, millwork and stair parts. Even with white or ivory crown and base molding, the stair parts can be painted a fun color. Think red, coral or deep bottle green.

How do you feel about runners?

A runner adds warmth, texture and safety, especially on hardwood stairs. It can also be the best place to introduce pattern and color. If you’re drawn to a cleaner look, consider a simple sisal with a contrasting binding or adding tape trim down the two edges to serve as a border.

What type of lighting is ideal in a stairwell?

Layered lighting works best. Choose a main overhead fixture,

NEWS

dieval village of Lacoste, France. Under her leadership, more than 50 historic buildings were restored into academic spaces that now draw 30,000 students and visitors annually. scad.edu

n Art & Forge debuts its first FORGED BY capsule collection in partnership with Atlanta-based interior designer Jared Hughes. It introduces two styles of European antique-inspired brass knobs:

like a lantern or pendant, paired with wall sconces. Skylights or windows are a bonus for natural light. Windows are a place to add softness. Add a Roman or London shade and an interestingly shaped cornice board, too. Don't forget the fancy passementerie (tassels, fringe and trim)!

At what height should art hang? I suggest gallery or salon style and hanging along the whole stairway, or using one large piece to anchor the space. Screens or framed wallpaper panels work nicely for a large statement piece. Asymmetry and ascending pieces can follow the line of the stairs and create movement.

How do we make a staircase feel more spacious without filling it with clutter?

Incorporate distinctive design details. For an elegant, custom touch, stair details such as fretwork panels, trellis-inspired patterns or classic chateau-style elements add

the Argyle Oblong Spiral and Devonshire Round Spiral. Rooted in Hughes' Scottish heritage and inspired by antique English doorknobs, the handcrafted pieces are cast in solid brass and hand-finished, available in four finishes and priced from $59.95 to $69.95. artandforge.com

New York-based TileBar is opening its first Georgia location in Buckhead Village. The premier

Crafted in Athens, the Emberhaus Fire Oven delivers steady, even heat and features rust-resistant, marine-grade 316 stainless steel; fire-tested finishes; intuitive air controls; and commercialgrade insulation. Designed to complement sophisticated outdoor kitchens, it delivers live-fire power with oven precision for grilling, roasting, smoking and baking. Starting at $14,750, it's available online at emberhaus.com

character. These distinctive looks can be beautifully achieved in both wood and iron, while a clean, more streamlined railing keeps the overall space feeling bright and expansive.

What are some go-to tips for keeping a stairwell and landing functional?

Use a small console or bench on the landing if there is room. A bench with a special fabric and stacks of books on top is always a great way to add personality. A petite console table with a little lamp, a few accessories and a stool tucked under adds warmth and light. If possible, integrate storage under the stairs. n

MALLORY MATHISON GLENN mallorymathison.com • @mallorymathisoninc

home design brand for tile and bath will debut a 9,000-squarefoot showroom designed by global firm Gensler to serve both homeowners and trade partners such as architects and designers. The space will offer an immersive shopping experience featuring premium marble, authentic terracotta, porcelain, solid wood vanities and more from worldwide sources. tilebar.com

Maison Venu Gustavia Table Cloth [$268]

Block-printed linen comes to life with an Indian artisan touch in this exquisitely made tablecloth. It’s available in three different table lengths and two nature-inspired colors, lapis and calypso. The print is a playful interpretation of organic botanical patterns. The brand, by UGA grad Olivia Massie, can be viewed in person at fête. fête • tresbellefete.com • @tresbellefete

Rudy Indoor/Outdoor Rug [$429]

This 7-by-9-foot Frontgate rug is perfect for a small, high-traffic outdoor seating area. The fibers are made from weather-resistant yarn and are UV-protected to reduce fading. Casual yet elegant, it’s the perfect blank canvas to create a seating vignette. Find it in a trio of natureinspired colors: aqua, navy and sand.

Frontgate • frontgate.com • @frontgate

Inside Out

’Tis the season to bring the indoors outside. While patio living and al fresco dining are nothing new to Atlantans, it might be time to upgrade your space with soft goods that will make outdoor living more enjoyable. These items can help add interest to your experience.

Eastport Striped Umbrella [$1,498]

Sun protection is made chic with this Serena & Lily umbrella. Crafted from Sunbrella performance fabric designed to be weather-, mildew- and fade-resistant, it’s a practical way to get plenty of shade over a seating area or table. The whimsical scalloped edges bring a hint of preppiness, while the aluminum frame keeps things stable.

Serena & Lily serenaandlily.com @serenaandlily

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Original Harborview Herringbone Blanket [$160]

On chillier nights, take this oversized, cotton blend blanket outdoors to the patio, a fire pit and everywhere in between with zero fear it will get ruined. The blanket is machine washable and can be put in the dryer, making it appropriate to use even when kids and pets are in the mix. It won’t shrink, pill or fuzz, and the reversible jacquard weave in several neutral colors, such as evergreen, dune and cornflower, fits into any outdoor design. Chappywrap • chappywrap.com • @chappywrap

Create a comfy seating nook without worrying about precious fabrics with this Annie Selke pillow. Made in India from a faded denim-style fabric with coated yarns, it is weather-, child- and dog-proof. Tuck the 22-by-22-inch pillow behind you while lounging on an outdoor couch, or bring it to a firepit for a bit of extra support. Choose a down alternative or feather blend insert as an add-on. Marguerites on Dresden margueritesondresden.com @margueritesondresden

Right at Home

Travis Reed has a visionary approach to real estate STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

How does that benefit clients?

answer was yes. Much of that push to do something different stems from Reed’s reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, a former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, a fine dining restaurant with three Michelin stars in New York. The book explores the idea of creating magic for both guests and employees, a concept that Guidara says is possible for all kinds of industries. Reed was inspired to bring that same intentionality and creativity to HOME Real Estate, which he founded in 2021, by empowering his team to think like owners. That people-first culture has changed the game. Here, we sit down with him to learn more.

in the return on investment; we would invest everything we made back into the company and see how that worked. Did it make people more productive? Would it make them happier? We never lose anybody. It’s definitely working.

How does your business model work in practice?

We wanted to do something different, where the agents had complete input. If the agents wanted something, we figured out how to make that happen. Fortunately, it did work. It worked really well. In the first six months of last year, we sold four of the top 10 sales in

hospitality” look like at HOME?

We decided that, rather than pay a franchise fee, we would buy ads for the real estate agents, pay for postcards and spend more money in our marketing department so they could do bespoke marketing for their listings. We become partners in creating their business, as opposed to just pushing them out there and saying, “OK, go make money.” To create a welcoming office atmosphere, we stocked our pantry with any snack anybody could possibly want and all the drinks they like. And anytime the agents come in, the lights are on, and there’s somebody there to help them if they need it.

Clients can expect to have worldclass marketing. Our digital footprint is bigger than companies that are five times the size of HOME. We are spending more money on marketing their properties. Plus, we are taking the money that we make and reinvesting it in our community, so the client benefits all the way around.

What role does philanthropy play?

The agents give a piece of their commission to the HOME Fund. Those donations usually create $60,000 to $70,000 a year. [HOME has supported organizations such as PAW Kids, Atlanta Police Foundation and more]. We have become a more cohesive group because we’re doing it together. n

STYLISH

Made for Women Page 42

“Our bodies were made to move in three dimensions, not just forward and back and side to side.”

— Kristanne Thompson (Left)

THE COSTUME CONDUCTOR

Catching up with “Beyond the Gates” costume designer

Jeresa Featherstone-Winfield STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Before the sun is up six days a week, Jeresa Featherstone-Winfield arrives at Assembly Atlanta studios in Doraville. She is the costume designer for “Beyond the Gates,” a soap opera about affluent and powerful AfricanAmerican families in a Maryland suburb. It’s a job she says she’s uniquely qualified for, having grown

up in Maryland. “It’s like I know these people,” she says. “I have true reference points to pull from.”

Featherstone-Winfield likes to do a run-through of all wardrobe items being used that day before she and her team of 11 dive into production. At any given time, almost 350 characters need dressing. Here, she shares more about her career and day-to-day.

A Stylish Start

A theater costume design elective at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, changed the course of Featherstone-Winfield’s life. “I didn’t even know at the time that that was an industry, let alone a career,” she says. Once bitten by the bug, she completed a master’s degree in costume design from Long Island University in 2014 while working as a

stylist on off-Broadway productions. She was also an adjunct professor of costume design at her undergradu-

Featherstone-Winfield and her husband are bi-coastal between Los Angeles and Buckhead, and she worked on the LA-based “The Bold and the Beautiful” for seven years before landing her gig at “Beyond the Gates.” Her work on that show won her three Daytime Emmy Awards for costume design in 2023 and 2024.

The On-Set Setup

While many people know costume designers exist, few understand the exact function they play on a set. “My whole job is to bring the creative vision to life for a character through clothing and support the script,” she says. She learns the character’s backstory and then interprets it through clothing.

For example, Anita Dupree, the matriarch of the soap opera family, is a former celebrity singer, which informed the way Featherstone-Winfield outlined her wardrobe. “She’s comparable to Diana Ross. I always want her to have a level of stage presence, so I use eye-catching elements that create movement such as ostrich feathers, sequins, statement jewelry and a rich color palette,” she says. She and her team scour thrift stores and malls, commission designs or on occasion, design clothing, although the volume and speed of production do not always allow for it. “Sometimes we do a fitting at 6 a.m., and we’re on camera by 8:30 a.m.,” she says.

In a crunch, she turns to triedand-true Atlanta staples. “I’ve been fortunate to find places like Tootsies, which is great for a curated selection of high-low,” she says.

She says the costume house at Assembly, run by Misti Moreaux, has been key to keeping things organized and filling in gaps. “Misti has been so helpful and resourceful. We run over there often, looking for specialty pieces or extra uniforms.” she says.

Featherstone-Winfield loves how fun her job can be. “We’re trying to make magic happen. It’s fantasy, so it’s elevated from regular dayto-day,” she says. “I want to make sure we are having fun with what we are doing and not taking it too seriously. It’s a soap opera.” n jeresafeatherstone.com @jeresa_featherstone

Pore Decisions

What’s too much for young skin? STORY: Karina Antenucci

Skin care has officially entered the group chat for tweens and teens. Between TikTok routines with 12 steps and products with adult-grade actives marketing to kids, many parents are left wondering: Will this hurt or help their skin? The truth is that young skin needs far less than social media suggests. A smart, age-appropriate routine can protect the skin barrier and build healthy habits, without a hefty price tag.

The Three-Product Routine

A skin care regimen can typically begin when hormones kick oil production into gear, says Lyn Ross, founder of Institut' DERMed in Buckhead. A great place to start is a visit to a dermatologist or an esthetician for a skin evaluation and individualized advice. Otherwise, a consistent, simple three-part process will suffice for most kids without an existing skin issue to prevent and treat acne: a cleanser, acne treatment and sunscreen. At night, Ross recommends that

adolescents use a gel cleanser followed by a gel acne serum that both contain a low concentration (around 3-5%) of exfoliant salicylic, glycolic and/or lactic acid as active ingredients. A gel won’t be sudsy, and it is beneficial to manage excess sebum without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. “Teens can leave it on their skin while they brush teeth to let the active ingredients go to work in pores, then remove it with water and a washcloth and pat the skin dry.” Next, apply a thin layer of the acne treatment. Note that severe acne, including cystic acne, will likely require a prescription product with a higher active ingredient concentration or a prescription retinoid. “Seek professional advice so kids don’t pick and develop lasting scar tissue,” Ross says.

As for a daytime routine, the cleanser can be used again in the morning but don’t reapply the acne treatment. This prevents over-drying that can lead to exacerbating oil production and more clogged pores. Instead, since acne products create

sun-sensitivity, apply sunscreen to all skin exposed to UV rays and reapply it after swimming or after a couple of hours outdoors. “It might be helpful to explain that [in addition to avoiding burns] they’re preventing damage to the skin that will show up much later in life,” Ross says.

Is your tween or teen blessed with perfect skin? Lucky! Then forgo the acne products. They’ll do just fine with a gentle daily cleanser and sunscreen until their 20s.

Why “Anti-Aging” Is Unnecessary

According to Ross, kids (mostly girls) as young as 8 are asking for antiaging creams they’ve seen online. “They don’t want to look like their moms when they’re older,” she says. [Ouch.] “But preventing wrinkles doesn’t mean starting adult products that early.” She says that young skin is supple and holds lots of water, oil and collagen. Anti-aging products don’t do anything to prevent wrinkles at this age, she says, so they are just a waste of money. The best anti-aging product is, in fact, sunscreen.

Additional Considerations

If a new product causes itching, hives, persistent redness, dry patches or sudden breakouts, discontinue its use and consult a skin care professional. These are signs of an allergic reaction. While genetics and environmental factors play big roles in skin health, research suggests diet can potentially contribute positively or negatively. For instance, are they drinking enough water and eating nutrient-rich foods or going heavy on high-sugar and junk foods?

A nutritionist can provide guidance if needed. n

Talk to a Financial Consultant that will work with you on your terms.

Schedule an appointment today, or visit your local Atlanta branch.

Bryant

GUT CHECK

Inflammatory bowel disease is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome because the symptoms can be similar: persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. However, the two are not the same, and that distinction can change everything for patients.

“IBS is a symptomatic condition, and the GI tract looks normal. With IBS, once you fix the trigger, whether it’s food or medication, people feel better,” says Dr. Nitin Gupta, a gastroenterologist with Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates at the Sandy Springs location who specializes in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which make up the two main forms of IBD. “With IBD, there is real, visible inflammation in the digestive tract. You don’t feel better until the inflammation is treated.”

Diagnosing IBD

An IBD diagnosis is confirmed with a colonoscopy, sometimes combined with an upper endoscopy, that can reveal ulcers, swelling or narrowing

of the intestinal tract. The chronic disease can appear at any age, from infancy to the 90s, but most commonly presents in people in their 20s to 30s, or 60s. “The exact cause remains unknown, but we know risk factors include a family history of IBD and being of Ash kenazi Jewish descent. Antibiotic exposure and diet may also play a role,” Gupta says. He adds that it is likely multifactorial, genetics plus environmental triggers.

Treatment and Remission

While Crohn’s disease (most com monly in the small intestine) and ulcerative colitis (most commonly in colon and rectum) may affect different areas of the gut, Gupta says the treatments are usually the same. “Almost every medication is approved for both.” Patients may take oral medications or get injec tions to control inflammation.

Once diagnosed, treatment is on going throughout life. “When we say someone with IBD is in ‘remission,’ we mean the ulcers and inflamma-

What to know about inflammatory Karina Antenucci

usually short-lived and resolve in a week or two,” Gupta says.

IBD no longer prevents people from living normal lives. “We have so many better therapies than we did 15 years ago,” Gupta says. Living in Atlanta, IBD patients are at an advantage, thanks to access to specialists, surgeons and large medical systems focused on digestive disease.

Lifestyle Matters

Stress, poor sleep, unhealthy diet and anxiety don’t cause IBD, but they can worsen symptoms. “It’s cumulative,” Gupta says. “The gut is already sensitive.” So daily habits can make a noticeable difference. He often recommends a Mediterranean-style diet: more fruits, vegetables, fiber and lean proteins, and less red meat and processed food. “These are things that are good for the body as a whole,” he says. n

ATLANTA GASTROENTEROLOGY

be expected once or twice a year. “These can be triggered by stress, illness or certain foods. They’re

ASSOCIATES (several locations) uniteddigestive.com/provider/nitin-k-gupta-md @united.digestive

Made for Women

Pvolve’s Westside studio leaders on the fitness method STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Erik Meadows

You may have seen the ads with a super fit Jennifer Aniston touting her favorite fitness method, Pvolve. The boutique fitness concept is rapidly expanding its franchises across the U.S. and wants to redefine what strength training looks and feels like for women. Sandy Springs resident Amber Jackson opened the first Atlanta studio in 2024 at Westside Provisions District and will expand with another location at Chastain Market this year. We spoke with Jackson and Director of Operations & Training Kristanne Thompson about why they believe in the method and why it’s attracting

everyone from busy young professionals to active retirees.

What makes Pvolve different from traditional strength training or boutique workouts?

KT: Pvolve is built around longevity through every decade of a woman’s life. We meet people exactly where they are, no matter their age or fitness level. Our bodies were designed to move in three dimensions, not just forward and back or side to side, so the method trains those natural patterns and focuses on functional movement. It’s inclusive, accessible and always evolving with science.

I’m a widowed single parent, and being present for my son matters deeply. Pvolve allowed me to build something meaningful while showing him the value of hard work.

Kristanne, you started as a member before joining the brand professionally. Why was this the path for you?

KT: I’d previously worked with Pvolve’s chief training officer at another company and trusted her leadership and integrity. I eventually joined as a lead trainer in South Carolina before coming to Atlanta. What convinced me was the culture: constant growth, honest feedback and real clinical validation. A low number of fitness studies historically has included women. Pvolve [is actively doing fitness research] and has already completed seven studies that include women.

Women are often told to choose between lifting heavy and protecting their joints. How does Pvolve challenge that?

KT: It’s a misconception. Lifting load actually supports joint health, and we should be lifting heavier with every decade. It’s crucial during menopause and beyond. We use progressive weight training that grows with your ability, but with a strong focus on three pillars: strength, stability and mobility. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

How does Pvolve adapt to individual injury histories?

Why was the Westside the right spot for the first Pvolve in Atlanta?

AJ: The Westside is very on brand for us. It’s walkable and has a diverse community, and we are around other businesses that complement us such as Flower Child, Lululemon and several spas.

Amber, you made a big leap from the corporate world to fitness entrepreneurship. What sparked that change?

AJ: I spent nearly 12 years in corporate roles, most recently as director of merchandising at The Home Depot. But after losing family members, my priorities shifted. Career stopped being number one. I wanted flexibility, purpose and to help people live healthier lives.

KT: Everyone moves differently. We emphasize mind-to-muscle connection, so people feel safe and in control. As a former dancer with arthritis and past injuries, this method helped me reconnect to muscles that had gone dormant. That reconnection is powerful, and it dramatically reduces risk.

What are your personal favorite wellness practices outside of the studio?

KT: Movement is my number one: It quiets my mind. I also love cooking and bringing people together through food.

AJ: Walking outside whenever I can, reading, podcasts and spending time at my son’s lacrosse games. Being outdoors resets everything. n

PVOLVE ATLANTA • 470.945.1477 studios.pvolve.com/atlanta-midtown @pvolveatlanta

Understanding Autism Page 44

Gain insights into signs, evaluations, resources and

more.

“Early access to the right supports leads to better outcomes.”

—Liz Greenfield

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM

Signs, diagnosis and support for families STORY: Karina Antenucci

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially and experiences the world around them. It exists on a wide spectrum, meaning children don’t present in exactly the same way. “It doesn’t mean anything is wrong with the child; it just means they are wired differently,” says Liz Greenfield, licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of Buckhead-based Greenfield Speech and Psychological Services. Here, Greenfield shares insights about autism signs, evaluations, resources and more.

Early Clues

Communication delays are often the first thing parents may notice with a neurodivergent child. Some children don’t speak or rely on gestures or may have repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, spinning or walking on tiptoes. Others speak in full sentences but have subtle social differences or difficulty shifting

attention away from something they love. Sensory variances are common, too, such as sensitivity to sounds, seeking strong physical input like crashing into furniture or closely examining objects. Some children avoid certain food textures or want the same things every day.

“Any of these things can show up in typically developing kids,” Greenfield says. “Autism is about the pattern of differences across both social communication skills and repetitive behaviors.”

Evaluations and Resources

The CDC’s Milestone Tracker app can help parents monitor developmental milestones and alert to anything unusual. If there’s a concern, speak with your pediatrician who can perform a preliminary screening and may use a tool such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. If they identify potential signs, they may refer you to a specialist, such as a pediatric neurologist or child psychologist,

for an evaluation and diagnosis. For instance, Greenfield’s process includes an in-depth parent interview, cognitive or developmental testing and a structured playbased observational evaluation.

The Value of Being Proactive

“One thing we know from so much research is that early access to the right supports leads to better outcomes,” Greenfield says. Children under 3 may qualify for Georgia’s Babies Can’t Wait, an intervention program that offers evaluation and service coordination at no cost as well as access to speech, occupational therapy and behavioral support services. These therapies help children express needs and emotions, overcome challenges, advocate for themselves and reduce frustration-driven behaviors like hitting or biting.

Diagnosis can also be meaningful later in life. “Some parents realize, ‘Maybe I’m on the spectrum, too,’” Greenfield says. “It can explain years of feeling different.”

After a Diagnosis

Greenfield advises families to share evaluation results with their pediatrician to coordinate next steps, and with any new therapists so that everyone is on the same page. In addition to therapy services, recommendations may include special education preschool or support for related challenges such as anxiety or ADHD that often co-occur with autism.

When it comes to finding therapists who are the right fit, parents should trust their instincts. “You’re allowed to advocate for your child,” Greenfield says.

She also encourages parents to seek out autistic voices in the community or on social media.

A Genetic Connection

Much is still unknown about autism. However, what has been scientifically proven is that autism is highly genetic, and it isn’t caused by parenting choices such as too much screen time. “There isn’t just one gene that’s involved. Researchers are still studying all the different genetic pieces involved,” Greenfield says. n

GREENFIELD SPEECH AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES 404.465.2007 greenfieldspeechandpsych.com @greenfieldspeechpsych

Pet Protection

Know the facts before investing in pet insurance

STORY: Chelsie Butler

Veterinarian bills—expected or not—are never easy to handle. Pet insurance can potentially limit the financial burden, but it’s important to know the benefits and pitfalls of this investment.

Dr. Rachel Luoma is a veterinarian with Atlanta-based Paws Whiskers & Claws who previously worked as a field veterinarian for Nationwide Pet Insurance. She says the ideal candidates for health insurance are cats younger than 7 and dogs younger than 2. “It is not wrong to sign up an older pet, but pre-existing conditions might not be covered, and coverage might be more limited,” she says.

People with multiple cats and/ or dogs may benefit from investing in pet insurance more than those

with only one. “Vet costs can add up quickly, and the more pets you have, the higher the costs can go,” says Luoma. “Plus, many pet health insurance companies offer multipet discounts that can help make the premiums more affordable.”

Potential Downsides

As with health insurance for humans, pet insurance comes with monthly premiums and a deductible that needs to be met before the insurance kicks in. If your cat or dog is healthy and not prone to accidents, you may be paying monthly premiums for pet insurance you will never use. Payment for vet visits is required up front, then the claim must be accepted and the deductible

factored in before pet owners are reimbursed.

Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, so once your cat or dog develops a chronic condition, it is often too late to

insure against in it. Pre-existing conditions can be classified as temporary or permanent/chronic, and it is important to know the difference. It’s also important to understand your pet insurance policy and what chronic conditions it does or does not cover. “For example, the cost of take-home medications might be covered with some, whereas others might require an add-on to the basic policy to include those,” Luoma says.

Useful Advantages

The major pros of investing in pet insurance is that it provides financial assistance to cover the rising cost of vet care and enables pet owners to make better care decisions since they are not as concerned about the cost of that care.

Pet insurance allows owners to visit any vet; there is no need for the doctor to be part of a particular network. Plans can also be customized to meet the pet’s needs. Some cover accidents only, some cover both accidents and illnesses, and some routine wellness such as vaccines and heartworm tests.

Diving Deeper

Many pet health insurance companies offer customization, like setting your own deductible, the percent of the reimbursement and the annual maximum.

Luoma says most pet insurance policies reset annually, which means if your pet is diagnosed with heart disease on an echocardiogram, recheck heart ultrasounds would likely be covered. But this is subject to your policy’s annual reset, deductible and reimbursement limits.

Sandy Springs resident Lauren Erin Lopez has had pet insurance for her two cats, Taylor and Flynn, for a year. Taylor’s feline asthma was deemed pre-existing since her vet had already diagnosed it prior to Lopez’s purchasing insurance. But Flynn needs a biopsy, which will be covered under the policy.

“It will save me $200-plus after a pre-certification for Flynn’s biopsy; otherwise, it would have been $500 without reimbursement,” says Lopez. “Overall, I really appreciate having health insurance for my cats.” n

LOVE TAKES FLIGHT

Plan your dream destination wedding with tips from Sandy Springs planner Elizabeth Klespies  STORY: Amy Meadows

If you’ve ever pictured yourself exchanging vows with your beloved as the sun sets behind you on Caribbean beach or in a candlelit villa in the Italian countryside, then a destination wedding might be perfect for you. Of course, transforming your nuptials into a oncein-a-lifetime travel experience can feel overwhelming. Sandy Springsbased wedding planner Elizabeth Klespies, owner of EKS Weddings, has the tips you need to plan a spectacular wedding from afar.

How do we choose the right location for our destination wedding? It comes down to you and your story. You might choose a location where you’ve traveled as a couple before. Or maybe it’s where your family is from. Wherever you go, you need to find a venue that will fit the number of guests, especially if you need lodging so everyone can stay on the same property. Luckily, you can tour venues online these days if you can’t fly out and tour them in person.

What do we need to think about in terms of our budget?

Cost will always be a major factor in planning a destination wedding. You need to decide what you are going to pay for when it comes to your guests. Many couples ask guests to cover their own travel but then pay for lodging, meals, transportation from the airport and activities or daytime entertainment for the group. You have to think about what you plan to cover beyond the wedding venue and your personal travel expenses.

How do we choose vendors if we’re not nearby?

For an overseas or faraway location, there are vendors who know the space, such as caterers, florists and rental companies. In these cases, it’s smart to go local. But there may be vendors whom you have a relationship with and want to bring with you, like your wedding planner, photographer and hair and makeup professionals. Just remember

that there can be additional costs, including travel and lodging, for bringing them with you.

How should we transport important items to the wedding location?

The wedding dress is always a carryon. The flight crew will hang it up for you. The wedding bands also go in your carry-on. For extra items like table decor or welcome bag goodies, keep them to a minimum. Also, direct flights are your friend. You don’t want to have to think about your bags getting lost in an airport if you have to transfer planes.

Do we need to obtain a marriage license in the country where we get married?

People often worry about the legality of getting married abroad. Some countries are easier than others when it comes to getting legally wed as a non-resident. I often recommend that couples get married officially here in Georgia (possibly in a courthouse ceremony) and allow the wedding abroad to be a ceremonial celebration.

Why should we consider a destination wedding?

Destination weddings are usually smaller affairs that allow you to celebrate with the people most important to you. With a standard wedding, you may not be able to spend that much time with your guests. With a destination wedding, it can be a full weekend to spend quality time with the people you’ve invited. Instead of one fun night, you can have a magical, memorable experience that you just can’t get anywhere else. n

EKS WEDDINGS eksweddings.com • @eksweddings

WONDERLAND

Pundits say there’s no such place. Yet in glorious, tax-free Tennessee (also overlooked by pundits) is a lake and golf community with an enthusiastic and welcoming membership whose days are spent on the lake, the course, courts and trails. Manicured, private and featuring exceptional residences. Makes you wonder, why not Tennessee?

APRIL 16–AUG. 23, 2026

Real estate has always been a relationship

Real estate has always been a relationship business.

Data moves fast. Trust takes time. The agent who remembers what matters to you is something no algorithm will ever replace.

Data moves fast. Trust takes time. The agent who remembers what matters to you is something no algorithm will ever replace.

“I

—Patrick Eugène

THE REEL STORY

A new documentary, in collaboration with SCAD, captures the tale of one of Atlanta’s oldest cold cases

Mysteries provide wonderful grist for storytelling.”

That’s local director and producer William VanDerKloot talking about his latest project, a documentary produced by Monument Motion Picture titled The Vanishing. It centers around the mysterious disappearance of 25-year-old Mary Shotwell Little from the Lenox Square parking lot in 1965. The unsolved case “stole Atlanta’s innocence” says the film and grabbed headlines for years as investigators struggled to uncover what happened to the young newlywed, whose innocent trip to the mall to have dinner with a friend and do some shopping turned into tragedy. Through archival materials and news reporting, The Vanishing reveals the gripping details of Little’s disappearance, from her blood-soaked car to the shadowy male figure seen creeping around the parking lot that night. The film also includes interviews with criminal profilers, forensic

detectives, FBI agents and a former Atlanta police officer turned private investigator named John Fedack who’s devoted more than 20 years to solving the case and claims he won’t stop until he’s either “pushing up daisies or we have an answer.”

Also weaved into the film are re-creations of Little’s suspected abduction by that shadowy male figure. The characters of Little and her alleged captor are portrayed by West Midtown residents and Savannah College of Art and Design students Lauren Pye and Patrick Bray. The pair learned about The Vanishing through SCAD’s casting office. “I was in their database and got an email asking me to audition,” says Pye. “We had one day of rehearsals and then shot our scenes in front of a green screen at the SCAD film studio. I definitely learned a lot about what it's like to work on a professional set.” Of his experience, Bray recalls going to the film screening and joining the filmmakers onstage for the

STORY: Jill Becker

post-show Q&A. “Normally at SCAD events, I’m the one in the audience asking the questions,” he notes.

The Vanishing’s collaboration with SCAD didn’t end with the actors. “Other SCAD students worked behind the scenes as production assistants and as visual effects artists and compositors,” says VanDerKloot. “SCAD staff was also there to handle many of the technical issues involved in the green screen process.”

VanDerKloot’s connection with the Little case goes back a while as well. He met John Fedack more than a decade ago when Fedack’s brother worked on a number of VanDerKloot’s film crews and suggested the two should meet. “Over the next decade or so, Fedack and I discussed Mary’s story every time we met,” says VanDerKloot. “A young bride vanishes without a trace. It’s as elemental a mystery as you can get.” n

Of how his partnership with SCAD even came about, VanDerKloot says it stemmed from his longstanding relationship with Danya Levine, the director of SCAD Film Studios, whom he’d met when she worked at the Cartoon Network and did some postproduction work for his former studio, Magick Lantern. (His current production company is called VanDerKloot Film & Television.) “The students and staff at SCAD Film Studios were terrific,” says the filmmaker. “They were extremely talented and well-trained, THE VANISHING • monumentmotionpictures.com

and what’s important.”

Eugène joined the Goat Farm just before COVID hit, and the timing was fortuitous. It gave him a work space beyond his home in Smyrna and a way to avoid isolation by connecting with other artists. “I went there every day and found all the creatives still in their spaces,” he says.

The self-taught artist had learned the basics from reading, watching documentaries and making frequent trips to museums. “I started by focusing on the perfect eyes and noses, but I was really fascinated with abstraction,” he says. “I experimented quite a bit with largescale works for about 10 years.”

But it was his move to the metro area that made a significant impact on his work.

“I didn’t find my voice until I moved to Atlanta and slowed things down,” he says. “I allowed myself to do something from my heart rather than trying to paint the perfect image, and I started doing figurative works by just allowing the paint brush to do what it does. So one arm may not be as long as the other, but there’s a soul, a feeling to it, and the world has really received that more than anything else I’ve done.”

Southbound and Self-Found

Artist Patrick Eugène discovers his true calling in Atlanta STORY: H.M.

Native New Yorker Patrick

Eugène was living the life in his hometown with high-powered corporate jobs, including a finance gig with J.P. Morgan, and enjoying all the vibrant city has to offer. But by 2019, the glamour began to fade.

“My wife and I were having a great

Cauley PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

time but then began being intentional about slowing things down a bit, buying a home, having kids,” says Eugène. “She has family here, and we’d visited often, and we found something very attractive about the community.”

Eugène also wanted to refocus on his art, a career he launched in 2013

after leaving the corporate world. “I had picked up painting to offset the daily pressures of my job,” he says. “I’d come home from work and spend the rest of the evening in my bedroom, painting. I soon found I couldn’t stop doing it, so I left [my job]. That was 13 years ago.”

Atlanta also offered an advantage he couldn’t resist: a 2,500-squarefoot loft studio at the Goat Farm, a community of creatives on the Westside.

“Atlanta is a great place to grow, create and be an entrepreneur,” he says. “There’s opportunity here, and that has helped me focus on my art

The world has discovered Eugène’s oil and acrylic and mixed media works, along with some sculpture, through his representation in a Chicago gallery and in shows he’s staged in Mexico, Europe, Asia and Africa. He’s built a following through his collaboration with Dior for which he designed three special-edition handbags featured at the company’s stores in LA, New York, Paris and Miami, and that incorporate elements of leather, gold tones and pearls that reflect his Haitian heritage. In February, he was part of Art Basel Qatar and the Qatar Airways Creative 100. When not globetrotting with his work, Eugène relishes the relaxation of being in Atlanta. He finds time to support his wife, Harryele, a chef, and his four sons, ranging from 1 to 20 years old.

“I get to treat my art like a 9-5 job,” he says. “In the mornings, I can drop the boys off and head right to the studio, work and come home for dinner. It’s a nice routine.” n

PATRICK EUGÈNE • marianeibrahim.com/ artists/71-patrick-eugene • @patrickeugeneart

Omar Ali

CONGRATULATIONS TO GEORGIA’S TOP 100 CEOs AND C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES

CONGRATULATIONS TO GEORGIA’S TOP 100 CEOs AND C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES

The Ali Development LLC

Monica Anderton

Ds Smith

Michael Astwood ASRT, Inc.

Mary Balent Long

Fox Rothschild

Todd Baxter

Heathos

Eddy Benoit

The Benoit Group

Frank Broniec

Broniec Associates, Inc.

Kelly Brooks

Property Masters Inc

Jeff Call Bennett Thrasher LLP

Melissa Cantrell

CDH Partners, Inc.

Garry Capers

Deluxe Corporation

Cannon Carr

EP Wealth Advisors

Thomas Carroll

HB Wealth

Kitty Chaney-Reed

IBM

Stacey Chapman

CROFT & Associates

Melvin Coleman Atlanta Black Chambers

Oscar Cordon J&I Cordon Electric, LLC

Greg Cox Cox & Company, LLC

Adrian Cronje Balentine

Alice Crowder Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Ingrid Curtis Sparq

Paul Damico Ascent Hospitality Management

Thomas Davenport Davenport Capital Management

Daniel Gordon Jabian Consulting

Daniel Gordon Jabian Consulting

Holly Gotfredson American Metalcraft and Finishing Dynamics

Holly Gotfredson American Metalcraft and Finishing Dynamics

Howard Grant, PhD The Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority (FACAA)

Howard Grant, PhD The Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority (FACAA)

Nichole Gunn Extu

Nichole Gunn Extu

Nicola Hancock AMS

Nicola Hancock AMS

Kolby Hanley

Kolby Hanley

ULTRAVIEW Archery, Inc.

ULTRAVIEW Archery, Inc.

Ryan Hardwick

Ryan Hardwick

Mountain Motorsports

Mountain Motorsports

Joanne Hayes Simply Buckhead Magazine

Joanne Hayes Simply Buckhead Magazine

Cynthia Day Citizens Trust Bank

Cynthia Day Citizens Trust Bank

Jeremy Heilpern Ammunition

Jeremy Heilpern Ammunition

Thomas DeFabrizio Impellam Group

Thomas DeFabrizio Impellam Group

Kim Evans

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta

Kim Evans Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta

Angela Gennari

Angela Gennari

Titan Global Enterprises Inc

Ruben Giraldo Anatek, Inc.

Titan Global Enterprises Inc Ruben Giraldo Anatek, Inc.

DeAnn Golden* Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

DeAnn Golden* Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Clyde Higgs Atlanta Beltline, Inc.

Clyde Higgs Atlanta Beltline, Inc.

Raphael Holloway* Gateway Center

Raphael Holloway* Gateway Center

Michael Hudson Green Diamond Waste

Michael Hudson Green Diamond Waste

Tim Huff

Tim Huff Turknett Leadership Group

Turknett Leadership Group

Dr. Bruce James II Healthcare & Emergency Solutions, LLC

Dr. Bruce James II Healthcare & Emergency Solutions, LLC

Rob Jansen TekStream

Rob Jansen TekStream

Colleen Japuntich NEMA, Inc.

Colleen Japuntich NEMA, Inc.

Shawn Jones

Southern Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Shawn Jones Southern Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Doug Knox Edible Brands

Doug Knox Edible Brands

Heidi LaMarca Windham Brannon

Heidi LaMarca Windham Brannon

Jackie Lee Brandywine Homes USA

Jackie Lee

Brandywine Homes USA

Bobby Little II NTT DATA - NTT DC REIT

Bobby Little II NTT DATA - NTT DC REIT

Nicole Love Hendrickson

Nicole Love Hendrickson Gwinnett County Government

Gwinnett County Government

Valarie Mackey

Valarie Mackey WrightNow Solutions

WrightNow Solutions

Camye Mackey

Camye Mackey

Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena

Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena

Monica Maldonado

IPCOMM agency

Monica Maldonado IPCOMM agency

Matt Mallory Mallory Agency

Matt Mallory Mallory Agency

Pegui Mariduena The Royster Group, Inc.

Pegui Mariduena The Royster Group, Inc.

Peter S. Marin

Peter S. Marin T5 Data Centers

T5 Data Centers

Hugh Massie* DNA Behavior

Hugh Massie* DNA Behavior

Ramesh Maturu

Ramesh Maturu Pyramid Consulting, Inc.

Pyramid Consulting, Inc.

Terrence McCrossan Oversight

Terrence McCrossan Oversight

Virginia Means* United Distributors, Inc.

Virginia Means* United Distributors, Inc.

Mark Montini QC Kinetix Franchise Group

Mark Montini QC Kinetix Franchise Group

Blake Muller Strategic Systems & Technology Corporation

Blake Muller Strategic Systems & Technology Corporation

Ben Naccarato Perma-Fix Environmental Services Inc.

Ben Naccarato Perma-Fix Environmental Services Inc.

William Nordmark Enlace Health

William Nordmark Enlace Health

Guiomar Obregon* Precision 2000 (P2K)

Guiomar Obregon* Precision 2000 (P2K)

Jennifer Owens HealthMPowers

Jennifer Owens HealthMPowers

Mitesh Patel Blue Sky Law

Mitesh Patel Blue Sky Law

Jeff Pedowitz The Pedowitz Group

Jeff Pedowitz The Pedowitz Group Cole Porter Porter Steel, Inc.

Cole Porter Porter Steel, Inc.

Joel Pounds Hooters Brand Management

Joel Pounds Hooters Brand Management

Brandon Powell* HatchWorks Technologies

Brandon Powell* HatchWorks Technologies

Melissa M. Proctor Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena

Melissa M. Proctor Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena

Sara Ray*

Sara Ray*

Douglas County Chamber

Douglas County Chamber

Marc Sullivan Avenger Flight Group

Ken Taunton The Royster Group, Inc.

Anisa Telwar Kaicker

Anisa International Inc

DeRetta Rhodes* Atlanta Braves

DeRetta Rhodes* Atlanta Braves

Nikki Tinsley Harland Concessions International

Betsy Robinson Tier4 Group

Betsy Robinson Tier4 Group

Jackson Tralongo T Management

Heather Rocker Women in Technology (WIT)

Heather Rocker Women in Technology (WIT)

Adrian Treverton Xstrahl Inc.

Connor Ryan NutraSky

Connor Ryan NutraSky

Anthony Tuggle Afi niti

Detavio Samuels REVOLT

Detavio Samuels REVOLT

Dominic Savio

Dominic Savio Relevantz Technology Services

Markus Scott

EyeQ Monitoring

William Shida Extu

Vibhuti Sinha Saviynt INC

Dr. Kofi Smith Keystone Management, LLC

Kartik Subbiah HealthLink Dimensions

Leanne West Georgia Institute of Technology

Janelle Williams Kindred Futures

Graham T Williams HATCH

Marcus Wilson IntelligIS, Inc.

Chad Wonderling Zone & Co

Taos Wynn* Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation

Thomas Zaller

Imagine Exhibitions, Inc.

Reid Zeising* Gain

Mixing It Up

Baker and entrepreneur Deirdra Lambright rises to new goals STORY: Denise K. James

Deirdra Lambright and her mother always loved being together in the kitchen, but one day Lambright realized baking appealed to her more than cooking. It requires precision, and she was up to the challenge. She once attempted a cake five times to get it right. Soon, baked goods became her calling card; she brought treats to middle and high schools in her home state of Wisconsin and volunteered to bake for events.

In 2022, Lambright moved to Atlanta—first to Midtown and eventually Sandy Springs—and her hard work and creativity paid off. She was contacted to appear on Fox’s reality competition series, “Next Level Baker,” in December 2025. Though she didn’t win, she

stood out as a self-taught baker and, at 25, one of the youngest contestants. Now, Lambright continues to challenge herself as both a baker and entrepreneur. She spoke to Simply Buckhead about her plans, TV debut and favorite dessert.

How does selling food content work? Bloggers and influencers post pictures and videos of food, but many don't create it all themselves. The recipe testing, photography composition and sometimes even social media videography is outsourced to behind-the-scenes content creators like me to save them time and help fill their blogs with recipes that are seamless in style and aesthetic. Sometimes I am creating up to six

recipes a week, getting inspiration from sites like Pinterest, putting spins on classic cookies or creating themed recipes to have an endless supply of ideas.

How has your career evolved since moving to Atlanta?

I sell food content through my business, Sweets4Dayz, and that happened through networking in Atlanta. A woman named Kimberly Houston transitioned to food photography after a medical accident left her having to pivot from baking. She learned about selling content to bloggers then created a course, which I took. At first I was thinking, I'm low on funds; should I invest in something new and hope it works out? It was a leap of faith, but I trusted myself. Now I’m having a better time financially. And I can give away treats for free, which I still make for photos and videos.

How did the opportunity to be on “Next Level Baker” land? It’s crazy because they found me! They sent me an email about the show; I’d never heard of it. The experience re-inspired me a lot in my own career. There were certain things I’d never baked, such as a three-tiered cake and cream puffs, because I thought I didn’t like them or didn’t want to, but meeting the other bakers made me reconsider. I wanted to push myself to bigger projects.

What are your goals for your brand?

My goal is to keep doing food photography and videography for other brands through Sweets4Dayz, but I want to focus more on my personal YouTube channel, Cozy Baking with Deirdra. In the future, I’d like to create books of recipes. I’m also doing pop-up bake sales.

What’s your personal favorite baked good?

Carrot cake, which I baked for “Next Level Baker,” and Gordon Ramsay loved it!. n deirdramonet.com • @deirdra.sweets4dayz

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

LIGHTS, LANTERNS, ACTION!

Hundreds of glowing, handcrafted lanterns will light up Morgan Falls Road on May 9 as Sandy Springs hosts its annual Lantern Parade. The free community celebration transforms an ordinary Friday evening into a luminous spectacle along the Chattahoochee River. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a pre-parade party, giving participants time to mingle and prepare their creations before the 8:30 p.m. lineup. The parade steps off at 8:45 p.m., winding along Morgan Falls Road before culminating at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, where attendees can witness five massive water lanterns float on the river. Parade artist Chantelle Rytter designed some of the more robust water lanterns, including a whimsical Georgia Kissyfish and a 26-foot albino alligator. Kayakers with Murphs Surf will pull the illuminated sculptures along the Chattahoochee River while their shimmering lights dance across the water's surface and viewers gather at the hilltop overlook. Returning favorites include Sunny the Swamp Sunflower, Sanderson

SANDY SPRINGS LANTERN PARADE ILLUMINATES SPRING EVENING

the Pig and the towering Great Blue Herons, Cornflower and Indigo. These giant puppet figures will roam Overlook Park after the parade, offering attendees an opportunity to appreciate their intricate craftsmanship up close.

Spectator parking is available with shuttles run ning continuously throughout the event. Cars and rideshare services cannot access the parade route. Shuttles transport guests to the pre-parade party at the parade start, with return service from Over look Park. Folding chairs and blankets are welcome. As in previous years, attendees are encouraged to create their own lanterns. Rytter will lead lantern workshops on May 2 and 3 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Studio Theatre Lobby for older children and adults comfortable using scissors and hot glue. Tickets are $25 per lantern puppet, with all materials provided. Check the event page for registration information, including a new lantern to celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary. n

sandyspringsga.gov/lanternparade • @cityofsandysprings

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

Art Afoot

Student artists activate Dunwoody Village through expanded public art initiatives

Create Dunwoody is expanding its commitment to student artists with the return of its Storefront Art Exhibit and the launch of its companion program, Doorwoody. The seasonal public art initiatives place original artwork by Dunwoody High School students throughout Dunwoody Village to support young creatives. The exhibit, running May through August, invites students to create 2-by-2-foot paint-

ed canvases to display in storefront windows. According to Create Dunwoody Executive Director Rosemary Watts, more than 65 submissions were received in 2025, and 15 students were awarded $200 for their selected works. Past exhibit artworks now appear on traffic signal boxes through the Greenlight Art Project and on Storefront Art Walls at Perimeter Mall entrances. New this year, Doorwoody asks local busi-

Meandering Madison

Four historic homes open their doors in May

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center invites visitors to experience spring in full bloom during the 2026 Madison in May Tour of Homes and Gardens, May 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. "The Spring Tour of Homes is more than a beloved Madison tradition," says David Nunn, managing director of the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. "Since 2026 marks the America 250 semiquincentennial, these meticulously preserved historic homes help ground that milestone in something tangible." The self-guided walking tour showcases Madison's architecturally significant historic and traditional homes as they come alive with seasonal beauty. This year's tour features four distinctive properties: the grand 1850s estate Boxwood, often cited as one of Georgia's most significant mid-19th century houses; a recently

Create Dunwoody's studentcreated Storefront Art Exhibit and Doorwoody return this May.

BUZZ

MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL

May 1—17

cityspringstheatre.com

@CitySpringsTheatre

Tina Fey's brutally hilarious hit musical based on the 2004 film hits the Byers Theater for its regional production premiere. The show follows teenager Cady Heron as she navigates high school. Watch how this Broadway hit brings the wild world of queen bees and frenemies to life through unforgettable music and comedy. Tickets start at $70.

STING AT SYNOVUS

BANK AMPHITHEATER

Perimeter 2025. "Both initiatives will be included on an online map, so the community can explore both projects together," Watts says. "They'll also be incorporated into the Active Dunwoody Scavenger Hunt in October, creating another fun way for families and residents to engage with the artwork and visit local businesses." n

createdunwoody.org/storefront-art @createdunwoody

man home designed by one of Geor gia's first female architects; a Georgian cottage with a custom addition that blends with the original structure; and an 1900 folk Victorian complete with a gingerbread-trimmed porch. Guests can begin the tour at any home and explore at their own pace. The tour

Center's website or in printed form onsite, marks public restrooms, lunch options and parking locations throughout town. Tickets are $30 through May 9 and $40 thereafter. n

mmcc-arts.org/2026-tour-of-homes @madisonculturalcenter

May 15

chastainparkamp.com

@synovusbankamp

Rock legend Sting brings his 3.0 Tour to Chastain during his North American tour. The show will feature his most illustrious solo hits alongside crowd-pleasing classics from The Police's catalog. Tickets start at $166.

DUNWOODY SENIOR EXPO

May 21

seniorexpousa.com

@seniorexpousa

Connect with dozens of local organizations dedicated to helping seniors and their families at the Dunwoody Senior Expo, held at the Marcus JCC of Atlanta. Meet with experts on Medicare coverage, assisted living, veterans benefits, home care, financial planning, legal assistance and much more. Enjoy free admission, health screenings, refreshments and prizes while discovering resources for aging in place and independent living. The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FOOD THAT ROCKS

June 4

foodthatrocks.org

@tasteofatlanta

This annual food festival takes place at City Green at City Springs in Sandy Springs. The 21-plus event offers unlimited bites from more than 20 Sandy Springs restaurants along with wine, beer and cocktail tastings and live music. The event, rain or shine, takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $75.

KID ENTREPRENEURS

YOUNG INNOVATORS MAKING AN IMPRESSION

PHOTO: Erik Meadows

For some, a knack for entrepreneurship reveals itself early. Business lore goes that Sir Richard Branson, now the brains behind Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Hotels, started a magazine at 16; Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffet sold packs of gum as a child; and now-famous fragrance and candle innovator Jo Malone started making her own scents from her family's garden at 9 years old. Closer to home, we’ve found kids and teens who are dreaming big and creating companies with hard work and innovative ideas. Read on to learn about a philanthropic jewelry designer, hardworking lemonade purveyors, a creative DJ, an industrious cookie cake maker and more. Who knows? We might have the next generation of big idea makers right in our backyard.

KNOT YOUR AVERAGE KID

Elise Park’s personality is as vibrant as her jewelry. At just 11 years old, the Buckheadbased bracelet designer has already built a business from the ground up, one seed bead at a time. What started as a hobby when she was 6 has blossomed into a thriving venture, complete with a soon-to-launch website, a signature style she describes as “fun and colorful,” and a philan-

thropic mission she takes seriously. Park didn’t set out to build a business, but it’s no surprise that it came as a natural transition. Her mom, Alice, is an accomplished photographer and entrepreneur behind Creativity Camp, a summer program that uses hands-on classes to build confidence, courage and a do-ityourself spirit in kids. After watching and participating in one of her

mom’s week-long camps, something clicked for Park. She went home, got more beads and started stringing. Over time, her designs grew more intricate, graduating from basic strands to creations made with tiny seed beads and metallic accents. “My bracelets got more advanced and had more detail on them,” Park says. By age 8, she was ready to sell. Her first shot came at one of her mom’s

What piece of jewelry do you wear every day?

“I usually wear a gold and white pearl bracelet that I made, and a pink and gold one that I made.”

events, and it went well enough to convince her to keep at it. Now she’s armed with a bead spinner that lets her finish a bracelet in just about five minutes, which is ideal for a kid like Park who bounces between school, social time with friends and nightly practice for competitive gymnastics. Her creative process is simple because she sees inspiration everywhere. She remembers walking through the mall with her mom, looking around and thinking, “I want to build a brand like Tory Burch or Chanel. That’s so cool.” She finds spending time on Pinterest especially helpful, but she rarely ends there. She’ll spot something she likes, then rework it in her own colors and aesthetic or skip the reference altogether. “Most of the time I just think about it, and then I just do it,” she says. It’s a philosophy that should take her far and well beyond jewelry. From the beginning, Park decided her business would do more than just sell bracelets, so a portion of every sale goes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “I chose St. Jude because I feel like the people who are there need money, and I want to help them,” she says. At 11 years old, she’s committed to doing good for others and making it an integral part of doing business without any expectations of praise, power or personal gain.

Ask Park where she sees her business in a year, and she doesn’t hesitate. She envisions more sales, more production time and more bracelets. But her thinking doesn’t stop there. Long-term, she’s already considering what it would look like to scale her production, potentially moving away from handmaking every piece to manufacturing once demand grows. “I hope it gets really, really big,” Park says. For a kid balancing academics, extracurriculars and a growing business, that kind of forward thinking feels less like a dream and more like a plan. n

@misselisepark

Who’s an entrepreneur you admire?

Michael Coles, the Atlanta-based founder of Great American Cookie Company.

THE SWEET LIFE

HYATT BRANDENBURG DELIVERS COOKIES AND CONFIDENCE

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Like most innovators, Hyatt Brandenburg takes business seriously. Unlike most entrepreneurs, though, the 14-year-old has to balance it with schoolwork.

Buckhead-based Brandenburg is a serial entrepreneur. He previously founded a driveway convenience store called Hyatt’s Express. He also launched Buckhead Balloons, a delivery service born from his observation that Party City’s closure would leave Buckhead residents without a place to buy party balloons.

His latest company is Chastain Cookie Bros, a purveyor of cookie cakes. The company started in 2022 after Brandenburg and his brother, 10 and 6 years old at the time, discussed potential business ideas

out of boredom. They launched that year. Brandenburg switched schools in 2024 and paused his company to focus on his education; he ramped it back up again in summer 2025 as a solo venture.

Chastain Cookie Bros offers made-to-order 9-inch cookie cakes that customers can personalize with decorations and colored frostings. A half-and-half cookie is made from half chocolate chip batter and half M&M batter. “Depending on your crowd and taste preferences, there's something for everyone,” Brandenburg says. He also offers balloons as an add-on, a nod to his previous business.

Brandenburg, who attends The Westminster Schools, made it his

business to know the ins and outs of cookie-making and went into it with an entrepreneur's lens. “The margins are pretty good, and it’s more unique than a typical cookie you’d find anywhere. We bring a little more attention to our product than a grocery store,” he says.

The middle schooler has his business flow down. On specific days, he makes batter for the week and freezes it. When an order comes in, he defrosts the dough, bakes it and decorates it according to his customer’s directions.

His parents, who are both business owners, occasionally step in to help, such as driving him to delivery drop-offs. But for the most part, Brandenburg manages Chastain Cookie Bros himself. “I do the logistical stuff, such as ordering a custom banner for the farmers market,” he says. “It’s mainly me.”

He’s been a fixture at the DHA

Farmers Market at Dunwoody’s Brook Run Park and has been learning to navigate the demands of such events. “I’d love to do it bi-weekly, but I also have school,” he says. Event weeks mean making batter and freezing it several nights after school, then trying to bake it all the night before the market. “It can take a toll on my physical and mental health,” he says.

Brandenburg says he enjoys the potential growth and exposure that local markets offer. He plans to get a retail food job at Publix or Chick-fil-A this summer to better understand the food retail industry and further his entrepreneurial education.

Brandenburg is hyper-aware of how much entrepreneurship fuels him. “I love the thrill of achieving a goal,” he says. “Making money is good, but I like setting a goal and seeing it take off.” He’s only a teen, but he already understands that entrepreneurship is the correct path for him. “I don’t really see myself working for anyone else in my career.” n chastaincookiebros.com @chastain_cookie_bros

Coney and King Pickens

WHEN THE DIGITAL ERA HANDS YOU LEMONS

GRAB A LEMONADE FROM LIL HOMIES

STORY: Denise K. James PHOTO: Erik Meadows

If you ask King Pickens, 12, and his brother, Sheddrick “Junior” Coney, 14, an old-school touch is good for business. The two prefer to meet their customers faceto-face as the co-founders of Lil Homies with Lemonades, a grassroots beverage company peddling more than 25 flavors.

It started when their mom, Smilesha Pickens, drove past a roadside lemonade stand during her delivery

route job in 2020. Inspired by the sight of the kid outdoors and not on a digital device, she brought the idea home to her two sons. “Our mother had faith in us,” Coney says. “She saw potential in us.”

At first, the boys sold drinks to their friends at school. By March 2021, when feedback was positive, they decided to make the leap and take their then-modest array of flavors—classic lemonade, blueberry, raspberry and strawberry—on Uber rides and MARTA trains to reach populated areas such as Piedmont Park and Atlantic Station.

Coney and Pickens established a new headquarters in 2025: the corner of Deering Road and Mecaslin Street in the Westside neighborhood. To ensure they were welcome in their new area, they introduced themselves to pedestrians and passing cars, even checking in with neighbors during wintry weather.

the faces of the two co-founders.

Soon, a third member of the family will join Lil Homies: the boys’ 8-year-old sister, S’Vanna Pickens. She’s already filled in a couple times when either of her siblings was unavailable, and, according to Pickens, her work ethic is following in their footsteps. “She loves to hold the sign and share the duties,” he says.

Pickens and Coney both practice being present. Neither wastes business hours being on a phone or tablet; they’re alert and ready for customers. To that end, both boys try to construct plenty of activities aside from devices when they aren’t working, such as sports and hanging outdoors. Even off the clock, people around Atlanta often recognize them.

“We’ve been at the store, and people have seen us and said, ‘You’re the lemonade boys!’” Pickens says. n

lilhomieswithlemonades.com

@lilhomieslemonades

BATTER UP

SISTERS ARE TURNING KIDS INTO CONFIDENT CHEFS THROUGH SUMMER COOKING CAMPS

STORY: Nicole Letts PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

Asha and Anjali Gowda have always known their way around a kitchen. Long before they launched Cooking Kiddos, their summer baking camp for kids, the Buckhead sisters were preparing recipes together at least once a week. Now at 17 and 15, Anjali and Asha, a junior and a sophomore in high school respectively, are not your average camp counselors. They design the curriculum, test every recipe in advance, source the ingredients, handle registration and post daily recap videos to their Instagram. Camp runs out of the family's home kitchen, with a maximum of eight kids per week, with ages ranging from 5 to 11. On the first day, campers get a lesson in kitchen

safety before a single ingredient is touched. “We teach them to be careful around stoves and ovens while having fun,” Anjali says. Once safety is out of the way, there are two baking sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, plus arts and crafts, outdoor play and lunch the kids make themselves.

Each week centers around a unifying theme, such as Under the Sea or Around the World. For 2026’s Under the Sea week, the girls have already started curating a menu with items such as ocean-themed cupcakes, sand dollar snickerdoodles, pearl oyster puff pastry dessert and treasure chest cake. The sisters are also keenly aware of their audience, ensuring results are kid-and

and works at a scale for younger children to manage on their own. The goal isn't just a finished product; the girls hope to teach kids the power of tangible results. "You can have fun making desserts without screens," Asha says. In an era where kids' activities increasingly revolve around a device, Cooking Kiddos is proudly screen-free.

Admittedly, they say running a business with a sibling has its challenges, but the advantages outweigh them. "We've known each other for a really long time," Asha says. "We know each other's weaknesses and strengths, so we can help each other out." They've learned to read each other's limits, divide responsibilities and step in when the other’s energy is running low. And when things get a little too overwhelming, they occasionally hire (and pay) their younger brother, Tejas, to help.

If you could teach kids just one kitchen skill, what would it be?

ANJALI: “Kitchen safety is a big thing, but I would also say how to measure using measuring cups. A lot of them come in not knowing that, and it's really fun to teach them.”

Who is your entrepreneurial inspiration?

ASHA: “A chef named Jeremy Miller. He worked in Michelin-star restaurants and now has his own place. That's kind of the dream.”

The vision doesn't stop at camp. Asha has her eye on owning a restaurant or bakery one day, and she can already picture Cooking Kiddos expanding into that space. For now, though, the sisters are focused on the summer ahead with plans for two sessions and a kitchen full of kids. n @thecookingkiddos

SPINNING WITH THE SHARKS

Who are your business idols?

“I’ve watched a lot of ‘Shark Tank,’ and seeing all those kinds of entrepreneurs go on there was really inspiring, and obviously all the sharks who have made it. Mark Cuban, I like him as a shark. He’s kind of a cool guy.”

Anker learned to DJ through YouTube. He started with phone apps, then bought some basic equipment, including a $300 mixer and speakers.

He doesn’t see DJing as a career— sports medicine is more likely— but as a fun way to earn cash through high school and college and perhaps as a side gig later.

His stage name, Vice Cube, is a tribute to his father’s hometown, Miami. He loves the city where he regularly visits his grandparents, and is a fan of the Dolphins and Heat. His bar mitzvah at Temple Sinai featured a “Miami Vice”inspired tropical color scheme.

“I knew I wanted to incorporate that some way into my name,” he says. Besides, Vice Cube “kind of sounded cool.”

Since drifting from hobby to business last year, Anker has focused on promotion and exposure, prioritizing opportunities to show and sharpen his skills over profits. One early, free gig was Hannah’s Bake Sale, an annual Cerebral Palsy Foundation fundraiser held by the Alexander family, who are close friends to the Ankers. He has a couple of graduation parties lined up and hopes to entertain at pool parties this summer, although he will spend most of July at Camp Barney Medintz in North Georgia.

Everett Anker has high hopes at the pool this summer, but, unlike his fellow teens, he hopes to make a splash on the side instead of in the water. The 14-year-old sees pool parties as a great way to propel his DJ business.

“When I find a new passion, I really take off with it, and DJing was definitely one of them,” says Anker, who is finishing eighth grade at Ridgeview Charter Middle School in Sandy Springs. “I think that when starting a business, it’s really just finding a passion of yours to take off.”

The son of Jonathan and Dara Anker and brother of Elias, who is 3 years older, Anker says DJing developed from his love of music. He taught himself to play the piano about five years ago then tried other instruments. He’s first-chair saxophone in the school orchestra.

About two years ago, he noticed

the DJs at parties. “It was just cool how they would be influencing the vibe of the party,” Anker says, and he thought it would be “really cool if it was me.”

Famous DJs such as David Guetta, Martin Garrix and James Hype inspire him. “I really like their style and the transitions that they do and their music,” he says. Although he likes many genres, Anker prefers to play dance pop. But he matches the vibe of clients’ parties while mixing songs based on factors such as beats per minute, key and genre. “You have to read the crowd.”

He recognizes that an inexperienced 14-year-old DJ dependent on his parents for transportation is a tough sell. He emphasizes a diverse taste in music that helps him accommodate any requests and the knowledge of what’s hot among teens from being one of them.

Plus, “I’m pretty affordable compared to some of the higherend DJs because I really know my place in the industry,” Anker says. “People won’t pay me as much as they will for obviously an older and more experienced DJ.” n vicecube.wixsite.com/vicecubedj

DELICIOUS

Luscious& Lively

THAI FLAVORS BLOOM AT PINK LOTUS IN WEST MIDTOWN

Glance around West Midtown’s Pink Lotus restaurant and you will see the eponymous color in varied shades: Fuchsia cushions and raspberry triangle pillows dot long benches around the main dining room, pale fresh blossoms sit atop tables, candy-hued paper lanterns hang from the ceiling, and a bright mural showcases the namesake flowers. Less expected are the numbers of

people seated around the space who are wearing pink. Though there’s no dress code that requires or even suggests pink clothing, on my recent visits there seemed to be communal agreement that it’s fun to wear the titular hue. But if your wardrobe lacks pink, don’t let that stop you from visiting. Decor elements from floor tiles to framed fabrics underscore the fact that all colors and even gingham and plaid are welcome here. ➥

At Pink Lotus, you can expect flavors in perfect balance.

Above: Pro tip: Order extra Chiang Mai fried rice to take home; it reheats beautifully.

Left: Fried calamari is a shareable starter.

With Pink Lotus, the 26 Hospitality Group team aims to spotlight lesser-known dishes of Thai cuisine. Presenting authentic regional specialties from across Thailand, the menu offers a range of dishes from homey classics to modern creations. Shareable appetizers and combination plates at lunch and dinner make it easy to sample multiple temptations in one visit.

As a greeting and awakening of the senses, once seated you’re given a towelette with essential oils to wipe hands and a delicate drink made of lemongrass and pandan, a spiky plant known as “Asian Vanilla,” to perk up the palate. Servers are eager to answer questions and recommend favorites among the array of menu options. From mild to super hot, spice levels can be customized to suit personal preferences. Many dishes can also add additional proteins including chicken, seafood, beef or tofu.

Cocktails merge savory and

tropical elements in surprising ways. The som tom martini shakes gin with papaya salad and fresh lime for a striking sip that starts sour and builds to spice. The Roti Massaman cocktail skillfully mixes the namesake curry sauce with lime vodka, coconut, ginger and lime juice for a drink that hits a chorus of flavor notes as it skips across taste buds. The bar menu suggests that its lineup of medicinal-tasting, herb-infused spirits promote health and vitality, though there’s only solid proof that drinking a three-pour flight of them can satisfy flavor curiosity. For a light, food-friendly cocktail, try the lychee spritz with gin, lychee and lemon juices and splashes of aperitif and sparkling wines. Prefer wine straight up? Sparkling, white, pink and red blends and varietals from the U.S., France, Italy, Spain and South Africa are available by the glass and bottle. Beer options include Thailand’s crisp and refreshing Singha lager.

Whatever you order, you can expect colorful, artful plate presentations and bold flavors that hit just right. Start with the popular crispy kale and minced chicken appetizer

that drizzles saucy poultry bits over fried greens at the table. Southern Thai charcoal chicken features two skewers of tender meat slathered with a tangy sauce. Golden crab rolls, a personal favorite, are solidly packed with chunks of seafood and accompanied by a sweet plum sauce. Fried calamari features toothsome rings of squid coated in a delicate, crispy batter and served with a tangy chili-lime dipping sauce. If you enjoy the complex flavor layers of Massaman curry but want to try a different entree, opt for the roti curry appetizer; a small bowl of the sweetly spicy sauce arrives with flatbread for dipping. Traditional pad Thai, a stirfried rice noodle dish not to miss if you’re new to Thai cuisine, can be prepared to suit vegetarians or omnivores. However it’s ordered, here you can expect complex sweet, sour, salty and umami flavors in perfect balance. One bite of what the menu bills as “the best” short rib is proof enough the name isn’t

hyperbole: Slow braised in a fivespice glaze, this fork-tender beef is such an ethereal joy to eat that you might find yourself fending off the forks of your dining companions hoping to swipe a bite. Savory and herbaceous with a garlicky tang, Chiang Mai fried rice is cooked in a wok with your choice of protein—most popularly, Sai Oua sausage—topped with a fried egg and a smoky green chili dip alongside. Basil chicken stir fries tender chicken with a kicky sauce featuring Thai basil, chilies and garlic; each bite drenches the tongue with savory, spicy and herbal notes. Finish on a sweet treat with a slice of coconut cake. Its tender crumb and just-right coconut flavor satisfied my cravings. According to Pink Lotus’ website, “In Thai tradition, the pink lotus is a sacred offering—presented to the goddess Lakshmi to invite blessings, abundance and peace.” Fittingly, a meal here can leave you feeling rewarded, satiated and content. n

or $55 for three; signature plates, $21-$55; noodles, $25-$31; plant forward, $21-$23; sides, $2-$12; desserts, $15; lunch sets, $30; crafted cocktails, $17$27; wine, $16-$24/glass or $64-$96/bottle; beer, $7; non-alcoholic, $6-9.

Recommended:

fried

Bottom line: This upscale Thai restaurant offers a welcoming vibe, attentive service, vibrant decor with pops of many shades of pink and skilled preparations of cocktails and foods that burst with bold yet well-balanced flavors.

FLIGHTS OF FANCY

Get liftoff with the Aviation, Air Mail and Paper Plane STORY: Angela Hansberger

Jet-setting, gazing at the clouds and traveling to exotic locations have long been romanticized. As much as in music and the movies, defying gravity and the thrill of flight are sentiments that have fueled the imagination of inspired bartenders. Aero-cocktails are similar to the perfect takeoff, crafted with equal parts precision, balance and lift.

From the pre-Prohibition Aviation and a 1930’s rummy Airmail to the modern classic Paper Plane, together these cocktails form a flight path through history.

Named in homage to the glamourous age of aeronautics, the Aviation is a floral, gin-soaked reach for the clouds. It was first listed in New York bartender Hugo Ensslin’s Recipes for Mixed Drinks, printed in 1916. Made by shaking together gin, fresh lemon juice and Luxardo maraschino liqueur, it derives its violet-sky blue tint from crème de violette, an aromatic and floral liqueur made from macerated violet petals.

The Aviation fits the atmosphere of Buckhead’s Red Phone Booth,

where you can sip the periwinklehued cocktail in a 1920s-style speakeasy. Bartenders take time and care to finely strain the ingredients into a chilled coupe. Tucked into the leather sofas in the low lighting with the scent of cigar smoke in the room, you may begin talking about the golden age of travel.

The Airmail delivers high-altitude luxury with a rum and Champagne backbone. Originally created by the Bacardi company as a promotion celebrating the launch of airmail service between Miami and Cuba, the 1930s classic flourished in a time when Americans flew to Cuba to legally consume alcohol. Much like a Caribbean version of a French 75 or a sparkling daiquiri, the Airmail combines rum, honey, lime juice and Champagne or sparkling wine. Playing with different types of rum can change the cocktail, from the depth and richer flavors of golden or aged rum to the crispness of white rum to a grassy, earthy profile from rhum agricole.

The Betty at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Buckhead brands itself as “an

escape to a bygone era.” It’s the perfect place to try a version of the Airmail they call “Old Jamaican,” made with Appleton Estate Aged Rum, lime juice, simple syrup and a dash of Angostura. The ingredients get a hard shake over ice and are strained into a coupe. Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco (a brut style from Veneto with notes of green apple) tops the concoction before it gets crowned with a sprig of mint. It’s stamped with effervescence and elegance.

A modern classic, the Paper Plane serves as a 21st century stowaway, using a bittersweet quartet of whiskey, aperitif, citrus and amaro in equal measure. It’s an easy to prepare and remember recipe that proves even the simplest design can soar.

Created by Sam Ross in 2008 for Chicago’s Violet Hour, the Paper Plane has a sweet-tart profile using no sweeteners and no modifiers. Sweet, sour and bitter are in perfect proportion. While it attains a golden balance, there is an assertiveness to each ingredient. It’s a cocktail to talk about, a slow sipper. Ross originally used bourbon, Amaro Nonino Quint-

essentia, lemon juice and Campari for the recipe but later swapped Campari for Aperol to lessen the bitterness. Unlike most amari made from neutral grain spirits, Nonino, made in northeastern Italy, is crafted from grape-based grappa with a secret family recipe of botanicals such as citrus peels, gentian, rhubarb, quinine bark and thyme.

You can find the embodiment of Ross’ creation at Brookhaven’s Terra Terroir and Dunwoody’s Joey D’s Oak Room. For an exemplary version made with local ingredients, Confab Kitchen & Bar shakes together bourbon and amaro from Distillery of Modern Art, Aperol and lemon juice for perfect liftoff. n

CONFAB KITCHEN & BAR confabatl.com • @confabatl

JOEY D’S OAK ROOM joeydsoakroom.com • @joeydsoakroom

RED PHONE BOOTH redphonebooth.com • @rpbbuckhead

TERRA TERROIR terraterroir.com • @terraterroirbistro

THE BETTY thebettyatl.com • @thebettyrestaurant

FOODIE JOURNAL Culinary News & Notes

BY Claire Ruhlin

Wood-Fired Flavor

Cutting Edge Firewood shares how the right wood transforms live-fire cooking

As summer approaches, so does grilling season. When it comes to wood-fired cooking and barbecuing, the wood is just as important as the ingredients. No one knows this better than the team at Cutting Edge Firewood, which produces kiln-dried firewood for cooking, grilling and pizza ovens and offers delivery in the Atlanta area. Sara Bryan, director of customer experience, explains how wood impacts flavor.

What makes kiln-dried firewood and pure hardwood pellets the best choice for cooking?

Think of kiln-dried firewood like using high-quality ingredients. It burns hotter, cleaner and more consistently because moisture has been reduced to very low levels. Premium pellets made from 100% natural hardwood with no fillers or binders produce cleaner smoke, more stable temperatures and better flavor consistency. In wood-fired cooking, purity matters because whatever is in the wood ends up in your food, either through heat or smoke.

What are some common misunderstandings about cooking with real wood versus charcoal or gas?

Most people assume wood is just another heat source. It’s not.

Wood provides heat, aroma and flavor complexity. Gas is convenient. Charcoal is steady. But real wood adds layered smoke compounds that create depth you can’t replicate. Another big misconception is that any wood works. Poorquality or wet wood can actually lower cooking temperatures and add off-putting flavors.

Do some woods work better for specific types of cooking?

Dense hardwoods like oak and hickory are great for longer cooking durations (two-plus hours) and smoking. Lighter fruitwoods like apple and cherry work well for poultry, seafood and vegetables when you want smoke to complement rather than dominate.

What’s the easiest way for a home cook to start experimenting with wood-fired flavor?

Start small. If you already cook with charcoal or pellets, just add a couple chunks of hardwood for flavor. Try one wood at a time so you can learn what each one brings to the food. Cooking chunks are made to work alongside charcoal, so you

n Spread Bagelry is now open on Buckhead’s Irby Avenue. The Philadelphia-founded shop is known for its wood-fired bagels that are kettle-boiled in honey-infused water before baking. spreadbagelry.com

n Chastain Creamery is now open in Chastain Park and offers a variety of handmade ice cream flavors, plus dairy- and sugar-free options, and coffee. chastaincreamery.com

Buckhead residents may have seen one of the Refuge Coffee Co. mobile coffee trucks or visited one of its metro Atlanta cafes. The nonprofit’s Welcome

don’t have to change your whole setup to start cooking with wood. Once you understand the flavor profiles, you can start mixing woods to create your own signature blend. n

CUTTING EDGE FIREWOOD cuttingedgefirewood.com @cutting.edge.firewood

Zest for Life

Grindhouse Killer Burgers’ chile lime dressing brings the zing

Grindhouse Killer Burgers opened its sixth location in Atlanta’s Upper Westside earlier this year. You’ll find this chile lime dressing on the restaurant’s avocado salad, but it’s also simple and quick to recreate at home and use as a dressing, sauce or dip.

Chile Lime Dressing Yield: 1 quart

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups roasted New Mexico green chiles

1 tablespoon kosher salt

¾ cup lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder 1 jalapeño (seeded) 1 clove garlic 1 avocado 2 cups sour cream

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add all ingredients, except sour cream, to a blender. Puree until smooth. Pour into a bowl and fold in sour cream. Add salt to taste.

GRINDHOUSE KILLER BURGERS grindhouseburgers.com @grindhouseburgers

and chain restaurants. It’s anyone who needs a fork and a knife for a business in Georgia. It’s really hard to shop for this stuff out of a catalog. They need to get their hands on the product. I enjoy helping them bring their tabletops to life.

What are some of the most impressive orders you’ve had?

Our largest project to date was the Savannah Convention Center expansion. They ordered 35,000 pieces of silverware. It’s hard to wrap your head around an order of that size. We’ve probably touched at least 70% of the hospitality outlets in Atlanta. Over the last 11 years, I can say it’s likely thousands of accounts.

How do you work with restaurants?

I help them analyze what they need based on what the space looks like, what the overall feel is, what the cuisine is, what the furniture looks like and what the countertop colors are. We look at every detail to make sure the plates will look good. We want to make the restaurant experience cohesive and work through the details with our clients. We are one of the last pieces that come into play before an opening.

What about custom items?

A Lot on Her Plate

See Morgan Jones-Greenberg’s work on your favorite restaurant table

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Turn over a plate at a food and beverage establishment in Atlanta, and you’re likely to see the work of Morgan Jones-Greenberg, Chamblee resident and the principal of West Midtown’s Table One Hospitality Group. As the sole Georgia rep for Steelite, a leading manufacturer of hospitality-grade dinnerware, flatware and glassware, she’s more than likely the one supplying restaurants with

everything you see on the table at your favorite restaurant.

Jones-Greenberg went straight into her metier after graduating in 2006 from Rollins College where she majored in international business. A childhood best friend’s father had a contact at Steelite and connected her. “This career fell in my lap,” she says. She worked her way through customer service, product management, manufacturing, marketing

and other facets of the business, and was eventually asked to helm the Georgia business in a representative partnership that began in 2015. Now she shows Steelite china, glassware, flatware, banqueting and buffet equipment to thousands of Georgia-based customers in her 4,000- square-foot, by-appointment showroom. Here, she explains how the business works.

Who can come to Table One Hospitality Group?

We get everyone from independent restaurants to stadiums, convention centers, hotels, country clubs

We absolutely love doing custom designs; the sky is the limit. We have a design team that can do things like logos on plates, design for portion control, etching glass and more. My favorite custom project to date was at Roshambo in Buckhead. I’ve known Unsukay partner Chris Hall for years, and we’ve worked on several projects together. He wanted the diners to play rock, paper, scissors at the end of the meal. You’ll notice on the plates now that there’s a custom logo in the center, and it’s either a rock, a paper or scissors. It’s so you can “play” at the table. That was super fun. We did InTown Golf’s flag logo etched on the flatware to make it feel really special and have an element of surprise. We’ve also done The Perlant, La Grotta, Delbar Buckhead, Aria, The St. Regis Atlanta and Little Alley Steak Buckhead. n

TABLE ONE HOSPITALITY GROUP 404.804.2522 • tableonegroup.com @tableonegroup

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick

ATLANTA FISH MARKET

A dining destination on Pharr Road since 1993, Atlanta Fish Market offers multiple seating areas, eye-catching works of art, attentive service and skilled preparations of high-quality fare. Menus boast “Atlanta’s largest selection of fresh, wild caught fish,” though steak, chicken, salads and veggies are also available. Sixteen different types of fish can be sautéed, broiled, blackened or prepared Hong Kong style with sherry soy broth, the most popular choice and the restaurant’s signature dish since 1996. Jumbo lump crab cakes are dense with meat. Gumbo marries seafood nuggets, sausage bites and zippy spices. Stuffed flounder casserole is loaded with shrimp, crab, scallops and mushrooms in a white wine sauce. Fish or shrimp tacos or a grouper sandwich make a scrumptious lunch. Desserts like toffee crunch pie are worth the calorie splurge. Before heading out, stop by Pano’s Food Shop, a takeaway market that offers daily cuts of fresh seafood plus steaks, sides, signature ingredients and desserts. Entrees: $20-$56 • Platters: $50-$57 Iced seafood: $22-$92 • Happy hour bites:

$8-$24 • Sushi: $9-$16 • Sandwiches: $20-$38 • Soups & salads: $12-$15 • Sides: $8-$39 • Desserts: $9-$10 • Cocktails: $8-$25 • Wine: $8-$35/glass, $48-$150/ bottle • atlantafishmarket.com

BLUE RIDGE GRILL

For more than 20 years, Blue Ridge Grill has been a mecca for Buckhead power lunchers and chill evening diners alike. Whether for business or romance, BRG is a paragon of hospitality, and each guest is embraced like a VIP. Standard crowd-pleasers on the EuroAmerican menu include grilled Georgia trout, French-boned chicken with wild mushrooms and filet mignon with Vidalia onions. Small plates and sides of iron skillet mussels, Caesar salad with crisp Beeler bacon, custard-like corn soufflé and (off-menu item) fried pickles with buttermilk dipping sauce are absolute must-tries. If cost is an issue, call ahead, as menu prices are not advertised online. Lunch: $9-$42 • Dinner: $13-$62 blueridgegrill.com

DAS BBQ

In 2016, Stephen Franklin had a dream to make Georgia the most “inclusive, creative barbecue experience in the country,” and that’s just what he did at DAS BBQ. Whether it’s the rosy, smoke-ringed brisket, equally pink and juicy St. Louis-style ribs or the spicy, smoked chicken wings, every bony bite is a testament to Franklin’s focus on the art and science of smoked meats. Bring the whole family and don’t pass up house-made sides of decadent cream corn, mac ’n’ cheese and stick-to-your-ribs Brunswick stew. Dig into

white chocolate banana pudding after if you’re willing and able. Meats (whole, half and sandwich): $7-$28, sausages $5/link • Wings: $9/$18 for half dozen/dozen • Side dishes (in regular, pint or quart): $3-$23 • Desserts: $3-$5 • dasbbq.com

ECLIPSE DI LUNA

At the tail end of Miami Circle is one of the most convivial joints in town. Head over for happy hour Monday through Thursday when most drinks and tapas are half price, and there’s live music. Yummy small plates of habanero-spiced ahi tuna ceviche, smoky sun-dried-tomato mac and cheese (made with three different cheeses) and refreshing Granny Smith apple salad are some of our favorites. Still hungry? It’s hard to pass up the succulent balsamic-y spare ribs and flavorful, crunchy calamari. If you’re with family (or a family of friends), consider the exquisite saffron-infused paella, made with authentic Calasparra rice. Tapas: $2.95-$14.95 (most in the $5-$8 range) • Large plates (for two or more): $20$24 • eclipsediluna.com

THE HUNGRY PEACH

Despite the hyper-elegant surrounding showrooms, The Hungry Peach, located inside the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, serves up anyone’s idea of a perfectly downhome lunch. Colossal salads and delectable renditions of classic sandwiches, such as the melt-in-your-mouth corned beef Reuben, egg salad and smoked bacon-pepper jack wrap, are sure to please welcome visitors and hungry professionals alike. Sides including the Cajun mac ‘n’ cheese and loaded potato salad will knock your designer socks off. Not to be missed are the freshly made sweets, such as the five-layer coconut cake and Callebaut chocolate brownie. Wash it all down with a bottomless mason jar of iced sweet tea.

Starters: $4-$9 • Salads: $10-$12.50

Sandwiches: $8.50-$12.50

Desserts: $2.50-$6 • thehungrypeach.com

IL GIALLO OSTERIA & BAR

Experience the love-through-food feeling in generous portions at il Giallo Osteria & Bar in Sandy Springs, where Italy’s Piedmont region is brought to life by Chef Jamie Adams and General Manager Leonardo Moura. The menu showcases classic, seasonal and regional Italian dishes. Fresh pasta is made overlooking the dining room during service. Spaghetti and meatballs present al dente pasta and fork-tender spheres of ground duck, turkey and beef. “Crazy lasagna” layers braised short ribs with sheets of pasta, drizzled with garlic and rosemary juice for yummy umami. Chicken parmigiana is so big it fills the plate. Pizza, made by Pizzaiolo Brendan Keenan, features a Neapolitan-

style thin crust that’s cooked through; one bite of margherita is all that’s needed to be impressed. The wine list showcases varietals and blends from around the world, including several Italian picks. Beer and classic and creative cocktails are also offered. Save room for tiramisu or hazelnut chocolate bars.

Appetizers: $4-20 • Salads: $14-16

Pizza: $16-24 • Pasta: $18-39 • Sides: $12-13

Entrees: $29-51 • Desserts: $10-12 ilgialloatl.com

MCKENDRICK’S STEAK HOUSE

A family-owned restaurant that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, McKendrick’s Steak House in the Perimeter Center district has a reputation for outstanding service. Lunch and dinner menus have much in common, though sandwiches and some salads are exclusively offered at lunch, and a few appetizers and entrees are only featured at dinner. Daily specials and specialty cocktails can have a seasonal spin. USDA prime Midwestern beef is the key feature here, though seafood options also abound. Steaks are cooked to order; enjoy your filet, ribeye or strip cut simply grilled or add your pick among the several different toppings offered. Tempura lobster is a standout with a delicate fried batter. Caesar salad pulls off the trick of being both crispy and creamy. Crab cakes showcase jumbo lump blue crab meat. Sides like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and mushroom risotto complete a meal. Save room for the eponymous New York-style cheesecake. Appetizers: $10-$27 • Salads: $14-15

Seafood: $26-$70 • Prime steaks: $58-98 Sauces and toppings: $5-$35 • Sides: $10-$25

Desserts: $9-$20 • Specialty cocktails: $18$20 • Wine: $11-$28/glass, $13-$1,150/bottle mckendricks.com

PENDOLINO

Pendolino at Chastain Market is an upscale yet unpretentious eatery tucked into a shopping center. Its retro decor and neighborly vibe invite you to linger over multiple courses or grab a quick snack. Chef-owner Kevin Maxey’s menu is inspired by Italian fare and also takes cues from local ingredients. Don’t miss the fork-tender pork and veal meatballs topped with tangy-sweet tomato ragu; each heavenly bite begs another. Charred just right pizzettes come adorned with sophisticated flavor combinations of toppings. Crispy calamari fritti with sundried tomatoes packs a satisfying crunch and compelling contrast of salty, herby and savory flavors. Chicken scallopini parmigiano is a popular favorite. Ricotta ravioli with butternut squash and sage delights with soft round pillows of sweet flavor drizzled with earthy-sweet sauce. Save room for dessert such as tender olive oil cake or soft tiramisu.

Antipasti: $9-19 • Pizzette: $17-20 • Sides: $12-22 • Mains: $22-39 • Cocktails: $13-15 Desserts: $9-12 • pendolinoatl.com

STARFISH

Starfish—which can look just a little lost on the block that houses Restaurant Eugene and Holeman and Finch—is exactly the kind of sushi joint we have been trolling for. In a city where Japanese cuisine can be hit-or-miss and sometimes not the freshest, chef-owner Seung K. “Sam” Park’s reticent little pearl is a superior catch—cute and compact as a bento box but with just a hint of luxury. At dinner, we were delighted to see how the kitchen plays around with untraditional ingredients such as truffle oil and balsamic vinegar, slicing fish as thin as carpaccio and arranging it in dazzling presentations. When our flounder sashimi arrived, the server told us to place a dab of the ponzu jelly spiked with cilantro, jalapeño and lime on a strip of the fish and roll it up. Exquisite. Starfish isn’t the kind of place that announces itself with screaming klieg lights or red carpets. But in this culture of excess, sometimes being a little bit under-the-radar can be very seductive.

Lunch entrees: $7-$16 • Dinner entrees: $12-$30 • starfishatlanta.com

TERRA TERROIR

Escape the ordinary at Brookhaven’s awardwinning Terra Terroir. With its secret garden setting, service-oriented vibe, upscale fare plus full bar with an impressive wine list, this bistro is ready to surprise and impress. The eclectic lunch and dinner menus show American, European and Asian influences. Dishes boast layered flavors, surprising combinations and artful presentations. Gambas al Ajillo is a crowdpleasing Spanish starter with shrimp in sizzling olive oil infused with garlic and red pepper. French Country Supper is a menu standout featuring fork-tender duck leg confit plus andouille sausage and white beans. Coconut Thai salmon with curry broth is spiced just right. A hearty slow-braised Duroc pork shank arrives with creamy parmesan polenta. Grapefruit and pomegranate salad with mixed greens is a lighter option. Assorted charcuterie and cheese might accompany a wine tasting or stand alone as a hearty starter. Sweet temptations include flourless chocolate tart, sweet potato bread pudding, crème brûlée and sabayon.

Raw bites: $19-23 • Appetizers: $15-25

Salads: $15-26 • Mains: $19-49

Cocktails: $14-18 • terraterroir.com

Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Visit simplybuckhead.com to read all of our restaurant reviews!

A CURE IN OUR LIFETIME

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: J. Alexander Photography

Approximately 360 guests convened at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in late March for A Cure in Our Lifetime, a lavish breakfast and speaker event to support the nonprofit’s mission of funding breast cancer research, offering resources to those diagnosed and providing educational and outreach resources. Led by East Cobb’s Jennifer Fink and Sandy Springs resident Jody Goldstein, this was the 11th Cure, and it raised $400,000. Among the morning’s highlights were a keynote address by Broadway veteran and survivor Sarrah Strimel Bentley and updates from a panel of Emory Winship Cancer Institute doctors about the latest advancements in treating the disease. Simply Buckhead was proud to be the media sponsor.

STARFISH BALL

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Kimberly Evans

After inclement weather scuttled the original January date, the Starfish Ball finally had its moment in February at The St. Regis Atlanta in Buckhead. The benefit was the 21st annual event to support the nsoro Educational Foundation. The festivities included dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and an after party and tributes to supporters Juanita Powell Baranco and Reginald McKnight. Along with corporate sponsors, the more than 500 attendees raised $1.1 million for the nonprofit that supports youth aging out of foster care.

OCONEE PERFORMING ARTS SOCIETY

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Crystal Photography

Musical superstar Michael Feinstein brought a crowd of about 200 to their feet after a stirring performance at the 2026 Winter Ball, a fundraiser for the Oconee Performing Arts Society held in February at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds on scenic Lake Oconee. Chaired by OPAS board member Riezl Baker, the evening of cocktails, dinner and auctions also featured a performance by OPAS scholarship recipient Helen Garcia Carreras and the OPAS Big Band. The auctions and paddle raise garnered $300,000 for the Greensboro, Georgia, society’s support of arts education.

Turn

2026 EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

The nsoro Educational Foundation Starfish Ball

CURE Childhood Cancer Quiet Heroes

Friends of Winship Fashion A Cure

Open Hand Atlanta Party in the Kitchen Fix Georgia Pets Gala

CURE Childhood Cancer Believe Ball

Arthritis Foundation Crystal Ball

Emory Winship Gala

A Cure in our Lifetime Spring Breakfast

Grady Cross Ties

FreeRent Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Dress for Success Atlanta EmpowHER Luncheon

Dress for Success Atlanta Closet Confidential

Please contact Joanne Hayes, Publisher, at publisher@simplybuckhead.com for

DRESS FOR SUCCESS ATLANTA

STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTOS: Kimberly Evans

In late March, the eighth annual Dress for Success Atlanta drew some of the metro area’s most distinguished women and 250 supporters for a luncheon at the TK Elevator headquarters at The Battery Atlanta. The goal: celebrate women leaders, honor local changemakers and support women in their efforts to become economically independent. Emceed by journalist Holly Firfer, the event included an address by news anchor and author Amy Robach and recognition of the contributions from retired IBM exec Kitty Chaney Reed, The Branding Labs CEO Kris Delany, Tuckson Health Connections CFO Margie Malone Tuckson, The Recording Academy Senior Executive Director Rhea Caplinger and Susan Nethero, founder of Intimacy. More than $200,000 was raised, and Simply Buckhead was a media sponsor.

WHAT A GEM

Pre-teen budding jewelry designer Elise Park creates sweet bracelets in a variety of colors and donates a portion of her proceeds to charity. PHOTO: Erik Meadows

History is closer than you think.

History is blooming at Atlanta History Center, with 33 acres of botanical gardens ready for you to explore. Discover native ecosystems; traverse centuries of living history; and be dazzled by the classical gardens of the roaring ‘20s—all without leaving Buckhead. Every week brings new sights and fresh experiences.

Scan here to start planning your visit.

Buckhead’s Next Chapter Is Underway

Along West Paces Ferry Road, a 20-story residential tower rises within one of Atlanta’s most prized addresses. Elyse Buckhead introduces 194 private condominium residences with expansive terraces, floor-to-ceiling glass, and more than 63,000 sf of indoor and outdoor amenities designed as an extension of home. Adjacent to the St. Regis and steps from Buckhead Village, the setting is unrivaled. The perspective is rare.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION 1- to 3-Bedroom Residences from $1 Million

Schedule a Private Appointment ElyseBuckhead.com | 404-777-4861

107 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30305