BLACKLIGHT NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS SIP AND PAINT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/30/24

 Date: October 11, 2024

 Time: 7 PM (arrive by 6:45pm)

 Venue: Creative Stone 5318 Peachtree Road Chamblee, GA 30341

 Tickets: $50 (includes all painting materials and a 12×16 canvas)

 Meet the Artist:

– Justin Edwards: @JustinEdwardsArt

**Event is BYOB. Must be 21+**

Join us a Blacklight Reactive Nightmare Before Christmas Sip and Paint hosted by SPS Productions! Wear white or neon colors to increase your glow! 

Get ready for a creative evening filled with art, drinks, and fun! Don’t miss out on this unique experience. Reserve your spot now as we are likely to sell out! 

SEEING THROUGH THE CANVAS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/30/24

**Date:** October 20th, 2024

 **Time:** 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

 **Location:** Distillery of Modern Art, 2197 Irvindale Way, Chamblee, GA 30341

Join us for an afternoon of creativity, community, and philanthropy at *Seeing Through the Canvas*, hosted by SPS Productions! Immerse yourself in a vibrant art experience as we showcase over 20 talented vendors presenting their unique and captivating works. From paintings and sculptures to mixed media, this event promises to inspire and delight.

Not only will you have the chance to explore incredible art, but you can also contribute to a worthy cause. We are proud to partner with the Georgia Eye Bank, and select pieces from the event will be sold to raise funds supporting their mission.

 **Event Highlights:**

– Over 20+ art vendors with a diverse range of styles and media.

– Live art demonstrations and interactive exhibits.

– Opportunity to purchase unique artworks and support a great cause.

– Refreshments and a vibrant atmosphere at the Distillery of Modern Art.

-Come in your Halloween costume for a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card!

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a supporter of eye health, or simply looking for a fun and enriching Saturday afternoon, this event is for you. Bring your friends, family, and fellow art lovers for an unforgettable experience.

**Admission:** Free

**Dress Code:** Casual and creative!

Don’t miss out on this chance to see art in a whole new light and contribute to a meaningful cause. We can’t wait to see you there!

**RSVP Now!**

JOIN PAUSE EAST COBB FOR A FREE WELLNESS PREVIEW EVENT ON OCTOBER 9, 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/30/24

Enjoy a Complimentary Barre3 Class, Sound Bath, Cold Plunge, Raffle, and More Before the State-of-the-Art Studio Opens at Avenue East Cobb in Late Fall

Free to Attend and All Skill Levels Welcome

In anticipation of the grand opening of Pause Studio at Avenue East Cobb this fall, wellness enthusiasts are invited to join the fun at a special Pause Takeover during the Avenue Active powered by lululemon fitness series on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Kick off the evening with a free Barre3 class that combines strength, mindfulness, and movement, followed by a relaxing sound bath. This event is a perfect opportunity to experience Pause East Cobb’s modern, science-backed approach to wellness, explore exclusive pop-up offerings, and sign up for memberships and packages ahead of the grand opening. Starting at 5:30 p.m. in The Plaza, the evening will also feature fun extras like free cold plunges, compression therapy, a Drybar braid bar, and the chance to win exciting prizes in a raffle. Whether attendees are looking to break a sweat, relax, or learn more about Pause’s services, this event has something for everyone! The Pause Takeover during Avenue Active powered by lululemon is free to attend by signing up here. For more information about Pause East Cobb and its upcoming grand opening, visit pausestudio.com. 

BRIDGE CREEK INN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/29/24

Nestled in Rabun county and surrounded by the majestic North Georgia mountains, Bridge Creek Inn is a brand new mainstay on Clayton’s Main Street! John and I took a weekend getaway for a leisurely weekend to Bridge Creek Inn. There we enjoyed the mountain views while exploring the wildlife, activities, and downtown shopping. Bridge Creek Inn is touted as Clayton’s Living Room, a community gathering spot. You can catch a game or enjoy a cocktail from the Vandiver, their on-site upscale tavern. And being in the middle of downtown, it’s THE place to stay and explore everything that downtown Clayton, GA has to offer.

The moment you walk into the lobby “living room,” the hotel greets you with natural wood beauty, soft wood furniture, darker wood ceiling, and plush and cozy seating areas that dot the lobby. It’s calming from the second you enter. Gather by the fire, grab a quick coffee or snack at their cafe, and people watch from their cozy lounge area. It’s the place to relax and unwind.

Rooms

Upstairs, our room was the spacious King Suite with 180 views of the mountains and downtown! Simple and clean, yet modern and new, it was a beautiful room. The bathroom was light and bright, large shower, and pristine vanity. Heading around the corner is a cozy seating area with leather chairs made for a fun reading nook. The bed area drew your eye with a dark blue accent wall, mountain decor, and a comfy, large, king bed. Plus, we could look at the Mountain View all day.

The Vandiver

As we mentioned, they have an upscale tavern restaurant on site, The Vandiver, a main street tavern. Only open for 5 days when we visited, the space has some serious casual steakhouse vibes. Think exposed wood beams and circular booths. We’re impressed with the delectable shared plates, sensational dishes, and elevated cocktails! Like the Venison Wellington that’s super tender and juicy deer, cooked perfectly without a hint of game. The meat is surrounded by a perfect pastry that’s crunchy on the outside, yet flaky and gloating in a moat of rich and deep jus around it.

They have a wide variety of delicious shared plates like the BBQ carrots and the Jalapeno Hush Puppies. Starting with the
BBQ carrots that are crunchy and sweet, tender carrots with a spicy jalapeño miso and creamy, tart yogurt. On the other hand, the Jalapeño hush puppies are crunchy and fluffy with a good spice on the end. It is paired with a divine honey sweet butter. On to the Roasted Tomato Salad with fresh and light, roasted tomatoes, tangy crispy shallot, earthy basil, and topped with cheese!

For dinner, we also got the stunning Pork chop. It is a tender and juicy, charred chop topped with a herbaceous and earthy chimichurri, creamy sweet potato puree, dotted with pinkie eyed peas and grilled peaches. On the side, we opted for the Bone Marrow Bread pudding, a savory bread pudding. It is super meaty and rich! Finally, paired it with the Vandiver Verde, a tangy and sweet cocktail with a good spicy back.

THE VILLAGE DUNWOODY’S 3-2-1 ANNIVERSARY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/25/24

Friday, November 8

Funwoody is delighted to announce a grand 3, 2, 1 Anniversary celebration taking place on November 8. Dash Hospitality Group plans to commemorate BAR{n} Booze & Bites’ third year of Cheers-style toasts to the neighborhood, Morty’s Meat & Supply’s second year of flowing brews and delicious BBQ, and Message In A Bottle’s first year of coastal vibes. David Abes, owner of Dash Hospitality Group, “It’s been an amazing journey opening all these restaurants and [the] food truck. Every day, my team and I love seeing the smiling faces of our guests from Dunwoody and beyond!” The event will mark another year of culinary excellence and community gathering in the heart of Dunwoody.

     Starting from 7 PM, the courtyard will transform into a lively festival, featuring delectable dishes, a live DJ, and much more! All the restaurants will be open and ready to go for the attendees. DJ Coco will be spinning all night on the big stage with classic hits from the 70s to now! Funwoody, partnered with Tucker Brewing, will launch their, “BAR{n} Brew Lager,” which will release that evening.

     A portion of the night’s proceeds will be donated to the Dunwoody Police Foundation. The courtyard could not be a public and fun-loving space without those who protect and serve our community.

    The Village Dunwoody invites everyone in the community to join them in celebrating this significant milestone. Whether a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone at Funwoody’s 3, 2, 1 Anniversary Party. Come eat, dance, and celebrate!

THE WICKED PIG POP-UP BRINGS HALLOWEEN THRILLS TO BUCKHEAD’S BLIND PIG PARLOUR BAR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/25/24

Buckhead Speakeasy Transforms into a Spooky Destination with Frightfully Fun Décor
and Halloween-Themed Drinks and Bites Starting Sept. 20

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar invites guests to step into the shadows and embrace the fright at The Wicked Pig, the chilling new pop-up at The Blind Pig Parlour Bar. Starting Friday, Sept. 20, this Buckhead speakeasy will morph into a spooky lair filled with bone-chilling décor and eerie vibes. Guests should prepare to be bewitched by devilishly delicious Halloween cocktails and light bites, perfect for getting into the ghostly spirit of the season.

In addition to a hair-raising selection beer and wines and bubbles by the glass and bottle, The Wicked Pig boasts a roster of spooky sippers ($16) and shots ($10):

  • Red Blood Moon Margarita – El Jimador Blanco, blood orange puree, amaretto and lime
  • Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini – coffee liqueur, cold brew, orange and chai foam
  • Rosemary’s Baby – Tanteo jalapeno-infused tequila, Chambord, blackberry/rosemary syrup, lemon and Triple Sec
  • Poison Apple Pie – Old Forester, vanilla vodka, apple brandy, Velvet Falernum and Fireball spray
  • I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me – Ford’s gin, rosemary simple, orange, lemon, Triple Sec and walnut bitters
  • Hocus Pocus Cider – Bare Bone vodka, Licor 43, apple cider, lemon, brown sugar simple and prosecco
  • Dead Man’s Punch – Smith & Cross rum, orange juice, orgeat, apple cider, banana liqueur and grenadine
  • Scream Queen Sangria – red wine, Licor 43, assorted fall fruit, cinnamon and ginger ale
  • Witches Brew – pineapple and jalapeño tequila, pineapple, lime and melon
  • S’mores Martini – cinnamon vanilla vodka, Baileys and crème de cacao
  • B12 Shot – vanilla vodka and hazelnut
  • Vitamin C Shot – El Jimador, rosemary syrup and orange
  • Candy Corn Shot – Licor 43, coconut rum, orange juice, grenadine and whipped cream

Halloween-themed light bites include: 

  • Prosciutto crostini with eyeball olive and mozzarella ($10)
  • Harvest pumpkin hummus with spiced pepita seeds, carrot, celery and pita chips ($9)
  • Spooky deviled eggs ($8)     
  • Buffalo chicken dip served with corn tortilla chips ($10)  
  • Mummy dogs in puff pastry with honey mustard dipping sauce and ketchup ($11)   
  • Double chocolate brownie skull with vanilla bean ice cream and bloody bourbon cherries ($9)   
  • Midnight chocolate mousse grave made with cake dirt, RIP and creepy crawlers ($9)   

The Wicked Pig will be open Wednesday-Saturday starting Sept. 20-Nov. 2 from 5 p.m. until late. Reservations are strongly recommended through OpenTable. Walk-ins are available at the bar on a first-come, first-served basis. The Wicked Pig may be reserved for small parties and special events any day of the week. 

The Wicked Pig is located at 128 East Andrews Dr., NE in Atlanta. For more information, visit theblindpigparlourbar.com.

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK HOSTS 23RD ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL & POW WOW

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/25/24

The Native American Festival & Pow Wow begins Oct. 31 and runs through Nov. 3. With multiple tribes represented, the festival is considered the largest gathering of its kind in Georgia and a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Held at Stone Mountain Park’s Historic Square, visitors will experience the southeast’s premier Native American cultural festival through dance, music, interactive educational displays, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking traditions, storytelling, wildlife presentations, and more.

The event showcases cultural and educational activities for families to experience. Discover the central role of dance in native culture as Native Americans from across the U.S. and Central America compete in intertribal dance and drum competitions. Learn about primitive skills such as flint-knapping, bow-making, fire-starting, open-fire cooking, and pottery. Guests can explore an encampment showing the lifestyle of local and regional historic Native American cultures where they can crawl inside tipis and other traditional native dwellings.

The four-day festival also includes an artists’ marketplace where shoppers will find one-of-a-kind items. World-renowned Native and Native-inspired artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and offer hand-crafted items for sale.

Dates and times for the festival are as follows:

Thursday and Friday | Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 | 9 AM to 3 PM

Saturday | Nov. 2 | 10:00 AM to 5 PM

Sunday | Nov. 3 | 10:00 AM to 5 PM

For tickets and information, please visit www.stonemountainpark.com or call 478-478-6686.

School groups interested in attending may contact the group sales office through this booking link

or 770-498-5636.

Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die,” Stone Mountain Park is located 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta. For more information, visit www.stonemountainpark.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

THE WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD TO HOST OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/24/25

Luxury Buckhead Hotel Presents “Prost in the Garden: Waldorf Astoria Oktoberfest” featuring Three Days of Live Entertainment and German-inspired Festivities and Fare 

This October, The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead will transport Atlantans to Munich during a three-day-long Oktoberfest celebration, brimming with German cuisine, live music and themed activities for guests. On October 11, 12, and 13 from 4:00-8:00 p.m., the award-winning hotel will transform its enchanting, private outdoor space into a tent-covered biergarten fit for the Prost in the Garden: Waldorf Astoria Oktoberfest affair. 

Guests can dance to the sounds of local German bands while sipping on specialty radlers with weisse beer and peach nectar, and, in true Oktoberfest fashion, plenty of ale. Led by newly-appointed Executive Chef Bermyson Dorvil, the hotel’s culinary team will present attendees with German cuisine curated for this celebration, including Smoked Bratwurst Sausage with pickled sauerkraut and dill paprika aioli; Potato Pancake complemented by candied bacon, chive and beer cheese; Salted Pretzels with spinach and artichoke and dijon aioli; and Apple Streusel topped with bourbon ice cream. 

Festivities include Oktoberfest Trivia and a raffle where winners can receive grand prizes like a 1-night hotel stay or a 50-minute massage at the renowned Waldorf Astoria Spa. Guests are invited to wear their favorite trachten (traditional German clothing and accessories), like dirndl dresses and lederhosen, immersing themselves in the traditions of Oktoberfest. 

Tickets to Prost in the Garden: Waldorf Astoria Oktoberfest cost $75++ per person, including admission, themed activations, Oktoberfest-inspired fare and one beverage ticket. Guests can purchase tickets via Tock, and a cash bar will be available additionally. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the hotel’s website here. 

MELINDA DOOLITTLE AND DIANA DEGARMO TO STAR IN LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS COMING TO ART FARM AT SERENBE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/24/24

The Art Farm at Serenbe team is thrilled to announce the cast for their first musical theatre production, Little Shop of Horrors, premiering this September as part of the Under the Tent Series in Serenbe. Melinda Doolittle and Diana DeGarmo will be headlining the show along with several members of the cast from the Atlanta area. 

In partnership with Matt Logan Productions out of Nashville, Tennessee, this innovative version of the show is adapted specifically for the traveling big-top tent. Tickets are available to purchase now for the show which will run from September 20-29 at various times.

American Idol star and soul–stirring songstress Melinda Doolittle will star as Audrey II. Melinda Doolittle became a household name during season six of American Idol in 2007, finishing in third place and gaining status as a fan favorite. In 2009, Doolittle released her debut album Coming Back to You garnering rave reviews from critics, including The New York Times and in 2013, she released her sophomore album You’re The Reason. Doolittle continues to thrill audiences everywhere from the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame to The White House, from the Copa Room to Carnegie Hall, and headlines her own soulful show Great American Soul Book. 

Fellow American Idol star and powerhouse vocalist Diana DeGarmo will star as Audrey. Diana’s showstopping vocals shot her to fame on American Idol and opened doors to her numerous Broadway shows, National & International Tours, and a recurring role on The Young & The Restless. She recently released her newest big band country feast for the ears, GEMINI. 

The incredible cast features talent from throughout the SouthEast region with several that are local to the Atlanta area. The cast includes: 

  • Melinda Doolittle as Audrey II
  • Diana DeGarmo as Audrey
  • Ben Crawford as Orin Scrivello, DDS
  • Seth Nathan Green as Seymour
  • Judah Norman as Understudy (Crystal, Chiffon, Ronnette)
  • Morgan Crumbley as Chiffon
  • Carina Crumbley as Crystal
  • Daja Rice as Ronnette
  • Arik Vega as Understudy (Dentist/Seymour Understudy)
  • Amitria Fanae as Understudy (Audrey 2/Urchin)
  • Garris Wimmer as Mr. Mushnik
  • Bradley Parrish as Ensemble and Understudy (Mr. Mushnik)

Little Shop of Horrors, written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken and loosely based on the 1960 film of the same name, follows the story of Seymour Krelborn, a meek floral assistant who accidentally grows a man-eating carnivorous plant, leading to chaos and violence. The show, which originally premiered Off-Broadway in 1982, became a smash hit and a cult classic beloved for its dark humor, campy charm, and memorable musical score.

Little Shop of Horrors is part of the Under the Tent Series from the Art Farm and will run from September 20-29. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at this link here.

Art Farm will be kicking off the Under the Tent series with our second annual Soirée at Serenbe fundraiser on Thursday, September 12th, in support of our campus expansion, complete with incredible sneak preview performances, food, beverages, and a live auction. 

Additional Under the Tent 2024 performances include:

HORIZON THEATRE COMPANY BRINGS AMELIE: THE MUSICAL TO LIFE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/20/24

Inman Park theater shines with a captivating musical hit from London, based on the popular French film

A captivating, critically acclaimed musical from London’s West End based on the beloved French film Amélie comes to Horizon Theatre, October 4 – November 10 (Press Opening October 11). Amélie is a shy and imaginative young woman living in Paris. With a heart as big as her city, Amelie secretly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy to those around her. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Audiences are invited to join Amélie as she discovers the extraordinary in the ordinary, touching hearts and inspiring dreams along the way in this enchanting new musical.

“Audiences worldwide fell in love with Amélie as a movie, and now it’s been adapted into a delightful, quirky, romantic and funny musical. We were in Paris for the Olympics this summer, and now we are bringing Paris to life on the Horizon stage this fall. ​ It’s a story about finding beauty in the small moments and understanding that even the smallest gestures can have a significant impact on the world,” said Horizon Theatre Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “We’re excited to share this magical tale and its message of hope, love and the power of human connection with our audience. ​ And we’re thrilled that it will be led by the team that created our hit musical last season, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812.”

Horizon’s production of Amélie will see many returning cast and creative team members from last season’s smash-hit Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, which was recently nominated for 15 Suzi Bass Awards and is set to return for another run later this season. Director and Horizon Artistic Associate Heidi McKerley returns to the helm as director of Amélie. In addition to Great Comet, Heidi has directed more than 35 Horizon projects over the past three decades to great acclaim. Other returning creative team members include Scenic Designers Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay, Music Director Holt McCarley, Assistant Music Director Bethany Irby, and Costume Designer Carrie Giglio. Returning Great Comet cast members include Anna Dvorak (Sonia) in the lead role of Amélie, joined by Daniel Burns (Pierre), Jordan Patrick (Anatole), Jeff McKerley (The Prince), Skyler Brown (Balaga), Eric Nabeth (Ensemble/Accordion), Miro Gomez (Ensemble/Cello) and Eden Mew (Ensemble) who all play supporting roles in Amelie, with most once again doubling on musical instruments.

Amélie playwright Craig Lucas is an acclaimed American playwright, screenwriter and director known for his diverse body of work that includes the Tony Award-nominated play Prelude to a Kiss and the film Longtime Companion. Amélie found its greatest success in London, where it charmed audiences and critics alike with its imaginative staging, enchanting score and a heartfelt portrayal of its titular character. The London production, praised for its innovative and intimate approach, won three Olivier Awards in 2020, including Best New Musical,solidifying its place as a modern theatrical gem.

Amélie tells the story of Amélie (Anna Dvorak, Horizon’s Great Comet), an extraordinary young French woman who lives quietly in the world, but loudly in her mind. After surviving a childhood with two neurotic parents who did not know how to show her their love, Raphael (Marcus Hopkins-Turner, Horizon’s Support Group for Men) and Amandine (Bethany Irby, Aurora Theatre’s Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and only a goldfish—Fluffy for company, Amélie heads off to Paris on her own. She approaches her journey in the big city with joy, making friends with nearly everyone she meets. As a waitress at a café in Montmartre she has a quiet, happy life, spending time with her three co-workers: Suzanne (Chelcy Cutwright, Steel Magnolias, Springer Opera House), the café’s owner and a past circus performer; Georgette (Jennifer Alice Acker, Horizon’s The Game, Roe, Freaky Friday), a hypochondriac; and Gina (Jessica Miesel, Fox TV’s The Resident, Aurora’s Hands on A Hard Body), who obsessively rereads love letters from her late husband. ​ Some of Amélie’s quirky customers include Joseph (Daniel Burns, Horizon’s Great Comet), a tough-on-the-outside customer who’s in love with Gina; Hipolito (Cameron Smith, Aurora Theatre’s Christmas Canteen), a poet; and Philomene (Kylie Dickinson), an airline hostess. When Amélie finds a child’s box of treasures in the floorboard of her house, she becomes determined to return it to its owner. With help from Dufayel (Jeff McKerley), a shut-in artist who’s obsessed with painting the same scene over and over, she returns it to Bretodeau (Marcus Hopkins-Turner, playing dual roles) who lived in her home as a child. ​ After seeing the joy it brings him, Amélie resolves to do good for those around her in small, anonymous ways. But when Amélie meets young Nino (Jordan Patrick, Horizon’s Great Comet), she takes the biggest risk of her life – learning to love on her own. The cast of charming characters– both real and imaginary– who play a part in Amélie’s journey also includes the Gnome (Eric Nabeth ​ Horizon’s Great Comet), Elton John (Miro Gomez, Horizon’s Great Comet) and Collignon (Skyler Brown, Horizon’s Great Comet), the local grocer

Performances begin Friday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m., with a Press Opening on Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Performances are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m., running through Nov. 10. Seating is general admission with a reserved seating section for subscribers. ​ General admission tickets start at $40 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $45 for all weekend performances. Prices rise as performances fill up, so patrons are encouraged to order early for the best prices and availability. ​ Full-time students under 25 can get $20 tickets with valid student ID by calling the box office or at the door if tickets are available. ​ There is limited accessible seating for those needing mobility accommodation, and it must be reserved by phone. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450.