Arts + Culture

Mary's Magical World

Article by Alpharetta City Lifestyle staff Meet Mary Besel, fine arts educator at Alpharetta High School and Chattahoochee High School. We asked Ms Besel to share her story and her work. I’m fascinated by the stories we tell—folktales, myths, and legends—that shape how we see the world. Using clay, I bring these stories to life in a hands-on way, creating characters from my own childhood tales of spirits and monsters to make the world feel a bit more magical. I moved to the area in 2023 to be...

Event Planning + Services

Bringing Alpharetta to Life

Our Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau Photography by Aleksandar Kapett Since this magazine launched, the team at The Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau has been so supportive. They are a joy to work with and we couldn't do our job without their connections, bright ideas and efficiency. We asked Janet Rodgers, President & CEO to share what makes the team so special. This passionate team of tourism professionals bring energy, expertise and creativity to everything we do. Our team...

Shopping

Gift and Repeat

A bespoke subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. Article by Sue G. Collins Yes, flowers are nice, but this year, give mom the gift that keeps on giving, with a subscription. Yes, of course we love a magazine subscription (but lucky you, this mag is free), but do you know there's a subscription service for just about everything under the sun?  MasterClass gift card, so she can learn from someone she admires, someone outstanding in their field.  Masterclass.com If you're short like...

Beauty

Ten Beautiful Years

Sculpted Contours MedSpa celebrates with CoolSculpting Confidence Membership Article by City Lifestyle Staff For the past ten years, Sculpted Contours MedSpa has been redefining the medspa experience, bringing luxury, expertise and transformative results to clients seeking non-invasive body and facial rejuvenation. Established in 2014 in Buckhead, Sculpted Contours quickly gained a reputation for delivering exceptional care and industry-leading treatments. In June 2022, Sculpted Contours...

Arts + Culture

Meet Madoca Kawahara

Alpharetta's own smooth operator, changing how jazz sounds around the world. Article by Sean O'Keefe | Photography by Madoca Kawahara Internationally renowned pianist, keyboardist, composer, and national recording artist, Madoca Kawahara is known for her dynamic, electrifying performances and vibrant sound. A member of NARAS/The Recording Academy (GRAMMY), she offers a unique global fusion of jazz, funk, Latin, and modern contemporary influences to her music. With a passion for storytelling...

Life + Culture

Honoring our Heroes

Article and Photography by The City of Alpharetta and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta will host Alpharetta’s Memorial Day Tribute on Monday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Alpharetta City Hall. The event is free for the public to attend. The program begins at 9 a.m. and will include an invocation, the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and the address by Dr. Rich McCormick, followed by “Taps.” Dr. Rich McCormick is a decorated veteran and Emergency Room physician who proudly...

Home + Design

In With Softness

L Reaves Interiors finds beauty in subtlety. Article by Corinne Cummings | Photography by Catrina Maxwell | CatMax Photography L Reaves Interiors is a boutique design firm based in Johns Creek. They specialize in renovations for clients in all stages of life, from young families to empty nesters. They’re passionate about designing homes that are as functional as they are beautiful, and accomplish this by getting to know their clients and how they live. Principal designer Lyn Reaves walks us...

Food + Beverage

A Cuppa Community

Article by Aleks Kapett | Photography by Kapett Collective Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual, a gathering point. Really it’s the sole reason half of us are still alive. In Alpharetta though, that ritual takes place at Valor Coffee. What started as a mobile espresso bar fueled by a Kickstarter campaign has grown into a local favorite, now with two brick-and-mortar locations in Alpharetta and Dunwoody. But what makes Valor special isn’t just the coffee—it’s the people behind the counter...

Shopping

5 Tips

Finding a Tax Pro Article by Alpharetta City Lifestyle staff When using a tax return preparer, taxpayers should look for someone LOCAL. And, according to our friends at the IRS, these other considerations are tops. Availability and creds:  Look for a preparer who's available year-round in case questions come up after filing season is over. Understand the preparer's credentials and qualifications and review their history for complaints or disciplinary actions. Consistent service fees:  Ask...

Home + Design

Call in the Pros

Meet Tiffany Strawbridge, Owner CR3 American Exteriors Article by Alpharetta City Lifestyle staff For homeowners looking to invest wisely in home repairs and renovations, what are the tell-tale signs that it's time to call a pro? Investing in home repairs at the right time can save you money and prevent costly damage. Here’s when to bring in a professional: • Roofing – Missing shingles, leaks, or granules in your gutters suggest roof aging and potential water damage. • Gutters – Sagging...