In every season, but especially in autumn, gratitude has a way of drawing us closer to the places and people we hold dear. The air turns crisp, the colors deepen, and the pace of life seems to nudge us into reflection. Here in Smyrna–Vinings, thankfulness isn’t a once-a-year sentiment—it’s stitched into daily rhythms. You can feel it in the wave between neighbors on an evening walk, the chatter at a corner café, and the way our parks and trails fill with families, runners, and dog walkers soaking up a golden hour that always feels a little too short.
Gratitude is about noticing the ordinary moments that make life extraordinary. It’s the comfort of familiar faces at school drop-off, the pride of cheering under bright lights on a Friday night, and the joy of bumping into friends at a local shop and lingering longer than you meant to. It’s watching our city grow while still feeling like home—welcoming, close-knit, and brimming with possibility.
This month, we asked seven Smyrna–Vinings business owners to pause and share what fills them with thankfulness about this community. Their reflections speak to the friendships built here, the support between neighbors and local businesses, the joy of raising families in a welcoming place, and the pride of seeing hard work take root and grow. Each perspective is unique, but together they echo the same truth: Smyrna–Vinings is a community where people show up for one another, and that spirit is something to be truly grateful for.
As you read, perhaps you’ll hear an echo of your own story. Gratitude is contagious like that: one person’s reflection sparks another, and soon we’re all counting blessings that might have gone unnoticed.
This is Smyrna–Vinings. And this is what we’re thankful for.
I'm thankful to live, work, and raise my seven kids in Smyrna, Georgia—a place with small-town charm, big-hearted neighbors, and parks that feel like backyards. The community events bring us together, and Atlanta’s just a short drive away when we need more. It’s not always easy, but Smyrna helps to make this beautiful, busy life possible.
Burke Scott
Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle Magazine
What I’m most thankful for about living and working in the Smyrna Vinings community is the sense of connection and support. This is a place where small businesses and neighbors genuinely uplift one another, and I feel blessed to be surrounded by people who value beauty, care, and community as much as I do.
Quinese Arnold
Conceit Nails & Beauty
I am most thankful for the abiding friendships I have made working in Vinings over 35 years. Being a member of the Rotary Club of Vinings/Cumberland has allowed me to connect with great people and contribute my time to service projects in our area.
Lisa Dobbs
Lisa J. Dobbs Insurance Agency
We are deeply grateful to Smyrna’s government and business community. Since first connecting in 2019, their support has helped us grow our business and feel at home. We love joining Park Rec events and hosting gatherings in our taproom, creating fun, social experiences for the wonderful Smyrna community.
Robin, Dawn & Tamara Kosoris
Viking Alchemist Meadery
My wife Melanie and I are so thankful for the people in Smyrna/Vinings that we have been able to get to know, like and trust. The community is so fun to be in whether meeting with clients about their trees or taking a walk in the park. We love Smyrna!
Thomas Mercer
Restoration Tree Care
Owning a business in Smyrna means being part of a vibrant, welcoming community that continues to grow and thrive. I’m thankful for the chance to contribute to that energy and help make a positive impact close to home.
Dr. Aja Nichols
Lifestyle Dentistry, Inc.
As a Smyrna business owner, I’ve been welcomed warmly by neighbors who make this community feel like home. Moving to Atlanta Road brought us friendly visits and fellowship you won’t find elsewhere. It reminds me of my small-town roots, where people truly come together and support one another.
Margot Wright
T3 Atlanta Auto Repair
I'm thankful to live, work, and raise my seven kids in Smyrna, Georgia—a place with small-town charm, big-hearted neighbors, and parks that feel like backyards. The community events bring us together, and Atlanta’s just a short drive away when we need more. It’s not always easy, but Smyrna helps to make this beautiful, busy life possible.
Burke Scott
Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle Magazine