Life + Culture

250 Years

Reflecting on America 250 and Kennesaw Article by Andrew J. Bramlett This month marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This is a hugely important moment in American history and can rightfully be called the country’s birthday. As a local historian, it can be difficult at first to connect this historic occasion to our local area. In 1776, the area that is now Cobb County was home to Native American tribes. It was only after the Trail of Tears, decades later in the...

Entertainment

Summer Adventure Guide

Four North Georgia Experiences for Every Type of Family Explorer Article by Ana Markosi When summer arrives in North Georgia, the mountains become a playground for families seeking everything from outdoor thrills to small-town charm. Cooler temperatures, scenic landscapes and attractions make the region an ideal destination for day trips and weekend getaways. Whether your family prefers hiking, exploring local history, encountering wildlife, or making memories on the water, North Georgia...

Life + Culture

Experience the Charm of LaGrange

A Perfect Spring Weekend in LaGrange, Georgia Article by Ana Markosi Just an hour south of Atlanta, LaGrange is one of those places that quietly surprises visitors. This historic Georgia town offers a blend of small-town hospitality, creative energy, architectural treasures, and a rapidly evolving food scene that rewards travelers willing to slow down and explore. During a spring weekend visit, I discovered a destination where Victorian architecture housed contemporary art, local shop owners...

Travel

Hiking to Georgia's Hidden Eco-Lodge

A Night at the Len Foote Hike Inn Article by Ana Markosi There are few places where reaching your hotel requires a five-mile hike through the mountains. Tucked deep within the Chattahoochee National Forest near Dawsonville, Georgia, the Len Foote Hike Inn offers exactly that kind of adventure. Accessible from Amicalola Falls State Park, the Hike Inn combines the solitude of a wilderness experience with the comforts of a rustic lodge. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique getaway, it...

Health + Wellness

Meet the Dentist

Meet Dr. Alex Mehraban of Shining Smiles Family Dentistry Article by Ana Markosi For Dr. Alex Mehraban, dentistry represents the perfect intersection of precision, artistry, and meaningful human connection. From the beginning, the goal was clear: to pursue a profession where technical skill could directly improve people’s lives. Dentistry offers exactly that opportunity, restoring oral health, rebuilding confidence, and enhancing overall quality of life. The ability to see a patient’s...

Entertainment

A Heartfelt Tribute

Joe Gransden's Musical Tribute to Tony Bennett Article by Sue Collins To celebrate Tony Bennett’s 100th birthday, Atlanta's Joe Gransden has produced a musical tribute that will open at Lincoln Center in August. Lucky for us, the show comes to The Strand Theatre on Marietta Square on August 14. Joe and his band will swing through the life and career of Tony Bennett, one of the greatest performers of the American Songbook, Tony Bennett’s tone, phrasing and feel were second to none, says Joe...

Arts + Culture

The Culinary Vision Behind Hamp & Harry's

Chef Kyler Strom's Culinary Journey Article by Ana Markosi At a young age, Kyler Strom stepped into the role of executive chef at Hamp & Harry’s. His rapid rise was fueled by a deep, early passion for food and an unforgettable moment that still drives him today. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a chef,” Strom says. “I was always fascinated by food and flavors and how they can be manipulated into new versions of themselves.” Though he initially pursued a degree in finance, the...

Arts + Culture

Rising Behind the Bar

Michael Ananicz’s Breakthrough at the Georgia Food & Wine Festival Article by Ana Markosi When bartender Michael Ananicz entered the Georgia Food and Wine Festival’s Best Cocktail Challenge, it was a last-minute decision. Not only did he get in, but he also walked away with a win. Ananicz’s winning cocktail, titled “Duranzo on My Mind,” reflects his ongoing fascination with one of the cocktail world’s most iconic templates: the Negroni. “My favorite post-shift drink is a Mezcal Negroni,”...

Arts + Culture

Beyond the Barrell

How World Whiskey Society Is Redefining the Art of Whiskey Article by Ana Markosi | Photography by Anna Rumiantseva In today’s crowded whiskey landscape, where new labels seem to appear almost daily, Aiko Importers’ World Whiskey Society has taken a more deliberate path. Rather than chasing volume, the brand has focused on something far more enduring: meaning. At the center of that vision is managing partner Alex Kogan, who has helped shape the company into a storyteller as much as a spirits...

Entertainment

Where Animals Lead the Way

How Brittany Petish Turned Grief into Gentle Stories Article by Ana Markosi Brittany Petish didn’t set out to become a children’s author. She set out, simply, to heal. After the loss of her beloved dog Annabelle, Brittany found herself searching for somewhere quiet enough to hold grief. She found it in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And there, unexpectedly, she found a story. “I needed an escape,” she says. “And that’s where everything started.” What began as mourning soon became something else...