Home Services

Tidy is Trendy

Neat organization solutions beyond the bedroom closet. Article by Sue G. Collins | Photography by Provided Organizing is necessary and unavoidable and for some, impossible.  I spend hours tidying and reorganizing my bedroom closet each spring and the laundry room gets a makeover once a year before the kids come home from college (and again when they leave). I long for shelving in the garage dedicated to my outdoor gear, for cubbies in my office to hide my knitting and crafts, and a guest room...

Arts + Culture

The Hiram Butler House

Historic Home Is Centerpiece of Kennesaw's Smith-Gilbert Gardens Article by Andrew J. Bramlett Twenty years ago, the city of Kennesaw purchased one of Kennesaw’s oldest homes and the gardens that surround it. Now known as Smith-Gilbert Gardens, visitors go there to see the plant life, but the house at its center is just as important in understanding the gardens’ history. Hiram Anderson Butler was born in 1833 in Gwinnett County, and at age 16, he began working on construction of the Western...

Home + Design

New Home for Mud Creek Market

Decor Store Moves Into Space at The Avenue West Cobb Article by Donna Harris In 2019, Jen Johnston opened Mud Creek Market on Barrett Parkway, but six years later, it was time for a new home. She leased a space in The Avenue West Cobb between Loft and Jos. A. Bank and created a Christmas pop-up there in November. Jen and her three part-time employees operated both locations during the holidays to reach current and future customers at the same time. She also didn’t want longtime customers who...

Entertainment

Georgia Celebrates Food and Wine

Article by Wendy Edwards Everyone has their version of heaven. It might be green grass, rolling hills and a plethora of wildflowers framing the scene. Maybe it’s as simple as time gathered with family, reminiscing and making new memories by a decorated fire hearth.    However, my idea of Heaven brings earthly indulgences and involves as much food and drink that I dare to enjoy, in a festive setting, enriched with live music and a celebratory vibe. Imagine my excitement when I realized I...

Life + Culture

Town With a Colorful History

Kennesaw Has Evolved From Map Point to Thriving City Article by Andrew J. Bramlett During the past 200 years, the Kennesaw area has evolved from an unnamed location on the map into a rapidly expanding city with more than 30,000 people.  Before the 1830s, north Georgia was home to the Cherokee. According to some accounts, a village led by a chief named Kennesaw is believed to have been located on Old Highway 41 between Cobb and Barrett parkways. In 1838, the Cherokee were forcibly removed from...

Entertainment

Happy Valentine's Day

14 Ideas for Fun Dates on Feb. 14 Article by Donna Harris Looking for ways to show your affection on the most loved-filled day of the year? For couples wanting to spend time together on Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of great places for fun dates in West Cobb. Here are 14 ideas to satisfy everyone from art lovers to sports enthusiasts. For outdoor lovers, hike up Kennesaw Mountain and admire the view from the top, then enjoy a picnic lunch when you come back down.  Make a day of...

Life + Culture

Meet Marcus Dickman, Publisher

West Cobb, I'm Honored to Share Your Stories! Article and Photography by Marcus Dickman I moved to Marietta from New Orleans in 1987 and attended Marietta High School and Georgia Southern University before graduating from Kennesaw State University. I was employed in the media world for 20 years and owned a restaurant for four years. One interesting fact about me is I’m a solar child, born June 21, 1970, which happened to be Father’s Day. I was my dad’s present that year. I love the West Cobb...

Local Services

Living the Sweet Life

Tasty treats and cozy atmosphere make new bakery a community hub Article by Donna Harris For years, Mark and Daysha Mayfield searched for a bakery offering delectable desserts in a cozy atmosphere. After failing to find such a place, they decided to create one themselves.  The couple opened Sweet Living Bakery in Marietta on July 20 to “fulfill our passion for providing good, quality food and service to our community,” Daysha said. “We always found it difficult to find a good bakery that...