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...

Entertainment

Mom's Day Out

Mother's Day Experiences Article and Photography by Mother’s Day weekend in Cobb County offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the moms in your life with experiences that feel thoughtful, fun, and a little out of the ordinary. From relaxed outdoor markets and elegant tea services to live music and unique local events, there’s no shortage of ways to make the weekend feel special. Whether you’re planning a full day out or simply looking for a meaningful activity to enjoy together, there...

Local Services

Petals on Wheels

The Story Behind Marietta’s Beloved Flower Truck Article by Ana Markosi On any given weekend in Marietta, a mint green vintage truck brimming with fresh blooms draws a steady crowd. This is Emma’s Flower Truck, a small business rooted in family history, fueled by creativity, and driven by heart. Behind the wheel is owner Amelia Hamilton, who turned a meaningful piece of her past into a blooming, mobile floral experience. The truck itself is a family heirloom. Originally purchased by Amelia’s...

Entertainment

Park After Dark

Marietta's 40th annual Glover Park Concert Series Article and Photography by Summer concert season is here! The 2026 Glover Park Concert Series, celebrating its 40th anniversary, has been announced by the Downtown Marietta Development Authority and the City of Marietta, with sponsorship from Wellstar Health System. This beloved free concert series will take place monthly from April through September at Glover Park on the Historic Marietta Square, with each show beginning at 8 p.m. on the last...

Local Services

Livesafe Resources

A Century of Service and a Future of Hope Article by Ana Markosi For more than a century, LiveSafe Resources has stood as a cornerstone of support for individuals and families facing domestic violence and sexual assault. Today, under the leadership of CEO Lisa Mello, the organization continues to evolve by expanding its reach, modernizing its services, and deepening its impact across metro Atlanta. Founded in 1917 in Marietta as the YWCA of Northwest Georgia, the organization originally...