A 1600s Violin + Fried Chicken in Chamblee

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What's up, neighbors!

One weather note before you plan anything. Friday is hot and clear, Sunday looks alright, and Saturday is sitting at a 75 percent chance of rain. We're still hitting the DHA market at Brook Run early Saturday and taking our chances, but if you had a lawn day penciled in, have a backup.

Here's ours. The Atlanta Festival Academy plays its Finale Concert Saturday night at Byers Theatre. The soloist is Joshua Brown, who took Second Prize at the 2024 Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels and plays a violin built in 1635. These musicians fly in from all over the world, rehearse together for weeks, and play one show. That's it. No second night. The parking deck sits right under the building, which helps if it's coming down.

If classical isn't your speed, Lord Huron is at the Coca-Cola Roxy out at The Battery the same night, and that room is dry too.

We finally have to tell you about Southbound in Chamblee. Southern cooking in a gorgeous old room, and nearly the whole menu either is gluten free or can be made that way, so nobody at the table sits out. Closed Sunday and Monday, dinner starts at 5.

Sunday should dry out enough for Concerts by the Springs on the Heritage lawn. Free, bring a blanket.

There's a very good dog named Mr. Bean below too, plus 122 townhomes headed for Ashwood Parkway.

- Andrew

When was the last time you actually looked at your homeowners policy?

For most folks in Atlanta and the Perimeter area, the honest answer is "when we bought the house." Which would be fine, except home values around here are up $150K to $200K+ since 2020. If your policy hasn't kept up, your dwelling limit is probably short of what it would actually cost to rebuild today. That gap won't show up on your bill. It only shows up when you file a claim, which is the worst time to find out.

Peachy Insurance is Atlanta-based and built to make this kind of check painless. No call center, no upselling, no runaround. Just a licensed local agent who looks at your full picture and gives you a straight answer on where you stand.

Three things worth a quick look while it's on your mind:

Takes about 5 minutes. Free, no pressure.

Get a free coverage review OR text/call 770-520-7095 (Mon-Fri, closed weekends)

Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Saturday, August 1
7:30 PM (doors 6:30 PM)
Ticketed
Get Tickets

Every summer, young musicians fly into Atlanta from all over the world, spend weeks rehearsing with faculty and guest artists, and then play exactly one concert together. Saturday night is that concert.

The soloist is a huge reason to go. Joshua Brown won Second Prize at the 2024 Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels, which is about as big as classical music gets, and he took BOTH audience awards on top of it. He debuted with the Cleveland Orchestra at fifteen. He plays a violin built in 1635. Saturday night he's playing at City Springs, with a rising young cellist joining him and the full festival orchestra behind them.

This is the seventh year of the Finale Concert, and it happens once. No matinee, no second show, no catching it next weekend.

One more point in its favor: Saturday's forecast is 75 percent rain. A lot of this weekend is happening on a lawn somewhere. This one is indoors and air conditioned, the parking deck sits right under the building, and Restaurant Row is walking distance if you want to make a real night of it.

And if you've got a kid who plays strings, bring them. Watching someone barely older than them play at that level will do more than a month of lessons. Grab seats before Saturday. This one doesn't come back around.

This is where we land when we want the night to feel like something but don't feel like fighting traffic into the city. Southbound sits in a beautifully redone space in the heart of downtown Chamblee, all warm wood and low light. Works for a date. Works for a birthday. Works for the long-overdue catch-up you've rescheduled three times, over a couple of craft cocktails. The bar program is a real one, and the service lands in that spot where they're on top of things without ever hovering.

The kitchen does creative comfort food with a Southern lean. And here's the part a lot of families quietly love: almost everything either is gluten-free or can be made that way, so nobody at the table has to sit out. Regulars will steer you toward the shrimp and grits and the fried chicken, and honestly, grab something off the snack list to share while you argue over the rest. One heads-up: they're closed Sunday and Monday, and dinner doesn't start until 5, so make it a Friday or Saturday.

Price: $$$
Hours:
Sun-Mon Closed
Tue-Thu 11:30 AM-2:30 PM & 5-9 PM
Fri 11:30 AM-2:30 PM & 5-10 PM
Sat 12-10 PM
Website

If you've walked Canton Street a hundred times and never ducked into the tall timber building at 1159, you've been strolling right past one of the best shops in Roswell. Raiford Gallery has been here since 1996, inside a handmade three-level timber-frame space Judie Raiford built with her friends. It's packed top to bottom with work by American artists: handmade jewelry, pottery, blown glass, silversmithing, and gift pieces you won't find at any mall.

Here's what makes it worth the trip. Judie is a master metalsmith with 50 years behind the bench, and her studio is right there on site. Bring in an old piece of gold or a stone you've been meaning to do something with, and she'll work within your budget to turn it into something new. Or start from scratch. Either way, people who wander in for a quick browse tend to leave with a story and a gift they actually feel good about.

Come for a wedding present, an anniversary piece, or just a quiet half hour surrounded by beautiful handmade things. Shops like this are the whole reason Canton Street is worth the drive. Go give them your money.

Price: $$
Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 AM-5 PM
Sun-Mon Closed
Website

5 beds
5 Baths
4,451 sq ft
0.47 acre lot

A) $995,000

B) $1,075,000

C) $1,275,000

D) $1,450,000

We finally got a look at what might replace that long-empty office tower off Ashwood Parkway. On July 14, the Dunwoody Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend rezoning the 11.64-acre site from Office-Industrial to Planned Development, which clears the way for developer Ashwood Woods to build 122 townhomes.

The vacant 231,000-square-foot building and its 582 parking spaces would give way to homes in the 2,800 to 3,000-square-foot range, plus public walking trails, new landscaping, a reclaimed pond, and a residents' pool.

Not everyone's sold. Neighbors pointed out that the Ashwood and Ashford Dunwoody Road intersection is already maxed out, and former Council Member Robert Wittenstein argued the PD zoning is getting stretched to fit a single-use project.

The commission attached conditions, including a GDOT traffic study, and the final call now heads to the City Council. If that corner is already your daily headache, keep an eye on this one.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Riverside Road is finally moving from plans to pavement. At its July 13 meeting, the Roswell Mayor and Council voted 6 to 0 to award a construction and infrastructure contract to BackBone Infrastructure for just under $9.5 million, funded through TSPLOST II, with a companion waterline upgrade running about $1.4 million through an agreement with Fulton County.

The council also passed a budget-neutral mid-year amendment steering roughly $1.3 million toward public safety, school-zone safety upgrades, and City Hall software.

Here's the part that touches every Roswell wallet. The council also authorized an agreement with Fulton County and its cities on how to split proceeds from a new 2026 Transportation SPLOST, which still needs voter approval this November.

That penny tax is what keeps projects like Riverside Road funded, so expect to hear plenty about it right up to Election Day.

Source: Roswell Connections

DeKalb County has started its 2055 Unified Plan Update, the every-five-years rewrite of the blueprint for land use, housing, economic development, and sustainability. It's required under Georgia's Planning Act of 1989, and keeping it current is what holds the county's eligibility for state funding.

The work runs into November 2027. One thing worth knowing before you skim past it: this covers unincorporated DeKalb. Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and Chamblee write their own comprehensive plans, so nothing here rezones property inside city limits.

The reason to care anyway is that unincorporated land sits right up against all three, and what gets built over that line still shows up in your commute.

The county is hosting an in-person open house Aug. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Central DeKalb Senior Center, 1346 McConnell Dr, Decatur, plus a virtual session Aug. 27 from 6 to 7:30 PM. Got opinions about density, greenspace, or the traffic on your street? This is the low-key way to get them on the record before anything's locked in.

Sources: Rough Draft Atlanta | DeKalb 2055 project page

Meet Mr. Bean, a big red shepherd over at PAWS Atlanta with a bedtime habit we cannot stop thinking about. When he settles in for the night, he collects his toys and carries them to bed one by one, a few minutes apart, until the whole crew is tucked in with him.

His foster family just sent him back with a glowing report card. Certified good boy, calm on outings, polite with strangers, and playful with the dogs he met.

He is a velcro dog through and through. He will not let his person out of his sight, and his foster says he would go to the ends of the earth for his people.

He is food motivated and already picking up commands like "sit" and "watch," so training him is going to be the fun kind of homework. PAWS says he would do best in an adults-only home.

Here is the kicker: Mr. Bean is one of PAWS Atlanta's "Secret Crush" dogs, which means an anonymous supporter already covered his $250 adoption fee. He comes neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, so all that is left to bring is a leash and a spot on the couch.

He is waiting at PAWS Atlanta, 5287 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA, open daily 10 AM to 5 PM. See his photos at petfinder.com, then start the quick application at shelterluv.com and go meet him.

PAWS Atlanta
5287 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA
770-593-1155
Open daily 10 AM-5 PM

⚾ Braves vs. Nationals + Friday Night Fireworks - Truist Park | 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA | First pitch 7:15 PM | Tickets vary | More: mlb.com
Braves take on Washington, and the fireworks over the outfield are the real reason to hang around past the ninth.

🦖 T. rex: The Ultimate Predator - Fernbank Museum | 767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA | 10 AM-5 PM | Included with admission | More: fernbankmuseum.org
Dinosaur Summer keeps rolling with a life-sized T. rex, live animal encounters, and the giant-screen film.

🎨 Niki in the Garden - Atlanta Botanical Garden | 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA | 9 AM-close | Garden admission | More: atlantabg.org
Giant, jewel-toned sculptures from Niki de Saint Phalle, tucked all through the Garden for the kids to hunt down.

🦋 Butterfly Encounter - Chattahoochee Nature Center | 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA | 9 AM-5 PM | Included with admission ($14-$20) | More: chattnaturecenter.org
Step into the tent and let a few hundred live butterflies drift right past your shoulders.

🧱 LEGO Discovery Center - Phipps Plaza | 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA | 10 AM-7 PM | Ticketed | More: legodiscoverycenter.com
Fully indoor and rainy-day-proof: build zones, rides, and a 4D cinema the kids will not want to leave.

🤠 Doctor Bigelow's Wild West Puppet Show - Center for Puppetry Arts | 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA | Showtimes vary | Ticketed | More: puppet.org
A rowdy, music-filled traveling medicine show in its last weekend, so check the calendar before you head out.

🎡 Skyline Park - Ponce City Market | 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA | 3 PM-12 AM | Pay-per-play | More: poncecityroof.com
Rooftop mini golf and carnival games, an easy early-evening move before it flips to 21+ at 7.

🏛️ Goizueta Children's Experience - Atlanta History Center | 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA | 10 AM-5 PM | Included with admission | More: atlantahistorycenter.com
The kids' wing went full Atlanta-sports this summer, plus 33 acres of gardens and trails to burn off energy.

Saturday, August 1

🥕 Sandy Springs Farmers Market - City Springs | 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA | 8:30 AM-12 PM | Free | More: citysprings.com
Produce, artisan foods, and live music out on the plaza, rain or shine.

🍑 Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market - Roswell City Hall | 38 Hill St, Roswell, GA | 8:30 AM-12 PM | Free | More: downtownroswell.com
A tight mix of farmers and makers set up just steps from the historic square.

🌽 DHA Farmers Market - Brook Run Park | 4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, GA | 9 AM-12 PM | Free | More: dunwoodyga.org
Thirty-plus vendors, pesticide-free produce, breakfast you can eat on the spot, and a playground right there for the kids.

🧺 Brookhaven Farmers Market - Blackburn Park | 1375 Fernwood Cir NE, Brookhaven, GA | 9 AM-12 PM | Free | More: brookhavenfarmersmarket.com
The neighborhood market's loaded with local produce, baked goods, and handmade finds.

⚾ Braves vs. Nationals - Truist Park | 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA | First pitch 7:15 PM | Tickets vary | More: mlb.com
A Saturday-night ballgame with all of The Battery's food and bars steps from the gates.

Sunday, August 2

🎶 Concerts by the Springs: Cat Ridgeway and The Tourists - Heritage Sandy Springs Amphitheater | 6110 Blue Stone Rd, Sandy Springs, GA | Opens at 5 PM | Free | More: sandyspringsga.gov
Grab a blanket and post up for this free, laid-back Sunday show on the entertainment lawn.

🖼️ Amy Sherald: American Sublime - High Museum of Art | 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA | 12 PM-5 PM | Ticketed | More: high.org
The acclaimed portraitist's touring show anchors a Sunday at the High, with family galleries throughout.

🎹 Dueling Pianos - Morty's Meat and Supply | 5509 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA | 8-11 PM | Free, table minimum | More: mortysmeatandsupply.com

Barbecue, drinks, and a rowdy request-driven piano show on the smokehouse stage every Friday night.

🌃 The Roof at Ponce City Market (21+) - Skyline Park | 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA | After 7 PM | Pay-per-play plus bar | More: poncecityroof.com
After 7 the rooftop goes 21+: cocktails, games, and one of the best skyline views in the city.

🎤 Stand-Up Comedy - The Punchline | 3652 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA | 7:30 & 9:30 PM | Ticketed | More: punchline.com
Atlanta's longest-running comedy club runs two Friday shows, so check the site for who's headlining.

🍺 Live Music on the Back Porch - From the Earth Brewing | 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA | Evening | Free entry | More: ftebrewing.com

Roswell's go-to brewery pairs craft pours with live music out on the back porch.

🍻 Live Music and Food Trucks - Pontoon Brewing | 8601 Dunwoody Pl, Sandy Springs, GA | Evening | Free entry | More: pontoonbrewing.com
Laid-back, dog-friendly patio with rotating live music and a food truck most weekend nights.

🍺 Taproom Live Music - Gate City Brewing | 43 Magnolia St, Roswell, GA | Evening | Free entry | More: gatecitybrewingcompany.com
Historic Roswell's two-story brewhouse hands the stage to local musicians most weekends.

🎷 Live Music at Block and Drum - Block and Drum | 5105 Peachtree Blvd, Chamblee, GA | 6:30 PM-late | Varies | More: blockanddrum.com
Craft spirits and live music make this Chamblee distillery an easy, smooth Friday out.

Saturday, August 1

🥃 Whiskey Tour and Tasting - ASW Distillery | 900 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA | Saturday tours | From about $18 | More: aswdistillery.com
Tour Atlanta's hometown whiskey maker a few steps from Truist Park, then taste your way through the lineup.

🎶 Lord Huron - Coca-Cola Roxy | 800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA | Doors 6 PM, show 7 PM | Ticketed | More: ticketmaster.com
The band behind "The Night We Met" brings the big singalong out to The Battery, with August Ponthier opening.

Sunday, August 2

🙌 Worship Nights featuring Preashea Hilliard - City Winery Atlanta | 650 North Ave NE, Atlanta, GA | 8 PM | Ticketed | More: citywinery.com
An uplifting night of contemporary gospel over dinner and wine inside Ponce City Market.

🏛️ More Perfect Union: The American Civil War Era - Atlanta History Center | 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA | 12-5 PM | Included with admission | More: atlantahistorycenter.com
The center's biggest exhibition ever, opened this summer for its centennial year.

If you make one easy, free stop this weekend, make it this show. Concerts by the Springs is Sandy Springs' laid-back summer music series out on the old Heritage green, and it's about as low-effort as a good Sunday gets. No tickets, no cover, just a lawn, a stage, and a few hundred neighbors settling in for the evening.

Here's how it works. Bring a blanket or a couple of camp chairs, stake out a patch of grass, and let the band do the rest. Cat Ridgeway and The Tourists are a high-energy, horn-driven Atlanta party act that pulls even the shy folks off their blankets by the second set. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine, bring the kids, and let them run around while you actually relax for once.

Parking's easy and free right off Blue Stone Road but there is a towing warning for parking in City Walk/Centre Court lots. No pets allowed except service animals.

It's the friendliest, cheapest way to close out a summer weekend in the Perimeter. Free wins.

Late summer is prime time for the pop-up thunderstorms, hail, and wind that roll through North Atlanta most afternoons. That's usually when families find a coverage gap they didn't know they had.

Two quick things are worth a look before the next big one hits.

One: does your homeowners policy carry a separate, percentage-based wind and hail deductible? A lot of Georgia policies do now, and it can run a lot higher than your standard deductible. You want to know that number before a storm, not after.

Two: if a falling limb or hail dents your car, that's a comprehensive auto claim, not collision. So make sure comprehensive coverage is actually on the vehicles sitting in your driveway.

Not sure how your policy handles wind, hail, or a tree coming through the roof? That's exactly what your Peachy agent can walk you through in a few minutes. Ask us.