🎷 Big Band Valentine's Night + Your Weekend Plan

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Hey, y’all!

Valentine's falls on a Saturday this year, and if you're even halfway thinking about a plan, the move is to lock one in now and stop thinking about it.

Love in the Key of Swing at the Byers Theatre is our pick.

Big band, romantic standards, and just-announced special guest Marla Feeney.

It'll feel like a full night out without a drive into Atlanta.

If you still need flowers, Blooms of Dunwoody does same-day delivery and they're family-owned.

Pro move: order a designer's choice and add one line like "bright + springy" or "soft + romantic." You'll get something that looks way more thoughtful than a pre-set arrangement.

Not a Valentine's person? Hammond Park is a free, easy win for a walk and a reset. Planner's below. Grab the plan that fits your crew.

- Andrew

(click to jump to the section)

_{This issue is sponsored by Peachy Insurance}

Storm season in north Georgia starts in March, and its worth it to give your insurance policy a second look before the first severe weather watch hits your phone.

A lot can change in a year.

Maybe you added a deck, finished a basement, put up a fence, or had a tree removed. Any of those shifts what your home actually needs to be covered for — and what a claim looks like if a storm rolls through.

Most people don't find out they're underinsured until they're filing a claim. That's the wrong time to learn because its too late to get the proper coverage at that point.

Peachy Insurance is an Atlanta-based company built to move quickly and keep things simple: fast quoting, clear explanations, and licensed professionals who'll help check your coverage without the runaround.

A few things Peachy can help you review in 10–15 minutes:

Get a quote or coverage review here: peachyinsurance.com OR text/call us 404-600-1660 (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (Byers Theatre)
1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Saturday, Feb 14
8:00 PM
Ticketed (on sale now)
Details: https://www.sandyspringspac.com/events/detail/love-in-the-key-of-swing-featuring-karla-harris-and-joe-gransden

Jazz vocalist Karla Harris and big band leader Joe Gransden bring their popular Valentine's show back to the Byers Theatre stage, with just-announced special guest multi-instrumentalist Marla Feeney joining the lineup.

Expect timeless romantic ballads, swinging big band energy, and a room full of people who actually dressed up a little for the occasion.

It looks polished without being stuffy. The kind of show where you leave humming something.

A real date night vibe: romantic classics, laughter, and a big band sound that fills the room.

Think Chet Baker and Sinatra influences, with Karla's vocals tying it all together.

The venue bills it as fun for the whole family, but this one shines as a date night or an evening out with teens who appreciate live music.

Soon, you may be walking through High Street and notice the smell of fresh-baked everything. That'll be Rosetta.

This authentic Italian bakery was supposed to open its second Atlanta location in late January, right along The Green at High Street. It’s been delayed to an undetermined later date, but should be any day now.

The bakers at the small chain start at 5:00 AM every morning, turning out signature bombolone (Italian filled doughnuts), croissants, focaccia, sandwiches, and pizza. All by hand.

They also do solid espresso and artisanal coffee if you're just looking for a quality morning stop. The space has indoor seating for 50-plus, a covered patio, and a glass wall where you can watch the bakers work.

The King Rosetta sandwich is their signature savory move. Meats, cheese, lettuce, tomato, big enough to split. Dough and prep come from the Buckhead "master kitchen," with baking done fresh on-site at High Street.

Look for it soon! It’ll be worth a weekend visit if you haven't been to a location yet.

Read more here: rosettabakery.com

If you want a Valentine’s delivery that feels thoughtful (and not like you panic-clicked “red roses” at midnight), Blooms of Dunwoody is a strong, truly local, family-owned and operated option.

They offer same-day delivery in the Dunwoody area and surrounding communities, plus a good mix beyond bouquets: plants, dish gardens, sympathy arrangements, and gift-y add-ons when you want it to feel like more than just flowers.

Quick pro move: If you’re short on time, order a designer’s choice and add one line like “bright + springy” or “soft + romantic”.

You’ll usually get something that looks more bespoke than a pre-set arrangement.

Website: bloomsofdunwoody.com

A two-alarm fire at the Dunwoody Village Apartments on North Peachtree Road around 5 PM on Jan. 31 destroyed a building and displaced eight families (23 people).

No injuries were reported, but high winds that evening helped the fire spread fast, and firefighters were dealing with hydrant issues on scene.

The cause is still under investigation by the DeKalb County Fire Marshal's office.

The community response has been strong. Here's how you can help right now: Gift cards can be dropped off at Kingswood Church (4896 North Peachtree Road), Mon–Fri 8 AM to 3 PM.

Suggested cards: Kroger, Publix, Target, Walmart, Amazon. Gift cards are also accepted at NFA Burger in Dunwoody Village, Tue–Sat 11 AM to 7:30 PM.

For furniture and household goods, email [email protected] to coordinate delivery. Mad Italian on Savoy Drive is collecting clothing donations for two employees who lost everything—stop by the restaurant for details on sizes and needs.

GoFundMe pages are active for two displaced Mad Italian employees: Support John McDavid and Help Hope's Family Rebuild.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

If your commute or school run takes you through Dunwoody Club Drive between Braddock Court and Bend Creek Road, heads up: DeKalb County crews closed the road starting Feb. 5 for the Bend Creek Sewer Improvement Project.

The closure runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays), with detour signs posted.

The project includes replacing about 2,310 feet of gravity sewer main, installing 12 new manholes, and connecting 30 homes to new sewer service.

It's expected to wrap around March 27.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

MARTA is hosting community open houses across metro Atlanta to walk riders through the upcoming NextGen Bus Network, which will more than triple the number of 15-minute service corridors and launch new on-demand MARTA Reach microtransit zones starting March 7.

This matters if you use MARTA for work, school, or airport trips—routing and frequency are changing significantly.

Closest open house for Perimeter area readers: Thursday, Feb 12 at North Springs Station (7010 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Sandy Springs), 7:00–11:00 AM and 3:00–6:00 PM.

Other February sessions are scheduled across the metro area at stations and community centers through Feb. 26.

Staff will help with personalized trip planning so you can compare your current route to the new system.

Can't make an open house? Visit itsmarta.com/nextgen or call MARTA Customer Service at 404-848-5000.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Brie is a gentle, sweet 5-year-old orange-and-white girl with the softest purrs and a calm companion vibe.

She can be a little shy at first, but brush time is her love language—a gentle head and neck brush usually turns into instant purrs, and she'll happily settle next to a laptop while someone works, then politely ask for pets.

She's currently about 14.5 lbs and would benefit from a slow, steady slim-down using measured, scheduled meals instead of grazing.

Brie is comfortable with dogs who give her space but fearful of other cats, so her best fit is a home with no cats (or possibly a truly independent cat who will avoid interaction).

Because high energy can overwhelm her, she'd thrive in a quieter home with adults or calm older teens.

Available at Three Paws Rescue (Chamblee, GA)
Phone: (762) 499-5654
Email: [email protected]
Profile: See on Petfinder

💜 Night to Shine 2026 — Dunwoody UMC, 1548 Mt Vernon Rd, Dunwoody | 6:00–8:00 PM | Free (registration required) | More: Event info
A red-carpet prom night for people with special needs, part of the Tim Tebow Foundation's worldwide event. Volunteers welcome; every guest crowned king or queen.

🎶 Vienna Boys Choir: Strauss Forever — Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (Byers Theatre), 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs | 8:00 PM | $50–$61 | More: Event info
A classic, special-occasion concert that works well for older kids and teens who can sit through a full performance.

🛍️ XO Friday Night Market — Politan Row at Ashford Lane, 4550 Olde Perimeter Way, Dunwoody | 6:00–9:30 PM | Free to attend | More: Event info
Low-stress Friday evening plan: browse vendors, grab dinner from the food hall, treat it like a casual Valentine's Eve outing.

🧺 DHA Farmers Market — Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free to attend | More: Event info
An easy Valentine's morning tradition: stroll, snack, and stock up for the weekend.

🏃 Feeney's 5K Fun Run (virtual window opens) — Virtual: anytime Feb 14–Mar 8 | Live event: Mar 8 at 9:30 AM, Brook Run Park | Registration required | More: Event info
The virtual window lets you pick your own day to walk or run any distance (wear red!), with the main live 5K and AJC Peachtree qualifier at Brook Run on March 8.

🌳 Nature Ambassadors: Healthy Trees, Happy Birds (Spring Planning) — Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Dr, Dunwoody | 10:00–11:00 AM | Free | More: Event info
A quick, practical talk on trees and shrubs that helps your yard (and local birds) heading into spring.

🧒 Kid’s Corner (Free Crafts) — Politan Row at The Forum, 5155 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners | 2:00–5:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Easy family add-on: grab food hall lunch and let the kids do a craft while you sit down for five minutes.

🎺 Love in the Key of Swing — Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (Byers Theatre), 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs | 8:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
A Valentine's night out that works for music-loving families with older kids. Big band energy, romantic classics, doors at 7:00 PM.

🍓 Shops of Dunwoody Farmers Market — Shops of Dunwoody, 5468 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free to attend | More: Event info
A true Sunday staple with a great browse-and-snack vibe. Perfect for an easy morning reset before the week starts.

🐦 Great Backyard Bird Count (Guided Bird Walk) — Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Dr, Dunwoody | 9:00–10:00 AM | Free | More: Event info
A guided winter bird walk that’s beginner-friendly and contributes your sightings to the official count.

💘 Galentine’s Day at The Forum — The Forum, 5155 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners | 6:00–8:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
A low-effort girls’ night loop with complimentary treats + champagne, pop-ups, and lots of shop specials.

🧘 Yoga with Periwinkle Yogi — Spruill Event Studio, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody | 8:00–9:00 AM | Free | More: Event info
Start your Friday with a calm, feel-good flow that’s perfect before a busy Valentine’s weekend.

🎭 Bad Dates — Stage Door Theatre (Dunwoody) | 7:30 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
A smart, funny grown-up comedy that’s an easy “real plans” option without leaving Dunwoody.

🎤 Heartbreak Hotel Singles Karaoke — Politan Row at Ashford Lane (Dunwoody) | 8:00 PM | Free to attend | More: Event info
Low-pressure, slightly chaotic-in-a-good-way karaoke night if Valentine’s weekend has you in your feels.

⛷️ Forum Fan Zone: Olympics Cross-Country Skiing (Men’s 10km Free) — The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 12:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
A fun midday drop-in on the jumbo screen—bring a chair, grab lunch nearby, and hang.

🏀 Forum Fan Zone: Michigan State vs. Wisconsin — The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 8:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Easy Friday-night watch plan that feels like a mini tailgate without the stadium hassle.

🎨 Galentine’s Day Paint & Sip — Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Dr, Dunwoody | 2:00–3:00 PM | $50 | More: Event info
A one-hour, guided pour-painting session with mocktails—fun, social, and you leave with art.

🕯️ Galentine’s Sip & Shop at Lizeo — Lizeo at The Forum, 5155 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners | 2:00–5:00 PM | Free to attend | More: Event info
Candle-making + wine + treats + new arrivals—good if you want “festive” without planning a whole night out.

🎤 Night Shift (90’s Night + Karaoke + Music Trivia) — Politan Row at The Forum, 5155 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners | 7:00–11:00 PM | Free to attend | More: Event info
Clock out, grab a drink, and lean into the throwback vibe with karaoke and themed fun.

🎨 Minis & Mimosas Brunch Paint & Sip — Battle & Brew (Sandy Springs) | 11:30 AM–2:00 PM | $20 | More: Event info
Paint 3D miniatures, sip a mimosa, and walk out with something you actually made—great pre-date plan.

🎲 Dungeons & Drafts: TTRPG Saturday with ATLRPG — Battle & Brew (Sandy Springs) | 12:00–5:00 PM | Pricing varies | More: Event info
Drop in for a tabletop RPG meetup that’s welcoming for first-timers and fun for seasoned players.

🏀 Forum Fan Zone: Kentucky vs. Florida — The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 3:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Solid afternoon plan if you want something social that still ends early enough for dinner reservations.

🎮 Valentine’s Day (Nerdy Date-Night Special) — Battle & Brew (Sandy Springs) | 5:00 PM–11:59 PM | Reservation required | More: Event info
A playful Valentine’s option with themed cocktails, treats, and gaming vibes (book ahead).

🀄 Atlanta Mah Jongg Madness 2026 — Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Rd, Dunwoody | 9:00 AM | Ticketed | More: Event info
A social, structured Sunday morning tournament at Beth Shalom. Confirm the date directly with the synagogue, as this is sourced from a third-party listing.

🖼️ Engage with the Artists: “Two Searchlights” — Spruill Gallery, 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody | 2:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Pop into the gallery and hear directly from the featured artists—smart, calm Sunday energy.

🎶 Music Bingo — Politan Row at The Forum, 5155 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners | 5:00 PM | Free to play | More: Event info
A fun “stay out a little longer” Sunday plan that’s easy to do with friends (or as a low-stakes date).

⛸️ Forum Fan Zone: Olympics Speed Skating (Men’s Team Pursuit Qualifying) — The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 10:00 AM | Free | More: Event info
A surprisingly satisfying “coffee + something on” morning plan on the big screen.

🎲 Family Board Game Day — Battle & Brew (Sandy Springs) | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Free family gaming with a big board-game library—brunch + games = easy Sunday win.

🏀 Forum Fan Zone: Indiana vs. Illinois — The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 1:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Catch a game outdoors with a low-effort “show up when you want” vibe.

🎭 Bad Dates (Matinee) — Stage Door Theatre (Dunwoody) | 2:30 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
Perfect if you want a real outing that still leaves your evening open to reset for the week.

🎵 Music Bingo — Politan Row at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 5:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
A fun, no-sweat way to wrap the weekend—eat, sip, and play along between songs.

705 Hammond Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

If your ideal weekend plan includes playground time, a little pickup basketball, and enough variety to keep mixed ages happy, Hammond Park is a solid pick.

It's a 13.7-acre park with playgrounds, a turf athletic field, basketball courts, lighted tennis courts, and two picnic pavilions.

There's also a gymnastics center and community building on site, so you'll spot other families no matter when you show up.

Morning energy burn: Start at a playground, then do a lap around the park paths and field area. If kids want more, bring a ball for the turf field or let older kids hit the tennis courts for 30 minutes.

Afternoon hangout: Pack a picnic and grab a pavilion (first come, first served), then rotate between the playground and basketball courts. Everything is close together, so kids can bounce between activities without a long walk in between.

Parking tips: Two lots depending on your plan. Park at 705 Hammond Dr for easiest access to the gymnastics center and turf field, or use the Glenridge Drive lot at 6005 Glenridge Dr for quickest access to playgrounds, courts, and pavilions. Restrooms on site, picnic tables, two pavilions (reservable with a permit for guaranteed use).

Info: Sandy Springs’ park page

View on Google Maps

March through May is peak tornado and severe storm season in north Georgia, and the time to prepare is before the first tornado watch scrolls across your phone.

What to do this weekend: download a weather alert app (Weather Radio by WDT or the FEMA app are both free), pick an interior room on the lowest floor as your shelter spot, and make sure everyone in the house knows where to go without being told.

Grab a flashlight, a phone charger, shoes, and a basic first-aid kit and stash them in that room now. If you have kids, do one casual walkthrough so it's familiar, not scary.

On the insurance side, take 15 minutes to do a quick video walk-through of every room in your house. Open closets, cabinets, the garage. And save it to the cloud. If a storm damages your home, that footage makes filing a claim dramatically faster and smoother.

A five-minute call with your agent now to review your coverage limits and deductible is a lot less stressful than doing it after a tree comes through the roof.

Peachy Insurance
Home and auto coverage check-ins for storm season
Phone: (404) 600-1660
peachyinsurance.com

Solidarity Sandy Springs
Food pantry and community support volunteers for stocking shelves, food distribution, recycling/donation pickups, and admin help. Adults, teens 15+ (solo), or families with kids 6–14 (with a parent). Groups welcome.
Sign up: Volunteer page

Sandy Springs Conservancy
Parks and trails volunteer days for hands-on outdoor maintenance and improvement work. Strong fit for neighbors who want a physical, outdoor option.
Get involved: Volunteer page

Dunwoody VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service)
City-supported volunteer roles including community events and needs as they come up.
Learn more: Volunteer page

Create Dunwoody
Arts and culture programming support throughout the year, including help with events and activities.
Sign up: Volunteer page

Dunwoody Nature Center
Hands-on volunteer opportunities like trail work, invasive plant removal, and seasonal restoration projects. Group options available.
Details: Volunteer page

Spruill Center for the Arts
Gallery, events, and support roles for arts and community programming in Dunwoody.
Apply: Volunteer page