🗳️ Election Updates & Holiday Markets Begin This Weekend

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We're kicking off November with perfect fall weather and two big holiday markets opening this weekend.

Saturday's Elegant Elf Marketplace at Sandy Springs PAC is a personal favorite—I always find unique gifts and the vendors this year look amazing.

For those following Tuesday's elections, we've got unofficial results from both Dunwoody and Sandy Springs races below, including some headed to runoffs.

The DHA Farmers Market at Brook Run Park continues Saturday morning with peak fall produce, and Sunday brings a second farmers market option at the Shops of Dunwoody.

Quick tip: The Elegant Elf gets packed after noon, so hit it early for the best shopping. Your weekend planner is below—enjoy this gorgeous weather!

Best,
Andrew

Send tips & events: [email protected]

Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
1 Galambos Way,
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Saturday, Nov 8
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
$10 ($8 advance)

The Sandy Springs Society's 14th annual Elegant Elf Marketplace returns this weekend, transforming the Performing Arts Center into a holiday wonderland with over 100 vendors.

This beloved two-day event features unique gifts, holiday décor, children's toys, gourmet treats, and handmade crafts perfect for early holiday shopping.

Your ticket works for both Saturday (9 AM-5 PM) and Sunday (10 AM-5 PM), with kids 10 and under free.

Beyond the shopping, this event directly supports the Sandy Springs community—all proceeds fund the Sandy Springs Society's grants program for local nonprofits.

The venue offers easy parking and the indoor setting means weather won't be a factor.

Arrive early Saturday for the best selection, though vendors typically restock overnight for Sunday shoppers.

Learn more at the Sandy Spring Society’s website here.

Handmade pasta is the headline here, rolled daily in the open kitchen and finished with deeply flavored, seasonal sauces — a polished, date-night spot that still feels like a neighborhood staple.

Led by Chef Jamie Adams with partner Leonardo Moura, the kitchen leans classic Italian with care (think house pastas, seafood, and a serious wine list).

Dinner service runs Tue–Sun (closed Mon), with later hours on Fri/Sat; book ahead if you want prime times.

The room is warm and comfortable; there’s also a private dining space if you’re planning a small celebration.

Easy to pair with a City Springs show, and parking is straightforward in the center.

Learn more and see their menu at their official website here.

A cornerstone of Dunwoody’s arts scene, Spruill’s gallery and year-round gift shop champion Georgia makers — perfect for unique, locally made gifts and small-batch art.

It operates out of a historic 1867–1905 home on Ashford Dunwoody Road and mounts multiple exhibits annually, plus popular seasonal markets.

For November/December, the Holiday Art Fair (Nov 14–Dec 23) turns the gallery into a handcrafted shopping wonderland, with extended hours and special themed days.

Regular gallery/shop hours are typically Sun 12–4, Tue–Wed 11–5, Thu–Sat 11–7; parking is just off Meadow Lane.

Learn more about Spruill Arts’ Gallery & Gift Shop, as well as its Education Center (5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd), at their official website here.

Tuesday's municipal elections saw both Dunwoody incumbents retain their seats, with Tom Lambert and Rob Price winning in closer-than-expected races over challengers Wendi Taylor and David Ziskind.

Catherine Lautenbacher ran unopposed for District 1.

The results reflect strong voter turnout during early voting from October 14-31, with nearly 12 percent of registered voters participating.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Incumbent Mayor Rusty Paul will face Dontaye Carter in a December runoff after neither candidate secured a majority Tuesday.

Paul, seeking his fourth term, and Carter edged out council members Jody Reichel and Andy Bauman who had both announced mayoral campaigns earlier this year.

District 4 also heads to a runoff between Michelle Sullivan and Frank Roberts for the seat vacated by Reichel.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

This happy-go-lucky brown & white pup is equal parts zoomies and snuggles.

Bison loves treats, squeaky toys, and even sprinted straight through the agility tunnel during his photo shoot.

Staff say he acts house-trained and he arrived with another dog, so he’s likely dog-friendly.

With a “Super Cuddler” badge and the energy to be your regular walking/running partner, he’s the perfect pal for playtime followed by a couch nap.

How to meet Bison
DeKalb County Animal Services (LifeLine Animal Project)
3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sat–Sun 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
No appointment needed; out-of-state adopters welcome.

Learn more about adopting Bison on his adoption profile here.

📚 Toddler Thursdays — Sandy Springs Library | 10:30–11:15 AM | Free | More
Lively stories, songs, and movement for toddlers and caregivers.

📚 Make a Rainstick — Sandy Springs Library | 3:30–4:30 PM | Free | More
Kids craft a simple rainstick and learn about sound and rhythm.

♟️ Chess Club (Ages 6–12) — Sandy Springs Library | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More
Drop-in chess play and tips for beginners and developing players.

🎭 Little Shop of Horrors — Stage Door Theatre (Dunwoody) | 7:00 PM | $10–$15 | More
Opening night of the cult-favorite musical—local production in Dunwoody.

🥕 Sandy Springs Farmers Market — City Green at City Springs | 8:30 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More
Open-air market with seasonal produce and artisan foods on the Green.

🛍️ Elegant Elf Marketplace — Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | $10 | More
100+ holiday vendors; proceeds support Sandy Springs nonprofits.

🎅 Festival Traditions — Dunwoody United Methodist Church | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free entry | More
Photos with Santa, gourmet shop treats, and casseroles; supports Habitat house.

🪔 Diwali Family Celebration — Sandy Springs Library | 1:00–3:00 PM | Free | More
Family-friendly Diwali crafts, stories, and activities.

🐸 Amphibian Foundation Visit — Sandy Springs Library | 1:00–2:00 PM | Free | More
Meet amphibians up close and learn about conservation.

🛍️ Elegant Elf Marketplace (Day 2) — Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | $10 | More
Second day of holiday shopping; vendors often restock favorites.

🥬 Shops of Dunwoody Farmers Market — Dunwoody Village | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free | More
Sunday market with local makers; complements Saturday’s Brook Run market.

🍖 Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival — Brook Run Park (Dunwoody) | 12:00–4:00 PM | Free admission | More
BBQ competition, kids zone, live music; tasting tickets available on-site.

🧵 Woven Coasters Workshop — Sandy Springs Library | 1:00–2:30 PM | Free | More
Intro weaving project; all materials provided.

🤝 Second Saturday Volunteer Day — Dunwoody Nature Center | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More
Help with light trail and garden projects; community service hours available.

🎹 Chopin-Era Costume Gala — Dunwoody Country Club | 5:30 PM | $195–$750 | More
Black-tie gala, dinner, and performances celebrating the Chopin Society’s 25th anniversary.

Morning strategy (8-10 AM): Start at the playground complex with separate areas for toddlers and big kids. The disc golf course is less crowded before 10 AM, and the dog park's small dog area stays shaded until late morning.\

Afternoon plan (2-5 PM): The community garden offers peaceful walking paths, while the skate park heats up with teen activity. The multiuse trail connects to the Dunwoody Trailway for extended walks or bike rides.

Hidden features: Veterans Memorial tucked behind the amphitheater, hidden creek access near the back trails, outdoor fitness equipment circuit near the tennis courts.

Parking tips: Main lot fills by 10 AM on Saturdays for farmers market; use overflow lot near dog park. Bathrooms near playground and community building; water fountains throughout.

Learn more about Brook Run Park at its official website here.

With Thanksgiving just weeks away, now's the time to tackle home maintenance. Check your HVAC filter—it should be changed monthly during heavy-use months.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially important with space heaters and fireplaces getting more use.

Clean out your dryer vent to prevent fires from increased holiday laundry loads.

For guest prep, check that bathroom exhaust fans work properly to prevent moisture damage, and consider having your carpets cleaned now rather than in the December rush ($150-300 for average home).

HVAC:
Casteel Heating & Air
(770) 565-5884
Visit their Website

Carpet Cleaning:
Daddy Daughter Carpet
(770) 905-6333
Visit their Website

• Holiday Shopping Local: Elegant Elf this weekend, Small Business Saturday Nov 29
• Winter Camps: YMCA registration open for December break—more info at their website here.