High Street Skate kicks off 🛼

_{Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here.}

Happy Thanksgiving, neighbors. At our house we’re timing the turkey, shooing kids out from underfoot, and quietly debating whether pie counts as breakfast.

Once everyone’s recovered from the big meal, this week’s Featured Event — High Street Skate, Dunwoody’s first outdoor ice rink — is at the top of our list for “get them out of the house” energy.

I’m also planning a quick Susansnaps run for teacher and host gifts, because having a cookie tin on standby has saved me more than once this time of year.

The forecast can swing from chilly and crisp to damp and dreary, so think layers, gloves, and dry socks for any of the outdoor picks like High Street Skate or Holiday Lights at City Springs.

Parking is generally easy but not unlimited; it’s worth double-checking event pages for timing, reservations, and any weather updates before you load everyone into the car.

If you’re hosting overnight guests, don’t miss the quick home safety check in our Seasonal Tip — very much a “future you will be glad you did this” kind of thing.

When you’re ready to build a game plan, scroll down to the Weekend Planner for kid-friendly outings, adult escapes, and a few totally free ways to walk off the mashed potatoes.

Send tips & events by replying to this email!

The Green at High Street
Friday, Nov 28, 2025 (now open for the season through Mon, Jan 19, 2026)
Hours vary by day; typically afternoon–evening (see website for schedule; weather permitting)
From $18 per skater (includes skate rental; see site for full pricing)
Details: Event info

High Street Skate turns The Green at High Street into Dunwoody’s first outdoor ice rink, bringing a winter-in-the-city feel right to the Perimeter without a long drive. 

The seasonal rink is open through Mon, Jan 19, 2026, with timed sessions, weather-dependent hours, and tickets that include skate rentals so you can travel light.  Lights, music, and an easy-to-navigate plaza setup make it a low-stress choice for mixed-age groups, whether you’ve got wobbly first-timers or teens who want to lap the rink together.

Because the ice is fully outdoors, plan to reserve your slot in advance, check High Street’s social channels for weather updates before you leave, and pack gloves plus dry socks so kids (and adults) can last a little longer on the ice.

Parents who don’t skate can still hang along the boards, snap photos, and duck into nearby spots around The Green for cocoa or a quick bite without ever stepping onto the ice. Starting Fri, Nov 28, it’s easy to pair your session with Snapshots with Santa in High Street’s jewelbox space behind The Green, a complimentary, bring-your-own-camera photo op that runs on select days through Dec 21. 

For a more grown-up spin, cap the night with a stop at The Reindeer Room holiday pop-up bar inside Maya Speak Tiki at Agave Bandido, where seasonal cocktails and twinkly décor keep the festive mood going just steps from the rink. 

Overall, it’s a very family-friendly pick that still feels special enough to share with visiting relatives or out-of-town guests.

This was one of the most recommended restaurants by our readers this year. If you haven't checked it out, its time!

Village Burger is the classic “everyone’s happy” choice for visiting family in town: hand-pattied burgers, Hebrew National hot dogs, turkey burgers, and a big slate of kid-friendly options.

The casual setup and covered patio make it an easy spot to roll in with grandparents, cousins, and strollers after parks, shopping, or a movie.

Regulars rave about the namesake Village Burger, hand-cut fries, and frozen custard, plus the prices stay reasonable even when you’re feeding a crowd.

Lines can snake out the door on nice evenings, so aim for a slightly early dinner hour if you’re bringing a larger group.

Details & menu: Restaurant website

Susansnaps is a locally owned Sandy Springs bakery that does one thing extremely well: gourmet gingersnap cookies in core flavors plus seasonal specials.

The bright little shop on Hilderbrand Drive is perfect for picking up hostess gifts, teacher treats, or a “we miss you” box to ship to out-of-town family. Everything is already packaged in cheerful tins and gift boxes.

Started by a mother–daughter team during their own cancer journey, the business still supports cancer patients through the Susan Carver Foundation, so your cookie run comes with a side of good karma.

Around Thanksgiving and into the holidays, look for fall flavors like Pumpkinsnaps and festive Candycanesnaps that feel special but travel well in a suitcase or carry-on.

Browse/learn more: Business website

Construction is officially underway on Hillcrest, an 8.1-acre mixed-use development just west of City Springs in Sandy Springs. By late 2027, the project is expected to deliver hundreds of apartments, 30 for-rent townhomes, and roughly 18,000–19,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space around a central green. It sits on former Sandy Springs United Methodist Church property and will plug directly into the existing City Springs street grid. For Perimeter families, it likely means more walkable dining, plaza hang-outs, and event parking a short hop from home.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

🌳 Dunwoody Parks & Rec racks up statewide honors (again)

Dunwoody Parks and Recreation has been named the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association’s District 6 Agency of the Year for the fifth straight year. The department earned the award for expanding inclusive programs like adaptive sports, adding new public art, and upgrading playgrounds and amenities across the city’s parks. If your kids live at Brook Run, Pernoshal, or Waterford, this is the behind-the-scenes work that keeps those parks improving year after year.

Source: City of Dunwoody

🚇 MARTA’s new ‘Better Breeze’ faregates land at Dunwoody Station

MARTA has begun installing its upgraded “Better Breeze” faregates, and Dunwoody Station is one of the first stops on the list. For now, some faregates by the parking deck are closed and riders are being routed through alternate entrances, so commuters should budget a few extra minutes to navigate new lines. The systemwide rollout will run into 2026 and eventually bring tap-to-pay options and faster gates ahead of big events like the 2026 World Cup. If you’ve got teens riding to Perimeter Mall or City Springs events, remind them to watch the signage and make sure their Breeze card (or app) is loaded before they hit the platform.

Source: Urbanize Atlanta

Dunwoody is a gorgeous lynx-point girl who loves nothing more than chin scratches, wand toys, and hanging out with “her” people.

She currently lives in a free-roaming room with other cats at the PetSmart Midtown adoption center and gets along well with her feline roommates, so she’d be a great fit for a home that already has a friendly cat or two.

As an FIV+ (don’t let the acronym scare you!) kitty, she can still live a long, happy life indoors with regular vet care, and Furkids even provides post-adoption support for FIV-related needs with waived adoption fees for these special cats.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a mellow, people-focused cat to your family—and you love the idea of a Perimeter pet literally named “Dunwoody”—she’s your girl.

Available at Furkids (PetSmart Midtown Adoption Center) — 650 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Hours: Adoption hours vary; start with an online application and an adoption counselor will help schedule a visit.

Phone: (770) 613-0880

Profile: Dunwoody’s adoption page

🎄 Holiday Lights at City Springs — City Green at City Springs, Sandy Springs | 5:30–10:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
A walkable light display on the City Green with plenty of room for strollers and grandparents to wander together.

⛸️ High Street Skate — The Green at High Street, Dunwoody | 4:00–9:00 PM | ~$18, includes skate rental | More: Event info
Dunwoody’s new outdoor rink brings classic holiday-movie vibes without driving into the city; reserve timed tickets in advance, especially for the holiday.

🎅 Snapshots with Santa at High Street — Jewelbox space behind The Green, High Street, Dunwoody | Thu–Sun, appointment-only | Free | More: Event info
Complimentary DIY photo sessions with Santa in a cozy holiday set; book a slot online and bring your own phone or camera.

🎨 Holiday Art Fair at Spruill Gallery — Spruill Gallery, Dunwoody | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Free admission | More: Event info
Nearly 150 Georgia artists fill the gallery with handmade ornaments, jewelry, and gifts—easy parking, and kids can help pick teacher gifts.

🎄 Holiday Lights at City Springs — City Green at City Springs, Sandy Springs | 5:30–10:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Stroll the lights after dinner at City Springs; the display runs nightly through New Year’s and is stroller-friendly.

🩰 Roswell Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker — Byers Theatre, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center | Multiple shows Fri–Sun (Fri 2 pm & 7 pm; Sat 11 am & 4 pm; Sun 1 pm & 5 pm) | From ~$30 | More: Event info
A full-scale, classic Nutcracker with a large local cast, elaborate costumes, and kid-friendly matinee times that make it a great first “real ballet” outing.

🥕 DHA Farmers Market — Brook Run Park, Dunwoody | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free admission | More: Event info
Stock up on local produce, baked goods, and coffee while kids hit the nearby playground and dog park.

🧘 Yoga with Marianne — Sandy Springs Library, Sandy Springs | 10:30–11:30 AM | Free | More: Event info
A gentle, library-hosted yoga class that’s perfect for parents to reset after Thanksgiving; bring your own mat.

♟️ Rook & Roll Chess Club — Sandy Springs Library, Sandy Springs | 3:00–4:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Drop-in chess play for kids and teens, with a quiet corner for adults to read while the games roll on.

🛍️ Holiday Art Fair at Spruill Gallery — Spruill Gallery, Dunwoody | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Free admission | More: Event info
Make a shopping stop between sports and naps; it’s an easy in-and-out way to support local makers.

⛸️ High Street Skate — The Green at High Street, Dunwoody | 11:00 AM–10:00 PM | ~$18, includes skate rental | More: Event info
Longer weekend hours make this a great pick for tweens and teens who want evening rink time under the lights.

🩰 Roswell Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker (Matinee) — Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Sandy Springs | 1:00 PM | From ~$30 | More: Event info
A full-length classic Nutcracker with elaborate costumes and a big local cast—ideal for a first “real” ballet outing.

🎨 Holiday Art Fair at Spruill Gallery — Spruill Gallery, Dunwoody | 12:00–5:00 PM | Free admission | More: Event info
A lower-key final stop for the weekend where families can browse art, ornaments, and stocking stuffers without big-box chaos.

⛸️ High Street Skate — The Green at High Street, Dunwoody | 11:00 AM–10:00 PM | ~$18, includes skate rental | More: Event info
Cap the long weekend with one more skate session; grab hot cocoa and stroll the High Street holiday decorations afterward.

🎤 Throwback Karaoke at Okay Anny’s — Okay Anny’s Cocktail Bar at Politan Row, Ashford Lane, Dunwoody | Thu, Nov 27, 7:00–11:00 pm | Check venue for any cover; food & drinks extra | More: Event info
Belt out late-’80s and early-’90s favorites in a neon-y cocktail bar tucked inside Politan Row—easy to pair with dinner at Ashford Lane once the kids are down.

🍸 The Reindeer Room Holiday Pop-Up Bar — Maya Speak Tiki at Agave Bandido, High Street, Dunwoody | 5:00–11:00 PM (approx.) | Free entry; cocktails priced | More: Event info
A Christmas-themed pop-up with festive cocktails and over-the-top décor—easy to pair with dinner at High Street once the kids are home.

🫖 Royal Afternoon Tea Experience — Vino Venue, Dunwoody | 1:00–3:30 PM & 3:30–6:00 PM | Paid; pricing varies | More: Event info
A special-occasion high tea with wine-centric twists—nice for a moms’ afternoon out or a multi-generation treat.

🔔 Healing Sound Bath with Raye Andrews — Unity Atlanta Church, Peachtree Corners | Sat, Nov 29, 11:00 am–12:00 pm | Free; RSVP required | More: Event info
An hour of crystal bowls, deep relaxation, and guided rest in a quiet sanctuary setting—ideal if you need a reset from hosting, travel, or just too much pie.

🦃 Post-Gobble Wobble Theme Night at Skate City Springs — Skate City Springs, City Green at City Springs, Sandy Springs | Sat, Nov 29, 8:00–10:00 pm | Paid; admission includes skate rental | More: Event info
Pull out your best autumn or turkey-themed outfit and skate under the lights to holiday music—this one skews more date-night or teens-and-up than little-kid hour.

✝️ Welcoming the Spirit of Christmas: Messages for Advent — Unity Atlanta Church, Peachtree Corners | Sun, Nov 30, 11:00 am–12:00 pm | Free | More: Event info
A reflective Advent message series kicking off the Christmas season, with the option to attend in person or via livestream if you’re still in pajamas.

🕊️ Spiritual Keys to Aging Well — Discussion Group — Unity Atlanta Church, Peachtree Corners | Sun, Nov 30, 12:30–1:30 pm | Free; love offering | More: Event info
A casual, book-based conversation on aging well in community—nice for older adults, caregivers, or anyone thinking about the next season of life.

Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park — 70 Abernathy Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Morning strategy (8–10 AM):
Get there on the early side for cooler temps and lighter crowds. Start at the main parking lot, then wander the linear path along Abernathy Road while kids test out the giant “playable” sculptures—swings, climbable creatures, and a mosaic wall that doubles as art and playground. The wide paths work well for scooters and strollers, and there are plenty of benches for grown-ups with coffee in hand.

Afternoon plan (2–5 PM):
Pack snacks or a late picnic and grab a table near the pavilion so kids can bounce back and forth between the green space and the art structures. This is a good “bring the cousins” spot when everyone needs to move but you don’t want a huge park to chase them across. On sunnier days, aim for the later end of the window when the trees start to throw more shade across parts of the park.

Hidden features:
Turn it into an “art scavenger hunt” by seeing how many of the major sculptures your kids can find—from the spider to the giant swings and dragonfly forms. The linear layout also makes it easy to sneak in a short walk with grandparents or visiting adults who want to stretch their legs without tackling a full hike.

Parking & bathrooms:
There’s a small but convenient free lot right by the park with accessible spaces, plus a central pavilion with restrooms and a water fountain nearby. Everything is close together, so it’s simple to run a newly potty-trained kid to the bathroom or make a quick trip back to the car for forgotten jackets.

Map: Google Maps

Thanksgiving weekend is basically the unofficial kickoff to “people in and out of your house nonstop” season, so this is a good moment for a quick safety sweep.

Double-check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (especially if you’re running the oven all day or have a gas fireplace going), and swap in fresh batteries if you can’t remember the last time you did it.

If family is sleeping in the basement or bonus room, make sure there’s a clear path to an exit and that stairs and hallways aren’t blocked with bags or toys.

Outside, glance at your gutters and downspouts before the next rain, and move leaves away from doors and walkways so nobody slips coming in with hot dishes.

And if you’re leaving town, set a couple of lamps on timers and ask a neighbor to grab packages—it keeps the house looking lived-in while you’re off making memories.

Local pros if you want backup: