Holi in Dunwoody + HOBNOB Burgers

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Howdy, neighbors!

Holi in Dunwoody is the move this Saturday. It's at Wildcat Park this year, which is a new location, and it's free to get in. Color packets are $5 each if you want to actually throw color, and you should buy those ahead of time. Do not wear shoes you care about. Bring wipes. You've been warned.

We're planning to hit the DHA Farmers Market at Brook Run Park first thing Saturday morning before it gets busy, then loop over to Wildcat Park for Holi when it opens at 11. That's a full Saturday right there without a lot of effort.

If you want something a little quieter, Two Bridges Park is right there in Perimeter Center and it's an easy reset. Playground, a walk on the paths, done. Good option if you need to get outside but nobody has the energy for a big plan.

Sunday we're eyeing the Joe Alterman Toast & Jam Jazz Brunch at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Live jazz, Dara Starr Tucker performing, and it's the kind of Sunday morning that actually feels like a weekend. Tickets are $70-$80 but you get brunch and a show, so the math works out. Local Lowdown has a couple things worth your attention this week, especially if you commute through MARTA. Full planner is below.

- Andrew

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_{This issue is sponsored by Peachy Insurance}

Storm season in north Georgia starts in March, and its worth a few minutes 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)

Saturday, March 7
11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Wildcat Park (NEW location this year)
🎟️ Free to attend
Learn More

This is one of those spring weekends where you want ONE big plan that gets everyone out of the house, and Holi is it.

Create Dunwoody is bringing the festival to Wildcat Park for the first time this year, with live music, dancing, food, and the classic color powder toss.

It's free to attend, and color packets are $5 each. Order ahead to skip the line because prices may go up at the gate.

Just know the basics before you go: no outside colors allowed, and there's no running water or electricity at the park, so bring wipes and plan accordingly.

Parking is at Dunwoody Nature Center and Austin Elementary.

If you've never done Holi, this is year three and it's only getting bigger.

Grab someone who will actually throw color with you and go.

Source details: Create Dunwoody

This is where we end up when we want an easy sit-down meal that still works with kids and doesn't require driving into the city.

It's lively, lots of TVs, and the menu is big enough that everyone finds something without a debate.

Bonus if you've got little kids: they run a kids-eat-free deal for loyalty members (Sun–Thurs, 5–7pm, one kid per adult with entree purchase).

Food-wise, people keep coming back for the burgers (made with a short rib, brisket, and chuck blend on brioche), and brunch has a real following too.

If you go on a weekend morning, the braised short rib hash is the thing to order, and the Low Country shrimp and grits is another crowd-pleaser if you want something more than eggs and toast.

Just know it can get busy (and loud) during peak times, especially when there's a game on.

Hours:
Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm
Fri 11:30am–10:30pm
Sat 10:30am–10:30pm
Sun 10:30am–10pm
Address: 1221 Ashford Crossing, Atlanta, GA 30346
Links: Official site

⚠️ Heads up: A handful of reviews mention slow service when it's busy. If you're going with kids, early dinner makes everything easier.

If you've driven Roswell Road a hundred times and never walked into Phoenix & Dragon, you're missing one of the more interesting shops in Sandy Springs.

It's a bookstore, but calling it that barely covers it.

The space is 5,500 square feet of books, crystals, tarot decks, candles, gemstone jewelry, and incense, and it has the calm, unhurried feel of a place that actually wants you to wander.

Owner Candace Apple started it in 1987 in a small bungalow on Hammond Drive and moved to the current location in 1995. It's woman-owned, locally owned, and one of the larger metaphysical bookstores in the country.

They host 30 to 60 events a month, from meditation workshops to psychic readings to art shows, and there's a meditation garden out back. Three resident cats (Rose, Opal, and Smokey) round out the whole vibe.

You can browse for an hour and nobody bothers you.

Price: $$
Hours:
Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Sun 12:00–6:00 PM
Address: 5531 Roswell Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Website: phoenixanddragonbookstore.com

Sandy Springs wrapped up open houses Feb. 24-26 for its Transportation Master Plan update, the document that determines which road, sidewalk, and safety projects get prioritized next. The plan is directly tied to the November 2026 TSPLOST referendum, and Fulton County voters will decide whether to continue the county transportation sales tax, which expires at the end of March 2027.

The open houses are done, but the online survey is still accepting responses through March 12, and city officials say the input will be used to shape which projects make the final list. If you have opinions about corridor fixes, sidewalk gaps, or intersection work in your part of town, this is the window.

More: Rough Draft Atlanta

MARTA's Better Breeze fare system upgrade is rolling through more stations this week. Buckhead (started March 3) and Brookhaven (March 4) are currently in construction, with Lindbergh up on March 5 and East Point on March 6. Rail and bus service continues as scheduled, but certain faregates are closed and riders are being routed through emergency gates or alternate entrances.

If you commute through any of these stations, follow posted signs and give yourself a couple of extra minutes at the gate. The current and new Breeze systems will both run from March 28 through May 2 to let riders transition, and MARTA is reminding people to start spending down existing Breeze balances now, as current fare does not carry over after May 2.

More: Rough Draft Atlanta | MARTA Better Breeze info

Sweep the Hooch is back on Saturday, March 21, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, with 65+ cleanup sites across 15 counties in the Chattahoochee watershed. Organized by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, volunteers can work on foot, wade in streams, or paddle by canoe or kayak. Gloves and trash bags are provided, and participants get a complimentary one-year Riverkeeper membership.

Last year's cleanup drew about 1,500 volunteers and removed 82,000 pounds of trash and recyclables, both records at the time. Sites fill up, so register early.

More: Rough Draft Atlanta | Register

One of Sandy Springs' original Town Turtles got a fresh start. More than 20 residents at Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs welcomed Homer home on March 2, joined by members of the Sandy Springs Society and Mayor Rusty Paul, after a month-long professional refurbishing by artists Brett and Amber Loper.

The Town Turtles started in 2003 as a fundraiser ahead of incorporation, and the Society says the effort ultimately raised $750,000 to help the city buy parks from Fulton County. There are 75 turtles scattered around Sandy Springs, and if you have kids, spotting them makes a solid weekend errand.

More: Rough Draft Atlanta

Chattahoochee Nature Center is marking its 50th anniversary this year, having grown from a 6.7-acre grassroots preservation effort in 1976 to a 127-acre center welcoming more than 150,000 visitors annually. They're celebrating all year, with a major multi-day community celebration planned for June 24-28 and a "50 Things to Do at CNC" challenge already underway with monthly prizes.

If your family needs a screen-free outing that doesn't require a long drive, this is a good excuse to put CNC back on the list.

More: Rough Draft Atlanta

Brie’s five years old, orange-and-white, and she has the softest purrs, but the real giveaway is this: brush time is her love language.

Brie starts a little shy, then you give her a gentle head and neck brush and she melts.

Once she’s comfortable, she’s a quiet little sidekick who will post up next to your laptop while you work and politely ask for pets.

Brie is a medium-haired Domestic Medium Hair and she’s currently about 14.5 lbs, so she would do best with a slow, steady slim-down.

She loves mealtime, but she’s not a grazer. She does best with measured, scheduled feedings. She’s also house-trained, spayed, and vaccinated, which makes the “getting settled” part a lot easier.

Home fit matters with Brie. She’s comfortable with dogs who give her space, but she’s fearful of other cats, so a cat-free home is ideal.

The listing also notes she’d thrive in a quieter home with adults or calm older teens, since high energy can overwhelm her. If you want a sweet companion who’s more calm presence than chaos, go read her full write-up and send an inquiry.

Three Paws Rescue
Chamblee, GA
(762) 499-5654
[email protected]
Listing: PetFinder

🩰 Georgia Ballet: The Wizard of Oz | Jennie T. Anderson Theatre | Marietta | 8:00 PM | Ticketed (from $26) | More
World premiere ballet with original choreography, colorful costumes, and an Oz-themed lobby experience. A good pick for kids who love dance or theater — and short enough it doesn't feel like a marathon.

🧙 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Fox Theatre | Atlanta | 7:00 PM | Ticketed | More
The six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway production is in town through March 15. Recommended for ages 8+. Stage magic alone makes this one worth the splurge.

🥕 DHA Farmers Market | Brook Run Park | Dunwoody | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More
Coffee, baked goods, and enough vendors to knock out part of your grocery run. Playground is right there for the kids after.

🎉 Holi in Dunwoody | Wildcat Park (new location) | Dunwoody | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM | Free to attend | More
Create Dunwoody's third annual Festival of Colors with live music, dancing, and food. Color packets are $5 each — order ahead, no outside colors allowed. Parking at Dunwoody Nature Center and Austin Elementary.

🎮 Power Hour Gaming | Battle & Brew | Sandy Springs | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Ticketed (food + games) | More
Good indoor backup plan if the weather turns or you want a low-key Saturday. Gaming stations, food, and enough options to keep everyone occupied.

🩰 Georgia Ballet: The Wizard of Oz | Jennie T. Anderson Theatre | Marietta | 2:00 PM | Ticketed (from $26) | More
Afternoon matinee for families. Same Oz-themed lobby experience, same vibrant choreography — just an easier time slot for younger kids.

🧙 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Fox Theatre | Atlanta | 1:00 PM or 7:00 PM | Ticketed | More
Two shows Saturday. The 1:00 PM matinee lines up well for families — you're home at a reasonable hour and the kids will be talking about it for days. Ages 8+.

🏃 Feeney's 5K Fun Run | Brook Run Park | Dunwoody | 9:30 AM | Ticketed | More
Stroller and dog friendly. Costume contest, community vibe, and it's an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier. You're done by lunchtime.

🎮 Power Hour Gaming | Battle & Brew | Sandy Springs | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Ticketed (food + games) | More
Same deal as Saturday — works well for families with kids who aren't into a traditional Sunday brunch.

🧙 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Fox Theatre | Atlanta | 1:00 PM or 7:00 PM | Ticketed | More
Last chance this weekend. The afternoon show is the easier family call. Ages 8+.

🎨 FUNdamental Fridays | Spruill Center for the Arts | Dunwoody | 6:00–9:00 PM | Free | More
Open studio night — bring a 2D project in progress or start something new. No instructor, just creative space, other makers, and beer and wine available. Low-pressure "get out of the house" option.

🐟 2026 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry | All Saints Catholic Church | Dunwoody | 5:00–8:00 PM | Community pricing | More: Event info
A super local, low-pressure Friday plan if you want dinner out without making a whole production of it. Eat in or grab takeout, and the menu goes beyond basic fish-fry fare with fried cod or shrimp, broiled cod or salmon, plus clam chowder, hush puppies, mac and cheese, and beer and wine available.

😂 Funny Fridays with Joel Byars | Studio Theatre, Sandy Springs PAC | Sandy Springs | 7:00 PM | Ticketed ($37.71–$53.88) | More
Clean-ish comedy showcase with Damon Sumner, Ro DelleGrazie, and Jeremy Mesi on the lineup. Happy hour starts at 6:00 PM. Recommended for ages 16+.

🍔 Pop Up Dinner: The Burgers Strike Back | Vino Venue | Dunwoody | 6:30–9:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
This is the kind of adult night out that feels easy but still a little different. Vino Venue is doing a one-night burger pop-up with drinks in the mix, so it works well for date night or a “let’s actually go somewhere” Saturday without heading into Atlanta.

🧙 Dungeons & Drafts: TTRPG Saturday with ATLRPG | Battle & Brew | Sandy Springs | 12:00–5:00 PM | Ticketed / purchase-based | More: Event info
If your ideal Saturday leans nerdy in the best way, this one fits. Battle & Brew bills it as an every-Saturday tabletop RPG hang with food, drinks, and a built-in social crowd, so it’s a good pick whether you already play or just want something more interesting than another bar.

🎴 Riftbound Fun Days | Battle & Brew | Sandy Springs | 12:00–4:00 PM | Check event details | More: Event info
Another good adult option at Battle & Brew if you want a more casual gaming meetup vibe. This one is running as a Saturday afternoon event with a free-for-all format on March 7, which makes it a solid drop-in choice for groups or couples who want something interactive instead of the usual lunch-and-drinks routine.

🎷 Joe Alterman's Toast & Jam Jazz Brunch (feat. Dara Starr Tucker) | Studio Theatre, Sandy Springs PAC | Sandy Springs | 11:00 AM or 1:30 PM | Ticketed ($70–$80) | More
Brunch by Executive Chef Karl Elliott plus live jazz and talk-show-style conversation. Dara Starr Tucker brings Grammy-adjacent credentials and a voice NPR called "commanding and clear."

🎬 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2026 (Virtual Cinema) | Stream at home | On demand | Ticketed | More
The in-person run wrapped March 3. Select films — 20 features and 16 shorts — are now streaming statewide through March 15. Pick one for a calm night in.

When you want a real outing but do not want to drive far or plan much, Two Bridges Park is one of the easiest wins in Dunwoody.

It sits right in Perimeter Center, but once you’re there it feels surprisingly tucked away. Big playground, open lawn space, paved paths, shaded pavilions, outdoor fitness stations, and restrooms on site.

It’s also one of those parks where you can see most of the space at once, which makes it feel less stressful with little kids.

Slow morning reset: Start at the playground while it’s quiet, then take a short stroll on the paths and loop back for one more round of slides. If you pack a snack, the pavilions make it easy to sit down and actually take a breath.

Stroller-friendly outing: The paved walkways make this a good “nap might happen” walk. You can push a stroller, keep an eye on older kids, and still feel like you got outside without committing to a long hike.

Energy burn plan: Let them run the playground first, then add a walk over the pedestrian bridge and back. That bridge turns a simple park stop into a mini adventure, especially for kids who like to count steps and look for the creek.

Bring-a-friend park: This is a good meet-up spot. There’s room for kids to spread out, and grown-ups can actually talk without feeling like they’re chasing someone across a huge field.

Good to know: The splash pad is seasonal, but it’s a big perk when it’s open. The city posts splash pad hours as 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, and it runs in 30-minute cycles after you push the button, so kids can do a few rounds without you having to hover. There are restrooms on site, and the pavilions are first come, first served, so earlier is easier if you want shade.

Info: City of Dunwoody
Map: Google

Quick reminder before spring storms ramp up: wind and water are the two things that turn a normal afternoon into a call you didn't want to make. Ten minutes now can keep you out of the whole mess.

Start outside and look up. If you've got branches hanging over your roof, driveway, or power lines, trim them now. A lot of storm damage isn't the storm itself. It's what the storm throws. Then check your gutters and downspouts. Gutters should be clear, and downspouts should push water away from your foundation, not dump it right next to the house. If water pools near the foundation after a heavy rain, a simple downspout extender fixes that.

Last one: walk your yard and patio and grab anything loose. Cushions, umbrellas, lightweight chairs, kids' toys, even a grill cover. If wind picks it up and it hits your car or your neighbor's window, that's a claim you'd rather avoid.

Learn more: peachyinsurance.com

City job without the police academy
Dunwoody is hiring a Public Safety Ambassador. It’s a civilian police department role handling low-risk calls, traffic control, reports, and resident questions, and the posted salary range is $49,456 to $79,130.

Early-start full-time role with mileage reimbursement
Keurig Dr Pepper is hiring a Merchandiser for the Marietta/Sandy Springs territory. Pay starts at $19.55 an hour, the route starts at 6:30 AM, and the posting includes mileage reimbursement.

Fast-casual opening that’s easier to jump into
CAVA in Sandy Springs is hiring Team Members for part-time and full-time work at $17.50 an hour. The role covers guest service, food prep, and cross-training across the restaurant.

Day-shift office role in Peachtree Corners
DH Pace has a Customer Support Representative – Contact Center (Day Shift) opening in its Peachtree Corners office. It’s full-time, focused on customer support and service tickets, with a Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM schedule plus every other Saturday.

Part-time front desk + sales at a fitness studio
[solidcore] is hiring Core Crew (Front Desk & Sales) in Peachtree Corners. It’s an on-site part-time studio support role posted at $10 an hour plus sales commission.