Tropical Ice, Date Night Upgrades, and Development🌴⛸️

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Mid-January has a way of sneaking up on you.

One minute you're recovering from the holidays, the next you're staring at a weekend with nothing on the calendar and wondering if you should actually do something or just embrace the couch.

This MLK weekend, I'm leaning toward the former.

Saturday night's tropical skate party at City Springs looks like a solid excuse to get out of the house without overcommitting. Island vibes, DJ sets, and the rare chance to watch adults try not to fall on ice while pretending they're at a beach bar.

My wife's already skeptical, but I think I can sell her on dinner at The Select afterward.

Beyond that, there's some real movement happening around the Perimeter, as we’re settling back into our routines.

Sandy Springs is appealing that water surcharge ruling, and Dunwoody's 15-year "what is this site going to become?" drama continues.

Worth keeping an eye on.

For now, though, bundle up, find one good reason to leave the house, and maybe check on those smoke detector batteries while you're at it.

See you around,

- Andrew

(click to jump to the section)

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“Escape to Oasis Night”
Skate City Springs at City Springs
Sat, Jan 17, 2026
8 PM–10 PM
$20 with skate rental
Details: Event page

Wrap your winter weekend in a fun twist on an old favorite: a tropical-themed ice skating party right in the heart of Sandy Springs.

City Springs’ outdoor rink transforms into Escape to Oasis Night this Saturday, a beach-meets-blizzard mashup complete with neon lights, upbeat DJ sets, and plenty of people pretending they’re not cold.

Think steel drum remixes, palm-tree props, and a crowd that’s somehow both bundled up and dancing.

This one’s built for laughs, selfies, and the kind of group outing where you leave with at least one friend’s funny fall story.

The event includes skate rental with admission, so all you need is your sense of humor (and maybe a light jacket you don’t mind twirling in).

Pro tip: Arrive by 7:30 PM to grab parking in the underground deck and warm up with cocoa from Café Vendôme on the Green.

Overall vibe: Playful, social, and surprisingly warm-hearted. Exactly what a mid-January Saturday should feel like.

There’s a reason The Select keeps showing up in locals’ “date-night shortlists.”

With its art-deco-meets-Paris-bistro interiors and a menu that leans both indulgent and familiar, this Sandy Springs spot hits that rare balance between special-occasion and “we-just-didn’t-want-to-cook.”

Start with the truffle fries — they’re famous for a reason — and split the salmon béarnaise or short-rib gnocchi if you’re feeling cozy.

The bar turns out some of the most consistent cocktails north of 285, and weekend brunch keeps the same high notes with croissant French toast and a solid Bloody Mary lineup.

It’s lively enough for groups, romantic enough for two, and the service never feels rushed even when it’s packed.

Pro tip: Book a table through Resy a few days out if you want a patio seat; heaters keep it surprisingly comfortable through February.

Details & menu: theselectatl.com

This sunny, friendly boutique in Sandy Springs brings a curated mix of flattering, timeless pieces that feel pulled straight from the “effortless weekend style” board.

Whether you’re hunting for a cozy layer to brighten up January or a standout gift, Apricot Lane’s racks are filled with wardrobe staples and playful extras alike.

Local shoppers rave about the personal service and relaxed atmosphere that makes browsing feel more like chatting with a stylish friend than running errands. Shopping here pairs nicely with a City Springs stroll or a weekend brunch date.

Pro tip: Drop by on Saturdays when new arrivals often hit the floor — perfect for updating your winter wardrobe without heading into the city.

Browse/learn more: apricotlaneboutique.com/sandysprings/

A crash along Roswell Road earlier this week has reignited concern over safety on one of Sandy Springs’ busiest corridors. The collision, which occurred near Mystic Place, has renewed debate about long-delayed pedestrian and traffic-calming improvements.

Residents and business owners along the corridor say speeding, inconsistent crosswalks, and outdated signal timing make the stretch increasingly dangerous. Community groups have been urging the city to act since at least 2023, when a string of pedestrian crashes prompted temporary enforcement measures.

City officials confirmed that design work for corridor upgrades is still underway. The current plan includes protected medians, pedestrian islands, and new lighting. Feedback from this month’s public meeting will help determine which changes move forward first.

For now, residents are being urged to use marked crossings and report speeding concerns through the city’s traffic management portal.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Sandy Springs is appealing a court decision that upheld Atlanta’s 21% water surcharge for customers outside city limits — a major twist in a decades-long fight over rates, maintenance, and who should pay what. A DeKalb County Superior Court judge ruled in a December order that Atlanta is justified in charging the higher rate, a setback for Sandy Springs residents who’ve argued the surcharge is unfair (especially given longstanding disputes over the water system’s costs and investment needs).

Mayor Rusty Paul said city leaders were “shocked” by the decision and believe the ruling relied on an incorrect interpretation of law — and that the city plans to take the fight to the Georgia Court of Appeals. The case matters because it directly affects household bills for many Sandy Springs residents, and it’s also a proxy battle over regional infrastructure: who controls it, who benefits, and who bears the cost.

This one isn’t close to over — but the legal momentum has shifted, at least for now.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

In a move aimed at tightening local control over development incentives, Sandy Springs City Council voted unanimously on January 6 to require the Fulton County Development Authority (“Develop Fulton”) to get city consent before acquiring property or initiating certain incentive-backed projects inside Sandy Springs.

Supporters say it’s about transparency and alignment — incentives like tax abatements and bond financing can shape what gets built (and where), even if zoning decisions still live with the city. Officials pointed to HB 155 (passed last year) as enabling Sandy Springs to formally require approval, and council members also pushed for broader notification beyond the mayor alone.

The vote also hints at bigger tension: economic development tools can be powerful, but cities want guardrails — especially in a place where land use debates (density, affordability, traffic) are already a constant drumbeat.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Dunwoody’s long-running “what is this site going to become?” saga at 84 Perimeter Center East hit another pause button this week. City Council voted to defer the rezoning/Special Land Use Permit discussion again — after multiple delays — as the owner’s representative asked for 30 more days tied to a potential purchase offer.

The property has cycled through proposals for more than 15 years (hotel, age-restricted apartments, condos, mixed-use), and the latest concept includes senior apartments, retail, structured parking, and a drive-thru component (one early mention tied the concept to a possible Portillo’s).

Notably, city staff have flagged concerns — especially around drive-thru impacts — even though the Planning Commission previously recommended moving forward.

Translation: it’s still in play, but it’s not “shovel-ready,” and council patience seems to be thinning.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

DeKalb County leaders are considering a proposal that would dedicate a significant slice of potential data center tax revenue to community-facing investments — an idea pitched as a way to ensure residents share in the upside if high-tech facilities move in. The proposed resolution would allocate 50% of data-center-generated tax revenue toward equity and environmental uses, splitting that money between quality-of-life investments (like libraries, senior/youth services, and beautification) and building up reserves until the county reaches a 90-day operating fund balance.

The timing isn’t random: DeKalb has been in the middle of heated public debate over data center regulation, including moratorium discussions and concerns about environmental impact. This fund concept is essentially the “okay, but if they’re coming… how do we make sure the benefits aren’t abstract?” answer.

It’s still early-stage — but it’s one of the more concrete attempts in the region to directly tie big tech infrastructure to resident benefit.

Source: WABE

If your January vibe is “calm, cozy, and low-drama,” Tiger might be your guy. He’s a senior Great Pyrenees / Labrador Retriever mix with a sweet, mellow personality — the kind of dog who’s happy to hang with the family, soak up attention, and generally keep the household stress level… lower.

Tiger at a glance:

Full profile + story: Tiger on Petfinder
How to adopt: Start here → Dog Adoption Application (and if you apply, follow the directions on the listing to email the rescue afterward).

⛸️ Skate City Springs (open skate + Glow Skating Thu/Fri) — City Springs (Sandy Springs) | Book a timeslot | Adults $18/hr, Kids (2–9) $15/hr (includes skate rental) | More: Skate info + booking
Pick your time, bundle up, and do a classic winter activity without driving into Atlanta.

🧵 +Shop Residency: “Me and the Idea of You” (artist working in-gallery) — Spruill Gallery (Dunwoody) | 3:00–7:00 PM (Jan 15–16) | Free | More: Event page
Drop in and watch the artist create work live—great “quick stop” before dinner.

⛸️ Skate City Springs (open skate + Glow Skating Thu/Fri) — City Springs (Sandy Springs) | Book a timeslot | Adults $18/hr, Kids (2–9) $15/hr | More: Skate info + booking
Friday night skates are a crowd-pleaser—reserve ahead if you can.

🌱 Get a Tree, Plant a Tree! (register for a free sapling pickup later this spring) — Sandy Springs Library (Sandy Springs) | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
A simple, feel-good freebie that turns into a spring family project.

🎨 Mixed Media Art (Session 2) — Sandy Springs Library (Sandy Springs) | 1:00–2:30 PM | Free (waitlist) | More: Event page
Nature-inspired mixed media using twigs + burlap (good “reset the brain” activity).

🪡 +Shop Residency: “Me and the Idea of You” (final day) — Spruill Gallery (Dunwoody) | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
If you missed the weekday sessions, Saturday’s the easiest drop-in.

🎨 Crafternoon — Spruill Center for the Arts (Dunwoody) | 12:00–4:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
A low-pressure “make something” afternoon—perfect with kids or a friend.

🌱 Get a Tree, Plant a Tree! — Sandy Springs Library (Sandy Springs) | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
Still open Saturday if you didn’t get to it Friday.

🧘 Yoga with Marianne — Sandy Springs Library (Sandy Springs) | 10:30–11:30 AM | Free | More: Event page
Bring your own mat—easy, calm, and genuinely helpful in mid-winter.

♟️ Rook & Roll Chess Club (ages 10+) — Sandy Springs Library (Sandy Springs) | 3:00–4:30 PM | Free | More: Event page
All skill levels welcome—bring a set or borrow one there.

🤖 AI for Business: Build Profitable Strategies with ChatGPT — Sandy Springs Library (Sandy Springs) | 2:00–3:15 PM | Free | More: Event page
A practical workshop-style session for small business owners and side-hustlers.

🧉 Kid’s Corner (free crafts) — Politan Row at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 2:00–5:00 PM | Free | More: Weekly events
Let them craft while you grab something to eat—everyone wins.

🌱 Get a Tree, Plant a Tree! — Sandy Springs Library (Sandy Springs) | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
Last chance this weekend to get registered.

🧠 Trivia Night — Politan Row at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 7:00 PM | Free to play | More: Weekly events
Great “easy plan” if you don’t want a full sit-down dinner.

🫘 Cornhole League (Winter League runs Jan 8–Feb 26) — The Plaza at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 6:00–9:00 PM | Registration required | More: League info
Social, competitive, and very “weeknight hang” energy.

🎶 Live Latin Music — Mojitos at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 7:30–11:00 PM | Dining/drinks | More: Happenings
Easy date-night vibe without overthinking it.

⛸️ “Escape to Oasis Night” (tropical-themed skate party) — Skate City Springs (Sandy Springs) | 8:00–10:00 PM | $20 | More: Event page
Neon + island vibes + winter rink = surprisingly fun.

🎭 Broadway’s Jonah Platt: In Conversation — Studio Theatre, Sandy Springs PAC (Sandy Springs) | 7:00 PM | Tickets | More: Event page
An intimate “talk + music + stories” kind of night.

🎶 Live Music — Politan Row at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 6:00 PM | Varies | More: Weekly events
Grab food from the stalls and settle in.

🎤 Night Shift (karaoke + 90’s throwbacks) — Politan Row at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 9:00 PM–Midnight | Varies | More: Weekly events
The closest thing to a “late night” without leaving the suburbs.

🥂 Sunday Brunch (with live music) — Mojitos at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Brunch | More: Happenings
A solid “recover from Saturday” plan that still feels like you did something.

Columns Drive or Interstate North Pkwy access, near Sandy Springs / Marietta

If your idea of getting outside includes fresh air, river views, and room to stretch your legs without leaving the Perimeter, Cochran Shoals Trail should be on your winter bucket list.

This riverside trail is one of the metro area’s most beloved outdoor escapes, offering more than three miles of flat, packed-gravel path along the Chattahoochee River. Perfect for walkers, runners, cyclists, and kids on scooters alike.

Morning strategy (8–10 AM):

Start early when the light is soft and temperatures are crisp.

The trail’s tree-lined corridor feels peaceful before the crowds arrive, and you’ll likely see joggers and dog walkers taking in the wide river views.

Parking is easiest at the Columns Drive lot if you’re coming from Sandy Springs, and there are restrooms and drinking fountains near the trailhead to get you set up for a solid outing.

Afternoon plan (2–5 PM):

Come back for a longer adventure or a sunny Sunday stroll.

The trail loop is wide and easy to follow, with spots that feel truly wild despite being so close to 285.

Pack snacks or a picnic and explore side paths for a short nature ramble, or pedal a little farther north for a peaceful riverbank vantage point where birds and turtles often peek through the reeds.

Hidden features:

Look for shallow shoals along the river where kids can dip their toes in warmer months or skip rocks on winter afternoons.

The river’s bends and open views make great photo backdrops, especially when the winter sun sits low in the sky.

While parts of the longer network connect to other river trails like Akers Mill, this core Cochran Shoals section feels easier and more flexible for family adventures of any length.

Parking & logistics:

Both Columns Drive and Interstate North Pkwy lots provide access, but Columns Drive tends to have more space on weekend mornings.

A Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area pass may be required for parking (daily or annual options available), so bring a park pass or be ready to purchase one on arrival.

Trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk and are dog- and stroller-friendly.

Why go now:

Winter’s low vegetation means clearer river views and quieter breezes, making it an especially charming time to explore without summer hustle.

Whether you’re getting steps in before brunch or seeking a longer nature break, Cochran Shoals offers something for every pace and every age.

Learn more: Website

January in the Perimeter area is peak cold season. It’s also when a few small habits can prevent a very expensive (and very stressful) home incident.

1️⃣ Use the “3-foot rule.”

Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heat sources (space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, even candles). Curtains, bedding, throw blankets, kids’ backpacks, the whole pile.

More: NFPA heating safety

2️⃣ Plug space heaters straight into the wall.

Skip extension cords and power strips. Choose a heater with tip-over shutoff and overheat protection, and keep it on a flat, hard surface.

3️⃣ Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

A heater running “just for a minute” becomes “oops, I forgot” fast. This one habit cuts a ton of risk.

More: U.S. Fire Administration heating fire safety

4️⃣ If you use a fireplace, keep it maintained and contained.

Use a screen, don’t burn trash/wrapping paper, and make sure your chimney/fireplace is inspected and cleaned as recommended before heavy-use season (creosote buildup is real).

We’ve heard horror stories of people’s claims being denied because people didn’t keep their chimney’s maintained!

5️⃣ Do a 60-second detector check.

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend (and replace batteries if anything chirps). It’s the easiest safety win you’ll get all month.

If you want a quick policy checkup to make sure your coverage reflects any home upgrades (or you’re not missing something basic), Peachy can help: peachyinsurance.com

Local Pros Who Can Handle It For You:

Want a simple way to plug in this month? Here are a few solid starting points: