Delight in the Deliciousness Alpharetta’s Farmers Markets Have to Offer the Belmont at Park Bridge Community
One of the great things about living at luxurious Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, is being able to make a quick trip out to one of the city’s bustling farmers markets and load up on summer-fresh fruits and veggies—and flowers and more! The Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ always have a great time at the Halcyon Farmers Market. Held every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Halcyon Forsyth, it features local products grown or made within 60 miles of Alpharetta—everything from seafood and meats to honeys, jams, candles, and soaps. Oh, and fresh eggs, don’t forget the fresh eggs! Pet-Friendly Community Fun Repeatedly recognized in the local media as a “Best Saturday Morning Excursion,” the Downtown Alpharetta Farmers Market, in front of Alpharetta City Center, is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. until November. You can enjoy outdoor music and a cup of fresh-squeezed lemonade, as well as experience a lively sense of community while you browse the offerings from vendors like Chang Family Farm, David’s WOW Garden, Her Garden and Produce, and many others. The Idea Specialists™ really do appreciate how dog-friendly the market is, too. Summer Cooking Inspirations Not sure what to do with all the healthy produce and other goodness you brought home with you? Then maybe it’s time to take advantage of one of the classes offered by the Publix Aprons® Cooking School at the Alpharetta Commons store. The Idea Specialists have already put the Saturday, July 23, 2022, Summer Cooking Inspirations 6 p.m. demonstration-style class on their calendar. And they plan to show up hungry—because the menu will include chilled lobster salad with sweet corn succotash and tarragon dressing, and roasted, bacon-wrapped jalapenos with mint chutney, not to mention a baked cherry clafoutis with maple-macerated cherries. The $60 course fee also covers the wines that accompany the evening’s dining deliciousness. You can learn more online about other style classes offered. Chic Coastal-Style Dining At The Cape Not in the mood to whip up something on your Belmont at Park Bridge gourmet kitchen gas range? Make a reservation at The Cape Restaurant & Beach Bar at Avalon and get ready to experience its chic coastal-style dining inspired by cuisine and wines from Cape Town, South Africa. The Idea Specialists™ highly recommend the whole red snapper house specialty, which is served fried and topped off with pickled pico de gallo alongside a sweet cilantro coconut sauce and a spicy peri-peri sauce. They plan to try the ostrich sliders next! Say Salud To Mezcal Cocktails If you’re not ready to say the party’s over when you get back, then mix up one of this summer’s hottest cool cocktails—the El Chapo, made with mezcal, tequila blanco, ginger liqueur, guava puree, and agave syrup—and enjoy it on the deck at the apartment community’s resort-style pool, or in the air-conditioned comfort of your home. Salud! An International Experience Less Than 3 Hours Away If thinking about South African-inspired food and Mexican cocktails has you in the mood for even more things international, then this might be a good time to make a visit to Birmingham, Alabama, the site of this year’s World Games. From July 7-17, 2022, the “Magic City” will play host to 3,600 of the world’s best athletes in 30-plus unique, multi-disciplinary sports, from Boules to DanceSport with all manner of ball sports, martial arts, and more in between. When you’re not watching competition at an elite level, you can avail yourself of the city’s diverse and delightful food scene and craft beers from local breweries, as well tour the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. The Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau has made it easy to imagine your stay, offering suggested itineraries on its site. The great thing about Birmingham is it’s not even three hours from Alpharetta by car via Interstate 20—just the ticket for a long day trip or a few nights away. And if you go for the World Games, you’ll be part of an historic event—the competition hasn’t been held in the United States since it was first held in Santa Clara, California, in 1981. Can’t make the trip but still want to be a part of things? Merch is of course available to all at Shop World Games.
WE’RE IN A SUMMERTIME FRAME OF MIND— THE IDEA SPECIALISTS™ AT BELMONT AT PARK BRIDGE IN ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA, DISH ON IDEAS & FINDS
The Idea Specialists™ at Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, are in a summertime frame of mind—and here to dish on some of their coolest ideas and finds for the hottest time of year! Poolside Must-Haves One of the greatest things about living at Belmont at Park Bridge is being able to lounge in luxury on the deck at the upscale apartment community’s resort-style pool. To do so in comfort, you absolutely have to have the right accessories, first and foremost bathing suits and swim trunks. Forbes breaks it down for the ladies; Men’s Health lists some great options for the gentlemen. Idea Specialist™ favorites are the Hurley Men’s Standard Supersuede One and Only Board Shorts for the fellows, and the Lululemon Waterside Chevron One-Piece for women. For The Host & Hostess With The Most & Most-est Even though summer doesn’t technically begin until the Summer Solstice—always on June 21st—most of us here in the Deep South have been attending warm-weather gatherings since late April. Whether you’re visiting friends for a weekend at their beach place, or planning on going to a co-worker’s Fourth of July cookout, you know you don’t want to show up empty-handed. So the Idea Specialists™ did a little research and came up with some fun and functional gifts for your hosts. First, flowers—hard to go wrong with those, right? The Spruce features a festive burlap-wrapped bouquet from Farmgirl Flowers in its post on some of the best gifts to give in 2022, and who wouldn’t enjoy seeing such bright and happy loveliness on their breakfast nook table? Or maybe you want to go the whimsical route, give your college bestie the funny cat hand towels she never realized she wanted, until now…. On the other hand, maybe your college frat brother, as cool as he is with cats, would prefer something a little bit more understated, like this set of monogrammed leather coasters from Food52. Don’t know what might be appropriate? Well, it’s hard to go wrong with an extremely practical and environmentally friendly bundle of sponge cloths in neutral grays and whites–they replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels! Ready To Hit The Road? While the Idea Specialists™ at Belmont at Park Bridge are all about cuddling on the couch and finishing up the final season of Better Call Saul (what are we gonna do without some Mike in our lives?), summer is also the right time for hitting the road, and they’ve scoped out some great day–and night—trips. It wouldn’t be summer in Georgia if the Atlanta Braves weren’t up at bat, so first and foremost the recommendation is to drive down into the city to catch the hometown homerun heroes at play at Truist Park. Peanuts, Cracker Jack, draft beer, and a hotdog and some popcorn will make the outing complete! Feeling fancy (but not like Applebee’s)? Then head less than an hour away to Braselton, Georgia, and avail yourself of all the Château Élan Winery & Resort has to offer—food, drink, European spa treatments. Yum! Another upscale option is to treat yourself to a restaurant and cocktail experience at The Garden & Gun Club at the Battery Atlanta. Atlanta native and Art Institute of Atlanta graduate Sam Davis has just been named the new executive chef, so whether you plan to gnosh on some nibbles from the raw bar menu or feast on an entrée with a Proper Old-Fashioned in hand, the evening is sure to delight. Awesome Alpharetta Don’t forget there’s almost always something fun going on in “Awesome Alpharetta” during the summer—from Avalon Nights Live in the Plaza every Friday night and the Home by Dark at Brooke Street Park Concert Series to the Downtown Alpharetta Farmers Market at the Town Green every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Little More Pool-Side Action It just wouldn’t be summer if we didn’t sit by the pool and read a good book. So, get a comfy poolside cushion—perfect for keeping your legs safe from that hot Georgia concrete and your swimsuit from those unfortunate snags—and get going on one of most-talked-about reads of 2022, Night of the Living Rez, a set of 12 modern and incendiary stories set in a Native community in Maine. Cold Libations Then, when you’re ready to put the book down, enjoy a summer cocktail like a Hendrick’s Gin Julep out of your fun new Chill Lemon Takeaway Cooler. Be safe, enjoy!
Are You Looking for a New 1-Bedroom Apartment in the Heart of Alpharetta to Call Home?
How about an apartment community with amenities like a brand-new fitness center, indoor racquetball court, resort-style pool with sun deck, two lighted tennis courts, and beautifully landscaped walkable spaces? Welcome to Belmont at Park Bridge, located at 150 Rockberry Lane, in the prestigious 30005 zip code, and our much sought-after 1-bedroom apartment home favorite, The Derby. Choosing The Derby floor plan offers residents reimagined living in a jewel of an apartment, a spacious open floor plan, ample closet space, and a private patio or balcony with outside storage. Add a wood-burning fireplace, gourmet kitchen with gas range, silver mist or black appliances, and a serving bar and dining room ideal for entertaining—and you have to ask–what more could you want? (High-speed Internet? We have that too!) There is one more thing—location, location, location. Located at the center of North Fulton’s prestigious business corridor, near John’s Creek, Avalon, and the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Belmont at Park Bridge offers the convenience you desire and the value you love–all at one location. Get to know our friendly leasing team and call them at (770) 664-6502 to schedule a personal tour of your new 1-bedroom home at Belmont at Park Bridge. You’ll be glad you did!
MAY MEANS MOTHER’S DAY, PET MONTH & FESTIVAL FUN AT BELMONT AT PARK BRIDGE IN ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA
May means moms, pets, and most of all—fun! The residents of Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, will be marking National Pet Month, doing a little upscale online shopping, and making the festival scene. Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8, 2022. The most important feminine presence in your life deserves an equally important present, and Fieldshop by Garden & Gun has curated some classics for you to peruse. From the Deich Crescent Earring by Charleston’s Brackish to a 1,000-piece Early Bird Puzzle by Piecework Puzzles, there’s something for everyone! Fieldshop is an Idea Specialists™ at Belmont at Park Bridge favorite even when it’s not Mother’s Day—they particularly recommend checking out the Mixers section for fun cocktail ideas. National Pet Month According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 70% of U.S. households own a pet, up from 56% in 1988, the first year the APPA conducted its National Pet Owners survey. And, says the organization, people in the United States spent $123.6 billion on their animal companions in 2021. That’s right – billion with a B! Our love for fuzzy critters means we celebrate our pets every day of the week, especially during National Pet Month, because Belmont at Park Bridge is such a pet-friendly apartment home community. Maybe you’ll want to mark the occasion by getting together with friends at the clubhouse for a “yappy hour,” or by donating to one of Alpharetta’s animal shelters like Sadie’s Place on Union Hill Road. They’re always in need of towels and toys, chlorine bleach, wire crates and carriers, and leashes and collars in all sizes. Every little bit helps! Festival Fun Two town festival classics are on tap for this month—Taste of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest. Taste of Alpharetta is a beloved event for visitors and residents alike, boasting crowds of over 35,000 attendees. After a two-year hiatus, the festival is being welcomed back with a chef’s kiss, and attendance is expected to be even greater thanks to the excitement surrounding the event’s return for its 30th year! On Thursday, May 12, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the streets of downtown will be filled with drool-worthy aromas from signature dishes served by restaurants across the North Fulton area. Both sides of Main Street will be lined with booth after booth serving delectable bites, and you’ll get to enjoy toe-tappin’ tunes from live music performances from soulful pop artist Michael Mango, blues Americana folk band Heather Luttrell and the Possumden, British Invasion/pop group Her Majesty’s Request, and more across three different stages throughout downtown. Then, Memorial Day Weekend in Alpharetta will be bursting in color during the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest. More than 100 artists will have their creations for sale during this free-to-attend event, happening this year Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29, at The Grove behind the Alpharetta Community Center in Wills Park. The folks at Awesome Alpharetta say festival-goers should come hungry to this event, too! Food vendors will be onsite serving up festival eats and drinks to keep you fueled as you wander the grounds. Kiddos can enjoy face paintings and interactions with parrots, and—in keeping with National Pet Month—dogs are also welcomed to join their owners during this “pawsitively” wonderful event. Enjoy and be safe!
It’s Spring-Cleaning Time at Belmont at Park Bridge in Awesome Alpharetta, Georgia
There’s something satisfying about a good spring cleaning, so let’s take a look at some tips and tricks to get your lovely Belmont at Park Bridge apartment home in Alpharetta, Georgia, spick and span! Tools of the Trade Get ready to tackle the task by getting your supplies together first. Vacuum, mop, feather duster—check, check, check! Don’t already have a vacuum? The Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ are big fans of the Wyze Cordless Vacuum, perfect for pet-friendly apartments like ours because they do a fantastic job on a wide mix of surface types. They’re also huge fans of Method’s naturally derived and planet-friendly cleaning products, all non-toxic, paraben-free and biodegradable. Their latest favorite? Method All-Purpose Wipes in refreshing pink grapefruit—perfect for wiping down kitchen sinks, counters, cabinets, and appliances, and they’re compostable. You can pick some up when you’re doing your regular shopping run at the Saddle Brook Kroger. For the bathroom, you’ll want something antibacterial, and Method doesn’t disappoint here, offering up serious options in pleasant mints, as well as a ylang ylang daily shower cleaner. Whistle While You Work Housework always goes a little faster when you’ve got an up-tempo soundtrack to keep you company. Don’t just take our word for it: Research shows that music has positive effects on mental fatigue caused by routine tasks, and there’s a direct connection between improved motor coordination and motivation. Working to the rhythm of music helps your motor skills and increases your self-confidence. So put in your earphones and turn on the tunes! Of course Amazon has a suggested spring cleaning playlist; you also can find more information and other playlists on The Maids website. For Fast Results Maybe you don’t have time for a full-on spring cleaning like the kind the folks at Apartment Therapy and Good Housekeeping recommend, complete with window washing. Not to worry—you can quickly freshen up your comfy Belmont at Park Bridge home even if you do just one or two things they recommend, starting with de-stinking your garbage can! Then, follow their tips for keeping the smells down, including putting lemon peels between the can and its liner. While you’re in the kitchen, take a few minutes to clean the inside of your microwave—at least once a week, and of course when you’ve had one of those “spaghetti explosions,” LOL. The Idea Specialists™ don’t necessarily think appliance cleaning can be considered fascinating, but they were impressed with the suggestions offered in 8 Fascinating Ways to Clean Your Microwave, especially this one: “The fastest method for cleaning your microwave oven is to place a handful of soaking wet paper towels inside and run it on high power for up to five minutes. The steam from the towels will soften and loosen caked-on grime. Once the towels cool down, you can use them to wipe the interior clean.” Relax & Enjoy Once you’ve completed your cleaning chores, take a moment to treat yourself! From punch to Pimm’s, Southern Kitchen has put together a list of warm-weather cocktails and spring spritzes, all perfect for sipping while relaxing on your private balcony or patio.
BELMONT AT PARK BRIDGE APARTMENTS IN ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA, WISHES YOU THE LUCK OF THE IRISH ON OUR ST. PATRICK’S DAY SCAVENGER HUNT!
Everybody’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, as the old saying goes, so here at the lively Belmont at Park Bridge upscale apartment community in Alpharetta, Georgia, we are already picking out what green to wear Thursday, March 17! And, we’re gonna have a ShamROCKIN’ good time—both with our Belmont at Park Bridge St. Patrick’s Day 2022 Scavenger Hunt AND out and about in Alpharetta, where we have so many fun opportunities to take advantage of that it really doesn’t matter that we can’t quite make it across the pond to celebrate this year. Keep reading—the Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ have scoped out the scene, and have a few recs for you! And, we’ve hidden the clues to the Scavenger Hunt in the blog, sure and begorrah we have! Will you be the one to find the gold at the end of the rainbow? The first and foremost suggestion from the Idea Specialists™ is to get out and have some fun at the Luck of Avalon Friday, March 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with special performances from King O’Sullivan School of Irish Dance + North Georgia Pipes and Drums, live music, Irish flair and, of course, green beer! Like Awesome Alpharetta says, you can sip and stroll the boulevard as you enjoy this annual Avalon tradition. Bring your good doggo, you know how pet-friendly this city is! Belmont at Park Bridge is, too—just check out our full amenities list here, and think about making plans to enjoy some time on the tennis courts as the weather warms up. Later in the month, you can take part in ShamRockin’ for a Cure Saturday, March 26, at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Set to run from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., this “Party for a Purpose” turns a romping good time into a fantastic fundraiser—it’s generated more than $2.9 million dollars in proceeds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since its inaugural event. There will be live music, a silent auction, and food and drinks from over 30 vendors! Get your tickets today. Comfort Food Prefer to stay in the luxurious and cozy comfort of home? Us, too, sometimes! If that’s what we decide to do this year, we’ll still mark the holiday, just with homemade corned beef sandwiches—there’s a good recipe for them in this Martha Stewart slideshow about St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage recipes. Or, if it’s pretty outside, plan on a poolside picnic. No need to sit on the ground, there are tables and chairs! The Man, The Myth, The Legend Just in case you didn’t know, St. Patrick’s Day marks the death of Ireland’s fifth-century patron saint, who, according to folklore, introduced Christianity to the Irish and banished snakes from the island. Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock. “Paddy’s Day,” as it’s known there, began as and still is a religious holiday during the Lenten season, but not in the way it once was; beer company campaigns transformed it from a church-going holiday to a pint-raising one in the 1980s. It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Clover St. Patrick’s Day festivities wouldn’t be complete without a toast. The Idea Specialists plan to visit Alpharetta’s Jekyll Brewing in the City Center for their Erin Go Braugh brew, and think you should, too! And remember to take your umbrella with you—March weather can be so unpredictable! Sláinte!
Be Your Own Valentine — Luxurious Treats for Your Life & Home at Belmont at Park Bridge
Valentine’s Day is all about indulging the people we love, and the Idea Specialists™ at Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, are here to help the members of our upscale apartment home community with on-trend gift and experience ideas! And, if some of these seem like just the perfect present for yourself? Well, why not be your own Valentine this year? You deserve it! Color & Comfort Add color and comfort to the living room and bedroom by treating yourself to cozy throws and luxurious Valentine-red crushed velvet pillows. The Clara cushion, by designer Joanna Gaines in collaboration with Loloi, is on sale now at Magnolia. As is this Pottery Barn chunky-plush handknit cable pattern throw with a sherpa reverse. Then, bring in a hint of spring while celebrating Cupid with a bromeliad or red anthurium from Bloomscape. Wining & Dining Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, so many folks are planning on an evening out either the weekend before or after February 14th. No matter when you plan to celebrate with your sweetheart (or your bestie!), there are plenty of wonderful restaurants to choose from in Alpharetta. The Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists know for a fact you can’t go wrong with choosing Pampas Steakhouse on State Bridge Road to mark an important occasion, and their Valentine’s Day menu is out of the world this year, complete with a choice of bacon-wrapped scallops or lamb lollipops for an appetizer and both chateaubriand and crab meat-stuffed lobster tail as the entrée. Altobeli’s Restaurant & Piano Bar in the Haynes Market Shopping Center on Old Alabama Road will continue its lovely tradition of giving ladies a complementary rose during its Valentine’s Week Celebration, including on Super Bowl Sunday, also known this year as Valentine’s Eve! And, Alpharetta’s newest romantic restaurant, UP on the Roof (atop Liberty Hall on South Main Street) is offering some special “love potions”—and it might be hard to choose between the Kisses ‘n Cream and the Between the Sheets. Champagne for sure, though! Intimate Evening Maybe you would prefer to mark the occasion in the comfort of your lovely Belmont at Park Bridge apartment home. You could get yourself a gorgeous rainbow bouquet from Sprouts Farmers Market on Alpharetta Highway, light a limited edition Diptyque rose-scented candle from Nordstrom, enjoy some champagne, and order in anything from pizza to a five-course meal. Oh, and of course you’ll want some chocolate for dessert, right? Pop over to Kilwins Alpharetta-Halcyon on the Town Green in the City Center and browse their selection of ice creams, cakes, and confections. And, for something really sweet, they’re offering complementary packaging and gift wrapping this year! Future Fun Experiences often make the best gifts of all, and part of the fun with them is the anticipation leading up to the actual outing. The Idea Specialists™ can’t make up their minds about which musical artists to go see this year, there are so many great live performances coming up, but for sure they’re going to have some fun at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. They also plan to enjoy time at some of Alpharetta’s more intimate entertainment venues, including The Velvet Note on Old Milton Parkway. And, they are treating themselves to tickets to this year’s Taste of Alpharetta, set for Thursday, May 12, 2022, from 5 to 10 p.m. And day spa experiences at The Woodhouse Day Spa at Avalon and LifeSpa, a full-service salon and spa inside the Life Time locations on North Point Parkway and Johns Creek Parkway (you don’t have to be a club member to get pampered!). 😎 Clever & Cute While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, maybe you’re in the market for a little something to give as a gift that’s not jewelry. USA TODAY pulled together a long list of ideas and deals that’s worth checking out. If you don’t have time for that, here are some links to fun finds from the Idea Specialists™: [rl_gallery id=”1309″] A mini retro-inspired Bluetooth speaker This Fujifilm instant camera in flamingo pink Some record album drink coasters A really cool scratch-off map This Baimei jade roller Did You Know? Did you know that the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romantic celebration? Yep, he did it in his 1375 Parliament of Foules, writing, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” Often thought to commemorate the marriage of Richard II to Anne of Bohemia in 1382, the poem describes a conference of birds that meet to choose their mates on St. Valentine’s Day. You can read a lot more about the holiday on this History page.
Indoor Racquetball Court, New Fitness Center make Exercising Easy for Residents of Belmont at Park Bridge
The indoor racquetball court and fully equipped new fitness center make exercising easy for residents of the upscale Belmont at Park Bridge apartment community in Alpharetta, Georgia. And what better time to take advantage of them than now, when you’re returning to your routine—or starting a new one—after the winter holidays? No need to pay extra for a gym membership when you can work on cardio and strengthening with onsite facilities and equipment, right? And, Belmont at Park Bridge is a pet-friendly community, complete with pet stations throughout the property, so you can get outdoors for a walk with your fur baby, too! The Idea Specialists™ at Belmont at Park Bridge are making more time in their 2022 schedules for health and fitness and want to share some resources and ideas with you! New Year, New App? Maybe all you need to stay motivated is that weekly Fitbit report on your step count, and/or you’re perfectly satisfied with the fat-burning feedback you get from your Apple watch. Or, maybe you’re in the market for a new app, one that provides target area-specific workouts, or effective full-body workouts that can be done in as few as 5 to 30 minutes? Or one that you can use to change your approach to eating, or help you to begin a meditation practice? The Idea Specialists™ recommend Daily Workout Apps—it’s like having your own personal trainer, they say. They also found this great list of apps on Verywell Fit, an award-winning resource for credible and up-to-date information on all nutrition and exercise topics: Best Fitness Apps to Download Work Your Body & Your Brain Verywell Fit also has put together an excellent list of podcasts you can listen to while you’re exercising: The 31 Best Fitness Podcasts to Listen to Right Now After checking it out, The Idea Specialists™ are now really into Mind Pump, an online radio show/podcast that describes itself as being “dedicated to providing truthful fitness and health information.” They’re also fans of Half Size Me, a weekly show that focuses on sustainable weight loss. Its host, Heather Robertson, lost 170 pounds—and has kept it off. Close to home, there’s the recently renamed Big Peach Ride + Run podcast, produced by Big Peach Running Co. One of their newest episodes is “Dealing with Fitness Insecurity”—as in how to move past it so you can achieve your fitness goals. Running Buddies And on that note, if 2022 is the year you’re planning to lace up your running shoes and hit the streets, then you might want to spend some time looking into everything Big Peach Running Co. has to offer. It’s not just running shoes; they keep the area running community up to date on races and training workshops. The Alpharetta store, on Winward Parkway, does group runs on Mondays and Wednesdays. Hit The Trails One of the great things about living at Belmont at Park Bridge is how close it is to so many great hiking trails, including the Big Creek Greenway. If you want to lace up your boots and venture a little farther afield, check out the list of “10 Beautiful Must-Do Hikes Near Atlanta” shared by area lifestyle and travel blogger Tayala “Tee” George at A Sip of Tee. And if you want to enjoy the great outdoors in the company of others, the Atlanta Trail Running and Beyond Fitness Meetup group might be for you! For some runners, this group is about socializing and getting a good low-impact workout by running through beautiful scenery. For other runners, it’s about training for races. Rest & Recovery Whatever fitness activity you choose, The Idea Specialists™ want to remind you not to forget to devote time rest and recovery, and that includes consuming the right nutrients after you exercise. Healthline explains that after you engage in physical activity, your body tries to rebuild its glycogen stores, as well as repair and regrow muscle proteins. It’s especially important to eat carbs and protein after your, they say, because doing so helps your body: decrease muscle protein breakdown increase muscle protein synthesis (growth) restore glycogen stores enhance recovery Have a glass of chocolate milk and some peanut butter on rice crackers as a quick snack, or cottage cheese and fruits. If you’ve got more time, whip up an omelet with avocado spread on whole grain toast, or make a protein shake and drink it and eat a banana. Whatever you do, stay hydrated! While water is usually your best bet, sometimes an electrolyte drink is the way to go. Relaxation Hydration is also very important if massage is part of your health and fitness regimen. Drink water both before and after your session, whether you’re getting one for pain relief at the Hands On America Massage Professionals location on South Main Street, or a deep tissue massage for relaxation and stress relief at Terra Nova Wellness Spa on Winward Parkway. The experts at WebMD say your massage therapist will thank you if you drink water before you stretch out on the table because your muscles will be more soft and supple, which makes it easier for your practitioner to manipulate tender tissue. And, this body work releases substances you should flush out afterward, something that’s extra important if you get any type of heavy-duty massage. Happy New Year, Happy New You!
Confections, Candles & Community — Belmont at Park Bridge Residents Celebrate the Winter Holidays
Watch the Atlanta Ballet Perform The Nutcracker at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, Take In Special Performances At The Children’s Museum Of Atlanta & More! Christmas and Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Las Posadas – there are many winter holidays, and the diverse residents of the upscale apartment community Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, celebrate them all! Whether you’re planning to take your babies – human or pet – to get their picture made with Santa on the Alpharetta Town Green or tucked in by him and Mrs. Claus at The Hotel at Avalon, or mark the 2021 Winter Solstice (on Tuesday, December 21, fittingly enough) at Lift Yoga on Main Street’s celebration of new beginnings, sweetness and light are always a part of the season. And not just in the form of love of our families and friends. Candles and confections have historically played leading roles in almost all holiday decorations, rituals, and gatherings. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is offering special performances, storytimes, and crafts to help families learn more about these traditions, beginning with a Hanukkah program Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 11 a.m., featuring Michael Levine, the music producer of New York Times bestselling Pete the Cat picture books by Eric Litwin and James Dean. Hanukkah Hanukkah is celebrated to commemorate and publicize the miracle of a one-day supply of oil lasting eight days and eight nights after the Jewish people reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Greeks and marked their victory with the burning of the Hanukkah menorah (candelabrum). This year, the traditional period began early, on the night of Sunday, November 28, 2021. In Alpharetta, the menorah lighting at Avalon took place with the help of Chabad of North Fulton, complete with a chocolate gelt dropping! Other holiday-related museum events include: Celebrate Las Posadas, Saturday, December 11, 2021, 8:30 a.m. Celebrate Christmas Saturday, December 18, 2021, 8:30 a.m. Celebrate Kwanzaa Sunday, December 26, 2021, 8:30 a.m. Las Posadas According to the Franciscan Media publication St. Anthony Messenger, “The roots of Las Posadas stretch deeply into Latin culture. It originated in Spain, but it’s been a yearly celebration throughout Mexico for over 400 years. The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay the night. (Posadas is Spanish for “lodgings” or “accommodations.”) Beginning on December 16 and ending nine days later, on December 24, Las Posadas commemorates the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. Each night, one family agrees to house the pilgrims. And so it begins: At dusk, a procession of the faithful takes to the streets with children often dressed as angels and shepherds. Religious figures, images, and lighted candles are a part of the festivities. The group representing the Holy Family stands outside a series of houses, singing songs, asking for lodging. They are refused time and again until the group reaches the designated house. Finally, the travelers are permitted to enter. Prayer and song continue in the home, and festive foods are shared. The evening ends with a piñata in the shape of star.” The piñata of course includes candy! Here are some ideas from MamaLatinaTips.com on how to celebrate the holiday in your comfortable Belmont at Park Bridge home, including recipes for Mexican hot chocolate and traditional Mexican Christmas punch. Kwanzaa During the week of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together in feasting, honoring the ancestors, affirming the bonds between them, and in celebration of African and African American culture. Each day they light a candle in the Kinara, a seven-branched holder, to highlight the principle of that day and to breathe meaning into the principles with various activities, such as reciting the sayings or writings of great black thinkers and writers, reciting original poetry, African drumming, and sharing a meal of African diaspora-inspired foods. The seven principles of Kwanzaa/Nguzo Saba (in both English and Kiswahili) are unity/umoja, self-determination/ kujichagulia, collective work and responsibility/ujima, cooperative economics/ujamaa, purpose/nia, creativity/kuumba, and faith/Imani. The colors of the candles are black, red, and green, representing the people, the noble blood that unites all people of African ancestry, and green for the rich land of Africa. Liveology Yoga Studios in Atlanta will celebrate Kwanzaa 2021 over the course of seven evenings, from Sunday, December 26, to Saturday, January 1. Christmas Traditions The Christian tradition of celebrating Advent also is already underway; it began the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which in 2021 was Sunday, November 28. It will end Friday, December 24. During these four weeks, an Advent wreath adorned with five candles is traditionally used to symbolize different spiritual aspects of getting ready for the Christmas Day birth of Jesus Christ. The three Advent candle colors—purple, pink, and white—symbolically represent the spiritual preparation that believers undergo to prepare their hearts for the birth (or coming) of the Lord, Jesus Christ, according to Learn Religions. Many people delight in Advent calendars, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has highlighted some of this year’s best, from Jingle & Mingle to Christmas in Gotham City (The Official Batman Advent Calendar). For many people, attending a performance of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday occasion for families and friends. This year, Atlanta Ballet will make its long-anticipated return to the theatre stage to present Yuri Possokhov’s Nutcracker, with performances throughout the month of December. According to the Company’s website, “The production was described as ‘one of the most entertaining [Nutcrackers] out there’ by The Washington Post following the Company’s 2019 Washington D.C. debut at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.” The innovative production features larger-than-life sets and bold costumes enhanced by striking video projections. As one of the top major performing arts facilities in the Atlanta Metro, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is the perfect fit for this ultra-high-tech production. Other opportunities abound in the Atlanta Metro to enjoy Clara’s classic story, danced to the accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s inimitable music, including The Hip Hop Nutcracker at The Fox Theatre (Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 7:30
Black Friday Deals in Alpharetta: The Holidays Have Arrived
There’s nothing like the days leading up to Thanksgiving to get you in the mood for the holiday season! Thoughts of turkey and dressing, pumpkin spiced lattes, and maybe even Starbuck’s new Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte swirl around in your head as you’re secretly plotting your strategy for Black Friday sales. You know you’re supposed to be concentrating on your Thanksgiving menu—but that can wait—you’re making your list and checking it twice NOW, not later. There are Black Friday deals to be had in Alpharetta, and you must be prepared! Deals like these Marilee Riding Boots at Macy’s Black Friday Sale at Northpoint Mall are $19.99. Now, that’s worth getting up early to beat the crowd. Or this adorable “Happy Holiday’s” 1’6″ x 2’6″ reversible accent rug in red and ivory is from Target. It’s just $13. You need this rug! And what could be more fun than being the first person in line at Five Below at Mansell Crossings, or North Point Parkway, on Black Friday? With Christmas décor, stocking stuffers, holiday gift wrap, and all sorts of deals—you can’t go wrong with these door-busters. Let’s not forget Avalon on Ice, the Rockefeller-inspired ice-skating rink sponsored by Northside Hospital. Be sure and book your reservation and purchase tickets in advance to ensure your particular time slot—but that’s a piece of cake –click here to purchase your tickets. Speaking of cake, after Black Friday shopping and ice skating, why not pop into Café Intermezzo at Avalon for a generous slice of its famous Oreo Cheesecake. This #1 selling cheesecake has an Oreo crust topped with Epic’s creamy cheesecake, packed with chocolate cookies. It is decorated with Oreo cookies and drizzled with white chocolate and dark chocolate syrup. Oh, my goodness! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, here in Alpharetta, Georgia.
