Put on your walking shoes, pack up the kids and get your taste buds ready, because festival season has officially arrived in Cobb County! Don’t miss these two annual events that the whole family will enjoy!

This weekend, Smyrna will be hosting the annual Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival, presented by Superior Plumbing, at The Village Green. Bring the whole family for a great day of food, entertainment, shopping and fun together. There will be a large array of craft vendors, as well festival foods to please every palate, including the legendary Crawfish & Shrimp Boil. Plenty of games, activities and inflatables will keep the younger crowd entertained, as well as a puppet show by Peter Hart. Bring a chair or blanket and relax to the tunes of Peachtree Station’s very own Scott Thompson. The festival hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 27, and noon – 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 28.  Admission is free!

On Sunday, April 28, head on down to Marietta Square in the heart of Marietta, for the 20th Annual Taste of Marietta. Over 70 vendors and food trucks will showcase their very best culinary delights, at this award-winning festival. Beat the heat by taking a break in one of the many boutique shops that the square has to offer. A whole day of family entertainment, the festival will include an area just for kids, cooking demonstrations and a Sunset Concert featuring Banks & Shane. Checkout the schedule of events here. Admission to the 20th Annual Taste of Marietta is free (food is for purchase), and free parking will be available around the square.

Hope to see y’all out and about this weekend, as we enjoy some of the wonderful events our Cobb County community has to offer!

4816 Hopeton Drive – Oakleigh Subdivision – Powder Springs, GA

A home is more than just 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A home is an important part of your life. A place where special moments are shared with those we love the most and life-long memories are made. Are you curious to know what it is like living at 4816 Hopeton Drive in the Oakleigh Subdivision of Powder Springs, Georgia?  At The Connie Carlson Team we feel the best person to answer that question for you is the current home owner.  When asked what it was like living at 4816 Hopeton Drive, here is what they had to say.

Our highly esteemed subdivision, Oakleigh, is one of the best, if not the best, in the area. Oakleigh home owners have access to a stunning wrap-around porch club house, Olympic-size swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, baseball field, basketball court, beach volleyball, playground, shuffleboard and horseshoes.

Students who live in Oakleigh Subdivision can attend award winning schools such as Kemp Elementary, and the newly constructed Lovinggood Middle and Hillgrove High schools. This is the number one reason we moved to Oakleigh Subdivision and my kids have enjoyed it so much.

We love our home and have created so many wonderful memories here. From the moment we entered this home, we knew it was the one for us. The open floor plan, high ceilings and large windows make the living area feel airy. The fact that the family can be in the kitchen and family room, watching tv, doing homework and cooking and can all see and interact with each other is great!

The kids enjoy their large rooms, and the fact that the master bedroom is on the first floor makes them feel secure. The master bedroom features a huge walk-in closet, and the master bath has a large shower. The hot water heater was recently replaced, so there is plenty of hot water available for a long, luxurious shower. The second floor bonus room has its own full bathroom and makes a nice “man cave” for watching football or hanging out.

One of our favorite features of our home is the fenced back yard. It’s perfect for BBQ’s and parties with friends and family, or just playing with the kids, on a hot summer day. In the spring, it’s relaxing to sit on the terrace and read a book, with a gentle breeze blowing and birds chirping, in the background. The location of the house allows parents to see the school bus coming and know exactly when to pick up the children from the bus stop.

Although they love to cook in their large, updated kitchen, these homeowners hit the town on Friday nights! The Avenue – West Cobb is a great outdoor shopping center featuring restaurants such as Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Aspen Signature Steak House, as well as more casual restaurants. If you head toward Kennesaw, Barrett Parkway offers many restaurants and shopping destinations. No matter which direction you go, you can find something that the whole family will enjoy.

West Cobb is a wonderful area for families to raise their children. Besides the top-rated school districts and easy access to shopping areas, you also have peace of mind with low crime rates and wonderful people that make up the community.

Introducing Cobb County

Developed in 1832, Cobb County is a suburban community of state of Georgia. Its name originates from the late senator of Georgia, Thomas Willis Cobb. Cobb County has demonstrated great strength over the years converting from an undeveloped rural area into a well adjusted suburban county, which turned out to be well known in the Atlanta Metropolitan area.  The economical and educational fields are known as Cobb`s greatest resources, landing a good place into the 100 wealthiest counties in the United States of America.

Cobb County Demography

The population has grown tremendously and it’s safe to say that the County of Cobb is quite appealing to the people who want to make a living here. There have been 248,303 households registered, 34% of the population is made up of married people, and the medium income for the year 2007 was $70,472.

Cities that are part of Cobb County are:

• Austell
• Smyrna
• Marrieta
• Aucstell
• Powder Springs
• Kennesaw

The Cobb County Attractions

The community of Cobb County has organized an foodie annual festival called ‘Taste of East Cobb’. There are some main attractions that make people all over the world visit Cobb County. Being a part of the Atlanta Metropolitan, there are many things to see and do here. Most people visit the region for historical reasons, and this is where the good news comes. Cobb County is culturally rich in sight-seeing and historical information. There are important museums and memorials you might want to check out, as well as a Civil War Cemetery.

The county has amazing parks and green landscapes that are breathtaking, perfect for a walk or sightseeing.  The Theme Park with its waters slides, roller coasters and amusements parks is definitely the community’s greatest attraction.

Cobb County – a Real Estate Getaway to Atlanta

Cobb County’s closeness to Atlanta makes it the ideal place for people to settle down. Those who want to buy a home in a more secluded area of the big city should think of Cobb as the perfect getaway spot. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes, the community highlights excellent homes ready to be bought. Whether you’re looking for an intimate 2-bedroom home with a great backyard and a 2-car garage space, or you want to benefit from ultimate luxury in a 5-bedroom mansion with high-end fixtures, Cobb County is definitely the right community for you. It features townhomes and mansions with prices varying from $500,000 to $5 million. These residential proprieties are indeed exclusive. Fully furnished and adored with top-of-the-line decorations, a Cobb County mansion will surely live to your expectations. Some of the basic amenities you should expect are:

• Hardwood flooring
• Fully-furnished
• Designer décor
• Up to 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
• Brand new kitchen appliances
• Fireplace in the living room and the master bedroom

Overall, Cobb County is without a doubt a community that’s worth considering if you’re hunting for a home not too far from the city of Atlanta. The tranquility of the neighboring cities, the alluring places of interest, and ultimately the scenery, will certainly exceed the expectations of potential home buyers and investors.

For more information on Cobb County real estate CLICK HERE to speak with Connie

The Harvest Square Arts and Crafts Festival is blowing in on the winds of good weather! This the time of year in Marietta when you wake up in the morning to frosty breath and fallen leaves. Fall is in the air here in Cobb County and Marietta is celebrating with its annual Harvest Square Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012.  Held in lovely Glover Park in the downtown historic Marietta Square, there will be a wide variety of arts and crafts.  There will also be an area for children called Halloween Happenings with carnival games and an array of prizes that will be spooktacular!

Harvest Square Arts and Crafts Festival

Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Knowing the community and the neighbors is such an important piece of the puzzle when you are buying a home in Cobb County.  Here at the Connie Carlson Team, we have the inside scoop that you have been looking for.  Periodically, we will be profiling past clients to see what they love about their new neighborhood and community.  What tools did they use to make the choice to live in Cobb County, and how do they feel about that decision now?  It is this inside knowledge that can be such a powerful tool for Cobb County home buyers!

Stephen and Melony Baker are fantastic past clients who chose to buy a home in Acworth in Mountain Brook subdivision:

How do you feel about Mountain Brook in Acworth now that you live here?

“We love it!  The neighbors are great.  There are retirees and new families and they are all great.”

What made you choose the community of Acworth in Cobb County?

“We wanted an area that was clean, well maintained, and that was convenient to everything in Acworth.”

How do you feel about your new home, community, and Mountain Brook, if you could sum it up?

“My best word is ‘Awesome’!”

What was it like working with the Connie Carlson Team?

“That was also awesome, and Connie was always available.  I mean always.”

Valuable Tools

Stephen and Melony had a list of priorities- clean, well maintained, and convenient.

• You may have different priorities, but what is important is that you make that priority list.

They found a realty team that was always available and that made the process easy.

• Find a realty team that will take care of you.

There is nothing I love more than to wake up on Saturday morning, roll the kids out of bed, and hit the Cobb County farmers markets!  A farmers’ market really involves the use of all your senses and is a great way to get the weekend rolling in Cobb County.  It also sets the stage for a lovely summer dinner.  Rather than the usual Cobb event blog, I wanted to make a go to list of all the local Cobb County farmers markets just for you.  Print this out, don’t just give one a try, and find a way to explore them all in Cobb County!

The Kennesaw Farmers Market

May through October- every Tuesday

7 am to 1 pm

Adams Park soccer field parking lot

(2753 Watts Drive, in front of the Community Center)

Powder Springs Farmers’ Market 

Thursdays 4-8 pm

Downtown Powder Springs

Marietta Square Farmers’ Market

Open Saturday Morning- April through November 2012

9 am -12 pm

Open Sunday afternoon- April through November

12-3 pm

Located on the Historic Marietta Square

Smyrna’s Fresh Produce Market

Begins Saturday, May 1st

8 am- 12 pm

First Baptist Church parking lot adjacent to the Smyrna Market Village

Click this link for a complete schedule

Dallas Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday- All year long

9 AM – 12 PM

25 Courthouse Square Dallas, GA 30132

Mableton Farmers’ Market

Thursdays

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Thru September 30, 2010

Mable House Arts Complex

Acworth Farmers Market

Every Friday morning- May 27 through October 28

7am to 11am

Downtown Acworth Upper parking lot on Main Street

Time to get out your sundresses and baskets, spring has come back to Cobb County. Cobb County’s largest Easter egg hunt, Marietta Easter Egg Hunt,  will be held on March 31st, 2012.  The egg hunt will be held at the Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta.   There will be children’s art activities, live entertainment, inflatables, concessions, and more.  Visit with the Easter Bunny and participate in the Mad Hatter contest for a fun family day.  The Marietta Easter Egg Hunt features different levels based on age groups with prizes at each level.

The Hunt 10:30am – 12:30pm

Schedule:

10:00am – Park opens

10:30am – 3 years & under hunt

11:00am – 4 & 5 years hunt

11:30am – Special Population’s hunt

12:00pm – 6 & 7 years hunt

12:30pm – 8-10 years hunt

1:00pm – Mad Hatter’s Contest

1:00pm – Easter Basket Contest

2:00pm – Park closes

Admission Free  Parking Free

Location: Jim Miller Park- 2245 Callaway Rd Marietta, GA 30008

For more information, call (770) 528-8875

This week is going to be a riot with a night out with your friends, Joe Pettis presents PANDEMONIUM! It’s open mic night at Red’s Timbers in Smyrna.  It’s your turn to impress your Smyrna neighbors and friends by testing out your comedy skills. Did you ever think of getting up on stage and bringing down the house with laughter? Here’s a chance to do just that in your comfortable, local neighborhood setting of Smyrna.

Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Time: 8-11PM

Red’s Timbers, Smyrna, GA

In neighborhoods all around Cobb County, exciting events are taking place.  So that you don’t miss out on something fun happening in your backyard, I wanted to let you know what’s happening in your community.  Many of these events benefit the neighborhood you live in, which is always a win-win situation for you and your community.  I like the idea that giving back to your town can be fun and rewarding at the same time.  Spread the word, have a great time in your area or exploring other parts  of Cobb County.

Cobb County Library Foundation is going Old West to raise money for the Cobb County Public Library System with the Wild West Festival.  This is definitely a family event.  It will be filled with cowboys, stage shows, and chuck wagons.  There will also be a fast draw demonstration for your little buckaroo. My friend and her daughter  went to the CCLF Tea Party this year.  They did an amazing job, and it was even better than they had expected. Their family will definitely be attending this one!

Wild West Festival

March 24, 2012 10-4pm

Jim R Miller Park  Marietta, GA

www.cfl-wildwestfestival.com

History will be redefined right here in Kennesaw. It is free and open to the public.  Come and learn about the Civil War from leading historian and how this new history can be applied to your local Kennesaw community.  If you are a Civil War buff or looking to educate your own family history, this is the local event for you.The 9th Annual Symposium on New Interpretations of the Civil War: ’1862: The Path to Freedom.’ The Civil War Center at Kennesaw State University presents renowned Civil War historians Ken Noe, Wiley Sword, Jeff Wert, and Brian Wills.

The 9th Annual Symposium on New Interpretations of the Civil War: ’1862: The Path to Freedom

Opening Reception

March 23, 2012 6:00 PM

Southern Museum Kennesaw, GA

9th Annual Symposium

March 24, 2012 9:00am

Social Studies Auditorium, #1021

Kennesaw State University

On Friday I attended a one day seminar entitled “Seize the Market”.  Facilitated by Rick Geha, Multiple Operating Partner of Keller Williams Realty, we studied the current national and local Atlanta real estate market conditions.  We delved into discussions and idea sharing of how buyers and sellers, today, can capitalize on the market.

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing the 7 Reasons Why NOW is a Great Time to Buy Real Estate!  In this interview,Rick will touch on a few of these reasons.  As I develop my thoughts and present evidence, I would appreciate any insights you may have regarding the market, your convictions or fears regarding buying a home, or any success stories you may have to share.  Please feel free to share your comments below.

In Summary:

1. Stop watching the news – don’t believe everything the media tells you.  There is good news in the real estate market.

2. Never in the history of the US have homes been more affordable.

3.  Interest rates are currently at an all time low but be warned!  Statistically the number of homes selling is increasing and that is a good indiction that interest rates will be increasing as well.

4.  Stay tuned for more reasons to buy.  Or fill out the form below and we will send you a FREE eBook entitled “7 Reasons Why Now is a Great Time to Buy Real Estate”.