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!

Marietta is a many faceted community.  One of those facets is a vibrant artistic community in a happening and historic downtown with plenty of entertainment options.  Art galleries, theaters and even a haunted ghost tour are just a few things any resident or visitor will want to check out.

Some must see galleries:

• 2 Rules Fine Art
• Art Forum of DuPre’s
• Avery Gallery
• Avisca Fine Art Gallery
• David Knoke Fine Art
• dk Gallery
• King Artworks
• Surace Art Studios
• Whitlock Gallery at DuPre’s Antique Market
• Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery at the Marlow House

The Marlow House is a destination in itself.  A charming Victorian Home, the 6400 square foot space was built in 1887 as a boarding house.  It is now available or events and private parties and has a gallery dedicated to the works of famed artist Thomas Kinkade.

There are also several opportunities to take in a show, concert or dance performance in Marietta Square and downtown Marietta.  Classes, lessons and other events are also available.

Downtown theaters:

• ARTS of West Cobb
• Atlantic Lyric Theatre
• Earl Smith Strand Theatre
• Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre
• Next Stage Theatre
• Out of Box Theatre
• Polk Street Players

ARTS of Cobb focuses on providing events, performances and classes in four key areas -  Artistry, Rhythm & Music, Theatre & Special Offerings.

Atlanta Lyric Theatre is Atlanta’s only local professional musical theatre company. Atlanta Lyric Theatre is “dedicated to producing the best in musical theatre and fostering the growth of the Atlanta theatrical community by showcasing local professional talent. Through educational programs and pursuit of artistic excellence, The Lyric seeks to inform and expand the audience for musical theatre in the greater metropolitan area.” The 2013-2014 season will feature “The Producers”, “Guys and Dolls”, “White Christmas”, “Sophisticated Dolls”, “Annie” and “Spamalot”.

Museums and Other Attractions:

• Ghosts of Marietta
• Historic Marietta Trolley
• Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art

Looking for a thrill of another dimension?  The Ghosts of Marietta offers tours through historic Marietta and these tours have a twist.  With a history as rich as Marietta’s, it only makes sense that some departed residents have refused to leave.  “Every ghost and haunting has a story.”  The Ghosts of Marietta tours bring light to these tales of terror with a light-hearted charm.

There are a variety of tours to choose from:

Ghosts of Marietta Walking Tour – the original lantern lit tour walking the streets of Marietta. All ages.

“Scary-etta” Trolley Ghost Tour – combine the best of both worlds with a historic trolley ride and haunting tales.  Includes two blocks of walking.  All ages.

“Spirits and Spirits” Tour – starting at the Marietta Wine Market, enjoy a glass of wine while hearing the spooky stories of area hauntings followed by an hour walking tour.  Story themes rotate monthly.  Private tours, call for reservations 770-425-1006.

Marietta Square “Haunted Pub Crawl” – Talented storytelling hosts lead guests on a tour of the most haunted pubs on Marietta Square, in La Famiglia and Shillings.   21 and over.

Introducing Marietta, GA

Marietta is the largest city of Cobb County, Georgia. In the 1820’s, early settlers of the area started building homes in the vicinity of the Cherokee town of Big Shanty, which is now known as Kennesaw. As a result, in 1833, the first plat was set out. Similar in structure with the rest of the cities, its center consisted of a square and a courthouse. Marietta was legally recognized as a community in 1834, by the Georgia General Assembly.

Initially, Marietta functioned as a hub for the newly-founded Western and Atlantic Railroad, but the business thrived so rapidly that in 1838 the city had already been provided with trestles and roadbed. However, the construction was stopped in 1840 for political reasons. Then, in 1842, the new management team of the railroad decided that the hub should be moved to another area which is now known as Atlanta. Even so, Marietta wasn’t affected by the decision because when the railroad became operative two areas shared its success.

Twelve Oaks is one of Marietta’s most welcoming communities. Featuring beautiful homes and welcoming surroundings, the neighborhood has been converted over the years into a top residential spot of the city.

Twelve Oaks, Marietta

Twelve Oaks is a stunning community located in West Marietta; it features luxury homes that share a traditional style, as well as a wide array of famous schools and parks. The community offers great facilities, including lighted streets, lighted tennis courts and a swimming pool designed to unleash your senses.

Regarding the homes, Twelve Oaks features exceptional residences for both singles and families with kinds. Price range between $600,000 and $800,000; the amenities are extremely important for buyers, so if you’re looking to invest in a Twelve Oaks estimated at $500,000 residence you should expect the following.

• beautiful patio
• spacious backyard
• hardwood flooring
• equipped kitchen area
• top to bottom windows
• fireplace in the master bedroom
• at least 3 bedrooms and 3 baths
• washer/dryer
• 2-car garage space
• barbeque area
• granite countertops
• AC/central heating

Families with children will be pleased to live in the community because of its top-rated schools. Twelve Oaks residents have access to West Side Elementary, Marietta High school and Marietta Middle. Another advantage of living in Twelve Oaks is the vicinity to historic places such as Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield or Marietta Square. Besides, Twelve Oaks is located near the most important shops and roadways of the city, including the Interstates 285 and 75.

Searching for a new investment property in Cobb County, Georgia? Call Connie Carlson @ 678.631.1812 or CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation. Connie will show you amazing homes in Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Mableton, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Georgia.

Practice, learn and play at Legacy Golf Links and Fox Creek Golf Club. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Atlanta off I-75 on Windy Hill Road, these two executive style courses are a satisfying challenge for golfers of all levels. Sports Illustrated has named these two links one of the best practice facilities in the Southeast.

100 hitting stations, beautifully kept target greens, top quality equipment and lighted evening hours are a few of the many perks here. Learn from the pros to expand your game.

Legendary Georgia native Larry Nelson designed the par 58 executive golf course at Legacy Golf Links. Nelson is a former PGA player and Golf Hall of Fame member. His design is lush with Bermuda grass fairways and Brand New Champion Bermuda grass greens, offering a quick but challenging round of golf for all players. Their fully stocked proshop carries everything you need from hats to spikes and all the newest equipment, top brands, plus, custom orders and club fittings.

Renowned designer John Lafoy created the fine design of the Fox Creek Golf Club par 62 course. Both Fox Creek and Legacy Links are nestled within the historic city of Smyrna surrounded by grandly towering Georgia pines.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of playing and practicing on these two courses is the professional instruction opportunities available. Several professionals offer lessons here, each with their own style and philosophy.

Instructors include:
J.R. Ross, 25 years teaching and nominated for Georgia PGA Teacher of the Year.
Philosophy: simple and direct, believer in fundamentals of set up positions and swing. Correct grip, stance, ball position, posture and alignment will make your swing more consistent and effective.
Private lessons and packages available for adults and juniors, and small groups. Lessons include range balls and videos.

Bill Spannuth, 2 time Georgia Senior Open Champion and Georgia Senior PGA Champion.
Philosophy: “I try to make golf fun while learning a game that is by its nature difficult. My hands-on teaching method creates feel and position through a swing allowing the students to improve quicker than other methods.”
Private lessons can be shared with a friend or family member.

Brian Dixon, professional champion golfer since 1992.
Individual and group lessons available, also Seniors 55 and older or Juniors under 18.

Dan Rozek, Fox Creek and Legacy Golf Links Head Golf Professional from 2003 – 2006.
Private lessons for adults and juniors 15 years and under.
Overseeing upcoming four week Windy Hill Golf Academy in April.
There are many exciting golf events, clinics and academies coming up. Summertime will offer Junior Academy camps for youth ages 5-9 and 10-15.

Looking for homes in Marietta, GA near Fox Creek Golf Club? Click Here or Call Connie Carlson  @ 678.631.1812 to schedule a personal consultation.

World class golf is what the Atlanta Country Club strives most to provide for members and professional golfers from around the country – and it succeeds. Since it opened in 1968, The Atlanta Country Club has been known as one of the best golf courses in the country. Consistently named as one of America’s “100 Greatest Golf Courses” by Golf Digest and other publications, the ACC has a 30 year history of hosting the Atlanta Classic and other outstanding PGA events. Atlanta Country Club has also been host to the USGA Senior Amateur Tournament and USGA Women’s Amateur Tournament.

Originally designed by Willard C. Byrd, the historically beautiful course has also seen modifications from golf greats Jack Nicklaus, Bob Cupp and Mike Riley. All eighteen green complexes were fully renovated and redesigned in 2001, keeping the course at the top of its game. Picturesque Civil War landmarks such as Sope Creek and Chattahoochee River characterize the surrounding area. The signature (and sneakily challenging) 13th hole offers a step back in time with stunning views of the Confederate paper mill ruins.

Up your game before you hit the course by utilizing ACC’s short game practice area, multi-tiered driving range and pristine putting greens. Current Head Golf Professional Scott Schroeder is also an accomplished pro player and an outstanding teacher. Other golf professionals to have played and taught here include, Davis Love Jr., John Gerring (1981 PGA Professional of the Year), and Bill Johnstone (PGA Master Professional). Currently active club members Joe Inman and Larry Nelson both hold the distinction of winning PGA tour titles on both regular and senior tours. Inman was named Senior Tour Rookie of the Year in 1998 and Nelson holds 4 major championship titles and was a 2006 inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Golf Course Superintendent Mark Esoda has been given the prestigious Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profession and is a member of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.

Round out the sporting experience with pro tennis lessons on four clay and four hard surface courts. Strengthen and tone in the Olympic size swimming pool or the full-service, fully equipped fitness center.

Atlanta Country Club facilities will bring elegance and style to your next event. Host a wedding, company party, meeting or any special occasion in these sophisticated facilities. The skilled staff will cater to every detail to make your next event one to remember.

The Atlanta Country Club is located at 500 Atlanta Country Club Drive in Marietta and is indeed one of the jewels of Georgia.

Interested with Golf Course homes in Marietta, GA or properties around the West Cobb? Click Here or Call Connie Carlson  @ 678.631.1812 to schedule a personal consultation.

Feel the rustle of petticoats, smell the gunpowder, enjoy the cotton fields and plantations, and have an unforgettable experience at Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum. Take a step back in time where there are sights and sounds of Atlanta in the Civil War and Reconstruction period, told through the eyes of Scarlett O’Harra and Rhet Butler.

The Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum: Scarlett on the Square has been a mainstay at downtown Marietta. It stood there since April of 2003 when it opened in the historic building of Old Thomas Warehouse. It features an extensive collection of the memorabilia of the Gone with the Wind novel and movie, provided by Dr. Christopher Sullivan. The items at the said museum will surely delight and intrigue any fan.

The Highlights of the Museum

• The original Bengaline honeymoon gown worn by the artist Vivien Leigh which played the role Scarlett O’Hara in the movie
• A number of Margaret Mitchell personal volumes of the novel
• Some educational display made for the African American members of the cast
• Amusing foreign editions of the novel
• Limited press and publicity books, contracts, as well as rare costume pieces
• The script of Ona Munson, the one who played the role of Belle Watling in the movie
• Promotional items which include film posters both foreign and local, premiere programs, artworks, ads, and collectibles

The collection at MariettaGone with the Wind: Scarlett on the Square is definitely a must-see for the fans of this amazing Pulitzer Prize winning novel and Academy Award winning movie. The museum is actually often mentioned as one of the top and best spots for tourists who visit the southern area. The museum is conveniently located just a few steps away from the Marietta Square at Whitlock Avenue. It is of walking distance to different shops and dining areas.

FAQs

• Location: 18 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, Georgia 30064
• Admission Fees: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and $5 for groups of 15 and more
• Hours of Operation: Opens Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
• For more information, call (770) 794-5576

A Special Venue for Different Events

The Gone with the Wind Museum is surely a great venue for events. Book your next special event or party at this place. The museum comes with a spacious area, with a yesteryear atmosphere. It provides a unique and classic experience for the hosts and the guests, surely an event to remember. Its location is also conveniently close to the historic Marietta Square, as previously mentioned.

The said museum is the perfect location for the following events:

• Anniversaries
• Birthdays
• Business meetings and the like
• Casual brunches and luncheons
• Cocktail parties
• Engagement parties
• Rehearsal dinners
• And of course, wedding receptions!

Imagine yourself sitting in a corner of the Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum: Scarlett on Square. That will surely be a remarkable experience, a time like no other. This can be more appreciated by fans of the novel and the movie. But it also be enjoyed by non-fans because of the vintage and rustic aura of the place.

 Searching for a new investment property in Cobb County, Georgia? Call Connie Carlson @ 678.631.1812 or CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation. Connie will show you amazing homes in Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Vinings Georgia.

Brumby Hall & Gardens is located in Marietta, GA and is ideal for corporate outings as well as family gatherings. The Gardens are also a beautiful site for weddings and formal receptions. This fully restored piece of Marietta, GA real estate has five rooms and a solarium. Each of the rooms is furnished with beautiful antique and period furniture. Brumby Hall & Gardens also features a seasonal flower garden that is especially beautiful during the spring and summer. There are a number of formal gardens on the grounds, including:

• the Rose Garden
• the Boxwood Garden
• the Topiary Garden
• the Perennial Garden, and
• the Knot Gardens.

The House seats about 32 people comfortably for a private dinner, and up to 70 people for a reception. The facility is named for Colonel Arnoldus V. Brumby, who built the Marietta, GA home in Greek Revival style. The property was right across from Brumby Hall, and the Colonel, who was a graduate of West Point and commanded the 14^th Georgia Regiment in the Civil War, directed the Institute at Brumby Hall from 1851-1859. The Brumby House was also used as a hospital for Sherman’s soldiers in 1864, but during the “March to the Sea” the buildings of the Brumby Institute were burned.

After the war, Col. Brumby sold his home to Ellan M. Bradley. When Bradley owned the home, the property was known as “The Hedges.” Mr. and Mrs. Howell Trezvant purchased the home in 1926 and major renovations were done on the home during the couple’s ownership. Later, Hubert Bond Owens, who was the founder the University of Georgia School of Landscape Architecture, designed Brumby Hall’s formal gardens. Tillie T. Moore Owenby, the daughter of the Trezvants, lived in the home for several years before she sold the home to the city of Marietta. In addition to an event space, the Brumby Home is also a museum.

Brumby Hall & Gardens can be toured, by appointment, throughout the year. The facility’s business hours are by appointment only, and the property is handicap-accessible to accommodate even more visitors. There is free and private parking on the grounds, and food and alcohol are allowed on the property. Brumby Hall & Gardens is located at 500 Powder Springs Street in Marietta, GA, and guests can call to make reservations for a tour or plan a special event by calling 770.427.2500.

Searching for a new investment property in Cobb County, Georgia? Call Connie Carlson @ 678.631.1812 or CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation. Connie will show you amazing homes in Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Vinings Georgia.

First established is 1996, the Marietta Museum of History showcases and preserves the history of Marietta, as well as the Cobb County. It sits at the second floor of the historic Kennesaw House, featuring collections from the military and Civil War, including home life and local history. The museum also hosts a number of storytellers, authors and interesting people at the third Thursday of every month. These lectures are known as the “Brown Bag Banter” or the “Evening with History”.

• Brown Bag Banter: When events happen at lunchtime, approximately at 11:30am, guests are encouraged to bring their own lunch while the program is ongoing. Desserts and drinks will be provided.
• Evening with History: On the other hand, these are events that happen in the evening, around 7:00 pm. Guests are then encouraged to stay after the lecture to explore the museum. Light refreshments are usually provided.

Hours of Operation and Admission

The Marietta Museum of History is open from 10 am to 4 pm, from Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas (from December 24 to 26), New Year’s Day, and Easter. For adults, there is an admission fee of $7, $5 for students and seniors, while children below 6 and those in active military are free.

Some Facts about the Museum

• The museum entertained more than 100,000 visitors in each state in the union and all over the globe since the year 2000.
• The education program offered accommodates school tours all throughout the year. It has hosted 30,000 school children through field trips, again since 2000.
• The museum has an outreach program that allows the staff to visit schools, churches, libraries, and other assisted living facilities to share the history of Marietta to interested individuals and groups.
• There is a mentoring program given at Lockheed, the Strand, Zion Church, Marietta High School Foundation, Marietta City Fire and Police Departments, and last but not the least, the Turner Chapel
• A popular lecture series is hosted in the museum for its ninth year. So that more members of the community can attend, it is offered at two different times in a day.
• The museum hosted the Marietta Antique Street Festival last September 15, 2012. The event was already on its 21^st year and it has drawn more or less 10,000 visitors.
• This famous museum has already been featured on different T.V. shows aired on ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, Discovery Channel, History Channel, Travel Channel and the like.

The Aviation Wing of the Marietta Museum of History

The Aviation Wing of the said museum is currently comprised of a 15.5 acre of land or park. It features different civilian and military aircraft from the late 20^th century, as well as aircrafts produced locally at Marietta. The Aviation began in Marietta with the Bell Aircraft in early 1940s and continued to grow with Lockheed Martin by the 1950s until today. Aviation indeed played a significant role in the history of Marietta and the Cobb County, wherein the aircraft manufacturing has been the prevalent industry. This part of the museum is open from Thursday to Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm.

Headlines about the fiscal cliff may lead you to think that housing transactions are tapering off, yet according to the Fannie Mae National Housing Survey for November, that simply is not the case. In fact, Americans are displaying more confidence in the housing market and economy than previously shown, which is good news for your Cobb County home!

Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist of Fannie Mae stressed in a recent report that, “Consumer attitudes toward both the economy and the housing market continue to gather momentum, with many of our 11 key National Housing Survey indicators at or near their two-and-a-half-year highs.” He continued by concluding that “attitudes about the current selling environment continue to improve, with a significant increase in those saying it would be a good time to sell.”

Five percent more of the November survey respondents believe now is a good time to sell a home (shown at 23%) as compared to October, recording the highest percentage in over 17 months. Nearly 41 percent of those surveyed felt that mortgage rates will be increasing soon and 14 percent believed home prices will decrease in the next twelve months, while 37 percent believed home prices would increase. Respondents are confident on the ability to get a mortgage, with 51 percent believing in the possibility.

Forty-eight percent of those surveyed predicted increases in rental prices and 67 percent reported that they would purchase a home if the need to move arose, giving you more options should you decide it is time to sell your home. Click here to access the Fannie Mae November survey data and graphs.

“What can I do to get my Cobb County home ready?” This question is often posed when someone is ready to sell a home, but it doesn’t have to be. Making your home repairs and upgrades as needed can actually lead to a happier home owning lifestyle and will also mean that you are ready to go, when and if, it is time to sell your home.

Home improvements can be costly, but they don’t have to be. There are many projects that can be done inexpensively and relatively quickly that will deliver huge value.

Take for instance, paint.  Painting a room or the front door of your home instantly brightens that space and can bring a smile to your face whenever you enter the area. While painting can be labor intensive, the actual material cost is quite low, with a gallon of high quality paint costing less than $35.

Painting the outside elements of your home, whether it’s the trim, stucco or fencing, will bring that same joy every time you return or leave your home, as well. And, for exterior walls, painting may actually be more than you need – it’s amazing what power washing can do to illuminate your home! The same could be said for installing additional lighting to your landscaping. Small exterior painting and lighting projects can be done for under $350 and deliver results you can instantly see! {Need someone who does a great job painting in Cobb County? Click HERE}

Perhaps you feel the interior of your home is dated and cramped and would prefer a more open design. If so, you can take on a slightly bigger project and remove a wall or convert an existing wall to a half wall. Check with a contractor to make sure you aren’t removing a bearing wall beforehand, as that could result in a more costly project than originally intended. Another option would be to build or install built in organization systems in your home so that you have more “homes” for your stuff, or better yet, just reduce the amount of stuff you already have. The adage “less is more” will really have you appreciating the space created through clutter removal.

Installing new windows, a tank-less hot water heater, an outdoor eating area, and adding insulation or other energy efficient home items can also improve your satisfaction as a home owner and increase your home’s perceived value when it’s time to sell. These upgrades may initially cost more, however with rebates and available tax credits, may be a very worthwhile expense for your home.

No matter what projects, if any, you decide to do with your home, the key is to enjoy it.  Enjoy it now, enjoy it later, and enjoy the memories that owning your home will allow you to create in the far distant future.  Your home is part of living the American Dream and you need to make sure your dream is the best it can be!

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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.

With all of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, it’s easy to forget that we live in the Deep South, home to such great epics as Gone With the Wind.  Well, speaking of bustles, break yours out and brush it off!  Marietta is holding its annual festivities: Bells, Beaus, and Barbeque to benefit the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum.  May 25th-27th, the Marietta’s Gone With the Wind Museum will pull you back in time.  To start, there will be a Sock Hop complete with 50′s bands, food, and poodle skirts.  Saturday in Marietta Square, there will be (well I’m going to quote from the website), “The 2012 spring festivities will, of course, include celebrities, but will appeal to the “windie” population more than ever this year. The entire “Twelve Oaks Barbecue” scene from the film will be re-created in the historic Marietta Square’s Glover Park, complete with costumes, re-enactors on horseback (to let us know that the war has begun), “Scarlett O’Hara” and her bevy of beaus, and of course, delicious barbecue with all the fixings.”  Music will be playing with dancing, eating, and lots of fun to be had by all.  So, take a break from your rush hour life, dust off your Southern charm, support your local Marietta merchants, but more than anything else, enjoy yourself!

Let’s Go to the Hop

Friday – May 25

Marietta Country Club

6:30-10:30 pm

Belles, Beaus, and Barbeque

Saturday – May 26

Glover Park Marietta Square

11:00 am- 3:00 pm

For tickets, please contact:

Connie Sutherland – 770-794-5145 or

 csutherland@mariettaga.gov

Front desk – 770-794-5576