62nd Annual Old Soldiers Day Parade, Alpharetta, GA

 Old Soldiers Day Parade and Race August 2, 2014

7:00 a.m. Old Soldiers Day Road Race Begins
9:15 a.m. Band & Memorial Service
10:00 a.m. Program
10:30 a.m. Old Soldiers Day Parade Begins
This is a rain or shine event

The City of Alpharetta and the American Legion Post 201 will hold the 62nd Annual Old Soldiers Day Parade. The parade is just one way that our country’s war veterans are recognized for the service. A Memorial Service will begin on Main Street in front of City Hall at 9:15am Band, 10am Program and 10:30am Parade. It will end at the American Legion Post 201 on Wills Road for free food and activities.

VIEWING FOR THE PARADE
To view the parade, the Grandstand will be at City Hall. You may also bring a chair or a blanket and head south on Main Street/ Highway 9 for the parade; or take a right onto Old Milton Parkway to Roswell Street. The parade will continue to the American Legion Post 201, so come and enjoy the post parade festivities!

HISTORY OF THE PARADE
The Old Soldiers Day Parade began years ago as a tribute to veterans of the war between the states, but was discontinued after a few years. Twenty-eight years later, in 1952, a small group of men in Alpharetta re-dedicated Old Soldiers Day Parade in Alpharetta and started having a parade through downtown Alpharetta. Thanks to these few men and their belief in keeping this memorable tradition alive, this parade has become an annual celebration to all veterans of all wars.

Along with the program and parade, this celebration will also feature floats, bands, entertainment, children’s activities, and prizes. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be available at the American Legion at 201 Wills Road. With so much to celebrate, take this day to recognize the living memory of all veterans of war.

THE PARADE IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!

Park Forest Home for Sale-Creek View Elementary, Webb Bridge Middle and Alpharetta High School

                                    3600 Goldenrod Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005

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Beautifully renovated, move-in ready hard coat stucco ranch home with spacious open plan in popular/convenient Park Forest. Over $30K in recent upgrades including new designer paint colors throughout, refinished hardwood floors, gorgeous granite/stainless kitchen plus painted cabinetry, stunning new light fixtures/bath fixtures, new carpet, and new garage doors. Private master on t he main w/his & her closets & roomy fresh bath plus two addtl very spacious bedrooms on main. And, one private bed/bath upstairs. Perfect walkout to double decks set in quiet, private yard. Hard to find updated ranch plan in north Fulton. Secondary bedrooms are very large. Beautiful upgrades! Excellent schools.

REI to add Alpharetta store next spring

Recreational Equipment Inc. is expanding its Atlanta presence by adding a store in Alpharetta during spring 2015.

The Seattle-based company’s new store will be located at Mansell Crossing at the northwest corner of North Point Parkway and Mansell Road.

The company said the new store will be more than 24,000 square feet.

The stores will offer outdoor gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling and travel.

REI is a $2 billion national multichannel retail co-op that has more than five million active members. The company has 135 stores in 33 states.

Alpharetta Fireworks at Willis Park 7/4/2014 at 5:30pm

Festivities begin @ 5:30pm on the lawn behind Alpharetta Community Center as the American Heritage Society of Georgia present historical information on the importance and meaning of Independence Day.  Musical entertainment by the Alpharetta City Band and local band Serious Business will follow.  Children's inflatables will be on the lawn from 6pm to 9pm.  There will be a nominal fee for inflatables.  Food vendors will be located throughout Wills Park from 6pm to 9pm, or bring your own picnic.  Our spectacular fireworks show will begin at dusk. 

Georgia is 2014's top state for business

Good Job Georgia!  No. 1 State for Business.

The state scores a solid 1,659 points out of a possible 2,500, finishing at or near the top in three categories and in the top half in all but two. Since we began rating the states for competitiveness in 2007, Georgia has never finished outside the top 10 overall, with fourth-place finishes in 2007 and 2011, and a respectable eighth place in 2013.

Each year, our Top States study rates all 50 states on more than 50 metrics in 10 categories of competitiveness. We weight the categories based on how frequently they appear as selling points in state economic development marketing materials. That way, we hold the states to their own standards. 

This year's categories and point totals are:

• Cost of Doing Business (450 points)
• Economy (375 points)
• Infrastructure (350 points)
• Workforce (300 points)
• Quality of Life (300 points)
• Technology & Innovation (300 points)
• Business Friendliness (200 points)
• Education (150 points)
• Cost of Living (50 points)
• Access to Capital (25 points)

The Georgia workforce is tops in the nation, with an abundant supply of educated, largely nonunion workers. But that's not new-it's Georgia's third straight year atop our Workforce category. Click here for entire article.

Downtown Alpharetta 2014 Craft Beer Festival & 5k Road Race June 21,2014 at 6pm

  June 21, 2014Festival starts at 6 p.m.
5k starts at 8 p.m.
Post-race party with live music after
  Downtown Alpharetta
Website
              

Craft Beer Festival
Over 100 craft beer vendors from around the U.S. will line the streets of downtown Alpharetta for the huge street party which will begin at 6 p.m. with live music. Food will be available for purchase from Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub.

5K Road Race 
With the Craft Beer Festival continuing, the 5K Road Race will begin at 8 p.m. at the Corner Deli. Registration for the race is $30 before June 11 and $35 after that date.  All runners will receive a race t-shirt and a free beer to celebrate their finish.

Schedule of Events
6 - 11:30 p.m. Craft Beer Festival fun begins
6 - 7:30 p.m. - 5K Race Day Registration and packet pickup
8 p.m.- Race Starts at the Corner Deli in Alpharetta (Start and finish just off
Milton Ave and Main St in downtown Alpharetta, next to the Corner Deli.)
Post-Race After Party – Stay after to enjoy the Craft Beer Festival, live music and entertainment! Every 5K participant of legal age will receive one free beer. 

Cost

5k race only: $30

Craft Beer Festival: $30

Includes Souvenir Tasting Glass and All you can sample

5k race and Craft Beer Festival: $60

Includes Souvenir Tasting Glass and All you can sample

MARTA now seeks public comment on adding rail to Alpharetta

MARTA has extended through July a public comment period on bringing rail into Alpharetta, reports WABE.

As Atlanta Business Chronicle first reported in August 2013, MARTA is planning to extend transit service along the Georgia 400 corridor in North Fulton County, with up to six new stations.

WABE notes that this is the planning and public comment process, and that it is just part of the effort to get federal funding. Riding the rails from downtown Atlanta to Alpharetta still could be a decade away, the station adds.

State Senator Brandon Beach, who leads the North Fulton Community Improvement District, said the time to add more rail has come.

“When you look at the 400 corridor, there are 900 technology companies, and that attracts a young, smart employee,” said Beach. “They want to ride their bikes; they want to take a train; they want to take transit; they want alternatives.”

He also says people have changed their opinions about a MARTA expansion.

Beach told WABE, “In 1999, when I was first elected to Alpharetta City Council, if I would have mentioned that I was supportive of transit, I would have probably been run out of office. Today the attitude has completely changed.”

Ruth's Chris relocating from Sandy Springs to Alpharetta

More great news for Alpharetta!

The former Rainwater Restaurant in Alpharetta, which will later this year
become the new home of Ruth's Chris Steak House

The plan is to invest about a million dollars into renovating the building, said Nancy Oswald. The hope is to reopen this fall.

Academy Park--Master on the Main John Wieland Townhome--like new!

2770 Donnelath Place, Alpharetta, GA 30009

                                             Click Here for Virtual Tour

Simply stunning, spacious Academy Park 4 bedroom 2.5 bath town home. The most popular, master on the main plan, absolutely move-in ready condition and gorgeous furnishings which may be purchased too. You'll love the amazing upgrades which include: hardwoods on main & loft, plantation shutters, custom window seats & built-ins, wall of mirrors on family, master bath and dining rooms, gourmet, granite kitchen, custom lighting, wrought iron spindles and more. Minutes from downtown Alpharetta and the new Avalon development. A must see property!

250 Wembley Circle, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

                                                    Click here for virtual tour

The perfect, turnkey Dunwoody executive home. Over $120K invested in luxurious upgrades. Four sides brick w/wonderful, open floor plan that's perfect for entertaining. Gleaming wood floors throughout the main and much of the upstairs. Amazing master retreat offering stunning remodeled master bath w/custom cabinetry, rich tile and chrome finishes and seamless glass shower. Cozy master sitting room (or extra bedroom) w/fireplace. The terrace level wows w/home theater, custom wine cellar, bed/bath and more! Lovely, private deck w/retractable awning. Don't miss this home!

Harry Norman HOME Magazine Spring 2014

The 2014 Spring Edition of Harry Norman's HOME Magazine is here!

Flowery Branch like new home for sale in Quailwood Subdivision

4947 Feather Lane, Flowery Branch, GA 30542

                                                   Click here for virtual tour

Stunning, brick & stone six bedroom, six plus bath home on a one acre cul-de-sac lot & loaded w/upgrades. Just the floor plan you have been looking for, offering a very generous gourmet kitchen open to an amazing great room & a cozy keeping room. Walk out to the screened porch w/outdoor fireplace. Spacious bedrooms & media room up. The master suite w/sitting room is more than spacious & the master bath is all luxury. A well-appointed, roomy terrace level w/tile flooring, wet bar, half bath plus a bedroom w/full bath. A perfect home, located in wonderful Quailwood!

Park Forest Home for Sale-Creekview Elementary, Webb Bridge Middle and Alpharetta High School

3585 Goldenrod Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30005

                                                   Click here for virtual tour

Curb appeal plus! Lovely, exceptionally well-cared for home in convenient Park Forest. Great space, light & flow. Enjoy a living room, family room & sunroom all on the first floor. The kitchen has been updated w/rich stained cabinets, natural stone backsplash & neutral counters. Wood floors/newer carpet throughout. Upstairs are 3 good sized bedrooms & 2 full baths plus the spacious master w/updated bath. A professionally finished basement w/bedroom, bath & media/TV room. Fenced outdoor space is lush & green w/2 levels of decks, stone hardscapes & flat play area. Desirable swim/tennis community with award winning school.  Conveniently located to highways, shopping, parks and entertainment.

Three bedroom ranch home in Flowery Branch $220,000

                                             5765 Newberry Point, Flowery Branch

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Large ranch with fantastic floor plan.  Beautiful new hardwoods, formal dining room, great room and sun room with fireplace.  Large kitchen with bar, pantry and plenty of cabinets/countertops. Large master with sitting room and his/her closets.  Great outdoor living, double decks with private, wooded, flat lot. Walk to Alberta Park and minutes to Lake Lanier. No HOA, No rent restrictions

Avalon--Retail committed tenants...this could be dangerous!

Committed Tenants at Avalon: Whole Foods Market, Regal Cinemas, Orvis, Anthropologie, Paper Source, Athleta, Banana Republic, Everything But Water, Lululemon, Ted’s Montana Grill, Fly Wheel, Free People, Dry Bar, Kona Grill, Luxury Nails, Pinkberry, Fab’rik, Janie & Jack, Van Michael Aveda Salon, Arhaus, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, PNC Bank, Bocado Burger Bar, Ford Fry, Destination Maternity, C Wonder, Marlow’s Tavern, Gymboree, Gap, Sage, L’Occitane, Bantam & Biddy, Cru Food & Wine, Tommy Bahama, Kinnucan’s, Antico Pizza Napolitano, Exhale Spa, Vineyard Vines, West Elm, Oak Steakhouse, Kendra Scott, Fuzziwigs Candy Factory, Marmi, American Threads, The Cosmetic Market. Francesca’s, Crate & Barrel, Caffe Gio, J. Crew, Calypso, Bantu Noodles, Road Runner Sports, Soft Surroundings and LensCrafters.

24th Annual Taste of Alpharetta May 8, 2014 5:00 PM -10:00 PM

The Southeast's premier dining festival celebrates its 24th year in downtown Alpharetta! Dine at over 60 restaurants in one unforgettable night that’s become an annual tradition for 50,000 families, foodies and festival-goers. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts along downtown streets.  In addition to the great food, patrons will enjoy a culinary competition, live music, family-friendly Fun Zone Areas and more.

Roswell Farmers Market Returns In New Location

This year's Roswell Farmers and Artisan Market will start on Saturday, May 3 and will be held behind Roswell City Hall.

Renamed the Roswell Farmers and Artisan Market, residents will have a chance to visit the market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon starting on May 3 through Sept. 27. 

The market will be located behind Roswell City Hall, located at 38 Hill Street. This year's market is a producer-only market that draws from the best vendors within a 100-mile radius.

Alpharetta Town Home in Wellsley Community $200,000

5312 Wellsley Bend, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Click here for virtual tour

Picture perfect town home in excellent Alpharetta location! Spacious & open floor plan w/a total of 4 bdrms/3.5 baths. The large kitchen w/stainless steel appliances & granite counters w/view to family rm & wood floors. Private deck accessible from the family rm. Upstairs are the master bedroom suite & two secondary bedrooms w/a shared bath. Convenient 4th bedroom & full bath on the lower level, perfect for guests or a separate den or TV room. Storage in garage & main level. Low fees of $150/month. Award winning schools, close to shopping & highways.

Downtown Alpharetta breaks ground on new library--opening 2015

The new 25,000-square-foot library for Alpharetta is part of Phase I of the Library Building Program, currently underway. The library will be located in the Alpharetta City Center project in downtown Alpharetta, near the corner of Haynes Bridge Road and Thompson Street. The new library will have two floors and feature a 120-seat auditorium with computer rooms and meeting rooms. There will be a dedicated area for teens

TopGolf hiring 450-plus for new Alpharetta complex

Click here for more information

The Alpharetta TopGolf, the only one in Georgia, will be at 10900 Westside Parkway. The complex will have 102 bays, where players hit balls that contain computer microchips into targets to get points. The chips track each shot’s accuracy and distance.

The TopGolf in Alpharetta will be the first in Georgia.The three-floor complex will have 102 bays, a rooftop terrace, bars and food. Players hit balls equipped with microchips that track each shot for  accuracy and distance. Points are gained by hitting targets in the outfield.

TopGolf estimates it will serve 450,000 visitors its first year of operation in Alpharetta, with a 10-year economic impact of more than $264.5 million.

Applicants can apply online at www.topgolf.com/careers.

Alpharetta Arts Streetfest

Sat & Sun, April 26 & 27, 2014
10am – 6pm
2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009

Celebrate the arts at one of the city’s most popular events!  The streets of Historic Downtown will be closed as nearly 100 artists, musicians and performers from throughout the U.S. are showcased. Enjoy a beautiful spring weekend as you stroll through outdoor galleries filled with fine art in 14 medium expressions, create children’s art and experience live jazz, Celtic music, cultural dancing and more. Admission and parking are free.

A Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event for 2012!

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The GREAT British Car Fayre in Alpharetta, GA is back!

The Great British Car Fayre is March 29, 2014 from 10am-4pm.
It is located in Historic Downtown Alpharetta at Milton Ave and Main
Street

A warm and friendly gathering of British car and motorcycle enthusiasts will 
be joining downtown Alpharetta’s delightful setting. Listen to the brilliant music 
of The Big Chicken Beatles Band while you walk around and enjoy food trucks, 
local vendors, arts and crafts, beer and wine and of course, classic British Cars! 

You’ll see an abundance of British cars including: a Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, 

Jaguar,Lotus Esprit, MG, Austin-Healey, Morgan, Triumph, McLaren, Peeler, 

Landrover, MINI, Sunbeam, Jensen, and DeLorean to name just a few!

ALPHARETTA FARMERS' MARKET

A great Saturday morning excursion, the Alpharetta Farmers' Market will open for the season on April 19, 2014. 8:30am-1pm.  Located on Old Canton Street in Alpharetta.

Sterling on the Lake Home for Sale

                            7556 Brookstone Circle, Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Click here for virtual tour

Beautiful and bright spacious home in amazing Sterling on the Lake community. Shows like a model home. Three finished levels with designer paint colors and plenty of upgrades. Great open floor plan with two-story great room and foyer, perfect for entertaining. Hardwoods in kitchen, foyer and formal dining room. Spacious gourmet kitchen with upgraded, wider island. Bedroom and office on the main. Finished, daylight basement offering a bedroom, bath and flex space - all with soaring ceilings. Private cul-de-sac lot with lovely views. A  must see property!