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1. Due West United Methodist Church, Kennesaw/Marietta

Running from October 1st – 31st, the pumpkin patch at Due West United Methodist Church is a staple of Fall celebrations and local traditions. As described on their website, their annual pumpkin patch is “a way for our church to be involved with the community. Friends and neighbors come year after year to enjoy the pumpkins.  Many families mark the occasion with photographs of their children taken each year.  As a part of the fall harvest celebration, several preschools and elementary schools also visit the patch”. Consider stopping by this year!

Visit their website for more information, including hours of operation: http://www.duewest.org/pumpkin-patch

2. Still Family Farm, Powder Springs

This fun farm offers a range of activities, running from September to Sunday, October 29th. Visit the pumpkin patch, walk through the corn maze, enjoy a hay ride – they have it all! Visit their website for hours of operation and more information: https://www.stillfamilyfarm.com/corn-on-the-cobb

3. Carlton Farms, Rockmart

Located slightly farther away than other farms, but packing tons of fun – check out Carlton Farms this Fall! They offer a hay ride, large 5-acre corn maze, and visiting with the Cows of Carlton Farms! Each year, the Carlton Farm crew creates a new design for their corn maze, and it never disappoints. You can also spend some time in their activities area, where they have a corn cannon, giant slide, ball toss shed, hay bale maze, corn play bin, and hay jump. Visit their website for more information: http://carltonfarm.blogspot.com/

4. Sleepy Hollow Farm, Powder Springs

Located between Powder Springs and Douglasville, this farm is a hidden local gem and truly offers it ALL! Enjoy a Saturday taking tractor rides around the farm, walking through the corn maze, picking a pumpkin, visiting the country store, going on a pony ride or getting your face painted! General admission is $12 per person, and those ages 2 and under get in FREE with a paying adult. Visit their website for a full list of activities, hours and prices: https://www.sleepyhollowtrees.com/pumpkins-corn-maze

 

 

Enjoy your pumpkin picking, Fall festivities and seasonal fun!

 

Families, neighbors, friends and communities connect over the holidays through crafts, traditions and seasonal events. Fall is truly a time when people come together! That’s why, as October rounds the corner, the Grattafiori Group is excited and honored to be hosting a pumpkin-carving contest for our neighbors in the Brown’s Farm community! We are especially excited to be offering family-sized prizes for the three top-voted pumpkins.

 

The first place winner will receive a Family Fun Night at Andretti Games, including bowling, racing and gaming. The second place winner will receive a movie package to NCG Theaters for four (4). Lastly, the third place winner will receive two (2) YETI Rumbler Tumblers.

 

View the graphic below for registration details and important dates. Be sure to have your pumpkin carved and displayed on your front porch/entrance by October 22nd. Voting will begin on October 23rd and end on October 30th. We will announce a winner on social media on October 31st.

 

*Please note: winning pumpkins will be determined by number of “likes” (votes) on each individual pumpkin’s photo. Pumpkin photos will be posted promptly to our Facebook page on October 23rd (the day of voting), and the three pumpkins with the most “likes” (votes) will receive our first, second and third-place prizes.

 


 

Contest Rules

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

 

  1. Eligibility

Pumpkins & Prizes (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of the state of Georgia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees of The Grattafiori Group and other companies associated with the promotion of the Contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

 

  1. Sponsor

The Contest is sponsored by The Grattafiori Group, located at 2651 Dallas Highway, Marietta, Georgia 30064.

 

  1. Agreement to Official Rules

Participation in the Contest constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.

 

  1. Contest Period

The Contest begins on September 25th, 2017 at 12:01AM Eastern Standard Time and ends on October 22nd, 2017 at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time (the “Contest Period”). Entries that are submitted before or after the Contest Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted for the duration of the Contest using any of the following methods:

 

Mail-In

On-Site

Online – Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Email

 

  1. How To Enter

On-Site: This method of entry will be available at The Grattafiori Group, 2651 Dallas Highway, Marietta, Georgia 30064.

 

Via Mail: This method of entry will be available for the entire Contest Period. On the provided registration card, handprint your full name, complete address, phone number and email. Include the participant(s) name and age as well. Attach a printed photo of your final pumpkin, and mail the above items in an envelope with proper postage affixed to: 2651 Dallas Highway, Marietta, Georgia 30064. Mail-in entries must be mailed in separately. All mail-in entries must be received by October 21st, 2017.

 

Via Online: Contestants may provide a photograph of completed registration details, and a separate photograph of the submitted pumpkin. These files may be submitted for consideration into the contest through the following social media accounts – Twitter (@thegrattafiorig), Instagram (@thegrattafiorig), Facebook (facebook.com/TheGrattafioriGroup), and Email (lindseymarie.kw@gmail.com).

 

  1. Prize Drawing

On or about October 31st, 2017, the Sponsor will tally the votes and determine the selected winners in the order of first place, second place and third place. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winner via telephone, email or social media on or about October 31st, 2017. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within five *5) days after the date of the first attempt to contact them, the Sponsor may select an alternate winner in their place, according to submitted votes and eligible entries.

 

  1. Winner Notification

The three possible winners will be notified by email, mail or phone. Each winner will be required to complete, electronically sign and submit a Declaration of Compliance within five (5) days of the date notice or attempted notice is sent, in order to claim their prize. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, or fails to submit the Declaration of Compliance within the required time period (if applicable), or prize is returned as undeliverable, potentials winner forfeits prize. If the potential winner is at least 18 but still considered a minor in their jurisdiction of residence, Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize in the name of their parent or legal guardian, who will be required to sign the Declaration of Compliance on the potential winner’s behalf and fulfill any other requirements imposed on winner set forth herein. Potential winners must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries. Only three (alternate drawing will be held, after which the prize will remain un-awarded. Prized will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Contest.

 

  1. Prizes

Grand Prize (1) – Family Fun Night at Andretti Games.

Second Place Prize (1) – Movie Night for Four at NCG Theater in Acworth.

Third Place Prize (2) – Two YETI Rumbler Tumblers.

 

  1. General Conditions

In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, bug, worm, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the contest is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these official Rules or (b) terminate the Contest and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserve the right to seek damages (including attorney’s fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

 

  1. Release and Limitations of Liability

By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Contest, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents (the Released Parties) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto), including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors associated with the Contest, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, wireless service provider, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cellular tower or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected mail, entries, € any other errors or problems in connection with the Contest, including without limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Contest, the announcement of the winner, the cancellation or postponements of the event and /or the flyover, if applicable, or in any Contest-related materials; or (f), injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property, which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrants participation in the Contest or acceptance, receipt or misuse of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto). Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including by not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

 

  1. Disputes

Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Georgia. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in the connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Georgia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Georgia.

 

  1. Privacy

Information collected from entrants is subject to sponsor’s privacy policy.

  1. Winner List

To request the name of the winner send a self-address, stamped envelope to 2651 Dallas Highway, Marietta, Georgia 30064. Winner List requests will only be accepted after the promotion end date (listed above). For the Winner List, you can also send an email to the email address listed above.

Life in the northern suburbs of a bustling and busy Atlanta offers exciting opportunities, including access to adventure both in and out of the city’s limits. 

 

With Atlanta just a thirty minute ride by car, residents can explore tons of city treasures – from crafted cocktails and brunch tables, to hidden nature paths and parks.  Outside of the city, locals can also find similar adventures and experiences with little to moderate travel required. 

 

Read below for a list of must-try places both in and out of the city, curated by us!

 


What You Can Find: In 

  1. Empire State South – This intimate brunch spot rests in Midtown, and is perfect for a restful Sunday brunch with family, friends or pets! Hugh Acheson, local celebrity-chef and owner, curates a beautiful menu that is “very modern with a deep loyalty and respect for local ingredients”. You can also catch Hugh judging some incredibly crafted meals on the Food Network’s hit show, Top Chef. The Cortado, the Shakshuka, and a refreshing Garden Daze cocktail are all must-try’s here. Address: 999 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA. Phone: 404-541-1105. www.empirestatesouth.com 
  2. Home Grown – Seated right off of Memorial Drive, Home Grown is an East Atlanta local favorite, serving up comforting Southern staples from 7am-3pm most days. The celebrated Comfy Chicken Biscuit is made here and served up hot daily, atop with Home Grown’s famed and delicious sausage gravy. The freshly-squeezed orange juice is another must-try at this stop! Take some time while you’re here to listen to the jazzy live music and to check out all of the local art on the walls. Address: 968 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Phone: 404-222-0455. www.homegrownga.com 
  3. Hodgepodge Coffee – If you’re drawn more to caffeine than local eats, Hodgepodge Coffee shop needs to be a definite stop on your list! Enjoy Batdorf & Bronson coffee, made how you like it, plus a selection of teas, lemonades, sweet treats, sandwiches and local art. Hang out on the couches in one of the sunny window rooms and play Scrabble or flip through a collection of locally-produced zines. In another part of the shop, you can enjoy live music or comedy sets some evenings. We suggest tasting the Curry Tuna Salad Croissant, a fresh-out-of-the-oven brownie and a foamy latte or cappuccino. Address: 720 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Phone: 404-622-8525. http://www.hodgepodgecoffee.com/ 
  4. Fernbank Museum/High Museum of Art – Atlanta offers such a wide range of creative and educational resources to the community, including museums like Fernbank and the High Museum of Art. Become immersed in the world of natural history at Fernbank and catch a film at their in-house IMAX theater, or hop over to the High Museum of Art in Midtown after brunch at Empire State South! Put it on your calendar to visit the upcoming exhibit of Yayoi Kusama and her installation called “Infinity Mirrors”, in November 2018. Fernbank Info: 767 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307. 404-929-6300. http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/  – High Museum of Art Info: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. 404-733-4400. https://www.high.org/exhibitions/  
  5. Lullwater Preserve – Tucked away and hidden in the middle of Emory’s university campus you’ll find some of the best of nature’s beauty. “The 154 acre preserve contains the home of the University’s President, the beautiful Candler Lake, a 210 foot suspension bridge, acres of green space, and miles of walking and jogging trails”. Open from sunrise until sunset, this lush forest and preserve offers plenty of opportunity to get outside and explore nature. We suggest visiting the spillway waterfall and taking some time to adventure down some of the less-traveled paths throughout the park. Bring a camera, picnic or sketchpad with you, and enjoy! Address: 1463 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Phone: 404-727-6123. https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/lullwater-walking-running-trails-emory-university-atlanta/ 
  6. Mystic Lotus Yoga – In keeping with the theme of tucked away places, you could almost drive right past Mystic Lotus Yoga in the Cabbagetown neighborhood of East Atlanta, but don’t, because they offer some of the best yoga around. Located in the same building as a local favorite bar spot, known as Estoria, Mystic Lotus establishes itself as unique from the start. And once you step foot into the studio, it’s easy to appreciate the small and intimate studio space. Get into your flow and find physical, mental and emotional balance in any class. We absolutely love the “Patience Grasshopper” class, which you can check out on Wednesday nights. Address: 97 Estoria St SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Phone: 404-921-8375. http://mysticlotusyoga.com/

 

 

What You Can Find: Out

  1. Henry’s Louisiana Grill – For brunch outside of the city, head over to Henry’s Louisiana Grill in downtown Acworth. This spot is perfect for a lazy Saturday brunch inspired by true Cajun cuisine. If you’re in the mood for cocktails, try the Southern Peach “Tea” or their classic “Bayou” Bloody Mary. If you’re in search of some delicious grub, order the eggs benedict and the beignets! You will probably leave covered in powdered sugar, but you won’t be disappointed. Address: 4835 North Main Street, Acworth, GA 30101. Phone: 770-966-1515. http://www.chefhenrys.com/ 
  2. Stilesboro Biscuits – A true town favorite, Stilesboro Biscuits is a small roadside cafe serving up the best biscuits around. Enjoy live blue grass music and chow down on comforting Southern staples done incredibly well, including cinnamon rolls and grits. We suggest planning your trip and carpooling if you plan on bringing family or friends, as parking is limited. Check the hours beforehand as well, because this little shop is only open Wednesday-Saturday from 7am to 11:30am. You’ve got to come and get ’em while they’re hot! Address: 3545 Stilesboro Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152. Phone: 770-429-5552. https://www.facebook.com/Stilesboro-Biscuits-174839062599658/ 
  3. Cool Beans Coffee Shop & Roasters – Located on Mill Street, just off the Marietta Square, Cool Beans Coffee is an extremely popular local stop for the freshest coffee around! The coffee beans are roasted on-site in what is sweetly referred to by locals as “Big Red”, and the baristas work hard to curate exceptional coffee flavors for their customers. One of the most beautiful features of this bustling shop is the large brick patio, located directly behind the shop’s space. During both the week and weekends, this is a very popular spot. Bring a book or your laptop, order a coffee and enjoy a slow Saturday morning here. We also highly suggest trying the sweet almond croissant. Address: 31 Mill St, Marietta, GA 30060. Phone: 770-422-9866. http://coolbeanscoffeeroasters.com/ 
  4. Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art – The MCMA, located just off of Marietta’s historic square, is a local must-try attraction! The museum offers two separate galleries with multiple exhibits, summer art camps, monthly free-draws and community events like Chalktoberfest. Across the street, put your creative inspiration to good use at “Just Kil’n Time” – a pottery shop that offers both classes and group events! Address: 30 Atlanta Street SE, Marietta, GA 30060. Phone: 770-528-1444. http://www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org/current.html 
  5. Sweetwater Creek State Park – Nestled not far from the city, in Lithia Springs, is Sweetwater Creek State Park, and it offers a little of everything! Drive out on the weekends to see friends and families grilling along the lake, kayaking and fishing. Head further into the state park to view the Visitor’s Center, where you can visit a small museum, pick up a trail map, and replenish on snacks. This large state park offers miles of hiking and walking trails, most of which run along Sweetwater Creek. Take a dip in the river, and bring your camera to capture the old mill ruins. Address: 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122. Phone: 770-732-5871.  https://www.atlantatrails.com/sweetwater-creek-state-park/ 
  6. Ember Yoga – Located in bustling downtown Woodstock, Ember Yoga is a quick drive up 75 North from Atlanta or surrounding suburbs. Drop in for a hot steam class (candlelit) on Tuesday evenings, or find greater balance and rest in one of Ember’s Yin Deep Stretch classes throughout the week! After a class, take a stroll through the downtown area where you can find rooftop food and drinks, local coffee and popular window shopping. Address: 330 Chambers Street, Woodstock, GA, 30188. Phone: 770-485-5583. https://emberyoga.com/

 

We hope that this list has sparked your curiosity and adventurous side! Let this be a starting point for exploring unfamiliar places both inside the perimeter and out. Our Georgia communities have so many experiences to offer, and settling in the northern suburban areas of Atlanta gives you the best location to enjoy them all!

If you are looking to buy or sell your home or property in the future, you need a realtor with local knowledge and expertise. Contact us, The Grattafiori Group, and let our experience, expertise and hard work guide you to a successful closing!

Hurrican Harvey has struck the coast of Texas and the Keller Williams community is working together to provide support and supplies to those in need. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to help, our Keller Williams office is taking donations of all sorts. Please refer to the provided list of needed supplies below.

Donations may be brought to our west Cobb office, located at 2651 Dallas Highway, Marietta GA 30064. Beginning Thursday there will be 2 Smartboxes in our front parking lot for convenient donation drop off. Please bring your donations between the hours of 8am and 5pm, until this Friday at noon.nFollowing Friday at noon, volunteers from the KW team will prepare to head out in at least two 20ft trucks. They plan to deliver donated supplies to the rescue warehouses and all in need.

If you can’t make it by the office, we’ll be happy to come by and pick it up from your house. Most urgently needed items include:

  • water, diapers, baby wipes, non-perishable food, medical supplies, hygiene items, clothing including NEW underwear, flip flops, shampoo, and almost anything you can think of. Also needed are dehumidifiers, chain saws, work gloves and all types of equipment.

Cash and gift card donations are welcome as well.

Thanks in advance, friends! Together we can make a huge impact! Please share this post with everyone you know!

As Labor Day quickly approaches, signaling the beginnings of a crisp fall season in Georgia, home-owners across the state can save by prepping for the cooler months now.

Save these quick tips and give one, or all of them, a try over the next few weeks!

  1. Inspect your roof and replace damaged or missing shingles.
  2. Make sure that gutters and downspouts are free of leaves/debris.
  3. Consider a fresh coat of paint or sealer on your deck.
  4. On a windy day, close your windows and check for air leaks.
  5. Seal any leaks with rope caulk.
  6. Install weather stripping on the sides and bottoms of leaky doors.
  7. Insulate any exposed plumbing.
  8. Remove debris from your AC’s conditioning unit and cover.

If you need a recommendation for local professionals who can perform this or any other work around your home, we can help! Contact us for recommendations!