Source: Flickr user Dougtone
I-285 circles metro Atlanta (including Sandy Springs) and forces residents to choose: You are either OTP or ITP. That means "Inside the Perimeter" or "Outside." Not to bring in stereotypes, but ITP leans toward the more diverse, liberal and urban-focused. OTP conjures up visions of conservatives living in gated communities. Trust me, it matters.
Source: Flickr user mpeteuil
Where did you think the name Sandy Springs came from? Located behind the Williams-Payne house, the springs became a gathering point for the earliest settlers, including the Creeks and Cherokee Indians waaay back in the 1500s. It's endured through the centuries and produces 10 gallons of water per day.
Whether you're on the hunt for the perfect piece of vintage jewelry or distressed furniture for your apartment, Kudzu Antique Vintage market has it. I can-and have-spent a day in retail heaven here.
10 Degrees South offers a dining experience that takes fusion to a whole new level, with a combination of French, Portuguese, German, Malaysian, Dutch, Indian and Mediterranean flavors. Try finding that somewhere else.
Want to be an extra in the Walking Dead or the Hunger Games? You've come to the right place. Georgia is one of the top five movie and film production destinations in the country, and Sandy Springs isn't left out. In fact, the main vampire lair for "The Vampire Diaries" is Sandy Springs' own Glenridge Hall.
For a city in the South, there aren't a lot of places to go to hear jazz in Sandy Springs. But Cafe 290 has been carrying the torch as "both the hottest and the coolest" spot in greater Atlanta for more than 25 years.
In Sandy Springs it just might be. The Punch Line (in the same strip center as Cafe 290) has been providing Sandy Springs with laughs for years. Both up-and-comers and regulars on the comedy circuit perform here. Jeff Foxworthy got his start at this joint, and has been known to stop by from time to time. The club also holds graduation for those who take comedy classes from funnyman Jeff Justice!
The 5 Seasons Brewing Co. offers brewery tours on the first Thursday of every month, but you'll also enjoy just sipping on the homemade brews and great eats. Brewmasters Crawford Moran and Kevin McNerney are among the best known local brewers, so you know their suds are worth the stop.
The John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest has 30 acres of majestic white oak trees dating back between 100 to 200 years. There's a mile and a half of trails to trek if you're looking to break a sweat, or you can go just to enjoy the sounds of silence.
Owner Lori Allen of Bridals by Lori (technically located in Sandy Springs) says "yes," while fellow expert Monte Durham isn't so sure. Regardless, millions love watching the two help Southern brides find the perfect dresses at the salon on TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta."
Source: Flickr user Taylor2646
UPS, Newell Rubbermaid, and (soon) Cox Communications are all headquartered in Sandy Springs. No biggie. In fact, Sandy Springs has more Fortune 500 companies per capita than any other city in the country!
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a fabulous natural park itself, but the real attraction is the Chattahoochee River. Go canoeing, kayaking or tubing, and don't forget to skip some stones on the clear water.
SeaBass Kitchen is a new entry into the Sandy Springs dining scene, and one of the few places around that has options for both gluten-free and Paleo diners. Plus, haven't you always wanted to try octopus?
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Source: Flickr user u_amog
Sometimes the best entertainment comes from just sitting back and admiring the skyline. The two undisputed rulers of Sandy Springs are located in the Concourse Office Park, and lovingly referred to as the King and Queen. Look up, and bow down.
Sky Gym is where dance meets flight. Yep, that's right. Here you'll learn how to move your body through space in ways that you've never dreamed of, except maybe after a Cirque du Soleil show-all the while building upper body and core strength. So you can pass it off as exercise!
Renowned celebrity makeup artist Alyson Howard-Hoag set up shop right here in Sandy Springs, and Authentic Beauty is the go-to place for anyone looking to get prettied up for a party or learn what look is best for them. For a real treat, make an appointment to have Alyson do your makeup herself!
In Atlanta, a Dunwoody housewife is a non-working mom who spends her days playing tennis. Dunwoody is Sandy Springs' next-door neighbor, so you can do the math. The Sandy Springs Tennis Center has 24, that's right, 24 lighted courts and is home to more than 130 USTA and ALTA teams. But don't worry, if you're not a Dunwoody they'll still let you play.
Morgan Falls Overlook Park is a great place to picnic, relax on a porch swing or fish from the pier. There's even a small hiking trail and a playground for the kids. Just remember that they don't allow music or any amplified sound in the park, so leave your speakers at home.
Two of the area's biggest malls are close by, but Sandy Springs doesn't need them. With 15 strip malls and shopping centers total in the city, you can pick your favorite. You're sure to find lots of fast foods and chain restaurants, as well as boutiques.
Act3 Productions in Sandy Springs was founded by five women, awesomely called the Drama Mamas. Together they formed a theater that puts on year-round performances of Broadway musicals, dramas and new works, as well as offering acting and improv classes for anyone interested in getting into the spotlight.
Sandy Springs hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Sandy Springs Festival, a two-day celebration with live music, an Artists Market, yummy food and even a pet parade. You'll never get bored here.
Whether you're a classically trained performer or a self-taught donut eater, Dance It Off is a unique dance studio that gets adults to start moving their bodies, having fun and dancing without worrying about age, weight and fitness levels. There's a class for everyone, from beginning tap to belly dancing to Zumba.
Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range is state-of-the-art with two ranges where men and women can work on their aim in a safe and controlled way. There's even a Ladies Night every Thursday! Best. Bachelorette. Party. Ever.
It's true, lots of cities have strip clubs, but only a Republican suburb like Sandy Springs can have the Coronet Club, a fully nude male review. In fact, it's the only fully nude male review for women in metro Atlanta. Enjoy, ladies.
For more than two decades, Veronica's Attic has been the place to go for unique clothes, jewelry, accessories and beauty products and service with a smile. It's a great place to just browse, but you're sure to find something that you have to take home.
American Idol's Ryan Seacrest (who grew up in nearby Dunwoody) founded Seacrest Studios at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) right here in Sandy Springs, to explore the creative potential of patients and their families in radio, television and new media.
Turns out Dolmeh and mango soda go hand in hand nicely. That's exactly what happened when Rumi's Kitchen brought Persian cooking to delighted Sandy Springs diners. One taste and you'll be hooked.
