HarvestFest + a Head Spa on Johnson Ferry

_{Welcome to the 66 new readers who joined 7,613 other East Cobb residents this week.}

What's up, neighbors!

Hope everybody made it through last weekend's storm without too much cleanup. This weekend looks a lot friendlier (dry, with cool mornings in the 40s, so grab a jacket), and thank goodness, because Saturday is stacked around Marietta.

HarvestFest takes over the Square on Saturday with scarecrows, Touch-A-Truck and a kids' costume contest at 2 PM. Our plan is trucks first, because our kids would riot otherwise. After that we're walking about a mile north to the Cherokee Heights Arts Festival, where 40+ neighbors sell their art on one historic block. There's live music at both ends of the street and beer on tap, so the grown-ups get something out of the day too.

Up for a drive Saturday night? Pigs & Peaches in Downtown Kennesaw has Chayce Beckham headlining at 8. Closer to home, Atlanta Hard Cider's taproom is turning five with a free anniversary toast at 5 PM and $5 cider pours. That toast lands right between the art festival and dinner, so we might sneak it in.

One more thing, and it's less fun, but it matters. Early voting is open, and there's a $1.15 billion SPLOST on your ballot. That list includes money to move the East Cobb Library out of Parkaire. Whichever way you lean, take five minutes and read the East Cobb project list before you vote.

Scroll down for a $20 pizza-and-wine night in Paper Mill Village, a new head spa on Johnson Ferry, and Rae, a 9-pound senior pup looking for a quiet home to nap in.

- Andrew

If your home or auto insurance has been on autopilot for a while, this is a good reminder to take another look. Peachy Insurance is a local Atlanta agency, just a short drive from East Cobb. Our reader Carol took advantage of this offer and saved $2,100! Fill out their form online and complete a quote with a licensed agent and they’ll send you a $10 gift card to Chick-fil-A.

Freyer Drive NE between Etowah and Chicasaw Drives
Marietta, GA
Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Free

Most art festivals take over an entire downtown. This one fits on a single block.

Cherokee Heights is a neighborhood about a mile north of Marietta Square. It was built in 1924, it's on the National Register of Historic Places, and the old houses alone make the walk worth it. On Saturday, more than 40 neighbors and friends set up along Freyer Drive and sell original art they made themselves.

Here's the thing: nobody is running this to make money. Volunteer neighbors put the whole day together. There's a music "stage" at each end of the block with local performers playing all day, beer on tap for the grown-ups, and a kids' craft activity run by the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. So everybody in the family has something to do.

Holiday shopping has already started creeping into my head. (I know. It's October. I'm sorry.) If it's creeping into yours too, this is where you find a gift that nobody else at the party shows up with.

Admission is free, and so is all the street parking around the neighborhood.

HarvestFest is on the Square the same day, so we're doing both. Trucks in the morning. Art after lunch.

See this year's Cherokee Heights Arts Festival details

Camps is tucked into Paper Mill Village, and it's where we end up when we want a real sit-down dinner without anybody having to put on nice clothes. It's a pizza bar and gastropub. If the weather cooperates (and after last weekend, we'll take whatever we can get), grab a table on the patio.

Start with the garlic knots and the Almost Famous Meatballs. Then split a pizza. We'd point you to the Bee Me Up Scotty or the Pretty Fly for a White Pie, and yes, half the fun is saying those names out loud to your server. Not in a pizza mood? Regulars keep bringing up the spaghetti and meatballs.

But here's the kicker: Wednesdays.

"Pie and Vine" night gets you a pizza and a whole bottle of wine for $20. Twenty bucks. For both. That’s a midweek date night that won't wreck the budget, and honestly, Wednesday could use the help.

They're open 4 to 9 every day, so you can do an early dinner with the kids and still have everybody in bed on time.

Pizza and Italian-American | 4.6★ on OpenTable
Hours:
Daily 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🚗 Get directions to Camps Kitchen & Bar on Google Maps

You've probably seen the head spa videos all over your feed. Warm water, a ridiculous amount of suds, and a person in the chair who looks like they've completely left their body. Until recently, trying one meant a drive into Atlanta.

Not anymore. There's one on Johnson Ferry Road now.

Willow River is owned by Sara Lewis, who spent 20 years in leadership at Target and The Home Depot before betting on herself. The Cobb Chamber cut the ribbon on September 17. Her whole philosophy is pretty simple: if you want healthier hair, start with the scalp it grows out of.

So every visit starts with a magnified scan of your scalp. (Brace yourself. Nobody looks good at that zoom level.) Then you head into a private room for a double-shampoo cleanse, warm water therapy, aromatherapy and a long scalp massage. The longer rituals add exfoliation, steam, a detox mask and an upper body massage.

And no, you don't have to make small talk. Talking is optional. You also don't need to do your hair before you show up, because every ritual ends with a light blow-dry. If you've got somewhere to be after, add a full blowout.

This isn't only a treat-yourself thing, either. If you're dealing with thinning hair or a stubborn scalp issue, the 90-minute Revive ritual adds red light therapy and a high-frequency comb treatment. The team includes master cosmetologists and a trichologist (a fancy word for a hair and scalp specialist).

Our favorite part is the shared suite. You can book side-by-side sessions for a couple, two best friends, or a mom and daughter. Kids 12 and under can do the 45-minute "Little & Loved" ritual with a grown-up. And guys, you've got your own menu too, beard detox included.

Want to make it a monthly thing? The VIP membership is $99 a month for the first 100 members and covers a 45-minute ritual with red light therapy each month. They sell gift cards too. File that away for December.

One heads up before you go: it's appointment only. No walk-ins. Book ahead, and know they're open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM.

Price: $$$
Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 AM to 7 PM
Sun-Mon Closed

Book a head spa ritual at Willow River

🚗 Get directions to Willow River Head Spa on Google Maps

6 Beds
7.5 Baths
6,083 sq ft
1.12 acre lot

A) $2,395,000

B) $2,525,000

C) $2,575,000

D) $2,650,000

Early voting for the Nov. 3 election is open now and runs through Oct. 30. On weekdays, polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If weekdays are a mess for you (same), there are also two Saturdays (Oct. 17 and 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and two Sundays (Oct. 18 and 25, noon to 5 p.m.).

In East Cobb you've got three spots: the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Rd), the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Rd) and Gritters Library (880 Shaw Park Rd). Sunday voters, heads up. Only the Government Service Center is open around here on Sundays. Before you head out, you can check wait times at every Cobb early voting site.

So what's actually on the ballot locally? The big one is a one-cent SPLOST renewal. (SPLOST is the extra penny of sales tax Cobb uses to pay for projects like roads, parks and libraries.) It would raise an estimated $1.15 billion over six years, starting in 2028. For East Cobb, the list includes $20 million to move the East Cobb Library out of Parkaire Landing, an $8.2 million expansion of the Tim D. Lee Senior Center, and money for Columns Drive flooding fixes and county park upkeep in East Cobb's District 3.

Voting absentee? The deadline to request a ballot is Oct. 23.

Source: East Cobb News

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church has started building a $68 million worship center as part of its $84 million "Forward Vision" plan. The new room seats 2,500 people. Today's sanctuary holds 1,200, and most of the church's services already run in its 1,600-seat activities center, so this pulls everyone under one roof.

Construction is expected to take 20 to 24 months, on land next to the existing campus. The church says it expects minimal disruption, but if Johnson Ferry Road is part of your daily drive, keep an eye out for construction traffic over the next two years.

Source: East Cobb News

Jennifer Benson, 83, of East Cobb died Oct. 3 after contracting West Nile virus, according to her family and her obituary. Cobb & Douglas Public Health says West Nile cases are up in Georgia this year.

Mosquitoes hang around until the first hard freeze, and last weekend's storm left standing water all over the place. So take ten minutes this weekend and walk the yard. Dump out buckets, planters, kids' toys and anything else holding water. You can also pick up free mosquito larvicide tablets weekdays through Oct. 30 at all four Cobb public health centers.

Source: East Cobb News

Marietta Theatre Company turns 10 this year, and it's celebrating with a bigger stage. Through a partnership with Cobb PARKS, the company is moving into the 606-seat Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center.

Want a first look at what's coming? The free season-reveal showcase is tonight, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required at MariettaTheatre.com. The first full production in the new space opens in February 2027.

Source: East Cobb News

Eastside Church wants to build "The Haven" on its Lower Roswell Road campus next to Red Oak Park. That's 103 assisted and independent living units. Back in September, the Cobb Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend denial.

The church asked for more time to revise its plan, so the Board of Commissioners now hears the case Tuesday, Oct. 20. If you live near Red Oak Park and have an opinion either way, that's the meeting to show up for (or at least watch).

Source: East Cobb News

Rae's early years did not go great. She and three other small dogs were pulled out of a neglectful home, and after a stop at animal control, Mostly Mutts took her in.

The rescue got her spayed, got her a dental, and had a mammary mass surgically removed. That's a lot for a little dog, and it took a while.

But she's healthy now.

She's about 10 years old and 9 pounds, and honestly, her daily schedule is better than mine. Nap. A little exploring. Some petting. Another nap.

She does have some hearing loss, so calling her name softly from the other room won't get you much. A louder voice or a whistle works better. Her foster also figured out a simple system: get her attention, tap your leg, and she trots right over.

In her foster home she mostly ignores the other dogs, so a calm, low-key dog sibling would be fine. Older kids who know to be gentle with a small senior are a good fit too. How she does with cats is still unknown.

Her adoption fee is $299, and every Mostly Mutts dog comes with free training classes for life. She's living with a foster, so you can't just walk in and meet her. First, read Rae's full profile. Then fill out the Mostly Mutts adoption application for Rae, and they'll set up a time for you to meet her.

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption
3238 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw, GA 30144
(770) 272-6888
Mon-Sat 10 AM to 3 PM, closed Sunday

🎬 $3 Movie Night: Minions & Monsters - The Art Place at Mountain View | 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066 | 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM | $3 per person, ticketed through Cobb PARKS | More: cobbcounty.gov
The Art Place is showing the PG-rated Minions & Monsters, where the Minions accidentally unleash real monsters while making a 1920s horror movie. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and you check in at the front desk under your registration name.

💃 Dance Storytime - Sewell Mill Library | 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068 | 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM | Free, registration requested | More: cobbcounty.gov
Ms. Chryssy from Studio Ife Dance and Yoga mixes stories with dance moves in this half hour for kids ages 2 to 5. Registering helps the library make sure there's enough floor space.

🖌️ Family Paint Night - Fullers Recreation Center | 3499 Robinson Road, Marietta, GA 30068 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | $8 per person, ticketed through Cobb PARKS | More: cobbcounty.gov
This is a relaxed, self-guided painting night at Fullers with paint, snacks and music provided. Nobody needs art skills, so bring the whole family.

🍖 Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival - Depot Park | 2828 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw, GA 30144 | Fri 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Free admission | More: kennesaw-ga.gov
Kennesaw's BBQ festival moved from August to October this year and opens Friday night with the Kennesaw's Got Country talent showcase. The Kids Zone has a petting zoo and a kids market, and Saturday night brings Tigirlily Gold at 6 and Chayce Beckham at 8.

🎩 Teddy Roosevelt and the American Experience - Roswell Cultural Arts Center | 950 Forrest Street, Roswell, GA 30075 | 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM shows | $12 per person | More: roswellcac.showare.com
Joe Wiegand performs in character as Teddy Roosevelt and takes questions from the audience, including stories about his 1905 visit to Roswell. These are school-day shows, but homeschool families and the public can buy tickets.

🚀 The Movie Series Presented by Xfinity: October Sky - The Battery Atlanta Plaza Green | 800 Battery Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Free | More: batteryatl.com
Bring blankets to the Plaza Green for a free outdoor showing of October Sky, a PG movie about a coal-town kid who decides to build rockets.

🌼 Caregiver and Toddler Time with Cobb Collaborative - Smith-Gilbert Gardens | 2382 Pine Mountain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152 | 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM | Included with garden admission ($10 adults, $5 ages 3 to 17, 2 and under free; SNAP/EBT $3 adults) | More: kennesaw-ga.gov
This 30-minute session for toddlers through pre-K has music, movement, a story and simple counting games. Afterward, let the kids loose in the garden's nature play areas.

🛶 Family Canoe Day - Chattahoochee Nature Center | 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA 30075 | 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM | $25 per person, $12.50 CNC members (ages 5 and up) | More: chattnaturecenter.org
Guides teach first-time paddlers the basics on Beaver Pond and then run games on the water. Nature center admission is included, so pack a picnic, and registration closes Thursday, Oct. 15.

🎃 HarvestFest and Scarecrows in The Square - Glover Park, Marietta Square | 50 N Park Square NE, Marietta, GA 30060 | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Free to attend | More: mariettaga.gov
Marietta Square fills up with scarecrows, a craft market and a Halloween kids' festival for ages 12 and under. Touch-A-Truck runs 10 AM to 2 PM, the pie eating contest is at 11:30 AM, and the costume contest is at 2 PM.

👻 Pop-In for Family Fun: Haunted History - Marietta History Center | 1 Depot Street, Marietta, GA 30060 | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM | Free | More: mariettahistory.org
The History Center's monthly family drop-in has a haunted history theme for October. Activities run from 11 to 2, and museum admission is free all day.

📦 Scribbles and the Journey Home - Switzer Library | 266 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30060 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Free | More: cobbcounty.gov
In this live show, siblings Avery and Jesse and their guide Scribbles turn cardboard boxes into adventures. It works well for toddlers through early elementary kids.

🦆 The Great Annual Duck Race - Oxbo Trail at Big Creek | Oxbo Road, Roswell, GA 30075 | 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Free to attend, ducks $5 each | More: keeproswellbeautiful.org
Keep Roswell Beautiful drops hundreds of rubber ducks into Big Creek at noon, and the race takes about 15 minutes. Online duck sales close Friday at 5 PM, and parking is tight, so walk over from Waller Park.

✂️ You and Me Art - Switzer Library | 266 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30060 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Free, registration required | More: cobbcounty.gov
Kids ages 5 to 9 bring a grown-up and make an art project together. It's an easy Saturday morning outing.

📚 Cobb Library Fall Book Sale - Cobb County Civic Center | 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta, GA 30060 | Sun 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (also Fri and Sat 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) | Free admission; Bring Your Own Box $10 to $20 Sunday | More: cobbcounty.gov
Sunday is Bring Your Own Box day, so fill a box with books, DVDs and puzzles for a flat $10 or $20. Every dollar goes back to Cobb's libraries.

🖼️ Cumberland Art Festival - Galleria on the Park | 100 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 | Sat 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Free | More: cumberlanddistrict.com
This first-year festival brings more than 125 artists, live music, food vendors and a Kid Zone to the Galleria lawn. It runs Saturday and Sunday, so Sunday is the calmer day to browse.

😂 Comedy on the Square - The Alley Stage | 11 Anderson Street, Marietta, GA 30060 | Fri and Sat 8:00 PM | Ticketed through SeatEngine (770-919-0001), two-item minimum, 18+ | More: alleystage.org
A rotating lineup of stand-up comics plays the small Alley Stage just off the Square on Friday and Saturday night. The room is small enough that you can hear every joke.

🖤 EMO Karaoke Night at Park Bench - Park Bench | 900 Battery Ave, Ste 1060, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM | Free, no cover (21+) | More: batteryatl.com
Emo-themed karaoke at Park Bench at The Battery on Friday night. Doors open at 5 PM, so you can get dinner first, and seating is first come.

🍋 Infusions 101 at ASW Distillery - ASW Distillery | 900 Battery Ave SE, Suite 1035, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Ticketed through ASW Distillery (770-635-8425) | More: aswdistillery.com
You taste three liqueurs, pick limoncello, coffee or elderflower and orange, and build an infusion jar to take home. A liter of Bustletown Vodka comes with it so you can finish the infusion in your own kitchen.

🎸 Marty Manous in Concert - Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | 117 N Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060 | 8:00 PM | Ticketed through the Strand box office (770-293-0080) | More: earlsmithstrand.org
Blues-rock guitarist Marty Manous plays the Strand on Friday night with a set that leans toward Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Allman Brothers.

🎤 Trap Karaoke at Coca-Cola Roxy - Coca-Cola Roxy | 800 Battery Ave SE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM | From $87 GA, $117 VIP balcony | More: trapkaraoke.com
Trap Karaoke brings its hip-hop sing-along tour to the Roxy on Friday, and the whole crowd raps along with whoever is on stage.

🪩 After Dark at Punch Bowl Social - Punch Bowl Social | 875 Battery Ave SE, Suite 720, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM | Free with RSVP (21+ after 10 PM) | More: batteryatl.com
Punch Bowl Social's Saturday late night at The Battery has a DJ, drink specials, hourly raffles and throwback board games for your group.

🍏 Atlanta Hard Cider: Cheers to Five Years - Atlanta Hard Cider | 1010 Roswell Street NE, Marietta, GA 30060 | 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Free admission, $5 cider specials (21+ for alcohol) | More: atlantahardcider.com
Atlanta Hard Cider is marking five years of its Marietta taproom with live music from Tyler Sherard from 3 to 7, Big Toko Barbeque until 8, and $5 Wassail and Tart Cherry pours. Be there at 5 PM for the free anniversary toast.

🎹 Dueling Pianos at Park Bench - Park Bench | 900 Battery Ave, Ste 1060, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM | Free, no cover (table reservations recommended) | More: batteryatl.com
Saturday night dueling pianos at Park Bench with no cover. General seating often fills up, so reserve a table if you're bringing a group.

🪴 Garden Learning Series: Bonsai Maintenance - Smith-Gilbert Gardens | 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM | $35, member discount available | More: kennesaw-ga.gov
Horticulture tech Zack Aulbach teaches pruning and wiring hands-on, and you're welcome to bring your own tree. Materials are provided, and registration closes Thursday.

🎷 Jazz Brunch at C. Ellet's - C. Ellet's | 2605 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30339 | Sat and Sun 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM | No cover, brunch entrees $11 to $45 | More: batteryatl.com
A live jazz duo plays through brunch on Saturday and Sunday at C. Ellet's at The Battery. Order the fried chicken and a mimosa, and book a reservation ahead.

🔘 MCMA Workshop: Coraline Button Coaster Set - Marietta Cobb Museum of Art | 30 Atlanta Street, Marietta, GA 30060 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM | $50 walk-up, subject to availability | More: mariettacobbartmuseum.org
You build a four-piece clay coaster set and holder from slabs and coils with a Coraline button theme. Online registration closes Wednesday, so plan on walking up.

🎧 Nine Vicious at Coca-Cola Roxy - Coca-Cola Roxy | 800 Battery Ave SE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 8:00 PM | Ticketed through Ticketmaster | More: batteryatl.com
Rapper Nine Vicious headlines the Roxy on Saturday night. Look up the Battery road closures before you drive over.

🤠 Strand Ole Opry: We Will Always Love Dolly - Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | 117 N Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060 | Sat 8:00 PM and Sun 3:00 PM | Ticketed through the Strand box office (770-293-0080) | More: earlsmithstrand.org
The Strand's community singers and house band spend an evening on Dolly Parton's songs, from Jolene to I Will Always Love You. The Sunday matinee works if Saturday night is already booked.

🍻 Pop & Country Hits at Park Bench - Park Bench | 900 Battery Ave, Ste 1060, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Free, no cover (21+) | More: batteryatl.com
Live pop and country covers at Park Bench on Sunday evening, with seating and no cover.

A collar can slip off. A microchip can't.

When a lost dog or cat ends up at a shelter or a vet's office, the first thing they do is scan for a chip. That tiny chip is how your pet finds its way back to your front door. This Saturday, Cobb County will chip yours for free, right here at East Cobb Park.

What it is: Cobb County Animal Services is running a free microchip clinic for dogs and cats owned by Cobb County residents. No appointment and no registration. You just walk up.

Plan it (go early): The clinic runs 9 to 2, and the morning is your best shot at getting in and out fast. Bring two things: proof the pet is yours (vet records or adoption paperwork both work) and proof you live in Cobb, like a driver's license with your address on it.

At the clinic: Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier while you wait. Once the chip is in, register it with your current phone number. This part matters more than people think. A chip linked to an old number won't get your pet home.

Logistics: East Cobb Park has a free parking lot off Roswell Road. Questions go to Cobb County Animal Services at (770) 499-4136.

Heads up: This is a one-day clinic, and it's only for Cobb residents. If your dog or cat still isn't chipped, Saturday morning fixes that, and it won't cost you a dime.

🚗 Get directions to East Cobb Park

Here's a gap most people don't find out about until they're standing in an inch of water. Most standard homeowners policies don't cover water that backs up through your drains or sewer line.

Picture last weekend's storm. Heavy rain overwhelms the system, and water starts coming up through the floor drain in your basement. You'd assume that's covered, right?

Usually, it isn't.

The fix is a water or sewer backup endorsement. That's just an add-on to the policy you already have, not a whole new policy.

If you've got a finished basement, or your street floods when it really rains, check for this before the next storm rolls through. Read Triple-I's guide to protecting your house from sewer backups.

Ask a Peachy agent whether sewer backup coverage is on your policy.