Home Show weekend + a 52-year goodbye

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What's up, East Cobb.

Big weekend for spring home projects. The Atlanta Home Show is at Cobb Galleria Friday through Sunday, and my wife and I are heading over this weekend.

300+ vendors covering kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping, roofing, flooring — basically anything you've been putting off since last fall. If you've got a project on the brain, this is a good excuse to actually go talk to someone about it before every contractor in Atlanta gets booked out for the summer.

My house is a money pit (pain), so I'll probably leave with a full calendar and an empty wallet. If you're a Bravo fan, Captain Sandy from Below Deck Mediterranean is on stage Friday and Saturday too.

For families, the Cobb County Library is putting on a real book festival Saturday at North Cobb Regional. 25+ authors, panels, a kids' corner with the Dog Man mascot, food vendors on site — free all day, no registration. Weather looks like it's shaping up nicely this weekend too, so if you'd rather just be outside, there's plenty of reason to get out there before pollen season takes over.

Sunday is low-key. The Marietta Square Farmers Market runs noon to 3, which is a nice way to wind down the weekend without much planning.

Scroll down for the full weekend planner, some local news worth knowing about, and a restaurant find if you're looking for a new BBQ spot.

- Andrew

_{This issue is sponsored by Peachy Insurance}

You're about to get some money back from the state. Before you spend it, spend five minutes making sure the stuff you already own is actually protected.

Georgia's new tax rebate means $250 back for single filers and $500 for couples. The homeowner relief grant could save you another $500 on property taxes. That's real money. And a good reminder to check whether your coverage still matches what you've got.

Here's what we mean: if your home's value has gone up (and in East Cobb, it probably has), your dwelling limit may not reflect what it would actually cost to rebuild. If you bought a car in the last year or two, your auto policy might still be based on the old one. These gaps don't show up until something goes wrong.

Spring is also when severe weather picks back up in north Georgia. Hail, wind, fallen trees. The claims we see most often are the ones people assumed they were covered for but weren't.

Peachy Insurance is Atlanta-based, licensed, and built to make this painless. No runaround, no upselling. Just a straight answer on where you stand.

A few things worth checking while it's on your mind:

Get a quote or coverage review here: peachyinsurance.com OR text/call us 404-600-1660 (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Friday–Sunday, March 20–22
Fri 10AM–6PM
Sat 10AM–8PM
Sun 11AM–5PM
Cobb Galleria Centre
$9 online / $11 at door | Kids 12 & under FREE

You know that list of home projects you've been putting off since last fall? This is your sign to stop ignoring it.

The Atlanta Home Show is back at Cobb Galleria this weekend with 300+ vendors covering pretty much every corner of home improvement. Kitchens. Bathrooms. Roofing. Landscaping. Flooring. Windows. Decks. If it has to do with your house, someone there can help you with it. And the best part is you can actually talk to people face to face — get real quotes, ask real questions, and figure out who you want to call before you commit to anything.

This is one of those events that sounds like a chore but ends up being genuinely useful. Especially right now, when spring project season is about to kick off and every contractor in Atlanta is about to get booked out for months.

If you're a Bravo fan (like me and my wife are), Captain Sandy from Below Deck Mediterranean is live on stage Friday and Saturday. Fun bonus.

Active military, veterans, teachers, and first responders get in FREE all weekend with a valid ID — so pass this along if you know someone who qualifies. Kids 12 and under are always free.

Tickets are $9 online or $11 at the door. Parking is $10, card only. Go Friday or Saturday if you want to catch Captain Sandy. Go Sunday if you just want a quieter walk through without the weekend crowd.

Want to go? Get Tickets

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If you want BBQ without making a whole thing out of it, this is the spot. It's a counter-order place off East Piedmont. Walk in, order, grab a number, sit down. Food shows up in under 10 minutes. No reservations, no waiting around, no fuss. Good for a weeknight when you don't want to cook but also don't want to commit to a full sit-down dinner somewhere.

The brisket sandwich is what most people get first, and it holds up. Tender, flavorful, and they've got a sweet sauce that works well with it. If you're building a plate instead, the pulled pork and smoked chicken both get consistent love in reviews. Personally, I love the sausage. The sides are honestly where this place shines. The mac and cheese is rich and creamy, the fried okra is crispy with a little pepper in the batter, and the Brunswick stew is the kind of comfort food that makes sense on a cool evening. Potato salad is chunky style if that's your thing.

The vibe is casual and friendly. Staff moves people through quick, which is part of the appeal. It's not a place you linger for two hours, but that's not what it's trying to be either.

One thing worth knowing: if you're feeding a big group, ask what's actually included in the combo plates before you order. Portion sizes on the larger options have been inconsistent based on reviews.

Price: $$
Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Closed Sunday

Visit Righteous ‘Que’s website for more info

⚠️ Heads up: Multiple reviews flag portion sizes on the larger combo plates as inconsistent. Safer to order individual sandwiches or smaller plates if you're unsure.

If spring break or summer camp is on your radar and you've got a kid who loves drawing or painting, Art365 Studio is the local option worth checking out. It's been running out of their studio off Johnson Ferry since 2008, and parents keep coming back because their kids actually improve and, more importantly, gain real confidence.

The instructor, Jian, is the core of what makes this place work. She knows how to connect with kids and bring out their creativity, and thats both whether a child comes in shy or already comfortable picking up a paintbrush. The studio space is spacious and organized, so kids have room to work without feeling cramped. They run half-day and full-day camp options during school breaks, so you can piece together childcare without committing to a full week of eight hour days.

Beyond camps, they also offer after-school art classes and birthday parties if you need something year-round. The vibe is straightforward: come in, make art, leave with something you're proud of.

Price: $$
Hours:
Tue-Fri 3:00-7:00 PM
Sat-Sun 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Closed Monday
Website: Camp Schedule

The Georgia Senate voted 53-0 on Monday to pass HB 1000, authorizing one-time income tax rebates for residents who filed 2024 or 2025 state returns. Single filers will receive up to $250, heads of household up to $375, and married couples filing jointly up to $500. Governor Kemp is expected to sign the bill, which would mark the fourth round of state tax rebates in recent years, funded by billions in accumulated budget surplus.

The timeline for when rebates actually hit bank accounts hasn't been announced yet. That's up to the Georgia Department of Revenue, which will process payments as returns are filed. If you haven't filed your 2024 state return yet, now's a good reason to get it done.

More: WABE | Atlanta News First

Candidate qualifying closed March 6, and the field is now locked for the May 19 primaries. On the Cobb Commission side, District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell faces Republican challenger Chris Wasserman and Democrat Kevin Redmon. On the Cobb school board, Post 4 has David Chastain running as the Republican candidate, and Post 6 also has primary activity. East Cobb News has a full breakdown of which races are contested and which are not.

If you like to track local races early, this is the starting line. The candidates are set, and early voting logistics should follow in the coming weeks.

More: East Cobb News

Dance Stop Studios is closing in East Cobb after 52 years of operation. Owners Lynette Strickland and Richard Grubb announced the decision over the weekend, with final classes and recitals winding down in May. The studio started in a small house near the Big Chicken in 1974 and expanded over the decades, eventually housing a nonprofit foundation tied to performances and community events.

If your family has a long Dance Stop connection, this is one to read. A lot of people in East Cobb have a "my kid danced there" chapter, and this is the last one.

More: East Cobb News

Bookmiser is back open after closing in late September following a fire at a neighboring electronics repair store. The store was shut down for nearly five months, and co-owner Annell Gerson, who has owned the shop since 2010, said the reopening took longer than expected, with insurance paperwork still pending. The store now has new flooring, rearranged bookshelves, and more open space for events.

If you missed having a real local bookstore you can wander into without a plan, this is a nice return to normal for the neighborhood.

More: East Cobb News

The Corn House on Lower Roswell Road received a score of 54 out of 100 on its routine health inspection on March 12, earning an Unsatisfactory grade. The Marietta Daily Journal reports the walk-in cooler was running at 50 degrees (the required maximum is 41), raw beef was stored on top of cooked beef, and inspectors found a can of nacho cheese with mold covered in aluminum foil. Both handwashing sinks were blocked with piled-up dishes, and the ice machine had heavy mold buildup.

The restaurant's management did not respond to the MDJ's request for comment by publication time. Health scores are compiled by the Georgia Department of Public Health, and full inspection details are available through their database.

More: MDJ

If you've ever seen a cat with a curly tail, you know it stops you in your tracks. Butters has one. It doesn't stick straight up like a normal cat tail. It curls. It's the first thing you'll notice and the thing you'll tell everyone about later.

He's two months old, grey and white, and came in as an owner surrender with his brother Harvie when their previous family couldn't keep them. He's a gentle, playful little guy with plenty of kitten energy, but he's not the type to charge at you the second you walk in. He needs a minute. Let him come to you, and once he does, you've got a buddy.

Butters does well with other cats and respectful kids. If you already have a cat at home, he'd probably settle in faster with a friend around. He's up to date on vaccines, and the $200 adoption fee covers his care.

Homeless Pets Foundation is appointment-only, so you'll want to submit an application on their website before visiting. Their cats are sometimes housed at the PetSmart on Cumberland Blvd in Smyrna, so ask which location when you apply.

Homeless Pets Foundation
1343 Gresham Rd, Marietta, GA 30062
(770) 971-0100
See Butters’ adoption profile here

🧸 Playtime for Littles - East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta) | 10:30 AM | Free | More: Cobb County Events
Low-pressure playtime and social time. Ages 1–5 with a caregiver.

💎 Bellpoint Gem Show - Cobb County Civic Center (548 S Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta) | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | $17 online, $15 cash at door | More: Bellpoint Gem Show
Crystals, fossils, jewelry, and all the shiny things. Great rainy-day backup plan too.

🧱 Lego Free Play - Switzer Library (266 Roswell St, Marietta) | 1:00 PM | Free | More: Cobb County Events
Open build time with Legos and building materials. Ages 5–12.

🍀 Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K Walk/Run - Marietta Square (75 E Park Sq, Marietta) | 8:00 AM (warm-up 7:30 AM) | Registration required | More: City of Marietta
St. Patrick's-themed 5K. Community-focused, family-friendly.

🐰 Bunny Breakfast - Ben Robertson Community Center (2753 Watts Dr, Kennesaw) | 8:00 AM or 10:00 AM | $12 per person, advance purchase required | More: City of Kennesaw
Pancake buffet with scrambled eggs and sausage. The Easter Bunny visits each table for photos — bring your own camera. Two seatings, so pick one and book ahead. Kids 2 and under free if sitting on a lap.

✍️ Pop-In for Family Fun: Women Who Write - Marietta History Center (1 Depot St, Marietta) | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (crafts 11 AM–2 PM) | FREE | More: City of Marietta
Monthly family event at the museum with writing-themed crafts and activities for kids. This month celebrates female authors and storytellers. Museum admission is free all day thanks to a sponsor.

📚 Together We Read: Cobb Library Book Festival - North Cobb Regional Library (3535 Old 41 Hwy, Kennesaw) | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | FREE | More: Cobb County Library
25+ authors including Nic Stone, author panels, bilingual storytimes, kids' corner with Dog Man mascot, food vendors. A full-day outing. Optional early-morning birdwatching at 9:15 AM at neighboring church.

🛍️ Marietta Square Artisan Market - Mill Street (41 Mill St area, Marietta) | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Local makers and artists selling handcrafted goods. Right next to the Square.

🩰 Don Quixote Ballet - Jennie T. Anderson Theatre (548 S Marietta Pkwy, Marietta) | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM | Tickets from $25 | More: GMDT Tickets
Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre's full-length production with 82 student dancers plus guest artists. A comedy-filled classical ballet that's family-friendly and rarely staged locally. Also playing Sunday.

💎 Bellpoint Gem Show - Cobb County Civic Center (548 S Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta) | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | $17 online, $15 cash at door | More: Bellpoint Gem Show
Last day to go. Let kids pick one small "treasure."

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market (Sunday) - North Park Square (Historic Marietta Square) | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM | Free | More: Marietta Square Farmers Market
A quieter market window than Saturday morning.

🩰 Don Quixote Ballet - Jennie T. Anderson Theatre (548 S Marietta Pkwy, Marietta) | 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM | Tickets from $25 | More: GMDT Tickets
Sunday matinee and afternoon showings. Good option if Saturday is packed.

🥚 Easter Egg Scramble - St. Andrew United Methodist Church (3455 Canton Rd, Marietta) | 4:00 PM | FREE | More: The Pumpkin Church
Combined with March Messy Church — taco bar, games, Easter-themed activities, and egg collecting. Bring a basket. All ages welcome.

🏠 Atlanta Home Show - Cobb Galleria Centre (2 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta) | Fri 10 AM–6 PM, Sat 10 AM–8 PM, Sun 11 AM–5 PM | $9 advance / $11 at door; kids 12 & under FREE; seniors 65+ FREE | More: Atlanta Home Show
300+ booths of home improvement vendors, landscaping, remodeling, and interior design. Captain Sandy from Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean appears live Friday and Saturday. Hero Day runs all three days — active military, veterans, teachers, and first responders get free admission with valid ID. Parking is $10 (credit/debit only). If you have any spring home project on the brain, this is the weekend to go.

📖 East Cobb Book Discussion Group - East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta) | 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM | Free | More: East Cobb News
Morning session discusses A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci; afternoon session covers Weyward by Emilia Hart. Two different books, two different time slots.

🎭 The Marriage of Figaro - Cobb Energy Centre (2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta) | 7:30 PM | Tickets required | More: Cobb Energy Centre
Atlanta Opera production. Classic, full production close to home.

😂 Comedy on the Square - The Alley Stage (11 Anderson St, Marietta) | 8:00 PM | Tickets required | More: Visit Marietta GA
Reliable "we need a night out" plan right off the Square.

😂 Comedy on the Square - The Alley Stage (11 Anderson St, Marietta) | 8:00 PM | Tickets required | More: Visit Marietta GA
Same concept, different night. Great if Friday is booked.

🩰 Don Quixote Ballet (Evening) - Jennie T. Anderson Theatre (548 S Marietta Pkwy, Marietta) | 7:30 PM | Tickets from $25 | More: GMDT Tickets
Date night option. Full-length classical ballet with Spanish flair and humor. Local pre-professional company with guest artists.

🎭 The Marriage of Figaro - Cobb Energy Centre (2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta) | 3:00 PM | Tickets required | More: Cobb Energy Centre
Matinee timing makes it an easier lift.

3140 Old US Hwy 41, Kennesaw

Although it’s a bit of a drive, this Kennesaw park is perfect for an excursion.

What it is:

42 acres of park that actually earns a full morning or afternoon. This is Kennesaw's biggest park, and it's not just a playground with a walking path next to it.

You've got an 18,500 square foot inclusive playground that's one of the largest in the state, a 40,000 square foot all-concrete skatepark, a 1.4-acre dog park split into big dog and small dog sections, paved walking trails, three picnic pavilions with charcoal grills, and an outdoor fitness station.

There's enough here that different members of your family can be doing completely different things at the same time, and nobody's bored.

What to expect:

The playground is fully enclosed, which is a big deal if you've got a runner. Two age-appropriate play structures, swings, bridges, climbers, and a We-Go-Swing designed for wheelchair access.

The skatepark is legit. It's SLS Foundation certified with a street plaza, flow course, and bowl. Helmets are required for kids 15 and under.

If you brought the dog, the Frank Boone Dog Park has a watering station, a dog wash area, and waste bags provided so you don't have to plan ahead.

Cost: Completely free. No registration, no fees, no parking charge.

Timing: Park is open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The playground closes at dark. Morning is your best bet if you want to grab a pavilion without competing for one. One note: the splash pad doesn't open until Memorial Day, so don't show up expecting water play in March.

Plan around it:

The one-mile perimeter trail is paved, flat, and stroller-friendly. The half-mile inner loop is a quicker option if you just want to stretch your legs between playground rotations.

Shade is limited on the playground side — only one structure has a canopy — so bring hats and sunscreen if it's a sunny day. Parking is a large paved lot on the south end of the park with accessible spaces.

If you want to turn it into a longer outing, pack a cooler and claim one of the pavilions. Each one seats about 60 people and has charcoal grills, so you could easily turn this into a full afternoon with another family.

More info: City of Kennesaw

If you're renting a car this month, don't pay for coverage you already have — and don't skip coverage you actually need. Two minutes of homework now saves you a headache at the counter.

1. Check your auto policy first. Most personal auto policies extend collision, comprehensive, and liability to rental cars — but not all of them, and not always outside the U.S. and Canada. If your trip crosses a border, don't assume you're covered.

2. Check your credit card second. Many cards offer rental coverage, but it's usually secondary (your auto policy pays first, the card picks up the rest). It also typically only kicks in if you decline the rental company's damage waiver. Confirm before you rely on it.

3. Ask about the charges nobody mentions. If the rental gets damaged, the company can bill you for downtime, towing, and diminished value — and those charges often aren't covered by your policy or your card. If you're unsure, the rental company's damage waiver might actually be worth it this time.

Not sure what your current policy covers? Peachy can pull up your declarations page and walk you through it in 10 minutes — no runaround, no pressure.

Learn more: peachyinsurance.com

Cobb County Government — Admin, parks & rec, public works, IT, police support, and more across 5,000+ positions. Strong benefits, hybrid pension, on-site wellness clinic.
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Cobb County School District — Not just teachers. Paras, bus drivers, food service, custodians, office staff, and subs across 110+ schools. Positions turn over fast — check weekly.
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City of Marietta — Public works, sanitation, parks, customer service, police support, and seasonal gigs. As local as it gets.
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Wellstar Health System — Georgia's largest integrated health system. Nursing, clinical support, admin, IT — filter by location to find what's near you.
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The Avenue East Cobb — Retail and restaurant jobs at Gap, LOFT, Ann Taylor, Evereve, and others. Great for part-time, flexible shifts, or a quick on-ramp.
👉 See who's hiring

Marietta City Schools — Certified teachers, subs, bus drivers, and support staff. Separate from CCSD — worth checking if you're closer to Marietta schools.
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