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How was your Thanksgiving????!! I'm barely recovered, you???? The thought of pulling out Christmas decor is beyond exhausting to say the least. Hopefully I will be inspired this weekend!!
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Speaking of being inspired I went to see the Viktor + Rolf Fashion Statements collection at the High Museum.....gaaaaaah! It was sooo cool!!! If you have ever tried sewing anything you will appreciate this exhibition. I gave up sewing after Mrs. Russell's home ec class in 7th grade when I could not sew the zipper in the brown tweed skirt I was desperately trying to complete.
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The designers really proved their point of view with clothing as sculpture.
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I was also inspired by the visit I took to the Atlanta Holiday Show House. Still gawking over that!! 🎄👀
Let's get into this weeks events!
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Naray
Publisher,
A Side Of Town
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Subscribe and share the A Side Of Town, here​

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* Together With Pura​
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If your home currently smells like… let’s say real life (kids, dogs, Amazon boxes, and whatever’s happening in the fridge), Pura is your holiday-season lifesaver. It’s a sleek smart-home fragrance device that plugs into the wall, holds two scent pods, and lets you control everything from your phone — intensity, schedules, scent swaps, all of it. No flames, no stress, and no “Did I blow that candle out?” panic at midnight. This week I’m recommending Fresh Balsam & Cedar and Frasier Fir (my all time favs every holiday season)because they smell like a chic forest cabin and let you pretend you personally hiked out and cut down your tree. Zero effort, maximum holiday magic. Currently 20% OFF
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Editor's Picks

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​⭐ Lights on the Loop — Alpharetta

A nightly glow-up you have to walk at least once. Twinkly, cozy, and 10/10 for holiday mood-boosting.

⭐ Christmas in Crabapple — Milton (Dec 6)

Tree lighting, small-town charm, Santa, and festive crowds in their happiest form.

⭐ Alpharetta Christmas Market — Innovation Academy (Dec 6)

Local makers, handmade gifts, and the perfect “I’ll just browse—oops I bought five things” outing.

⭐ Halcyon Holiday Magic — Halcyon (Dec 6)

Santa, the Grinch, Mickey & Minnie, and the Frozen sisters. It’s like a theme park… without the theme park pricing.

⭐ Makers Market Holiday Market — Avalon (Dec 7)

Chic holiday shopping + live music + good vibes. The perfect Avalon Sunday.

⭐ North Pole Fa-La-La-La-La Follies — Roswell (Dec 3–5)

A whimsical holiday stage show packed with music, cheer, and pure December joy.

⭐ A Classy Brassy Christmas — Roswell UMC (Dec 7)

Big brass + big holiday energy = instant mood spark.

⭐ Motown Christmas — Roswell Cultural Arts Center (Dec 19)

Smooth, soulful, nostalgic holiday magic. This one sells out for a reason.

⭐ Holiday Pop-Up Bars — Downtown Alpharetta (All season)

Miracle on Main, Santa Social, Elf’d Up — three festive moods, one merry crawl.

⭐ HOBNOB Ski Chalet Pop-Up — Halcyon (All season)

Peppermint martinis, s’mores, and the coziest après-ski energy Alpharetta has ever seen.

ONGOING / SEASONAL EVENTS​
Lights on the Loop – Holiday Light Village

📍 Alpha Loop
⏰ Nightly, 5–11 PM
​What: A walk-through winter wonderland with twinkling tunnels, glowing trees, and the perfect backdrop for your holiday card photo… even if you take it on December 23.
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Avalon on Ice – Outdoor Holiday Skating ​
📍 Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta
💲 $18 adults; $14 kids 9 & under (includes skates)
​What: Avalon turns into our very own mini Rockefeller Center — twinkle lights, holiday music, and at least one person doing way too much for a public rink. Perfect for impressing visiting relatives or reliving your childhood figure-skating fantasy.
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FairyTale Village – Winter Experience at North Point Mall ​
📍 North Point Mall, Alpharetta
⏰ Thu–Sun hours vary; runs through Dec 30
💲 $ Timed tickets
​What: Eight immersive, glitter-dusted rooms of holiday magic. Think: characters, crafts, photo ops, and enough whimsy to make you forget you're technically inside a mall.

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Miracle on Main St. – The Hamilton​
📍 The Hamilton, Downtown Alpharetta
⏰ Select evenings 5 pm–late
💲 $ Holiday cocktails; no cover
​What: The Hamilton transforms into a tinsel-wrapped holiday fever dream — nostalgic glassware, cozy lighting, and drinks so cute they practically beg for Instagram.
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⭐Elf’d Up – Up on the Roof​
📍 Up on the Roof, Downtown Alpharetta
⏰ Evenings; hours vary
💲 $ Food & cocktails; no cover
​What: Rooftop views + elf chaos = peak Alpharetta holiday fun. Ideal for groups who want festive energy without committing to a full “matching pajamas” vibe.

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​THURSDAY Dec 3-5
​North Pole Fa-La-La-La-La Follies​
📍 Roswell Cultural Arts Center
⏰ Dec 3–5
​What: A whimsical holiday stage show with music, dancing, and family-friendly magic.
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​FRIDAY Dec 5
​Alpharetta Chorus Nighttime Sing-Along

📍 Spotlight Theater @ North Point Mall
⏰ 7 PM • 💵 Free (RSVP encouraged)
​What: Gather ‘round for a community sing-along of holiday favorites. No vocal skills required — just enthusiasm and the ability to hit at least… two notes.

Roswell Christmas Tree Lighting

📍 Heart of Roswell Park
⏰ Evening (exact time varies)
​What: Roswell flips the switch on its big, bright, very-photogenic tree. Expect music, cocoa, and neighbors you haven’t seen since last year’s pajamas-and-wrapping-paper marathon.
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SATURDAY Dec 6
​Christmas in Crabapple

📍 Broadwell Pavilion, Milton
⏰ 2–6 PM
​What: Santa rolls into Milton to light the community tree and oversee a cozy afternoon of shopping, crafts, and charming small-town cheer.

Roswell Makers Market

📍 Roswell Visual Arts Center
⏰ All day
​What: A treasure trove of art, gifts, and handcrafted goods made by local creatives. Perfect for crossing off those last few “I honestly have no idea what to get them” names.

Breakfast with Santa

📍 East Roswell Rec Center
⏰ Morning
​What: Pancakes + Santa = kids who will behave (at least until lunch). A classic holiday morning for families.

Gingerbread House Challenge

📍 Roswell Visual Arts Center
⏰ All day
​What: Build it, decorate it, and enter it to win bragging rights as the neighborhood Gingerbread Architect of the Year.

Clara’s Land of Sweets

📍 Roswell Cultural Arts Center
⏰ Shows throughout the day
​What: A Nutcracker-inspired show designed for younger audiences — sweet, short, and full of holiday charm.

Halcyon Holiday Magic — Character Meet & Greets

📍 Halcyon
⏰ 11 AM or 1:15 PM • 💵 $20 (benefits Family Promise)
​What: Santa, the Grinch, Mickey & Minnie, and the Frozen sisters all show up for photos, crafts, and sugar-fueled fun. (It’s basically Disney World without the airfare.)

Breakfast with Santa (Chick-fil-A Avalon)

📍 The Avalon CFA
⏰ Morning
​What: A holiday breakfast, Santa photos, and the kind of cheer only a Chick-fil-A biscuit can deliver.​
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​SUNDAY Dec 7​
​A Classy Brassy Christmas

📍 Roswell United Methodist Church
⏰ Afternoon
​What: A big, bold, brassy holiday performance that fills the room with joy, sparkle, and a little toe-tapping nostalgia.
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​Y’allmark — Dad’s Garage Comedy Show📍 Roswell Cultural Arts Center
⏰ Evening
​What: A Hallmark-style romantic comedy… but improvised. And very southern. And very, very funny.

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WEDNESDAY Dec 10

Holiday Movie Magic Crawl (Halcyon)

📍 Halcyon
⏰ 6–10 PM • 💵 $7
​What: A festive crawl with themed cocktails, mocktails, treats, a Grinch photo op, and all the feel-good nostalgia of your favorite holiday movies.
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​FRIDAY Dec 13​
❄️ Snow Day at Alpharetta City Center

📍 Alpharetta City Center
⏰ December 13
🎟️ Free​
​What: A full-on snowy play day in the middle of downtown — sledding lane, snow play zone, photo ops, and festive fun for kids. One of the most magical Alpharetta traditions and shockingly not widely advertised.

🎁 Stuff a Mercedes! — Holiday Toy Drive
​📍 The Village Green at Halcyon
⏰ December 13, 2025
🎟️ Bring a new toy to donate​
​What: RBM of Alpharetta is stuffing a Mercedes-Benz with toys for The Place Forsyth's Holiday House. Bring new toys and help create a little holiday joy for local families.

💥 Sell-out Sidebar

Do. Not. Wait. (Seriously.)

🎟️ Avalon Noon Year’s Eve — Dec 31​
The one with the balloon drop at noon. It sells out before your coffee gets cold. Tix go on sale 12/2

🥞 Milton Pancake Breakfast with Santa — Dec 13​
Toys + pancakes + Santa = gone in a flash.

🎬 Holiday Movie Magic Crawl — Halcyon, Dec 11​
$7 tickets → holiday cocktails → Grinch photo ops → poof.

🏃‍♀️ Avalon Jingle Jog + Nutcracker Brunch — Dec 14​
A 5K but make it festive. Spots disappear quickly.

🎤 Motown Christmas — Dec 19​
All the smooth, soulful holiday vibes. The kind of show people grab tickets for "just in case." purchase tickets at roswell365.com​

🎭 HOLLY & HARMONY Cabaret — Dec 19–21​
A glittery holiday weekend onstage. Blink and tickets are gone.
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Have an event you would like to spread the word about? Click 👉 here to submit your event.
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Your December survival kit starts here. Five festive, fun, click-worthy picks to make hosting, gifting, and treating yourself a whole lot easier.
​Holiday Helper Picks

1. The Sleigh-Ready Serving Board​
Perfect for cheese, cookies, or that “I didn’t bake but I arranged it nicely” holiday moment.

2. The Evergreen Candle That Smells Like December​
Because your home deserves to smell as magical as Lights on the Loop looks.

3. The Cozy Throw Everyone Will Steal on Movie Night​
Ultra-soft, winter-weight, and ideal for watching every nostalgic holiday movie.

4. The Fancy Hot Cocoa Kit​
Level up your warm drinks — peppermint, dark chocolate, or spicy Mexican cocoa.

5. The Barware Set for Festive Hosting​
Shakers, strainers, stirrers — everything you need for holiday cocktails (or mocktails).

A mix of big brass, Motown nostalgia, and holiday comedy coming in hot.

Quick Picks:

• A Classy Brassy Christmas (Dec 7)
• Y’allmark Comedy Show (Dec 7)
• Motown Christmas (Dec 19)
• HOLLY & HARMONY Cabaret (Dec 19–21)
• Joe Gransden’s Holiday Jazz (Dec 21)
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Most people know Indiehouse Modern Fragrance for its curated boutique scents, but almost no one realizes they also have a tucked‑away Maker Studio where you can blend your own custom perfume or candle. It’s intimate, creative, and wildly relaxing — the perfect hidden gem for a friends’ night out, a unique holiday gift, or a little December self-care. Spots are small and fill up quickly, but the end result is a one-of-a-kind scent you can’t get anywhere else.

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📸 Guess the Photo

This is a photo of an object around town, tightly zoomed in, can you guess what it is?
👉 Do you know what it is?

Answer revealed next week in the Fadeout!!

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This week is packed with feel-good family fun — from Santa sightings to makers markets.

Quick Picks:

• Christmas in Crabapple (Dec 6)
• Breakfast with Santa (multiple locations)
• Clara’s Land of Sweets (Dec 6)
• Gingerbread House Challenge (Dec 6)
• Lights on the Loop (nightly)
• FairyTale Village (daily)
• Santa at Avalon (daily/seasonal)Walk-ups welcome

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Click 👉 here to submit your event.

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🍽️ Holiday Brunch Specials at Southern Porch

📍 Southern Porch, Alpharetta
⏰ Seasonal menu
🎟️ Regular menu pricing
​What: Gingerbread pancakes, gingerbread beignets, and a cranberry peach mimosa that tastes like holiday cheer in a glass.​
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Eclipse de Luna — Holiday Cocktails

📍 Avalon
​What: Seasonal drinks + $7 appetizers? Yes. Always yes.
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7 Acre BarnGrill – Cozy Winter Dining

📍 Milton
​What: Comfort food, homemade pies, and charming rustic holiday vibes.
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Atlanta National Pickleball Club – Kitchen 141 & Pickle Bob’s

📍 Alpharetta
​What: New hot spot alert — courts + restaurant + sports bar under one roof.
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​Malvi Mallow Pop-Up​
📍 Avalon
⏰ Open Daily
💵 Varies
​ What: Alpharetta’s sweetest little secret — handmade marshmallows that will ruin you for store-bought forever.
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​Roswell, Milton, and beyond bring their own holiday sparkle.

Quick Picks:

• Roswell Christkindlmarket (through Dec 23)
• Roswell Makers Market (Dec 6)
• Cultural Arts holiday shows all month
• Roswell365 community workshops

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​⭐️Victor Rolf. Fashion Statements.
📍High Museum of Art
​ 🕒 - Feb 8
​ 💲 Ticketed $25
​What: Couture gets conceptual. The Dutch duo’s larger-than-life gowns, irony, and edge prove fashion can be both fabric and philosophy. Prepare to be floored — and inspired to overdress at brunch.
​Christkindlmarket Roswell​
📍 Roswell Town Square (TBA)
⏰ Late Nov–Dec
💲 Free entry
​What: Mulled wine, German treats, handmade gifts — the coziest little European market in the suburbs.

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🎄GardenGarden Nights, Holiday Lights – Atlanta Botanical Garden​
📍 Atlanta
⏰ Evenings late Nov–Dec
💲 $$ Ticketed
​What: Millions of lights, glowing sculptures, and the Canopy Walk shining like a holiday runway. Worth the drive every single year.

Inside the Atlanta Holiday Show House: Steal-This Look Holiday Decor

Last week I took myself on a little field trip to the Atlanta Holiday Show House — and listen… the designers showed absolutely no restraint, in the best possible way. Every room felt like a masterclass in “holiday, but elevated.” No plastic berries. No limp garland. No inflatable anything. Just thoughtful, layered, quietly glamorous ideas that any Alpharetta home can steal and adapt.

What struck me most wasn’t the scale (although, yes, the scale was scaling). It was how intentional the holiday touches were. Nothing felt store-bought-and-stuck-up. Everything looked gathered, styled, and woven seamlessly into the existing interiors — like the season had simply drifted in and made itself comfortable.

From fresh garland cascading down the stair railings, to citrus-studded doorway swags, to an entire bathtub filled with silver ornaments (playful, unexpected, and honestly… iconic), the designers proved that decorating for the holidays isn’t about volume — it’s about vibe. And intention. And texture. And knowing when to add a bow and when to walk away from the bow.

Below are a few of my favorite ideas that you can lift straight from the Show House and make your own.

Design Takeaways Worth Stealing

Fresh Garland > Everything Else

There is nothing — nothing — like lush, fresh greenery draped over railings, mantels, doorways, and even kitchen entrances. It instantly softens architecture and makes a house smell like a boutique hotel on December 12.

Add Unexpected Ingredients

Citrus slices. Velvet ribbons in muted tones. Bells in aged brass. Oversized branches. Designers layered “raw” natural elements into traditional greenery, making it feel alive and artisanal rather than “craft aisle.”

Playful Moments Are the New Luxury

An entire bathtub filled with metallic ornaments? Irresponsible and fabulous. You can recreate it by filling most of the tub with foam, boxes, or pillows, and layering ornaments only on the top for the same effect.

Wreath Placement Is a Design Strategy

The best wreaths weren’t on doors — they were on mirrors, above headboards, wrapped around sconces, and even perched on a faux deer mount. Treat them as sculptural elements, not seasonal punctuation.

Texture > Color

Rather than bright red and green everywhere, designers leaned into textures: velvet, moss, metallics, aged woods, woven baskets, plaster, stone. The colors stayed soft — the materials did the talking.

Scale Like You Mean It

A skinny garland looks sad. A full, layered, overflowing garland looks intentional. When in doubt, double it. Then add bells.
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Can you solve this week’s scramble?
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Scramble: ERGBADINGRE
Hint: Houses, cookies, competitions… take your pick.

Blanks: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (11)

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Answer revealed at the bottom see The Fadeout section! 👇

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Swap Your Doormat, Change Your Whole December

If you do one thing for your home this week, make it this: swap your doormat. Between rain, pine needles, cookie crumbs, muddy paws, and the daily parade of Amazon boxes, your entry is getting hit harder than Santa on December 24. A fresh, winter-weight doormat instantly resets the vibe — cleaner floors, cozier welcome, happier house. It’s the fastest, easiest holiday home refresh… and the thing most people never think to upgrade.

Four Doormats Worth Opening the Door To

1. The Classic Winter Welcome Mat​
​Holiday Wreath Coir Doormat — Target​
Festive but not over the top. A simple evergreen wreath motif that says “happy holidays” without yelling it.

2. The Modern Minimalist Doormat​
​Threshold Lovers Knot Coir Doormat — Target​
Clean, neutral, textural — perfect for year-round use and instantly elevates any porch.

3. The Designer-Look Mat​
​Modern Woven Stripe Doormat — Crate & Barrel​
Subtle stripes and rich texture give your front door that showhouse-entry moment.

4. The Practical-Chic Workhorse Mat​
​Threshold Recycled Rubber Plank Striped Doormat — Target​
Durable, weather-ready, and sleek — ideal for Alpharetta homes with pets, rain, and constant deliveries.

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If you’ve just landed in Alpharetta and you’re running a freelance, creator, or product-based side hustle, check out the nearest chapter of 1 Million Cups (1MC) — in Peachtree City (Atlanta-South). Every Wednesday at 9 AM, founders present their projects over coffee, get feedback, and meet collaborators. It’s a great way to learn, test ideas, and build connections — even if it means a bit of a drive.

If you’d love something like this closer to home, hit reply to this email with the subject line Local Biz Meetup. If enough readers raise their hand, we’ll kick off a casual Alpharetta-based meet-up for small business owners, creatives, makers, and side-hustlers.

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​Subscribe Here​

Small acts, big heart. Here’s where the community shines.

Quick Picks:

• Milton Pancake Breakfast + Toy Drive (Dec 13)
• Halcyon Holiday Magic — supports Family Promise
• Local markets supporting small makers
• Christkindlmarket artisan support

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North Fulton Community Charities — Holiday Assistance Program​
📍 Roswell & Alpharetta NFCC locations
​What: NFCC is collecting new toys, winter coats, gift cards, and holiday meal items for families in need. One of the most impactful ways to support neighbors right here in North Fulton.

The Drake House — Holiday Wish List for Moms & Kids​
📍 Roswell
​What: Donate toys, teen gifts, pajamas, and grocery gift cards to help single moms create a magical holiday morning for their children at The Drake House Holiday House.

Toys for Tots — Alpharetta Fire Stations​
📍 All Alpharetta fire stations (official drop sites)
​What: Drop off new, unwrapped toys that stay local, supporting families in Alpharetta and North Fulton.

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Click 👉 here to submit your event.

Seasonal Cocoa Temperature Specialist — Avalon

Avalon is seeking a part-time cocoa monitor to ensure all hot chocolates are the perfect degree of cozy. Must be able to identify temperature by vibe alone. Marshmallow experience preferred.

Gingerbread House Structural Engineer — Roswell Area

Local family seeks an enthusiastic helper to reinforce gingerbread architecture before the annual collapse. Candidates should be comfortable with icing adhesives and minor candy demolition.

Elf-Herder (Entry Level) — Downtown Alpharetta

The holiday pop-up bars are looking for someone who can gently redirect overly enthusiastic patrons dressed as elves. Must possess patience, humor, and ability to dodge jingle bells.

Boutique Wrapper-in-Residence — Crabapple

A small shop needs someone who can make gift wrapping look magically effortless. Must tolerate glitter, ribbon, and emotional support from frazzled shoppers.

Local Talent & Side-Hustle Spotter — Alpharetta

A Side of Town is unofficially (but very seriously) scouting for residents with cool small businesses, creative gigs, or interesting side hustles to feature in future issues. If you know someone who makes something awesome, does something unique, or runs a hyperlocal business we absolutely need to know about… send them our way. Payment includes eternal newsletter glory and bragging rights.

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​Got a real-life job you need seasonal help with? Let's get it posted next week?
Click 👉 here to submit your posting

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🚗 GA-400 Escape Plan: Asheville, North Carolina

If you’ve ever whispered “one of these years we will make it to Asheville for the holidays,” consider this your sign. The city absolutely transforms in December — twinkling streets, artisan markets, candlelit tours, and that crisp mountain air that convinces you to buy a scarf you don’t technically need.

The Biltmore Estate goes full fairy-tale with thousands of lights, 60+ Christmas trees, and roaring fireplaces in rooms bigger than your entire first apartment. Downtown Asheville offers indie boutiques, craft chocolate, rooftop hot toddies, and the kind of artsy holiday energy that makes you want to start an Etsy shop.

It’s an easy weekend escape: drive up Friday, wander the Biltmore Saturday, brunch + breweries Sunday, and be home before dinner. If you actually make it there this year, please report back so the rest of us can live vicariously.

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🔥 ROAST — To whoever put actual glitter in last weekend’s downtown decorations

Somewhere, a local vacuum is crying. Our thoughts and prayers go out to every homeowner still finding sparkle in their hair.

🏆 BOAST — To Halcyon for giving us three Santas in one weekend

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear red velvet, carry bells, and magically appear at every event within a 6-mile radius. Halcyon understood the assignment.

💐 TOAST — To the volunteers running the Milton Toy Drive

They’ve turned Fire Station 44 into Santa’s most efficient satellite office. If you’ve donated, thank you — if you haven’t, there’s still time to make a little holiday magic happen.

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🧤 For Sale: One (Barely Used) Pair of Elf Gloves

Purchased with good intentions. Realized I’m just not cut out for volunteering as “that parent.” Lightly jingled. Price: negotiable.

🪩 Free to a Good Home: Oversized Holiday Inflatable

Bought during a moment of seasonal enthusiasm. Now blocking 40% of my front window. Must pick up — it will not fit in a normal car.

⭐ ISO: Someone Who Can Wrap Gifts Without Crying

Willing to barter: coffee, compliments, or a playlist of smooth holiday jazz. Experience with tricky ribbon a plus.

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Editor’s Note: Have a real ad? We’ll happily mix it in with the fake ones next week — bonus points if it’s just as weird.
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​ Click 👉 here to submit your item / opportunity.

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Word Puzzle Answer: Gingerbread
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Last Week's Guess the Photo Answer:

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Metal Sculpture in front of the Alpharetta Cultural Arts Center

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Happy Thanksgiving, neighbors. May your turkey be tender and your parking be easy.

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