Two Sisters Discover Sandy Springs

Words by Marianne Leek
Photos by Eaton Social

Each year, my sister and I enjoy a “day of celebration.” Our intent isn’t necessarily to recognize anything particularly significant; we simply set out to celebrate the beauty of seemingly ordinary days and another year of health and happiness. This year, we decided to make it a weekend and explore someplace new that was equal distance for both of us. Conveniently located just off Georgia 400, Sandy Springs is a small, safe, accessible, and easy-to-navigate city located just outside of Atlanta that feels upscale without being pretentious, making it a perfect place for a getaway. 

Before checking into our hotel, we blocked off some time for outdoor adventure at the East Palisades Trail and Bamboo Forest. Who knew you could find places to hike in the city? With over four miles of running and hiking trails, the East Palisades Trail, located in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, is dog-friendly and provides stunning views of the Chattahoochee River. It’s perfect for a picnic or hanging a hammock and lazily watching kayakers. However, be prepared and dress accordingly. The trail has a moderate incline and it is rocky in spots, but the views are worth it. The entire loop takes a couple of hours to complete, but the bamboo forest is located along the riverbank marker and is nothing short of magical. You’ll feel like you’re in another world, massive bamboo seemingly stretching up to a brilliant blue sky.

Next, we stopped by the John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve. This hidden haven is a 30-acre tree, plant, and wildlife preserve in the heart of Sandy Springs, with some white oaks estimated to be between 100 and 200 years old. There is a small trail system that includes three easy trails, each a respite from their nearby urban environment, a place for “visual, mental, and spiritual decompression.” However, these scenic trails are intended to educate as well, “to provide a scenic pathway of opportunity” to better understand such things as forest dynamics, flood control, and watershed protection. If you love the outdoors, both of these easy-to-access recreation areas are a must-do.

Following our afternoon hikes, we arrived at the exquisite The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, a Marriott hotel located within a three-mile radius of everything on our weekend itinerary, and with beautiful views of the Atlanta skyline. Located just off the interstate and adjacent to the Perimeter Mall, the first thing you’ll notice is how quiet the rooms are. With 20 floors of well-appointed, newly renovated, and modern rooms, you’ll find it impossible to hear the traffic below. Elevate your stay by indulging in the SAVOR bar & kitchen. Be sure to try their made-to-order breakfast omelets, and spoil yourself at happy hour with a blackberry martini—just one of their premiere craft cocktails—while relaxing on the waterside patio. If you’re looking to work in some exercise, there’s a well-equipped fitness room, but there’s also a picturesque walking loop around a man-made lake that’s part of the property.

Before dinner, we decided to check out the oldest craft beer and wine-making retailer in the Southeast. Affectionately known as “Georgia’s Smallest Winery,” Beer and Wine Craft was founded in 1969 and remains the only winery in Georgia where guests can both taste wine and make their own. Classes are offered monthly, and the entire process takes four to six weeks. Joe Keenan is not only the previous owner but an award-winning winemaker with over 17 years of experience. Shanie Mattox began working for Joe five years ago and never left, and in 2023 she bought the business, retaining Joe as the vintner. Shanie explained what makes Beer and Wine Craft so unique, and the wine—well—so darn good: “We make every bottle of wine we sell in-house. But sorry, no stomping on grapes needed. We use the juice from vineyards around the world and bring them to you.” Whether you choose to stop by for a tasting or invest time in making your own small batch, Mattox wants visitors to know, “how easy it is to create their own delicious wines. They can adjust the tannins, the flavors, and even the color of their favorite varietals.” We enjoyed a flight that included a Pinot Gris, a Fumé Blanc, as well as three award-winning wines, the Shiraz, Private Reserve, and Quintessential, which is a delicious blend of five grapes. 

With over 300 restaurants in Sandy Springs, there is no shortage of premiere dining experiences. There were several that came highly recommended, including NoriFish, where the fish is flown in from Japan twice weekly, making it the best place to try Omakase-style sushi. We also considered the elegant Ray’s on the River, located along the Chattahoochee River that just may make you forget you’re in the city. For a more casual vibe, visit Mutation Brewery Company, where you can grab a flight or pint of craft beer while enjoying some of the best burgers in town. We decided on C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar because it was suggested by Vintner Joe at Beer and Wine Craft. “You’re in for a real treat!” C&S Seafood is phenomenal. We shared a tray of oysters and fresh bread and ordered Ōra King Salmon and snapper for dinner. And with all desserts made from scratch in-house, how could we not indulge in the cheesecake du jour? What you’ll notice about C&S is that it’s upscale without feeling too fancy and prides itself on making guests comfortable. The atmosphere is lovely, the service is impeccable, and the seafood is some of the best in the Southeast. 

Our second day began with a movie at The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, one of the coolest and last remaining family-owned movie theaters. It’s a great place for when the weather isn’t just right or you need a little downtime. They regularly show a mix of new releases and nostalgic films, and they have a kitchen that serves up some of the best appetizers, sandwiches, and pizza around. They also offer a variety of beer, wine, and cocktail options. Even if you’re not catching a show, stop by and grab a beer and enjoy a game on their outdoor patio.  

The next stop was Yalda for lunch! What you need to know before you go is that Yalda isn’t just a place to grab a quick bite—it’s a cultural experience. The word Yalda translates to “rebirth of the sun,” and in Iranian culture Yalda Night is a celebration of the winter solstice, the longest night on the Iranian calendar. The idea for Yalda centers around spending time celebrating life with those we love; it’s about food and family, recollection, and remembrance. Co-owner and executive chef Ash Famili has created a comprehensive menu of Persian and Mediterranean cuisine inspired by family recipes—mezze plates, spreads, a selection of kebabs, lamb, falafel, and grilled seafood entrées. There’s a spacious outdoor patio and a large dining area with an unobstructed view of the open kitchen and wood-fired stove. There’s a full bar featuring an extensive and impressive wine list and premiere cocktails. If you’re in the mood for a light lunch, their Tabbouleh or Mediterranean salads are excellent. We started with three spreads: Mast o Khiar, Mirza Ghasemi, and hummus. We shared chicken and salmon kebabs, and the Shirazi salad was the perfect side dish—tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and parsley, tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette. If time allows, you should relax and unwind with their signature cocktail “The Longest Night.” And that’s really the ambiance of Yalda—relax and unwind. Don’t go to Yalda expecting to grab and go; take the extra time to experience and enjoy a meal with people you love. 

After lunch, we booked a “splatter session” at The Splatter Studio to throw some paint and create a masterpiece! Splatter Studio has a fun, quirky, creative vibe, encouraging guests to get out of their comfort zone, relinquish control, and make something beautiful. It’s ideal for kids of all ages, whether you need a birthday party venue, a stop on a bachelorette weekend, or a unique date night experience. It’s just fun! There are splat-only sessions, or you can book a lengthier session that includes mimosas and small bites. Located adjacent to The Springs Cinema and the video game restaurant Battle and Brew, there’s plenty to make a day of it without leaving this little corner of Sandy Springs. 

We finished up our weekend with dinner and a show, grabbing a glass of wine, tapas, and dessert at Under the Cork Tree and catching flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. This beautiful venue is actually comprised of two theaters—the Byers Theater and the smaller Studio Theatre. We saw Jesse Cook in the Byers Theater, which has exceptional acoustics and a seating capacity of just over 1,000 people on three levels, making the show experience feel more intimate. When you visit, be sure to check out their schedule. They have performance events year-round.

Before heading home, we grabbed a cup of white chocolate tiramisu coffee from Just Love Coffee and enjoyed it riverside on the porch swings at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, another little hidden outdoor gem of Sandy Springs. 

While exploring the area, you’ll likely notice pigs with wings—yep, that’s right—pigs … with wings. Sandy Springs’ first mayor, Eva Cohn Galambos, wrote in her 2011 autobiography, A Dream Come True: My Very Good Life, that state senator Vincent Fort once said, “Pigs will fly when Sandy Springs is a city!” While Fort has denied the incident, the story has taken on a life of its own, and the flying pig idiom has become symbolic of the little city that could. Whether you’re looking to stay close to Atlanta without the chaos of the city, planning a special date night, need a girls' weekend, or simply seeking a solo getaway, Sandy Springs has it all.