Now that Memorial Day has past, it's officially summer in Atlanta.  The first big festival of the summer is this weekend, the Virginia-Highland Summerfest. 

Saturday, June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The festival will include a 5K race, an impressive Artist Market, great food, children's activities, live music and so much more! 

Virginia-Highland derives from the intersection of Virginia and Highland Avenues, and its history can be traced back to the 1800s when the first farmers settled in the area.

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Modern Atlanta is celebrating modern lifestyles, design and culture this week with it's "Design is Human" Modern Atlanta Week.  One of the highlights is it's annual home tour.

Saturday, June 5th and Sunday, June 6th
10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The tour is $35 per person and includes tours of 13 modern inspired houses around Atlanta and the MA Design is Human program/guidebook. 

There are other Modern Atlanta events going on this week as well including lectures and films on modern design, fundraisers and cocktail parties, book signings, an architect studio crawl, the opening of a new exhibit at the High and much more!

HGTV has launched "The Block" which is a new version of it's popular show, Curb Appeal.  In addition to making over someone's front yard, the show also makes smaller improvements to neighboring yards to improve the block.  The show is currently being filmed in Atlanta, and they are looking for more yards to make over.  If you are interested in improving your block, send an email to apombo@edelmanproductions.com and include:

1. A photo of the front of the house
2. A photo from the curb/street
3. A photo of the homeowners
4. Name/address/contact info for the homeowners
5. A story about why your house is the "eyesore of the block"
6. Submit a couple of neighbors you think that would also benefit from a "mini" makeover

Hurry though...the deadline is this Sunday, January 10, 2010! 

Friday, January 8, 2010
11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 9, 2010
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 10, 2010
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Georgia World Congress Center
Building C
285 Andrew Young International Blvd., NW
Atlanta, GA  30313

Start the new year off by attending the Georgia Spring Home Show this weekend.  The Home Show is an event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Each event includes hundreds of exhibits with merchandise, product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes. With a combination of new products and expert advice from the pros, the Home Show inspires homeowners with countless ideas on enhancing their home's comfort and functionality, as well as its aesthetic appeal and overall value.  Admission is $9.00 for adults and you can find a $2.00 off coupon at the link above. 

Saturday, December 12, 2009
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 13, 2009
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

The 2009 Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes features eight, beautiful houses lit with candlelight and holiday decor.  Enjoy touring the homes, caroling each night, holiday shopping at the artist market and fun with the kids in this year's Winter Wonderland workshop.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Parent Network, the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool and St. Paul United Methodist Church.

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Saturday, December 12, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 13, 2009
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

You won't be hungry on this year's Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes!  The tour will feature eight homes with a tasting from one of Atlanta's best restaurants at each home.  Participating restaurants include Atkins Park, D.B.A Barbecue, MetroFresh, Shorty's Pizza, Rosebud, Bella Cucina, Whole Foods, Murphy's, El Taco and La Tavola.  All proceeds benefit Highland Park - the new neighborhood green space at North Highland and Saint Charles. 

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Sunday, December 13, 2009
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  - Tour
12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Holiday Market & Cafe

The 17th annual Avondale Estates Christmas Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Avondale Community Club, will take place on Sunday, December 13 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. The tour features eight homes that have been sensitively restored or renovated to preserve the character of our historic city. Other points of interest on the tour are a “summer cottage dressed for Christmas” and the sanctuary at the Avondale Baptist Church showcasing its members’ nativity scenes. 

Before touring the homes, be sure to come by the Holiday Market & Cafe at the Avondale Community Club (59 Lakeshore Drive) and hopefully, find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.  An autographed book signed by one of Avondale's award winning authors may be just the thing.  Other items you won’t want to miss include Grits Bits, art, soaps, lotions, jewelry, bottle stoppers, doggie treats, bird houses and much more. While you shop, enjoy some delicious soup and hot apple cider at the Market Café.

Nearly everyone in town participates in the tour and market either by opening their homes, decorating the city, volunteering as hosts and hostesses, playing music in the homes , creating something for the market, sponsoring the tour as corporate sponsors or as Christmas “angels,” or just enjoying touring the homes.

Tickets may be purchased for $12 in advance at Avondale Antiques, Avondale City Hall, Finders Keepers Furniture, REAL Salon and Seventeen Steps or for $15 on the day of the tour at the Avondale Community Club. For more information, contact Margaret Lunsford at 404-299-9021 or view our web site at avondaletourofhomes.com.

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Sunday, December 6, 2009
12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna will hold its 8th annual Holiday Home Tour, Sunday, December 6th from noon to 6:00 p.m. The tour features incredible homes in the Smyrna Vinings community. Each home will be decorated for the holiday season, highlighting the talents of local designers and decorators. The tour is sponsored by the Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna.

Proceeds from the annual Holiday Home Tours go to benefit the programs and projects of The Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital.

Admission is $20 per person. The ticket provides admission to the tour of homes, as well as a tearoom and auction at The Community Bank of the South. You may purchase tickets by calling 770-319-2025. Tickets are also available at Karen’s Gifts and Love Street Antiques, located in Smyrna.

via www.smyrnavinings.com

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Saturday, December 5, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The Grayson Arts and History Center will present the 3rd Annual Grayson Christmas Tour of Homes.  Five homes in our community will be showcased and all adorned in holiday splendor.  Each home is very inviting and warm and offers its own unique decorating and architectural style. 

"We are excited not only to showcase our citizens homes, but our City as well", says Barbara Hinkle, Director of the Grayson Arts and History Center.  All proceeds from the Tour will benefit the History Center and the Grayson Historic Preservation Society. By purchasing a ticket to the Christmas Tour of Homes, everyone is helping to preserve Grayson's past for the benefit of future generations.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Grayson City Hall, The Grayson Arts and History Center and the Grayson UPS Store.  In an effort to eliminate congestion in the various subdivisions, transportation to all homes will be provided.  Private cars will not be allowed on the tour.  Parking will be available at the Arts and History Center, Grayson City Park, City Hall and other marked areas.  These are private homes and may not be wheelchair accessible, may contain stairs or be difficult for those with physical limitations.

via www.cityofgrayson.org

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Saturday, December 5, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Tour

The 2009 Historic Norcross Holiday Home Tour will take place this year on Saturday, December 5, 2009, in downtown Norcross.  This year's tour will feature five houses and there will be a candlelight tour in the evening.  The whole community light's thousands of luminaries to create a breathtaking path, glowing and inviting, as it guides guests through the evening tour. 

If you have not visited downtown Norcross, it's a must see!

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