Bath and Body Shop: Little Barn Apothecary and Co.
Since its launch in 2015, local natural skincare brand Little Barn Apothecary has been picked up by nearly 400 spas and shops around the world.
Local Furniture Store: Mathews Furniture and Design
This isn’t your grandmother’s Mathews. Although the 35-year-old, family-owned Buckhead business still carries traditional reproductions (yes, even Stickley’s Mission furniture), its current mix of classic and contemporary styles would impress any millennial.
Renovation: Lou Glenn Children’s Garden
Before the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s recent $7 million overhaul of its children’s garden, the space was cute but dated. Now, after a year of renovations, families will find the garden transformed.
Viral Sensation: The Ron Clark Academy
Watch Ron Clark whip; watch him nae nae. The South Atlanta educator was already famous for his revolutionary teaching methods when he and Ron Clark Academy students took part in DLow’s “Bet You Can’t Do It Like Me” dance challenge last January.
Microblading: Brows by Milly at Sweet Peach Wax
Brazilian-born Milly Marques was among the first to bring microblading—semipermanent eyebrow makeup, like delicate tattoos that last about a year—to Atlanta.
New Korean: Jang Dok Dae
Located near Duluth’s sprawling Super H Mart, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite with the city’s Asian community, who come for the rich aged kimchi and stunning hot pots.
Neighborhood Festival: Porchfest
Before the last amp had been unplugged at the second annual Oakhurst Porchfest in October, the chatter had already begun: Can we do this again in the spring?
Free Fun: Second Sundays at the High
The High Museum of Art decreased ticket prices to $14.50 last October, but it’s most accessible on the second Sunday of every month, when the doors open from 1 to 4 p.m. for free.
Restaurateur of the Year: Billy Allin
In the 10 years since he opened Cakes & Ale in Decatur, Allin has slowly but surely laid the groundwork for a restaurant group that has no weak links.
Modern Meat-and-Three: Rising Son
It’s a family affair for chef Hudson Rouse and his wife, Kathryn Fitzgerald Rouse, who opened this cozy spot in the spring.