Sandy Springs, Ga. (March 15, 2017) – The year is off to an exciting start in Sandy Springs, with the city gearing up to host a range of events and annual traditions. Sandy Springs is also proud to welcome several new restaurants and businesses to the community.

Here’s what’s new and upcoming in Sandy Springs this month and beyond: 

Not-To-Be-Missed: Upcoming Events  

  • 2nd Annual Food That Rocks (Saturday, May 6, 2017) – With 1,500 attendees at last year’s inaugural event, Food That Rocks returns in 2017 showcasing more than 20 Sandy Springs restaurants. This culinary celebration invites foodies to sample the epicurean delights of the city, as well as enjoy three live bands. The event benefits three local charities, and New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews will also be in attendance offering tastings of recipes from her new cookbook.
  • 2nd Annual Sandy Springs Lantern Parade (Saturday, June 10, 2017) – Last year’s event was a hit with attendees marching to river-themed music down to the Chattahoochee, where festivities included fire dancers, floating lanterns and much more. Visitors and locals are invited to bring their homemade lanterns and experience an illuminated night of fun at the 2nd annual Sandy Springs Lantern Parade.
  • Stand Up for the Hooch (Sunday, June 25, 2017) – The stand-up paddleboard (SUP) race returns for its 6th consecutive year to Morgan Falls Overlook Park in Sandy Springs. Racers can register to paddle 2- and 6-mile courses, and there will also be a free .25-mile kids' race for ages 6-12. Participants must register in advance. The event is free for spectators.
  • Opening Day on the Chattahoochee -

    •  High Country Paddle Shack: The High Country Paddle Shack at Morgan Falls Overlook Park opens April 22 for the 2017 season, with Saturday and Sunday hours from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  High Country will also be offering “Intro to Paddling” demos on April 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. All are invited to enjoy free demos on stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking, with instructions and tips from expert paddlers. Thursday Night Demos begin on May 4, and SUP Yoga Classes start on April 23. Both require registration in advance. 
    • Nantahala Outdoor Center: The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Chattahoochee River Outpost opens for the 2017 season on April 1. The Center will be open on weekends only until June 3, when the hours expand to seven days a week for the summer season. NOC offers rentals of kayaks, SUPs, tubes and rafts, with river access from Cochran Shoals – Powers Island in Sandy Springs.

New in Town: Restaurant Openings and Developments

  • CalyRoad Creamery Expansion Reopening – CalyRoad Creamery reopens in late March. The new, state-of-the-art cheese-making facility is complete with three aging “caves” and a 300-gallon vat for larger quantity production, including the addition of fresh Mozzarella and semi-hard cheeses made with local ingredients. The renovation also includes an expanded tasting room that can be rented for private parties and corporate events. CalyRoad will also offer classes and tasting events each month.
  • Kaiser’s Chophouse – This spring, two well-known Atlanta-area chefs are bringing their expertise to Sandy Springs. Chef Peter Kaiser and Chef Kevin Rathbun are collaborating on Kaiser’s Chophouse to showcase quality meats, and a boutique wine and cocktail program.
  • Tupelo Honey Café’s New Brunch Offerings – Celebrate the start of spring with Tupelo Honey Café’s new brunch offerings. Every Saturday and Sunday, indulge in new menu additions, including Tupelo’s “cinna-biscuit” topped with pecans and frosted in a gooey rum sauce, as well as a Gulf Coast lump crab benedict served with a buttermilk biscuit, hollandaise, peperonata and potato cracklins. Wash it down with Tupelo Honey’s local signature cocktail, “The Proper Old Fashioned.”
  • Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – The Marietta favorite is moving its famous burgers and live blues performances to Sandy Springs with an opening date by the end of March.

To learn more about what’s new and upcoming in Sandy Springs, visit www.visitsandysprings.org.

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About Sandy Springs, Ga.
Bordered by the city of Atlanta on the south and the Chattahoochee River to the north, Sandy Springs is Georgia’s sixth largest city, and combines the best of urban and rural environments. Celebrated dining, one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique finds, and cultural experiences are all surrounded by more than 950 acres of parks and natural areas, including 22 miles of Chattahoochee River shoreline for kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and more. Visitors from near and far come to experience Sandy Spring’s acclaimed culinary scene, which features award-winning chefs and showcases cuisines from around the world. Throughout the year, local events highlight and celebrate the unique community, from festivals to holiday markets. Sandy Springs makes for a relaxing getaway with easy access to several major highways and interstates, and the MARTA rail.

Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism is the Destination Marketing Organization for the city of Sandy Springs, Georgia, acting as the guide to all that the Metro-Atlanta city has to offer. For more information, please visit www.VisitSandySprings.org.

Media Contact:
Jessica Ennis, Pineapple PR
Jessica@pineapple-pr.com