Spending time in nature is one of the best therapies.
Looking up at an unending canopy of trees, listening to the rushing river water and sweating it out on a dirt trail to take in a gorgeous view just seems to melt away the stress of life. Luckily, these are all activities that can be enjoyed in our own community. Need a dose of nature stat? There is no need to drive 45 minutes to the mountains. Instead, hop in your car and head to the Chattahoochee River or Blue Heron Nature Preserve and hit the reset button out-of-doors.
How you commune with nature is a personal choice, so in this month’s cover feature, writer Amelia Pavlik offers a thorough guide to our neighborhood’s scenic outdoor destinations and the adventurous pursuits that can be enjoyed at each—from paddleboarding at Sandy Springs’ Morgan Falls Overlook Park to fishing at Brookhaven’s Murphey Candler Park. And since we all like to celebrate our accomplishments, we throw in suggestions on where to get a bite after your date with the wild.
This “Outdoors Issue” also highlights where to gear up and train for your outdoor exploits and the fashions and beauty products best suited for the open air. If you do feel the need to head out of town, Contributing Editor Karina Antenucci shares some of the camping spots within two hours of Buckhead and recounts a no-frills getaway to the hike-in, hike-out Len Foote Hike Inn where you can truly disconnect from it all (there is a no-cell phone policy).
With its high-rises, restaurants and shopping malls, you may not consider Buckhead an outdoorsy neighborhood. I didn’t, until I read this issue. Now I stand corrected and find peace knowing that on a tough day, when I’m in desperate need of a therapy session, the canopy of trees, calming river water and beautiful scenic overlooks are just a short drive away.
Giannina Smith Bedford
editor@simplybuckhead.com
