At Serenbe, we believe wholeheartedly that kids need nature in their lives. Parents in the community pass around Richard Louv’s book, “Last Child in Woods,” and smile when they read about the necessity of contact with nature for healthy child—and adult—development. Louv writes: “A growing body of research links our mental, physical and spiritual health directly to our association with nature—in positive ways. Several of these studies suggest that thoughtful exposure of youngsters to nature can even be a powerful form of therapy for attention-deficit disorders and other maladies. As one scientist puts it, we can now assume that just as children need good nutrition and adequate sleep, they may very well need contact with nature.”
Visit Serenbe and you’ll see tons of kids riding their bikes to each other’s homes, walking through the woods to discover the waterfalls or granite outcropping, or playing in the new treehouse. The treehouse was built by the Serenbe community—the Treehouse Committee, made up of all the Serenbe kids under age 15, came up with a design for what they thought would be the ideal treehouse. They presented this to a resident builder, who implemented the design. The kids were able to watch and help with the process, and everyone (parents and non-parents) came with hammers and nails to participate in community workdays. Recently, the treehouse was ready for its first party, and is a beloved part of the community.
There are also some structured activities, some just for the kids like Kids Activity Tuesdays during the summer, and learning days on the Serenbe Organic Farms with farms manager Paige Witherington, who teaches kids through hands-on activities about how and where their food is grown. Most events at Serenbe involve our entire community, (which includes a wide range of ages and household make-ups, from young singles to empty nesters,) such as movie night in the Selborne Courtyard (which is open to the public; the next showing is The Wizard of Oz on August 12, costumes are encouraged), our July 4th parade, Mexican-themed fiestas, art exhibition openings, and potluck dinners. As in nature, diversity brings balance to Serenbe, and creates myriad learning experiences for kids and adults alike.
Many of our adult residents and visitors have said, “Man, I wish Serenbe had been around when I was a kid.” Or they say, “This reminds me of the small town I used to live in.” They understand the intrinsic value of living in a true community surrounded by nature. The kids at Serenbe just know that it’s a really fun, really cool place to live.
Click here to see fantastic photos from our events…
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Serenbe Farmers’ Markets
Every Saturday in Growing Season (mid-November), 8 a.m. – noon
Selborne Green
Each week, Farms manager Paige Witherington and her crew have gorgeous organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, and eggs from the Serenbe Farms. Plus, they are joined
by a variety of fantastic food and craft vendors, and sometimes feature live
music and cooking demonstrations.
Visit SerenbeFarms.com and signup to be placed on the email list for regular updates.
Evan Levy’s “Cellular Cosmogony” Art Installation
Through August
The Serenbe Crossroads
Experience acclaimed artist Evan Levy’s newest installation—a science and art project combining sound and visual illusion. Take a seat on the bench and hear what happens… For more information, call StudioSwan art gallery at 770.463.9440.
Click here to see photos from the reception for Evan Levy.
StudioSwan presents Sculpture by
Melissa Stern and Painting by Jessie Mann
Through September 7
Don’t miss this exciting exhibition.
For more information, call the gallery at 770.463.9440.
Goodes Design & Consignment Flea Market
August 2 – 5
Goodes Design and Consignment, partnered by Sandy Furrh and Caroline Applegate, invite you to this fun sale featuring an assortment of items. The market will be held in #70 Selborne Way, near The Hil restaurant.
Email Sandy at sandyfurrh@mindspring.com or
Caroline at sweetc321@hotmail.com for more information.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra @ Hutcheson Ferry Park
August 10, 7:30 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.)
Starbucks Coffee, The Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance and the Fulton County Arts Council present the 3rd annual ASO free concert at Hutcheson Ferry Park as part of the ASO summer park concert series. The park is located at 9774 Hutcheson Ferry Road; the concert and parking are free, and picnics are welcome. A pre-concert gala dinner will be held at the Serenbe pavilion, hosted by the three Serenbe restaurants and chefs—Chef Hilary White of The Hil, Chef Tony Seichrist of The Farmhouse, and Chef Nicolas Bour of The Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop. Tickets are $125/person with all proceeds benefiting the Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance. For more information and to purchase tickets to the gala dinner or become a sponsor, call the CHCA at 404.276.1099
(Note: Reservations are over half full; call soon!).
Serenbe Movie Night: The Wizard of Oz
August 12, Showtime is 9 p.m.
Selborne Courtyard (behind the Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop)
This is the last movie in this year’s Serenbe Summer Movie Series—pack a picnic (or have dinner at the Daisy… Sundays are pizza night!), bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy a movie under the stars. For this particular showing, we’re encouraging guests to dress as their favorite Oz character. The event is free and open to the public.
Save the Dates...
Pumpkin Glow, October 27:
Pumpkin Glow, October 27: Start planning your costumes now for Serenbe’s annual fall street party… Click here to see photos from last year’s Pumpkin Glow.
Les Dames d’ Escoffier’s Annual Afternoon in the Country, November 4:
Mark your calendars for Atlanta’s culinary event of the year.
Visit www.lesdamesatlanta.org for more information or to purchase tickets.
Click here to see photos from last year’s Les Dames event.
2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar, December 2:
An eclectic mix of artisans make for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Click here to see photos from last year’s Les Dames event.
Many more events are in the works—we’ll keep you posted...
Looking forward to seeing you at Serenbe. |
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The Best Reason to Live Here is the Life Here… |
 Serenbe resident and mother-of-two Dallas Nevins offers great tips on ways to teach your kids to “Be Green”…
“Start with back-to-school daily tasks, like using a lunch box instead of a paper or plastic bag. Explain that this is better than using a disposable bag, which creates more trash. Also, teach your kids to use Tupperware instead of plastic baggies, and reusable water bottles instead of disposable ones.
Create a recycling craft project: Teach your kids what items can be recycled (such as glass or plastic) and what items can be composted (like coffee grinds). Then, have them go through newspapers or magazines and cut out photos of those items. Buy a few inexpensive white trash cans, and designate them as “plastic recycling,” “glass recycling,” “compost” and so forth. Then, help them decoupage the photos onto the appropriate trash can. This will help them become more familiar with what items can be recycled, and how to separate them.
Also, take them outdoors. By spending time helping your kids understand that nature is everywhere, you’ll teach them to treat their environment with respect. Play the “name that tree” game. Blindfold your child and lead him to a tree. Have him feel, smell and touch the tree; then lead him away and take off the blindfold. Now, have him try to guess which tree was the one he was touching. The website www.natureconnect.org has some great suggestions for making the most of your outdoor time, whether you’re walking around the block or planning a hike.
For kids ages 9 and up, the Bioviva board game (find it on Amazon.com for $30) is a great way to teach them about our global environment. Multiple choice questions cover topics such as solar systems, plant/animal behavior, evolution, and environmental protection.”
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- Congratulations to Chef Nicolas Bour of The Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop on being named one of Atlanta’s “Hot Chefs” in Atlanta Peach magazine’s July issue. Click here for the full story.
- Congratulations to The Farmhouse restaurant on being included in Christiane Lauterbach’s coveted “Best New Restaurants” list in Atlanta Magazine. Also, congratulations to Chef Tony Seichrist on being named a “Rising Star Chef.” Pick up an August issue (available on newsstands August 1) to see the story and gorgeous accompanying photos.
Click here for the complete article.
- Check out the August issue of Bon Appetit for a great “Farm to Table” story, which features The Farmhouse.
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