Join the Vinings Historic Preservation Society for the annual Vinings Historic Egg Hunt and storytelling by Atlanta’s famous story teller Betty Ann Wylie a.k.a Aunt Betty Bunny. The Historic Egg Hunt will be on Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 4:00 – 5:00pm at the Historic Pace House and Old Pavilion on 3057 Paces Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30339. Reservations required – Space is limited Registration is open to VHPS members only through March 19. Non members may register after March 20. Free admission to all VHPS members. $5 per child for non-members. Email or call our office to register your child. Vhps1874@bellsouth.net or 770-432-3343. Please park at the Vinings United Methodist Church two doors down. Visit SmyrnaVinings.com for all the latest news and events. 03/22/2012

The Vinings Business Association will hold its 3rd annual Business EXPO, Tuesday March 29, 2012, at the Marriott Courtyard Vinings, 2857 Paces Ferry Rd, Atlanta, GA 30339, from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm. The event is Free to the public. There will be over 30 booths with information on Vinings area businesses and upcoming events, with drawings, door prizes, food and more. Over 1,000 people attended the Vinings Business Expo last year. The Vinings Business Association (VBA), a non-profit corporation, consists of business owners, executives, employees, residents and interested citizens that are committed to enhancing the economic, business and residential vibrancy of Vinings and to promote the physical and financial health of the community through networking, social, cultural and educational acti... 03/22/2012

Why didn’t I get a Closing Gift from my Vinings, Georgia Realtor? With the recession in full swing, you might come across some real estate agents who have cut back on buying housewarming or closing gifts for their clients. But recession or not, do you still secretly hope to receive a gift from your Vinings, Georgia real estate agent once your sale is complete? As a home buyer in the Vinings, Georgia area, what would you like to receive from your agent as a housewarming gift for your new home? Once you sell your Vinings, Georgia home, are you expecting something from your Realtor as a ‘thank you’ or ‘token of appreciation’? Do you want something for the home like a doorknocker or outdoor plant, or would you prefer a gift certificate from the local Smyrna, Georgia Home Depot store? Do you... 03/20/2012

The Junior League of Atlanta’s 15th Annual Tour of Kitchens will be held on March 24th and 25th (rain or shine). The tour includes a two day sneak peek into 14 of the most spectacular kitchens (7 each day) created by Atlanta’s top designers. Also included in the tour are special events such as chef demonstrations, mixing & mingling with Atlanta’s hippest designers and exclusive tours of Atlanta’s trendiest homes! The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc.’s annual Tour of Kitchens features Atlanta’s finest residential kitchens created by the city’s most celebrated kitchen designers. This self-guided tour features 14 homes in the North Metro Atlanta areas of Buckhead, Brookhaven, Ansley Park, Morningside, Midtown, Vinings, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody. To kick-off the 15th Annual Tour, join them... 03/19/2012

The Vinings Business Association will be holding their March After Hours business networking event at Garrison’s in Vinings. The Vinings After Hours Event will be on Tuesday, March 20th from 5:30-7:00pm. Since 1998, Garrison’s Broiler & Tap has been a neighborhood destination known for high-quality food, generous portions and a comfortable atmosphere. Our personable staff is passionate about hospitality, great wine and providing an outstanding value to our guests. The event is for Vinings Business Association members and guests. Click here if you are interested in becoming a Vinings Business Association member. Members enjoy the opportunity to meet monthly on the first Tuesday of every month for lunch from 11:30 to 1:30 and a monthly After Hours social on the third Tuesday of every mon... 03/13/2012

It’s time to recap Vinings short sales for January and it’s impact on the current market. With 41% of all homes sold in Q4 2011 in metro Atlanta being distressed properties, it’s important to understand the influence that short sales have on today’s market and to keep an eye on the market. In January, Vinings short sales activity was: 2 active homes 1 pending homes 1 closed homes 6 active condos and townhomes 7 pending condos and townhomes 1 closed condos and townhomes If you’re in the market for a Vinings short sale, whether a single family home, condo or townhome, we’re here to help. Our team is lead by a Certified Distressed Property Expert and experienced in the nuances faced when purchasing short sales. Protect yourself and work with the short sale experts. Click here to start you... 02/26/2012

Vinings Business Association Luncheon The Vinings Business Association would like to invite you to their Monthly Luncheon on March 6th from 11:30am – 1:00pm at Social Vinings! The featured speaker at the luncheon will be Drew Tonsmeiere,  Director, Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Drew Tonsmeire serves as the Area Director with the Kennesaw State University Small Business Development Center (KSU SBDC). With more than fifteen years experience within the Georgia SBDC Network, his consulting expertise in strategic marketing, financial packaging, and overall business management has impacted thousands of business owners. His background includes service as President and CEO of a local Chamber of Commerce, as well as, experience in retail, manufacturing, and service environments. Dre... 02/26/2012

Don't miss out on the Vinings Business Association's February After Hours business networking event at Taverna Fiorentina. The Vinings After Hours Event will be on Tuesday, February 21st from 5:30-7:00pm. Taverna Fiorentina is located at 3324 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 (in the Kroger shopping center, off Paces Mill). Phone is 770-272-9825. Taverna Fiorentina presents time-honored, authentic Florentine dishes that stand alongside contemporary classics from Italy’s most famous region – legendary both for its rich tradition and daring diversity. Fresh, simple and flavorful, Taverna Fiorentina brings a taste of Tuscany to Atlanta. Taverna Fiorentina is a neighborhood restaurant offering a bustling yet intimate dining environment, the bounty of the season and authentic Tuscan dishes. The ... 02/15/2012

Time for a quick update on the Smyrna Vinings mortgage rates market. The Week in Review: Good news for the labor market. Friday’s Jobs Report showed more jobs created than expected and the unemployment rate dropped to 8.30%… the lowest since early 2009. Since good news typically causes rates to rise, home loan rates moved higher Friday erasing the small decline from earlier in the week. Mortgage interest rates ended the week unchanged. What to Expect: It’s a slow week for economic reports so watch out for the rate markets to continue the modest increase we saw at the end of the week. The Treasury will be selling securities this week and the results of those sales could play a role in market movements.… and if you’re not sick of hearing about it, Greece continues negotiations this week. ... 02/09/2012

Smyrna Vinings Interest Rate Update The Week in Review: Mortgage interest rates came down last week as the Fed announced they would keep short-term rates low through late 2014. European officials were unable to hammer out a resolution to Greece’s debt crisis which also helped rates move lower. On the week, home loan rates ended down about .125%. What to Expect: This week is employment week and since this is one of the most important factors in our economic recovery, the Jobs Report due out Friday could be a market mover. Don’t be fooled by the Fed’s recent announcement about interest rates. While the Fed plays a role in how long-term rates move, mortgage interest rates are determined by free-trading mortgage-backed security and treasury markets. Between now and late 2014, rates will be ... 02/01/2012

  Trinity School proudly presents Spotlight on Art in its 31st year. Since 1982, Spotlight on Art has introduced art lovers to new works by some of the Southeast’s greatest established and emerging artists. A community experience unlike any other, Spotlight on Art 2012 brings artists and art enthusiasts together with a full season of events:   • The Artists Market, hosted by Trinity School   February 6 – February 11, 2012 Featuring original art by 350 artists in categories such as contemporary, realism, folk, whimsical, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, garden, and children’s. Open to the public with free parking and admission.   Artists Market Hours   Monday, February 6, 2012 6 PM – 9 PM   Tuesday, February 7, 2012 8 AM – 4 PM   Wednesday, February 8, 2012 8 AM – 4 PM   Thursday, February 9... 01/30/2012

The Vinings Historic Preservation Society (VHPS) invites the children of Vinings to “Vinings Valentines” on Thursday, February 9th from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. The Vinings Valentines event will be held at the Old Pavilion on Paces Mill Road. All children of VHPS members are admitted free. $5 for non-members. Space is limited to 30 children and reservations are REQUIRED. Reservations for VHPS members are available now. All non-members may make reservations starting January 30th. Call or email VHPS to make your reservations. R.S.V.P. to 770-432-3343 or vhps1874@bellsouth.net. When coming to the Vinings Valentines event, please park at Vinings United Methodist Church two doors down. Visit us for all the latest Vinings events and news. 01/30/2012

    Join Meehan’s Public House in the Vinings Village this January for their 1st Annual “Soup Wars”. Nothing better than a nice bowl of soup on a cold winter day.   All three Meehan’s Public House pubs will feature special soups that will tempt your taste buds. Soups will range anywhere from $6.00 to $9.00 and can be purchased with a sandwich or salad, as well as on their own. There will be four soups available through January at each pub by chefs, Jordan Wakefield (Downtown), Val Domingo (Sandy Springs) and Chef Branden Holte (Vinings). Show your support and vote for your favorite soup. The Chef and pub with the most votes wins and their selected soup will be featured in all of the pubs for the month of February.   Downtown – 180 Peachtree Street   Carolina She-Crab Bisque Tuscan Style... 01/19/2012

Time for a quick update for Smyrna Vinings homebuyers on the latest in mortgage rates. The Week in Review:   More good news…  U.S. economic reports showed improvement the last quarter of 2011 and the biggest report of 2012 continued the trend.  The Unemployment Rate fell to 8.5%, the lowest it’s been the past three years.  On the week, home loan rates came down just a bit.   What to Expect:   Here is what you need to know for 2012 planning… Although recent economic reports have shown only modest improvement, the trend is encouraging and signs are pointing to the US economy improving.  Many feel this is the year the U.S. gets back on the track.   Normally positive economic reports would cause home loan interest rates to increase; however, concerns about the European economy have kept rat... 01/11/2012

  Vinings Jubilee has been named 2011 Vinings Business of the Year by the Vinings Business Association (VBA) during their January 3rd luncheon held at Social Vinings restaurant. The award is presented to the business they believe made a large impact on the community as well as their involvement in the Vinings Business Association and other community events and organizations.   Terri Hilderhoff, property manager for Paces Holdings, the company that manages the Vinings Jubilee, accepted the 2011 Vinings Business of the Year award. In October 1986, Felix Cochran dedicated Vinings Jubilee to the community of Vinings in tribute to its history. In the 25 years since the dedication, Vinings Jubilee has doubled in size. Vinings Jubilee is a collection of fashionable boutiques, exciting restaur... 01/08/2012

VEGAS IN VININGS is back by popular demand, and will be held on Saturday, January 21 at 7:00pm at The Vinings Club to benefit Vinings Historic Preservation Society. A portion of the proceeds will go towards a crucial repair to the foundation of the historic Pace House and the remaining proceeds will be used for maintenance and preservation of the Pace House, Old Pavilion and Yarbrough House, all located in the center of Vinings Village. Expenses to maintain these buildings are approximately $125,000 annually and are paid with profits from fund raising events and private donations. VEGAS IN VININGS offers several unique sponsorship opportunities. Besides knowing that you or your company has helped preserve a part of American history which sits in the middle of our neighborhood, all spons... 01/03/2012

Time to say good-bye to that old Christmas tree? Time to recycle that Tree.  Bring One For The Chipper! on Saturday, January 7, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Home Depot parking lot on Cumberland Parkway. Make sure that your tree keeps on giving after the holidays by removing all ornaments and the base and deliver it to the event between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on January 8th. Also, Keep Smyrna Beautiful will have a free dogwood, redbud, or cedar seedling to give away! Volunteers are needed, too. To volunteer, call Keep Smyrna Beautiful at 770-431-2863. Bring One for the Chipper is Georgia’s annual Christmas tree recycling program. Each year, Keep Georgia Beautiful works with private sponsors to organize the recycling event. In the past, these statewide sponsors have included The H... 01/03/2012

Archaeologist digging for history Vinings Historic Preservation Society has engaged the services of archaeologist, Garrett W. Silliman, of Terminus Archaeological Research, to conduct research at the historic Pace House on Paces Mill Road. Garrett will conduct field investigations, in association with Georgia State University, using remote sensing to detect potential archaeological features and artifact signatures on the property. Garrett began the project at the beginning of December using a magnetometer (ground penetrating radar) and he plans to excavate areas where anomalies were detected. Vinings Historic Preservation Society is very excited about this project and they hope Garrett and his team will “unearth” some interesting findings. If you are in the area of the Pace House and s... 12/28/2011

You are invited to the Vinings Business Association Monthly Luncheon on January 3rd from 11:30am – 1:00pm at Social Vinings! The featured speaker at the luncheon will be Congressman Tom Price. Also: The Winner of the 2011 VBA Business of the Year Will be Announced.  The 5 finalists (in no particular order) are: Vinings Historic Preservation Society (VHPS); Paces Holdings/Vinings Jubilee; 1st Citizen’s Bank Cumberland Blvd branch, Social Vinings restaurant and Cobb County Public Safety/Vinings. Vinings Business Association Luncheon is held monthly on the first Tuesday of each month. Lunch is $15.00 for Members and $20.00 for Non-Members. Lunch Program is from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Guests are always welcome. Lunch will be held at Social Vinings Restaurant at 3621 Vinings Slope Drive, Atlan... 12/27/2011

The Vinings Historic Preservation Society invites the children of Vinings to “DECK THE HALLS” on Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Old Pavilion on Paces Mill Road. Be sure to park at Vinings United Methodist Church two doors down. The Cumberland Parkway Cowlicks is the sponsor of the 2011 Deck the Halls event. Cowlicks will provide yogurt and toppings and tattoos. They are bringing their mascot, Bella the Cow, so moms you might want to bring your cameras and get a picture of your children with Bella! They also have a special treat for this year’s event! Mark Sillay, a woodturning artist, will be coming to Deck the Halls. He will be making wooden ornaments using a lathe and will do a demonstration for the children. The children will then choose a handmade ornament to p... 12/09/2011