Finding The Right Christmas Tree In West Cobb

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh pine filling your home during the holiday season, and a real Christmas tree can do that better than any candle or air freshener. Having a real tree is a tradition for many families, but if you haven’t had one before and are considering it, there are a few things you should know before you take it on. Residents around West Cobb love decorating for the holidays, just drive through several of our subdivisions like  Seven Hills, Brookstone Golf & Country Club, Bentwater, Echo Mill and others.

NOTE: make sure to read the important information at the end of this article about Christmas trees in West Cobb.

Real Trees, Real Mess

A real tree can make a bit of a mess in your home-you will have to vacuum up the dropped needles regularly. You will also have to keep fresh water in the tree stand and watch out for leaks or spills. There can also be other natural surprises in a real tree such as insects and spiders! While this is rarely a serious problem, it is something to keep in mind.

Repeated Cost Or One Time Cost?

Buying a false tree is something you can invest in one year and use for many years to come. A real tree, on the other hand, will have to be replaced every year. The cost of a real tree depends on where you live and where you purchase it. Since we live in a place where pine trees grow freely, the cost will be much less, and the tree will last longer since it will be fresh.

The Hunt For The Perfect Christmas Tree

If you just have to have that perfectly shaped Christmas tree, you will find it easier to use in a fake tree. Still, hunting through a tree farm or forest for the elusive perfect natural tree is a lot of fun for many people, and if you aren’t too set on perfection you will probably find something pretty close. Just be sure the search is something you will enjoy. There are Christmas tree lots on several street corners around West Cobb – on Dallas Highway, Cobb Parkway, and more. And then there are Christmas tree farms around West Cobb … but please make sure to ALWAYS call the farm or store BEFORE YOU GO to check on hours, prices, and inventory.

Berry Patch Farm
786 Arnold Mill Road
Woodstock, GA
770-926-0561
Young Road Christmas Tree Farm
139 Young Road
Cartersville , GA 30120
770-382-9780
Coker Tree Farm
2280 Macland Rd
Marietta, GA 30064
770-424-8047
Pettit Creek Farms
337 Cassville Road
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-386-8688
Lazy J Christmas Tree Farm
2840 Old Lost Mountain Rd
Powder Springs, GA 30127
770-439-6252
Sleepy Hollow Trees
628 Sleepy Hollow Road
Powder Springs, GA 30127
770-942-6770
Cagle’s Family Farm
362 Stringer Road
Canton, GA 30115
770-345-5591
Sperin Christmas Tree Farm
6694 Yellow Creek Road
Ball Ground GA 30107
770-893-2285

Some Christmas Tree lots around West Cobb include:
Cook’s Christmas Trees
3791 South Cobb
Smyrna GA 30080

A real Christmas tree adds a certain ambience and holiday spirit to any home, but it isn’t right for everyone. Consider the benefits as well as the possible problems with a real tree before you make a final decision on how to get your home ready for the holidays. Also, make sure to consider safety when decorating your tree.

Recycling Your Christmas Trees in West Cobb

Residents can help keep West Cobb clean by recycling their Christmas tree. Keep Cobb Beautiful will be sponsoring free Christmas tree drop off locations after the holiday which will take at the following Cobb County Parks anytime after Christmas from 9 AM to 4 PM at the drop-off locations below, and at select Home Depot locations below only on the first Saturday in January. The mulch from these trees has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects, and individual yards. That’s just one of the many reasons why Cobb County is such a great place to live!

Home Depot locations:

  • 3355 Cobb Pkwy, Acworth 30101
  • 2450 Cumberland Pkwy SE, Atlanta 30339
  • 1200 East-West Connector, Austell 30106
  • 449 Roberts Ct NW, Kennesaw 30144
  • 1655 Shiloh Road, Kennesaw 30144
  • 2350 Dallas Hwy, Marietta 30064
  • 4101 Roswell Road NE, Marietta 30062
  • 3605 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta 30066
  • 1062 Richard Sailors Pkwy, Powder Springs 30127

Holiday Safety At Home in West Cobb

Remember holiday safety and security as you decorate for the holidays. While we all focus on the happy and festive activities of the season, we also need to consider safety issues. Did you know that decorative lights start 13% of Christmas tree home fires? The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that on average, 260 home fires begin with Christmas trees each year, resulting in 12 deaths, 24 injuries and $16.4 million in property damage.  According to NFPA’s “Home Christmas Tree and Holiday Light Fires” report, on average, one of every 66 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires. And according to a study by the CDC, injuries from falls increase significantly during the holiday season.

Christmas, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day are the top 3 days of the year for candle fires.

Those statistics are staggering and are the reason that homeowners need to have a heightened safety awareness during the holiday season. As you prepare to decorate your homes for the holiday, think SAFETY:

Decorating for the Holiday

 S

 

Sound your alarms. Test your smoke alarms before you begin decorating to make sure they work, and be sure that the batteries have been replaced.  Install smoke carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home — especially near sleeping areas. Test the alarms frequently during the holidays, as a precaution.

 A

Always turn off holiday lights when you leave the house unattended or when going to bed. And think safety as you decorate. Keep any combustible products and fire wood away from the house. When hanging outdoor lights, make sure to keep the electrical connectors off the ground and away from metal rain gutters.

 F

Fresh Is Best. While many people like artificial trees because they require less maintenance, you should try to purchase a freshly cut tree because unlike artificial, a fresh tree is more resistant to ignition. You will need to ensure that the tree is watered and keep it away from lit candles and any open flame. An added bonus is the natural fragrance from the tree.

 E

Electrical lights need to be checked for fraying. Carefully inspect your holiday lights checking for fraying, cracked lamp holders, or loose connections. If any of these conditions exist, throw them away and replace them. Make sure that any electrical items, including lights, have a certification mark of an accredited certification organization such as CSA, UL, or ELT.

 T

Trees should be secured. Ensure that your tree is securely in its stand and not leaning. Unstable or improperly secured trees can fall and cause injury and/or damage. And if you have pets or children, or plan to entertain during the holidays, make sure to keep your tree out of your home’s regular traffic path to avoid people inadvertently walking into it.

 Y

Yuletide is enjoyable as long as the fireplace is clean. Make sure that your fireplace and chimney are clean and clear of any debris. Keep the hearth and mantel free of debris, decorations and flammable materials. The fireplace should have a glass door or use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces that do not have a glass fireplace door.

 

Safety Gadgets & Apps

The LifeKeeper Christmas Tree Safety System is available at multiple online sources (WalMart, Amazon, etc.), has an angel ornament that doubles as a heat detector, and sends a signal to a portable, wireless base alarm if the tree temperature gets too high. The angel’s wings also blink every 24 hours to remind you to water your tree.

Home Electrical Safety Check App

This app will help you inspect your home for potential dangers for each room and offers resolutions for simple, non-technical problems. Where more serious issues are flagged, you are advised to use a licensed electrician.

 

Apple Store Download Button

 

If you would like more information on home safety, you can speak to a licensed electrician in West Cobb.

Share some of your own holiday home safety tips with us. Help everyone stay safe this holiday season. We’ll share some holiday security tips tomorrow (after the Black Friday shopping).

 

Holiday Lights Around West Cobb & Paulding

Every year right after Halloween, we begin to see homes getting their holiday lights around West Cobb ready. But some homes start even earlier. It takes months to decorate homes like The Felix Family Lights and Atkinson Lights in Dallas. And now that Thanksgiving is days away, it is time to plan your holiday outings to visit some of these displays.

UPDATE: Lots of holiday lights around Seven Hills, where they are having a holiday light contest for residents.

Click here to request a map of the holiday light displays we have found around West Cobb and more.

Throughout metropolitan Atlanta, there are several 2015 holiday light extravaganzas like the ones listed here in addition to the neighborhood displays listed below by city:

  • Fantasy In Lights

    Fantasy In Lights
    Callaway Gardens
    17800 US Highway 27
    Pine Mountain, GA 31822

    DATES: Nov 13 – Jan 2

    For tickets and more information, call 800-852-3810.

  • Holiday In Lights

    Holiday In Lights
    Centennial Park
    265 Park Ave West NW
    Atlanta, GA 30313

    DATES: Nov 21 – Jan 10

    For tickets and more information, call 404-222-7275.

  • Holiday in the Park

    Holiday In The Park
    Six Flags Over Georgia
    275 Riverside Parkway SW
    Austell, GA 30168

    DATES: Nov 21 – Jan 3

    For tickets and more information, call 770-739-3400.

  • Lights of Life

    Lights of Life
    Life University
    1269 Barclay Circle
    Marietta, GA 30060

    DATES: Nov 26 – Dec 31
    TIME: 6 – 10 p.m.;

    For tickets and more information, call 770-426-2600.

  • Country Christmas Lights

    Country Christmas Lights
    The Rock Ranch
    5020 Barnesville Highway
    The Rock, GA 30285

    DATES: Nov 26 – Dec 31

    For tickets, dates and time, as well as more information, call 706-647-6374.

  • Stone Mountain Christmas

    Stone Mountain Christmas
    Stone Mountain Park
    1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
    Stone Mountain, GA 30083

    DATES: Nov 27 – Jan 3

    For tickets and more information, call 800-401-2407.

  • Holiday Light Spectacular

    Holiday Light Spectacular
    Atlanta Motor Speedway
    1500 Tara Place
    Hampton, GA 30228

    DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 30

    For tickets and more information, visit website.

Holiday Lights Around West Cobb & Paulding

PLEASE NOTE

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season has ended and lights have come down. We will update our list for 2016 and have it available in November. In the meantime, please continue to visit us as we will share neighborhood information throughout the year on other exciting events around town.

And don’t forget to comment below to let us how much you liked the lights, or if we missed any displays you think should be included!

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Thanksgiving – Holiday Festivities Part I

Two weeks until Thanksgiving, can you believe that it’s here
The holidays seem to come sooner each year!
Just look at the stores with their holiday displays…
Time passes so fast, especially these days.
But there’s no time to panic, much less to worry
We’ve got checklists and tips to help you prepare in a hurry!

Here are some checklists I have used that you may find helpful:

If you recently moved into your home, you might be hosting your first family Thanksgiving. And while you focus on making sure the house is ready for the guests, you might want some help. Here are some hotlines that can help you with menu planning, portion calculations, food safety and more.

  • Butterball Turkey Talk-Line: 1-800-BUTTERBALL
    The Turkey Talk-Line is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM CST from now until December 21. And the best part of all: it’s open Thanksgiving day, starting at 6 AM CST!! TDD line: 1-800-TDD-3848. Bilingual help is available. Online help in Spanish and English. They also offer a FAQ list to quickly answer many popular questions.

    Fleischmann’s Yeast Baker’s Help Line:1-800-777-4959
    This helpline, for all your questions about breads and rolls, is open Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 7 PM, all year long. Online help. Check out their website for recipes and tips.

    Hershey’s Consumer Hot Line: 1-800-468-1714 Let the folks at Hersheys walk you through every chocolate question you’ve ever had. Ask for recipes too! This line is open Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM EST, all year round.

    King Arthur Baker’s Hotline: 855-371-2253
    Whether your bread didn’t rise, your crust crumbles, or your holiday baking is challenging you, the Baker’s Hotline will assist you with your baking questions.

    Land O’Lakes Holiday Bake Line: 1-800-782-9606 Any and all baking questions are answered from 8 AM to 7 PM CST at Land O’Lakes from now until Christmas Eve. Online help. You can also check out their website for recipes, tips and coupons.

    Libby Consumer Hot Line: 1-800-854-0374 Stressed about your pumpkin pie? Get tips and advice, plus recipes using canned pumpkin. The line is open Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 8 PM EST, all year round.

    Ocean Spray Consumer Helpline:1-800-662-3263 Learn everything you ever wanted to know about cranberries, including ideas for using leftover canned cranberry sauce. The hotline is open Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM EST, all year round. And it’s open on Thanksgiving! Online help

    USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-674-6854
    If you have questions about food safety, including storage, handling and preparation of the Thanksgiving turkey, call the USDA hotline weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM CST. TDD line: 1-800-256-7072. The Hotline is open on Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p. m., Eastern Time, but closed on other Federal government holidays.

And if cooking Thanksgiving Dinner is overwhelming you, and you decide to let someone else do the cooking & cleanup this year, here are some of the restaurants in our area open (call to make reservations and confirm that they are open) on Thanksgiving Day and offering a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner:

Cosmopolitan
•  Old Vinings Inn
Ray’s on the River
Ruth’s Chris
Ted’s Montana Grill

Or check Open Table for restaurants around metro Atlanta offering Thanksgiving reservations. Whether you dine in or out, enjoy your holiday and be safe.

Stay tuned for our article later this week about Thanksgiving in the Mountains.

Veterans Day Around West Cobb

It’s easy to buy a card to celebrate holidays, but sometimes it takes a little more, especially when it comes to our Veterans. They sacrifice their lives, time with their families and friends, and so much more. One day to honor them seems like so little. Here is just a sampling of activities and more to salute them tomorrow.

And … have you purchased a green light? Find out about it here.

VETERANS DAY AROUND WEST COBB

MARIETTA SALUTES OUR VETERANS
At 11am, you can pay tribute to local Veterans at the Marietta Veterans Day Parade, which will include marching bands, drill teams, floats, military vehicles and veterans’ organizations, including representation from Marietta and Cobb County schools of their bands and their JROTC units.

ACWORTH SALUTES OUR VETERANS
Acworth will honor our Veterans at 2 pm at Patriots Point at Cauble Park, home of the Veterans Memorial.

KENNESAW SALUTES OUR VETERANS
North Cobb American Legion Post 304 and the City of Kennesaw will show their support of our Veterans with a free lunch for Veterans and active duty personnel in the Kennesaw area at the Ben Robertson Community Center.

BUSINESSES SALUTE OUR VETERANS
But lots of businesses in our neighborhood have taken the time to do just that. Here is a list of some of the businesses in our neighborhood that are offering specials to Veterans, please check with location for specific details and what type of identification/proof service may be required:

Offering a free meal to Veterans and Active Duty Military. See the specific details here.

Marietta – West Cobb
2404 Dallas Highway
Marietta, GA 30064

Hiram
5149 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway
Hiram, GA 30141

Kennesaw
2445 Mall Boulevard
Kennesaw, GA 30144

California Pizza Kitchen is offering a free entree from a special menu for Veterans & Active Duty Military on Veterans Day. You can view the menu here.

While there isn’t a CPK in our neighborhood, you can visit the location in East Cobb at:
4250 Roswell Rd #620
Marietta, GA 30062

On Veterans Day, November 11th, Olive Garden is inviting veterans and active duty military to enjoy a free entrée* from a special menu, and their family members dining with them enjoy 10% off of their meals.

Kennesaw
429 Barrett Pkwy
Kennesaw, GA, 30144

Chili’s is offering a free entree to Veterans and Active Duty Military from their special menu found here. Please note that the menu may vary by location.

Avenue West Cobb
3625 Dallas Hwy #100
Marietta, GA 30064

Acworth Crossing
3339 Cobb Pkwy N
Acworth, GA 30101-3940

Kennesaw
851 Cobb Pl Blvd NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Texas Roadhouse will be offering free lunches to veterans and active members on Veterans Day from a special menu.

Hiram
140 Depot Drive
Hiram, GA 30141

Marietta
2475 Barrett Creek Parkway
Marietta, GA 30066

Stock up on groceries with 10% off at Publix for active and retired military on Veterans Day.

 

Several other restaurants are offering free items and specials to Veterans, like appetizers, desserts, etc.

If you are considering purchasing a home, while most banks may be closed, mortgage companies are typically open and may be able to help you with a VA mortgage loan. Let us know how we can help you with buying or selling a home in West Cobb.

Are You Looking For A Lake Home?

More and more people are looking for lake homes and waterfront property. Individuals recognize there are many benefits of living near a lake. Not only do lake homes provide privacy but they also provide access to the many conveniences a lake offers. A lake is the perfect location for those who enjoy outdoor activities and the beauty of nature.

Are you looking for lake homes? There are lake homes available all over North America. When looking for waterfront property around our metro Atlanta, you have several options including Lake Allatoona, Lake Acworth, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Lanier and more. Many people have lake homes in this area, whether they are vacation homes or permanent residences. This area has plenty to offer people since it includes the mountain neighborhoods, as well as easy access to downtown. For people who enjoy hiking and boating, buying a lake home is any of these areas would be ideal.

Lake homes can be quite expensive depending on where they are located. However if you are interested in buying a lake home, there are many routes you can take to find the perfect one for you.  We can create a customized search for you to help you find a lake home.

Search lake homes here.

 

Here We Grow Again – Living in Paulding County

Here we grow again. Living in Paulding County, I remember just a few years ago when the four-way intersection at Dallas Acworth Highway and Cedarcrest Road was a four-way stop. And everyone knew it! In a very short period of time, and when things were tough, Paulding County continued to grow, sometimes slowly, but it still grew. And as Georgia continues to grow, developers look at our neighborhoods from Paulding County to Bartow County and see the economic opportunities – with access to the airport and downtown, as well as residential growth. So it is not surprising that AVATRON announced today that it plans to open up shop in Bartow County with a large-scale, mixed use amusement complex, just north of us in Emerson. Avatron Smart Park hopes to open by 2019.

LakePoint Sports Complex has already claimed its space in Bartow County and continues to grow and evolve into the country’s largest sports recreation facility. Just drive up Cobb Parkway to Highway 293 and watch as the landscape continues to transform with the development of baseball fields, hotels, fast food restaurants and more. The economic impact on the local community, upon completion, is projected to produce up to 26,000 jobs, making the new development one of the largest employers in the Northwest Georgia Region.

And let’s not ignore the impact on real estate:

So many things happening in our neighborhoods, isn’t this a great place to live? And if you don’t live here – you might want to! Check out current homes for sale and let me know how I can help!