Carmen's Picks

Autumn, one of the temperate seasons on earth. As we look forward to this delightful season of delicious weather, cozy meals and plenty to experience, here are my picks for September.

Atlanta Happenings:

Let's start with a festival. It's been voted one of the top arts and craft shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Visit over 400 artists and crafts set beneath the trees in the event meadow at Stone Mountain Park, where there will be plenty to do for the whole family.

58th Annual Yellow Daisy Festival
September 10–13, 2026
Website: stonemountainpark.com

One event I look forward to in September is the lantern parade on the Beltline. It's a magical night on Atlanta's Beltline. The parade displays beautiful, creative lanterns and live bands. There is also a festival and lantern workshop. Anyone with a lantern can also partake in the parade. It's a fun night for all.

Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade
September 19, 2026  ·  8:00pm – 10:00pm
Website: beltline.org

I truly enjoy visiting museums. The fact that one can enjoy art and history from the past and present is pretty incredible. I recently visited the High Museum of Art and was captured by a wonderful I SPY! Walter Wick's Hidden Wonders exhibit. I highly recommend a visit to the High and taking time to see the I SPY! exhibit. It's to be enjoyed by any age group — for anyone who doesn't mind being captured by observation games.

I SPY! Walter Wick's Hidden Wonders
High Museum of Art
Now through January 3, 2027
Website: www.high.org

Cumming Happenings:

For those who are film festival enthusiasts, here's one you don't want to miss. Manhattan Short is the only film festival of its kind, bringing together over 100,000 film lovers in more than 500 cities across six continents. Forsyth County has been asked to participate this year. You don't just view, you judge as well, for Best Film and Best Actor. It's free and taking place at the Forsyth County Public Libraries.

International Short Film Festival — Manhattan Short
Forsyth County Library System
September 24 – October 1, 2026
Website: manhattanshort.com

Here's a treat for those who enjoy a trick and theatre — The Addams Family, a comical feat that embraces the wackiness in every family.

The Addams Family Musical — LCS Production
School Street Playhouse
September 11 – October 4, 2026
Website: schoolstreetplayhouse.com

Off The Beaten Path:

Resurgens Theatre Company is back with the premiere of Shakespeare's lost play, The History of Cardenio, based on Cervantes' Don Quixote. I greatly enjoy their performances.

The History of Cardenio
Pythagoras Masonic Temple
September 24, 26 & 27, 2026
Website: resurgenstheatre.org

Recipe:

Here's a refreshing dish for your Taco Tuesday — Easy Taco Salad.
Website: spendwithpennies.com

A Quote to Ponder:

"Creativity is intelligence having fun."

— Unknown

Mystery Dish:

See if you can find where this delicious dish is served. I encourage you to try this establishment. You will not be disappointed. Here are some clues:

1. This flavorful pomegranate-glazed Mediterranean dish is delicious.
2. The establishment is welcoming with a friendly staff and incredible food.
3. It is located in Alpharetta.
4. It's BYOB without a corking fee.

I'm curious to see if you find the mystery dish. Tell me the name of the dish and where it's served.