SANDY SPRINGS
Elegant Elf Marketplace
Is it too soon to start thinking about holiday shopping? The women of the Sandy Springs Society think not. Members of this charitable organization kick the season off with their annual holiday gift show, which turns Lake Forest Elementary into a one-stop shop for a variety of handcrafted toys, jewelry, seasonal decor, gourmet treats and more. The event also features holiday music, raffles and lunch.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 15; 11 a.m.-5 p.m Nov. 16. Lake Forest Elementary, 5920 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs. $5; free for children 10 and younger. Free parking. 404-983-7406, sandyspringssociety.org.
LITHIA SPRINGS
Park Nights, City Lights
It may sometimes feel like winter, but it’s still autumn, the time for Atlantans to get out of the city and soak up as much of Georgia’s natural beauty as possible. Sweetwater Creek State Park in Douglas County offers a twist on the tradition of touring the changing leaves: Take a hike through the woods that culminates with a view of Atlanta’s city lights. The 3-mile trek takes in the park’s Indian Cave and then winds up on East Ridge, where the spires of Atlanta rise in the distance. The hike is open to anyone 16 years and older. Closed-toe shoes and a flashlight are required. And, sorry, no dogs allowed.
7-9 p.m. Nov. 14. $6 admission, plus $5 parking fee. Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871, gastateparks.org/sweetwatercreek.
KENNESAW
Day of Bonsai
The expert gardeners at the Smith-Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw are out to prove that good things really do come in small sizes by devoting an entire day to a celebration of bonsai trees. Programs will showcase the history, culture and art behind the Japanese tradition of growing miniature trees. Founder Robert Gilbert’s personal bonsai collection will be on display, and bonsai expert Rodney Clemons will offer how-to demonstrations. Visitors also can take part in a silent auction of bonsai-related items and purchase their own bonsai trees.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15. Free for garden members, $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and active military, $5 for children ages 6-12. Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. 770-919-0248, smithgilbertgardens.com.
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