Letter from the EDITOR
When we launched our new, expanded version of
our Best Of Cobb competition last year, I was
blown away by the number of people who
voted (which nearly doubled this year) and the many
people who since have told me how much the recognition
helped them or their business. All great stuff!
But while there is such an incredible variety in this
year’s list of winners, I began to formulate in my mind my
own personal “Best Of ” list of my favorite hidden gems that
either weren’t recognized or maybe didn’t really have a
category to be recognized, anyway.
So here are just a few of my (unsolicited) favorite
hidden gems and why they should get a little love, too:
H Go Forth Goods: This leather goods shop tucked in a
corner of Marietta is like a little piece of tannery heaven.
The leather is of the highest quality and all of their bags,
wallets and goods are made in-house. Owner Nathan
Martin (whose friendly and kind demeanor makes this
shop even easier to support) said the name generates from
his own personal mantra to “Go Forth” and do good. And
good, they do. They are involved in many charities and
their handmade items are sure to last a very long time (and
if you can’t afford one of their pieces, visit the shop anyway
– the smells are free). (Look for a story on Go Forth Goods in
Left: I just happened to be sporting my favorite fashion
accessory – fringe – while I directed the photo shoot at
the artful home of Donna and Kerry Krueger (story on
page 10). I couldn’t resist this fantastic painting in her
study, so Donna and photographers Justin and Rickelle
Hadley humored me with a quick photo opp. If I had to
pick a Best Home, the Kruegers and their colorful abode
would definitely get my vote.
our June issue of Cobb Life, just in time for some Father’s
Day gift ideas). Goforthgoods.com, 795 Whitlock Ave
NW, Marietta 30064
H The Hunt House: Just across the way from Kennesaw
Mountain sits an old house in the woods. But it
isn’t just any ol’ house – The Hunt House is a haven for
local musicians and the patrons who like to hear
stories behind the songs, be up close and engaged with
the musicians and enjoy a fantastic dinner prepared by
chef and owner Marc Sommers, to boot. The listening
room won’t fit more than 50 people, so if you come
across a show you really want to see, get your tickets
fast. The Hunt House will also periodically expand
outside of the house to its outdoor pavilion, where
attendees of all ages are free to roam the property, play
outdoor games and sit wherever they like while the
bigger local bands jam out by the mountain.
Hunthousemarietta.com, 1127 White Cir NW, Marietta
30060
H Smith Appliance: I purchased a new house in downtown
Marietta earlier this year that had just about everything
I could need – except a refrigerator. And I needed a
smaller, more expensive counter depth refrigerator for my
newly-renovated house, making swallowing that cost even
harder. But when a friend told me about Smith Appliance, a
place that sells slightly dented or scratched home appliances
just off the Marietta Square, I decided to pop over for a
visit. At 5:45 in the afternoon. On a Friday. And they were
closing at 6 p.m. They welcomed my hurried and self-depricating
deameanor, and even penciled me in for a $49
delivery and install the very next day, even though they
were technically already full. We couldn’t even find a dent
or a scratch on the one I bought, and I saved nearly $1,000
(and ridiculous delivery/install charges) versus the big box
guys. That’s a win! Smithappliance.com, 685 Powder Springs
St., Marietta 30064
Congratulations to all of our 2020 Best of Cobb winners.
Keep your eyes peeled this summer as we roll out the 2021
nomination and voting timelines and be sure to vote for your
favorites so they can be in the next issue!
8 COBB LIFE | APRIL 2020
/Goforthgoods.com
/Hunthousemarietta.com
/Smithappliance.com