Keep your sweets stress-free. This Thanksgiving, pick up dessert from Bakeshop. Whether you gave up baking after that disappointing batch of brownies or simply lack oven space once it’s packed with turkey, dressing, green bean casserole and candied sweet potatoes, let Pastry Chef Jonathan St. Hilaire prepare dessert this holiday. Get a whole pie or buy by the slice in whatever quantity you need. Among this year’s whole pie offerings is a roasted pumpkin pie with cinnamon crust and white chocolate mousse for $24, bourbon pecan pie for $26, apple caramel cheesecake for $30. Prefer cake? …

If the transition to an electric car seems daunting, a test drive can allay concerns. When I agreed to a 24-hour test drive of the new Chevy Volt, the first thing I did was search the Internet for charging stations. Not that I’d even need a charge during the test drive: The Chevy Volt is a totally new type of car technology that's not a hybrid, yet does have a gas generator so it’s not 100-percent electric. Thus, the car is suited to longer road trips than some electric cars. Charging options in Midtown include The Charging Spot at Atlantic Station and several plug-ins on the 12th floor of …

Whether you plan to host Thanksgiving or just thank the person who does the cooking by handing over a thoughtful gift, help is readily available. The key is to plan ahead. If you’re the sort of home cook who views the Thanksgiving meal as your annual championship game, then choose a winning bird to stack the odds of an epicurean victory in your favor. White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia, has raised American Standard Bronze turkeys in a kind manner where the birds are free to roam their pastured natural setting and live withoutantibiotics or added hormones. (The breed is less susceptible …

While Midtown has a vibrant restaurant scene, occasionally you may find yourself facing the stove in your own kitchen. If you wish your cooking skills were stronger, help is available at The Cook’s Warehouse. Stock up on whatever you need, from tools to cookbooks and even classes. The Cook’s Warehouse offers an extensive lineup of cooking classes, some demonstration and some hands-on. How are topics and instructors chosen? “We definitely listen to our customers and take suggestions,” says Mary Moore, owner of The Cook’s Warehouse. “We also take cues from what’s happening in the world of foods…

The good people of the world who too often elude the spotlight are being called onto the red carpet on Monday, Oct. 24 for the inaugural Epoch Missions Gala. The black-tie event will be held at the Fox Theatre. “It’s a celebration of unsung heroes,” says Tim Abare, curator. “For the first time, the efforts of those who make a difference in the lives of others through missions around the world will be honored.” A total of $50,000 will be awarded to recognize the outstanding efforts and achievements of six individuals and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others. The funds will …

No tricks. Just treats. Pleasant things await shoppers at Room & Board, the home furnishings store located in Midtown’s Westside neighborhood. Like eye-candy scattered throughout the store’s display vignettes, the new fall accessories line boasts a collection of handcrafted accent pieces including rugs, pillows, wall art, bedding, lighting and more. All the new items enhance the store’s selection of more timeless designs. “Our design style is predominately modern yet contemporary and forward-thinking yet timeless,” says Hazel Studstill, design associate. “We’re not trendy, but on-trend.” …

A new awning installed over SkyLounge, the rooftop bar located on the eleventh floor of the Glenn Hotel, makes it possible to drink up great city views in all sorts of weather. “The awning doesn’t hamper the view or the image of the hotel at all,” says Brian Bullock, managing partner. “We added it to do Atlanta better—you can better plan parties on the roof without risk of rain or it getting too hot.” The awning covers the 1,800-square-foot space. Its design “falls within the code of the Historical Society,” says Bullock, a requirement since the hotel is historic. “It looks right and is …

When you want your canine best friend to feel right at home somewhere other than home, Atlanta Dog Spa may be the answer. With a service lineup of doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, training and special events, it’s been voted “Best of The City.” “We have a custom plan for every dog,” says owner Sarah Segal. More than just a place where dogs can run and play or relax and watch movies while their owners are at work or traveling, Atlanta Dog Spa is a place that pampers pooches as much as possible. It's not just fun and games: All care providers at Atlanta Dog Spa are certified canine handlers …

Looking to celebrate an anniversary or milestone birthday? Pop the question in a grand way? Or need a pampering escape from the kids? Whatever reason you book an overnight staycation, the Glenn Hotel has an amazing deal for you. It typically costs $1,500 per night to stay in the tenth-floor Penthouse Suite at the Glenn Hotel, the 110-room boutique hotel on Marietta Street. But for a limited time couples are invited to enjoy a luxurious overnight retreat in that gorgeous, spacious suite for $500. What’s more, the new Glenntastic package ensures you’ll get quite a big bang for those bucks. …

“It’s a fun and magical place,” says Rainie Jueschke, development director for the Center for Puppetry Arts. “I believe that when you’re here you feel the energy, happiness and excitement from children and you can’t help but get excited and happy, too.” While this unique place is a popular field trip destination for schoolchildren as well as a favorite family outing, it is not just for kids. Some performances, such as October’s popular The Ghastly Dreadfuls, are exclusively for adult audiences with “song and puppetry dance that will really surprise and delight you,” promises Jueschke. The …

Each month Switch Modern is more than a luxury modern furniture and accessories store. It’s also a stage. “As part of our dedication and passion for design we host a monthly Salon Series,” said Roy Otwell, who co-owns Switch Modern with business partner Doug Henderson. As part of the series, a guest with ties to the design industry is invited to speak. “They can talk for 15 to 20 minutes about whatever they want,” Otwell said. “Usually there’s a slide presentation, a question-and-answer session, plus we’ll offer some wine and cheese. It’s a nice event, a way for people in the design community…

A deal from Gilt City is one email you’ll be glad to see hit your inbox. Gilt City Atlanta, which launched in Atlanta mid-July, is a luxury group buying site that delivers savings up to 75 percent on unique packages. Not just another coupon, these deals are more like VIP access to exclusive experiences. From epicurean adventures with local chefs to indulgent spa services with a twist, Gilt City curates packages that highlight the city’s best offerings. Some past deals have included a $10 mani-pedi party, a $20 5-course dinner and a movie screening plus cocktail party.   Each package is on …

“We are a grown-up store,” says Ginna Gilbert of her upscale boutique that specializes in women’s clothing, the eponymous G. Gilbert. “Our customers want something interesting but are not trying to look like children,” says Gilbert. That makes sense since G. Gilbert customers typically range in age from 25 to 75 (the majority are age 40 to 60). The store stocks styles that “cover the gamut,” she says, “to make an outfit as trendy or as tailored as wanted.” What you won’t find on these racks are the same brands routinely stocked at department stores. “One of our main criteria is to find things…

Give up the bottle. If you’ve always dreamed of sipping your favorite draft brew from a tap while lounging in your pajamas in front of your own TV, your dreams can come true. Just buy a refillable 64-ounce growler at Hop City (for $4.99) and fill it with your choice of any one of the 16 available taps (for prices starting at around ten bucks). “A growler is a wonderful old-school way to drink beer,” says Kraig Torres, owner of Hop City Craft Beer & Wine. “It’s essentially a jug so you can enjoy fresh beer in your living room.” (That jug has government-required labels, so any old jug pulled …

To celebrate national blueberry month, Blue MedSpa has created a Blueberry Indulgence Facial. Available through August, this hour-long pampering spa treatment will chase the blues away while it helps tone and hydrate your skin to achieve new levels of buttery-softness, refreshment and clarity. “Blueberries are good for you inside and out,” says Kat Johnson, esthetician. The super-fruit boasts powerful antioxidants including vitamins A and E to help fight free radicals. The facial is a seasonal invitation to take a break from your high-paced, stressful, everyday routine for a little “me” time…

This weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana, it’s Tales of the Cocktail, an annual event that brings together industry insiders and general cocktail enthusiasts. Comprised of dozens of seminars, tastings, meals, parties, competitions and more, it provides a festive forum to discuss topics as varied as the merits of block ice, superiority of organic fresh-squeezed juice, history behind specific cocktail recipes, spirit distillation methods — plus, of course, serves up plenty of tasting opportunities. So, see you there! Wait … what? Can’t make it to New Orleans? Well then head to Front Page News. “…

If you’ve received an invitation to a friend’s baby shower, don't fret, head to B Braithwaite on Howell Mill Road.  Doesn’t matter whether or not she’s registered there — although if she has discerning tastes, odds are it was stepping into that boutique that set off the alarm bells on her biological clock — you’re sure to find something that you’ll be proud to present and she'll delight in unwrapping. “We carry some beautiful things,” owner Chaffee Braithwaite said. "The goal is to be a one-stop destination for the best unique baby products on the market." The shop stocks “anything you need” …

Whether you’re cooking a formal dinner from scratch or packing a picnic basket with ready-made items, Star Provisions ensures you get restaurant-quality results. Since February 2000, Star Provisions has given Atlantans access to the same top-quality ingredients used by local chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford R. Harrison in their kitchens at Bacchanalia, Abattoir, Quinones and Floataway Café. “Everything available in our restaurants comes through Star Provisions,” said Tim Gaddis, manager of the cheese room. The 4,000-square-foot shop is filled with meat, seafood, cheese, wine, fresh baked …

Telling a person that it’s time to bathe can be a delicate conversation. But when it’s your furry best friend whose aroma makes your nose crinkle, words come as easy as taking swift action to remedy the unpleasant situation. Whether you’d prefer a professional be the one to wash your dog or are looking for a place to do the job yourself, Doguroo can help. “We’re a full-service grooming and bathing facility along with a self-wash,” says Stephen Calsbeek, receptionist. Boarding, daycare, training, vet services and retail products are also available. For the self-wash, Doguroo provides …

Think you’re a hoot (or long to be)? Polish your joke-telling skills with Comedy 101 classes at Laughing Skull Lounge. The bi-monthly, five-session workshop is designed to help anyone 18 or older explore what it means to be “funny.” The course covers the basics of writing and performing jokes, and the lounge provides a stage for initial performances. Classes are taught by comedy veterans Marshall Chiles and Kenney Johnson. Chiles is the owner of two comedy clubs: Laughing Skull Lounge (located in Vortex Bar & Grill) and Funny Farm Comedy Club (in Roswell). He also is the creator and producer …