Serenbe Stories Serenbe Media Network

In this special bonus episode of Serenbe Stories, Steve shares a quick tour of the Inn property, diving into the history of the old Farmhouse, the early days of the surrounding cottages, and how the property transitioned from weekend getaway to family home to luxury retreat. 
We’ll meet at the Farmhouse, walk out onto the wraparound porch, through the Inn grounds, and end up over by the Pavilion.
Show Notes & Further Reading 
The Inn at SerenbeThe Inn at Serenbe HistoryThe FarmhouseAnimal House (Life at Serenbe blog)Mary Mac’s Tea RoomChartres Cathedral 

Artist Kristine Mays’ first introduction to Serenbe happened totally by chance, when Steve attended the opening of her exhibition, Rich Soil, at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Now, Serenbe is the latest stop in this stunning traveling show, which comprises 29 metal wire sculptures, all of which are full of life and movement. Set in the woods at Deer Hollow Park, these pieces are meant to evoke a number of things - feminine energy, agriculture, nature, soil - with meanings as varied as the viewers themselves. In this episode, Steve and Monica catch up with Kristine about finding rejuvenation in nature, the path that led her to becoming a full-time artist, and where Rich Soil will travel next. 
Show Notes
Kristine MaysKristine Mays InstagramArt Farm at SerenbeGlo Atlanta Botanical GardenAlvin Ailey American Dance TheaterFiloli Historic House & GardenHillwood Estate Museum & GardenBlue Eyed Daisy

All October long, Serenbe might as well be known as Halloweentown. As you walk through the neighborhood, you’ll see homes decorated with gravestones, inflatable pumpkins and monsters, zombies, and more than a few ghosts. On Halloween itself, there are costume contests, kids and parents alike bobbing for apples, and one of our favorite shops, Hamlin, is especially famous for creating immersive Halloween experiences year after year. In the latest Serenbe Kids podcast, Reese chats with her buddy Lily about all of the traditions that make this such a noteworthy Serenbe holiday, the trick-or-treating route of champions, and the hallmarks of a successful, spooky costume. 

This week on Serenbe Stories, we’re chatting with Thomas Peters, Sernebe’s Director of Landscape and Horticulture, all about the creatures that call Serenbe home - from songbirds and butterflies to snakes and other creepy crawlies (Halloween is just around the corner, after all). Thomas joined the Serenbe team in 2017 after receiving his Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia. In his time here, he has played a central role in implementing natural approaches to landscape management, planting pollinator habitats for a thriving local ecosystem, and ensuring that Serenbe remains a place where people embrace the natural world. In addition to our discussion about Serenbe’s wildlife, we also talk about Thomas’s lifelong passion for the outdoors and how we can all learn to value nature in its many forms. 
Show Notes & Further Reading
Landscape Architecture at the University of GeorgiaR. Alfred “Alfie” Vick (University of Georgia)Art Farm EnvironmentChattahoochee Hills is now an official bee city (Art Farm at Serenbe)The Well Placed Weed by Ryan GaineyBirding Georgia by Giff BeatonA Time to Sow (Life at Serenbe Blog)Losing the Lawn (Life at Serenbe Blog)Every Day is Earth Day at Serenbe (Life at Serenbe Blog)

As you wander through Serenbe’s hamlets, taking in the details, the architecture, and feeling nature all around you, you can’t help but feel a true sense of place. Placemaking is the process of building high-quality spaces that encourage learning, play, happiness, and health - it’s the intentionality that’s been built into Serenbe’s model from day one. In this special episode of Serenbe Stories, join Steve Nygren for a walking tour of the community and learn all about how he designed the public areas and community at large in order to promote connection to nature, wellness, and a sense of community.  We’ll start at the Blue Eyed Daisy, move through Selborne and Grange, and end in Mado. Whether you’re listening at home, in your car, or joining us for a walk through Serenbe, we hope you enjoy this placemaking tour!
Show Notes
Nygren PlacemakingBlue Eyed DaisyRyan GaineyCreating Art Out of the Ordinary with Ryan Gainey (Serenbe Stories)Land Planning and Sacred Geometry’s Influence with Phil Tabb (Serenbe Stories)Last Child in the Woods by Richard LouvShannon LakePeter BlockGordon ChandlerSerenbe Planning and DesignAspen Institute

In the second edition of our Serenbe Kids series, host Reese sits down with college-bound Kate, who has spent the majority of her childhood here in Serenbe. Kate explains how the community rallied around her throughout her adolescence - whether that meant fostering her love of nature and independence or droves of neighbors coming out to support her high school theatrical performances. Kate and Reese also discuss how their educations have prepared them for big transitions, what it’s like to grow up in Serenbe, and having the freedom to be creative.

Show Notes
Woodward AcademyActon Academy at SerenbeChildren & Nature NetworkThe Art Farm at Serenbe