On Sunday, I ventured down I-85S to Serenbe, located in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, for it’s annual May Day celebration. Though I’d heard of Serenbe, this was my first time visiting.

Located about 35 miles south of Atlanta, the 1,000 acre community is best described as,

a national model for the future of balanced development in the U.S.— focusing on land preservation, agriculture, energy efficiency, green building, walkability, high density building, arts and culture, and community living for multiple generations. Serenbe’s ultimate goal is to demonstrate how development can accommodate the need for housing with minimal impact on nature.

In short, Serenbe is a peaceful place where residents truly care about their community, the environment and each other. In Lee Speak, they keep it 100 down there. All day, every day.

The May Day celebration was festive with food trucks, performers, and vendors selling a variety of goods from vegetable seedlings to hand-made jewelry.

In addition to the outdoor activities, shopkeepers opened their doors to the visitors mingling along Selborne Lane. The folks at Greenhouse and Newington Gallery were especially gracious, so whenever I make it back there, I plan to stop in and buy some provisions for Casa de Lee.

The weather was beautiful, so I wandered around after the festival wrapped up to take in the scenery. Serenbe is truly a beautiful and well planned development.

I enjoy life in the city, so I’m not sure if I could ever live in a place like Serenbe. However, I can definitely appreciate this community that has taken root and blossomed in the Georgia countryside.