Ever wondered how the iconic American Girl characters would navigate life in the modern world? Picture their unique stories and vibrant personalities playing out in 2024 North Georgia. Now, imagine how these beloved heroines would bring their energy and achievements into today’s culture, thriving in the region’s small towns and big cities while balancing tradition and modernity. From girl-bossing in their careers to embracing Southern liesure, they’d ‘slay’ in our world just as they did in theirs.
Felicity Merriman
Her riding outfit costs more than a thousand dollars, but the mud splatters don’t faze Felicity Merriman in the slightest. After all, they’re just the marks of another day on her estate. She’ll drop her clothes in the laundry basket, and the maid will ensure they make their way to the dry cleaner. Felicity dismounts her horse with practiced ease, then takes the time to curry comb Penny and feed her a nutrient-rich diet. She makes her rounds, checking on all 30 horses in her elite stables—the best in Milton—before conferring with the veterinarian, flown in from Lexington Kentucky, about the recovery of a client’s horse that’s been battling the flu.
As she walks across her expansive estate, the kind of place where tree-lined fields meet perfectly striped green lawns, with a lake and fountain in the distance and a white horse fence tracing the path of a babbling brook, it’s clear this land is a legacy. She inherited it from her grandfather, a man whose wealth and influence have been woven into each imported stone-walled property and marble floor.
Felicity’s roots run deep, but she’s made a name for herself. After graduating from Berry College with a degree in Fashion Marketing and Business, she opened a boutique in downtown, historic Alpharetta. There, she designs and sells high-quality, fashionable cable knit sweaters—priced for the discerning, if not the faint of heart. She’s married to Ben, the general manager of her father’s regionally influential health food store chain, and together they make a formidable pair. Felicity also stays connected to her alma mater, actively participating in Berry College’s equestrian program, nurturing the next generation of riders with the same passion she’s carried all her life.
Addy Walker
Addy raises her wine glass, the golden amber liquid catching the low light, and clinks it gently against her husband’s. Sam, ever kind-hearted and loyal, meets her gaze with a warmth that mirrors the Cabernet in his glass. They sit together in a cozy corner of Taste Wine Bar and Market in Atlanta, the dimly lit room buzzing with the quiet hum of conversation and the steady flow of elegant music. The evening is a delicate blend of tastes and sounds, a symphony of sensory pleasures that marks their shared appreciation for life’s finer things.
Sam, a history teacher with a knack for finding connections in the most unexpected places, remarks on how the Cabernet perfectly complements the lingering flavors of the Korean barbecue they enjoyed earlier from Thrill. Addy, who has always known her own mind, agrees, though her preference leans toward the crisp bite of a Chablis, a fitting partner for the charcuterie she nibbles on.
This moment, intimate and unhurried, is a testament to the life they’ve built together. Addy, a high-powered defense attorney, lives with Sam in a luxury high-rise apartment in Sandy Springs. Her journey from Spelman University, where she earned her B.A. in history, to Emory Law School, where she forged her path in the legal world, is one of determination and success. She thrives in the city, relishing the rhythm of urban life and the opportunities it affords.
Sam, a gentle contrast to Addy’s driven nature, teaches history at a local public school and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club. His days are spent shaping young minds, just as Addy shapes the legal landscape with her formidable presence in the courtroom. Together, they navigate the complexities of their careers while raising two children, whom Addy dutifully drives to the Fulton Science Academy each morning, with Sam handling the afternoon pick-up.
Their evenings, like this one, are often spent enjoying the amenities of a city they have come to love, preferring Sandy Springs to the more hurried Philadelphia—taking in the upscale lifestyle that was once beyond their reach as a consequence of a lack of financial privilege. For Addy and Sam, these shared moments are more than just a taste of luxury; they are a celebration of the life they have crafted together, a life rich with the rewards of hard work, resilience, and deep, abiding love.
Samantha Parkington
Samantha Parkington stands in her gourmet kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a perfectly roasted rack of lamb with a red wine reduction, a meal as refined as the life she has built. Dressed head to toe in quietly luxurious designer brands—a cashmere sweater set paired with tailored trousers and a simple yet elegant headband pulling back her chestnut hair—she epitomizes understated elegance. In the background, the smooth, nostalgic voice of Laufey plays softly, setting a tranquil mood as she considers which dishware she intends to serve dinner with – the Royal Copenhagen or the simpler fine bone china, purchased from a local antique store.
Her home, while styled like a cabin, is anything but rustic. Located on the old-money shores of Lake Rabun, this grand estate marries the warmth of natural wood with the sophistication of high ceilings and expansive spaces. The cabin-inspired mansion features exposed beams, stone fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outside in, offering breathtaking views of the lake. The walls are lined with bookshelves, artfully arranged with leather-bound classics and carefully curated art pieces, while plush furnishings provide an element of comfort in the midst of opulence.
As she gazes out of one of the wide, mullioned windows that frame the lake like a living painting, Samantha spots her husband, Eddie, just as he arrives at their private dock. The mischievous yet clever man she married is pulling up to the boathouse in their sleek motorboat, his preferred mode of transportation on days when he decides to take the scenic route to work. The sight of him brings a smile to her lips. Samantha gives the lamb a final baste, her thoughts momentarily drifting to the family dinner ahead.
Josefina Montoya
Josefina lingers over her flourishing lavender stalks, her fingers brushing gently against the fragrant blooms as she considers whether they are ready for harvesting. The lavender, along with the other healing herbs she tends in her small but abundant garden, are destined for the farmer’s market on Saturday—a cherished weekly autumn ritual that connects her to the community she loves.
Josefina lives in the charming town of Dahlonega, Georgia, where she works as a registered nurse at NGHS in Lumpkin County. Her life is a blend of nurturing both the body and spirit, a balance she finds deeply fulfilling. Outside of her work at the hospital, Josefina dedicates time to tutoring English as a Second Language (ESOL) students at the Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition, sharing her love for language and learning with those eager to improve their lives.
She and her husband, the owner of a budding micro-vineyard, have made their home in a lovingly hand-renovated two-story Victorian-era house in downtown Dahlonega. The house, with its charming white paint and a distinctive cupola, is a testament to their shared passion for craftsmanship and history. The intricate woodwork, wide porches, and tall, narrow windows reflect the care they’ve poured into preserving its character while making it their own.
Evenings often find Josefina on the screened-in patio, the space softly illuminated by string lights. Here, with the crisp fall air surrounding them, she gathers with friends to watch her favorite movie, Practical Magic—the ideal choice for a woman who brings a touch of magic to everything she does. The cupola, visible from the patio, often catches the last rays of the setting sun, casting a gentle glow over the home.
Kristen Larson
In Blairsville, GA, Kirsten Larson appears to be the perfect image of a humble homesteader. But scratch beneath the surface, and her life is anything but ordinary. With a merch store selling everything from aprons to DIY canning kits, Kirsten’s Instagram empire thrives on pricey subscriptions and premium lifestyle content. 🛍️🍓
Her stunning farmhouse boasts a $200,000 custom wood stove 🔥, $60,000 worth of copper cookware 🥘, and two sleek Hummers parked outside 🚙—far from the “simple life” her fans admire. Meanwhile, her carpenter husband earns more from Instagram views than from the products he sells, though each order still pulls in a cool $100,000. 💰
Behind the scenes, Kirsten’s brand has become a polished and profitable machine, making their humble homestead more palace than farm.
Kit Kitteridge
Kit lives in a modern Edwardian home, a boarding house just off Green Street, near downtown Gainesville. With its cozy cottage-like style, her home may not rival the gilded Victorians nearby, but its warmth and character are perfect for Kit’s lifestyle—a blend of timeless work ethic and modern girl-boss energy.
By day, Kit is a crime reporter for The Gainesville Times, chasing leads and uncovering the truth in print for the good people of Northeast Georgia. She also teaches an adjunct course at Brenau University, sharing her knowledge of investigative journalism with eager students. But her nights and weekends? That’s when Kit types away on her debut novel, her outlet to the daily grind of her busy life. One of her favorite writing spots is Inman Perk, located on the historic Gainesville square. Kit loves the outdoor seating, where she can people-watch as she sips her signature quadruple espresso cappuccino, finding inspiration in the everyday moments that pass by.
She owns the boarding house she lives in, but allows her mother to run the operation, handling much of the day-to-day cooking and cleaning, while Kit covers any financial deficits through her work teaching and writing. Together, they create a warm and welcoming environment for their tenants. Their home is filled with cozy touches—favorite red wines, piles of books, and her beloved basset hounds, of course.
When she’s not working, Kit enjoys her favorite shows like Emily in Paris, yet still dives deep into The Power of Myth. Her circle of friends, comprised of intellectuals and creatives, often meet for thought-provoking conversations over wine at Cork-It in downtown Gainesville on Friday nights.
Conclusion
From Josefina tending her herb garden to Kit sipping espresso while working on her novel in downtown Gainesville, these reimagined American Girls bring their timeless qualities into the heart of North Georgia. Their stories continue to inspire, proving that no matter the century, strong, passionate women make an unforgettable mark.
