Explore Gwinnett Magazine 2022 - 2023 by Explore Gwinnett

VISITOR MAGAZINE

TOP POURS

A DOZEN OF GWINNETT’S BEST BREWERIES

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES KOREAN FOOD TOUR FOUR-LEGGED FUN

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VISITOR MAGAZINE

GWINNETT GONE WILD ANIMAL ADVENTURES AND OUTDOOR FUN

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YUMMY COCKTAILS FOUR-LEGGED FUN KOREAN FOOD TOUR

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VISITOR MAGAZINE

RISE AND DINE WHERE TO GRAB BRUNCH IN GWINNETT

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FOUR-LEGGED FUN INTERNATIONAL DINING YUMMY COCKTAILS

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VISITOR MAGAZINE

A DOG’S LIFE PET-FRIENDLY SPOTS WORTH WAGGING ABOUT

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES KOREAN FOOD TOUR YUMMY COCKTAILS

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Welcome to Duluth, Georgia A place like nowhere else—where you can enjoy dining delights from around the world, public art, multiple entertainment and shopping options, active and passive parks and more! In Duluth, you are sure to have an awesome experience, day or night. All that’s missing is YOU! www.duluthga.net

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WELCOME

Welcome to Gwinnett Turning a corner into 2022, we are fortunate our thriving county is slowly getting back to normal. Events and concerts are back on, and sporting events, tournaments, and bustling restaurants are in full swing. The Explore Gwinnett magazine is jam-packed with our favorite things to see and do. There is so much going on, we weren’t even able to settle on one cover! Four covers, highlighting local craft breweries, dog-friendly destinations, the great outdoors, and our favorite meal (brunch), were chosen. My favorites? Recommendations on where the locals eat, a deep dive into Gwinnett’s thriving film and television industry, dog-friendly places and spaces, and the secret gems in our local downtowns and cities. Not long ago, Gwinnett’s first craft brewery opened. Today, we have more than a dozen breweries, two new distilleries, and one of the Southeast’s top craft beer festivals. Hops lovers can always find their sweet spot, so much so that we started monthly “Sippin’ in the Suburbs’ driving and walking beer tours. One can’t-miss feature is our diverse mix of multicultural experiences, events, food, and neighborhoods. Whether it’s taking a guided tour of the BAPS Hindu Mandir (the second-largest Hindu temple in the U.S.), spending a day exploring the Korean dining district known as “Seoul of the South™,” or shopping for spices, exotic produce, or Asian beauty products, you will feel at home in Gwinnett. We will take a deep dive into dog-friendly places, restaurants, and green spaces welcoming our furry family members. You will even see the sweet pooches our Explore Gwinnett team call their own. Gwinnett’s known for its top-ranked education system, award-winning parks, and family-friendly vibe. So it will come as no surprise that you will find a plethora of inclusive family events, concerts, festivals, and outdoor activities while visiting. My favorites include zip-lining at Treetop Quest, spending the day at Topgolf, or just lazily tubing with a cold beverage down the Chattahoochee River. Our publishing partner, Atlanta magazine, has brought stunning photography, award-winning feature and culinary writers, and a dedication to elevated design and editorial to the table, making this issue our best. Visit exploregwinnett.org for more info!

“What do you like to do with your dog in Gwinnett?” Explore Gwinnett staffers share their picks.

My dog, Tucker, loves the trails at Harbins Park and Tribble Mill. Sondra Thomas-Moore Operations Manager

Sadie and Tally love to shop for treats at Pooch N Paws. Clara Rooks Marketing Communications Manager

Bailey's favorite annual event is Pawfest in Lawrenceville.

Race Roberts Sales Manager

260 Peachtree Street Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30303 404.527.5500 atlantamagazine.com P UBLI SH E R

Sean McGinnis A SSOCI ATE P UB LI SH E R

Jon Brasher

E D I TORI AL D I REC TOR

Kevin Benefield

Jennifer Coltrin ART D I REC TOR

Carson Shadwell

6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 200 Duluth, Georgia 30097 770.623.3600, exploregwinnett.org

w pinterest.com/exploregwinnett e instagram.com/exploregwinnett

and hap

PUBLISHED BY

SE NI OR E D I TOR

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Lane Holman Mike Jordan Tess Malone Lisa Mowry Lia Picard Sucheta Rawal Tony Rehagen Katja Ridderbusch Jennifer Senator Kelundra Smith P ROD U C TION DIREC TOR

Whitney Tomasino CONTRIBU TING P H OTOGRA PHERS

Sara McCabe

Kate Awtrey Stephanie Eley Jonathan Phillips Martha Williams

CONTRI BUTI NG WRI TE RS

I LLUST RATOR

COPY E D I TOR

Vené Franco Curt Holman

FIN EV NO SC QR

Belinda Kou Ruby Taylor

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Cu en on

Chattapoochee Dog Park in Duluth is our go-to! We also love to hang out at Lazy Dog Cafe.

Cristina Villa Hazar

GET IN TOUCH

Anne Chen Senior Sales Manager

D E SI GN D I REC TOR

Lisa Anders, Executive Director

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NEVER A DULL

MOMENT Culture and creativity abound as you shop, enjoy outdoor festivals, and dine al fresco at one of our multiple outdoor dining locations. Downtown Lawrenceville is filled with life! See live performances at the Lawrenceville Arts Center, the new home of the Aurora Theatre, outdoor concerts at the Lawrenceville Lawn, and live music at the Train Depot. Sit back and relax at well over a dozen award-winning eateries and two unique breweries. Exciting things are always happening in Downtown Lawrenceville.

FIND EVENTS NOW! SCAN THE QR CODE »

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FEATURES Pet-Friendly Guide (PAGE 30)

THE TOP 10 REASONS TO LOVE GWINNETT

Whether you’re here for a day or a lifetime, don’t miss these unforgettable experiences BY T ESS MALO NE

OFF THE LEASH

A roundup of Gwinnett’s most dog-friendly destinations, from patios to parks, stores to spas, and so much more

BY L ANE HO LMAN

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

Up-close look at the Gwinnett Stripers, both on the field and in the stands at Coolray Field

BY T O NY REHAGEN

SEOUL FOOD

Where to go and what to order when you’re craving all things Korean—from traditional Korean BBQ to karaoke and KFC (Korean fried chicken)

BY LIA PIC ARD

44 Gwinnett Stripers (PAGE 36)

Top 10 Reasons (PAGE 28)

SHOW BUSINESS

We turn the spotlight on five local stars who are working in (and behind the scenes) of the film and television industry

BY CURT HO LMAN

S T E P H A N I E E L E Y, K A R L L M O O R E , S H U T T E R S T O C K

Gwinnettians in Show Business (PAGE 44)

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Paul Din

COME PLAY, STAY AND GET AWAY. As Georgia’s number one attraction, Stone Mountain Park offers a 3,200acre natural wonderland — full of year-round excitement for every member of the family. The world’s largest piece of exposed granite is just the beginning of the unique attractions you’ll find at Stone Mountain Park. Check out Dinosaur Explore – an interactive, prehistoric creature experience featuring more than 20 life-size dinosaurs moving and roaring just like their ancient ancestors. Go back in time and choose your own adventure in this interactive storytelling encounter. See how you match up against a giant dinosaur footprint, pet a baby dinosaur or meet a fierce raptor in training! Located just 15 miles from downtown Atlanta, adventure awaits as you discover family-friendly attractions and accommodations at Stone Mountain Park. Located just 15 miles from downtown Atlanta, adventure awaits as you discover family-friendly attractions and accommodations at Stone Mountain Park. For dates, hours, tickets or to reserve a lodging or camping package, visit stonemountainpark.com

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DEPARTMENTS

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EXPERIENCES

DINING

Happiness & Peace

Where the Locals Eat

Get Your Game On

Rise and Shine

Wild for Wildlife

Cheers!

Painted Walls

International Dining

Getting Crafty

Lilburn’s magnificent Hindu temple Where to get sporty in Gwinnett Exploring Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary A tour of the county’s colorful murals

10 delicious brunch spots Where to raise a glass in Gwinnett Buford Highway and Beyond

SHOPPING

The ultimate guide to Gwinnett breweries (and beers)

Take It Outside

7 ways to go natural in Gwinnett

The insider's scoop on where to wine and dine

A Day of Shopping Local store owners share their faves

Stores with a Story Browse three one-of-akind shops

OTHER

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Contributors Who We Are Neighborhoods Calendar

74 Get Social 76 Resource Guide 80 Map of Gwinnett

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A PLACE TO EXPLORE. SAVOR. IMAGINE.

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CONTRIBUTORS

VENÉ FRANCO

CURT HOLMAN

LANE HOLMAN

Vené Franco is a freelance writer, editor, and illustrator based in Atlanta. A native of Los Angeles, she began her food-centric journalism career as a staffer at Bon Appétit magazine and has served as the dining editor at Atlanta magazine and a contributor to Williams-Sonoma cookbooks and Creative Loafing Atlanta.

Curt Holman is an award-winning editor, film critic, and content writer based in Atlanta. A former president of the Southeastern Film Critics Association, he has written for the Home Depot, WebMD, Creative Loafing, Atlanta magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and more. He has been the co-host of the Comics Canon podcast since 2016.

Native Atlantan Lane Holman enjoys being curious for a living. When not exploring, she edits magazines and writes about medical and technical things for some lucky clients. She and her husband, Curt, live next to Peachtree Creek, where they keep an eye on a menagerie that includes a wonderful teenager and two crazy dogs.

LIA PICARD Lia Picard is an Atlanta-based food and travel writer. Her work appears in Bon Appétit, Architectural Digest, the Local Palate, Playboy, and other local and national publications. When she’s not writing, Picard is exploring all that metro Atlanta has to offer, including Gwinnett County’s Korean food offerings and other gems.

SUCHETA RAWAL Sucheta Rawal is an award-winning food and travel writer, blogger, and speaker and the author of the Beato Goes To series of children’s picture books on travel. She is also the founder of Go Eat Give whose mission is to raise awareness of different cultures through travel, food, and community service.

TONY REHAGEN Tony Rehagen is a freelance writer based in St. Louis. His work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Men’s Health, GQ, USA Today, Bloomberg Businessweek, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and Pacific Standard. He is a five-time finalist for the City and Regional Magazine Association Writer of the Year award.

MIKE JORDAN

TESS MALONE

LISA MOWRY

Mike Jordan is editor-in-chief at Atlanta based media company Butter.ATL, and a freelance contributor for the Wall Street Journal, the Guardian, Atlanta magazine, Eater, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Resy, and others. His writing covers news, business, entertainment, technology, business, culture, food, and more.

Tess Malone is a writer and editor, digital content strategist, and social media manager focusing on culture and food. A former Atlanta magazine editor, she now writes about research for Georgia Tech. The avid baker also has a weekly newsletter, Procrastibaking. Although originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, she has called Atlanta home since 2014.

Lisa Mowry has been writing about homes and neighborhoods for magazines such as Traditional Home and Better Homes & Gardens for 25 years. For more than 20 years, she has served as the homes editor for Atlanta magazine and Atlanta Magazine’s HOME. Lisa lives on Marietta Square, where she can walk to the historic downtown area just two blocks away.

KATJA RIDDERBUSCH

JENNIFER SENATOR

KELUNDRA SMITH

Katja Ridderbusch is an award-winning journalist based in Atlanta. Originally from Germany, she reports for media outlets in the U.S. and Europe, including U.S. News & World Report, Atlanta magazine, and German public radio. She gravitates toward stories about health and criminal justice and loves critters, cop shows, and curious places.

An Atlanta native, Jennifer Senator lived in Norcross until she was 10. A former senior editor for Atlanta magazine, Senator has contributed to publications such as the New York Post, Food Network magazine, Town & Country, and Frommer’s travel guides. For this publication she asked locals about their favorite restaurants in Gwinnett County.

Kelundra Smith is a storyteller whose mission is to connect people to cultural experiences and each other. She has been published in the New York Times, American Theatre, ESPN’s the Undefeated, the Bitter Southerner, ArtsATL, and more. She also served as co-chair of the American Theatre Critics Association’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

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Where Southern Charm meets French Luxury E X P L O R E B R A S E LT O N . C O M

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chattaivhoerochee r

Topgolf

EXPLORE GWINNETT INITIATIVES SEOUL OF THE SOUTH™ FOOD TOUR

BAPs M

eagle rock studios andir

Stone n Mountai Park

suwanee sculptour L ak e La nier

Who We Are xplore Gwinnett, the marketing brand for the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau (GCVB), is Gwinnett County’s official tourism organization. It is dedicated to strengthening Gwinnett’s economy by marketing the county and cities as a destination for conventions, sporting events, meetings, and leisure travel through sales, marketing, and promotion. Explore Gwinnett also houses the Gwinnett Sports Commission and Camera Ready Film Office (gwinnettfilm.com), and the GCVB board of directors oversees the operations and management of the Gas South District. Explore Gwinnett’s website is full of helpful information, including a guide to Gwinnett’s neighborhoods and cities; suggested itineraries and a calendar of events; local stories and interviews; and a directory of attractions, dining, shopping, and hotels. It also features complimentary services for planning the perfect family reunion or wedding, and information on meeting planning, convention services, hotel rooms, activities, and transportation. exploregwinnett.org

Sit back and enjoy the ride (in a trolley no less) during Explore Gwinnett’s immersive Korean restaurant tour. The tour includes stops at four local restaurants and bakeries where you’ll learn about the rise of Korean culture in Gwinnett— from restaurants and markets to spas and karaoke—while receiving details about the food you sample. Tours are on speciﬁc Saturdays and last about four hours. seoulofthesouthtour.com

GWINNETT BURGER WEEK Enjoy seven days of delicious burgers during this March tradition where participating restaurants around Gwinnett create $10 specialty burgers paired with a chef-chosen side (tax and gratuity are not included). Go online for a list of participating restaurants. gwinnettburgerweek.com

GWINNETT CREATIVITY FUND

Explore Gwinnett manages Gwinnett County’s ﬁrst-ever arts and culture grant fund to educate, elevate, and inspire nonproﬁ t arts and cultural organizations. Funded by Gwinnett County, the goal is to provide programming and educational opportunities, engage underserved audiences, and enhance the county’s cultural landscape. gwinnettcreativityfund.com

GWINNETT SPORTS COMMISSION (GSC)

The GSC’s mission is to foster economic development through sporting events for youth, collegiate, amateur, and professional organizations. The GSC provides the resources and services needed to plan, promote, and execute events, including volunteer recruitment, facility and housing services, and marketing and promotions. It also partners with Mitsubishi Electric Classic, a PGA Tour Champions event, each year to bring in professional golfers and visitors from all over the country. gwinnettsportscommission.com

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CITIES & NEIGHBORHOODS

Cities & Neighborhoods Get to know the distinct, vibrant communities that make up Gwinnett BY TESS MALONE

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For more information: weddings@exploregwinnett.org 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy #300, Duluth, GA 30097

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CITIES & NEIGHBORHOODS BUFORD u Once a railway depot between Charlotte and Atlanta, Buford has become a destination in its own right with gourmet restaurants, quirky shops, and entertainment venues. The city’s centerpiece is the former Bona Allen Tannery, which made everything from saddles to shoes and is now home to restaurants and an artist’s colony. EAT: From Pacific Rim crabcake to Cubanos, feast on comfort foods from around the globe at Rico’s World Kitchen. Aqua Terra Bistro blends fine dining with surf and turf, serving pan-roasted grouper and ribeye among other gourmet dishes. Located in a former bank, Bare Bones Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse with prime cuts of beef and dozens of sides. Enjoy Italian-inspired dishes, stone oven pizzas, and craft brews at Parma Tavern.

Tannery Row Artist Colony

SHOP: Find local ceramics, sculptures, and paintings by the 21 artists who belong to the Tannery Row Artist Colony. Shop eclectic women’s clothes and accessories at Further Down the Rabbit Hole Boutique. Queen of Hearts Antiques has everything from sports memorabilia to mid-century modern furniture. DO: With three major venues, Buford Community Center is a cultural destination: the Town Park Amphitheater puts on concerts, movies, and festivals; catch a comedy show, play, or ballet performance at the Sylvia Beard Theatre; or learn about local history at the Musuem of Buford, which houses Native American artifacts and goods from the city’s industrial age.

Truck & Tap

Rico's World Kitchen

DULUTH

A strategic location sitting on the Eastern Continental Divide and the subsequent railroad connecting to its Minnesota sister city put Duluth on the map, but it has boomed to become the second-largest city in the county in the last few decades. While history buffs can learn about this at the Southeastern Railway Museum, the city also offers plenty of green space to sit and play.

SHOP: Peruse everything from plushies to picture books at toy shop Hello Rainbow and browse the latest women’s fashion and home decor at Harper Row Duluth and the newly opened Harper Row Apparel. The at-home chef in you will love olive oil tastings at German gourmet food purveyor Vom Fass, famous for its olive oils and vinegars.

O4W Pizza

DO: Eye Candy Art Studio expands on the paint and sip night by also offering pottery and wine glass painting. Thread your needle for beginner and hobbyist sewing classes for kids and adults at Spool School. Eddie Owen Presents invite indie musicians to an intimate 260-seat theater and also offers music lessons.

LOUR AIMONDI PHOTOGR APHY

EAT: Noona Meat & Seafood puts an Asian spin on steakhouse favorites with miso-marinated fish and kimchi fried rice sides. Slurp up bowls of tonkatsu at Lifting Noodles Ramen. Whether it’s the square grandma pie or pan pizza, O4W Pizza makes all its crust and sauce from scratch. Food trucks and 20 beer taps rotate at Truck & Tap.

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Stroll through downtown Lawrenceville on a guided food and beer tour while sampling some of the best local flavors around and tasting locally crafted brews. Visit website for schedule.

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CITIES & NEIGHBORHOODS Galactic Quest q

LILBURN

Ever since Lilburn was founded in 1910 to support the railroad, it has gone through many periods of growth. The latest is downtown revitalization, which will add restaurants, shops, a marketplace, and a brewery to the already quaint Main Street and surrounding area.

Aurora Theater

Foggy Bottom BBQ

LAWRENCEVILLE p With its Romanesque courthouse on the square, Lawrenceville preserves its history as the oldest city in metro Atlanta while keeping a vibrant, walkable downtown. Known as the DTL, downtown is home to the brand new Lawrenceville Arts Center, a $35-million facility, and the new home of award-winning Aurora Theatre. EAT: Brunch destination Peachtree Cafe has been dishing omelets and stacks of pancakes for a decade. Taste the flavors of Cuba like ham croquettes and spicy oxtail stew at D’Floridian. Oyster Bay Seafood Cafe brings Gulf Coast seafood to the city with oysters sold by the half-dozen and stuffed shrimp. Stop by Foggy Bottom BBQ for a barbecue plate and to try the award-winning mac & cheese. Pick up a handcrafted milk tea at Pearl’s Tea or visit Mimi’s Ice Cafe for shaved ice. SHOP: Take your cooking up a notch with fresh spices, unique mixes, and sweets at Nancy’s Candy & Spice. Comic book nerds will delight at Galactic Quest, “the greatest comic book store on the face of the earth!” Find the perfect gift for someone special at Cotton Lace Market, carrying clothes, jewelry and home decor; SoJe Emporium, with new and consignment apparel; or used book store Liberty Books.

EAT: The three owners of Three Blind Mice blind taste all the wines poured at their restaurant, wine bar, and market. Order upscale Southern fare like pimento cheese fritters and fried chicken at 1910 Public House. Agavero Cantina cooks Mexican classics including nachos, enchiladas, and fajitas. SHOP: Discover 6,000 square feet of antiques that rotate seasonally at Antiques in Old Town. Since 1980, consignment store Back by Popular Demand has collected the best of women’s and kids’ fashion— including pageant dresses—in sizes 00-28.

DO: Hike, bike, and skate Camp Creek Greenway’s 4.2-mile trail. Add small-batch gin, vodka, and the only absinthe produced in the state to your cocktail repertoire at husband-and-wife–owned Hope Springs Distillery. Anyone can visit the architectural wonder BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple made of 34,000 pieces of stone. Three Blind Mice

DO: Get crafty with a variety of DIY art experiences: AR Workshop hosts home decor-making nights, or paint and sip at Painting with a Twist or Masterpiece Mixers. Create your own blown glass art at Cavalry Glassblowing Studio, or see a performance at the Train Depot. 16 • EXPLORE GWINNET T

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EGMagA

O ur dyn amic e x hibitions tell the storie s of brave rights advocate s a nd c onnects the U.S. civil rights movements to the strugg le for human rig hts around the world today.

We believe in the power of people & our shared responsibility to take the rights of all humans personally.

FEEL THE POWER The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum and human rights educational organization that inspires people to tap their own power to change the world around them. The Center’s iconic exhibitions feature the papers and artifacts of Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr.; the history of the US civil rights movement; and stories from the struggle for human rights around the world today.

Fo llo w, Connect & learn more:

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NORCROSS

The National Register of Historic Places recognized this former railroad city for its charming downtown, but Norcross also bustles with bike paths, breweries, and shops. EAT: Try Cuban classics like empanadas and media noche at Mojitos. Located in the historic depot, the Crossing Steak House stands out with seafood combos and a martini menu. Choose from almost a dozen sandwiches at Bleu House’s quaint cottage cafe. Since 1996, Dominick’s has celebrated the flavors of pre-war Italy with favorites like eggplant parmigiana and lasagna.

VSOP Taproom

Anna Balkan Jewelry

Taste of Britain

SHOP: For more than 30 years, Taste of Britain has brought the United Kingdom to Georgia with hundreds of imports from P.G. Tips tea to pub ware. Try on bold patterns and pops of color at women’s boutique Glitter G. Accessorize with colorful jewelry handmade from semi-precious stones at Anna Balkan Jewelry. Carolee’s is a one-stop shop for women’s clothing, decor, and monogrammed gifts. DO: Named after the fox mural on its building, Social Fox Brewery regularly brews more than 12 beers. Landscapers started Cultivation Brewery, producing IPAs, stouts, and funky sours. Taste test olive oils and vinegars at VSOP Taproom, and pick up snacks to go with them.

PEACHTREE CORNERS u

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Gwinnett’s newest city sits on seven miles of the Chattahoochee River. Already an explosive tech hub, many Fortune 500 companies have headquarters here. EAT: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill grills sustainable seafood and 21-day-aged steaks over wood fires. Cream puffs filled with vanilla, chocolate, or green tea are the signature at Japanese bakery Beard Papa’s. With a vintage look, Uncle Jack’s Meat House is known for its steakburgers and extensive wine list. Stäge Kitchen and Bar rolls innovative sushi and has a full sashimi and nigiri bar. SHOP: Outdoor mall the Forum on Peachtree Parkway has popular brands like Banana Republic and Lululemon, as well as restaurants, fitness studios, and community events all in a walkable, landscaped space. Made in store daily, the colorful soaps, shower fizzies, and bath truffles at Buff City Soap, located in Town Center, are plantbased and cruelty-free. DO: Sip on a blond ale, kettle sour, or milkshake IPA while listeining to live music at Kettlerock Brewery. View American and international art collected by the Harris family at R Alexander Fine Art. Get some energy out at Nitro Zone Indoor Fun Park, with trampolines, a ninja course, go karting, an arcade, and more. Explore 223-acre Simpsonwood Park with a chapel, campgrounds, and sand volleyball pits. Hike along the Chattahoochee River at scenic Jones Bridge Park.

In en fitn Sp

Ne pro Hil are Stäge Kitchen and Bar

Beard Papa's

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City of

In Sugar Hill, life is just a little sweeter. The award-winning E Center boasts unique dining and entertainment experiences, new businesses in a growing downtown, and a community gym with courts, fitness equipment, and an indoor track. Downtown also offers an outdoor ice rink in the winter and Splash Park in the summer. Next door, the dazzling art deco Eagle Theatre hosts nationally touring shows as well as community productions and movies. Exceptional parks, a 16.5-mile greenway, a gorgeous golf course, The Sugar Hill Art Gallery & History Museum, outstanding events, and concerts in The Bowl outdoor amphitheater are just some of the things that make life sweet in Sugar Hill. Come get a taste for yourself.

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CITIES & NEIGHBORHOODS Sugar Hill Distillery

SUWANEE q Named one of the best small communities in the U.S. by Money magazine, Suwanee excels in public spaces—like Town Center, a mixed-use development curving around a vibrant park, or the scenic multiuse greenways that connect popular recreation areas. EAT: Bottles & Bones reinvents the steakhouse with a piano lounge and an open kitchen where diners can watch dry-aged steaks cook in a charcoal oven. Two Cities Pizza Co. merges Chicago deep dish and New York thin crust in a modern space with a rooftop bar. Mixing Latin American and Asian cuisine, Tequila Mama Taqueria serves tacos, tapas, and of course, margaritas. Get your seafood fix at Seaside Oyster Bar.

SUGAR HILL

Gwinnett’s northernmost city is known for its recreation. Catch a concert at the 1,750-seat amphitheater the Bowl at Sugar Hill, or cool off at a 60-foot splash pad. EAT: Watch the game and snack on wings and nachos at sports bar Central City Tavern. Get eggs, pancakes, and burgers fresh off the griddle at the Diner at Sugar Hill. Travel to Bavaria at Wunderbar Bierhaus beer garden complete with bratwurst. South American coffee and Southern brunch specials are on the menu at coffee shop Rushing Trading Company.

SHOP: Town Center offers a variety of women’s clothing shops. Stay on trend with boots, hats, and dresses at Dress Up. Or time travel into vintage fashions at consignment shop Panache Consignment Boutique. Ensemble features outfits for office, travel, or nights on the town. Round out your look with accessories at Fab’rik. DO: Suwanee Arts Center showcases the city’s artists in galleries, festivals, and classes. Have fun with the family with bowling, laser tag, and arcade games at Main Event. For more than 50 years, local and famous bluegrass musicians have picked at the Everett’s Music Barn on Saturday nights.

SHOP: Taking its name from the Hebrew word for breakthrough, lifestyle boutique Perazim Clothing and Lifestyle Boutique sells brands that benefit women’s causes; it also offers personal styling. From loungewear to cocktail dresses, women’s clothing store Native Cotton Boutique curates the latest looks. DO: Sugar Hill Distillery is the first in the nation to make beer and spirits with the same machines. Pair whiskey, rum, vodka, and gin with bites from their restaurant Wunderbar. Throw axes at traditional or interactive targets at Axe Master Throwing. Golf 18 holes in the foothills or practice your swing at the driving range at Sugar Hill Golf Club.

Dress Up Everett’s Music Barn

Tequila Mama Taqueria

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SHOW YOUR LOVE 15 T-SHIRTS

Black, eggplant, gray, ocean blue, navy and berry red. Most shirt colors come in unisex and ladies cut. Shop now - lovegwinnett.org

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CALENDAR Georgia Swarm Opener

Please note that due to ongoing COVID-19 developments, events may be canceled or postponed at any time. Please visit exploregwinnett.org for the most up-to-date information.

MARCH St. Paddy’s on Perry, Downtown Lawrenceville This annual tradition brings cold brews, hearty Irish fare, outdoor performances, and plenty of fun for the kids to Perry Street. downtownlawrencevillega.com

Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest, Town Center Park

Calendar of Events Gwinnett keeps the good times rolling with food, music, festivals, and fun all year long

This epic celebration includes unlimited samples of more than 350 craft brews from around the country, plus live music, games, food trucks, and a home brew contest. suwaneebeerfest.com

APRIL The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill, Sugar Hill City Hall Lace up your skates and glide around the Southeast’s largest portable ice skating rink (the same size as Rockefeller Center). haidrink.com

Georgia Swarm Opener, Gas South Arena The professional indoor lacrosse team is on the field for a new season, running through April. georgiaswarm.com

The Fly Fishing Show, Gas South Convention Center

North Atlanta Home Show, Gas South Convention Center

Fishermen will fall hook, line, and sinker for this consumer fly fishing show offering speakers, classes, demos, products, a film festival, and more. flyfishingshow.com

Shop home-related products and services from more than 150 companies, and also find inspirational displays and presentations. northatlantahomeshow.com

The World Series Champion Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate offers big-name action with a small-town feel. The season runs through September. Check the calendar for fun theme nights. gostripers.com

We Have the Beef! Dig your teeth into seven days of delicious burgers during Gwinnett Burger Week in March. For $10, plus tax, diners will enjoy specialty burgers (and a side) at nearly 20 participating restaurants around Gwinnett, including 1910 Public House, Three Blind Mice, and Marlow’s Tavern. gwinnettburgerweek.com

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JANUARY

Gwinnett Stripers Opening Day, Coolray Field

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MAY

All for Art, Art for All

Mitsubishi Electric Classic TPC Sugarloaf

Suwannee Town Center celebrates the arts during the Suwannee Arts Festival in May. The two-day fest, hosted by the Suwanee Arts Center, features talented artists selling a variety of high-quality art in various mediums, including painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, wood, jewelry, glass, fiber, and more. Live artist demonstrations, entertainment on the Town Center stage, kids activities, and delicious food and beverages round out the fun. suwaneefest.com

Watch the legends of the game compete at this premier golf tournament on the PGA TOUR Champions. mitsubishielectricclassic.com

Art on the Chattahoochee, Jones Bridge Park, Peachtree Corners Artists showcase their work on the banks of the Chattahoochee, while kids make crafts and sidewalk chalk art. gwinnettparks.com

Lilburn Food Truck Tuesdays, Lilburn City Park Visit the food trucks and enjoy live entertainment from the bandshell the second Tuesday of the month, May through October. cityoflilburn.com

Live at the DTL Concert Series, Lawrenceville Lawn Enjoy free live music concerts on the lawn though September. downtownlawrence villega.com

Movies on the Lawn, Lawrenceville Lawn Visit the food trucks or pack your own picnic before catching a family-friendly flick. The free series, held the second Friday of each month, runs through July. downtownlawrencevillega.com

JUNE Flicks on the Green, Peachtree Corners Town Green Snack on popcorn and sweet treats while enjoying free iconic films. June through October. peachtreecornersga.gov

Movies Under the Stars Summer Concert Series, Mall of Georgia On Friday evenings in June and July, the Village

Amphitheater hosts a live band and screens a familyfriendly movie. simon.com

Suwanee Summer Porch Jam, Old Town Suwanee Enjoy an old-fashioned summer block party and celebration, complete with music, food, and beverages. suwanee.com

JULY Sparks in the Park, E.E. Robinson Park, Sugar Hill Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, live music, and more. cityofsugarhill.com

Lilburn’s biggest annual event includes music, food trucks, and of course, fireworks. cityoflilburn.com

For one week in July celebrate Gwinnett’s locally crafted brews with deals and special events. gwinnettbeerweek.org

Jazz in the Alley, Downtown Norcross

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Let the kids run wild with obstacle courses, rock climbing, face painting, prizes, music, and more. peachtreecornersga.gov

Peachtree Corners Festival, Peachtree Corners Town Green This free event kicks off with a Friday night concert and continues all weekend with good food, a car show, kids activities, and arts and crafts vendors. peachtreecorners festival.com

Sparkle in the Park, Lilburn City Park

Gwinnett Beer Week, Local Breweries

Mitsubishi Electric Classic

Midsummer Kids Dream, Peachtree Corners Town Green

This monthly summer event (July through September) brings live jazz to Betty Mauldin Park—plus chef specials from local restaurants. thejazzinthealley.com

Art is in the Air Get your creative juices flowing all through August during Duluth Art Month. Enjoy outdoor dance, music, and theatrical performances; stroll around the Town Green admiring colorful tree wrappings; take an outdoor art walk in Parsons Alley; and participate in an artthemed scavenger hunt around the city. duluthga.net EXPLORE GWINNET T • 23

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CALENDAR area, and entertainment acts, including acrobats, bands, and dance groups. suwaneefest.com

It’s the best of down-home fun at this annual fair, including livestock shows, pageants, BMX stunts, carnival rides, and the requisite sweet treats and fried food. gwinnettcountyfair.com

Yellow Daisy Festival, Stone Mountain Park More than 400 artists and crafters display their work. Also, music, kids activities, and craft demonstrations. stonemountainpark.com

Yellow Daisy Festival

AUGUST August Concert & Wing Festival, Town Center Park, Suwanee This annual bash pairs a free concert with tasty samples from local wing joints (plus a wing-eating contest). suwanee.com

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER highlights five categories: tradition, fashion, music, technology, and anime. japanfest.org

Duluth Fall Festival, Duluth Town Green This seasonal celebration draws 100,000 visitors for a parade, 5K run, concert, carnival, and silent auction. duluthfallfestival.org

Japan Fest Atlanta, Gas South Convention Center

Suwanee Fest, Town Center Park, Suwanee

Experience the culture of Japan, including vendors, games, and martial arts performances. The event

This annual two-day celebration returns with nearly 200 vendors and exhibitors, a parade, a kids

Norcross Art Splash, Historic Downtown Norcross Welcome fall by perusing a wine market, jewelry, photography, folk art, and other offerings from regional artisans, all while enjoying tasty bites, live music, a kids area, and rides. splashfestivals.com

Howl on the Green, Duluth Town Green Bring kids, friends, and pets for a night of sweet treats, great food, and spooky entertainment, including fire dancers and mystical creatures. duluthga.net

London Calling Every September, the streets of downtown Norcross open up for one of the Southeast’s biggest, best, and decidedly most British car shows. At the Atlanta British Car Fayre, guests can admire more than 400 classic automobiles (motorcycles, too), shop a community car boot sale (basically a garage sale out of your car trunk), sample traditional English food, and even hop aboard a double-decker bus. atlantabritishcarfayre.com

Ghost Tours Join a 90-minute tour, if you dare, of Lawrenceville’s scariest, spookiest, and most bizarre haunts. Every night in October, Aurora Theatre hosts Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, in which professional storytellers in period costumes illuminate supernatural tales based on local legends and paranormal investigations. A cemetery tour is also available (patrons must be over 13), while a haunted pub crawl lures the 21-and-over crowd. auroratheatre.com

Atlanta Gladiators Season Opener, Gas South Arena Gwinnett’s minor league hockey team is back on the ice. The season runs through April. atlantagladiators.com

Lilburn Daze, Lilburn City Park The Lilburn Women’s Club and the City of Lilburn join forces for this fun arts and crafts event with entertainment, rides, kids activities, food trucks, workshops, and more. lilburndaze.org

Stone Mountain Highland Games, Stone Mountain Park The meadows of Stone Mountain transform into the Scottish Highlands, with pipe and drum bands, demonstrations, and athletic challenges. smhg.org

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Gwinnett County Fair, Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

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MAKE MEMORIES Trails I Pavilions I Pools I Playgrounds Fitness Programs I Sports I Camps Historic Sites I Rental Venues Senior Recreation I Special Events Volunteer and so much more...

Learn more! GwinnettParks.com 770.822.8840

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CALENDAR Sugar Rush, the Bowl at Sugar Hill

Suwanee Wine Fest

The City of Sugar Hill presents its annual free concert. More highlights include carnival rides, artist stalls, a juried art show, food vendors, and loads of family fun. cityofsugarhill.com

Netherworld Haunted House, Stone Mountain Terrifying special effects, spooky monsters, and live actors trying to scare the daylights out of you fill this haunted attraction, named the #1 haunted house in the U.S. fearworld.com

NOVEMBER Diwali & Annakut Celebrations, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Suwanee Wine Fest, Town Center Park, Suwanee Sample more than 150 wines from all over the world while enjoying food, music, and a market. suwaneewinefest.com

DECEMBER Holiday Celebration, the Bowl at Sugar Hill Get in the holiday spirit with ice skating, carriage rides, a holiday market, and free photos with Santa. thebowlatsugar hill.com

Holiday Glow on the Town Green, Peachtree Corners A holiday concert, a community procession around the Town Green (complete with Santa riding on the Polar Express), and a tree lighting round out this festive celebration. peachtreecornersga.gov

Korea Town Enjoy a progressive feast on a Seoul of the South™ guided food tour of Gwinnett’s dynamic Korean food scene. Guests are driven around in a trolley to four top restaurants and bakeries to sample an array of authentic delicacies. More than just a foodie tour, it’s also a four-hour immersive experience into Korean culture where you’ll interact with chefs and restaurant owners while receiving details about everything you sample. seoulofthesouthtour.com

Merry Little Christmas, Historic Downtown Lawrenceville This annual holiday event features Santa Claus and his reindeer, a light-up parade of festive floats, local marching bands, and other activities. downtownlawrencevillega.com

Sparkle! Celebration + Tree Lighting, Downtown Norcross This series of magical holiday events includes a tree lighting, concerts, rides though charming downtown in a horse-drawn carriage, s’mores, and visits with Santa. norcrossga.net For a complete list of events, visit exploregwinnett.org

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Five days of cultural programs, entertainment, and fireworks mark the Diwali festival of lights, one of the most auspicious days on the Hindu calendar. baps.org/atlanta

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REASONS By TESS MALONE

BAPS Mandir Sacred Stone

The second-largest Hindu temple in the United States is just off Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn. Made of 34,000 pieces of Turkish limestone, Indian pink sandstone, and Italian marble, the place of worship welcomes all faiths and visitors. Don’t miss the morning Arti prayer ceremony at 11:15 a.m.

Gwinnett Beer Tours Tours and Taps

Pull a pint from Gwinnett’s best breweries during these twice-amonth Southern Beer Tours events. Hop on a tour bus to sip ales from Good Word Brewing & Public House, StillFire Brewing, and Anderby Brewing. Or traipse around Lawrenceville for brews from Ironshield Brewing, Exhibit Ale, and Slow Pour Brewing.

04 Aurora Theatre

Netherworld and Escape the Netherworld Spooks for all Seasons

Get your fright fix all year long at this escape room series run by the masterminds behind Stone Mountain’s favorite Halloween haunted house. Each of the four rooms comes with a terrifying theme: Sasquatch, Nosferatu, Haunted, and Tiki Island. Bring a team to solve spooky puzzles and survive the scares.

Musicals and More

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o ve L to t t e n n i Gw

Aurora Theatre helped revitalize Lawrenceville when it opened in a converted hardware store in 1996. Twenty-six seasons later, Aurora now calls the Lawrenceville Arts Center home, but still puts on a fresh mix of Broadway hits, original plays, stand-up, and even ghost tours—and is Atlanta’s only professional Spanish-language theater.

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Southeastern Railway Museum All Aboard

Georgia’s official transportation history museum is home to dozens of locomotives, cabooses, freight cars, and more. Check out a 1928 postal car, see the second-oldest steel private car from 1911 that President Warren G. Harding once slept in, or ride a 1950s red transfer caboose around the 35-acre grounds.

06 Tannery Row Artist Colony Meet the Makers Buford’s historic Bona Allen Company shoe factory has been converted into 15 artist studios. Watch ceramists, painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, and more at work on the second Saturday afternoon of each month. Pieces are available for purchase and some artists offer lessons to inspired visitors.

07 International Dining Travel Without a Passport Duluth dishes up Korean delicacies like barbecue at Breakers Korean BBQ and baked goods at White Windmill. Buford offers Japanese favorites, including ramen at Jinya and sushi and hibachi at Niko Niko. Lilburn serves up Mexican fare, including tacos at La Michoacana Loca and grocery staples at Talpa Supermercado. Or just drive Buford Highway and Jimmy Carter Boulevard for more foodie fixes.

Medieval Times Gwinnett

Parks and More Parks

Knights to Remember

Go Green

BIGSTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

Watch armored knights joust on noble steeds at this replica of an 11th-century castle attached to Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville. Nosh on roasted chicken, herbed potatoes, and buttered sweet corn, and wash it down with your favorite drink from the full bar during battle.

Explore Gwinnett’s 50 public parks. Hike Yellow River Park’s 12 miles of woods and streams in Stone Mountain. History buffs can read up on Gwinnett’s past at the Lawrenceville Female Seminary, home to the county’s museum. Or swim a few laps at any of the county’s nine aquatic centers.

SculpTour Sculptures on the Square

Suwanee Town Center transforms into a sculpture park with a rotating mix of work by national artists like Gregory Johnson and Davis Whitfield. See everything from abstract red steel sculptures standing 15 feet tall to octopus tentacles carved into limestone. Visitors can vote on a favorite to stay in the city’s permanent collection. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 29

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Off the

Gwinnett’s dogs have it good. Here's your guide to the most dog-friendly spots in town.

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Lillian Webb Park

Suwanee Greenway

Gwinnett’s dogs have it good. Here's your guide to the most dog-friendly spots in town.

By LANE HOLMAN

It’s hard not to envy the pooches of Gwinnett. At nearly every turn, someone has thought of ways to serve their needs. Whether you have an energetic border collie who needs a serious walk, a BFF (“best furry friend”) in search of new toys, or you’re dog-sitting your friend’s lab for the weekend, you’ll find a dog pile of options from Norcross to Buford to Suwanee and all points in between.

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Get Ready to chow down with your chow chow? Would you like a latte with your labradoodle, or maybe a brew with your beagle? All across Gwinnett, restauranteurs and bar owners adore dogs and make sure they—and their owners—know it by offering caninefriendly options for getting out and socializing. Fun Peachtree Corners spot Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar gets rave reviews from pups and their people thanks to its dog-friendly fireside patio. Consider meeting up here with your dog-loving buddies for a plate of the bison meatloaf or a fun sangria flight. Whatever you order, you'll appreciate the restaurant’s friendly staff, and so will your dog. Also in Peachtree Corners, Anderby Brewing is another fun place to grab a pint with your pooch. Enjoy nearly 20 beers on the large, shady patio. At quintessential neighborhood joint Three Blind Mice, you’ll find comfy patio seating where dogs are welcome. Savory, seasonal entrees and creative cocktails consistently garner rave reviews, as does the restaurant’s customer service. We like the special Hawaiian Burger —a hearty, tangy masterpiece, including Canadian bacon, pineapple, Swiss cheese, and a teriyaki glaze. Lilburn’s well-known and cozy purveyor of updated Southern cuisine, 1910 Public House offers a charming, dog-friendly seating area. With its twinkling lights and great people-watching, it’s especially festive to visit at night. Locals rave about the brunch, and the bar has a regular following, thanks to the bartenders’ depth of knowledge and fine hospitality. Downtown Suwanee’s Brown Bag Deli & Cafe is a

Strange Taco Bar 1910 Public House

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Anderby Brewing Foggy Bottom BBQ Strange Taco Bar

great place to grab a morning bagel and coffee or a sandwich at midday. Grab your food and settle into one of the sidewalk tables for a good nosh and a chance to catch up with your best friend, canine or otherwise. Don’t forget to grab dessert, too. Your pooch will enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of this bustling, friendly spot. Located just behind the Historic Gwinnett County Courthouse in the former Sinclair service station in Lawrenceville, Universal Joint offers a sprawling patio dining area ideal for canine visitors and their owners. Known for its great burgers, pimento cheese, and tater tots, U-Joint has a full bar and dozens of draft beers and ciders, along with a rotating draft beer menu. Enjoy street-side dining at Strange Taco Bar, another casual and colorful Lawrenceville spot. Opt for seating on the dog-friendly patio and choose from a variety of Tex-Mex flavors, including made-from-scratch tacos and bowls. Look for the popular Nashville hot taco, with fried chicken, hot sauce, and coleslaw, and great vegetarian options, too. Foggy Bottom BBQ, Lawrenceville’s popular barbecue joint, is known for stellar customer service, and there’s plenty of room for doggies to dine with their people on the patio. The brisket, Brunswick stew, and banana pudding all get rave reviews, and there’s a small selection of wine and bottled and draft beer. Downtown Duluth’s friendly brewpub, Good Word Brewing & Public House, features an expansive covered patio with lively murals; it’s a fun place to perch with your pooch. Brunch faves like the fried bologna biscuit with egg and Gruyère sauce, and

regular menu items like burgers and fried chicken sandwiches, keep customers happy. With its dog-friendly patio, cozy Rico’s World Kitchen offers a friendly, small-town vibe. Regulars rave about the Cuban sandwiches, shrimp po’ boys, and the apricot ham and Brie sandwich. Bonus: Rico’s sits across the street from the Norfolk-Southern rail line, so it’s a great place to take train-obsessed kids who want to watch the action. Truck & Tap, a fun neighborhood brewery, focuses on fantastic drink options, with a rotating lineup of local food trucks and plenty of outdoor seating for both people and fur kids. T&T also offers regular live, local music; it’s an excellent option for group meetups and family outings. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 33

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Get

Playful Whether your dog loves to run or dawdles along sniffing every rock in sight, he will love spending time at some of Gwinnett’s many parks and trails. With nearly three miles of trails, Alexander Park is an exciting place for walking and running with your canine pal. Check out its well-kept dog park with sections for smaller and larger pups, plus agility equipment for extra hijinks. Graves Park is a secluded Norcross gem with deeply shaded, paved trails that invite human and canine visitors to explore. You’ll also find a large dog park with three separate areas and puppy play structures. Dacula’s sprawling Harbins Park offers a large dog park complete with play equipment and shaded areas with

Freeman's Mill Park

seating. Trails go for miles through wooded areas and along the Alcovy River and a scenic creek. Take the pooch for a walk along the recently completed trail extension connecting to nearby Tribble Mill Park for even more exercise. Friendly neighborhood J.B. Williams Park in Mountain Park offers a large, two-sectioned dog park with puppy play equipment. A .75-mile paved walking trail meanders through woods and around the park’s perimeter. Dogs and their families will love the green, rolling hills and scenery in wide-open Lenora Park in Snellville. In addition to its 1.5 miles of paved trails, it offers a large dog park with separate sections for big and small pups. Hidden amid a teeming commercial area, McDaniel Farm Park offers acres of gorgeous wooded trails ideal for a long, leashed meander with your canine companion. More social pups should check out the park’s spacious dog park, located next to a farm-themed playground for your “real” kids. Bustling, sports-centered Pinckneyville Park features a quiet, partially shaded dog park with agility equipment for more adventurous canines. Perambulating pups will enjoy a stroll along the park’s trails, especially around the small, quiet pond. While soccer is the name of the game here, Rabbit Hill

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Park also offers a popular dog park with plenty of green space for running, roaming, and socializing. The park features winding, paved trails threading through both wooded and open areas—perfect for a leashed pooch who needs to work off energy. Lawrenceville’s Rock Springs Park offers a large, well-groomed puppy playscape with spaces for larger and smaller dogs and sturdy structures like elevated tunnels and platforms. Walkers and runners flock here for the park’s two miles of paved trails that wind through shaded and open areas. Visitors will find plentiful open spaces for roaming at Ronald Reagan Park, a lovely green oasis tucked into a busy area in Lawrenceville. The park has paved paths throughout its 25 acres, which wind around a scenic pond and along a meandering creek. The dog park features two sections for larger and smaller pooches, with ample shade and seating. Also in Lawreceville, 12-acre Freeman’s Mill Park features a historic gristmill and a dog-friendly, paved trail that runs alongside the river. Dogs love to splash here on hot days. Locals agree the big draw at Settles Bridge Park is its access to a scenic stretch of the Chattahoochee River, where the graceful ruins of a trestle bridge stand watch. Pooches and their people can stretch their legs on more than four miles of gorgeous, mostly wooded trails. Visit the generously sized dog park with sections for small and large dogs, and a run for throwing and retrieving—the action here is fast and furr-ious. Sunny, grassy Chattapoochee Dog Park in Duluth offers fenced-in areas with small and large dog sections, with splash pads and seating for humans. If your dog wants a swim, check out the Chattahoochee River, where you can use a boat ramp to access the shallow river waters. Jones Bridge Park

Get

y c n a F Take pup out for a special treat, or find her the perfect harness and a new groomer at one of these special spots.

Three Dog Bakery Grayson’s trendiest spot for puppy treats, Three Dog Bakery bursts with goodies of all kinds. Bring Fido along to let him select a treat, or order him a special cake. You’ll both be delighted with the colorful sights, scintillating scents, and exceptional tastes TDB offers. The Boxer Brownies, Fetch It! cheese sticks, and Doxie Donuts are always a hit, along with all the other baked goodies on offer.

Pooch N Paws Trendy pups and their people know Pooch N Paws is the place for fabulous collars, harnesses, and clothing, along with the plushest beds. Discerning dogs appreciate the impressive selection of treats, snacks, and kibble at both the Suwanee and Peachtree Corners locations. The friendly staff also offers toprated grooming services.

Swanky Paws Pet Spa The talented groomers at Lawrenceville’s Swanky Paws Pet Spa will have your pup feeling spiffy with the low-stress, individualized attention every good girl (and boy) deserves. Or consider using their do-it-yourself pet spa, where helpful staff do the cleanup! While you’re there, pick up some healthy food for Rover or ask about their popular doggie daycare service. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 35

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TAKE ME OUT

GWINNETT’S TRIPLE–A STRIPERS OFFER AN UP–CLOSE VIEW OF THE ACTION– AND MUCH MORE!

By TONY REHAGEN

TO THE

f the last 12 months showed us anything, it’s that baseball fans are ready to get back to the ballpark. Even after starting the season with limited capacity due to the pandemic, the Gwinnett Stripers broke all-time attendance records at Coolray Field last year. And this summer, the Triple-A affiliate of the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves is eager to build on that success with even more family fun and entertainment. “It showed us how much people missed baseball and live events,” says Erin McCormick, vice president and general manager of the Stripers. “Baseball is really the last social sport. You can sit and have a

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BIG STOCK , K ARL L MOORE, PATRICIA ORTIZ

e m a g Ball conversation between pitches. You can get up and walk around. You sit outside and there’s plenty of space to social distance if you need to.” In addition to the social aspect, there is also the product on the field. The Stripers are the highest level of Minor League Baseball, which means on any given day, you can see future MLB stars on their way up through the farm system, former big leaguers on their way down, and even current Braves rehabbing from injury—all no farther than 30 feet away in the intimacy of Coolray Field. Of course, Minor League Baseball is about much more EXPLORE GWINNET T • 37

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than just the game. The league is famous for the creativity with which it approaches promotions and theme nights, and the Stripers are no exception. For instance, this year the team is starting Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond program complete with in-game promotions and players donning uniforms featuring Avengerized Stripers logos of Ironman, Captain America, Spiderman, and other Marvel superheroes. The Stripers are also bringing back their ever-popular Star Wars Night, where fans come dressed as their favorite Jedi, Wookie, or Sith Lord. The new season will also bring a wide range of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, such as a Hispanic Heritage Night, a Faith and Family Night, and a brand-new program called The Nine, which honors the African American experience throughout baseball history. But it doesn’t have to be a themed event to be an unforgettable

FAMILY VALUE TUESDAY

WET NOSE WEDNESDAY

THIRSTY THURSDAY

FIREWORKS FRIDAY

GIVEAWAY SATURDAY

SUNDAY FUNDAY

Munch on $2 hotdogs and $1 desserts.

Dogs get to come to the game for free.

Grab a cold $2 beer.

A fireworks display will follow each Friday night game.

Take home a souvenir, handed out at the gate.

A familyfriendly day game followed by a chance for kids to run the bases.

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Weekly Specials

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Q&A: GM ERIN MCCORMICK

CHRIS ROUGHGARDEN, WILL FAGAN

In October, the Gwinnett Stripers named Erin McCormick the fourth vice president and general manager in their history—and the first woman to hold those titles. A 15-year veteran of Minor League Baseball front offices, McCormick was most recently the Stripers’ assistant general manager, helping the team weather a COVID-19 shutdown and subsequent return to record attendance. We talked to McCormick about her career, being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and falling in love with Minor League Baseball.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO THE GAME?

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE GAME?

I grew up playing sports, and I always knew I wanted to work in sports one day. At 19, I was living in Corpus Christi, and I applied for an internship with the Double-A Hooks there over winter break. The owner was Nolan Ryan; he was my first boss.

It wasn’t hard to fall in love with baseball, in particular the minor leagues. The connection to the community, the room for creativity. That’s what has sustained me. It’s never gotten stagnant.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE REPRESENTATION IN BASEBALL LEADERSHIP?

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE WORKING YOUR WAY UP IN A MALEDOMINATED BUSINESS?

You can’t be what you can’t see. If there aren’t women or people of color in these positions, it makes it harder for future generations. I’m proud of the efforts and progress we’ve made so far. But, as I said, there’s a lot to improve on.

Fifteen years ago, it was very different. There were some women in leadership, but I’m not sure how sustainable it was. There have been a lot of changes, but there is still a long way to go on that front in terms of equality in the workplace and equality of pay.

and unique experience at Coolray Field. Every game will feature in-game pyrotechnics, along with a grand fireworks display after the game on the Fourth of July. When the kids aren’t rounding third, they can burn off some energy on the inflatables in the Kid Zone, which is positioned just beyond right field, where Mom and Dad can keep an eye on the game. There’s also plenty of shade to cool off during those warmer Georgia summer days. The only thing more family-friendly than the ballpark is the price. Parking is only $5 and close enough that you don’t have to hike or take a tram to the gate. And tickets can be had for as little as $8 when bought in advance or $11 on the day of the game. “Buying the ticket is just the beginning of the experience,” says McCormick. “With that ticket, you’re promised a ballgame—but that’s not all you get.”

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Where to go and what to order when you’re craving Korean food

By LIA PICARD

•

Illustrations by BELINDA KOU

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ou don’t have to hop on a 16-hour plane flight to delight in delicious Korean food—you’ll find plenty right here in Gwinnett. There’s a reason why Duluth and Suwanee are known as the “Seoul of the South": In the ’90s, Korean families planted roots in Gwinnett County, bringing an explosion of Korean restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. If you want to explore the wealth of culinary options in Atlanta’s Koreatown, you can buy a ticket to Gwinnett’s “Seoul of the South Food Tour TM.” The four-hour excursion takes voracious guests on a trolley tour of the area’s best Korean eateries. But, if you don’t want to wait, we’ve asked tour guide Sarah Park to suggest some must-try spots to visit on your own. Choose your culinary adventure from below.

Craving?

Traditional Korean BBQ

WHERE TO GO:

Jang Su Jang What to order: Jang Su Jang is a beautifully appointed restaurant in Duluth with traditional Korean decor, including wood beams and Korean ceramics and statues. The tone is set for a traditional meal of bibimbap, a rice bowl topped with seasoned vegetables and beef (Park suggests ordering it with Korean chili sauce). Also worth ordering is the Braised King Beef Ribs, which are spicy and served with rice cakes and vegetables. If you’re in the mood for soup, order the soon (soft) tofu soups, made with custard-like tofu in a rich broth. Customize it to your spice level and flavor preference accordingly.

WHERE TO GO:

E.M. BOP What to order: E.M. Bop’s soothing interior is a beautiful place to enjoy a traditional Korean meal. Order the cold noodle soup—buckwheat noodles in a refreshing cold broth with cucumbers and pickled radish—and the galbi, Korean-style beef short ribs prepared on the tabletop grill and served with a variety of sides. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 41

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Craving?

KFC (Korean fried chicken) WHERE TO GO:

BB.Q Chicken What to order: It may have a fun atmosphere with televisions playing K-pop music videos, but it’s all about the fried chicken at BB.Q. Don’t be confused by the name—BB.Q stands for “Best of the Best Quality.” The company prides itself on frying its chicken in olive oil, for health reasons, but health will not be on your mind when you sink your teeth into the juicy pieces of chicken prepared in secret spicy or honey garlic sauce. Go ahead and order a side of sweet potato fries.

WHERE TO GO:

Pelicana Chicken What to order: It’s hard not to feel cheerful when you enter the bright locale of Pelicana Chicken. Grab a seat and order the original fried chicken in a variety of flavors. Options include fried bone-in chicken, fried boneless thighs, and fried boneless breasts. Like it spicy? Crispy? That’s all up to you. The next best thing (after the chicken, of course) are all of the sauces, including honey garlic and sweet and spicy (choose from level one, two, or three). You can also coat your chicken in white cheese powder if you want a flavor boost. Other bites on the menu include salads, truffle fries, and tacos.

Craving?

Comfort Food

WHERE TO GO:

Dan Moo Ji What to order: A crisp and modern fast-casual spot, Dan Moo Ji is another great snack option. If you’re not sure where to start, order the spicy pork barbecue dish, spicy squid kimbap (similar to a sushi roll), tuna kimbap, and ddukbokki (a spicy stir-fried rice cake dish).

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Craving?

Karaoke With A Side Of Bar Food WHERE TO GO:

Han Shin Pocha What to order: Intimate tables and a private karaoke room make up the restaurant called Han Shin Pocha. With a nightclub-like atmosphere, this is the place if you’re looking for late-night fun—it stays open until 2:00 a.m. most nights. Of course, it’s more than just a cool place; the food is good, too! The hanshin-braised spicy chicken feet is a standout, as is the soo yook (pork belly with bean sprouts).

WHERE TO GO:

Glam 104 Soju & Beer What to order: Glam lives up to its name—a large crystal chandelier makes quite the statement when you enter the restaurant. The large space is a great destination for night owls who want to socialize with friends. There’s plenty of room to spread out, and private rooms are available for karaoke (so warm those vocal cords up). When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong with the spicy rice cake with pork cutlet, the kimchi fried rice, and the shrimp fondue. Most of these dishes are shareable, so the more the merrier.

WHERE TO GO:

Cafe Mixx What to order: Modern and bright, Cafe Mixx is a fast-casual spot that’s a go-to for snackable, crave-worthy treats. For something savory, try the Korean fried chicken wings or the spicy pork loin tonkatsu. On the sweet side, there’s strawberry and sweet potato bingsu (shaved ice) as well as creative lattes. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 43

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SHOW BUSINESS Film and TV professionals turn the spotlight on Gwinnett

By CURT HOLMAN | Photography by STEPHANIE ELEY A sought-after destination for film production, Gwinnett County provides the backdrop for blockbusters like Bad Boys for Life and buzzworthy shows like Ozark. But the county’s film industry didn’t boom overnight. “Y’allywood” gradually built itself up, thanks to friendly tax incentives passed in 2002—and significantly strengthened in 2008—and a lot of trial and error.

“We’ve gone from a scrappy, roughneck crew of filmmakers to one of the best crew bases on Earth, making some of the biggest movies of the decade,” says film scout Kevin Dowling. Here, we focus on showbiz in Gwinnett County from four different angles, including screen artists, local businesses, supportive residents, and people in front of the cameras and behind the scenes.

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the SCOUT

KEVIN DOWLING

s a native son and graduate of Brookwood High School, Kevin Dowling has an insider’s knowledge of the county, which serves him well as a longtime location scout and manager. Dowling took a roundabout route to his film career. A former event and wedding planner, he mentioned to a friend in the film business that he was interested and was eventually connected to a location scout. “I got a phone call and immediately quit my part-time job at Whole Foods.” As a location scout, he’s one of the first people hired by a production. “There might also be a production designer and the director,” he says. “My main job is to extract the locations out of the script. I break down the script to figure out which ones are most important—which locations have the most pages, which is the ‘hero house’—and use my mind’s eye to decide where they would be.” Dowling will spend weeks or even months scouting for a production. “I’m not typically on set day-to-day, but it’s up to me to file the permits and negotiate with a homeowner or business owner. I have an on-set team in charge of meeting contracts and taking care of things.” Dowling has worked on Hidden Figures, Ozark, and the third season of Atlanta. He recalls scouting Central Gwinnett High School with Donald Glover and going to the school media center, where they saw a poster of Atlanta that featured Glover himself. “Working on Atlanta Season 3 has been a highlight of my career,” Dowling says, “Donald Glover is a Renaissance man and someone I admire.”

the LOCATION 4 45 SOUTH CAFE

In recent years, the cafe has become a popular filming location for motion pictures, television shows, and commercials. “We’ve done quite a bit,” Keith Shewbert says. “Dynasty and Queens have been here multiple times, and a small independent movie is coming on Monday. Finding Steve McQueen with Forest Whitaker was the most recent.” Shewbert has become familiar with Hollywood taking over his cafe. “The longest was three days, which is the normal time for a TV series,” he says. “They’ll take one day to set the whole place how they want it to look. Then they’ll have one day of filming—it’s like an army descending— and it’s a very long day. The third day is tearing down and resetting.” Often a production will give 45 South Cafe a temporary makeover, transforming it into anything from a classic coffee shop to something more specialized. “Finding Steve McQueen was set in Florida, so they made our patio look like a tiki bar,” Shewbert says. The Shewberts enjoy supporting the local film industry as much as they enjoy selling coffee to their Norcross neighbors, who now include Eagle Rock Studios. “We like to do it. For small productions, we’ll do it pro bono. We’ve let productions in the 48 Hour Film Project use the place for free,” says Shewbert. “We’re not a high-revenue business, we’re a community business.”

“

We like to do it. For small productions, we’ll do it pro bono.

winnett’s oldest independent coffee shop, 45 South Cafe & Coffee House has been serving java, pastries, and its signature banana bread for nearly 15 years. Owners Keith and Jeanette Shewbert, who named the cafe after its address at 45 South Peachtree in downtown Norcross, say the business is a labor of love. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 45

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the VENDOR 6 LIGHTNIN’ PRODUCTION RENTALS

n the Georgia-filmed blockbuster Avengers: Endgame, the titular superheroes embark on a fateful mission with the line “Whatever it takes.” That’s also a company slogan for Lightnin’ Production Rentals, a Lawrenceville-based company that rents transportation equipment to locally produced shows and movies, including Endgame. “We’ll do whatever it takes for the customer,” says Greg Lewis, a third-generation employee of the family business.

The tool and truck rental business, which opened in the 1970s, was introduced to the film industry with Little Darlings in 1979. “They wanted to rent a few of our trucks,” Lewis says. In the 1980s and 1990s, the company worked on TV series like In the Heat of the Night, as well as made-forTV movies. From its humble origins, Lightnin’ now has a 25,000-square-foot corporate headquarters with more than 80 employees. “We have 40 to 50 jobs at a given time,” Lewis says, “Some are four to five weeks long, some are four months or longer.” Lightnin’s customers seem to include every major film franchise shot in the area, including the Marvel superhero movies, Disney+ shows, The Hunger Games, The Fast & the Furious,

Divergent, Bad Boys, and more. The Lightnin’ fleet includes trucks and trailers for all major departments on a movie set, including makeup/ wardrobe, camera equipment, movie star trailers, and “honeywagons” that feature bathrooms and multiple offices for stuntpeople and workers who don’t have their own trailers. “We’ll definitely have shows where they’ll get 30 to 40 pieces,” Lewis says. Despite having a crucial role on film sets, transportation vendors like Lightnin’ seldom show up in a movie’s closing credits. But for Lewis, happy customers are the best reward. “I get satisfaction from a customer saying we helped them out in a pinch, that our employees were Johnny-on-thespot, or that an actor or actress really liked their trailer. ”

“

I get satisfaction from a customer saying we helped them out in a pinch ...

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“

I love being a different person and meeting new people when I’m that person.

the TALENT 5 MICHAEL and DAVID KAPLAN

t’s too soon to compare Michael and David Kaplan of Peachtree Corners to such famous acting siblings as Luke and Owen Wilson or Chris and Liam Hemsworth, but just you wait. The brothers have been quietly amassing some impressive acting credits. Fourteen-year-old Michael Kendall Kaplan, an eighth grader, has performed on the reboot of The Wonder Years, in The Waltons: Homecoming, and on the series Paradise Lost, where he shared the screen with Nick Nolte and Barbara Hershey.

Michael began taking acting classes as a shy kindergartner. “I love being a different person and meeting new people when I’m that person,” he says. He also enjoys seeing himself in the finished product. David Alexander Kaplan, a 12-year-old sixth grader, began following in his older brother’s footsteps about four years ago. He’s appeared on such shows as The Resident, Creepshow, the MacGyver remake, and Kindred, a new drama based on a novel by Octavia Butler. David has worked with Rainn Wilson and Bryan Cranston and really enjoys the audition process. “I really go for it and am vulnerable and become the character.” Keeping up with schoolwork while spending time on set can be a chal-

lenge, but the brothers have on-set tutors, and Michael says that COVID-19 has had some unexpected benefits. “Schools are used to you being out, and more stuff is posted online.” Father and acting coach Alan Kaplan says the family takes care to make sure his sons’ acting careers aren’t overwhelming. “We prioritize school and family time and fit the acting around those, and not vice versa. The other parts of our life drive our life,” he says. Michael and David help each other prepare for auditions and memorize lines. “Often they’re auditioning for the same roles,” Alan says. “Usually when one hears that the other one booked a role they also auditioned for, that’s more exciting for them than it would be for themselves.” EXPLORE GWINNET T • 47

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EXPERIENCES

Where Happiness and Peace Reside The majestic mandir invites visitors to embrace stillness and reflection—and experience ancient Hindu rituals. BY KATJA RIDDERBUSCH

he Lilburn police department doesn’t keep statistics on how many car accidents occur around Lawrenceville Highway, but there have been a few. That’s because this road, in addition to a slew of fast-food restaurants, gas stations, and tire stores, is home to a building that rises from the flat suburban scenery like a white cake with particularly ornate frosting. It’s a stunning sight, to say the least. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is one of the largest Hindu temples in North America. Opened in 2007, it is set on 30 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. The mandir is made of more than 34,000 blocks of stone— Italian Carrara marble and Turkish limestone for the outside, and Indian pink sandstone for the inside. Following the rules of ancient Hindu scripture, the pieces were hand-carved in India, then shipped to Lilburn and assembled like a majestic 3D puzzle. Tourist blogs have likened it to “a giant Lego set.”

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Mandir means “a dwelling place” in Sanskrit—a place where the inner self lives, the mind stops darting in countless thoughts, and the body comes to pause. Once you climb the main steps and enter the temple, you are swept into a different world. There’s a powerful smell of incense and a distinct stillness, with only a faint sound of spiritual chanting echoing from the walls. “Whoever sincerely offers his prayers will attain happiness and peace,” said Pramukh Swami Maharaj, former spiritual leader of BAPS worldwide, upon the temple’s inauguration. The intricate carvings on the columns—some surrounded by protective glass—feature popular religious figures in Hinduism, and depict tales of devotion and inspiration. Inserted in the walls are small alcoves with colorful shrines holding murtis—sacred images of Hindu deities. Once a day, visitors can participate in a ritual called Arti, an ancient Hindu offering where swamis, or religious teachers, wave lighted wicks before the Murtis while chanting musical prayers. The complex has a gift shop featuring books on Hinduism, music for meditation, herbal health products, and sweet and savory snacks. There’s also an assembly hall and a family activity center. Shayona Cafe, near the entrance, offers all-vegetarian cuisine. It’s a great way for visitors to taste authentic Indian fare and add a culinary aspect to their spiritual experience.

Plan a Visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To experience some of the traditional rituals, the best times to visit are before noon and between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The midday Arti ceremony is performed daily at 11:15 a.m. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. Visitors are required to remove their shoes at the entrance. All clothing must cover your shoulders and knees. Photography and video filming inside the mandir are not allowed. Guided tours can be booked in advance, while self-guided audio tours are available at the gift shop for a small fee. Visit baps.org/atlanta for more information. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 49

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EXPERIENCES

Get Your Game On Here’s where to play in Gwinnett BY TONY REHAGEN

eed a little excitement? How about ripping golf balls hundreds of yards toward a target, stomping on the accelerator of a go-kart, immersing yourself in a virtual-reality game world, or just swinging through the treetops? Check out these gems of family-friendly fun, with an injection of speed and strength, where you can play as hard as you like.

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The Need for Speed If it’s got four wheels and an engine, you can bet the Andrettis, the first family of auto-racing, know how to make it a thrilling experience. But the action at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Buford isn’t limited to the track. Step into an immersive virtual reality game or get behind the wheel of a racing simulator just like the pros use to train. There’s also laser tag, an arcade, and boutique bowling. No matter your preference, it’s a green flag for fun.

BIGSTOCK, TOPGOLF

King of the Jungle Ever dream of streaking across the forest canopy like Tarzan? At Treetop Quest in Buford, you can practically fly from tree to tree with zip lines, lofty obstacle courses, and more. And while there is a unique harness-free course, safety is not a concern: Each flier is outfitted with proper equipment, gloves, and helmets for kids. And every course has a continuous belay system, a lifeline that cannot be severed without help from a staff member, so you can enjoy a carefree adventure in the treetops.

Get in the Swing Topgolf combines the physicality of a driving range with the social setting of a bowling alley. Reserve your climate-controlled bay, order some wings or flatbread and a round of drinks, and choose from a range of games. Then just grab a driver, tee up your ball, and grip it and rip it toward the targets below. The computer will do all the score keeping for you— all you have to focus on is having fun. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 51

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EXPERIENCES

Wild for Wildlife Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary reopens with a new name and a new purpose BY KATJA RIDDERBUSCH

onathan Ordway knows the personalities of most of his 150 animals—the cute, the exotic, the majestic—and all their quirks and habits. “Hey, Squirt, you gonna nip me again?” he asks an inquisitive brown-and-white goat while petting its head. He has a brief word for each critter as he walks the wooded 25-acre Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary (YRWS) near Stone Mountain in Lilburn, formerly known as the Yellow River Game Ranch. The new name is fitting, he says. “This is a sanctuary for the animals, but also people.” A joint passion for wildlife made Ordway and his wife, Katy, decide in 2018 to put up their life savings and purchase the Yellow River Game Ranch, a metro Atlanta institution for almost 60 years that had fallen on hard times. The Ordways, who manage a dozen apartment complexes, came to the park as children. Now they have five on their own. The sanctuary’s main mission, according to Ordway, is to have kids from urban areas make a connection with wildlife. “And hopefully, they’ll become stewards for conservation in the future,” he says. Ordway initially thought that fixing up the place would be quick and easy. He was wrong. The park needed new electricity and plumbing. They tore

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down the old enclosures and small concrete pits and built new natural habitats with plants, rocks, ropes, hammocks, and ponds. At YRWS, zookeepers feed the animals healthy specialty diets. Enclosures are nestled between winding trails, hills, and shady picnic areas. It took two years of renovation before the sanctuary was reopened to the public in May 2020. “But it will never be finished,” says Ordway. The new owners kept the animals who already lived on the property, including a family of peacocks that freely roam the grounds, as well as black bears and a herd of bison. Most of the new residents came from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and private rescue groups, including ring-tailed lemurs, foxes, spider monkeys, a lynx, and a serval (a wild cat native to Africa). Ordway has bonded with all the

animals but admits that some have “a special spot” in his heart. One is BlueBeary, an inquisitive young black bear and the latest addition to the sanctuary’s four-bear enclosure. Rescued in the North Georgia Mountains, she came to YRWS last spring. Another is Ferdinand, a giant black bull with big horns who is so gentle that he lets other animals eat until there’s no food left for him. There are also two coyotes, Wilee and Carmine. Originally from South Carolina, Wilee was kept as an illegal pet. Carmine is a rare black coyote who was found in Smyrna, where he famously bonded with a Great Pyrenees dog. It’s stories like these that make these animals unique and loveable to him, Ordway says. When you visit the sanctuary, you'll be able to hear them for yourself.

Plan a Visit: Tickets are $20 for adults, $13 for children ages three to 12, and free for kids two and younger (subject to change). Visitors can buy bags of lettuce and carrots to feed goats, bunnies, sheep, and alpacas. For hours and more information, visit yellowriverwildlifesanctuary.com. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 53

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EXPERIENCES

Painted Walls

Duluth

Colorful murals can be found all over Gwinnett BY KELUNDRA SMITH

Tumblefield

s one of the most diverse counties in the nation, each of Gwinnett’s cities has its own personality. Nowhere is that more evident than in the murals that color buildings in the downtown areas. These paintings by local artists tell the story of the county’s past, present, and future. Be sure to look for these 11 unique works of art the next time you visit.

Every day is decadent at The Chocolaterie, a store carrying local and handmade artisan truffles in the heart of downtown Duluth. After you indulge in something sweet inside, pose with the stunning Chocolate Lady mural painted on the outside of the building. The chocolates in the palm of her hand are just as beautiful as the ones inside. Get ready to glow in The Cosmic Tunnel, an interactive mural in Bunten Road Park, which shows the size and spatial relationship between the planets, as well as their orbital paths. Artist Brenda Ehly has called Duluth home for more than 30 years; her Dream Big mural, located along Hill Street, was inspired by some of the tiniest creatures on the planet—ants. The mural shows them working together to achieve a common goal; it represents the daily tasks that can sometimes feel like an ant pushing a boulder uphill. Some of music’s most talented singers and songwriters have performed at Red Clay Music Foundry, including the Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins, and Jason Isbell. Before your next concert, take a photo in front of the Fanfare mural that covers the windows on the side of the building. Its sentiment is simply that we love music.

Lawrenceville The menu at Strange Taco, located in the heart of downtown Lawrenceville, includes unique, made-from-scratch taco flavors, ranging from cheeseburger to fried green tomato. In between bites, head out back to snap a photo in front of the Strange Taco mural. A shoutout to Dr. Strangelove, it features a cowboy riding a blimp.

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The Chocolate Lady Strange Taco

The Sweet Life

Lilburn The rock band the Grateful Dead may have formed in California, but its Southern roots run deep— the band has been performing in Georgia for decades. Jerry Garcia Guitar, a mural dedicated to late guitarist Jerry Garcia, is a must-see in Lilburn. Located in front of Music on Main Street, which offers lessons, instruments, concerts, and camps, the 50-foot mural is by Sonny Franks and features the neck of a guitar.

Norcross The dark alley behind businesses in downtown Norcross has been transformed by new lights and bright colors, thanks to investment from the city. Artists Lauren Pallotta and Jon Graham contributed, too, thanks to their Tumblefield mural of adorable and playful red foxes. Located in Skin Alley, the mural is as charming as the city itself. As the railroad and automobile expanded in the early 20th century, so did tourism. American travelers often sent linen postcards to loved ones. The

16-foot-wide Greetings from Norcross mural reflects those nostalgic postcards, with the letters depicting eight important people and places in the city’s history. Designed by Atomic Wash, a Norcross-based digital marketing and branding agency, the mural covers the large brick wall of the building the agency shares with Paizano’s Italian restaurant, along Wingo Street. Like a letter from a long-lost friend, the Love, Norcross mural is the perfect stop on a memory-making tour through Gwinnett County. The simple, colorful mural is located near the end of South Peachtree Street.

Suwanee In the late 19th century, the railroad connecting Atlanta and Charlotte was built through Suwanee, making the city an important thoroughfare. Today, the #Suwanee mural, located near the intersection of LawrencevilleSuwanee Road and Buford Highway, honors that history with its depiction of two trains running, representing the past and present. Alexandra Sorto painted the colorful mural when she was just 17 years old.

Sugar Hill The town of Sugar Hill has stunning sunsets, thanks in large part to its northeast Georgia location. The Sweet Life mural, located on the 21-by-80-foot wall of the Suite Spot, celebrates this interesting and colorful fact. Painted by local artist Jennie Osiek, the mural depicts the golden orange majesty of the sunset and more than lives up to the city’s name.

#Suwanee

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EXPERIENCES

Getting Crafty Beer lovers are headed to Gwinnett for craft brews

Stillfire Brewing

BY VENÉ FRANCO

ore than ever, beer lovers are going to the source for craft brews. Beyond the suds, these dozen Gwinnett breweries offer camaraderie, outdoor spaces, entertainment, casual eats, and plenty of growlers to go.

6S Brewing & Tasting Room Exposed brick adds character to this tasting room housed in a fully restored, 145-year-old building in historic downtown Duluth. This family-run operation pours craft beers, including Sweet Ryed IPA and Duluth Imperial Pale Ale, and proudly features daughter Tori’s artwork on the beer cans. Bingo and community bashes are on the roster year-round.

Social Fox Brewing

StillFire Brewing

Outside Norcross’s first craft brewery is a mural titled Tumblefield depicting a pair of foxes rollicking together. That playful mood carries over to the newly expanded space, which serves Trop Tail and Straight Outta Norcross IPAs and award winners like Old Reynard Barleywine and Irish Stout. Billing itself as “small, social, and hyperlocal,” the brewery hosts fun events, including Biscuits ’n Brunch and trivia nights.

Brewers here are riding high from championship wins, including a medal for their Black Mask Imperial Stout, judged “Best Strong Beer in Georgia” for 2021. Sample it and at least 25 other selections (craft root beer, too), plus food truck eats, at this dog-friendly brew garden next to Suwanee Town Center Park.

Kettlerock Brewing

Brewmaster Glen Sprouse brings Bavarian traditions to Lawrenceville, exploring authentic German-style lagers as well as Belgian-style ales. The biergarten is a welcoming spot to sample Divine Dubbel ale, or Seven Sisters Münchner, an amber lager, and enjoy musicians, food trucks, trivia nights, and holiday parties.

A proud family of Georgia Tech grads founded this winning brewery in Peachtree Corners. Settle in on game day with a crisp Trailhead Blonde or Scottish-style Bear Tracks Ale. And how about that Stake & Shake Milkshake IPA?

Ironshield Brewing

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Good Word Brewing & Public House Owners Todd DiMatteo and Ryan Skinner, both former employees of famed Brick Store Pub in Decatur, carry on the tradition of quality brewing, curated comfort food, and community building at their brewpub in Duluth. Fans of the spot’s burger, with caramelized onions and special sauce, include iconic chef Wolfgang Puck. Wash it down with Any Day Now, an Italian Pilsner.

Monkey Wrench Brewing Located on the edge of Suwanee Creek Greenway Trail, this family business is expanding, and a 200-gallon distillery system means cocktails and a tiki bar will soon be in the mix. Meanwhile, there are up to 15 beers on tap, plus cornhole tourneys, weekend concerts, and food trucks to keep thirsty regulars happy.

Slow Pour Brewing Company The mood is warm and welcoming at this 3,000-square-foot tasting room in Lawrenceville, thanks to a wide patio and string lights galore. Once a garment factory, the interior features a stylish bar, wood tables, and rustic brick walls. Beers on tap, signature brews, limited releases, and seasonal pours fuel gameday parties and nightly events. Indio Brewing Co.

Good Word Brewing & Public House

Indio Brewing Co.

Anderby Brewing

A Lucha Libre mural featuring a masked wrestler sets the tone at this Latin-owned and operated hotspot in Sugar Hill. Enjoy craft cervezas, from hazy IPAs to sours, stouts, and more. Expect plenty of tropical fruit infusions (we like the Don Ramon New England IPA, with flavors of tangerine, mango, and pineapple), plus comedy, bingo, and karaoke nights.

What do we love more? Chunkzilla’s Revenge Imperial Stout or the Chunkzilla T-shirt featuring a chubby killer cat? Find both at this Peachtree Corners brewery, plus refreshing Cat Lady Seltzer. The taproom offers 19 craft beers and a nice, tree-dotted patio. Experimenting with hazy IPAs is their thing, so ask about the latest. Food trucks, live music, trivia—check.

Cultivation Brewing Co.

Blackbird Farms Brewery

Named as a nod to the owners’ former landscaping business, this Norcross microbrewery offers innovative brews. Staples include Simple Habits Farmhouse Ale, a fruited-style Kettle Sour, and a Kölsch-style brew called The Chancellor. Check out Fresh Beer Friday releases and sunset views from the patio, too.

Owner Matt Williams is the creative force behind this community hangout in Lilburn. With 20 years of beer-making experience and a slew of recipes in his arsenal, he offers a variety of traditional beers as well as sours and seasonals. The taproom vibe is playful with pinball machines and a one-of-akind bowling game. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 57

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Party of 12 We asked 12 Gwinnett beermakers and insiders to tap into a beer that best reps their brewery’s place in the thriving craft brew scene. Choosing just one wasn’t easy, but the final dozen reflects a solid mix of flagship beers, seasonals, and new releases.

Slow Pour Brewing

6S Brewing

Kettlerock Brewing

Southernality

Sweet Ryed

Bear Tracks

Southernality is one of the brewery’s flagship beers, a tribute to Southern music and a “celebration of what moves you, with just a splash of soul.” Citra and Mosaic hops add a citrus punch to this easy-drinking favorite.

This variation of the traditional American IPA features the addition of 25% malted rye to bring out a little sweet and spicy character. There’s citrus there, too. It’s made using an American yeast strain paired with classic West Coast hops (Chinook, Bravo, Centennial).

A rich, dark Scottish style ale with a strong malt backbone, and caramel and honey notes. Coming in “a wee bit heavy” at 7.6% abv, it’s a good match with smoked meats, barbecue, and cheeses, even crème brûlée.

–Nate Groves, Front of House Operations Director

–Robb Watson, Owner/Founder

–Sterling Peet, Head Brewer

Ironshield Brewing

Anderby Brewing

Cultivation Brewery

Seven Sisters Munchner

Chunkzilla

Simple Habits

This Bavarian-style amber lager (often called a Vienna lager) has a rich amber color, sparkling and clear, with a thick and rocky head. It’s malty, with low bitterness and a very gentle noble hop aroma in the head.

Chunkzilla (13% abv) is an imperial milk stout that is decadent, smooth, and bursting with chocolate and coffee flavors. The popular pour is offered with a series of infusions.

The farmhouse ale has been a staple since the brewery opened. Discerning imbibers will appreciate the golden refresher’s fruity and earthy flavor notes and will detect a pleasant hint of banana as well.

–Glen Sprouse, Founder and Brewmaster

–Preston Smelt, President

–Kat Ash, Marketing/Spokesperson

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Social Fox Brewing

Good Word Brewing & Public House

StillFire Brewing

Trop Tail

Die Todd Die

Glory Haze

Brewed and triple dry-hopped with El Dorado, Sabro, Idaho Gem and Zappa hops. This juicy, hazy NEIPA has a nice balance of earthy hop notes, tropical fruit and grapefruit. It’s rounded out by a light bitterness that even non-IPA drinkers will love.

Here an old-world technique is employed where a portion of the mash is separated from the whole and boiled for a period of time, which imparts a deeper malt flavor. The beer is cold-conditioned for six to eight weeks before it’s served.

Popular since day one, the New England IPA (6.9% abv) is lush with passion fruit, guava, and orange aromas. The rich malt base is amplified by a creamy and silky texture derived from oats. The bitterness is intentionally smooth, making it an IPA you can enjoy for hours.

–Mike Greene, CEO

–Todd DiMatteo, Owner/Brewer

–Phil Farrell, Brewmaster

censored

Blackbird Farms Brewery

Monkey Wrench Brewing

Indio Brewing

Trophy Husband

Brighter Future

Sour Patch

Always kept on draft, this world-class imperial stout (11% abv) is made with Maris Otter English base malt, the undisputed choice for big bruiser stouts. It’s got serious backbone with a creamy chocolate coffee finish.

This New England IPA (7% abv) is made with Idaho 7 and Citra hops. The brew is hazy, juicy, and lush, with a “sticky” tropical fruit finish. Thinking of pairing it with food? Try it with pork and bright vegetables.

This cerveza artesenal is a strawberry and raspberry Berliner weisse that comes in at 5% abv. It’s on tap year round and is also available in crowlers.

– Matt Williams, Brewmaster

–Wayne Baxter, Founder and Brewer

–Jonathan Martinez, Owner/Brewer EXPLORE GWINNET T • 59

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EXPERIENCES

Take It Outside 7 ways to explore the great outdoors in Gwinnett County BY KELUNDRA SMITH

Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain, an enormous quartz monadnock, is Georgia’s ninth wonder of the world. The 3,200-acre park offers hiking trails, sky buckets, river cruises, a water park, camping grounds, and more. One of the park’s traditions is the Lasershow Spectacular, a nightly laser show featuring music and sounds projected on the side of the mountain during the spring and summer. From the signature Yellow Daisy Festival featuring arts and crafts in spring to the Polar Express train ride in winter, Stone Mountain Park is a good time year round.

SculpTour Suwanee SculpTour is one of the city’s signature attractions. Local artisans create colorful statues for the town center, and residents vote on the best ones to be displayed for two years. The favorite one-of-a-kind sculpture, which includes everything from half-bitten popsicles to a cow and calf, becomes a part of the city’s permanent public art collection. Next time you’re catching a concert on the green or attending food truck night, be sure to look for the unique sculptures.

Tubing

Suwanee Sculptour

The Chattahoochee River runs more than 400 miles through part of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Shooting the ’Hooch, or taking a scenic float down the river in a tube, is a favorite Georgia pastime and a great way to have fun with the family. Duluth-based $10 River Tubing offers two–to–four–hour float trips between May and September; several other local outfitters also make it easy to plan an adventure on the lazy river.

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Fishing Several Gwinnett County parks feature fishing lakes where pros and amateurs go to catch largemouth bass, bream, and catfish. Jones Bridge Park has some of the best fly fishing in the area; Tribble Mill Park has two fishing lakes, Chandler and Ozora; Lenora Park, just south of Snellville, has a small fishing lake; and Little Mulberry Park in Dacula is home to Lake Miller, where anglers can fish from two piers. And of course, Lake Lanier, just north of Gwinnett County, has some of the best fishing spots in northeast Georgia.

Parks

Freeman's Mill Park

Disc Golf

When the weather heats up, Gwinnett County is the place to be. The county boasts more than 50 parks with amenities for every interest and occasion. Relax to the sound of the cascading waters of an 1870s grist mill at Freeman’s Mill Park; run, walk, or pedal through wetlands and forest at Suwanee Creek Greenway; cool off in the splash pad at Lillian Webb Park; or explore a restored 1930s farmhouse at McDaniel Farm Park. From aquatics and skateboarding to cookouts and walking trails, there’s something for everyone.

Alexander Park

Disc golf is a big deal in Gwinnett County. Eighteen-hole disc golf courses are located at Alexander Park in Lawrenceville, Lenora Park in Snellville, Little Mulberry Park in Dacula, and Suwanee Creek Park. The county partners with the Gwinnett Disc Golf Organization to host the Gwinnett County Open disc golf tournament every year, typically in November, complete with cash prizes for the top throwers.

Alpaca Farms The adorable alpacas at Creekwater Alpaca Farms are sure to melt your heart with their big eyes and soft hair. Book an afternoon tour for a day of learning about these Peruvian animals, which are kin to the llama. Horses, ducks, goats, sheep, and other cuddly creatures also roam the farm. Take home a bit of the farm by stopping in the gift shop for alpaca socks, hats, and mittens. EXPLOR EE XPLORE GWINNET T • 61

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DINING

Where the Locals Eat

D’FLo’s Mezcalita is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky that I crave. For non-alcoholic beverages, I’m strolling over to Reyna's for a cortado or Pearl’s Tea for a perfectly crafted taro milk latte. Best special occasion restaurant: Frankie's The Steakhouse is a great spot to put on the ritz. I always start with champagne and oysters and end with a giant slice of chocolate cake and a glass of nice port. Best hidden gem: El Indio is located right off the Lawrenceville Square in an older, unassuming shopping center. I opt for the birria plate. It's a big bowl of braised beef stew served with tortillas, rice, and beans. Just trust me. Best patio: This is an ensemble award: Downtown Lawrenceville Square has the best collection of patios in Gwinnett. To name a few: McCrays, Slow Pour, Strange Taco Bar, La Cazuela, Universal Joint, Local Republic, and Boulder Creek all offer uniquely different patio experiences. Best local hangout: Besides Local Republic, Good

Locals share their favorite dining spots in and around Gwinnett BY JENNIFER SENATOR

Word Brewing & Public House

Universal Joint

Damian AhChing Director of Media & Events, Local Restaurant Group A lifelong Gwinnetian, Damian Aching has worked for Local Restaurant Group, which includes Local Republic, Strange Taco Bar, LR Burger, and Laundry Events, for the last eight years. Now living in Grayson with his husband and three dogs, AhChing especially enjoys exploring the local dining scene. All-around favorite restaurant: Local Republic, hands-down, has been one of

my favorite restaurants since the beginning—even before I had the opportunity to work with them. The food is delicious. The drinks are amazing. The ambience is 10 out of 10. However, what keeps this place so close to my heart is the privilege of getting a behind-the-scenes look at a team that makes it a priority to create something special for their guests. Best breakfast/brunch: For breakfast, I’m heading to Peachtree Cafe for a spicy cheeseburger omelet. Best cocktails/beverages: For cocktails, I’m celebrating Whiskey Wednesday with $5 old fashioneds at Local Republic’s upstairs bar. I’m a huge mezcal fan, so D’Floridian is a must.

in Duluth is also a favorite local hang out. Their cocktail program is top-notch, the boiled peanuts are one of my favorite bar snacks, and I’m guaranteed to run into familiar faces on every visit. Best international cuisine: I love a crazy spicy bowl of ramen so much— Umaido is everything. Best takeout: Taste 8 is my go-to for Chinese takeout. My husband and I split a wide range of appetizers like egg rolls, dumplings, and crab rangoon; our favorite is the wonton in garlic sauce. Best lunch spot: Strange Taco Bar. I could eat tacos for every meal, and yes, sometimes I enjoy a margarita in a red solo cup with my lunch. Best dessert: I dream about the homemade oatmeal cream pies at Reyna's.

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Jassy Ji Ernst & Young Although Jassy Ji lives in neighboring Fulton County, she spends most of her time in Gwinnett, where she has worked for nearly three years. “I shop for groceries at the Asian markets—I love Jusgo Supermarket in Duluth—and get together for food with friends on weekends here,” she says. “I enjoy every second I spend in Gwinnett.” Ji especially appreciates the diversity found in Gwinnett’s restaurants. “I love the fact that I can find delicious food from all over the world,” she says.

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All-around favorite restaurant: Although all the dim sum dishes at Royal China Restaurant are delicious, the specialty eggplant is my favorite. The dish is super colorful with lots of sauces and sides, so it’s very visually appealing, too. Best breakfast/brunch: I love the Pancake House near downtown Lawrenceville. The Texas Baconator is my favorite meat dish, and I’m so happy that I tried

the berry oatmeal. It’s made to order and topped with fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, and pecans; it just makes my day full of energy. Best cocktails/beverages: I love a glass of the small-batch hard seltzer from Cultivation Brewing Co. on weekends. Best special occasion restaurant: For a special night, you can’t beat Frankie's The Steakhouse. It has live music, great cocktails, excellent seafood, and the best cuts of meat. A piece of prime rib eye is my go-to choice. Best hidden gem: YH’s BBQ & Crab is unique because it offers both northern and southern Chinese food. My favorite thing to order is the beef barbecue skewers. Best patio: I love sitting on the patio at Strange Taco Bar in downtown Lawrenceville. I order the Cajun shrimp taco; it’s topped with tomato, jalapeno cream sauce, and tortilla strips. Best local hangout: The Exchange at Gwinnett has become my new favorite hangout spot because of Topgolf and Andretti. Both have excellent restaurants; at Andretti, I especially like the Hot Skillet Cookie Sundae, topped with ice cream. It’s

hot on the bottom and icy cold on top. Best international cuisine: The fried chicken at Choong Man Chicken is so crispy and juicy at the same time. Best takeout: When I’m in the area, I always grab an apricot ham and Brie sandwich from Rico’s World Kitchen in Buford. I also love their ube cake when it is available. Best lunch spot: A bowl of boiling spicy seafood tofu soup at Jang Su Jang is the perfect match for a rainy day. Best dessert: I love the chocolate almond croissant at Georgia French Bakery & Cafe after a warm cup of French onion soup and Normandy hot sandwich.

Rico's World Kitchen

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DINING

Rise and Shine 10 delicious brunch spots–and what to order when you get there Cosmo Pizza + Social

mong the many things that make Gwinnett County residents proud are its restaurants, and if you live anywhere in metro Atlanta, you know that one meal reigns supreme: brunch. If you’re in Gwinnett and looking for a great place to enjoy that late-morning, early-afternoon feast of Southern-styled comfort and joy, you can take pride in knowing you’re in the right place. Here, 10 great brunch spots to try.

Parkside District Seafood and meat are the specialties at this farm-to-table tavern that’s been serving Lawrenceville since 2016. The menu’s full of impressive eats for all three meals but for brunch you’ll never regret ordering the Gouda grits, Cajun hash, or chicken and waffles—the latter is a perfect plate filled with crispy fried chicken and a Belgian waffle topped with fresh berries.

Uncle Jack’s Meat House Peachtree Corners The “Boozy Brunchers” menu at this American bar and grill is quite serious, evidenced by the two-hour bottomless brunch cocktail offered on weekends for just under $25. You’ll certainly want something hearty to eat if you take the drink deal so go for the brisket Benedict. The brisket is smoked for eight hours and served with hollandaise, a poached egg, glazed asparagus, and a housemade biscuit.

Cosmo’s Pizza + Social For two decades, this downtown Lawrenceville pizzeria and neighborhood bar has been a favorite for Italian food lovers, sports fans, and folks who enjoy live music and entertainment. Come for the game, and stay for the fresh-baked bread basket, smoked salmon flatbread, or the brunch pizza, made with bacon and sunny-side up eggseggs. Pair your plate with a mimosa bucket or trips to the Bloody Mary bar.

Three Blind Mice Equal parts restaurant, cafe, and wine bar, Lilburn’s Three Blind Mice is intentional about the experience of enjoying brunch and wine, in concert with comfortable surroundings. A great example is the slow-cooked Low Country shrimp and grits, served in a white wine garlic cream sauce with bacon and mushrooms. If that doesn’t call for a glass of vino, we don’t know what does.

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BY MIKE JORDAN

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The Brunch Apothecary

The Crossing

It doesn’t get much more homestyle than this renovated Dacula house where timeless brunch favorites fill the menu and family vibes fill the air, along with the aroma of heavenly food to get your day started. Begin with a nitro cold brew coffee, and if you need more of a pick-me-up, order the Cure-All— a two-egg breakfast with biscuit or toast, and your pick of proteins ranging from country-fried steak to country ham and fried pork loin, with side options like housemade truffle Parmesan potatoes.

When you see the railroad tracks, you'll know you've reached The Crossing, a Norcross favorite housed in a former train depot from the 1800s. The brunch menu at this steakhouse is available Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Everything comes with bacon or sausage and a choice of sliced tomatoes or tots. Then pick your main: cinnamon-butter-topped pancakes, eggs Benedict, French toast, or arepas with ham and cheese. There’s also plenty that fits the brunch criteria on regular menu days, including fried green tomatoes and the chicken and waffle appetizer, which is presented as chicken tenderloins dipped in waffle batter and deep-fried.

Oy! Breakfast, lunch, and brunch are the main features of this Buford restaurant that’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Try the Philadelphia cheesesteak omelet (made with Angus beef, peppers, onions, and queso), or a variety of indulgent buttermilk pancakes, from wild blueberry flapjacks to pancakes made with cinnamon pecans, white and dark chocolate chips, and even Oreo cookie crumbs.

45 South Cafe La Belle Vie

Decorated with framed portraits of animals and ceiling-hung international flags, this colorful Norcross cafe carries a variety of fresh-brewed coffees, bagels, banana bread, and “world-famous,” pastries (muffins, Danishes, brownies, and the like), plus yogurt and a killer quiche.

La Belle Vie This energetic Suwanee bistro no longer takes reservations for its Sunday brunch, and demand is high (so high that they ask customers to limit meals to 90 minutes), so be sure to show up early and hungry. You won’t want to miss the lobster omelet with Gruyère, the strawberries and cream French toast, the grits with braised oxtail, or the modern French brunch dishes such as the croque madame croissant.

Maple Street Biscuit

Maple Street Biscuit Company Visit Parson’s Alley in Duluth and have a flaky breakfast biscuit sandwich, made from scratch daily with artisan winter wheat flour. Go Hollywood and order the Squawking Goat Biscuit, which combines an all-natural fried chicken breast with housemade pepper jelly and a fried medallion of goat cheese. It was good enough to be featured on the Food Network, so it's definitely worth your while. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 65

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DINING hether you’re looking for trendy places to get together for happy hour or want to just grab a drink before dinner, these spots offer innovative cocktails and inspiring settings.

Stäge Kitchen and Bar Stäge, pronounced “stahj,” is known for its artistic cocktails (try the Fairytale with reposado tequila and crème de cassis), extensive draft beer, and sake and wine lists. On weekends, guests can listen to live jazz, pop, or DJs. Grab an eclectic bite and get together with friends indoors or on the patio.

Cheers! Raise a glass to Gwinnett’s top cocktail spots BY SUCHETA RAWAL

The Linnethia Lounge Purple walls, black leather-studded couches, and customized bar tables (not to mention a stage, bar, and dance floor) make Linnethia Lounge a fashionable place for adults to hang out. Owned by NeNe Leakes (of the Real Housewives of Atlanta fame), the hot spot offers pub grub, hookah, cocktails (try the Nene-Tini with smoking dry ice), live music, and big-screen televisions to watch a game.

1910 Public House

Stäge Kitchen and Bar

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill The Firebar at Firebirds is known for its signature Black Diamond Martini, seasonal cocktails, and boozy coffee drinks. There’s also an extensive mocktail list for younger patrons. The polished restaurant serves steaks and seafood at modest prices, so you can enjoy an unpretentious weeknight out.

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1910 Public House is the only place in Lilburn where you can get 28 craft beers on tap. From hoppy, citrusy seltzers to malty Belgians and light ales, there’s a pint for every palate. Don’t forget to order from the menu of Southern small plates (pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and the like) along with your libations.

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Local Republic

Local Republic Located in downtown Lawrenceville, this casual gastropub serves well-balanced craft cocktails (try the Nightman cocktail with fig, honey, and rosemary), quality wine, and craft beer. Happy hour specials on Wednesdays include $5 Manhattans, $5 old fashioned cocktails, and $15 whiskey flights. Linger on for dinner where you’ll enjoy Southern-inspired international dishes using seasonal ingredients.

Bottles & Bones The chef-driven chophouse in downtown Suwanee has an expansive horseshoe bar and an adjoining piano lounge featuring live entertainment. The beverage menu has something for everyone, from wine by the glass and local beer to classic cocktails. Linger at the bar with a glass of Big Splash French 75 with Boodles gin.

Bottles and Bones Falling Rabbit

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Falling Rabbit Falling Rabbit in Duluth presents an ever-changing menu of seasonallydriven fare and delicious craft cocktails to match. Guests can imbibe on everything from classic old fashioneds to more adventurous options such as the Velvet Underground, with cognac, Italian bitters, banana miso, citrus, and whey, or Foie Whiskey & Jam, which blends bourbon with foie gras, plum, bitters, and truffle. There’s a good selection of wine and local brews, too. Led by Chef Chuck Woods and GM Barbara Woods, the restaurant is named for a poem Wood’s mother recited to him as a child.

The Crossing

Falling Rabbit

Located in the old train depot in historic Norcross, the charming family-owned and operated steakhouse offers a casual atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Sip on a cold craft beer or a glass of wine and watch the trains pass by. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 67

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DINING

Around The World Take an international culinary tour without leaving Gwinnett BY SUCHETA RAWAL

winnett is one of the most diverse counties in the nation, which is why you can find a whole world of dining options among our many restaurants. From Pakistani kebabs and African stews to Peruvian ceviche and Cuban sandwiches, you can take your tastebuds on a global tour at these affordable international restaurants around Gwinnett.

Taste of Jamaica

Taste of Turkey

Located in a strip mall in Peachtree Corners, Kool Runnings offers authentic Caribbean flavors and a scrumptious Sunday brunch buffet. It is one of the best places in Gwinnett to try freshly made ackee and saltfish, a staple Jamaican breakfast. Looking for some more island flavor? Try the jerk chicken or curried goat at Jay's Caribbean Cuisine.

Green Olive Kabob House serves a large variety of flavorful Turkish, Pakistani, and Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant makes its own inaan—flatbread—as sides and in kebab wraps, and it’s delicious. It is also known for a variety of grilled and fried meats, such as beef seekh kebab, chicken tikka, and Lahori chargha chicken, which originates from the city of Lahore in Pakistan.

Taste of Bosnia

Taste of Africa

If you're looking for authentic homemade Bosnian dishes and pastries, Euro Gourmet has a small, family style restaurant linked to a European grocery store. For unique tastes, try the cevapcici (minced meat kebabs), sudzukice (spicy beef links), and palacincke (thinly rolled crepes with plum sauce).

Ike's Cafe & Grill comes alive on the weekends with crowds enjoying live music and delectable West African cuisine. If you are feeling adventurous, order banga soup (palm nut soup), nkwobi (a spicy cow foot delicacy), or Isi Ewu (a full head of goat). For more West African flavors, check out Honest Star Tropical Restaurant in Lawrenceville.

Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant

Euro Gourmet

Green Olive Kabob House

Ike's Cafe & Grill

Taste of Colombia

For the true flavors of Colombian home cooking, head to Trigos family-run restaurant and bakery. Start with a breakfast of Colombian coffee, homemade pastries, and bandeja—a platter with meat, eggs, plantains, avocado, and corn cakes. Other great options for Colombian food in the area are Las Delicias De La Abuela and Let’s Go Eat.

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Trigos Colombian Restaurant

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Taste of Morocco

Taste of Mediterranean

Married chef-owners Rafih and Rita have found a new home in Norcross for their longstanding Buckhead restaurant, known for delivering a true Moroccan experience. Dinner— enjoyed while seated on luxurious cushions—starts with friendly service, hot towels, multicourse menus, and live entertainment. The chicken apricot tagine and vegetable couscous are delicious.

Cafe Raik is a modestly priced, casual restaurant where you can find some of the best hummus, falafel, and shawarma, served in bowls and sandwiches. Chef Usman from Israel cooks using his mother’s recipes tweaked with modern twists. Other great Mediterranean spots include the hookah bar at Anatolia Cafe and Hookah Lounge and homemade European-style cakes at Adriatic Grill.

Taste of Cuba

Taste of Peru

Taste of Thailand

Sabor Inka, a charming Peruvian restaurant, offers friendly service and homestyle food. Menu highlights include a variety of fish, shrimp, and mixed ceviche, Peruvian-style skirt and sirloin steaks, as well as natural juices. Vegetarians won’t be disappointed with causa de palta, or layered mashed potatoes. Another good option for Peruvian specialties is Costa Verde Restaurant in Norcross.

Sri Thai has developed a strong reputation in metro Atlanta, and now has four locations. The restaurant offers exquisitely plated modern Thai and Japanese dishes. All the sauces and dishes are made from scratch daily using family recipes. For a special evening, treat yourself to omakase, a multiple-course, seasonal, prix fixe dinner. Another great neighborhood option is Tani Thai Restaurant in Buford.

Imperial Fez

Mojitos: A Cuban American Bistro Join the conga line at one of Mojitos’ two locations in historic downtown Norcross and Peachtree Corners, where the owners offer live music every weekend. The lively, family-run restaurant serves innovative Cuban American fusion dishes, such as guava barbecue baby back ribs and empanizado (Cuban breaded steak with plantains), as well as more traditional Cuban sandwiches.

Cafe Raik

Sabor Inka

Sri Thai Kitchen and Sushi Bar

Taste of Vietnam

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Nam Phuong Nam Phuong on Buford Highway offers generous portions of steamy pho bowls, noodle soup, and brothy stews that are served family style. Bún bò Hué (spicy rice and meat noodle soup) explodes with flavors. This is where locals go for a quick, hearty, and authentic Vietnamese meal served in a casual environment. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 69

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SHOPPING

A Day of Shopping (and other treats) Find out where the dynamic duo behind Personify Shop go for food, fun, and fabulous finds BY LISA MOWRY

s a mother-daughter team who’s always enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, Tammy Lopez and Maddie Morden were a natural pair to open a store together. In 2017, they launched Personify Shop in downtown Duluth, securing a prime location in this walkable and charming area of Gwinnett. Packed with delightful finds—from funky sweaters to adorable PJs, cheeky mugs to colorful desk planners—the popular store has been drawing people from all over since day one, since you never know what you’ll find. “We believe that a life worth living is full of whimsy and surprise,” says Maddie.

Tammy Lopez and Maddie Morden

Mid-morning: Time to browse at Personify Shop. “We buy all the things we love for our store, so we tend to shop our own store,” admits Maddie. New on the horizon: lots of floral dresses and striped sweaters, high-rise flare jeans, and knitwear that’s both chic and comfortable.

PHOENIX ROASTERS

Here’s where Tammy and Maddie go to shop, eat, and drink in Gwinnett:

Early morning: Phoenix Roasters on Main Street in Duluth is a great place to grab a specialty coffee, as well as buy coffee beans and pick up some Phoenix Roasters swag, all while knowing that the company’s commitment to sustainable coffee (that helps people) is an extra benefit.

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For the littles: A charming neighborhood toy and book store, Hello Rainbow in Duluth is wellstocked with tales for all ages. Art supplies, jigsaw puzzles, and music boxes are just some of the other goodies inside, and the store is also known for its reading events and crafts activities. Time to unwind: There’s no better place than Jeju Sauna, a traditional Korean bathhouse and spa in Duluth that offers everything from saunas and body scrubs to massages and authentic Korean food. “We love the full-body scrub there because it’s different and refreshing. It’s a nice, relaxing way to spend an afternoon,” says Maddie. Jeju Sauna

S A R A H A N N A P H O T O G R A P H Y, B I G S T O C K

Personify

Late morning: The best gifts (even for yourself) just might be made of chocolate, so not surprisingly, the duo recommends the Chocolaterie in Duluth. Artisan-made truffles, fudge, and dipped strawberries are just some of the items that lure people in again and again. Lunch with carbs: More than just biscuits—but the biscuits are amazing—the Flying Biscuit Cafe in Peachtree Corners is great for enjoying breakfast all day. Need a gift? Their signature cranberry-apple butter is available as a grab-and-go item.

And get dolled up: “My mom and I both have been getting our nails done at Nail Salon 1st & Spa and our hair done at Trendy Hair for almost 20 years now. Both establishments are in Duluth and we have become good friends with the owners over the years. My whole family gets their haircut from Gaio. She’s the best!” End-of-the-day treat: Mojitos and Cuban sandwiches at Mojitos are top picks from this family-owned restaurant in Norcross, which offers West Main Trade authentic cuisine and a “buzzy atmosphere.” EXPLORE GWINNET T • 7 1

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SHOPPING

Stores with a Story Painted Tree Marketplace

Enjoy these three stores with a unique point of view BY LISA MOWRY

Comic Books and More Galactic Quest first opened in 1991 with humble beginnings, says owner Kyle Puttkammer. From a flea-market booth to two locations in Gwinnett County, Kyle and his wife, Cynthia—now along with daughters Andrea and Anna—have gratified customers with their extensive selection of comic books, Manga (Japanese anime), card games, and toys. “First and foremost, we’re a comic book store for the whole family,” says Kyle, “but we have a lot of other products, and also evaluate historic comic books. We even have one of the first comic books ever from 1849.” The Buford location is a spacious warehouse-sized destination, whereas the Lawrenceville store draws foot traffic from visitors exploring nearby shops and restaurants. 72 • EXPLORE GWINNET T

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BIGSTOCK

Korean Pop Culture People come from all over the Southeast to shop at Kpop Story in Suwanee, where all things related to Korean music and videos are celebrated. “We thought at first it would only attract the Korean population in to shop, but Kpop has become more global, so we get people from all over,” says Heajin Kang, daughter of owners Pyong “Brian” Kang and Hyeon “Kim” Kang. Best-selling artists here include BTS, Stray Kids, NCP, and many more, and if those names aren’t familiar, the store owners are happy to educate customers and spread the word about Korean culture. With its 12,000 Instagram followers, this popular store is doing a lot right to make Gwinnett Snellville Farmers Market an epicenter for international entertainment.

Galactic Quest

Taste of Britain

All Hail the Queen (and Everything British) The awning with a big Union Jack flag out front is a clue that Taste of Britain is all about the United Kingdom. Serving Gwinnett County and beyond since 1989, this long-standing store is dedicated to bringing the culture of England, Scotland, and Wales to both locals and expats. If the idea of tea and biscuits (the word for cookies to the Brits) or hard-tofind Cornish pasties sounds appealing, head on up to the brick-and-mortar store in Norcross. “People have a romantic image of England in their heads, even if they’ve never been,” says owner Rukhsana Aguilar, who grew up in London and Essex. Aside from classic British foods, the store has a range of gifts, including books, china, teapots, and decorations. EXPLORE GWINNET T • 73

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Around Town

BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR

Gwinnett’s vibrant food scene and remarkable attractions are worthy of a close-up

1910 PUBLIC HOUSE @_courtneybrandt_

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PEACHTREE CORNERS TOWN CENTER

THRASHER PARK

@cityofnorcross

JANG SU JANG

@atlasianeats | @karlyeats

@ujmeathouse

TREETOP QUEST

@treetopquest

Let's Stay Connected

BLUE ROOSTER BAKE SHOP

@blueroosterbakeshop

MEDIEVAL TIMES

@medieval_times

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This is an automated reply. I am away from the office without access to email.

Get away to Lilburn! Exciting, diverse, and tasty, Lilburn is home to a magnificent Hindu temple, a charming greenway trail, great restaurants serving dishes from every corner of the globe, and a calendar full of music, arts, and events.

City of Lilburn 340 Main St., Lilburn, GA 30047 770-921-2210 • cityoflilburn.com

CityofLilburn

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RESOURCES Aurora Theatre

ATTRACTIONS Andretti Indoor Karting & Games 2925 Buford Drive, Buford, 470.646.3278, andrettikarting.com AR Workshop 178 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 770.751.8157, arworkshop.com Aurora Theatre 128 East Pike Street, Lawrenceville, 678.226.6222, auroratheatre.com Axe Master Throwing 225 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Sugar Hill, 404.692.3667, axemaster.com BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 460 Rockbridge Road, Lilburn, 678.906.2277, baps.org/atlanta The Bowl at Sugar Hill 5039 W. Broad Street, Sugar Hill, 770.945.6716, thebowlatsugarhill.com Buford Community Center 2200 Buford Highway, Buford, 770.945.6762, bufordcommunitycenter.com Creekwater Alpaca Farms 2812 Centerville Rosebud Road, Snellville, 770.465.5181, cwfarm.com Eye Candy Art Studio 3127 Main Street, Duluth, 678.714.5683, eyecandyartstudio.net

Medieval Times 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, 888.935.6878, medievaltimes.com

Aqua Terra Bistro 55 East Main Street, Buford, 770.271.3000, aquaterrabistro.com

Museum of Buford 2200 Buford Highway, Buford, 770.945.4559, museumofbuford.com

BB.Q Chicken 2850 Lawrenceville-Suwannee Road, Suwanee, 678.541.5310, bbqchickeneats.com

Netherworld Haunted House 2076 West Park Place, Stone Mountain, 404.608.2884, fearworld.com

Bare Bones Steakhouse 115 East Main Street, Buford, 470.266.1890, barebonessteakhouse.com

Nitro Zone 6344 Cash Court, Peachtree Corners, 470.636.3230, nitrozone.com

Beard Papa’s 5215 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, 770.807.0564, beardpapas.com

Painting with a Twist 178 W. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 678.226.4970, paintingwithatwist.com Southeastern Railway Museum 3595 Buford Highway, Duluth, 770.476.2013, srmduluth.org Suwanee Arts Center 3930 Charleston Market, Suwanee, 678.878.2818, suwaneeartscenter.org Suwanee SculpTour suwanee.com Sylvia Beard Theatre 2200 Buford Highway, Buford, 770.945.6762, bufordcommunitycenter.com The Train Depot 543 N. Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, 404.963.8628, freshtix.com/organizations/ thetraindepot Tannery Row Artist Colony 554 West Main Street, Building C, Buford, 470.326.6656, tanneryrowartistcolony.net Town Park Amphitheatre 2200 Buford Highway, Buford, 770.945.6762, bufordcommunitycenter.com Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary 4525 US 78, Lilburn, 678.395.3453, yellowriverwildlifesanctuary.com

DINING

Gwinnett Beer Tour exploregwinnett.org/the-latest/ sippin-in-the-suburbs

45 South Cafe 45 S. Peachtree Street, Norcross, 770.409.4009, 45southcafe.com

Lawrenceville Arts Center 125 N. Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, cdcclpac.com

1910 Public House 107 Main Street, Lilburn, 770.564.6911, 1910publichouse.com

Lawrenceville Female Seminary/ Gwinnett History Museum 455 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville, 770.822.5178, gwinnettcounty.com

Adriatic Grill 396 W. Pike Street, Lawrenceville, 770.299.1115, theadriaticgrill.com

Main Event 471 Northolt Parkway, Suwanee, 770.945.7111, mainevent.com

Anatolia Cafe & Hookah Lounge 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, 678.765.8866, anatoliacafeofficial.com

Masterpiece Mixers 162 E. Crogran Street, Lawrenceville, 770.545.8848, mmlawrenceville.com

Agavero Cantina 4140 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn, 678.924, 1970, luchadorgroup.com

Bleu House 62 College Street, Norcross, 678.527.6278, bleuhousenorcross.com Bottles & Bones 400 Buford Highway, Suwanee, 678.804.9447, bottlesandbonesga.com Boulder Creek Coffee 233 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 678.765.7985, bouldercreekcoffee.com Breakers Korean Grill & Barbecue 3505 Gwinnett Place Drive, Duluth, 770.946.1000, breakersbbq.com Brown Bag Deli & Cafe 340 Town Center Ave., Suwanee, 678.682.3496, brownbagdeliandcafe.com The Brunch Apothecary 2595 Fence Road, Duluth, 678.731.7338, thebrunchapothecary.com Cafe Amico 320 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee, 668.765.8499 Cafe Mixx 2925 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, 470.326.5788, cafemixxusa.com Cafe Raik 1160 Old Peachtree Road, Duluth, 770.476.7595, caferaik.com Central City Tavern 5019 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill, 470.326.5155, centralcitytavern.com Choong Man Chicken 2180 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, 770.756.4455 Cosmo’s Pizza + Social 144 E. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 770.338.9274, pizzaoncrogan.com Costa Verde Restaurant 6200 Buford Highway, Norcross, 770.449.3221 The Crossing Steak House 40 South Peachtree Street, Norcross, 678.280.9081, thecrossingofnorcross.com

Dan Moo Ji 3230 Steve Reynolds Boulevard, Duluth, 770.814.2310, danmoojiatlanta.com D’Floridian 125 W. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 770.299.1273, dfloridian.com The Diner at Sugar Hill 4500 Nelson Brogdon Boulevard, Sugar Hill, 770.831.0180, thedineratsugarhill.com Dominick’s 197 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 770.277.8477, dominickslawrenceville.com; 95 South Peachtree Street, Norcross, 770.449.1611, dominicksitalian.com E.M. Bop 2442 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, 470.469.6843 El Indio 4025 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth; 770.864.5671; 6289 S. Norcross Tucker Road, Tucker, 678.620.3876; orderelindio.com Euro Gourmet 488 Gwinnett Drive, Lawrenceville, 770.513.7788 The Exchange at Gwinnett 2925 Buford Drive, Buford, 404.907.1709, exchangegwinnett.com Falling Rabbit 3580 W. Lawrenceville Street, Duluth, 770.870-6406, fallingrabbit.com Firebirds Wood Fired Grill 5215 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, 770.225.4662, firebirdsrestaurants.com The Flying Biscuit Cafe 5270 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 770.407.5885, flyingbiscuit.com Foggy Bottom BBQ 202 W. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 678.878.3251, foggybottombbq.com Frankie’s The Steakhouse 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, 678.395.6447, frankiesthesteakhouse.com Georgia French Bakery & Cafe 3512 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, 770.622.2682, georgiafrenchbakery.business.site Glam 104 Soju & Beer 3620 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, 470.299.4352, glam104.com Green Olive Kabob House 1500 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, 770.676.6136 Han Shin Pocha 3515 Mall Boulevard, Duluth, 770.363.2121

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Honest Star Tropical Restaurant 150 Hurricane Shoals Road, Lawrenceville, 678.869.5307, honeststarrestaurantbar.com Ike’s Cafe & Grill 1250 Tech Drive, Norcross, 770.559.1579, ikescafe.com Imperial Fez 4790 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross, 404.351.0870, imperialfezrestaurant.com Jang Su Jang 3645 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, 678.475.9170, jangsujangatlanta.com Jay’s Caribbean Cuisine 150 Hurricane Shoals Road, Lawrenceville, 678.682.8200, jayscaribbean.com Jinya Ramen Bar 2925 Buford Drive, Buford, 770.573.4988, jinyaramenbar.com Kool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant 5450 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 770.441.0207, koolrunningsrestaurant.com La Belle Vie 1500 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Suwanee, 678.765.6609, belleviesuwanee.com La Michoacana Loca 440 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn, 678.615.2087, lamichoacanaloca.com Las Delicias de La Abuela 5600 Buford Highway, Doraville, 770.356.4451; 1630 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, 678.292.6803; lasdeliciasdelaabuelaatl.com Lazy Dog 5224 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 470.735.4501, lazydogrestaurants.com

Mojitos: A Cuban American Bistro 35 South Peachtree Street, Norcross, 770.441.2599; 5161 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 770.686.3254, mojitosbistro.squarespace.com Nam Phuong 5495 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross, 770.409.8686 Noona Steakhouse & Oyster Bar 3550 West Lawrenceville Street, Duluth, 678.404.5001, noonaduluth.com O4W Pizza 3117 Main Street, Duluth, 678.587.5420, o4wpizza.com Oy! 4108 Hamilton Mill Road, Buford, 470.326.5101, oyrestaurant.com Oyster Bay Seafood Cafe 125 W. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 770.910.7521, oysterbayseafood.com Paizanos 7 Jones Street, Norcross, 770.300.0250, paizanos.com Pancake House 1911 Grayson Highway, Grayson, 770.822.2820, pancakehousega.com Parkside District 909 Parkside Walk Lane, Lawrenceville, 770.910.9601, parksidedistrict.com Parma Tavern 3350 Buford Drive, Buford, 678.541.0908, parmarusticatavern.com Peachtree Cafe 50 South Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, 678.377.8745, peachtree-cafe.com

Rushing Trading Company 5029 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill, 678.288.9808, rushingtradingco.com Sabor Inka 960 Pleasant Hill Road, Lawrenceville, 770.564.9136, saborinka.com Seaside Oyster Bar 3890 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, 678.456.3141, seasideoysterbar.com Sri Thai Kitchen and Sushi Bar 4500 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, 770.837.2723, srithaikitchen.com Stäge Kitchen and Bar 5260 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 770-680-2728, stagepeachtreecorners.com Strange Taco Bar 225 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 678.869.5220, strangetacobar.com Sushi Niko Niko 3260 Buford Drive, Buford, 770.614.3442, sushinikoniko.com Sweet Octopus 3559 W. Larenceville Street, 678.825.2990, sweetoctopus.com Talpa Supermercados 4664 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross, 770.806.0108 supermercadostalpa.com Taste 8 629 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, 678.985.8666, taste8chinese.com Tani Thai Restaurant 15 E. Main Street, Buford, 770.932.1688, tanithai.com Tequila Mama Taqueria 340 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee, 678.456.3131, tequilamama.com Three Blind Mice 1066 Killian Hill Road, Lilburn, 770.696.4139, tbmrestaurant.com

Let’s Go Eat 2771 Cruse Road, Lawrenceville, 470.403.4735

Pearl’s Tea 3131 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Lawrenceville, 678.765.2566, pearlstea.com

Lifting Noodles Ramen 3559 W. Lawrenceville Street, Duluth, 678.825.2990, liftingnoodlesramen.com

Pelicana Chicken 2550 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, 470.985.4300, pelicanachicken.com

Local Republic 139 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville, 678.205.4782, thelocalrepublic.com

Phoenix Roasters 2650 Main Street, Duluth, 770.884.1496, phoenixroasters.coffee

Maple Street Biscuit Company 3550 West Lawrenceville Street, Duluth, 678.404.5625, maplestreetbiscuits.com

Reyna's Espresso & Sweets 137 W. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 470.294.1631, reynas.us

McCray’s Tavern 100 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville, 770.407.6754, mccraystavern.com

Rico’s World Kitchen 306 West Main Street, Buford, 678.765.7518, ricosworldkitchen.com

Uncle Jack’s Meat House 6590 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, 770.497.2400, unclejacksmeathouse.com

Mimi’s Ice Cafe 178 E. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 770.676.6165

Royal China Restaurant 3960 Venture Drive, Duluth, 770.216.9933

Universal Joint 181 W. Pike Street, Lawrenceville, 770.299.1898, ujlawrenceville.com

Trigos Colombian Restaurant 860 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, 678.985.3444 Truck & Tap 3137 Main Street, Duluth, 470.292.3630, truckandtap.com Two Cities Pizza Co. 3433 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, 678.889.2625, twocitiespizza.com Umaido 2790 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, 678.318.8568, umaido.net

White Windmill Bakery & Cafe 5881 Buford Highway, Doraville, 770.234.0914; 2200 Duluth Highway, Duluth, 770.559.7477; wwindmill.com Wunderbar Bierhaus 1166 Church Street, Sugar Hill, 470.589.1775, wunderbarbierhaus.com YH’s BBQ & Crab 2180 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, 678.670.8888

NIGHTLIFE/BREWERIES 6S Brewing & Tasting Room 3111 Main Street, Duluth, 678.390.4743, 6sbeer.com Anderby Brewing 110 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 770.559.7550, anderbybrewing.com Blackbird Farms Brewery 4098 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn, blackbirdfarmsbrewery.com Cultivation Brewing Co. 650 Langford Drive, Norcross, cultivationbrew.com Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry 3116 Main Street, Duluth, 404.478.2749, eddieowenpresents.com Everett’s Music Barn 4055 Stonecypher Road, Suwanee, 770.772.1276, everettsmusicbarn.net Good Word Brewing & Public House 3085 Main Street, Duluth, 404.973.2077, goodwordbrewing.com Hope Springs Distillery 4839 Railroad Avenue, Lilburn, 678.591.6334, hopespringsdistillery.com Indio Brewing Co. 5019 W. Broad Street, Sugar Hill, 678.206.3700, indiobrewing.com Ironshield Brewing 475 N. Chestnut Street,Lawrenceville, 770.882.2172, ironshieldbrewing.com Kettlerock Brewing 6025 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 678.615.2600, kettlerockbrewing.com The Linnethia Lounge 2255 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, 678.691.8756, uqr.to/ur3a Monkey Wrench Brewing 3425 Martin Farm Road, Suwanee, 678.521.2142, monkeywrenchbrewing.com Slow Pour Brewing Company 407 North Clayton Street, Lawrenceville, 678.629.3767, slowpourbrewing.com Social Fox Brewing 20 Skin Alley, Norcross, 470.359.4109, socialfoxbrewing.com EXPLORE GWINNET T • 7 7

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RESOURCES StillFire Brewing 343 Highway 23, Suwanee, 770.927.8989, stillfirebrewing.com

Glitter G 27 South Peachtree Street, Norcross, 770.875.7395

Sugar Hill Distillery 1166 Church Street, Sugar Hill, 470.589.1775, sugarhillstills.com

Harper Row Apparel 3107 Main Street, Duluth, 678.825.2851, harperrowshop.com

SHOPPING

Harper Row Home 3107 Main Street, Duluth, 678.825.2851, harperrowshop.com

Anna Balkan Jewelry 51 South Peachtree Street, Norcross, 678.527.1180, annabalkan.com

Hello Rainbow 3550 W. Lawrenceville Street, Duluth, 470.268.4114, hellorainbowkids.com

Antiques in Old Town 93 Main Street, Lilburn, 770.279.1300, antiquesinoldtown.blogspot.com

Jeju Sauna 3555 Gwinnett Place Drive, Duluth, 678.336.7414, jejusauna.com

Back by Popular Demand 4915 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn, 770.923.2968, bbpdconsignment.com

Kpop Story 1197 Old Peachtree Road, Suwanee, 678.978.2331, kpopstoryus.com

Buff City Soap 5215 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, 678.381.9964, peachtree.buffcitysoap.com

Liberty Books 176 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 770.945.9288, libertybooks.us

Carolee’s 27 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross, 770.417.8688, carolees.net

Lightnin’ Production Rentals 2555 University Parkway, Lawrenceville, 770.963.1234, lightnin.com

Cavalry Glassblowing Studio 385 Born Street, Lawrenceville, 770.317.1945, cavalryglass.com

Music on Main Street 113 Main Street, Lilburn, 770.609.6393, musiconmainstreetlilburn.com

The Chocolaterie 3099 Main Street, Duluth, 678.585.3338, thechocolaterie.com Cotton Lace Market 162 E. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 470.350.8322 Dress Up 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 770.368.0108; 320 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee, 678.482.4539, shopdressup.com Ensemble 340 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee, 678.765.2219; 5145 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, 678. 620.3418; shopensembleboutique.com Fab’rik 5161 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 770.446.3122, fabrikstyle.com The Forum on Peachtree Parkway 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 770.368.8811, theforumonpeachtree.com

Nail Salon 1st & Spa 2750 Buford Highway, Duluth, 770.622.8808, nailsalon1st.com Nancy’s Candy & Spice 186 W. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 770.910.7927, nancyscandynspice.com Native Cotton Boutique 5910 Suwanee Dam Road, Sugar Hill, 678.938.3081 Panache Consignment Boutique 340 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee, 770.945.5227 Perazim Clothing and Lifestyle Boutique 5019 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill, 470.589.7121, perazimshop.com Personify Shop 3550 West Lawrenceville Street, Duluth, 770.776.5812, personifyshop.com Pooch N Paws 320 Town Center Ave., Suwanee, 770.982.7040, poochnpaws.com

Further Down the Rabbit Hole 85 East Main Street, Buford, 770.831.5040, furtherdowntherabbitholeboutique.com

Queen of Hearts Antiques & Interiors 4125 Highway 20, Buford, 678.714.0643, queenofheartsantiques-interiors.com

Galactic Quest 116 E. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 770.339.3001, galacticquest.com

R Alexander Fine Art 5650 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, 770.609.8662, ralexanderfineart.com

SoJe Emporium 164 E. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, 678.878.3238, sojeemporium.com

Lanier Park Lanier Park Road, Buford, lakelanier.com/directory/parks/ lanier-park

Spool School 3112 Main Street, Duluth, 770.315.4991, spoolschool.com

Lenora Park 4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville, 770.978.5271, gwinnettparks.com

Swanky Paws Pet Spa 1090 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, 678.985.0005, swankypaws.com Taste of Britain 73 South Peachtree Street, Norcross, 770.242.8585, tasteofbritain.com Three Dog Bakery 1911 Grayson Highway, Grayson, 470.246.5798, threedog.com Trendy Hair & Spa 2715 Buford Highway, Duluth, 678.584.1118, trendyhairnailspa.page.tl Vom Fass 3131 Main Street, Duluth, 561.409.4414, vomfassusa.com VSOP Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom 81 South Peachtree Street, Norcross, 678.795.2002, vsoptaproom.com

Lillian Webb Park 5 College Street, Norcross, 678.421.2000, norcrossga.net Little Mulberry Park 3800 Hog Mountain Road, Dacula, 678.277.0850, gwinnettparks.com McDaniel Farm Park 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth, 770.904.3500, gwinnettparks.com Pinckneyville Park 4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Peachtree Corners, 678.277.0920, gwinnettparks.com Rabbit Hill Park 400 Rabbit Hill Road, Dacula, 678.277.0893, gwinnettparks.com Rock Springs Park 550 Rock Springs Road, Lawrenceville, 770.904.3996, gwinnettparks.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

Ronald Reagan Park 2777 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville, 678.277.0179, gwinnettparks.com

$10 River Tubing 4349 Abbotts Bridge Road, Duluth, 678.349.6880, rivertubing.com

Settles Bridge Park 380 Johnson Road, Suwanee, 678.277.0910, gwinnettparks.com

Alexander Park 800 Old Snellville Highway, Lawrenceville, 678.277.0890, gwinnettparks.com

Simpsonwood Park 4511 Jones Bridge Circle, Peachtree Corners, 678.277.0900, gwinnettparks.com

Camp Creek Greenway/Lilburn City Park 76 Main Street, Lilburn, 770.921.2210, cityoflilburn.com

Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Stone Mountain, 800.401.2407, stonemountainpark.com

Chattapoochee Dog Park 4291 Rogers Bridge Road, Duluth, 770.476.3434, duluthga.net

Sugar Hill Golf Club 6094 Suwanee Dam Road, Sugar Hill, 770.271.0519, sugarhillgolfclub.com

Freeman’s Mill Park 1401 Alcovy Road, Lawrenceville, 770.822.5178, gwinnettparks.com Graves Park 1540 Graves Road, Norcross, 678.277.0860, gwinnettparks.com Gwinnett Stripers Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville, 678.277.0340, coolrayfield.com Harbins Park 2995 Luke Edwards Road, Dacula, 678.277.0890, gwinnettparks.com J.B. Williams Park 4935 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn, 678.277.0179, gwinnettparks.com Jones Bridge Park 4901 East Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners, 678.277.0920, gwinnettparks.com

Suwanee Creek Park/Greenway 1170 Buford Highway, Suwanee, 770.945.8996, suwanee.com Topgolf 2935 Buford Drive, Buford, 470.822.1711, topgolf.com/us/ buford Treetop Quest 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford, 404.277.6113, treetopquest.com Tribble Mill Park 2125 Tribble Mill Parkway, Lawrenceville, 678.277.0890, gwinnettparks.com Yellow River Park 3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain, 770.978.5271, gwinnettparks.com

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MORE THAN YOU CAN FATHOM. See our newest gallery, Sharks! Predators of the Deep, and the rest of Georgia Aquarium. Get exclusive, online-only discounts and more at georgiaaquarium.org/gwinnettcvb

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CITY of

SCAN FOR DETAILS!

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bra ga g STS I S 25

july 8 Food Truck Friday • 5:30 pm 16 Movies Under the Stars • 7 pm 29 Broadway in the Park • 7 pm 30 Broadway in the Park • 7 pm

august Food Truck Friday • 5:30 pm Button Down Dash 5K • 7:45 am August Concert • 5 pm Annandale Village Extra Mile 5K • 7:30 am

330 Town Center Ave., 30024 | 770-945-8996 | suwanee.com | 2022-Suwanee-Events-FP-ad.indd 1

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3 Food Truck Friday • 5:30 pm 11 Movies Under the Stars • 7 pm 24 Summer Porch Jam • 6 pm (Old Town)

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2022 Suwanee Running Series

R N TE W I MERS FA R R K E T TO B E R

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8 Taste of BBQ & Music Fest • 10 am 29 Dinner and a BOOvie • 5 pm OON • -N

HappyFeat Happy Hour 5K • 2 pm Community Sunrise Svc. • 7 am International Night Market • 5 pm Race to Cure Sarcoma • 8 am Glow in the Park + International Night Market • 2 pm

october

AR MA MERS RKE T

16 17 22 23 23

june

M AY

april

6 Max’s Moon Run • 6:30 pm 7 Tacos & Tequila 5K • 11 am 7 Make Rare Visible Glow in the Dark Concert • 5 pm 14 Suwanee Arts Festival • 10 am 15 Suwanee Arts Festival • noon 21 Great Strides Atlanta • 9 am 22 British Car Show • 10 am 27 Red, White, Bluegrass, RDAYS • U & Bach • 7 pm

10 Care for Cops 5K • 8 am 17 Suwanee Fest • 9 am 18 Suwanee Fest • noon NTHLY • 9-1

5 Beer Chaser 5K • 11 am 12 Care for Cops 5K • 8 am 19 Kiwanis Shamrock 5K • 8 am 19 Suwanee Beer Fest • noon 26 Run 4 Hope • 8 am

all month: art on a limb

march

september

12 Rotary Sweetheart Sprint • 9 am 20 Suwanee Half Marathon & Old Town 5K • 7 am

may

• SA T

february

november 5 Suwanee Wine Fest • noon 6 Classic Car Show • 10 am 12 Walk to End Alzheimer’s • 8 am 12 Chili Cookoff & Music Fest • noon

december 2 Jolly Holly Day • 6:30 pm 3 HappyFeat Run, Run Rudolph • 8 am 17 Cheyenne’s Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K • 8 am

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All events are rain or shine, at Town Center Park unless otherwise noted. Changes (and pandemics) happen — check suwanee.com. 3/23/22 3:15 PM

4/20/22 12:20 PM

Explore Gwinnett Magazine 2022 - 2023

Articles inside

A Day of Shopping

International Dining

Take It Outside

Painted Walls

Getting Crafty

Where the Locals Eat

Get Your Game On

Cheers

Rise and Shine

Happiness & Peace