A Perfect Day in Gwinnett

with Lisa Anders, Executive Director of Explore Gwinnett Tourism & Film

Start the Day  I don’t drink coffee and am much more of a hot chocolate girl. My go-to is Rushing Trading Co., which is a femaleowned business in downtown Sugar Hill. Their hot chocolate is steamed and made with organic chocolate and whipped cream.

Lunch Stop  It’s small and always busy, but Rico’s World Kitchen in downtown Buford is a lunch favorite. Their Apricot Ham & Brie sandwich is my carb splurge.

A Little Shopping



Thrift and consignment shopping is my superpower.

I love to find a bargain. My local favorites are Helping Hands in Buford, Goodwill in Duluth, and Panache Consignment Boutique in Suwanee.

Feeling Peckish 

Afternoon snacks demand a trip to Assi Plaza, one of Gwinnett’s busy international markets. Around 3 p.m., I can likely be found opening an Orion Choco Pie (think Moon Pie), Kkokkalcorn (Korean version of Bugles), or a Pepero, a chocolatecovered dessert stick.

Family Time  My daughter is an actress, so family theater time is our go-to. We have dinner on the Lawrenceville Square, followed by an Aurora Theatre show at the new Lawrenceville Arts Center.

Dinner Done Right  I am a huge fan of Local Republic. The fusion menu and immaculately curated cocktails make this a favorite. For dinner on the go, O4W Pizza in downtown Duluth is simply the best in Atlanta.

Weekend by Day 

I can be found on the tennis court. We’re lucky to have such top-notch parks and recreation facilities. One of my favorites is Hudlow Tennis Center, and I also enjoy playing at Bunten Road Park, a Duluth city park.

Weekend by Night  On select Saturdays from June to September, one of my favorite music events— Jazz in the Alley—lights up downtown Norcross. The event is free, so it’s always the best bargain date night out there!