FEBRUARY 2021
Bridal THE
ISSUE
$
4.95
8 Brands • 1 Location Family Owned & Operated since 1971
Four Year Winner
770.536.2301 WWW.LawsonAC.com
THANK YOU FOR
75 YEARS OF YOUR BUSINESS!
OUR FAMILY SERVING YOUR FAMILY SINCE 1946
STOP BY TODAY!
Serving our customers with excellence is our number one goal! What sets us apart from others in the area is not only our longevity, but the award winning services we offer. Our crews are top-of-the-line and aim to understand your individual needs, because your happiness is the purpose of our work.
$20.00 OFF ANY SERVICE CALL*
$100.00 Minimum on Invoice to Redeem *One Coupon Per Household and Not Valid on Planned Service Agreements Expiration Date:
5 mins. north of Jaemor Farms on Hwy. 365
1-866-262-7407 706-776-1144 hayesofbaldwin.com
06/30/2021
FEBRUARY 2021 DIRECTOR OF REVENUE Leah Nelson GENERAL MANAGER
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Norman Baggs ADVERTISING SALES
Living in North Georgia
Bernadette Mastracchio Megan Lewis Rose Thomas CREATIVE SERVICES Chelsea Sunshine, Graphic Design April Seymour, Pre-press/Ad Design
HOME MAGAZINE, A DIVISION OF
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The Times Gainesville, GA A Metro Market Media Inc. property
Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Metro Market Media Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Metro Market Media cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. HOME: Living in North Georgia reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended by HOME: Living in North Georgia.
/HOMELivinginNorthGeorgia 345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 770-532-1234
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WINTER WEDDING How to plan for a perfect Winter Wonderland Wedding
HOME & GARDEN Flowers and their meanings to help create the perfect arrangement
WEDDING SAFETY Keeping your wedding guests safe during COVID-19
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HONEYMOON REGISTRY Don't need plates and napkin holders? Set up a get-a-way instead
FOOD FAVORITES Join Fountain Food Adventures for a tour of the town favorites
CALENDAR Upcoming events.
www.homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com
February 2021 | HOME | 3
WEDDINGS
HOW TO PLAN A
W
Winter Wedding
eddings take place throughout the year, but some months have traditionally proven more popular times of year for happy couples to tie the knot. Though October and September are the two most popular months to marry, budget-conscious couples may want to consider getting married in winter. December, January, and February are the least popular wedding months, but the experts at WeddingWire note that getting married during the slow season has its benefits. Vendors, including wedding planners and venues, may offer their services and facilities at discounted prices in winter to account for the slow season. And guests might be thankful to have a fun event to look forward to during a time of year when social schedules tend to be less busy. Many wedding components will stay the same regardless of when couples walk down the aisle. However, couples may need to take a few things into consideration as they begin planning winter weddings. • Avoid holiday weekends. • Research local weather. • Purchase wedding insurance. Each policy is different, but wedding insurance policies should protect couples’ investments if storms force local officials to declare a state of emergency that prohibits travel. Make sure the policy covers both cancellations and postponements. Winter weddings can help couples save money. Planning such affairs may require paying attention to details that would not garner much consideration during other times of year.
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A PUSH FOR PRIVATE VOWS Weddings are very special occasions for two people who are in love. The popularity of private vows exchanged before a wedding ceremony is growing. This trend provides yet another way for couples to personalize their weddings. The Knot, a premier wedding planning resource, notes that there are many reasons to share private vows. • You do not like being in the spotlight or become shy in front of crowds. • There are words you would like to share with your future spouse that are deeply private, and you don’t want to express those feelings to every person at the wedding. • You do not want to censor your thoughts or words. • You desire an intimately private and personal moment together before the fanfare and rush of the wedding. • You’d like to recite loving words in a native language that some guests may not understand. • You desire the potential for some very great candid photos if you invite the photographer to be there at a distance. • You want to create a lasting memory that is only yours as a couple to share. H
HOME & GARDEN
F
lowers can represent various emotions. Flowers play a prominent role in many celebrations and holidays. With 2021 weddings on our mind and Valentine’s Day around the corner, is the time to get to know the meaning of flowers. Roses are the go-to flower on Valentine’s Day, but each type of flower conveys its own unique message. ProFlowers and Pickup Flowers note that the following are some popular blooms and the messages those flowers are traditionally associated with. • Amaryllis: This flower is symbolic of splendid beauty and can be used to indicate worth. • Aster: The aster symbolizes patience, elegance and daintiness. • Calla lily: This bloom symbolizes magnificence and beauty, as well as purity and innocence. That is why Calla lilies are often the flower of choice in wedding bouquets. • Carnations: These are one of the most popular flowers in the world and are generally symbolic of love and fascination. • Daffodil: Daffodils symbolize regard and chivalry. They also can be indicative of rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. A single daffodil can signal misfortune, while a bunch expresses joy and happiness. • Gerbera daisies: With large, beautiful blooms in a wide assortment of vibrant colors, gerbera daisies are a favorite flower for cheerful sentiments. • Gladioluses: These tall, striking flowers are eye-catching and make great gifts for significant others. The gladiolus symbolizes honor, infatuation and strength. • Iris: Irises represent faith, hope and wisdom and are cherished for their big, beautiful blooms. • Peony: This flower, which resembles a rose, symbolizes a happy life, happy marriage, prosperity, and good health. • Rose: Roses symbolize love in its various forms, and different colors of roses symbolize different things. For example, yellow roses represent care and friendship, while pink roses are given as a token of admiration. Choosing a flower that best represents the feelings gift-givers want to convey can incorporate even more meaning into a bouquet or basket. H
Flowers
AND THEIR VARIOUS MEANINGS February 2021 | HOME | 5
WEDDINGS
PRECAUTIONS THAT CAN
KEEP WEDDING GUESTS SAFE
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DURING THE PANDEMIC
appy couples planning to tie the knot in 2020 confronted a challenge they likely never saw coming. While many couples fear inclement weather on their wedding days, 2020’s prospective brides and grooms had to contend with something far more fearful than rain clouds. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus that began in the winter of 2019-20 and was ultimately declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization put many couples’ wedding plans in peril. To stop the spread of the virus and protect those most vulnerable to it, governments across the globe placed restrictions on social gatherings, including weddings. Those restrictions prompted some couples to postpone their nuptials until 2021, while others tied the knot at considerably smaller ceremonies than they initially planned for. Couples planning to tie the knot in the months ahead can still do so, but the WHO recommends they take certain precautions as they organize their ceremonies
6 | HOME | February 2021
and receptions. * Confirm local regulations. Restrictions related to COVID-19 differ greatly by region. Areas that were not hit hard by the virus may not have as many restrictions in place as those that were devastated by the outbreak. In addition, cities, or regions whose responses to the virus have been successful may have relaxed restrictions more than areas that are still struggling. The WHO notes the importance of checking local guidelines prior to planning an event, and that is especially important for couples who hope to get married in towns or cities where they do not currently reside. • Keep guests up to date about precautions. Include detailed information about the safety measures that will be implemented during the wedding on your wedding website. Insert a card detailing this information into your invitation envelopes as well so all guests know what to expect when they accept the invitation. In addition,
remind guests of the safety precautions throughout the ceremony. • Provide sanitary supplies. Make sure hand sanitizer, soap, water, and masks are readily available for all guests. Social distance markers also can be placed on the ground throughout the venue to make it easy for guests to stay six feet apart from one another. • Choose an outdoor venue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the COVID-19 virus spreads very easily through personto-person contact and that the risk of spreading the virus is greater when spending time indoors. Couples can mitigate some of that risk by tying the knot outdoors and then hosting an outdoor reception where tables are kept at least six feet apart. Weddings will be different until the world puts COVID-19 in its rearview mirror. In the meantime, it’s up to happy couples to keep their guests safe come the big day. H
THE 2021 WINNERS DIRECTORY
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The listings below are from winners of Best of Hall 2021. For a complete list of winners, go to bestofhallcounty.com. ACCESSORIES STORE, FURNITURE STORE, MATTRESS STORE, OFFICE FURNITURE AND DESIGN
AUDIOLOGIST/HEARING CARE
AUTO LOAN PROVIDER, CREDIT UNION, CUSTOMER SERVICE
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1210 Thompson Bridge Rd., Gainesvlle,Ga 678-971-5671 elitefurnituredesigns.com
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678-971-5671
678-971-4648
770-503-1765
BANK, COMMERCIAL BANK
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE, VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE
CARDIOLOGY GROUP
678-828-7118
770-534-9014
678-989-3613 WWW.UCBI.COM
CHIROPRACTIC GROUP
DENTAL GROUP
770-534-0656 WWW.WATKINSCHIROPRACTIC.COM
770-532-4555
Are you a Best of Hall 2021 Winner and would like to be included in this directory? Email your local Times Representative or email Marketing@gainesvilletimes.com February 2021 | HOME | 7
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THE 2021 WINNERS DIRECTORY
The listings below are from winners of Best of Hall 2021. For a complete list of winners, go to bestofhallcounty.com. DERMATOLOGY GROUP, SKIN CANCER TREATMENT
EYE CLINIC, EYE SURGERY PRACTICE, EYEGLASS STORE
ELECTRICIAN
ADVANCEDEYECENTER
770-532-0292
770-536-7546
770-531-7890
FINANCIAL PLANNING/INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE
FLORIST
GASTROENTEROLOGY GROUP
770-534-6691
770-536-8109
770-535-5000
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING THANKPLUMBER YOU, HAL COMPANY,
GENERATOR SERVICES
GOLF CART STORE
770-531-7890
470-252-5622
HEAVY EQUIPMENT & TRACTOR
IN-HOME ELDER CARE SERVICE
770-532-9130
We are proud to be voted as Best Heatin Air Conditioning Co. & Best Plumber
(770) 532-9130 | www.gainesvillemechanica KITCHEN & BATH REMODELER, CONTRACTOR, HOME REMODELER, PATIO / DECK DESIGN / INSTALLATION
TRACY TESMER
Design • Remodeling
770-532-3331 8 | HOME | February 2021
770-530-1751 www.ahelpinghandga.com
678-450-1700 tracytesmerremodeling.com
NORTHEAST GEORGIA'S PREMIER DESIGN/BUILD FIRM
Custom designs and professional remodeling services including:
Kitchens & Bathrooms | Home Additions | Basements | Age in Place Remodeling & Desi NESVILLETIME GAI S
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smile. We're here for all
your child's dental needs
not only The listings below are from winnerscreating of Best ofa worry-free and fun experience but also Hall 2021. For a complete list of winners, go to a safe one for you and your bestofhallcounty.com. kids when you visit our offices.
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BRATING LE
Best Real Thank you Es fo Best Real Est FLOWERY BRANCH | GAINESVILLE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY!
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PRIVATE SCHOOL, PLACE TO GET MARRIED, SCENIC SPOT
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Your Health. Our Specialty.
POOL SERVICE AND SUPPLY COMPANY
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770-718-1122
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YOUR health. OUR specialty.
404-512-3778 www.FrenchiesNails.com
INESVILLETIM
Make an 770-503-0380 678-450-7011 AINESVILLETIME
LOOKING FOR A PROVIDER? Visit longstreetclinic.com or call 770-343-3430.
LONGSTRE E TCLINIC
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NAIL SALON
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200 providers | 19 specialties | 10 locations
470-892-2204
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to you. There’s no need to delay the care you need, including preventive visits. Schedule your next appointment today!
MORTGAGE/HOME LOAN PROVIDER ESVILLET
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For 25 years Longstreet Clinic has proudly cared for
MARGARITA, families across our community. And we’re still here, providing high quality, safe medical care tailored MEXICAN RESTAURANT
LAW FIRM - GENERAL
678-450-7011 kidsdentistryga.com WWW.KIDSDENTISTRYGA.COM
We will continue achieve Ca me to help sefamilies y r h e! THE DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP!
ESTATE AGENT DREAL IAN NE H ICKS
Ca mewww.homestarfc.com se y r h e! 770.503.0380 | 332 Washington St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501
678.794.1335
Ddianneh@redbowteam.com IANNE HICKS
Copyright © 2021. Homestar Financial Corporation 332 Washington St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501. NMLS #70864. For licensing info: NMLSconsumeraccess.org. This is not a commitment to lend and not all customers will qualify. All terms, information, conditions, rates, and programs are subject to credit and property approval and may change without notice. Not all products are available in all states. Certain other restrictions may apply. Homestar Financial Corporation is an equal housing lender and is not affiliated with any government entity.
678.794.1335
dianneh@redbowteam.com
770.536.5501
770-535-1976
678-794-1335 DIANNEH@REDBOWTEAM.COM
REHABILITATION SERVICES
SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR
TIRE SHOP, AUTO ACCESSORY STORE
Howorth Pool Service INESVILLETIME S
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770-536-9300
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THE 2021 Thank y Thank WINNERS for votingy for voting Best Real E DIRECTORY
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770-534-1417 Pump, Filter & Heater Repairs
Hall Tire & Wheel North New & Used Tires Wheels & Deals
770-297-5308 WWW.NORTHHALLTIRE.COM
888.959
888.959
WEDDINGS
!
ES T A ED
H T E
V SA
Presents
2021 Virtual Expo Theme Calendar
North Georgia Home Show 1st Monday every month at 10am New Theme and Speaker each month Theme is subject to change
Health Expo Sponsored by
1st Wednesday every month at 10am New Theme and Speaker each month Theme is subject to change
January- Home Safety February- Plumbing March- Renovating April- Roofing May- Lawn Maintenance June- Picking the right Handyman July- Gutters
August- Picking the right Gas Company September- Electrician October- Live walk through of 2021 North Georgia Home Show November- Kitchen December- Financial Planning
January- New year New you February- Elder Care & Heart Health March- Diabetes April- Ortho May- Stroke Awareness June- Financial Planning July- Mental Health
August- Cancer Awareness September- Healthy Aging October- Open Enrollment & Advance Care Planning November- Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness December- Respiratory Care
Register to attend at https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/virtualevents/ To become a speaker contact Megan Lewis at 770-535-6371 or at mlewis@gainesvilletimes.com 10 | HOME | February 2021
rnity help more than ever, cus-industry is facing per with hallenge to date. alue has negatively risis ur families, friends and of our long-term cusver, their businesses and/ cing ending, we are again usiness vely model in order ommunity journalism and unty. cusr the world are all feeland/ n. Some are reporting gain than half as a result of rder lism apid erosion in adverany couples who are planning to get married have lived together during the engagement period or ves, we are having to even longer. PewleftResearch CenterNathan study found that about two-thirds of Gill married adultsinwho livedconference Times staff clockwise fromAtop Kelsey Podo, Berg, Shannon Casas and Jeff participate a video feelnges to our publishing call Tuesday afternoon along with otherthey staff were members not pictured. with their spouses before married say they saw cohabitation as a step toward marriage. tingbusiness. do According to Brandon Gaille Small Business & Marketing Advice, 65 percent of couples who get lt urof print edition will be married live together at some point before their weddings. Individuals who live together mustnews outfit their homes Reach our newsroom staff at news@gainesvilletimes.com with tips, y to our print subscribwith furniture and other essentials, including kitchen supplies. That means that couples may already own traditional ver- with most getting questions or suggestions. Mail, wedding registry gifts like kitchen and bath items and accessories. Brides- and grooms-to-be can think creatively g to Times staff clockwise fromPodo, top left Kelsey Podo, NathanCasas Berg, and Shannon Casas and Jeff Gill participate in a video conference ns Wednesday and Satstaff clockwise from top left Kelsey Nathan Berg, Jeff Gill participate in a video conference when registering for staff gifts if Shannon they already have many of the items found on traditional registries. Target has parthing call Tuesday with other members not pictured. ou are afternoon accustomed Tuesday alongtoafternoon with other along staff members not pictured. nered with HoneyFund, a free honeymoon registry and cash wedding gift registry, to allow couples to register for will be in the weekend honeymoon travel and other experiences. Honeymoon registries can be great ways for couples who already own llwill be haveReach all the local our newsroom staff at news@gainesvilletimes.com with ach our newsroom staff at news@gainesvilletimes.com news tips, household items to simplify the process of gift-givingwith for their wedding guests.news tips, cribontinue to report daily. questions estions or suggestions. ting publishing The Times or suggestions. We know that you need accurate and and breaking news email newsletters. Sat-Saturday, and will ugh up-to-date information about the effects Daybreak, sent every morning, features of the coronavirus in the state and our news selected by our editors, including d to ily with news and comregion. Our team of journalists continues the latest information as well as features. kend reporting on this pandemic, and that Afternoon updates include the latest s change to the way we ocal content is made available on several news happening that day. Breaking news eaily. past, but we believe it platforms, all of which are available to emails are sent when news warrants and print subscribers. helps you be the first to know. sustainable model for mes We know that you need accurate and and breaking news email newsletters. We know that you need accurate and and breaking news email newsletters. ■ gainesvilletimes.com/coronavirus: ■ gainesvilletimes.com/apps: Download will up-to-date information about the effects every morning, features up-to-date information the effects Daybreak, every morning, Go toabout thisDaybreak, section onsent our website for sent our apps, whichfeatures provide another mobiler being a loyal reader of the coronavirus the state and our news bynews ourrelated editors, including of in the coronavirus in the state andselected our selected byfriendly our editors, the most pertinent information optionincluding and the ability to get comDo you need towellcommunicate new hours and services? region. Our teamregion. of journalists continues the continues latest information as features. Our team of the latest information as well as news features. tojournalists public safety and COVID-19 inasour notifications as happens. e Times. Without your reporting on this pandemic, and that Afternoon updates include the latest reporting on this pandemic, and that Afternoon updates include the latest community ■ gainesvilletimes.com/epaper: View we would not have a Would you like totraditional connect withpages prospects and ye,we content is made content availableison several news happening that Breaking news made available on several newsday. happening that day. Breaking news ■ gainesvilletimes.com/newsletters: news in an online gnize platforms, all of which are available to are emails are when news warrants and Sign up for our morning, ve it that. format Tuesday through platforms, all of which available to sentafternoon emails are sent when news warrants andSaturday customers in a new way? dl for reporting is here to print subscribers. helps you be the first toyou know. print subscribers. helps be the first to know. ■ gainesvilletimes.com/apps: Download ■ gainesvilletimes.com/coronavirus: abates and the econ■ gainesvilletimes.com/coronavirus: ■ gainesvilletimes.com/apps: Download Is it time to announce your business continuity plan? our apps, another Go to this section ontoour website Go this sectionfor on our website for which provide our apps, whichmobileprovide another mobilepe to add to our content ader friendly option and the ability to get the most pertinent information related the most pertinent information related friendly option and the ability to get on our reporting. notifications happens.as news happens. to public safety and COVID-19 our COVID-19 to public safetyinand in our as news notifications your nd if you have sugges■ gainesvilletimes.com/epaper: View community community ■ gainesvilletimes.com/epaper: View ve a traditional news pages in annews onlinepages in an online ■ gainesvilletimes.com/newsletters: what we do, please do ■ gainesvilletimes.com/newsletters: traditional format Tuesday through Sign up for our morning, afternoon Sign up for our morning, afternoon format Saturday Tuesday through Saturday Leah Nelson ct us at suggestions@ e to ■ Do you need to communicate new hours and lnelson@gainesvilletimes.com or 770-532-1234. services? con-your online access ated ■ Would you like to connect with prospects and tent Dana Erwin times.com/tutorial to customers in a new way? ■ Is it time toFull announce your business continuity on how to create your Service Pharmacy derwin@gainesvilletimes.com plan? gesnt subscribers receive Unique Gifts e do ess to our website, our Bernadette Mastracchio We’re here to help! ns@ o you need to communicate new hours andmarketing bmastracchio@gainesvilletimes.com Reach our director of revenue, Leah The Times team is focused on sharing ■ Do you need to communicate Embroidery new hours andMonogramming
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Reach our director of revenue, Times marketing team is focused on sharing Reach our director Leah of revenue, Leah Theappropriate Times marketing team is focused on sharing mplementing marketing solutions, Evelyn solutions, Stow, 89 John Strickland, 57 Nelson, atGAINElnelson@gainesvilletimes.com SVILLETIM Charles Jones, 68 and implementing ES ding print, promotions, online,appropriate email, socialmarketing Nelson, at lnelson@gainesvilletimes.com Branson, 56 Odelia Land, 91 Betty Martin, 89 including print, promotions, online,Catherine email, social eting and digital services. John McEver, George Picard, 85 reen S treet, GaineSville 30501 89 2021 Katie Bailey, 65 marketing935 and G digital services. Douglas Donald Seay 80 Andrea Pope 72 callriverSidepharmacy .com Kulway, 64 Betty Ann White, 80 Maria Balaban, 94 Carey Maddox, 68 Thomas Brownlow, 85 Aldona Edwards, 92 Fax Edward Smith 69 Sheila Fitzgerald 74 Jorene Pilcher, 76 THE TIM ES
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TASTE OF HOME
LOCAL FOOD FAN RETURNS TO
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n 2019, the owner of Financial Consultants Group became our favorite kind of hero, because his method for training for a marathon made us all want to be runners … or at least his training buddies. With a lot of miles to cover, a carb-loading quest set him out on an adventure to find the best pizza in Forsyth County. Thanks to his tireless taste buds, we now have a vetted list of palatable pies around town, from deepdish Chicago style to traditional Italian and surprisingly delicious creative concoctions not even on the menu. He’s at it again; this year covering a lot of ground to deliver several bests that our culinary-gifted community serves. Better get hungry. “You certainly don’t need much of a reason to get excited about eating good food!” says Fountain. “I love to uncover the best restaurants, and with the growth in our area there are so many new places to checkout. Food creates an excitement with great flavors and those you shared the experience with. The year 2020 was tough for so many and we believe that food can be the reason for people to order-out or dine-in and be with family and friends — for conversation and creating memories, and even new traditions.” Fountain’s Food Adventures may not have a marathon to justify bites this year, but his motivation is just as important. Especially with the hit COVID delivered early last year to the restaurant industry, he’s hopeful that kicking off his fun food journey again this year might help local restaurants gain some traction while simultaneously giving people something to look forward to after being at home for so long. People gotta eat! “The number one goal is to uncover those gems that seem to be scattered throughout our area,” he says. “Secondly is bringing good information to our readers to help create more business for the restaurants. Lastly is having fun, eating good food and meeting lots of great people. That area spans Forsyth, Dawson and Hall counties — three neighborhoods that
12 | HOME | December 2020
Boast the Bests By Jennifer Colosimo
Fountain loves. “Forsyth has been home for almost 15 years now and I have loved the family neighborhoods and caring community,” says Fountain. “It’s organizations like Browns Bridge Church, The Place of Forsyth and our school system that have helped to make our county so special — and continues to attract good people to move here from all over. “Gainesville provides that hometown feel from the locals with its charming downtown—not to mention being the chicken capital of the world is enough on its own,” he adds. “And Dawsonville, outside of the busy 400 corridor, is another locals’ community that is made up of good southern charm and a vibrant community.” Any vibrant community includes buzzing potential for creative culinary ventures — too many for one list — and these areas are exploding with talent, creativity, and unique flavors. Fountain kicks off the year with a search for the best brunch, and his tonguetantalizing trip will continue from there. “COVID does create some uncertainty and concerns, but we will be mindful of safety as we do our tasting and restaurant reviews, so when our readers are comfortable in venturing out, they will have a lot of great restaurants to visit.” You might just get inspired to try his nods to-go. That’s all Fountain could ask for — something that brings people together, no matter how differently they do it. “I love to see passion put into the quality of the ingredients and the results [that present themselves through] presentation and, most of all, the taste,” says Fountain. “This adventure has been a fun and rewarding obsession. The neatest thing is that food is a common language that everyone seems to speak. Like pizza, for example, who doesn’t love pizza??” He’s definitely speaking our language, and we can’t wait to start talking. In Hall County, Fountain starts his Food Adventures with brunch, great for celebrations large or small.
BEST OVERALL BRUNCH Avocado’s (Downtown Gainesville) Located in the Historic Gainesville Square you will find the cozy and eclectic atmosphere of Avocado’s the dream of owner and executive chef Albert Lunalover. Their Sunday Brunch is highlighted with a buffet of home-made biscuits and gravy, blue corn grits, colorful frittata, fried chicken, breakfast potatoes, fried mushrooms, fried fish, fresh fruit and more. Also included were some of our favorites, like their tasty cinnamon biscuits, made-to-order omelet, pancakes with bacon & pecans, traditional eggs benedict or eggs done your way. This is an all you can eat; so relax and help yourself to one of their signature Mimosa with house cuvee, peach schnapps and OJ. We found Avocado’s to have a fun environment, great food and personal attention to service that we appreciate. FAVORITE HOLIDAY BRUNCH Scott’s Downtown (Downtown Gainesville) This is our hands down favorite spot for that extra special celebration or holiday get-together. Owner and Chef, Scott Dixon has created quite a delectable menu, “Excellence in Every Element” with a commitment to exceptional food quality, preparation, and presentation. The restaurant is exceptionally beautiful, charming and a perfect space to host a brunch which is only offered during special holidays like Mother’s Day or through their catering events. But what you will find is their Brunch Stations are amazing. From an Omelet Station to the amazing Cold Seafood Display. The array of choices is incredible. The carved roasted prime rib of beef is juicy and tender with au jus and creamy horseradish sauce. Along with one of their Eggs Benedicts like the Maryland Crab Cake with perfectly poached eggs on top of their delicious crab cakes served on buttery English muffins with Canadian bacon and housemade hollandaise sauce. Or Scott’s signature French toast, Bananas Foster with walnuts and a rum foster syrup. A cold seafood display of tender Gulf shrimp steamed, ready
to peel & eat, oysters on the half shell and crab claws. Soup and salad and not to mention the also available entrees and assorted desserts. So, make plans to attend an upcoming holiday brunch at Scott’s Downtown, or Kay Dixon, Scott’s wife can create your own special event so you can enjoy their exquisite cuisine and outstanding service. LOCALS FAVORITE BRUNCH 2 Dog Restaurant (Downtown Gainesville) Just outside the square of downtown Gainesville you will find this neat little restaurant that opened its doors in 1997 the dream of Tim and Tina Roberts – to offer quality food in their hometown. We would love to talk about their brunch menu, but the effects of the pandemic and Covid has created extra strain on the restaurant. Being a scratch kitchen, it takes extra skilled cooks and staff to prepare for a brunch menu, along with the coordination of fresh ingredients. With these setbacks 2 Dog had to stop offering Brunch, which is disappointing because items like the Cowboy Hangover Cure and 2 Dog Pork Benedict will be missed by many people like David. But we are still excited for their lunch and dinner menus. WORTH THE DRIVE Most Romantic Brunch Montaluce Winery & Restaurant (Dahlonega mountains) We found Montaluce to be the fabulous choice for those of you that are looking for the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle to be able to celebrate a special milestone or to create a memorable occasion. Known for their first-class Tuscan winery and accompanied with an award-winning restaurant, Le Vigne, is perched on top of the winery and nestled in the mountains of North Georgia. Executive Chef, Christopher Matson and his team create everything fresh on-site all locally-sourced offerings and farm-to-table principals. While the menus are seasonal, we found several favorites. Like the flavorful and pleasant Pasta Bolognese, with fresh pasta, shredded parmesan, filet meat sauce and crushed red pepper. Or the Tonga Toast, fried banana stuffed French toast, cinnamon sugar, strawberry jam, maple syrup and serving of steel-cut oatmeal. The Wagyu flank steak, fried egg, peppercorn demi and arugula salad or the Duck Confit Gravy covering house-made buttermilk biscuits were a couple of other treats. Grab a glass of one of their Sunday Bubbles and take in the panoramic breathtaking views of the North Georgia Mountains that compliments this southern hospitality experience. The perfect place to relax and celebrate with the ones you love. THE MONTHLY FOOD ADVENTURE CONTINUES: EATING WITH A HEALTHY TWIST As you read this David and fellow foodies like you are already looking and tasting those healthier menu items, whether that may help with a New Year’s Resolution or just balance out some of those eating habits. We will need your help with this adventure exploring Low-fat, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, non-GMO, Anti-sugar, Farm-totable or Celiac sensitive kitchens. So please chime in and let us know of those dishes that work for you or the areas that we can help you uncover better choices. You can reach David at Foodie@FountainsFoodAdventures.com or follow the “Food Adventure” on Facebook and Instagram. H Tastings made possible and Sponsored by February 2021 | HOME | 13
FEBRUARY
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2/2/2021 Virtual Science Night 7:00 pm Elachee Nature Science Center 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville 770-535-1976 2/3/2021 Watercolor or Drawing Intermediate Artist Studio with Sara Oakley (Session One) 9:30 am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE, Gainesville 770-536-2575 2/6/2021 Faschingsverein Helen Sidewalk & Tubing Parade 12:00 pm Helendorf River Inn and Conference Center 33 Munich Strasse, Helen 2/6/2021 Live Animal Showcase 11:00 am Elachee Nature Science Center 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville 770-535-1976 2/13/2021 Capturing the Birds of Winter painting class
2/16/2021 Ekphrasis for the Masses 12:00 pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green Street NE, QUINLAN VISUAL ARTS CENTER, Gainesville 770-536-2575
Thank you for voting us Best Law Firm in Hall County!
INESVILLETIME S
A |G
2021
2/20/2021 Basic Pruning in the Garden Class 10:00 am Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville 404-888-4763 2/20/2021 Stars over Elachee Telescope Program 6:00 pm Elachee Nature Science Center 2125 Elachee Dr, Gainesville 770-535-1976 Fountain’s Food Adventures Our team of food enthusiasts and Foodie Followers aim to help uncover amazing foods and highlight the passion behind local restaurant establishments. Each month through 2021 Fountain’s Food Adventures will deliver a special focus on a food specialty. Please email us if there is a restaurant that you think is one of the best in any of these areas. Foodie@ FountainsFoodAdventures.com.
Visit gainesvilletimes.com/calendar to post your event. 14 | HOME | February 2021
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M .CO
2/2/2021 Oil / Pastel Intermediate Artist Studio with Sara Oakley (Session One) 9:30 am Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green St NE, Gainesville 770-536-2575
9:00 am Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville 404-888-4763
THE TIM ES
1/30/2021 Helen Huttengaudi Pub Crawl & Scavenger Hunt 8:00 am Helen, GA Main Street, Helen
It has only been a couple of weeks and this year is certainly looking to be as unpredictable as 2020 was. Meanwhile our communities Best of Forsyth financial planner, David Fountain is at it again on a mission to uncover Hall County’s culinary favorites.
Here in Hall County, Fountain starts his Food Adventures with the first meal of the day, breakfast and brunch. “I love to see passion put into the quality of the ingredients and the presentation, but most of all, the taste” says Fountain. “This adventure has been a fun and rewarding endeavor. Food is a common language that everyone seems to speak. Like pizza, for example, who doesn’t love pizza?” He’s definitely speaking our language, and we are looking forward to following this adventure.
THE FAVORITE BREAKFAST SPOTS Community’s Favorite Breakfast: Papa Jack’s Country Kitchen (Flowery Branch/South Hall) Favorite Country Breakfast: Loretta’s Country Kitchen (Oakwood/Mundy Mill) Favorite Homestyle Breakfast: Longstreet Café (Riverside Terrace or Pearl Nix Pkwy) Favorite Drive-Thru Breakfast: Stan’s Biscuit Shop and Deli (Thompson Bridge Road) Favorite Mexican Breakfast: Haydee’s Café (Atlanta Hwy & Mundy Mill) Favorite Coffee-Shop Breakfast: Inman Perk Coffee (Downtown Gainesville)
THE LOVE FOR BRUNCH Best Overall Brunch: Avocado’s (Downtown Gainesville) Favorite Holiday Brunch: Scott’s Downtown (Downtown Gainesville) Locals Favorite Brunch: 2 Dog Restaurant (Downtown Gainesville)
WORTH THE DRIVE Most Romantic Brunch: Montaluce Winery & Restaurant (Dahlonega mountains) THE MONTHLY FOOD ADVENTURE CONTINUES: Eating with a Healthy Twist As you read this David and fellow foodies like you are already looking and tasting those healthier menu items, whether that may help with a New Year’s Resolution or just balance out some of those eating habits. We will need your help with this adventure exploring Low-fat, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, non-GMO, Antisugar, Farm-to-table or Celiac sensitive kitchens. So please chime in and let us know of those dishes that work for you or the areas that we can help you uncover better choices.
You can read the complete brunch review, or reach David, at www.FountainsFoodAdventures.com. Follow the “Food Adventure” on Facebook and Instagram.
Tastings made possible and Sponsored by
H E A LT H Y H E A R T S F O R A L L .
At The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), we believe that living your best life starts with a strong and healthy heart. From disease prevention and proactive diagnostics to innovative procedures and advanced long-term treatments, we’re committed to providing the highest level of heart care for every stage of life. To learn more or to request an appointment, call 770-415-8819 or visit heartngmc.org/appointment.