Hey neighbor!

We've got exactly one day left in 2025. ONE.

Whether you're planning a last-minute date night, need a new coffee spot, or wondering what to do with the kids this weekend — I've got you.

Let's make these final hours (and first days of 2026) count.

No chains. Just neighbors serving neighbors.

1. Chibo Coffee (Lilburn) 📍 3035 Five Forks Trickum Road SW, Suite 4C, Lilburn This Ethiopian-owned gem serves traditional coffee roasted in-house every Wednesday, along with delicious gluten-free Ethiopian food like sambusas. The husband-and-wife owners, Tesfa and Tsedey, have built a loyal following and somehow maintain a perfect 5.0 star rating on Google. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and totally unique. Open daily 8am–6pm

2. Warm Waves Coffee (Suwanee) 📍 500 Buford Hwy, Suite 1001, Suwanee A family-owned roastery with ethically sourced beans, house-made syrups, and a colorful, eclectic interior filled with vintage finds. Just a short walk from Suwanee Town Center. Great for a slow morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. Mon–Fri 7am–4pm | Sat–Sun 8am–4pm

Time's running out. Grab your person and make it count.

1. Perry Street Chophouse (Lawrenceville) 📍 125 N Perry St, Lawrenceville Upscale steakhouse vibes without the Atlanta drive. USDA Prime steaks seared at 1800°, fresh seafood, and an award-winning bourbon and wine selection — all in a gorgeous downtown Lawrenceville setting. They're running an Après Ski holiday pop-up through December with cozy alpine-inspired vibes. Pro tip: $100 dinner-for-two on Tuesdays. Open Tue–Sun starting at 4pm

2. The Velvet Note (Alpharetta) 📍 4075 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta An intimate 40-seat jazz club with world-class live music, craft cocktails, and a full dinner menu (try the crab cakes). Perfect for couples who want something more memorable than dinner and a movie. They have NYE shows at 7pm and 9:30pm if you want to ring in 2026 with style. Reservations required — book ahead!

1. Kids' Early NYE at Stone Mountain Park 📍 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain Bring the family for the Magical Christmas Drone & Light Show at 8pm (including NEW fire drones!), then an early countdown with fireworks at 9pm. Perfect for little ones who won't make it to midnight. Included with Christmas Attractions Ticket or Annual Membership

2. NYE at The Battery Atlanta 📍 800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta Two celebrations: Early Innings (6–8pm) is family-friendly with live music and an 8pm countdown with inflatable baseballs. Late Innings (9pm–midnight) features live music from 12 South Band, pyrotechnics, confetti, and fireworks. FREE admission.

1. Kids Build a Free Tow Truck at Home Depot 📍 Home Depot locations in Gwinnett Saturday, January 3 Free hands-on workshop where kids build their own wooden tow truck. Great for ages 5–12. Registration required — check your local store.

2. Glow Light Show at Coolray Field (FINAL WEEKEND!) 📍 Coolray Field, Lawrenceville Open through January 4 This drive-through synchronized light show at the Stripers' ballpark is ending! Stay in your car, tune your radio to the designated station, and watch the holiday magic unfold. Perfect family outing before winter break ends.

🗓️ Tomorrow — Tuesday, December 31 at 8pm ET on Netflix

The 2-hour-and-8-minute series finale drops on New Year's Eve. Grab the snacks. Say goodbye to Hawkins. End an era.

The 137th Rose Parade kicks off Wednesday, January 1 at 11am ET (8am PT) from Pasadena, California.

Grand Marshal: Lakers legend Magic Johnson

📺 Where to watch:

Beautiful flower-covered floats, marching bands from around the world, and a 5.5-mile parade route. A perfect way to start 2026 from your couch.

Hit reply and tell me: What's ONE word to describe your 2025? (I'll share some in a future email.)

Happy almost-New Year, neighbor. Let's finish strong.

— Gus Your neighbor at Gwinnett Best