Hey neighbor!

Happy Wednesday — we're halfway through the first full week of 2026!

This weekend is shaping up to be a good one in Gwinnett, whether you're looking for a date night, family fun, or just a really good cup of coffee.

Before we dive in, you could always catch the recent post just by visiting https://gwinnettbest.com/

Let's get into it.

📍 Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth 🗓️ Friday, January 9 @ 7:10pm 🎟️ Tickets start around $14-20

If you haven't been to an Atlanta Gladiators game yet, this is your sign.

Friday is Military Night — the Glads will honor those who serve with in-game tributes, military jerseys, and recognition of local heroes. There's also a food drive with Soldier's Angels, so you can bring non-perishables to support military families.

But even beyond the theme night — Gladiators hockey is just fun. Fast-paced action, affordable tickets, cold beer, and way more energy than you'd expect. Perfect date night material.

👉 atlantagladiators.com

📍 Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth 🗓️ Saturday, January 10 @ 7:30pm 🎟️ Tickets start at $12

Ever watched professional indoor lacrosse? If not, Saturday is your chance.

The Georgia Swarm play in the National Lacrosse League, and their games are intense — fast-paced, high-scoring, and packed with crowd energy. They're celebrating their 10th season in Georgia this year, and their roster includes some of the best players on the planet (including lacrosse legend Lyle Thompson).

This is one of those "hidden gem" sports experiences families rave about. Kids love it. Adults love it. And tickets are ridiculously affordable.

👉 georgiaswarm.com

Since the newsletter is all about discovering local gems, here are two coffee shops that deserve a spot on your radar:

1. Beans & Butter Coffeehouse 📍 851 Oak Rd, Lawrenceville (Five Forks area) ⏰ Tue-Sat 8am-3pm | Sun 9am-3pm | Closed Mon

Tucked into a strip mall off Oak Road, this family-owned, black-owned coffeehouse is a hidden treasure. They roast their own beans in-house and bake everything fresh — the croissants, quiche, and banana bread are legendary. Try the Cinnamon Cardamom Latte if you want something special. Cozy vibes, friendly staff, and the kind of place that feels like home.

2. Arte Cafe (formerly Arte 3 Cafe) 📍 1291 Old Peachtree Rd NW, Suwanee ⏰ Mon-Sat 10am-12am | Sun 12pm-12am

A Korean-inspired cafe with great coffee, bingsu (shaved ice desserts), fish-shaped pastries, and absolutely beautiful fruit-topped waffles. The space is huge, the WiFi is fast, and it's open late — perfect for a study session, casual hangout, or late-night sweet treat. Two levels of seating with plenty of room to spread out.

Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center 📍 2020 Clean Water Dr, Buford (near Mall of Georgia) ⏰ Mon-Sat 9am-4pm | Trails open sunrise to sunset 💰 FREE admission

This is 233 acres of awesomeness that many Gwinnett residents don't even know about.

Here's what you get — for free:

It's one of Gwinnett's first LEED-certified buildings, designed in partnership with UGA, and it's genuinely one of the best free family outings in the county. If you've got kids who need to burn energy (or you just need some nature time), put this on your list.

Bonus: Treetop Quest zip lines and rope courses are also on the grounds if you want to add some adventure (that part costs extra, but worth it).

👉 gwinnettcounty.com/parksandrecreation

What's your go-to local coffee spot in Gwinnett?

Hit reply and let me know — I'm always looking for new places to feature.

Here's to a great rest of your week, neighbor.

— Gus Your neighbor at Gwinnett Best

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