I think I'm finally about to launch something I've been dreaming about for a long time, even before I had the words for it. Once I realized it was possible, I've been sitting on the idea, waiting for the right time to share it.

What makes me happiest isn't just the announcement itself. It's that we get to build it together.

From the very beginning, my hope for this newsletter was never just to be another list of events or things to do in Gwinnett. I wanted it to become a real community where neighbors build genuine relationships, with each other and myself included.

That's why I'm so excited about what I'm sharing with you today. And don't worry, I've still got the usual lineup of epic Gwinnett events waiting for you too.

I've been sitting on this for months, and I'm one day from telling you everything.

Here's all I'll say for now: imagine sitting down to dinner with a handful of neighbors you haven't met yet — great food, real conversation, zero awkward planning — and walking out with new friends. No apps to swipe, no small-talk networking, no pressure. Just a table, a meal, and good people who live right around the corner from you.

It's called the GwinnettBest Dinner Club, and it's about to be real.

Here's what you can expect:

A special email and a video from me are landing in your inbox this Friday, where I'll walk you through exactly what Dinner Club is, how it works, and how to grab your seat the moment doors open.

So do me one favor: watch your inbox this Friday. You do NOT want to be the neighbor who finds out about this late.

This is the thing I've been most excited to build all year. Friday, everything makes sense. Trust me — it'll be worth the wait. 🍷

While you're waiting on Friday, here's what's worth getting off the couch for this weekend. Every one of these I verified on the venue's own page — real dates, real times, no ghost events.

🎭 The big one

Broadway in the Park — Suwanee Performing Arts puts local talent on stage with a Disney double feature (The Lion King Jr. + The Jungle Book Kids). Friday, July 24, 7:00 PM at Town Center Park in Suwanee. Bring a blanket and the kids — this one's for the whole family.

🎨 Something special

Evening of the Arts — Saturday, July 25, 3:00–9:00 PM at the Lawrenceville Arts Center (125 N Clayton St). Live entertainment, local artists, hands-on workshops, and creative competitions — a whole day of the arts in downtown Lawrenceville.

Our farmers markets are thriving this summer. Between Suwanee on Saturday mornings and Lilburn on Friday afternoons, more of our neighbors are choosing local growers, local makers, and local mornings over the big-box run. It's a small thing that says a big thing about who we are here — we'd rather know the person who grew the tomato. Keep showing up for them; it matters more than you know.

I don't hand out Pick of the Week lightly — but Brightside is something special.

Brightside Cafe in downtown Buford is a beautiful little spot (espresso, warm pastries, sunlight everywhere)… and the best part is the people behind the counter. Brightside was built to employ and empower adults with special needs, and you can feel that purpose the moment you walk in.

A little over two months ago, I sat down for a long conversation with the two co-founders, and I left it honestly moved — I loved hearing why they started Brightside and what it’s becoming for so many local families. I shared the full interview (in case you missed it), because their story deserves to be heard in their own words.

Go grab a coffee, tell them Gus from GwinnettBest sent you, and linger for a minute.

Address: 554 W Main St, Buford. What to order: a latte + whatever pastry is calling your name.

A few things to screenshot and text to your person:

For date night 🍷

Two coffee shops to try (that aren't your usual) ☕

One to bookmark

I will be launching a referral program that will include free gifts and perks for being a contributing member.