I'm writing from LA today. It's my last day here before I fly to Dallas, where I get to co-lead a business leader seminar alongside my friend and business partner, NYT Bestseller Nick Vujicic.

The best part of this trip already happened, though. Last night I took my mom to a Dodger game. It had been years since she'd been to one. The game was really just the excuse. I came mainly to spend quality, intentional time with her. Some trips are for work. This one was for her.

Here's what's happening back home while I'm gone. (New here? Catch up on past issues at gwinnettbest.com/archive.)

Let’s get into it…

Sat 9/26, 9 AM–7 PM · Sun 9/27, 9 AM–5 PM · Duluth Festival Center, 3142 Hill St NW · Free

Gwinnett's classic fall festival, with a parade Saturday at 10 AM, two stages of local music, a petting zoo, and lots of vendors. If you only do one thing this weekend, make it this one. Get there before the parade and grab a curb spot. Streets close around 9:45 AM.

Fri 9/25, 5–10 PM · Sat 9/26, 2–10 PM · Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie St · Free
Two days of world food, music, and culture with the Atlanta International Night Market, and Friday night is also the last LIVE in the DTL concert of the season. Bring the whole family, eat your way around the world, and close out the concert series with your neighbors.

Thu–Fri 5–9 PM · Sat 11 AM–10 PM · Sun 1–9 PM (closes 9/27) · Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy · $10 adults, $5 seniors and kids 6–11, 5 and under free (ride wristbands are extra)
Rides, fair food, and exhibits wrap up Sunday night. It's your last shot at a funnel cake and a Ferris wheel ride until next year, and it's an easy, low-cost family night.

Sat 9/26 · Doors about 7 PM, show at 8 PM · The Eagle Theatre, 5029 W Broad St · Ticketed

About 30 Motown hits from the Temptations, the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and more, played with a live band. That's your date night: dinner on Broad Street, then sing along to the songs your parents played in the car.

3550 W Lawrenceville St, #340 · Tue–Thu 8 AM–5 PM, Fri–Sat 8 AM–7 PM, Sun 8 AM–4 PM, closed Mon
A cozy bakery café in historic downtown Duluth with pastries, crepes, and coffee on a rotating seasonal menu. It's a perfect stop before or after the Fall Festival, just a few minutes from all the action.

2300 Margot St (inside The Margot clubhouse) · Mon–Thu and Sat 7:30 AM–3:30 PM, Fri 7:30 AM–6 PM, closed Sun
A faith- and community-focused café run by two sisters and their spouses. It started as a coffee cart. Go for the specialty lattes and stay because it feels like you're hanging out in a friend's living room.

1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd · Mon–Thu 7 AM–2:30 PM, Fri–Sun 7 AM–3 PM · Walk-in only on weekends
Scratch-made breakfast and brunch, like the B.A.T. Benedict, the Very Berry Waffle, and the Banana Nutella French Toast. My wife and I went there on a date about two months ago, and it was incredible. Pro tip: ask for a booth. The tables are long and can feel far apart from one another.

1417 Grayson Hwy, Suite A · Wed–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Sat–Sun 10 AM–5 PM, closed Mon–Tue
New York bodega meets Southern soul food, from the Bodega Chopped Cheese to shrimp and grits to the "Long Island Thang" breakfast platter. Go here when you want a brunch with personality and portions that don't mess around.

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Talk soon from Dallas,
Gus