Hey Neighbor,
TGIF — and last time saying this… happy Valentine's Day weekend!
Whether you're celebrating with your sweetheart, your friends, your family, or yourself, this weekend has something for everyone. I've packed today's edition with events, parks, and local finds to make your weekend unforgettable.
We've got music shows for the adults, free outdoor events for the whole family, parks perfect for hiking AND kids, coffee shops with heart, and a local bakery whose mission will inspire you.
Let's dive in!
Source theweatherchannel.com.
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ADULTS-ONLY EVENTS
Love on the Rocks — Valentine's Mixology Experience 📍 Flipped ATL Event Venue, Lawrenceville 📅 Friday, February 13 & 14 | 7:00 PM 💕 Adults 21+
Kick off Valentine's weekend early with this hands-on cocktail crafting experience! Learn to make romantic drinks, enjoy a cozy vibe, and toast to love (or self-love) with your person or your crew.
Live Music at Red Clay Music Foundry
📅 Friday & Saturday nights 📍 3116 Main St, Downtown Duluth
If you're looking for an intimate, unforgettable music experience, Red Clay Music Foundry is the place. This 260-seat listening room — founded by legendary Atlanta club owner Eddie Owen — hosts singer-songwriters, touring acts, and stand-up comedy in a space where every seat feels front row.
The acoustics are incredible, the vibe is warm, and the talent is top-notch. Check their calendar for this weekend's lineup — shows sell out fast.
from Facebook page
Tickets at eddieowenpresents.com
Staying In Tonight? It’s Friday the 13th...
No plans? No problem. Lean into the spooky vibes with a cozy movie night at home.
For Couples: Queue up the Scream franchise — it's the perfect mix of scary and fun. Popcorn, candles, and a "who survives" prediction game? Chef's kiss.
For Families: Go with Goosebumps (2015 or 2023) for kid-friendly thrills. Bonus activity: set up a DIY escape room with clues hidden around the house. Themes like "Escape the Haunted Cabin" are easy to pull off and the kids will love it.
Either way — Friday the 13th + Valentine's Eve = a combo you won't forget. 🍿👻
Listen on Spotify
FREE FAMILY EVENTS
Heart Health Walk
📅 Saturday, February 14 | FREE 📍 Check gwinnettcounty.com for location
February is National Heart Health Month — and what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by taking care of your heart? Join professionals from the American Heart Association for a walk-and-talk event where you'll learn actionable steps to build stronger hearts and healthier lives.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring your water bottle, and meet at Pavilion 1. Open to all ages — bring the whole family!
Valentine's Weekend Pet Event
📅 Sunday, February 15 | FREE 📍 Check gwinnettcounty.com for location
Celebrate Valentine's weekend with your four-legged sweetheart! This free event features pet treats for shopping, cute photo opportunities, adoptable dogs to meet, and a hot cocoa station with pup cups.
Perfect for families with dog-loving kids — or anyone who thinks their pet deserves a Valentine's outing too. 🐾
PARKS FOR FAMILIES & HIKING
Why It's Special: At 892 acres, Little Mulberry is one of Gwinnett's largest parks — and one of its most beautiful. The trails meander through wooded areas, along a pond, and beside Miller Lake. You can even reach one of the highest altitudes in Gwinnett County here.
For Families: The Katrina Miller Nature Preserve offers wildlife spotting opportunities, plus there's a disc golf course, fishing pier, meadow, and restrooms. The park has four entrances, so check the trail maps online before you go.
For Hikers: Miles of paved and unpaved trails, plus a 5.47-mile equestrian path for the adventurous. Interactive "Raising Resilience" signage along the trails encourages kids to build resilience and manage stress — a partnership with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
📍 Multiple entrances in Dacula/Auburn | FREE admission
McDaniel Farm Park (Duluth)
Why It's Special: This former cotton farm has been restored to depict a typical 1930s Gwinnett farm — complete with historic structures and educational exhibits. It's where history and nature meet.
For Families: A recently-added farm-themed playground makes this park perfect for families with stroller-age kids. Walk the trails, explore the historic buildings, and teach the kids about local history.
For Hikers: 3 miles of paved and soft-surface trails wind through the property. It's peaceful, scenic, and rarely crowded.
📍 3251 McDaniel Rd, Duluth | (770) 814-4920 | FREE admission
COFFEE SHOPS WITH HEART
Alcove Coffeehouse (Lilburn)
Why You'll Love It: This cozy independent coffeehouse sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne — yes, an actual lake view with your latte. Reviewers call it "the most soothing and relaxing place to have meaningful conversation" with amazing views and wonderful coffee.
from Alcove Coffeehouse website
What to Try: Great coffee, sandwiches, sweets, and ice cream. Grab a seat on the deck overlooking the lake (dogs welcome on the patio!) and just breathe.
The Vibe: A true hidden gem. Cozy, peaceful, and the kind of place where you'll want to stay all afternoon.
📍 4615 Stone Mountain Hwy, Lilburn alcovecoffeehouse.com
Refuge Coffee Co. (Norcross)
Why You'll Love It: This isn't just a coffee shop — it's a mission. Refuge Coffee is a nonprofit that provides job training, mentorship, and competitive wages for resettled refugees and immigrants. They've employed 55 people from 17 different countries since 2015.
What to Try: Great coffee, homemade sodas, and food like quiche. Every purchase supports their mission of "worldwide welcome."
from Refuge Coffee Facebook page
The Vibe: Warm, welcoming, and deeply community-focused. They also host events like 5K runs, open mic nights, and holiday markets.
📍 127 S Peachtree St, Norcross refugecoffeeco.com
COUNTY RESOURCE: Library Experience Passes
Here's something most Gwinnett residents don't know about: your library card gets you FREE admission to museums, theaters, and attractions.
Through the Georgia Public Library Service, you can borrow Experience Passes — just like a book — and use them for free or discounted admission to places like:
The Center for Puppetry Arts (4 free admissions or 25% off)
Shakespeare Tavern (2 free tickets to performances)
Various museums and attractions across Georgia
Just visit your local Gwinnett library branch, ask about Experience Passes, and start exploring. It's one of the best-kept secrets for families looking to save money while having fun.
📍 Available at all Gwinnett County Public Library branches gwinnettpl.org/passes
LOCAL SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: Special Kneads Bakery
What They Do: Special Kneads Bakery in Lawrenceville is a nonprofit bakery with a beautiful mission — they employ young adults with special needs, giving them meaningful work experience and job training.
from Facebook page
from Facebook page
Why It Matters: Every cake, cupcake, and treat you buy supports their mission of creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Reviewers rave that "their cakes and cupcakes are absolutely delicious!"
How to Support: Order a cake for your next celebration, grab cupcakes for the office, or just stop by to say hello. It's local business with purpose.
📍 Lawrenceville | special-kneads-bakery.square.site
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND!
Whether you're laughing at a comedy show, hiking through Little Mulberry, sipping coffee by a lake, or just enjoying time with the people you love — I hope this weekend fills your cup.
Gwinnett has so much to offer. Let's keep discovering it together.
P.S. — Got a favorite park, event, or local spot I should know about? Hit reply and tell me. Your recommendations make this newsletter better!
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