Hey Neighbor,

I did a poll yesterday… and, DACULA for the win!

Welcome to the Dacula edition — and can I just say, I'm so excited about this one.

I hear it all the time: "Dacula? There's nothing there."

Friend, let me lovingly prove you wrong.

This little city has been quietly building something special — incredible locally-owned restaurants, parks that rival anywhere in the county, and a community that actually shows up for each other.

Today I'm sharing two restaurants worth the drive, a hidden gem you need to know about, parks that'll make you fall in love with the outdoors, a city resource flying under the radar, and three events this month for every kind of outing.

Let's go!

FINE DINING — IN DOWNTOWN DACULA?

Yes, really. The Galloping Galette opened in historic downtown Dacula in 2025, and it's turning heads.

Yannick and Viviane Fonfrede — a French couple from Western Northern France — brought their beloved Braselton crêperie to Dacula with a dinner-focused concept. Think classic French galettes made with naturally gluten-free buckwheat flour, savory crêpes stuffed with ham and gruyère, and dessert crêpes drizzled with Nutella and fresh bananas.

The atmosphere? Intimate, historic, and unlike anything else in Dacula. One reviewer put it perfectly: "We've been waiting for something like this in Dacula!"

If you're celiac or gluten-sensitive, they'll prepare your galette on a dedicated crêpe maker. This is date-night-worthy, special-occasion-worthy, or honestly just a "I deserve this" Tuesday night.

The Galloping Galette 2491 Second Ave, Dacula, GA 30019 (470) 403-4026 | Wed-Sat 5pm-9pm

MEDITERRANEAN DONE RIGHT: DELIGHT GRILL

If you're craving something fresh, flavorful, and filling, Delight Grill is calling your name.

This family-owned Mediterranean spot serves up gyros, chicken shawarma, beef kabobs, creamy hummus, and grilled salmon — all made to order. Every platter comes with your choice of two sides (rice, fries, hummus, Greek lemon potatoes, or salad) and a house-made sauce.

The vibe is casual and welcoming — perfect for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or takeout on a busy night. Locals rave about the beef shawarma and the tender chicken kabobs. And yes, they've got vegan options and outdoor seating too.

Delight Grill Mediterranean Restaurant 802 Dacula Rd, Suite 101, Dacula, GA 30019 (770) 680-5876 | Mon-Sat 11am-9pm delightgrillmediterranean.com

HIDDEN GEM: CITY LINES BAR & GRILL

Tucked in the Hog Mountain area — right where Dacula, Lawrenceville, and Buford meet — City Lines Bar & Grill is the neighborhood hangout you didn't know you needed.

This is a locally-owned scratch kitchen serving elevated comfort food and handcrafted cocktails with genuine Southern hospitality. Whether it's brunch with the family, date night, game day with friends, or just a midweek pick-me-up, City Lines delivers.

They've got Kids Eat Free Tuesdays, wing nights, weekend brunch, and holiday specials throughout the year. The kind of place where everybody knows your name (or will soon).

City Lines Bar & Grill Hog Mountain area, Dacula citylinesbarandgrill.com

TWO PARKS THAT'LL CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT DACULA

When I tell you Dacula has parks, I mean parks.

Harbins Park — 1,290 acres of pure outdoor paradise. Yes, you read that right — nearly 1,300 acres right here in Dacula. You'll find a 4.3-mile paved multi-purpose trail, a 7-mile equestrian trail, a 7-mile mountain biking trail, and a 4.5-mile hiking trail. There's also a playground, pavilion, restrooms, and equestrian trailer parking. This is the kind of park you pack a cooler for and spend the whole day exploring.

📍 2995 Luke Edwards Road, Dacula

Little Mulberry Park — Often called one of the most beautiful parks in the state of Georgia. Seriously. The trails wind through stunning nature, there's abundant wildlife (deer sightings are common), a peaceful lake, disc golf course, playground, and pavilions. It's also home to one of Gwinnett's beloved dinosaur statues — the kids will love it.

📍 3855 Fence Rd, Dacula

CITY RESOURCE YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT

Maple Creek Park just got a $1 million revitalization — and it's a game-changer.

New playground equipment, an enclosed toddler playground (hello, peace of mind for parents!), adult exercise stations, improved walking trails, additional park benches, and beautification throughout. Plus, there's a 9-hole disc golf course that's been drawing players from across Gwinnett.

You can also rent the pavilion for birthday parties, family reunions, or special events — just call City Hall at (770) 963-7451 to check availability.

This is a true community gem, and most people don't even know it exists.

📍 425 McMillian Road, Dacula

🤓 FUN FACT: HOW DACULA GOT ITS NAME

Here's a trivia night winner for you:

Dacula's name is a mashup of "Decatur" and "Atlanta."

When the town needed a name in the late 1800s, the first postmaster — John W. Freeman — combined letters from the two thriving cities to the west. And thus, Dacula was born.

But here's the fun part: before it was Dacula, the area went through several names:

And yes — the city leans into the Dracula confusion. In October 2025, Dacula hosted its first "Not Dracula Day" featuring a Red Cross blood drive. Because if you can't beat the mispronunciation, you might as well have fun with it. 🧛

FEBRUARY EVENTS: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

FAMILY EVENT: Let's Celebrate Black History Month! Bring the whole family for a fun evening celebrating Black History Month at the Hamilton Mill Library. Interactive activities, stories, and community connection — perfect for all ages. 📍 Hamilton Mill Branch, Gwinnett County Public Library 🗓️ February 2026 (check gwinnettpl.libnet.info for exact date)

(VALENTINE’S) DATE NIGHT: Dinner at The Galloping Galette Skip the chains and treat yourselves to an authentic French dinner in historic downtown Dacula. Candlelit vibes, savory galettes, decadent crêpes, and a little romance in your own backyard. Reservations recommended. 📍 2491 Second Ave, Dacula | Wed-Sat evenings

GIRLS NIGHT OUT: Paint & Sip at Painting with a Twist Grab your crew and get creative! Painting with a Twist (multiple locations nearby including Lawrenceville and Buford) offers BYOB paint nights where you can laugh, sip, and create something you'll actually want to hang on your wall. Check their schedule for February sessions. 🔗 paintingwithatwist.com — search for locations near Dacula (Sorry, I know, not in dacula)

That's a wrap on Dacula!

I hope this opens your eyes to what's been here all along — or what's quietly been building while no one was paying attention. Dacula has heart, history, and a whole lot more to offer than people give it credit for.

Know someone who thinks Dacula is "boring"? Forward this to them. Let's change some minds together.

P.S. — Got a Dacula hidden gem I missed? A favorite park, restaurant, or local business? Hit reply and tell me. I'm always on the hunt for what makes this community special.

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