Hey neighbor!
Happy Wednesday! Whether you're gearing up for a midweek pick-me-up or eyeing the weekend ahead, I've got fresh ideas to keep things exciting right here in Gwinnett.
Today's edition features two restaurant suggestions for a great meal out, events happening this week, a standout coffee shop, a local business spotlight on a trusted handyman service, a handy city resource, and one family-friendly event to mark on your calendar.
Let's jump in.
🍽️ RESTAURANT SUGGESTION #1: Parkside District Seafood & Meats — Lawrenceville
909 Parkside Walk Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Sunday: 11am–9:30pm (Brunch 11am–3pm) | Monday–Thursday: 11am–9:30pm | Friday–Saturday: 11am–10pm
📞 (770) 910-9601
Craving something elevated yet approachable? This New American restaurant specializes in premium seafood and meats with a farm-to-table twist on their rotating seasonal menu. Highlights include fresh oysters, grilled steaks, and inventive sides in a sleek, modern space perfect for date nights or group dinners. They've got craft cocktails and a lively bar area too.
Pro tip: Check out their weekend brunch for dishes like shrimp and grits or steak and eggs.
🍽️ RESTAURANT SUGGESTION #2: Local Republic — Lawrenceville
225 W Crogan St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (Downtown)
Monday–Thursday: 11am–9pm | Friday–Saturday: 11am–10pm | Sunday: 11am–8pm
📞 (678) 442-0500
For a casual gastropub vibe with bold Southern flavors, Local Republic hits the spot. Their menu features creative pub fare like pimento cheese fritters, smoked brisket tacos, and craft burgers, all made with local ingredients. The industrial-chic setting includes a great craft beer selection and outdoor patio seating.
Pro tip: Don't miss their house-smoked meats or the weekend specials—pair with one of their rotating taps for the full experience.
📅 EVENTS THIS WEEK
🎲 Game Night at Elixir Brewing Co. — Lawrenceville
Wednesday, January 28 (Recurring Weekly)
Gather with friends for board games, trivia, or casual fun at this local brewery. It's a relaxed way to unwind midweek with craft brews and light bites.
📍 Elixir Brew Co., Lawrenceville
🌲 Winter Woodland Hike — Gwinnett County Parks
Thursday, January 29 at 10am–11:30am
Explore Gwinnett's natural beauty on a guided winter hike through wooded trails. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages—dress warm!
📍 Various Gwinnett County parks (check specific sites)
🏊 Free Swim Lesson Night — County Aquatic Centers
Saturday, January 31 at 6:30pm–8:30pm
Dive into free introductory swim lessons for all skill levels. A great opportunity to learn or refresh water safety skills.
📍 Various Gwinnett aquatic facilities
☕ COFFEE SPOT: Cafe Blue — Buford
3200 Woodward Crossing Blvd, Suite B103, Buford, GA 30519
Daily: 8am–8pm
📞 (470) 589-1544
Need a cozy spot for your daily caffeine fix? Cafe Blue offers a welcoming atmosphere with expertly brewed coffees, lattes, and teas, plus fresh pastries and light bites. Their signature drinks include flavored lattes and cold brews, sourced from quality beans.
It's got plenty of seating for working or chatting, with a modern, bright vibe that makes it the perfect midday escape.
🏢 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Ace Handyman Services East Gwinnett — Snellville
1350 Scenic Hwy N, Suite 266, Snellville, GA 30078
📞 (470) 713-8508
When your home needs repairs, renovations, or just those odd jobs you keep putting off, Ace Handyman Services East Gwinnett is the veteran-owned, locally-operated service that Gwinnett residents trust. Since 2021, this team has been serving Lawrenceville, Snellville, Loganville, Braselton, and surrounding Gwinnett communities with professional home repair and improvement solutions.
What they offer: ✅ Small to medium home repairs and renovations
✅ Door installation, drywall, and carpentry
✅ Furniture assembly and TV mounting
✅ Bathroom and kitchen refreshes
✅ Flooring installation and painting
✅ Fascia and soffit repair
✅ One-year guarantee on all craftsmanship
What sets them apart is their commitment to punctuality (firm appointment times with no windows), clear communication from scheduling to completion, and professionally trained, background-checked craftsmen who are actual employees—not subcontractors. They provide honest estimates, excellent customer service, and the peace of mind that comes from a full one-year warranty on all work.
Available: Open 24 hours for scheduling
If you've been putting off that repair or dreaming about a home refresh, these are the folks to call.
💡 RESOURCE: Bogan Park & Aquatic Center — Buford
2723 N Bogan Rd, Buford, GA 30518
📞 (770) 614-2060
Did you know Gwinnett has top-notch recreation spots like Bogan Park & Aquatic Center? This 83-acre facility includes an indoor aquatic center with competition and leisure pools, a double gymnasium, dance and art studios, trails, playgrounds, and more. It's free or low-cost for residents, with classes in fitness, arts, and sports.
Hours: Vary by activity; generally Monday–Friday: 6am–9pm | Saturday: 8am–6pm | Sunday: 1pm–6pm
Cost: Many activities free; pool fees apply ($4-6 per visit or memberships available)
To get started, visit the center or check online for schedules and registrations. It's a great resource for staying active, learning new skills, or just having fun with the family.
👨👩👧👦 FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT: Family Sensory Swim
Friday, January 30 at 6:30pm–8:30pm
FREE — Monthly Recurring
A welcoming swim session designed for families, with sensory-friendly elements like dimmed lights and reduced noise. Ideal for kids of all abilities to splash and play safely.
📍 Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center (or similar venues—confirm location)
✨ SIMPLE WEDNESDAY ACTION
Take a quick walk around your neighborhood and wave to a neighbor—it might spark a new connection. It takes just a few minutes and builds that community vibe we all need.
Have a fantastic week, neighbor.
Know someone in Gwinnett? Forward this to them—they'll appreciate it.
