Hey Neighbor,

Welcome to the Johns Creek edition — and can I just say, this one's going to surprise you.

If you've ever heard someone say "there's nothing to do in Johns Creek," I'm about to change their mind (and maybe yours too). This city was literally ranked the #1 Best Place to Live in the entire U.S. by U.S. News & World Report in 2025 — and once you see what's here, you'll understand why.

We're talking Michelin-recommended brunch, a brand-new 203-acre park (bigger than Piedmont Park!), family-owned coffee spots worth the drive, and February events you won't want to miss.

Let's get into it!

If you haven't been to Hen Mother Cookhouse yet, clear your Saturday morning — this is the one.

Chef Soraya Khoury (trained at the Culinary Institute of America, former executive chef at Rumi's Kitchen) opened this cozy farmhouse-style spot with her husband and sister, and it's become one of Johns Creek's most beloved destinations. So beloved, in fact, that it earned a 2024 Michelin Guide Recommendation.

The vibe? Kitschy farmhouse charm with blue walls, white-painted bench seating, and the smell of something incredible coming from the kitchen. The food? Generous portions of perfectly crafted breakfast and brunch favorites. Their cinnamon rolls are massive (and sell out fast), the mushroom quiche is legendary, and the roasted potatoes are the creamiest you'll find.

Fair warning: they don't take reservations, and the space is cozy — so arrive early on weekends.

Hen Mother Cookhouse 11705 Jones Bridge Rd, Suite B201, Johns Creek, GA 30005 Tue-Fri 7am-2pm | Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm | Closed Monday henmothercookhouse.com

Looking for a romantic evening without driving into the city? Sugo has been a Johns Creek staple since 2003 — and the story behind it is as rich as the food.

This family-owned gem blends Italian and Greek cuisine, honoring the love story of founders Arcito Castellucci (Italian-born) and Sophie Zavanlagos (from Sparta, Greece), who married in 1947. Their son Federico brought that legacy to Atlanta, and now Sugo serves generous, soulful dishes in a cozy, candlelit atmosphere.

Start with their signature meatball — yes, just ONE, because it's massive. Made with sausage and dressed with dates, roasted tomatoes, and caramelized onions, it's unforgettable. The rest of the menu delivers classic comfort with innovative touches, all made with the freshest local ingredients.

Reservations are essential, especially on weekends.

Sugo Restaurant 10305 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097 (770) 817-8000 | Mon-Sat | sugorestaurant.com

Here's one the neighbors are keeping to themselves — Persian Basket Kitchen & Bar.

Ranked #5 of 116 restaurants in Johns Creek on TripAdvisor with a 4.7-star rating, this Middle Eastern gem serves some of the most flavorful, authentic Persian dishes in Georgia. Think aromatic herbs, freshly baked breads, all-natural yogurt, and lamb chops that one reviewer called "THE absolute best I've ever tried."

The atmosphere is posh but inviting — perfect for brunch with friends or a special dinner. They're also great with dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan options clearly marked). The chicken kebab platter and lamb chops are crowd favorites, and the portions are generous.

If you love bold flavors and want to try something different, this is your spot.

Persian Basket Kitchen & Bar 2100 Ray Moss Connector, Johns Creek, GA 30022 Tue-Sun 11am-9pm (Fri-Sat until 10pm) | Closed Monday

Johns Creek's coffee scene is quietly excellent. Here are two locally-owned spots worth your morning:

State and Jones Coffee (10955 Jones Bridge Rd) This newer addition (opened June 2024) is already a local favorite. Delicious drinks, handmade pastries, and a curated menu of in-house sandwiches, toasts, salads, and small bites. The vibe is clean and welcoming — perfect for catching up with a friend or getting some work done. Open Mon-Sat, 8am-3pm.

Rushing Trading Co. (Johns Creek location) Founded by a mother-daughter duo in 2016, this cozy spot partners with Johns Creek-based Cloudland Coffee Company to serve exceptional brews. Beyond coffee, they offer tea, matcha, breakfast, lunch, and even beer, wine, and cocktails. It's the kind of place where you'll want to stay awhile.

Gentlemen, this one's for you — and trust me, it's not your average barbershop.

Jonpaul's has been a Johns Creek institution since 2002, consistently voted "Best Salon/Barbershop for Men" by Atlanta Magazine. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by the sounds of classic rock and the scent of aged leather and sandalwood. This is a sanctuary built for the modern gentleman.

What sets them apart? Their team is highly selective — less than 1% of applicants make the cut. These are master barbers and licensed massage therapists who treat grooming as an art form. Their signature 1-Hour Therapeutic Haircut includes shampoo, style, hot towels, massage, AND a straight razor neck shave. They also offer deep tissue massages, facials, manicures, private pedicures, and clinical skin care.

It's the kind of place where you walk in stressed and walk out feeling like a new man.

Jonpaul's Salon and Spa for Men 9700 Medlock Bridge Rd, Suite 122, Johns Creek, GA 30097 (770) 814-0033 | Mon 10am-6pm, Tue-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-4pm jonpauls.com

Here's a Johns Creek treasure that's completely FREE to visit — Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center.

Tucked into 46 acres of beautiful ravine forest, Autrey Mill offers over three miles of scenic trails winding past creeks, rocky shoals, wildflowers, and native Georgia wildlife. But it's more than just trails — the Heritage Village features historic buildings from the late 1800s, including a general store, church, tenant farmhouse, and smokehouse.

The Visitor Center houses over 30 animals you can learn about, and kids can paint rocks to add to the community snake sculpture anytime during regular hours. They also host night hikes, preschool adventures, and seasonal events like Spooky Mill and Earth Day celebrations.

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022 Grounds: Daily 8am-9pm | Visitor Center: Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12pm-4pm FREE admission (donations appreciated) | autreymill.org

Cauley Creek Park — Johns Creek's Crown Jewel This 203-acre park (yes, BIGGER than Piedmont Park!) opened in summer 2023 and it's stunning. The highlight? A 3.1-mile rubberized trail — one of the first in the Southeast — that's easy on your joints. You'll find river overlooks along the Chattahoochee, playgrounds, swings, and athletic fields. It connects to the Rogers Bridge over to Duluth, making it perfect for a long walk or bike ride.

📍 7255 Bell Road, Johns Creek

Newtown Park — The Community Hub This 46-acre park has something for everyone: a small lake, two miles of walking/jogging trails, three multi-purpose athletic fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, tennis courts, and picnic pavilions. It's also home to Park Place, the city's senior center offering yoga, art classes, book discussions, and more for residents 62+.

📍 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Lunar New Year Celebration 📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 11am - 3pm 📍 Heisman Field (across from Atlanta Athletic Club), Medlock Bridge Rd

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with the City of Johns Creek! This free, family-friendly event features traditional performances, dancers, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural activities that embrace the incredible diversity of the Johns Creek community. A beautiful way to experience something new together.

A FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS YOU MIGHT WANT TO SAVE:

Visit the official Johns Creek Site for all of the latest and greatest this place has to offer

Visit Johns Creek

DATE NIGHT: Live Music at Red Clay Music Foundry 📅 Various dates throughout February 📍 3116 Main Street, Duluth (10 min from Johns Creek)

This intimate 260-seat listening room hosts incredible live music every weekend — from local favorites to national touring acts. Grab dinner at Sugo, then catch a show for the perfect date night. Check eddieowenpresents.com for the February schedule.

Here's something most people don't know: Johns Creek wasn't even a city until 2006 — making it one of the youngest cities in Georgia!

The name comes from Johns Creek, a branch of the Chattahoochee River that runs through the area. The creek may have been named after a Cherokee chief (Tomochichi's nephew) or after John Rogers's son — historians aren't sure. What IS sure? "Johns Creek" first appeared on maps in the 1830s, and when Georgia Tech graduates built Technology Park here in 1981, they found the old name on a map and brought it back to life.

From Cherokee trading posts to cotton farms to tech parks — and now, the #1 Best Place to Live in America. Not bad for a 20-year-old city.

That's a wrap on Johns Creek!

I hope this opens your eyes to what's right in your own backyard. Johns Creek is proof that you don't need to drive downtown to find incredible food, beautiful parks, and a community that actually shows up for each other.

Know someone who needs to see this? Forward this email to a friend or neighbor who still thinks there's "nothing to do" in Johns Creek. Let's change that narrative — one inbox at a time.

P.S. — Got a Johns Creek spot I need to know about? Hit reply and tell me. I'm always hunting for the next hidden gem to share.

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