Hey neighbor!

Can you believe it's almost 2026? Whether you're making resolutions or just trying to figure out what to do this week, I've got you covered.

Let's talk local coffee, New Year's fun, what to watch, and one New Year's Day tradition you can enjoy from your couch.

Skip the drive-thru lines. These are the spots where the baristas actually remember your name:

1. Boulder Creek Coffee (Lawrenceville) 📍 233 E Crogan St, Lawrenceville Located inside a beautifully restored 1893 historic home in downtown Lawrenceville, this place serves Counter Culture Coffee, house-made chai, and fresh sandwiches. Multiple rooms, a wrap-around porch, and board games make it perfect for a slow morning or a working afternoon.

2. Break Coffee Roasters (Duluth) 📍 3122 Hill St NW, Duluth A 2024 "Best of Gwinnett" winner. They roast in-house, bake fresh daily, and even sell plants. Cozy vibes, passionate staff, and just steps from the Duluth Town Green.

3. Tchin Tchin Coffee Roasters (Buford) 📍 179 E Moreno St, Suite C, Buford Tucked in historic downtown Buford, this spot roasts beans in-house while you watch. Great espresso, pastries, and a warm community feel. Their honey lavender latte? Chef's kiss.

4. Warm Waves Coffee (Suwanee) 📍 500 Buford Hwy, Suwanee Family-owned and rooted in mission. Ethically sourced beans, house-made syrups, and a colorful, eclectic interior filled with vintage finds. Just a short walk from Suwanee Town Center.“whoa dad! that was so cool!”

New Year's Eve — Wednesday, December 31:

1. NYE at The Battery Atlanta (Cobb County — worth the drive!) 📍 800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta Two celebrations: Early Innings (6–8pm) is family-friendly with live music and an 8pm countdown for the kiddos. Late Innings (9pm–midnight) features live music, a midnight countdown, pyrotechnics, confetti, and fireworks. FREE admission.

2. NYE 2026 All Black Party at Theory (Duluth!) 📍 3695 Club Drive, Suite B, Duluth Dress to impress for this local celebration featuring live music, a dinner buffet, and dancing through the countdown. 8pm–2am.

3. Lanier Islands: Havana Nights NYE Party (Buford) 📍 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford A themed party night with music, dancing, and lakeside fireworks at midnight. They also have a family-friendly option at Game Changer (5–8pm) with arcade games, a DJ, face painting, and a 7pm sparkling cider toast for the kids.

4. Countdown Over ATL — Atlanta's Citywide Fireworks & Drone Show (Midnight) 📍 Visible from Downtown & Midtown Atlanta This is Atlanta's new replacement for the Peach Drop — a synchronized drone peach and fireworks show at midnight, visible from multiple neighborhoods. Find a rooftop or high spot and enjoy the show.

New Year's Day — Thursday, January 1:

5. Magical Nights of Lights (Lanier Islands — still going!) 📍 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford The lights stay on through the new year! A great family drive-through to kick off 2026.

Stranger Things Season 5: The Finale 🗓️ Drops Tuesday, December 31 at 8pm ET on Netflix

It's the end of an era. The series finale is a movie-length 2 hours and 8 minutes — the longest episode in the show's history. Grab some snacks, cuddle up, and say goodbye to Hawkins one last time.

Bonus: The finale is also screening in select theaters across the US and Canada if you want the big-screen experience.

The 137th Rose Parade kicks off Wednesday, January 1 at 11am ET (8am PT) from Pasadena, California.

This year's Grand Marshal? Lakers legend Magic Johnson.

📺 Where to watch:

Expect gorgeous flower-covered floats, marching bands from around the world, and equestrian units along the 5.5-mile route. It's a New Year's Day tradition worth keeping.

I'm Gus — your Gwinnett County neighbor, husband, dad, entrepreneur, and content creator. I also work alongside Nick Vujicic (world-renowned speaker and author) helping build podcasts and programs that inspire people globally.

But my favorite title? Being part of this community — right here with you.

Hit reply and tell me: What's your ONE goal for 2026? (I read every reply.)

Happy New Year, neighbor. Let's make 2026 a great one.

— Gus Your neighbor at Gwinnett Best

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