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Author
Clara Rooks

Clara Rooks grew up in Gwinnett County and is an alumnus of Dacula High School. She loves to frequent local coffee shops and check out books from the library. On the weekends you will find her spending time with her husband, daughter, and two Goldendoodles, but in her free time, Clara loves to go shopping, reading, running, and drinking smoothies. 

Local Love: Boxete Kitchen

We sat down for a Q&A with Julee Kim, Marketing Manager of Boxete in Suwanee. Boxete is a combination of street food from all over the world. Customers can taste the culinary delights in their dishes made from scratch by Executive chefs. Q: How did your business get started? A: "Our first…

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Where to Play Pickleball in Gwinnett

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row and it seems like everyone is playing it these days. If you have never heard of pickleball, it is a mixture of tennis and ping-pong played on a smaller tennis court with a paddle. It can be played in singles or doubles so…

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Affordable Gwinnett Wedding Venues

The Knot.Com recently reported that couples in the U.S. spend and average of $30,000 on weddings. We understand not everyone has this type of budget. Gwinnett is home to several gorgeous, affordable venues, so you can save on what is typically a large cost for your big day. 1. Gwinnett Historic…

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Best Proposal Spots in Gwinnett

So, you've found "the one", bought the ring and now it's time to plan the perfect marriage proposal in Gwinnett! We've rounded up some of our favorite spots for Gwinnett marriage proposals. These places combine the best photo backdrops, unique locations and memorable vibes to make that special…

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Plan Your Family Reunion in Gwinnett

Hear from family reunion planning expert, Maurice Odoms. Gwinnett is a very popular destination to host family reunions. From our great parks system to diverse food choices, it is the perfect family-friendly place for your next get together. Senior Sales Manager, Maurice Odoms, loves to help…

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Local Love: Ashli Hazel

We sat down for a Q&A with Ashli Hazel, head Brewmaster at Cultivation Brewing in Norcross. Ashli is the only female brewmaster in Gwinnett County and we are excited to get to know her a little better. Continue reading for more on her story and be sure to stop by Cultivation to say hey! Q:…

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Shop Small This Father’s Day

Not sure what to get Dad this Father’s Day? We recommend shopping small in Gwinnett. Gwinnett’s full of one-of-a-kind stores. Here are just a few recommendations of where you can pick up a gift for the dad in your life. The Chocolaterie Is Dad a chocoholic? If so, he’ll love a sweet surprise…

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Local Love: Damian AhChing

We sat down for a Q&A with Damian AhChing in honor of Pride Month. Damian is the Director of Media & Events for Local Restaurant Group- a hospitality umbrella over 6 restaurants; Local Republic, Strange Taco Bar, LR Burger, and High Voltage Wings. The restaurant group has expanded from a single…

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Local Love: Thip Athakhanh

We sat down for a Q&A with Thip Athakhanh, owner of Snackboxe Bistro, a Lao Street Food restaurant in Duluth in honor of AAPI month. They are more than just sticky rice, you will experience a casual, relaxed atmosphere serving cuisine from Southeast Asia that is full of savory flavors and spices…

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Hospitality Heroes

May 7-13th is National Travel & Tourism Week To celebrate NTTW we wanted to highlight a few hospitality heroes in Gwinnett County. The hospitality industry is obviously very near and dear to our hearts, but it also services thousands of jobs. This industry includes hotels, restaurants, venues…

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