Valentine’s Day is just around the bend! And while it may be too late to get a decent table, you can still celebrate your loved one in a new way that’s not entirely as predictable as roses and a mini-box of Godiva’s. On Valentine’s Day, running into your loved one in the grocery checkout line would not make for a memorable holiday.
Mix it up this year, and show your “local love” by stopping at one of Gwinnett’s artisan shops, restaurants or boutiques to find that special gift. One that says, “I know you better than you know yourself.” Check out these local spots we love for a winning Valentine’s surprise.
ANITA DARLING – FINE ARTS
Anita Darling, a Tannery Row-based artist, is a new favorite. Darling’s artistic interest lies in the visual patterns of nature. Her ink and charcoal works merge abstract and real-life flora and fauna. Lovers of both of nature and art will love works of Darling’s.
IG: @anita.darling.fineart
STILLFIRE BREWING
Gwinnett’s brewery line-up has evolved over the years, with more than a dozen craft brewers dotting the county. However, local favorite Stillfire Brewing offers some great partner gifts. For a beer-themed Valentine’s Day, pick up a curated six-pack, a StillFire pilsner insulated tumbler, a dog-safe frisbee and a “motorcycle bandit” unisex sweatshirt. Check out their online shop, or head to Suwanee to create the ultimate beer lover’s gift.
IG: @stillfirebrewing
CRAVE PIE
Love to eat but not to bake? Head to Downtown Duluth’s cozy pie palace, Crave Pie, for an assortment of mini pies or choose from a selection of larger pies. Local favorites include Chocolate Chess, Maple Pecan, Dutch Apple and Chocolate Bourbon.
IG: @cravepie
THE LOCAL PEACH
If you strike out on securing dinner reservations for the big day, head to The Local Peach. This woman-owned business in downtown Norcross features a chef-to-table market. You’ll find local chefs’ authentic products and deliciously fresh meats and cheeses to help construct a killer charcuterie board. You can also find pre-prepared meals like short ribs, chicken piccata and sweet potato and pumpkin pies.
IG: @thelocalpeach
JANG SU JANG
One of the mainstay stops on Explore Gwinnett’s “Seoul of the South” Korean Food Tour is Jang Su Jang. Their regionally recognized, traditional Korean cooking stands out among local restaurants. Next door, you’ll find JS Kitchen, the Korean take-out shop you never knew you needed. JS Kitchen also offers cooking classes, making it a lovely choice for your foodie Valentine. Think marinated bulgogi, Atlanta’s best kimchi and a bevy of ‘banchan’, or side dishes, to choose from.
IG: @JS Kitchen
AURORA THEATRE
Give the gift of entertainment with Aurora Theatre’s mini-season ticket package. Each mini-season ticket includes flexible admission to Kim’s Convenience, Summer, The Donna Summer Musical and The Play That Goes Wrong. As far as perks go, you’ll enjoy exclusive presale seating, and lovers of the arts will benefit from significant savings on each show.
EXPLORE GWINNETT
Lastly, for the Gwinnett County lovers (aren’t we all?), look no further than exploregwinnett.org, where you’ll find comfy and popular “Love, Gwinnett” apparel. Choose from T-shirts, “Love, Gwinnett” dog bandannas and more. Or, opt for the freebie, a postcard and sticker pack including a 4-pack of creative, visual postcards and a mix of local favorite stickers.
—Lisa Anders
Lisa is the Executive Director of Explore Gwinnett, Gwinnett’s official tourism
office, and also serves as Gwinnett’s Camera Ready/film liaison representative
to Georgia’s film/TV industry