If you’ve never treated yourself to a date, what better time to start than during a pandemic? Alone is pretty darn safe. Pro tip: treat yourself with the same respect, care and consideration that you would another person. Read on for our ideas on how best to use a few hours dedicated to you, you and YOU in downtown Sugar Hill.
Brunch at Rushing Trading Company
Brunch is always a good idea, and you can’t go wrong with the Rushing Trading Company menu. If you’re craving something sweet, there’s an entire column of French toast options. If you’re feeling a little more savory, the biscuits are ginormous and practically eliminate the need for lunch entirely. We also love that RTC has a section of Breakfast Cocktails on the menu – because brunch without booze is just a sad, late breakfast. Thank you for anticipating our needs, RTC.
Take in a Show at Eagle Theatre
If you’ve never taken yourself to a movie, then prepare for your life to be changed. No more compromising between rom-coms and action flicks (and landing somewhere between Lifetime and ABC Family), or sharing your popcorn-and-M&Ms combo. The Eagle Theatre features movies as well as live shows, and is home to the Players Guild at Sugar Hill and the Broad Street Concert Band. Don’t forget to leave a little time to appreciate The Eagle’s awesome art deco aesthetic.
Channel Your Inner Tara Lipinski
Work off that brunch at the Ice Rink at Sugar Hill. Using Hogwarts magic (and insulated foam and hoses), the rink has managed to keep real ice frozen outdoors in Georgia from November through February for your ice skating pleasure. Don’t worry if your triple axel is a little rusty – you’ll see everyone from junior Olympians to full-grown adults using skate trainers. $10 for adult general admission plus a $3 skate rental will get you as much ice time as your ankles can handle.
Indulge in Retail Therapy
While downtown Sugar Hill may only have two retail shops, rest assured that they are quality shopping locales. Perazim features a beautifully curated selection of clothing and accessories (including a kids’ section!), as well as home goods. Next door, you’ll find Southern Grace, a gorgeous boutique owned and operated by the event and floral company of the same name. Southern Grace is like walking into Etsy – while not everything is handmade or locally sourced, the owners make every effort to involve as many local artists and vendors as possible.
Sip Me Baby, One More Time
Make the return trip to Rushing Trading Company to learn brewing methods and Insta-worthy latte art skills with a Master Barista! RTC Barista Classes are two hours long and must be reserved ahead of time. You’ll learn how to make your favorite coffees at home and make them look fancy-schmancy. Barista Class also involves a snack of mini pastries (we’re IN). Upon completion, you will be sent home with a suitable-for-framing certificate and a bag of organic coffee.
Dinner. ALONE.We know grabbing coffee alone is one thing, but actually dining alone can be quite another. We suggest ordering a glass of something alcoholic and eating whatever the hell you want. There is no one to judge your choices. If you must have some company, ditch your usual companion (your phone) and indulge in some uninterrupted reading-and-eating time. Trust us, it will be the most delicious meal you’ve had in a long time. We like the burgers at Central City Tavern, followed by a glass of whatever is on tap at Indio Brewing out by the fire pits, as well as the company of J.K. Rowling’s newest novel. Accio, beer!