In the spirit of the Braselton Artisan & Antique Festival this weekend (yipee!), I thought what better way to celebrate than to celebrate one local Artisan & Antique shop!

I am new to Pretty Petals & Pickin's but stopped in a couple weeks ago and loved some of their items! I had also been eyeballing some adorable metal pieces they had hanging outside.

Located on 53 in downtown Hoschton, this is a GREAT spot for gifts or decor!

The Porch Frog:
**Unfortunately, The Porch Frog has closed its doors for good. We will miss you, Porch Frog!

Pretty Petals & Pickin's:
Address: 4165 Georgia 53, Hoschton, GA 30548
Website: https://prettypetalsandpickins.com/

Have you ever REALLY experienced Braselton if you haven't stopped at Local Station? I don't think so! It's a Braselton staple.

Local Station is THE spot in Braselton for lunch or dinner, drinks with the ladies, or just a snack on the patio! The drinks are delicious, service is stellar, and the food is great (I had a less-than-stellar lunch today, but the service took care of it!).

Personally, I love to enjoy the patio or fresh air at the bar with a yummy drink and delicious salad. What's your favorite thing at Local Station?

Address: 108 Brassie Lane, Braselton
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/American-Restaurant/Local-Station-632795316907113/

I am absolutely LOVING the growth in downtown Braselton. So many great places popping up! And quite possibly my favorite is the addition of Braselton Brewing Company! Located across from the town green, Braselton Brewing Company took an old, historic building (I believe it was a cotton gin?) and renovated it into a beautiful brewpub!

BBC features a number of their own brews, plus some local wines, and a decent food menu! I am a fan of the pretzel bites & beer cheese, personally! An assortment of beers leaves a little something for everyone.

And then the ambiance? It's beautiful inside, plus a dog-friendly patio and upstairs space perfect for small events! This is THE place to meet friends for dinner and drinks, or even just wind down after a long week.

Overall, I give BBC two paws from the furry friends and two thumbs up from me!

Location: 9859 Davis Street, Braselton, GA 30517
Website: https://www.braseltonbrewing.com/

Calling all dog lovers! When the weather is nice, there is nothing better than taking your four-legged friend out to play. So where are the best places to take your pup? Check out the list below, and comment with any additional spots!

Dog Parks

• Cherokee Bluffs Park in Hall County
• Statham Dog Park
• Southeast Clarke Park/World of Wonder in Athens
• Mulberry Creek Recreation Center in Flowery Branch
• Rabbit Hill Dog Park in Dacula
• Athens Memorial Park
• Sandy Creek Park in Athens

Dog-Friendly Locations

• Braselton Brewing Company is dog-friendly out on the patio
• Blake's of Braselton is dog-friendly in the pavilion garden
• Strange Duck Brewing allows dogs on the deck (and provides water bowls!)
• Fort Yargo State Park
• Mulberry Walk trail in Braselton
• Little Mulberry Park in Dacula

While warmer weather is on the way, while we are in the midst of cold, rainy weather, my kids are going absolutely bonkers stuck in the house! So it's time to get out and explore. Where are the BEST places to take your kids on the cold, rainy days? Below are our favorites; comment below with YOUR favorites!

• The Rig: Our very own, locally owned Ninja Gym!Open gym available most Saturdays and Sundays. https://www.theriggym.com/
• Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) in Gainesville: Hands-on children's museum with tons of fun activities to keep the kids entertained. http://www.inkfun.org/
• House of Clay in Braselton: Paint your own pottery, which is always a fun activity for the kids! https://www.facebook.com/House-of-Clay-Braselton-368233573275923/
• Billy Beez at the Mall of Georgia: Indoor playground area. https://billybeezus.com/location/mall-of-georgia/
• Rockin' Jump in Buford: Indoor trampoline park. https://rockinjump.com/buford/
• Funopolis Family Fun Center in Commerce: TONS of fun activities! While there are fun things outdoors, too, there are plenty of fun activities inside when the weather isn't ideal. https://www.funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com/things-to-do/attractions/

So where are YOUR favorite places to take your kids when the weather stinks?? Comment below!

You pass by them all the time, maybe grab a book or two here and there, but do you REALLY know all that our libraries in Jackson County have to offer? We are lucky to have some GREAT libraries! Check out the amazing programs and services our libraries offer (in addition to, of course, a wonderful selection of books):

All of our libraries offer the following through PINES:

• eBooks
• Audiobooks
• Online language learning through Mango Languages
• Magazines
• eRead Kids- ebooks for children
• Access to ABC Mouse (at the library only)
• Free admission to Zoo Atlanta for up to 4 people (after viewing the special zoo video!)
• Passes for free admission & parking to most of Georgia's state parks
• Free or discounted rates to many museums and educational venues across the state
• Online legal forms

Library Locations & Additional Services

Braselton- https://braselton.prlib.org/
Braselton location offers a variety of storytimes and special events that vary by month. See below for February 2020's calendar. You can always check out their website to see upcoming events!

Maysville- https://maysville.prlib.org/
The Maysville location offers a variety of wonderful perks for their patrons:
1. We have a room devoted just to children and their activities.  We have toys and books and this is where we hold story time.  The children enjoy having their own space where they don't have to be so quiet.
2. Being in a small community, we are very interconnected with our patrons.  We know almost all of them, know about their families, what they like to read and they seem like they just enjoy talking to us.
3. Also being in a small community, we are involved in community outreach.  Along with the City of Maysville government, we host a community Egg Hunt at Easter and participate in the Fall Festival and parade in October.
4. Classes/Events include: Adult Spanish Classes (Monday), Storytime (Monday), Sewing Group (2nd and Last Tuesday) and Book Club (Second Thursday)

Nicholson (Harold S. Swindle Public Library)- https://nicholson.prlib.org/
The only Passport Acceptance Facility in Jackson County! We can assist with passport applications by appointment: (706) 757-3577

Commerce- https://commerce.prlib.org/
1. The Commerce Public Library is home to the Dorothy and Lamartine G. Hardman Jr. History Room, a wealth of local and state history as well as pictures, newspapers and microfilm. monthly programs on Korean Culture.
2. The library also has a Memorial Garden where families can sit and enjoy a good book or have a picnic.
3. We offer monthly programs on various aspects of Korean Culture.
4. We have  ESL classes, an interactive children’s program called Kidsercise and new  Anime Club for teens among much more.
5. See below for their February 2020 calendar of events! You can find updated calendars and events on their website.

You can also check out the hours and special events for these locations:

• Talmo: https://talmo.prlib.org/
• Jefferson: https://jefferson.prlib.org/

Happy National Ice Cream Day! What an awesome day, and the weather is perfect to enjoy a scoop or a shake!

We are so lucky to have some GREAT ice cream shops around! My favorites are Juke N Jive Creamery in Braselton & Swirlee's Frozen Yogurt in Jefferson, and if you're lucky enough to have Tikiz of NE Atlanta come through your neighborhood, you're in for a delicious treat!

Where is YOUR favorite spot to grab a treat, and what’s your go-to flavor?

Juke N Jive Creamery
Address: 6342 Grand Hickory Drive Suite 101 Braselton, GA 30517
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JukeNJiveCreamery/

Swirlee's Frozen Yogurt
Address: 98 N Public Sq Jefferson, GA 30549
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwirleesFrozenYogurt/

Tikiz of NE Atlanta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TikizOfNEAtlanta
*Mobile! Set up a time for them to come through your neighborhood!

I don't know about you, but I LOOOOOOVE a good brunch! If I could brunch every day, I think I would! And we have some terrific brunch spots in & around Jackson County. Check out the list below, and comment with any other suggestions!

• The Galloping Galette- Brunch on Sundays from 10AM-2PM, but really this spot is great for brunch ANYTIME! Yum! Makes you feel like you've been transported to Paris!
• Pat's Eatery- Brunch from 9AM-2PM on Sundays. Large menu with some yummy options!
• Cotton Calf Kitchen- Offers a delictable brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM-3PM. Truly a dining experience at Cotton Calf!
• Jefferson House Restaurant- Serves a homemade, country breakfast Monday through Satuday from 6AM-2:30PM!
• Cream and Shuga- One of my favorite coffee spots!! And they serve some seriously delicious foods, too. Monday- Friday 7AM-2PM, Saturdays 8AM-12PM
• Papa Jack's- This is another homemade, country breakfast hot spot! Breakfast served Monday-Friday from 7AM-11AM, Saturday 7AM-12PM, Sunday 8AM-11:30AM
• The Brunch Apothecary- While not in Jackson County, this place is worth the drive to Dacula! Open Thursday-Sunday from 9AM-2PM, Brunch is their specialty!

Thinking ahead to Valentines Day (which is coming up quickly, gentlemen!). I both love and dislike Valentines Day- love an excuse for a fancier dinner and time with the hubby, but dislike that it is so commercialized. But regardless, I'll stay focused on a fancy dinner! Where are your go-to spots for either Valentines Day or any other "special occasion" (not just your run-of-the-mill date night)? Check out this list of spots in & around Jackson County, and contribute YOUR FAVORITES in the comments!

Cotton Calf Kitchen– Arguably the #1 Special Occasion spot in Jackson County. Melt-in-your-mouth steaks are the highlight of the menu, along with yummy drinks and a cool atmosphere. It’s a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it for the quality of food and service! Make sure you have reservations, as it fills up quickly, ESPECIALLY on the weekends!

Latin Flavors Steakhouse- Did you know about this hidden gem in downtown Winder? Oh my! It is our go-to date night spot. Steaks are amazing, the empanadas are divine, and the desserts are superb! If you want a bit more casual, they have the rooftop for dining, and the Speakeasy in the lower level.

Antebellum- They classify themselves as "Contemporary Southern," and YUM! They put a fine dining spin on some amazing southern dishes. Drinks are delicious (there was a blueberry lemon one I tried last time that I have since tried to replicate but cannot get right!). It is a smaller, more limited menu that changes seasonally, so if you have a picky eater, it's worth checking the menu ahead of time. It's located in historic Flowery Branch in a charming old home. Space is very limited and reservations are required, so make sure to call ahead!

Christmas Lights! What a fun tradition to drive around with some hot chocolate and enjoy beautiful Christmas light displays! This has become one of my family's favorite traditions, and we can't wait to see the beautiful light displays around the county again this year!

The following is a list/map that has been crowdsourced from our Living in Jackson County (Georgia) Facebook group! PLEASE help us to expand this list by contributing addresses of places in & close-by Jackson County with great light displays! You can e-mail them to me (Sarah@SarahProutyRealty.com) or comment in the Facebook group!

Link to the Google Map

Map not working well for you? Below is a list of the addresses in list form!

*= Confirmed for 2022
?= Awaiting confirmation for 2022- Can you help with these so we can get them confirmed? 🙂

Braselton:
* Hunting Hills neighborhood- specifically 61 Pointer Lane (*with music- Beaucamp Christmas Light Show), 20 Beagle Court, and Hunting Hills Drive
* Braselton Town Hall
? Vineyard Gate neighborhood- specifically Summerbrook Road & Walnut Woods Drive
* Riverbend of Mulberry Park- Riverwood Drive, Rivermoore Drive
* Riverstone Park subdivision- especially Riverview Parkway & Stonebridge Cove
? Sienna on the River neighborhood- specifically Sienna Valley Drive
* 1535 Pocket Road

Hoschton:
* 41 Stone Creek Drive
? 69 Granite Drive
? 27 Stoneview Drive
* Heritage Point neighborhood- Especially 1324 Old Glory Court
* 7767 Pendergrass Road
? Braselton Farms Drive
? Legendary Drive (whole neighborhood)
? 74 White Street
? Brighton Park neighborhood

Jefferson:
? Traditions of Braselton (whole neighborhood)- Specifically Traditions Way
* Magnolia Pointe neighborhood- specifically 172 Blackjack Oak Drive, Chickasaw Trail, Magnolia Pointe Drive, Buckthorn Drive
? Red Bud Road (whole neighborhood)
? 112 Fairfield Drive (& the whole neighborhood)
? Wood Farm neighborhood- Wood Farm Drive, 296 Ryans Run, & The Cloisters  (*with music)
* 220 Porter Place (*with music- The Peck Christmas Light Show)
* 203 Raven Ridge (*with music- Raven Ridge Lights)
? 250 Hickory Hollow Drive
? 177 Academy Woods Drive
? Bailey Farms (Bailey Drive), especially 58 Grandville Court
? Lake Vista Drive (whole neighborhood)
? 1617 Burnt Oak Court
? 102 Vantage Drive
* 78 Cheatham Bluff
? 21 Randolph St
? 474 & 500 Jimmy Reynolds Drive
* 239 Coopers Hawk Lane
* Downtown Jefferson
? 660 Washington Street
? 635 Callie Circle
? 212 Still Water Lane
? 3146 Ethridge Road
? Abe Lincoln Way (The whole neighborhood of Heritage at Jefferson)
? 167 Red Bird Drive
* Briar Rose neighborhood (Briar Rose Blvd)
* 105 YZ Sailors Rd
* 129 Athens Street (Jefferson City Hall & City of Jefferson Fire Station)
* 1733 Tugalo Drive (*with music)

Pendergrass:
* 151 Iron Horse Circle
? 1428 Mountain Creek Church Road

Talmo
? 1904 Pond Fork Church Road

Nicholson:
? 111 Hawks Court
? Sawdust Trail (whole neighborhood)
? 18 Old Kings Bridge Road
? Staplers Bridge Road
? 215 Stapler Drive
* 293 Watkins Farm Road (*with music)

Maysville
* Unity Church Road

Commerce:
* 384 Edgefield Drive (and others in the neighborhood)
* 36 Hampton Creek
? Washington Street
? Homer Road (across from Auto Zone)
? Shankle Heights & Bowden Street
? Waterworks Road
? 1577 S Broad Street
? Walnut Street
? Orchard Drive/ Orchard Circle
? Intersection of Paula & Leigh Street
? Ridge Mill Manor neighborhood

Outside of Jackson County:
* Reunion (whole neighborhood)- Specifically Grand Reunion Drive, Cedar Springs Lane, Sycamore Drive, Hickory Branch Drive, Golden Maple Court 
? Windward Road, Winder
? Mockingbird Lane, Flowery Branch
? Hidden Falls Drive, Buford (whole neighborhood)
? 2735 Legislative Lane, Buford
? 2929 Mockingbird Circle, Duluth
? 1833 Smokerise Summit, Stone Mountain
? 2250 Linstone Lane, Grayson
* 299 Cedar Ridge Trail, Lawrenceville (*with music)
? 1270 Great Oaks Drive, Lawrenceville
? 3690 Vinyard Way, Lawrenceville
? Franklin Circle, Dacula
? Whistleville Court, Winder