Hopefully by the time you pick up this issue, spring will be in bloom with pretty yellow daffodils dotting the landscape welcoming a new season. We hope that like spring, this issue is a warm hug that melts the last remnants of a very cold winter, ushering in a much-needed sense of renewal. It’s always around this time each year that my daughter starts waxing poetic on why spring and summer are the superior seasons. Never a fan of coats or long pants, my 9-year-old always longs for the warmth of the sun on her skin and days spent outside. And it makes sense, she’s named after a flower that among other things represents rebirth: a lily. So like a dormant lily ready to once again bloom, my Lilly counts down to springtime.
For many of us, especially our kiddos, we may also already be counting down to summer. This is why we always include our Summer Camp Guide in the spring issue. This year, our guide is jam-packed with a number of wonderful camps that specialize in the arts, sports, and STEM activities, as well as sleepover camps where campers can get the full camp experience.
Along with a new season, this issue highlights some new businesses in our community, such as Bitzel’s Chocolate, which is making Suwanee’s Willy Wonka dreams come true! The new chocolate factory is crafting delicious chocolate confections and giving patrons a behind-the-scenes peek at the entire process. Known as the “glass chocolate factory,” Bitzel’s peels back the curtain so that each step of the chocolate-making process is in view, from growing and harvesting to sorting, molding, packaging and more.
Off the Rails Mexican Cantina opened in downtown Buford this past October, bringing a newMexican restaurant to the area. Created by the husband-and-wife team behind the popular Bare Bones Steakhouse, Off the Rails offers traditional Mexican cuisine in a setting filled with history. A visit to Off the Rails is a true delight for all the senses, from the taste and smell of the delicious food it serves to the sight of all of the amazing memorabilia they’ve collected over the years.
Another reason we eagerly anticipate the spring season is for the return of Suwanee’s favorite day, aka Suwanee Beer Fest. The festival returns to Town Center Park on March 16th with unlimited samples of more than 400 craft beers, along with live music, festival games, vendors, and more. This year, the festival celebrates 13 years, so it’s sure to be bigger than ever. Our handy guide is filled with all the info you need to know before you go.
As you peruse this issue, exploring new businesses and planning summer adventures, we hope that the anticipation of springtime brings a renewed sense of energy and excitement. So let’s savor every moment, knowing that just like the blooming daffodils, we’re on the brink of something beautiful!
