There’s a buzz going around about the sweet and savory city on the hill. You know about Gwinnett’s best concert venue, The Bowl amphitheater that brings concerts like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Collective Soul to downtown Sugar Hill. You’ve heard about the gorgeous Art Deco-style Eagle Theatre and the $2 Tuesday movie series, concerts, and live performances. You may have visited the beautiful E Center and your kids have probably asked you to take them to the Splash Park. But have you gotten a taste of the sweet city’s new shine?
The recently introduced SHINE District represents “Sugar Hill’s Intersection of Neighborhoods and Entertainment.” It’s a nod to the history of moonshining on the Chattahoochee with a highlight of the growing downtown focused on the arts and entertainment.
The SHINE District, which incorporates the E Center, Splash Park, Bowl, and other downtown landmarks, is the destination for traditional entertainment and the arts as well as the culinary and brewing arts. Sugar Hill’s City Council passed local ordinances allowing for the entertainment district last year and with new businesses and a brewery opening in downtown, this summer will be the first time the SHINE District is in full effect.
Patrons may purchase alcoholic beverages from local downtown vendors within the SHINE District and take their SHINE drink anywhere within the district, including the Bowl, Splash Park, or E Center plaza.
Sugar Hill’s downtown is also full of unique dining options perfect for pairing with all palates. Rushing Trading Co. has been serving up gourmet coffee, biscuits, soups, salads, and sandwiches, charcuterie trays, and cocktails since opening this January. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a great cocktail in a cozy setting (or take it to-go).
Nearby, recently-opened Central City Tavern offers an upscale sports bar feel anchored by a diverse lunch and dinner menu featuring items like grouper tacos, burgers, and wings of all flavors. Their creative cocktail list, as well as an extensive range of brews on tap, combine with large screen TVs and outdoor dining space to create the perfect environment to watch the game or catch up with friends and neighbors.
Crazy Dough’s Pizza opened earlier this year and has been serving up artisan pizza for lunch and dinner. Flavors like their smokehouse pizza incorporate unique ingredients including pulled pork, and pimento cheese, but even lovers of classic cheese or pepperoni pizza will want to grab a slice or a whole pie to share (or not).
The long-awaited Indio Brewing opened in June with creative brews including a double dry-hopped IPA as well as a solid stout and sour to round out the menu.
With dining options for all tastes and a slate of summer events, Sugar Hill brings together culinary classics and community experiences for a taste of summer that is sure to please.
