This Is Braselton: The 2026 Official Town Guide

The BehindArtistry

Chateau Elan

Discover the creativity behind the winemaking process

Caches & Curiosities

Exploring Braselton through geocaching

A Taste of Braselton

The walks that put a town on the map

WELCOME!

FROM AMY

It’s our pleasure to welcome you to Braselton.

Whether you’re here on vacation, visiting for business or settling into your new hometown, we invite you to experience the sights, sounds and flavors that make Braselton truly unforgettable.

In this edition of This is Braselton, we’re shining a light on hidden gems and behind-the-scenes treasures just waiting to be discovered. Of course, some things we can’t keep secret—like our small-town Southern charm where a storybook castle stands alongside a world-class resort and winery and the thrill of fast cars is rivaled only by the warmth of the people you’ll meet.

Stroll through our vibrant historic downtown, where every corner whispers a piece of our past. Enjoy a meal at one of our welcoming local restaurants, sip wine as the sun sets or spread a blanket on the lawn for a summer evening movie under the stars. No matter what brings you here, we’re delighted to welcome you. We hope you’ll feel the spirit of our community, fall in love with our unique character and—most of all—feel right at home. After all, Braselton’s best-kept secrets are yours to discover.

Amy Pinnell

Braselton Community Development Director

FROM LAUREN

Welcome to Braselton!

No matter if you’re here for a quick getaway, a business trip or to explore the place you now call home, we invite you to discover all that makes our town unforgettable.

In this issue of This is Braselton, you’ll find stories that highlight the heart of our community—historic treasures, local favorites and experiences that make every visit special. From the timeless beauty of Chateau Elan Winery & Resort to the excitement of Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, from the charm of our historic downtown to the warmth of our people, Braselton is filled with experiences as unique as the people who visit.

Take time to wander through our shops and restaurants, savor a glass of locally crafted wine or enjoy one of our many events on the Town Green. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure or a bit of both, you’ll find it here.

We are so glad you’re here and we hope you’ll feel the spirit of Braselton as you explore. May your time with us be filled with memorable moments, new discoveries and plenty of reasons to return again soon.

Lauren Leonard Braselton Tourism Director

INSIDE WHAT’S

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Artistry Behind Chateau Elan Winery

A behind-the-scenes look into the creative process behind winemaking with winemaker Simone Bergese.

Braselton’s Worst Kept Secrets

Discover the 10 “worst” kept secrets behind Braselton’s best spots, activities, hidden gems and more!

Favorite Things About Being a Braselton Tour Guide

Get the inside scoop on Braselton’s beloved tour guides, who are the heart and soul of our town.

Braselton’s Best Stories of Preservation

Dive into four tales of preservation success stories, featuring some of the town’s most iconic buildings.

Caches & Curiosities

Find out from the community which local businesses your friends and family love to visit!

Taste Test: Braselton Cocktail Trail

Take a trip through the iconic Braselton Cocktail Trail, featuring unique and delicious sips.

Behind the Scenes in Braselton

Get ready for an insider look into the hidden gems, people and stories that make Braselton such a wonderful place to experience! From a spotlight on our incredible Bee Team volunteers who make our events legendary to an exciting look at the world of geocaching with surprises tucked around every corner in our town, we’ve uncovered every secret that Braselton has to offer.

CREDIT: Jennifer Mottola, East2West Creative COVER STORY

Staff Favorites

Become a Braselton foodie insider by learning about the favorite dishes and sips from staff at our prized establishments.

Never Have I Ever Done Date Night in Downtown Braselton

Embark on the perfect date night experience with a staycation featuring the best bites, sips and stays in our town!

Fully Stocked in Small Town Charm

Discover the stories behind four local businesses and the owners who have driven them to their success.

Walk on Our Wild Side

Explore nine insider facts behind Braselton West’s roots from humble beginnings to sprawling success.

Day Trippin’ in Braselton

Experience the perfect day in our town, whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, retail therapy, family-friendly adventure or golf getaway.

The Buzz Behind the Braselton Bee Team

Learn about the incredible volunteers behind our Bee Team who do it all, from helping run events to historical preservation.

The Craft of Creativity: How To Beadjoux

Uncover the secrets behind beading through the eyes of Braselton’s very own speciality bead shop, offering speciality workshops and more.

Citizens Academy

Discover a new side of Braselton with this immersive learning program that gives residents insight into how our town operates.

Motul Petit Le Mans

Get a look into the ins and outs behind the Southeast’s iconic racing event!

A Taste of Braselton

Take a journey through our town’s sensational food and drink walks that have put our town on the map.

BEHIND SCENES THE IN BRASELTON

Have you ever dreamed of diving behind the scenes in the Town of Braselton to reveal its secrets, hidden gems and unique stories? In our 2026 issue, we’ve decided to go undercover to give you an insider perspective on what makes our town so special. As you dive deeper into the stories woven between these pages, you’ll discover the heart and soul of our vibrant community.

Perhaps one of the most well-known points of interest in our town is Chateau Elan Winery, known for producing exceptional sips that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. One story that has yet to be uncovered by this French-style property is that of winemaker Simone Bergese, who is the visionary behind the wine varieties you know and love. We took a visit over to the property during peak harvest season, uncovering not only the entire wine-making process but also getting the inside scoop from Simone on his secrets of success for the winery. It’s a tale of hard work, creativity and innovation that’s sure to stick with you the next time you visit the property or open a bottle of wine.

After taking a journey through our town’s wine country, you’ll also uncover the buzz behind the Braselton Bee Team. This volunteer-based organization helps support our incredible events, from the Braselton Farmers Market and Holiday Parade & Festival to many others. If you’re a frequent event goer, these incredible volunteers will likely be a familiar face. Each Bee Team member has a unique story to share of how they found themselves in Braselton, and the role they play in making our community events truly extraordinary.

Along with spotlighting our volunteers, we took the time to sit down with our town’s local guides, who are certified experts in all things Braselton! They reveal their favorite things about being a Braselton tour guide, along with the story behind falling in love with our town and its people. This feature will leave you inspired to hop aboard one of our guided tours and explore the history and magic of our town.

Speaking of hopping aboard the trolley, in our Taste Test feature, we take you along Braselton’s Cocktail Trail! This interactive tour takes you to the best of Braselton’s wineries, bars and establishments for a taste test adventure like no other! Whether you choose to take the Braselton trolley or your own mode of transportation, this self-guided experience offers an inside look into our town’s unique mixology scene. Whether you’re looking for a fun outing with friends, a twist on your traditional date night or an immersive drinking experience, the Braselton Cocktail Trail checks all of the boxes!

The immersive experiences continue as we highlight the food and drink walks that have now evolved into awardwinning traditions in our town. From the Downtown Chocolate Walk, Cravin’ Bacon Walk and Downtown Wine Walk to the Braselton West Wine Hop, let’s just say we know how to transport you on a culinary adventure! Learn more about how these unique experiences work, like where to find a map to jumpstart your foodie journey.

For our thrill seekers, we dive into the world of racing with an insider look into the media center during the Motul Petit Le Mans. While you may think most of the action is out on the track, inside the media center, there’s this electric energy where photographers, PR professionals, journalists and other essential employees are gathered together. You’ll discover the magic behind the fast-paced environment that helps fuel this prestigious American racing event.

Rooted in our town’s atmosphere is a shared sense of pride for our history, including its buildings that have long called Braselton home. What you may not know is that some of our town’s iconic establishments, such as the Enterprise Roller Mill, could have easily vanshed from memory. Through the commitment and vision of our leadership to ensure history is preserved, we dive into the stories of four treasured landmarks that today are incredible spaces, reimaged and transformed to fit the town’s needs while keeping their legacies alive and well.

If you have a curiosity for what else is waiting to be discovered in our town, we invite you to explore the world of geocaching. This new-age phenomenon offers a dash of mystery, fun and adventure to anyone who visits our town! Through an app on your phone, you can embark on a scavenger hunt, following clues to different locations around Braselton that will reveal a fun cache or “prize.” It’s a great family-friendly activity that will let you uncover hidden treasures across our community.

There are still so many stories waiting to be explored in Braselton! Whether you’re visiting for the day or on an overnight adventure, there’s so much to experience from delicious culinary feasts and exceptional sips to immersive experiences and more. As you flip through these pages and uncover the magic of what makes our community so special, you’ll discover just what it means to be a Braselton insider!

The Artistry

BEHIND CHATEAU ELAN WINERY

Featuring picturesque fields of growing grape vines, Chateau Elan stands as a premier winery and culinary destination. It’s known for its French-style charm, incredible wine selection, top-notch restaurants and luxe amenities. You’ll find no shortage of locals and visitors alike flocking to this stunning property to get a taste of their exceptional wines. We went behind the scenes to discover the secrets behind the success of this winery, from speaking with winemaker Simone Bergese to seeing the production process itself, so you can discover the artistry behind Chateau Elan.

At the head of the wine operation is Simone Bergese, who has over 25 years of global experience. He was born in Alba, a town in the Piedmont region of Italy, known for its wine and white truffles. It’s the embodiment of what you imagine a wine country to look like! His grandfather operated a vineyard but passed away when Simone was just two years old, so while he has generational ties to the world of viticulture, Simone found a passion for it on his own. As a young man, he enrolled in a hospitality school for food science and ended up taking a class on wine, leading to his discovery of love for this sector of the industry. The only challenge for Simone was that his fellow classmates already had experience with vineyards, whether they grew up with a family property or operated their own. This meant that Simone had to work twice as hard to catch up with everyone else’s level of expertise. While his classmates could instantly understand what was being taught, Simone had to “find the connection between what he was learning and put it into practice.” In the end, it made Simone a better student.

Simone decided to seek practical experience by working two harvests during the peak season at vineyards in Northern Italy and Australia, allowing him to catch up to his classmates. By gaining this dual-hemisphere experience, Simone was able not only to put his studies into practice, but also to learn two different styles of technique for cultivating grapevines. Talk about being an overachiever! In Northern Italy, specifically the Piedmont region, they prefer a boutique style of making wine to produce small batches. This often allows the winemaker to have a personal connection to the batches they craft because they have more artistic freedom. As for Australia, the process is completely different as the winemakers operate on a larger scale, producing millions of bottles.

Simone prefers a style of craftsmanship somewhere in the middle where he is involved with each step of the process and is able to maintain high production. He soon graduated Cum Laude in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Turin and continued to refine his expertise in Sicily as Chief Winemaker at Patri Winery.

The trajectory of his career soon changed course after meeting his now-wife, who was a sailing instructor in Australia. She moved to Sicily while Simone continued his work and soon after, both decided it was time to move on. He looked at various international destinations, including South Africa but instead ended up choosing an unlikely spot in the United States - Virginia. While many don’t immediately think of Virginia when thinking of the wine industry, at the time in 2008, they were looking for European winemakers to help transform their reputation. He landed at Potomac Point Winery where he was able to have creative freedom. Four years later he received a phone call from a winery in Georgia asking him to come be their new winemaker. As soon as he saw the property in person, he felt an instant connection. He and his wife quickly packed their bags and headed to Braselton, joining our wonderful community henceforth.

After arriving at Chateau Elan, Simone quickly identified an opportunity for improvement to take the production to the next level. The vineyard had been cultivating grape varieties not native to Georgia. Because grape-growing success depends heavily on regional factors like soil, climate and rainfall, Simone led a shift toward planting muscadine—the official grape of Georgia. Native to the South, muscadine vines thrive in the local environment and are naturally resistant to common fungal diseases. This transition not only celebrates Georgia’s agricultural heritage but also allows the vineyard to remain free of pesticides and other chemicals, thanks to the hardy nature of the native grape.

So what did this mean for Chateau Elan? Instead of trying to grow grapevine species that weren’t producing, they focused on what would thrive and shifted to only growing that species on the property. Then they created a program to work with several wineries in California to acquire their grape varieties. California grows the grapes, transports them to Chateau Elan and that’s when Simone and his team take over the remaining stages from blending to bottling. The results? Chateau Elan grew from producing 5,000 cases of wine annually to 50,000! They also expanded production from seven wines to over 30, many of which we’re all familiar with and love.

Simone’s exceptional work has earned him more than 500 awards, including Sweepstakes Winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. For this specific award, Simone shared that Chateau Elan was the only winery representing the East Coast. The wine they entered was a white port that was harvested in 2017 and bottled in 2022. This method of experimentation is one of Simone’s favorite aspects of the entire process. He shared that you start with science but end with creativity. Other awards include Wine Enthusiast’s Editor’s Choice Award and recognition as Decanter World Wine Awards’ Top 200 Wines of the World.

Now that we’ve uncovered the secrets behind Winemaker Simone Bergese and his team, let’s dive into the world of winemaking at our enchanting Chateau Elan. With the property only growing muscandine, harvesting is a simple matter of waiting for the grape vines to reach peak readiness. This occurs sometime between August and November and, depending on how much the grapevines produce, the team may only have 10-15 days to collect them.

For this process, Simone and one of his team members head over to the fields using a hightech harvester. They go carefully through each row of vines as the rods on the harvester gently shake the grapes, dropping them into a storage bucket attached to the machine. Once the bucket is completely full, they head over to the backside of the winery where the rest of the team is waiting. This side of production involves an intriguing process of the buckets being dumped into a large automated machine. This machine removes any debris (and sometimes critters like spiders) and stems from the grapes so they can be crushed. It’s a very loud process as the grapes are crushed and sorted!

As they continue crushing the buckets of harvested grapes, each batch creates a mixture known as must. Must is the combination of the pulp and juice that comes from the crushed grapes. The team then takes this mixture and puts it into barrels for the fermentation part of the process. At this stage, the natural evolution of wine occurs, where the yeast converts the sugars into alcohol. The time from harvesting

The completion of fermentation can vary but Simone has a rare gift for knowing exactly when it’s ready. Through his expertise, he can tell when the features he’s looking for in the wine are present. Once that point has happened, Simone and his team will blend different barrels together for the final product. This is where Simone’s creativity shines, enabling him to achieve just the right taste and look for the finished wine. After blending, the bottling process begins, where his team uses machinery to bottle the wine and package it for transportation.

Through Simone’s artistic vision and his team’s hard work, Chateau Elan is now known as Georgia’s largest wine producer. The property is truly from the images of the storybook, from the French estate with exceptional views of the vineyard to the gorgeous tasting room at the Vineyard Ballroom. As for the future, Simone envisions the winery engaging with the local community more through unique events and programs. One thing’s for sure, with Simone Bergese leading the winery, Chateau Elan will keep establishing itself as a top destination for Braselton locals and travelers from around the world to flock to for an exceptional experience.

Braselton

has some secrets— but we haven’t exactly been quiet about them!

Braselton is full of surprises hidden in plain sight. It’s a town with enchanting charm and Southern hospitality that welcomes you with open arms. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have called this place home for years, there’s always something new to discover or rediscover in our perfect corner of Northeast Georgia.

We’ve rounded up a few of Braselton’s “worst” kept secrets, including the fun facts, favorite spots, fun activities and littleknown gems that make this town so special. Don’t be shy, explore, share and maybe keep one or two to yourself!

All Aboard!

In Braselton, there’s no need to drive when you can take a ride in vintage style. The Braselton Trolley is more than just a charming throwback; it’s a convenient and free way to get around town! With its bright red exterior and ringing bell, the trolley loops through key spots such as Historic Downtown, the Braselton Library, Falls of Braselton, Mulberry RiverWalk, Reunion Hall and Chateau Elan. Stopping at each of these destinations about once an hour, the trolley runs from 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. on Fridays, 11:00 a.m.11:00 p.m. on Saturdays and during special events. Hop on, grab a seat and enjoy the ride. All Aboard!

Sip Along the Cocktail Trail

Braselton’s Cocktail Trail brings together some of the town’s most creative bartenders and delicious discoveries.

Curated by Explore Braselton, this selfguided experience includes signature cocktails from classic drink destinations such as Local Station, Rebar, Cork It Braselton and others! Each location offers a signature concoction that captures the spirit of Braselton. And the best part? You don’t have to drive. Just hop on the Braselton Trolley and let it take you from one place to the next–no designated driver needed. Cheers to that!

Farm Fresh Finds on the Town Green

Braselton’s Town Green transforms into a hub of homegrown goodness and artisan goodies every Friday afternoon from May to September (and on select Fridays the rest of the year). The Braselton Farmers Market features everything from fresh produce to baked goods and even local meats and cheeses. Head out to the Town Green from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Fridays and enjoy the local community and the sunshine!

Kim Basinger Once Bought (Almost) the Whole Town

Here’s a secret even some locals don’t know– in 1989, actress Kim Basinger bought nearly 1,700 acres of land in Braselton with a group of investors. She dreamed of turning the land into a hub for film and tourism. While the plan didn’t pan out, it made headlines and gave us a fun tale to add to Braselton’s rich history.

Small Town Charm Meets the Big City

Travel by Golf Cart

Braselton’s LifePath makes everyday errands or casual outings possible without starting your car. This 10-footwide concrete path spans 1.7 miles and is designed for pedestrians, cyclists and yes, even golf carts! The pathway connects neighborhoods with everyday destinations like restaurants, shops, medical offices and even Chateau Elan. Whether grabbing lunch at Jack’s Public House or checking in at NGMC, the LifePath offers

Braselton brings the small-town charm, but did you know it spans across Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson County and uses four ZIP codes? That’s a pretty impressive footprint for a town of its size. It just goes to show that Braselton’s reach stretches far beyond its quaint downtown.

Home to North Georgia’s Favorite Antique Festival

Twice a year, downtown Braselton becomes a treasure hunter’s paradise. The Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival brings 200+ vendors from across the Southeast, attracting thousands of visitors each spring and fall. From vintage furniture and handcrafted foods to original artwork and special collectibles, this festival has everything you could want and more. Plus, enjoy local food vendors, live music and an energetic atmosphere that is a shopping extravaganza and community celebration.

Explore a Fairytale Castle

Discover the feeling of walking through the pages of a storybook by checking out Chateau Elan! This award-winning winery and resort sits on stunning 3,500 acres of land, featuring high-end restaurants, a golf course, a world-class spa and, of course, beautiful fields of grapevines. A trip to Braselton isn’t complete without stopping by this gorgeous chateau, whether it’s for a foodie adventure or an incredible wine tasting.

A Picturesque Nature Escape

Just minutes from downtown, the Mulberry River Walk offers a peaceful retreat for a chance to pause and reconnect. This scenic 2-mile, out-and-back trail winds alongside the tranquil Mulberry River under a lush canopy of trees. You’ll find sandy banks perfect for wading, wooden bridges to cross and quiet spots for reflection. The Mulberry River Walk is Braselton’s not-so-secret escape

Where Public art Flourishes

Interwoven into Braselton’s story is the exploration of creativity through public art. You’ll discover something around every corner, from gorgeous murals to colorful crosswalks. Take the time to walk around our downtown area and discover exciting pieces created by local artists. There’s also a colorfully decorated photo booth located outside of The 1904 so you can commemorate your artistic adventure.

Braselton’s Buy Local eGift Cards make the perfect gift for anyone who loves to support small businesses!

HOW IT WORKS:

1

Purchase a gift card online

2

Choose a recipient to receive via email or text message

3

Your recipient can redeem the gift card at their favorite participating retailers, restaurants, services and entertainment merchants in town!

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE YOUR EGIFT CARD

Your dollars stay local, and the recipient gets exactly what they want. With 40+ participating locations, there is something for everyone in Braselton!

Favorite Things About Being a Braselton Tour Guide

Our wonderful community is a hub of excitement, with so many things to do and see every day! One unique way to explore all that Braselton has to offer is by hopping on board one of our trolleys. From our regular Friday and Saturday routes, special holiday lights tours to the Cocktail Trail and more, there are plenty of ways to experience a new side of Braselton!

And while some tours are self-guided adventures that let you explore at your own pace, our Historic Downtown tours feature friendly and knowledgeable history connoisseurs, the heart and soul behind many personalized experiences. These guides hold the keys to the town’s colorful past and fascinating characters — unlocking the secrets that make Braselton so special.

We got the inside scoop from two resident experts, Amy Pinnell and Rand Banks, on their favorite parts about being Braselton tour guides. Buckle up and get ready to learn more about these two incredible guides!

Planting New Roots in Braselton

While Amy and Rand are experts on all things Braselton, they are actually both transplants to the area! In fact, Amy shared that she grew up in New Mexico and it wasn’t until she met her husband, who was a Georgia boy from Barrow County, that she came over to the Peach State. After getting married, they decided to move to Jackson County to raise their family and have stayed here ever since. Rand has a similar story, as he was born and raised in South Carolina. He migrated to Georgia 35 years ago and has remained a local since then. It’s often been said that our town is truly a welcoming and inviting place to live but it’s people like Amy and Rand that prove just how true it is. Amy loved the Braselton community because of its rich history and commitment to preservation. As a tour guide, she gets to uncover new information and share it with others, which is a rewarding aspect of the role. Rand also shared that he loves how friendly everyone is, with everyone coming together as a community. You get the small-town feel but at the same time, there’s always something going on so there’s a sense of excitement.

Where Unique Backgrounds and Experiences Come Together

If you’re wondering how two individuals from different states ended up both becoming Braselton tour guides, we have just the answers for you. Amy has a background in the travel industry, where she previously chartered buses to take groups of senior citizens on excursions. After moving to Braselton and joining the town staff 13 years ago, Amy saw a need to tell the story of our unique community and decided to jump right in. She has worked her way from downtown director to community development director, which is now her main role. While working as the downtown director, Amy inherited the task of looking over the town archives, which became a passion project of hers to preserve Braselton’s history.

Rand worked in the business sector and retired about 10 years ago. Thinking that retirement would be the best thing in the world, he didn’t expect to get bored 6 months down the road! It was from there that he discovered a passion for working with kids who have special needs, soon becoming a Gwinnett County teacher. After looking for a summer job to occupy his time during the school break, he discovered a listing for a trolley driver. Once the Explore Braselton team saw his resume with experience working as an interpretive educator for Gwinnett County Parks, they asked him if he’d be interested in becoming a tour guide and the rest is history!

Crafting New Connections On Each Tour

A shared sentiment between Amy and Rand when it comes to why they love leading tours is for the people. Rand shared that he always takes the time to talk to each person on his tour and get to know a little bit about them. Each tour that he conducts is always different and based on the people who are with him. He gets a real sense of accomplishment when people leave one of his tours smiling and excited to share the experience with their friends. It’s also a special moment for Rand when he gets someone on his tour who grew up in Braselton. He loves hearing their personal stories of day-to-day life or a recollection of a past event. He’ll ask the individual if he can share their story and if so, he’ll share it forward, collecting new tales from the people that he encounters. Rand shared furthermore that when you join a Braselton tour, just know that, “We’re going to have fun, walk around and get to know each other. At the end of the day, you’ll think about how great a time we had together.”

It’s a similar feeling for Amy as she loves it when someone

on her tour learns something new that they didn’t know before. She shared that when she tells a story and someone has a lightbulb moment where they go, “I’ve always wondered why that was like that,” it’s such a fun thing to witness. Amy also loves getting to see the people on her tours at other Braselton events because they’ll recognize her and stop to catch up for a moment. It’s those connections to people that make being a tour guide such a rewarding experience for Amy and Rand. Amy warmly shared that, “We do phenomenal tours and what’s really fun is that if you love history, historic preservation or revitalization of a downtown, you’re going to learn something new and you’re going to enjoy it.” That’s also what makes being a tour guide such a fulfilling role for Amy, as she gets to share her love of Braselton’s history with everyone who joins her tours.

The biggest takeaway from speaking with Amy Pinnell and Rand Banks is how deeply their love for the Braselton community shines through every tour they lead. Joining a tour is more than just sightseeing—it’s a chance to connect with the heart of the town and meet incredible guides like Amy and Rand. They’re always ready to share the stories, history and hidden charm of Braselton with anyone willing to listen.

BRASELTON’S BEST

STORIES OF

Preservation

Four tales of how Braselton turned potential teardowns

into treasured landmarks

These four preservation success stories prove that with creativity, commitment and community support, Braselton’s historic buildings can continue serving new generations while honoring their remarkable past. “I think it’s important to keep as many historical buildings in the downtown area as possible. People come to downtown for the history and connection a small town offers,” said Cheri Winham Huff, longtime downtown business owner and Braselton DDA Design Committee member.

FUN FACT:

The Mill signage features two pieces of original equipment that had to be removed from the building during the rehabilitation.

FROM GRAIN TO GLORY THE ENTERPRISE ROLLER MILL:

BEFORE

By 2010, the towering three-story mill at the heart of downtown looked like it was ready to surrender. Built in 1900 by the Braselton Brothers as Northeast Georgia’s first full roller process flour mill, it had survived a 1920 tornado and decades of operation before closing in the mid-1960s. For nearly 50 years, this architectural giant sat empty, weathered and wondering what its future held.

THE STRUGGLE

“It took so long to figure out what to do with it,” former Town Manager Jennifer Scott said. The challenge wasn’t just structural—it was philosophical. The original mill equipment wasn’t just sitting in the building; it WAS the building. “The building doesn’t exist without the equipment,” Scott said. But Braselton couldn’t afford to turn it into a moneylosing museum and town officials and residents were split on whether to preserve or modernize.

THE BREAKTHROUGH

Enter Arcollab’s team of historic preservation architects who specialize in adaptive reuse. Their vision? Keep the mill as a living museum while adding a compatible modern addition for the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority. The solution was elegant: a glass lobby “hyphen” connecting old and new with a raised boardwalk entrance that respects both the building’s history and the town’s topography.

AFTER

Today, The Mill stands proudly in its original colors— yes, it was always painted that distinctive white with red trim! Scott had the paint analyzed by a Chicago company to get it historically accurate. Inside, visitors can step back to 1965, when millers simply walked away after their last day of work, leaving everything exactly as it was. The museum showcases the complete original equipment while the new addition houses offices and a welcome center.

Tourism Director Lauren Leonard said that visitors are welcome to peruse the mill’s first floor any time the welcome center is open. Guided tours of the second and third floors are offered during the monthly Historic Downtown Trolley Tour, and private tours can be arranged.

THE 1904:

WHERE OLD-TIME MERCANTILE MEETS MODERN COMMUNITY

BEFORE

The stately brick Braselton Brothers Department Store stood empty and uncertain after the Braselton Antique Mall closed in 2020, following owner Robbie Bettis’ passing. This three-story beauty, built in 1904 with additions in 1910 and the 1950s, had been the beating heart of downtown for generations—a place where families gathered, shared news and bought everything from shoes to groceries.

THE TRANSFORMATION

The approach honored the building’s bones while breathing new life into its spaces. The 1950s addition already housed successful restaurants like The Galloping Galette (serving authentic French crêpes and galettes from Brittany, France) and Cotton Calf Kitchen (a 120-seat steakhouse known for dry-aged steaks and Key lime pie).

THE VISION

The Braselton Urban Redevelopment Agency saw opportunity in the emptiness. Why not return this grand building to its mercantile roots? The goal: create a modern-day version of the old-time general store, mixing shops, vendors, offices and gathering spaces to once again anchor downtown.

AFTER

“The 1904: Original Braselton Mercantile” now buzzes with activity as a multi-tenant space that would make John Oliver Braselton proud. The eclectic décor and plush seating nooks beckon visitors to stay a while, exploring the locally-owned shops, eateries, bakery and taproom. Right next to the bustling Town Green, The 1904 creates exactly the kind of community gathering space the original store provided over a century ago. Sometimes the best way forward is to remember where you came from.

FUN FACT:

A horse and carriage accident destroyed 10-year-old John Oliver Braselton’s first country store, which he later rebuilt with the help of family.

TOWN HALL:

A MAYOR’S HOUSE BECOMES THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE

BEFORE

This charming residential building started life as the private home of Braselton’s first mayor, William Henry Braselton, who was the oldest of the three Braselton brothers who founded the town. But here’s a fun fact most people don’t know: when Braselton was incorporated in 1916, this house was actually located in neighboring Hoschton! The new city boundary lines included this important piece of the Braselton legacy.

THE PRESERVATION

Long before current leadership arrived, the town made the inspired decision to convert the family home into the seat of government. The preservation work on this two-story Greek Revival was so exceptional that it won a state historic preservation award and was featured in “Preservation Magazine”—a copy still hangs proudly in the hallway. The building retains its inherent charm, an iconic landmark reflecting the character of the town.

THE SYMBOLISM

There’s poetry in having the home of the eldest Braselton brother become the home of the people’s government. A historical photograph displayed inside shows the future first mayor’s family, including a young son who would grow up to become Braselton’s second mayor. The building retains its inherent charm, an iconic landmark reflecting the character of the town.

AFTER

Today, Town Hall stands as proof that the most meaningful preservation projects honor both history and function. Rather than being a static monument, it serves as the working heart of city government, where citizens conduct business in rooms where the Braselton family once lived their daily lives. The building successfully bridges past and present, making history feel alive and relevant.

THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE:

A BUILDING ON THE MOVE

BEFORE

The tiny Telephone Exchange building sat squarely in the path of progress when Braselton began the Davis Street improvement project in 2010. Built where the local telephone operator once sat connecting calls on a switchboard, this small but significant structure was owned by the Braselton family during their telephone company days. Over the years, it has served as a tax office, Elements Day Spa and now the Braselton Family Salon.

THE RESTORATION

The new elevated foundation solved multiple problems, providing crawl space for modern utilities that the historic building never had. The interior was carefully restored, preserving original elements while accommodating additions that may themselves be 100 years old. Salon customers appreciate the building’s historic character along with its quirks (e.g., none of the windows match!).

THE TURNING POINT

The building sat directly on the centerline of where Davis Street needed to go. The choice seemed simple: demolish or relocate. For a town committed to preservation, there was really only one option. The entire building was jacked onto a flatbed truck and moved across Highway 53 to a new foundation. But this wasn’t just any foundation—it was built from salvaged original bricks from the Braselton Brothers store warehouses, creating a beautiful connection between two pieces of the town’s history.

AFTER

Today, the Telephone Exchange building continues serving the community in its new location as a home for business, proving that sometimes preservation requires thinking outside the box—or in this case, outside the original lot lines. Former Elements Day Spa owner Cheri Winham Huff remembers the building fondly: “I absolutely loved the old floors and doors! People felt at home and welcomed.” That welcoming spirit continues, showing that a building’s heart can survive even the most dramatic relocations.

CACHES & CURIOSITIES EXPLORING BRASELTON THROUGH GEOCACHING

BY JONI BUFORD

Have you heard of geocaching? If you’re into puzzles, a dash of mystery and a whole lot of adventure, this hobby might be right up your alley. Think of it as the world’s biggest scavenger hunt, only instead of paper clues, you’re following GPS coordinates and clues on your phone. And it’s not just a passing fad. There are over 3.4 million active geocaches around the world right now and the game has been around for over 25 years. Odds are, one is probably sitting a short walk or drive from where you are. The best part? You can play for free, though there’s a paid version that unlocks some of the trickier, more difficult finds.

So what’s a geocache? In the simplest sense, it’s a hidden container, sometimes super sneaky, that a fellow “cacher” has hidden for you to find. They can be just about anything: a film canister tucked under a park bench, a magnetic box stuck to the back of a sign or camouflaged Tupperware hidden in the woods. Once you track it down, you log your find in the geocaching app and if the container is big enough, you might even get to sign a logbook or discover a little treasure or collectible inside. Swapping trinkets is part of the fun… leave something behind, take something new. But take with caution– as you get further into the hobby, you’ll learn about things like “trackables” that are meant to travel and be tracked around the globe!

Caches are labeled by size, but don’t be fooled, bigger doesn’t always mean easier. The tiniest ones, called “micros,” are usually no bigger than a film canister or a lipstick

tube. “Smalls” might be closer to a sandwich-sized container while, “regulars” are often those sturdy ammo cans. “Larges” can be as big as a bucket. And then there are the sneaky ones: caches disguised as pinecones, sprinkler heads, rocks or even faux ant piles. The first time you stumble across one of those, you’ll never look at ordinary objects the same way again.

Caught your interest? The first step is easy. Download the geocaching app and sign up for a free account. Pro tip: take a minute to come up with a clever screen name. If the hobby sticks (and fair warning, it usually does), you’ll quickly find yourself part of the geocaching community and most people end up being known by their cache handles more than their real names. It’s like a built-in alter ego for your adventures.

Once you’ve got the app and your account set up, you’re ready to begin your hunt. Pull up the map and you’ll see little icons marking caches all around you. That’s when the fun begins! Pick one, follow the GPS and clues and see where it takes you. You can also look up GC Codes, which you’ll see later on. It could be the corner of your neighborhood park, a trail in the woods or even the middle of a bustling downtown square. Don’t worry, if you get stumped, you can always search the clues or even read in the comments for tips to get you on your way to logging your cache finds.

Braselton is a great place to dive in! With plenty of caches hidden around town, you can get a real feel for the game, whether you’re brand new or already hooked.

CACHING IN BRASELTON

There are about 35 geocaches hidden in the Braselton area, which is more than enough to keep you busy for a full afternoon of hunting. For the sake of this adventure, though, I’m going to stick to a couple of highlights, the ones that really deserve a spot on your must-do list. These caches are considered “premium caches,” which means you’ll need the paid subscription. Don’t worry, it’s under $4 a month and worth it if you find yourself hooked.

Now, remember: geocaching is all about the thrill of the find. So, no spoilers here! Just a little insight and some

BACK TO SCHOOL IN BRASELTON

CACHE TYPE: TRADITIONAL CACHE LARGE CONTAINER // 2.5 OUT OF 5 DIFFICULTY

WHAT WE KNOW: The description sets the scene beautifully: “In 1920, when the Braselton Brothers built a high school for the town, home economics classes for girls took place in a small building across the street. In 1958, the school closed and the building became a community library. In 2006, when the new library opened, it became the Welcome and Heritage Center.”

WHERE WE ARE: Standing here, you’re right in the heart of historic Braselton. The old brick buildings, the sense of history lingering on the streets…it’s the perfect backdrop for a cache that ties directly into the town’s past. I love when a cache tells a story and this one does exactly that before you even start your search.

IT’S BETTER IN BRASELTON GC53H1Z

CACHE TYPE: REGULAR CONTAINER

MULTI CACHE // 3 OUT OF 5 DIFFICULTY

NOTE: A multi means you’ll be visiting two or more spots before you track down the final container. Each stage gives you clues or information that lead to the next.

WHAT WE KNOW: The description offers a peek into the town’s history: “Originally located in the bell tower of Braselton High School, it was commissioned by Senator Isaac Frank Duncan. The high school, built by the town’s founders, closed in 1957 and the bell returned to the Duncan family. The senator’s grandchildren later donated the bell to the town; it was rededicated in 2004 and is housed in a gazebo.”

This particular multi is short and sweet…just three stages. Stage I gives you the info you’ll need to calculate your way to Stage II, which then points you to the final stop. The last container has a playful element to it, perfect if you’re geocaching with kids in tow.

WHERE WE ARE: Not far from the first cache, still within Braselton’s historic area. With the gazebo and bell as the centerpiece, the whole setting ties you into the town’s story while you puzzle your way from stage to stage. It’s a great reminder that geocaching isn’t just about the container, it’s about the journey in between.

IT’S JUST ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

CACHE TYPE: TRADITIONAL CACHE REGULAR CONTAINER // 3 OUT OF 5 DIFFICULTY

WHAT WE KNOW: The description gives a little business history:

“Although the Braselton brothers started their mercantile business in 1887, volume increased quickly and they continually expanded their footprint. In 1904, following a side-track added by the Gainesville Midland Railroad, they constructed their fourth store building, with larger additions added in 1910 and the 1950s.”

WHERE WE ARE: This cache brings you to The 1904, once the Braselton Brothers Department Store. Built in the early 20th century, the massive brick building is a landmark of Braselton’s history and craftsmanship. Today, it’s been meticulously restored and reimagined into a lively gathering space.

THE

OLD COTTON GIN

GC9FAV3

CACHE TYPE: TRADITIONAL CACHE LARGE CONTAINER // 3.5 OUT OF 5 DIFFICULTY

WHAT WE KNOW: This one’s a little different! It’s considered a “gadget cache.” Gadget caches are usually easy to spot, but the real challenge comes once you’ve found them. Instead of simply signing the log, you’ll need to solve a small puzzle or complete a fun task before you can make it official. Let’s just say this one fits right in with its surroundings and comes with a playful twist that makes the hunt even more memorable.

WHERE WE ARE: Welcome to the Old Braselton Cotton Gin. This historic building was constructed by the Braselton brothers in 1948 to process cotton. Admire the architecture, enjoy the atmosphere and then slip into cache-hunting mode.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cacher or a newbie to the scene, Braselton is filled with fun finds and truly is a place that makes geocaching shine. History, community and lots of creativity are abundant here and these caches reflect that all perfectly. The thrill is in the hunt, of course, but Geocachers everywhere will agree the true heart and spirit of the game is in the people you meet, stories you hear and things you experience along the way. What are you waiting for? Grab your phone and get to exploring! Who knows? Your next big adventure may be waiting here in Braselton…it’s just up to you to find it!

Taste Test

COCKTAIL TRAIL BRASELTON’S

Discover Braselton’s vibrant mixology scene by embarking on a unique experience with our curated Cocktail Trail! With stops at all of our incredible breweries, taprooms and bars, you can get a feel for just how diverse our drink scene truly is. To get started, download a digital guide from our website and pick out which stops you want to check out! Each location offers a signature Cocktail Trail drink for you to enjoy, perfect for a girls’ night out, a unique date night experience or an excuse to go on a cocktail tasting adventure with your friends and family.

Local Station

CUCUMBER GIN MARTINI

If you enjoy a drink that’s sippable and refreshing, give this cucumber gin martini a try! The notes of cucumber paired with the gin, creates a wellbalanced drink.

Public House Neighbors

ESPRESSO MARTINI

In the mood for a pick-me-up? This classic martini contains bold notes of espresso, giving you an energetic boost for the rest of your tasting experience.

Enjoy a delightful twist on a traditional margarita with this unique drink. Featuring light, floral notes of lavender, this cocktail has the perfect balance of sweetness and a beautiful purple hue.

LAVENDER MARGARITA

Flourish Taproom

BLACKBERRY LEMONADE

Discover just how tasty a craft cocktail in a can is with this vodka-based drink from Wild Leap! Featuring blackberry and lemonade, it’s both fruity and refreshing.

Rebar

WHISKY SOUR

SMOKED OLD FASHIONED

Enjoy this classic cocktail with a smoky twist, muddled with orange and cherries. By infusing this whisky-based favorite with smoke, a new aroma is added to the mix for an additional layer of intrigue.

Enjoy the delicious balance of sweet and tart notes of this classic cocktail. With a base of whiskey and splash of lemon juice plus simple syrup, it’s a great drink to unwind with.

Versailles Restaurant & Bar

CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES

This French-inspired cocktail is crafted with Hennessy VS Cognac, Green Chartreuse, lemon juice and Angostura Bitters. It’s full of bright and herbal forward notes, perfect for Cognac and Chartreuse lovers.

Louis’ House of Bourbon

BARDSTOWN BUCK

Craving something bold and refreshing? This stylish libation is made with Four Roses Bourbon, apricot, Q Ginger Beer and garnished with mint and a hint of lime.

This pub favorite features Jameson, Peach Liqueur, pineapple and a touch of Sprite for that perfect fruity yet whisky-forward sip. Paddy’s Irish Pub

LUCK OF THE IRISH

HACKMENU The HACKMENU

Food is one of those universal love languages. Whether you like to cook it, eat it or sell it, one thing’s for sure and it’s that food brings people together. We spoke with the staff of Braselton’s beloved establishments to find out their own personal peckish preferences to uncover which dishes and drinks are foodie favorites in our community!

STONEWALL’S BBQ

Fine dining is not synonymous with a good meal and Stonewall’s BBQ knows this truth. Bailey, who is the owner’s daughter and manager, keeps her ear to the wall when dealing with customers and has found the ultimate hangover cure – a pseudo-barbecue nachos dish. These nontraditional nachos feature a bag of Doritos with pork on top, a slew of baked beans, shredded cheese, sour cream and jalapeños. Bailey pointed out that even though these nachos are not on the menu, Stonewall’s BBQ gets ideas like this from customers and whenever possible, takes “inspiration from what we make at home” to whip up something truly delicious.

ROMAN OVEN

MAYNARD’S

If homemade nachos aren’t enough to satisfy your munchies, pop on down to Maynard’s at the Corner and crack into some Firecracker Shrimp! Ashley, a bartender at Maynard’s for over nine years, describes this drool-inducing dish as something she is “obsessed with,” and it’s easy to see why. This dish is made up of “grilled shrimp in a spicy garlic hot sauce and served with garlic toast.” Any self-respecting garlic girl knows that a dish like this is superior and must be consumed with great respect for the geniuses who created it.

Enough about the glories of garlic (sacrilege), because it is time to pay homage to one of cuisine’s oldest delights: pizza! Roman Oven, and cozy, family-owned pizzeria, promotes the Chicken Siciliana, diverts from tradition to create a flavorful feast for the taste buds. Owner and chef of Roman Oven, Pietro, describes how they bread and fry the eggplant topping to pair perfectly with the light mushroom marinara sauce to make the Chicken Siciliana “filling without being heavy.”

As a dish that Chef Pietro’s mom used to make (and a favorite of his father’s), the Chicken Siciliana passes both the taste bud test and succeeds sentimentally.

THE GALLOPING GALETTE

A few steps to the west of this Italian comfort brings one to the whimsical world of French cuisine. Quality French food can be hard to find in the United States, but here in Braselton, we happily house our own slice of Brittany with The Galloping Galette. Offering both sweet crêpes and savory buckwheat galettes, TGG introduces its patrons to a side of food they don’t often see. Their hot dish of the summer? La Saumon! Caylynn, a server at The Galloping Galette for over four years, remarks that this specialty crêpe is a must-have! With smoked salmon, onions, goat cheese, white sauce, lettuce and tomato, “this dish is appetizing, fresh, light and so good, it just works.

REBAR

With all of these mouthwatering dishes, you’re going to need a beverage to wash it all down, and that’s where Rebar comes in. A casual cocktail bar with fantastic tapas and unique drinks, Rebar introduces patrons to a splash of Braselton’s history with The 1904 Cocktail. This drink as described by manager Angie is “refreshing and delicious,” making it one of Rebar’s most beloved cocktails! Anachronistic with its historical nod in naming and its delightfully modern ingredients, The 1904 Cocktail will set you right with vodka, dragonfruit liqueur, Crown Apple and fresh lime juice!

CANTINA MADRE

If a splash of history is not enough to quench your thirst, slide south to Cantina Madre and try out their Mexican Candy Margarita! Nina, a bartender at this locally owned Mexican kitchen, divulges on just how “pretty this drink is” and how it captures the perfect “balance between sweet and spicy.” Not only is this drink aesthetically pleasing, it is also a step above your normal spicy margarita with its fruity mango and vegetal jalapeño flavors, chamoy and tajin decorated rim and punchy sweet-tart flavor! Cantina Madre cements itself as a beacon to ALL margarita lovers with this one.

RACHETTI’S

Need something scrumptious to overcome the numerous margaritas from the night before? Grab something light at Rachetti’s Chicago Eatery!

Danny, the owner for nearly ten years at this location, promotes their new dish, the Bruschetta.

Truly, there is no love language like that of food. So, when you get the inside scoop on what’s best from our Braselton dining staff insiders, just know that you’re in for a delectable treat. Make sure you eat every bite, be polite and don’t forget to tip your waitress! After all, you are what you eat, so why not be delicious?

NEVER HAVE I EVER DONE

DATE NIGHT IN DOWNTOWN BRASELTON

BY LEE BOWDEN

The saying goes that you eat with your eyes first, then with your mouth and I follow that saying in every aspect of my life. As an unapologetic maximalist and foodie, I managed to stuff as much food and fun into my little “staycation” as physically possible. My secret? My partner and I were lucky enough to stay in one of Braselton’s first approved Airbnb, which is located right in the middle of all the action. Stay Local Braselton, the name of said Airbnb, was a perfect place for the two of us city crawlers to stay on our romantic little close-to-home trip!

Jay and I entered Downtown Braselton just in time for an early lunch, so, like many of the locals, we settled down on the patio of Local Station. Striking from the outside with its bright green patio umbrellas and lineart martini on the front of the building, Local Station draws a crowd like bees to a flower. We decided to start our meal by trying a few of their new fall cocktails; I ordered one called Sage Advice, a delightful gin cocktail with elderflower, pear, lemon and sage. Jay got the Fig Fizz, which features rum, fig liqueur, sage and Grand Marnier. Both drinks were perfectly spiced and garnished to the nines! We then shared the seared ahi tuna appetizer to keep ourselves light and ready to run around town. They gave us a generous helping of tuna accompanied by a refreshingly spicy wasabi guacamole, a sweet chili sauce and a spring mix salad. Yum!

After that picturesque lunch, we were ready to tear up the town. We did a circle of Downtown Braselton and began our journey at the historic Grist Mill. As someone who has been drawing the mill and other designs of historic Braselton buildings for over a year now, it was gratifying to finally see those buildings up close. Jay and I pillaged the visitor center for my designs and bought enough tea towels and shirts to satisfy ALL the grandparents for Christmas this year.

Sated with the sights we had seen so far, Jay and I went to check into our home-away-from-home for the night.

Less than a five-minute walk from the heart of Downtown Braselton lies a gorgeous single-story Airbnb with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Stay Local Braselton is roomy, relaxed and remarkably refurbished. You can see the city from the (very nice) front porch, the entire home is clean, spacious and tastefully modern; each of the bedrooms is equal in size and quality, all the beds are either full or queen sized (everyone has had that one Airbnb stay where one of you has to take the odd bunkbed) and the kitchen is HUGE with an island perfect for entertaining friends! My only regret about our visit is that we didn’t bring any of our loved ones to share it with.

We freshened up and then once again embarked on foot to grab a quick cocktail at Rebar before our reservation at Cotton Calf Kitchen (both residing, once again, alongside The 1904). Rebar had such a relaxing atmosphere and they offer weekday specials to keep guests coming back again and again (I am definitely returning for the $8 flavored margaritas on Thursdays). We were greeted with immense friendliness from our bartender, Taylor, and after setting us up with two delicious cocktails, she gave us some recommendations for the meal we were about to have. She spoke highly of Cotton Calf’s thick-cut bacon trio, the sea bass entree and even mentioned how good their espresso martini was.

With a whiff of tipsiness (thank you, Taylor), we walked the few steps to Cotton Calf Kitchen and were instantly swept off our feet by the experience. The industrial lighting was romantic. The tables were intimate. The service, outstanding! Our server, Jessica, was happy to walk me through the menu and was extremely professional in her delivery. Jay and I enjoyed some of the best calamari we’ve ever had as our appetizer (I was already struggling at this point because the portions are so large and so worth it!)

Our first round of drinks was beautiful and balanced! Jay ordered the specialty cocktail of the night, a smoked peach Old Fashioned and I got the “Down Under Kiwitini” a light and tart kiwi and gin martini! Our drinks were the perfect complement to the Cajun Ribeye we split, and oh my god, I have no words to describe how tasty that cut of meat was. We also split a sweet and savory side of flash-fried broccoli (how does one make broccoli taste that good?) From the friendly hosts, to the precisely set cloth-covered tables to the fantastic view of their open kitchen and the sight of the many hardworking and meticulous chefs and servers on the floor, Cotton Calf Kitchen successfully cemented itself as my favorite steakhouse. After a meal like that, we had no choice but to waddle back to the Airbnb and enjoy our nightly watch of Columbo on the couch before going to bed stuffed and excited for the new day ahead.

The next morning, we decided to get our sweet fix and headed over to Sugar n’ Proof, a classic bakery peeking out through the trees lining the side of The 1904. My mouth began watering the moment we stepped inside. The display case was packed full of all of my favorites, like lemon Linzer cookies and slices of red velvet cake the size of my head. Jay and I ordered coffee (Jay, a cortado, and me, a tiramisu latte!) and I dropped a pretty penny on quite a few desserts for the road. After quickly dropping off my bags of goodies at Stay Local Braselton, Jay and I went on a walk to find something new as we waited for The Galloping Galette to open for breakfast. We stumbled across Countryside Antiques after visiting Joy Company Market for a few fresh preserves and I fell deeply in love. I could have spent a lifetime (and a fortune) there. I will definitely return soon for a deep dive because that was one of the most well-kept and impressive antique markets I have ever been to.

Finally, it was time. As a Dacula native, I have heard many great things about the renowned crepery, The Galloping Galette (a new location just opened in my hometown), but I was astonished by the quality of my breakfast. Unique, scrumptious and artisanal are the words that come to mind when describing TGG. Jay ordered a double espresso to wash the cortado from earlier down (no surprise there, you caffeine fiend), and I ordered the Rouge Sahara tea (more commonly known as red rooibos). They brought my tea out in a tiny teapot with a little matching cup! Tres chic, non? The range of sweet and savory crepes they offer is huge, and they even have a “build your own galette” option, which I went for (as a certified cheese-hater, I apologize). Our galettes were great, the service was, once again, impeccable and Jay and I managed to leave Braselton with big bellies and big smiles.

We truly loved Stay Local Braselton and all of the opportunities it provided for us. As residents of a walkable city ourselves, Jay and I share a heavy appreciation for the ability to experience a city as if we were a local, and that’s exactly what we got from our Airbnb. The media may be inundated with Airbnb horror stories, but I’m here to remind you that the success stories are far more common - you just need to Stay Local! Never have I ever stayed in such fine accommodation for a date night with my honey… until now.

FULLY STOCKED IN SMALL TOWN CHARM

A Behind-the-Scenes Peek at Four Local Businesses and the People Who Drive Their Success

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

What’s in a Name? A “meeple” is a small game piece that represents a person. The name itself is a blend of “my” + “people.” The addition of “madness” is not only a nod to the fun atmosphere at the shoppe but it’s a conversation starter and a draw for curious people who have no idea what a Meeple is.

GAME ON

MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND MEEPLE MADNESS

PROPRIETORS PRIYA AND DAVID LOPATA

When Priya and Dave Lopata first envisioned the concept for their unique game shoppe, it was imbued with more of a community center vibe than a traditional retail space. They sought to create a destination that fostered connections over games. For Priya and David, games offer an opportunity to demonstrate kindness, honesty, integrity and many other positive traits. While learning to win with grace and lose with dignity, gaming provides people with a means to explore shared storytelling experiences and engage in both competitive and cooperative play. From that mutual desire, Meeple Madness was born in 2015.

“We strive to bring games from all over the world to our shelves so guests can find the ones that help them connect with their friends and family in the most enjoyable ways possible,” shared David. “There are so many wonderful tabletop games that many people have never experienced.”

What is perhaps the most surprising factoid about this game shoppeowning couple is that they don’t consider themselves to be “hard-core gamers.” They simply enjoy gathering around the table with friends and family. For Dave, games were a meaningful way to bond with his kids as they grew up and weekend visits to the local hobby shop became a family tradition. Dave’s career at Apple gave him opportunities to travel extensively and explore game and hobby stores across the country—experiences that continue to shape the vision for Meeple Madness.

Priya, who also spent many years at Apple, wanted to create a space where technology wasn’t the focus. Believing that loneliness is one of today’s most

pervasive challenges, she and Dave imagined a place where people could share conversations face-to-face rather than device-to-device.

Together, their Apple experience instilled in them a deep commitment to customer service—an approach that continues to echo at Meeple Madness today. Their staff not only genuinely enjoy games but, more importantly, they care about creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the door.

Rather than catering solely to experienced gamers like most traditional hobby stores, Priya and Dave sought to make newcomers feel welcome, too. They strive to offer a more inviting and inclusive environment where anyone can discover and experience the joy of games. Once inside, guests will find tables with seating for roughly 90 people where they can borrow and play games from the shoppe’s library of over 6,000 unique board games. They are also welcome to bring their own. In addition to being a game

space, Meeple Madness is also a retail store, offering a variety of games, expansions, accessories and other gaming-related products for purchase.

To add to the fun, the shoppe often hosts weekly events, pre-releases and on-demand learn-to-play sessions.

“The number of friendships and deeper relationships that have blossomed through our shoppe is humbling to think about,” shared Priya. “It’s been edifying to see all sorts of combinations of people, from grandparents and grandkids to solo players making new friends.”

Dave added that he and Priya have also made many special new friends.

“When we opened our shoppe, we said that if we made it a year, it would be a success. Neither of us imagined we’d be here 10 years later and counting. Our success is due in large part to the collaborative relationship and sense of community we have with our guests.”

Meeple Madness

7400 Spout Springs Road, Suite 205 (770) 965-1333

MeepleMadness.com

LIFE BY DESIGN

MEET THE LADY BEHIND HOUSE OF BOYKIN CARYN MCGARITY

Known to be friendly, intelligent and energetic, thriving on human interaction and companionship, Caryn McGarity is the perfect reflection of the breed of spaniel after which she named her shop. Tucked away on Brassie Lane in the heart of Historic Downtown Braselton, the House of Boykin takes pride in creating idyllic matches between its patrons and high-end consignment furniture and home décor.

Having taken an interior design course, Caryn fell in love with the art form at an early age. Unfortunately, when she approached her teacher about the steps to pursue a career in the field, she was discouraged by the educator’s belief that “you don’t want to do that, there’s no money in it.” So, she chose instead a path in hospitality, which allowed her to travel the world and be exposed to a wide variety of architecture and interior design. Once she retired from the hospitality industry, she was finally ready to pursue her passion. Having been in Braselton since 1995, she knew it was the ideal spot for her vision.

She found incredible support from the team at the Town of Braselton, who helped her find her current location. Requiring a space as singular as the items she sells, she found it in the circa 1900s barn that was once part of the Braselton family estate. After opening her doors to the House of Boykin in 2017, the response was warm and welcoming from the outset.

From the reclaimed wood floors, walls and ceiling, to the thoughtfully crafted vignettes and whimsical, petfriendly atmosphere, she has become accustomed to the “ooohs” and “ahhhs” from customers as they cross her threshold.

From the start, Caryn wanted to offer something different from what one might find in a full-service furniture store, a big box store that offers furniture or an antique shop that provides a mix of collectibles, upcycled pieces and mismatched furniture. Believing that many new pieces of furniture on the market are of low quality and lacking in unique character, Caryn seeks out distinctive pieces, which is what sets her apart. Among her most unique items to date were a motorized spaceship ride and an Asian dragon-carved bookcase. She doesn’t believe her patrons should follow trends; instead, she believes they should follow their hearts.

“Buy or update furniture that you love,” she said. “If you adore an item, you can figure out a way to make it work in your décor. A lot of our items are special family heirlooms. However they found their way to us; they can become special heirlooms for a new family.”

Today, she serves an eclectic blend of patrons, including everyone from new homeowners seeking a curated feel to high-end collectors on the lookout for unique pieces. As a furniture consigner, a lot of her finds come from downsizing couples. Over the years, she has fostered a community of consigners who help keep her shop well-stocked. She also adds some hand-picked retail items to enhance her supply and satisfy the needs of anyone seeking a special gift. If someone comes in looking for a specific item that she doesn’t have on hand, they can join a wish list. As items arrive, Caryn conducts meticulous research to determine the best prices for both her customers and consigners.

Caryn praises the Town of Braselton for a portion of her success, noting that they excel at supporting local businesses and hosting events to draw attention to their downtown merchants. She finds that residents from upscale communities throughout Atlanta often discover House of Boykin during local festivals. She also credits the uniqueness and quality of the items she sells, her location in a rapidly growing town, word of mouth and the good vibes that emanate from her shop. Roni Fleischer, who has been with her since the beginning, is a major contributor to those good vibes.

“We have fun at the House of Boykin,” said Caryn. “It’s clear that we love what we do and enjoy meeting new people!” YOU could be the next new person Caryn and the House of Boykin team meet.

FUN FACT:

There’s always a sale section in the store – filled with hidden gems, so don’t miss it!

WHERE EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY

MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND THE PUPPY PANTRY BOUTIQUE & BARKERY

When Heather Jennings was a graphic design student at Kennesaw State University with her beloved Bichon Frise named Phoebe, she stumbled upon a charming little holistic dog food store. She soon became a big believer in the power of holistic food and supplementing – a belief that ensured 17 wonderful years for her four-legged roomie.

While she was still in college, Heather’s mother, Elizabeth Poundstone, was considering retirement from a career in nursing. Her father, Thomas, an electrical contractor, was exploring the possibility of investing in a franchise where his wife could work after she retired. Although she believed it was a nice dream she might pursue later in life, Heather felt compelled to pitch the concept of a boutique and bakery for pets to her parents. With a shared love of dogs as inspiration, it wasn’t long before a family business was born.

Because her parents lived in Hamilton Mill, they opened their first location – dubbed The Puppy Pantry – in Buford in 2012, followed by another location in Braselton in 2015. The response was overwhelmingly positive right from the start. To such an extent that they opened a third location in Flowery Branch. Thomas performed the buildout and provided funding for all three locations, while Heather and Elizabeth worked closely together to ensure that operations ran smoothly.

After her father passed away and her mother decided to play a more behind-the-scenes role, Heather opted to streamline operations solely at the Hwy 211 Braselton location. And we’re so lucky to have her! Unique in concept, The Puppy Pantry Boutique & Barkery offers a retail section that boasts holistic foods and supplements (just as Heather had envisioned all those years ago), along with a bakery case of homemade dog treats. Available both in-store and online, her shop offers a variety of frozen foods from reputable brands, including Blue Ridge Beef, Stella & Chewy’s, Bones & Co. and Primal, among others. Her dry foods are supplied by Fromm, NutriSource, Acana, Orijen and more. Not limited to dogs alone – as its name might suggest, The Puppy Pantry also offers pet supplies, toys, cat food and treats, small animal products for birds, reptiles, hamsters and even fish. Heather is also happy to accommodate special orders when needed and offers free delivery within a select service area.

The Puppy Pantry also offers dog grooming, a service that has really taken off – thanks to a dedicated and talented staff. Featuring six grooming bays, the shop stays busy keeping its canine clientele looking their best. Its human customers have become accustomed to being greeted warmly. Heather’s staff takes pride in remembering their customers’ names, their dogs’ names and breeds and their favorite products, as well as grooming requests. This level of personalized service really sets this shop apart, to which Heather credits much of her success. She also credits the one thing that first inspired her to start her own business. For her, holistic foods and supplements wield the power to increase the longevity of a much-loved pet. Made from whole, unprocessed foods that don’t contain artificial additives and preservatives, they can also help alleviate allergies and digestive issues, promote healthier skin and coat, boost immune system response and increase energy and vitality. Many of the specialized brands she carries can’t be found at big-box retailers or on the online giants’ websites.

Whether dropping in to find the ideal diet to fit your dog’s specific needs, pick up a special fresh-baked treat – homemade by the owner or drop your pup off for a day of pampering, Heather and the rest of the team at The Puppy Pantry Boutique & Barkery look forward to seeing you and your furkid soon!

The Puppy Pantry Boutique & Barkery Near Publix in the Braselton Village Shopping Center 1070 Braselton Village Parkway, Ste 120 (678) 963-5582 thepuppypantry.com

SHOTGUN START

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE AMERICAN JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION

Did you know that, among our many claims to fame, Braselton is home to the headquarters of a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to scouting and supporting young competitive golfers between the ages of 12 and 19? The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. Each year, it hosts over 150 junior golf tournaments nationwide to help develop junior golfers and enhance their skill sets.

In 2000, the AJGA selected Braselton for its new headquarters due to its proximity to I-85, with HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport less than an hour away. But what the team loves the most is not having to contend with Atlanta traffic and watching the town grow up around them – including all the excellent restaurant choices. All members of its leadership team have been with the AJGA for 12 years or more. Many of them live in the area and have raised or are currently raising their families

here. They take pride in being part of the Braselton community. No two days are quite the same for the team behind the AJGA. The Player Services Department may be working the phones with their members while the Operations Department prepares to run any one of dozens of tournaments. The Foundation Department may be hard at work providing financial assistance to deserving junior golfers, while the Communications Department works its social media magic to keep

AJGA’s 250k+ followers informed and engaged. At the end of the day, the entire team works closely together and takes great pride in what they do to help junior golfers and positively impact their lives.

With roughly 80 full-time staff members, many of whom first joined the organization as interns, one of the best aspects of the organization is its people. Each year, it hires approximately 100 interns through a recruiting process that begins in the fall. After sorting through 1,500 applications, the organization identifies the best of the best interns for its spring and summer seasons. Although it is a massive process to recruit, hire and train its interns, they represent the primary pool from which AJGA draws for full-time job openings. But the rewards of working at AJGA extend beyond a team of great coworkers.

“The most rewarding part of working with junior golfers is knowing we’re making a lasting, positive impact on their lives,” said Tim Jackman, AJGA Vice President of Communications.

“Time and again, we see stories of players who have competed with us and gone on to be recruited or whose lives were changed in meaningful ways through their experience with the AJGA. Beyond what happens on the golf course, programs like our Liberty National ACE Grant can truly transform not only a junior’s future but also their family’s opportunities. Being part of that kind of life-changing work is without question the most fulfilling aspect of working for the AJGA.”

American Junior Golf Association

1980 Sports Club Drive (770) 868-4200 AJGA.org

THE AJGA SCORE CARD

Roughly 70% of professional golfers on the PGA TOUR and the LPGA Tour are AJGA alumni who came through the organization’s junior tournaments.

The AJGA has reimbursed more than $9 million back to deserving junior golfers through its Liberty National ACE Grant Program.

The AJGA is in a multi-year fee reduction plan, which –once completed – will bring its fees back to where they were 10-20 years ago.

Not only is the AJGA a training ground for junior golfers, but it is also a training ground for the next generation of golf leaders and industry professionals. The list of individuals who have come through the AJGA employment ranks and gone on to incredible careers is astounding.

Each year, the AJGA employs more than 100 interns to help run its tournaments. The organization firmly believes it has the best internship program – not just in golf, but in sports as a whole.

With all of the discussion around pace of play in the golf industry, the AJGA is proud of its pace of play system that annually puts the organization head and shoulders above ANY other golf organization from a pace of play standpoint.

WILD SIDE WALK ON OUR

Nine Wild Facts About Braselton’s “Wild” West

Virtually everyone who visits the Town of Braselton becomes acquainted with our historic downtown area, the vineyards and championship golf courses that line the rolling hills surrounding Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, and even our “racy” region bordered by Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and Lanier Motor Speedway. But – did you know – that we also have a “wild side”? Better known as Braselton West, we invite you to gain an insider’s perspective of this hidden gem with these little-known facts…

1. Once Upon a Time in the West…

Now populated by shopping centers, gas stations, fast food restaurants and grocery stores, the land where Braselton West is based once appeared like something out of an old western movie. There was nothing but land as far as the eye could see with a farmhouse at its core, surrounded by dirt roads and fields that stretched out for acres, where cotton and watermelon grew. There was no sewer, no electricity, no road signs and the closest neighbor was over a mile away.

2.Duncan Family Stomping Grounds

You might note an abundance of signs bearing the name “Duncan.” That’s because the Duncan Family owned much of the land where Braselton West now stands. As a matter of fact, they still own roughly 60 acres of land here. While the original home is gone – now marked by a flagpole – a circa 1920 family home still stands near what is known by locals as Duncan Corners. An insurance company now inhabits the home.

3.Braselton West’s 15 Minutes of Fame

A replica of a sign designed initially by Duncan Family patriarch – Lucius Duncan - still stands on one corner, pointing in the direction of I-85, Winder, Athens, Jefferson, Commerce and even Hong Kong. As for the speed limit in town, the tongue-in-cheek sign lists it as “Let: Er: Go.” Legend holds that the inspiration for the sign stems from the fact that lost travelers would often knock on Lucius’ door at all hours – even at suppertime – to inquire about directions to their intended destination. CBS News caught wind of Lucius’ unofficial role as “Mayor of Duncan City” and featured him in a segment for On the Road with Charles Kuralt in 1992.

4. Five Corners and Three Mail Routes

Unlike a traditional intersection, Duncan Corners has FIVE corners – three where Spout Springs Road and Thompson Mill Road intersect and two where Sparta Road (formerly a section of Friendship Road) joins on one side. It’s also home to THREE mail routes. Although it was annexed to the Town of Braselton in 1995, none of those mail routes bear the name “Braselton.” Businesses in Braselton West have a mailing address of either Flowery Branch, Buford or Hoschton.

5. A Legacy of Growth

Lucius once owned 400 acres of land at Braselton West –much of which has been developed by his son Frank, his grandson Billy and his great-grandson Terry over the last three decades. Tenants in those developments run the gamut from a karate dojo and competition cheer training facility to a meat market and a local favorite country kitchen. Frank also developed a couple of neighborhoods in the area: Duncan Lakes and Duncan Shores subdivisions. Billy is responsible for coining the name “Duncan Corners.” His cousin sold her land on the corner opposite the old family home, which now houses an Aldi and an apartment complex.

6. Ties that Bind

The Duncans have ties to the Braselton Family – for whom the Town of Braselton is named. Lucius’s sister May married Green Braselton making Frank Duncan a cousin to former Braselton Town Mayor Henry Edward Braselton. Lucius and May’s father, Sen. Frank Duncan is credited with commissioning the bell that once graced the top of the Braselton High School. The bell can now be found sitting next to Town Hall.

7. Honoring the Past

Shortly after his father’s passing, Billy Duncan had the Frank Duncan Memorial Walk constructed to honor his memory. He funded an extension of the LifePath – a paved, multi-use sidewalk that runs along Thompson Mill Road from the Gwinnett County line to the Duncan Corners intersection. It has proven popular with locals. A fitting tribute to a social, southern gentleman who loved being outdoors, it stays busy with both foot traffic and golf carts at all times of the day and night.

8. Looking Toward the Future

Braselton West was the inspiration behind the development of Buy Local Braselton. Business owners in Braselton West sought a way to promote their businesses as part of the local community for those neighbors and visitors who didn’t realize they were part of the Town of Braselton. Today, the Buy Local Braselton campaign promotes over 800 businesses – including those in Braselton West. The campaign is devoted to promoting and supporting the local businesses that create and maintain the distinctive character, unique community and economic strength of Braselton

9. Narrow Escape

As Braselton West grew with the addition of new businesses and sprawling medical campuses, Duncan Corners narrowly escaped being obliterated by plans for expansion along the original route for Friendship Road. The decision was made to shift the road WEST, where it eventually intersects with I-985 in Buford –saving this little slice of Southern history.

Day Trippin’ in Braselton

Looking for the perfect escape that doesn’t require packing a suitcase? Welcome to Braselton—your gateway to wine-soaked afternoons, boutique treasure hunts, family adventures and championship golf, all just a road trip away! Here are four unforgettable ways to spend your day in Braselton, perfect for any season and any reason to celebrate.

Romantic Retreat

Celebrate a special occasion—or just each other!—with a day of luxurious relaxation at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. Be sure to reserve your spa appointments and winery tour in advance at chateauelan.com.

morning

CHATEAU ELAN SPA

Reconnect while you soak in the spa’s whirlpool and eucalyptus steam room, then cool off with a glass of champagne and a dip in the indoor pool. Melt away tension with a couples massage—if the occasion is splurge-worthy, book the Romantique Relaxation Journey, which includes a jetted, deep-soak tub for a wine-infused bubble bath. The best part? Full-day spa access comes with any treatment, so linger as long as your hearts desire.

lunch

FLEUR DE LIS

Here’s something you don’t experience every day: dining in your plush spa robe! Fleur de Lis, nestled within the spa and overlooking a tranquil lake, welcomes you as you are. The wholesome ingredients and creative flavors are nourishing for the body and soul. After lunch, get ready to continue your romantic retreat! The spa locker room includes a shower and every amenity, right down to the comb and hairdryer.

afternoon

CHATEAU ELAN WINERY

Discover the passion, history and craft in each bottle of Chateau Elan wine. Choose seven wines from a curated selection, including the limited-release Fingerprint Collection. Book online to secure your spot at a guided wine tasting led by expert stewards or simply walk into the tasting room during open hours, order a glass and settle into one of the cozy booths. Don’t forget to take home a bottle of your favorite!

evening

VERSAILLES RESTAURANT & BAR

Cap off your romantic retreat by descending the grand staircase to Versailles. The cuisine matches the elegant atmosphere as you dine beneath a striking glass sculpture that resembles rolling vineyards. With your relationship refreshed and spirits restored, you’ll head home with hearts full and memories made.

Shopping and a Show

Spend the day eating and shopping your way through Braselton’s charming boutiques. Some of these locations may look ordinary on the outside, but trust us—local shopkeepers have poured their passions into these small businesses, creating incredible selections of gifts, clothing, décor and art.

morning BRASELTON WEST SHOPPING

The treasure hunt begins at 10:00 a.m. when the shops open in Braselton West! You could easily spend an hour exploring My Gift Store’s lovely collection—think buttery soft pajamas, unique jewelry, sassy tea towels and sweet garden gnomes. Also located in Braselton West, Eclectics Consign & Design is a 4,500-square-foot home décor extravaganza, featuring everything from antiques to sleek contemporary pieces.

lunch

THE GALLOPING GALETTE

Make your way to Downtown Braselton and snag a space in the parking deck next to the Braselton Civic Center. Follow the decorative crosswalk on Davis Street to The Galloping Galette, an authentic French crêperie run by two delightful transplants from Bretagne. Order the daily special galette (that’s a savory crêpe) and share a sweet crêpe for a meal you’ll be talking about long after you leave!

afternoon

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

The Galloping Galette is housed in the Braselton Brothers Department Store building, which features several boutiques and gift shops under one roof. Start with the outdoor storefronts, including Simply Thompson, then head inside to The 1904. This section preserves the

original Braselton mercantile from 1904, when the town was a bustling agricultural crossroads. What once sold everything from cattle feed to pine boxes now houses an eclectic collection of shops and eateries. Take a breather and sip coffee or enjoy a pint at Flourish Taproom on the second floor.

Braselton’s walkable downtown offers even more shopping across Highway 53. Stroll along the sidewalk on Davis Street to FernGully Garden & Gifts and House of Boykin, then use the decorative crosswalk to visit Countryside Antiques on Harrison Street. Your shopping adventure conveniently concludes at Cork It Braselton, a wine and cocktail bar with exceptional charcuterie—the ideal spot to rest your feet and refuel before showtime!

evening

ENJOY A DOWNTOWN EVENT!

Whether it’s a concert on the Town Green, a bourbon tasting at Cork It Braselton or the annual Downtown Wine Walk, Downtown Braselton is always abuzz with events. One of the newest additions is the Braselton Players community theater group, which brings the stage to life at the Braselton Civic Center with year-round performances. Follow Braselton Civic Center on Facebook to see upcoming shows!

Family Trolley Adventure

morning

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TROLLEY TOUR

The Braselton Visitors Bureau offers monthly guided tours of the historic grist mill, mercantile and other local landmarks. Kids will love ringing the old school bell, seeing how grain was milled and hearing the tale of 10-year-old John Oliver Braselton’s first country store in 1887.

lunch

REBAR

The 90-minute tour wraps up just in time for lunch. After browsing The Mill’s gift shop and visitor center, walk across the street to Rebar in The 1904. This crowd-pleasing menu includes kid-friendly options like grilled cheese, hot dogs and Frito pie, along with healthier choices like quinoa bowls and salads. Grab a coffee or dessert from Sugar n’ Proof, right across the hall.

afternoon

MULBERRY RIVERWALK

On the Davis Street side of the department store building, catch the trolley at the top of each hour—it stops right by the decorative crosswalk. Request a special stop at Mulberry RiverWalk, a 2-mile nature trail that follows the Mulberry River through relatively flat terrain perfect for families. Don’t miss the side trail to the Four Corners Monument, where Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties meet—all in the town of Braselton! Keep track of your return ride using the trolley tracking app at braseltontrolley.com, as the trolley runs on an hourly fixed route.

As you complete the trolley loop around town, you will pass other attractions in Braselton, including the impressive Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. Kids usually think it’s a castle

A Day O’ Green

morning

REUNION GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Tee off at the championship course at Reunion Golf & Country Club, a Michael Riley design featuring dramatic elevations, strategic bunkers and unique challenges like the par-five seventh hole with two greens. Fair warning: This par-72 course is known for its hilly terrain, so come ready for a workout! Sunday visitors should time their tee times around the “world famous” brunch at 5609 at Reunion Hall, served until 2:00 p.m.

lunch

SARAZEN’S BAR & GRILLE

Head over to Chateau Elan Golf Club for a standout lunch at Sarazen’s. Whether you choose the veranda overlooking the 18th green or the spacious indoor bar, you’re in for a treat. The all-American menu showcases perfectly grilled meats, hearty sandwiches, and fresh salads. After lunch, browse premium gear in the pro shop or fine-tune your swing at the resort’s public driving range.

evening

PADDY’S IRISH PUB

Carry the conversation over to Paddy’s Irish Pub, an authentic Irish alehouse that was handcrafted in Dublin and assembled in Braselton at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. Your group will soak up the lively atmosphere, impressive selection of pints and green cocktails and satisfying pub fare.

Right next to the pub, the lawn in front of Chateau Elan Winery is outfitted with corn hole and other outdoor games, comfortable loungers and even a fire pit. With beautiful vineyard views as your backdrop, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a morning of challenging golf.

THE BUZZ BEE TEAM BEHIND THE BRASELTON

Home to signature events from the Braselton Farmers Market and fun festivals to wondrous walks and so many others, you’ll find no shortage of exciting happenings in our community. And while your job as a visitor is to show up with your friends and family to have an incredible experience, you may not realize all the planning and coordination going on behind the scenes. Every event you attend is well orchestrated by town staff and community leaders and many are supported by our incredible volunteers - sometimes front and center but oftentimes buzzing around in the background. The Braselton Bee Team is our very own volunteer program, composed of locals who share a love of Braselton and help give back by dedicating time to ensure our success. We’re shining a spotlight on a couple of these talented individuals to learn more about their unique stories and get their insight into what it means to be a member of Braselton’s Bee Team.

Meet Leigh!

FRESH PRODUCE AND A WELCOMING SMILE

Meet Leigh Wilkinson, who can be found regularly at the Braselton Farmers Market. She’s been meeting and greeting market attendees and assisting the market manager for 2 ½ years now. After a 30-year career as a high school counselor, Leigh retired and moved to the Hoschton community to be closer to family. Shortly after the move, she learned about the Bee Team and decided to apply so that she could connect with other residents as well as continue to serve her community. Her volunteer experience prior to becoming a Bee Team member includes a local hospital, her church and with other organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Red Cross and the Veterans Association.

The Braselton Farmers Market operates from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Fridays but Leigh likes to arrive early to get things set up. During the market, she enjoys handing out town literature and complimentary market bags to the shoppers. She can also be found answering questions and just getting to know the customers and vendors who participate. Leigh shared that “I’ve gotten to know some of the customers who return each week to the farmers market. Over the last two years, there have been a number of people who make a point to stop by our welcome table to say hello to me and tell me about their family and share stories.” This is a special part of being a Braselton Bee Team member at the market for Leigh because she loves talking to people and learning their stories.

Leigh has also helped in a variety of other ways, such as putting mailers together, prepping Braselton-branded newborn onesies to go to the hospital’s labor and delivery department, as well as putting kits together for cleanup day events - just to name a few. In 2024, staff honored her with the well-deserved “Busy Bee” award.

PRESERVING HISTORY AND MAKING FUN MEMORIES

Our second spotlight is on Susan Horger, who also works at a variety of Braselton events. She originally began volunteering in 2021 with the Braselton Community Development Department, helping staff with various projects in the office. When the official launch of the Bee Team program was announced in 2023, she quickly signed up and attended the first orientation class. Susan felt the need to do something productive during her new era of retirement, as well as help out in her community. She’s no stranger to volunteering and has served numerous roles with many organizations, including the Jacob Braselton Chapter of DAR, which supports active military members, veterans, local schools and historic preservation projects. One of the perks of being a Bee Team member is flexibility. Susan enjoys traveling and as a volunteer, she can simply pick which opportunities work best with her schedule!

As for her impressive portfolio of Braselton events, Susan has helped out with pretty much everything, including the Braselton Antique and Artisan Festival, Pooches in the Park, Downtown Wine Walk, Braselton West Wine Hop, Chocolate Walk, Cravin’ Bacon Walk and the Halloween LifePath Parade and Carnival. When working at a Braselton event, Susan often signs up for a job at the registration and check-in tables. Here, she welcomes attendees, checks tickets, gives instructions, answers any questions someone might have and hands out event bags. If you’ve ever checked in for one of the ticketed events, you likely have interacted with Susan. One of her favorite parts about being on the Bee Team is getting to interact with the public while also promoting everything that Braselton has to offer.

One of the projects she loves most is working with the archive group. Within her role, she helps catalog Braselton historical documents, news articles and photographs. The group has been instrumental in collecting data and designing historical displays located in the lobby of the 1904 at the Braselton Brothers Department Store building. She shared that, “It provides an opportunity for me to learn about Braselton’s history, plus work with a wonderful group of people who are devoted to the project.” It’s Braselton’s incredible volunteers like Susan and the Archive Group, who are preserving the history of our community for future generations to enjoy!

Meet Carrie!

FUN FESTIVITIES AND PLANNING COMMITTEES

For our final highlight, we spoke with Carrie Rotunda, who has also been with the team since 2023. At that time, she was working from home and staying quite busy with after-school activities for her three kids. Encouraged by her husband to do more things for herself outside of the home, she came across a Bee Team recruitment post on social media and decided to join the team. In the past, she has volunteered with neighborhood social activities and with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, but nothing on the level of helping at local events.

Her first sign-up was the info booth for Pooches in the Park, which she loved. Since then, she’s been on the planning committee for a variety of events, including the Paddy’s Day PathFest and the holiday Lighting of the Tree ceremony. In fact, at last year’s tree lighting ceremony, she was responsible for timing the program to coordinate with the drone show finale. She shared,

“That evening, I coordinated each act of the show to be timed perfectly with the tree lighting and when the drones were in the air. It worked seamlessly!” This is an aspect of her role that Carrie loves because getting to see her ideas come to life is an incredible feeling. As for other events, she assisted a local business serve their food bite during the Cravin’ Bacon Walk, checked in guests for numerous ticketed events, worked as “feet on the street” for the events where she was out and about answering questions for attendees and making sure they knew where to go. Carrie joked that “bees are used everywhere,” which rings true for the Bee Team volunteers!

NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND BUILDING BONDS

All three ladies agreed a favorite part about being a member of the Bee Team is just how much the Town of Braselton shows its appreciation for all the hardworking volunteers. Members are treated to “Cluster” meetings every other month at various Braselton businesses or locations, where they get to not only learn about but also have experiences which they can share with visitors, allowing them to make first-hand recommendations. Clusters are an opportunity for the team to socialize with one another but also discuss upcoming events, get updates and receive training. They’ve done it all, from touring Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on the Braselton trolley to axe-throwing and so much more.

Being part of the Braselton Bee Team gives you the opportunity to make new friends and give back to the community. Whether you’re interested in joining the beehive yourself as an official member or you know of someone who’d like to be a part of a welcoming organization, the Braselton Bee Team is here!

SCAN

HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AS

A

BEE TEAM VOLUNTEER!

THE CRAFT OF CREATIVITY:

How to Beadjoux

Less than two miles north of Downtown Braselton, tucked between a popular Italian bistro and a bustling bar & grill, lies one of our town’s best-kept secrets. An unassuming red neon sign above the door reads “BEADS,” but there’s a lot more to this hidden gem of a bead store. Launched by the mother-and-daughter duo of Monica and Stephanie Goff in 2013, Beadjoux has inspired a wide variety of artists at every skill and taste level. Over the course of more than a decade, the Goffs successfully transformed a beloved hobby into a rewarding women-owned niche business.

Stephanie Goff “

There’s a lot of artistry woven into the Braselton culture, making it the ideal place for our shop. Owning Beadjoux has been so fulfilling. It allows us to march to the beat of a different drummer while cultivating our own chosen people, sharing in the joy of jewelry and art and making lots of friends along the way

DID YOU KNOW?

Beadjoux is a plural twist on the French word “bijou” (bēzhü), which means something delicate, elegant or highly prized; a jewel; an intricately designed trinket.

Dating back to the prehistoric era, roughly 100,000 years ago, beading has been passed down from generation to generation around the world. Although it’s based in a quintessential “small town,” Beadjoux takes a global perspective. In addition to her full-time job in the public health space, Stephanie has become an international artist, selling the patterns she designs worldwide. The ever-present heart and soul of the shop, Monica sources their beads, gems, crystals and cabochons from Japan, Austria, the Czech Republic and beyond. After all, exceptional products require exceptional materials. An ideal fit for a town that places such an emphasis on celebrating local artists, it’s only fitting that we provide step-by-step instructions on how you, too, can Beadjoux…

How to Beadjoux:

From the moment you walk through the door, Monica, Stephanie or a member of their team stands at the ready to help you. Share what you’re interested in – making jewelry, seed beading intricate designs, purchasing a kit, commissioning an artist to create a custom piece for you or purchasing a finished piece of jewelry.

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Take a spin around the shop. There is loads of inspiration to be found throughout. One bead can ignite a spark and give shape to a vision.

If you’re a beginner at beading, you’ve come to the right place. With skilled instructors in-house, someone can walk you through the steps of creating an original piece or working from a pattern. There are tables set up in the shop where you can while away part of your day getting creative with other burgeoning beaders or expert crafters. Stephanie and Monica always keep lots of snacks on hand to help fuel creativity.

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Hoping to increase your knowledge of beading? Beadjoux offers a series of online workshops featuring their own in-house instructors or national guest instructors. Some people prefer to experience trial and error in the privacy of their own home, while others find learning a great social experience. To that end, you can also schedule an in-person workshop for either a one-on-one session or a small group of friends (a great Girls’ Day Out activity!)

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Have a special event coming up for which you’d like to create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry?

Beadjoux has helped craft designs for everything from a senior prom to a wedding. Feel free to bring your fashions into the shop for color and style matching. Beadjoux recently added thoughtfully curated vintage fashions to its inventory. Have fun pulling together a new outfit for your wardrobe, complete with accessories you make yourself.

Not naturally “crafty”? No problem. Beadjoux is part boutique and also sells finished products. You are welcome to stroll through the store in search of jewelry, shoes, handbags, tops and more.

Located at 6750 Highway 53, Beadjoux is open to all – artists and shoppers alike. Stephanie and Monica look forward to meeting you! If you missed the chance to explore the store while you were in town, you can shop Beadjoux online at Etsy.com!

CITIZENS ACADEMY

Braselton holds countless surprises that delight residents and visitors all year long. And after uncovering many of our “worst kept secrets,” it’s no wonder our town leaves people wanting more—more to see, more to learn and more ways to connect. While the experiences we’ve shared offer a great start, the opportunity to go deeper doesn’t end there. There’s one more way to slip behind the scenes and meet the people who make the magic happen—from the public-facing pros to the quiet heroes whose work you might never even notice.

If we’ve piqued your curiosity, then the next step just might be Citizens Academy.

WHAT IS CITIZENS ACADEMY, YOU ASK?

Think of it as fun, hands-on learning without the tests or homework. Once accepted, most participants can’t wait for the next class.

SO WHAT IS IT, REALLY?

Citizens Academy is a chance for Town staff to showcase what they do best. Each month, a different department leads a session, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Braselton operates. Students hear directly from the people who keep the town running, often touring buildings and facilities where the daily magic takes place. Beyond learning, participants also gain something even more meaningful: connections. They get to know Town staff, develop a clearer understanding of how each department serves the community and build lasting friendships with their fellow classmates.

Beginning in April, the program runs for eight months and is designed to help residents better understand the inner workings of Braselton’s government and services. There are also special extracurricular opportunities such as a guided trolley tour of town, a visit to the wastewater plant where you learn it’s a water reclamation facility and ride-alongs with the Braselton Police Department.

A PEEK AT A FEW SESSIONS

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

One of the most popular sessions is Planning, led by Planning and Development Director Kevin Keller. Kevin has been with Braselton for more than 20 years and holds a professional designation from the American Institute of Certified Planners. His expertise has played a major role in shaping the town into what it is today.

During Kevin’s presentation, participants learn how permits are processed, reviewed and approved and how businesses get licensed. Many are surprised to discover that the Town does not control which businesses move into Braselton. Instead, the Town’s role is to confirm that proposed uses comply with existing codes and ordinances. For example, when a developer builds a shopping center, all leasing decisions are made by the property manager, not the Town. Kevin’s department simply ensures that all businesses operating in Braselton are properly licensed and compliant. He’ll also cover the public hearing process and explain how properties get approved for different uses.

PUBLIC WORKS

Another fan favorite is all about Public Works, led by Public Works Director and Town Engineer Sandy Weinell. Sandy oversees several divisions, including water, stormwater, wastewater and roads. With so much ground to cover, Public Works typically spans two sessions.

WATER SYSTEM

Jeb Zeigler, the Town’s Water Superintendent, ensures that Braselton’s distribution system operates correctly and that water moves safely from wells and

interconnections to storage tanks to your kitchen sink. That’s the simple version—what happens in between is an eye-opening process you’ll learn firsthand in Citizens Academy.

WASTEWATER

Hubert Day, Wastewater Superintendent, has been with the Town since 2006. While it may seem like a dirty job, Hubert and his crew run an impressively clean, state-of-the-art operation. They walk you through the journey of water explaining how wastewater from your home is carried to the treatment plant, where a highly sophisticated environmental process returns it to the environment cleaner than it was when it entered the system. And you find out all the different places the water goes. The tour of the plant should not be missed!

STORMWATER

Christopher Spears, Stormwater Manager, monitors both above and below ground stormwater collection ditches and pipes, creates and presents educational materials and helps with cleanup necessary when stormwater runoff washes chemicals, debris and pollutants into drainage systems.

Sandy also oversees roads and manages paving projects, new road construction, sidewalks and curbs. She works closely with Kevin in Planning to determine requirements and inspects construction.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES ENDING

By the time Citizens Academy wraps up, participants have seen Braselton in a way most people never do— through back doors, along hidden hallways and inside the operations that keep our town running smoothly. Planning and Public Works only scratch the surface. There are many other fascinating departments to discover, each with its own stories, important roles and behind-the-scenes magic.

It’s an experience that reveals the dedication, teamwork and expertise behind everything we enjoy in Braselton.

If you’re ready to step beyond the surface and discover how the magic really happens, Citizens Academy is your invitation to see what’s happening behind the scenes.

THE MEDIA CENTER

AT MOTUL PETIT LE MANS

BY AUBREY CANNADAY

Taking a deep look inside what actually goes on during Motul Petit Le Mans isn’t an easy task. Especially when looking into what goes into the media center.

Every track has a media center. Big or small. Old and new. Every media tower can be arguably busier than the pit lane in some instances. Journalists, marketing agents, photographers, videographers and PR professionals line each row. Rapidly typing at their keyboards while simultaneously checking timing and scoring.

France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Accents flow gently throughout the room. Countries represented with a force. Not only on the track but also in the Media Center. BMW, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, Mercedes AMG, Porsche, McLaren, Lexus, Cadillac, Aston Martin, Ford, Acura and Ferrari make their names known across every circuit and every city stop on the IMSA event racing schedule. But, winning here at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is where you are etched into history forever.

WEDNESDAY

8:18 AM

We’re just under an hour away from the first on-track session to kick start the 28th Annual Motul Petit Le Mans weekend. The VP Racing SportsCar Challenge teams are here early to make their mark on the North Georgia terrain. The media center is empty for the most part, just a handful of media personnel sitting down. While a few others walk around looking for the perfect place to set up shop for the next three days. It feels like every minute, a new person walks in. A new PR person, a new team representative or a new journalist marks their work station with a blue paper. Their name in bold font. The 28th Annual Petit

Le Mans logo sits brightly at the top. Eyes glued to the TVs lining the rows of seats. Live timing and the live on-track feed run on every other screen. Eyes flipping from one screen to another, down to their computer and back up to check what’s going on. The click of keyboards echoes in the 150-seater Media Center. Photographers and videographers organize their equipment and talk amongst themselves. The calm before the storm. A moment of peace before controlled chaos sweeps its way through the paddock and the media center.

Ryan Smith is the Trackside Communications Director for Corvette Racing. With over 20 years of experience in the industry and over 12 years working in IMSA, Smith has his hands full. In the media center, you’ll find Smith pacing around the room with his headphones plugged into his team radio. Or typing on his computer with his eyes focused on the screen. One of his main responsibilities is getting information out to other media personnel. He says, “I think for us as media reps and communications professionals, being able to provide information to people who are important to us can help tell the story. Not just of the race, but of how our race progresses. That’s the main goal.”

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta’s large media center allows for those important information messages to get out. Smith calls it the ‘Play-byPlay’ of the race. He includes vital information like driver quotes, how long the pit stops were, when the driver change happened and who went in, as well as answering any possible questions a journalist might have. Smith shares how the media center is perfectly located. The media center overlooks the front straightaway, giving a stunning view of the pit lane, the finish line, turn one and turn twelve’s incredible passing zone. The bridge connecting both the infield paddock and tower paddock is just steps away from the media center’s entrance, giving media personnel easy access to their teams and drivers.

FRIDAY

8:03 AM

The media center is quiet. A few journalists are talking quietly, a PR representative for Cadillac is on the phone. A team videographer is suiting up and has donned his photo vest. A few puffs of air to clean his lens and he is out the door. On track action begins in 27 minutes with the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Scarfing down their breakfast with one hand and using the other to write off their to-do list for today. The room gets busier as the morning goes on. Press conferences are held with the winners.

6:30 PM

Qualifying for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is a 45-minute effort. Each class is allotted 15 minutes for a chance to secure pole position for the last race of the season. Immediately after qualifying begins, the media center is abuzz. Each car with a story to tell, each driver with their foot pressed down on the throttle and each team vying for the season finale win. As the green flag waves, cars fly over the timing line and media members watch the TVs. In and out a million times over. Running up and down the stairs and out the media door. Before one qualifying session is over, pole position claimers are already waiting in the media center for their interviews to begin. What once smelt of fresh air and this evening’s catered dinner now smells like hard work and sweat. Eyes flow from the driver back down to their computers. The microphone is passed around and a handful of journalists ask a question or two. Team PR handlers stand by, holding out their phone to record audio of their drivers. As soon as the press conference is over, the media center dies down. It’s an early night tonight, tomorrow’s the big day.

SATURDAY

Race Day in the media center is a different type of energy and excitement. There’s a sense of nervousness or tension. The last race of the season, championships on the line and 10 hours left for the drivers to leave it all on the table. A dunk of champagne and a photo with their team. Press conferences start now. Drivers are jetted off on a golf cart and driven directly to the media center’s back door. Escorted in, with their PR handlers already waiting on them. Question after question, the top three drivers talk about their race as the media center bounces back and forth between silence and light computer keyboard taps. A tap on the mic and it’s over. Motul Petit Le Mans heartbreak or achievement. It’s all decided here.

4:07 PM

The media center has five empty seats. Almost three hours into the race and the media center is full of a mix of people doing various tasks. Photographers are editing photos, journalists are writing out reports and team representatives are eagerly listening to and following along to team radios. At the halfway mark, the media center is calm, with the only chaos being on track.

10:13 PM

Media members walk out the doors, headed to the podium or finished for the night. Winners of the 10-hour endurance race exit their cars and season champions are crowned. Every driver and every team member is celebrated on the podium under the track lights and under the stars.

12:37 AM

Press conferences are finishing up and the media center is quiet except for the sound of keyboard clicks. Team representatives stick around finishing up their writings. Photographers edit pictures.The night is ending and with that so is the 2025 racing season.

A Taste of Braselton THE WALKS THAT PUT A TOWN ON THE MAP

At first glance, a tasting passport and a cluster of shops hardly seem like the makings of a signature experience. Yet in a few short years, Braselton’s food and drink “walks” have evolved into some of the town’s most recognizable (not to mention award-winning) traditions. The Downtown Chocolate Walk, Wine and Cravin’ Bacon walks, along with the Braselton West Wine Hop, sell out within a matter of days—sometimes mere hours—drawing visitors from across North Georgia and beyond.

The concept is simple: Guests pick up a map and lanyard, then spend the next few hours meandering between stops, collecting sips, samples and stamps. What they don’t realize? Their carefree tasting tour is actually a carefully choreographed production months in the making. Behind the scenes, Town of Braselton staff laboriously coordinate details like merchant signups, menu brainstorming, branding and signage, volunteer recruitment, trolley schedules, permits, waste pickup and more to ensure that event day runs without a hitch.

SWEET BEGINNINGS: CHOCOLATE WALK

For more than a decade, Downtown Braselton has started the year on a sweet note with the Chocolate Walk, a celebration of cocoa in every form—from truffles and brownies to chocolate-infused beverages and creative twists dreamed up by downtown shopkeepers and restaurateurs. Hosted near Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect confectionery scavenger hunt for sweethearts, galentines and chocolate lovers alike.

HOPPIN’ WEST: WINE HOP

The Wine Hop offers a change of scenery— and a change of tempo. Rather than a stroll through downtown, the evening unfolds across Braselton West, with the Braselton Trolley ferrying guests from one venue to the next. Bold reds, sparkling selections and signature appetizers turn the route into a roaming dinner party.

A SUMMER POUR: WINE WALK

In early August, Downtown Braselton’s boutiques, galleries and restaurants transform into specialty tasting rooms pouring crisp whites, refreshing rosés and smooth reds, each paired with small bites and exclusive discounts. With the warmth of summer in full swing, extra planning goes into ensuring guests stay comfortable and hydrated.

BACON, REIMAGINED: CRAVIN’ BACON WALK

As the year winds down and the holiday lights flick on, the Cravin’ Bacon Walk fills the air with smoke and sizzle as chefs serve up bacon-centric bites, dips and sweet-savory pairings. Standard tickets cast the spotlight on the food, but VIP (that’s “Very Important Pig”) ticketholders enjoy an added bourbon tasting, some at secret locations.

MORE THAN A TASTING TOUR

Each walk and hop offers a limited number of tickets to ensure the experience is both personal and manageable. Routes are refreshed each year to include new businesses. Volunteers handle guest checkins, answer questions and, often, help man some of the sample stations while staff coordinate planning and permitting, safety and cleanup. The result is a calendar full of award-winning experiences that feel effortlessly fun and relaxed while delivering measurable impact for local merchants.

Whether chocolate, wine or bacon, each stop on the map illustrates a story of craftsmanship and collaboration, leaving visitors with a stronger connection to the Braselton community—and a reason to keep returning year after year.

INSIDER TIPS

Tickets for these events sell out quickly. To secure your spot, watch ExploreBraselton.com and ExploreBraselton on Facebook and Instagram for release dates and plan accordingly. Comfortable shoes, a tote for all your purchases and an appetite for discovery make the experience even better.

Wine Hop, Wine Walk and Cravin’ Bacon VIP ticketholders must be 21 and older

EVENTS

02 FEBRUARY

ARTRAGEOUS

Davis Street and the Town Green will burst into color as a juried art festival and live painting projects transform the space into a lively street market. Stroll among handcrafted treasures and curated finds, enjoy whimsical art demonstrations and take part in interactive performances. Even more art awaits inside the Braselton Civic Center! Learn

01 MARCH JANUARY

BRASELTON ANTIQUE SHOW AT THE CIVIC CENTER

From highboys to Lowcountry charm, discover treasures at the inaugural Braselton Antique Show. Held inside the Civic Center, this high-end event features beautifully curated antiques and collectibles. Explore elegant displays, uncover unique finds and delight in a marketplace where history and style come together in unexpected ways.

CHOCOLATE WALK

Tickets will generally go on sale around Christmas for this early February event. Stroll through our beautiful downtown shops and collect a sweet treat at each participating location.

WINTER

ART-TIQUES

VINTAGE MARKET

Where art and antiques collide to create a fun winter shopping experience, featuring handcrafted items and Old World treasures.

FARMERS MARKET

A radish-ing good time.

03

PADDY’S DAY PATHFEST PARADE AND QUEST

Life is good on the LifePath. This one-of-a-kind St. Patrick’s Day celebration starts off with a zany golf cart parade along the Highway 211 corridor, then has teams scurrying around the area on the wild scavenger hunt. The highest point winners drive off with the pot of gold prize package.

FARMERS MARKET

Kale yeah!

06 04 JUNE APRIL

LIVE FROM BRASELTON

For this special night, the Town Green comes alive with music under the Braselton stars. Savor bites from food trucks, sip cocktails and let the rhythm fill the air. Bring your lawn chair, your friends and your dancing shoes—this free concert is the perfect soundtrack to a Braselton evening.

POOCHES IN THE PARK

All tails will be wagging when Braselton welcomes the entire pack to Downtown. Plan to sit, stay and play a while. Fun market for fido, mini agility course, story time, photo ops and more. Dixie Dock Dogs splash down with world-class competitive distance-jumping.

BRASELTON ANTIQUE AND

ARTISAN

FESTIVAL

Join hundreds of vendors and 25,000 attendees for two days of shopping during the semi-annual Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival in Downtown Braselton, hosted by Countryside Antiques. Dealers from all over the metro area and surrounding states bring their best to Braselton for this popular festival every year during the fourth weekend of April and October.

FARMERS MARKET

Lettuce entertain you!

05 MAY

TOAST TO BRASELTON

Always a fun night when the Downtown Development Authority holds its main fundraising event for the year. The theme for the party changes every year but good food and good times are always consistent.

LIVE FROM BRASELTON

For this special night, the Town Green comes alive with music under the Braselton stars. Savor bites from food trucks, sip cocktails and let the rhythm fill the air. Bring your lawn chair, your friends and your dancing shoes—this free concert is the perfect soundtrack to a Braselton evening.

DRIFT ATLANTA

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta has cornered the market on drift racing excitement. This full-throttle event is more than smoke and mirrors and you won’t want to miss it.

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS ON THE TOWN GREEN

Get ready for a night of family fun on the big lawn for a movie screening under the stars. The movie starts once it gets dark!

FARMERS MARKET

It’s thyme to fill those shopping bags!

BRASELTON WEST WINE HOP

All aboard as the Trolley takes wine sippers around Braselton West. The Wine Hop is a great way to discover new businesses in Braselton West and enjoy some wine samples and delicious bites all in the same night. Tickets go on sale in May.

SUMMER ART-TIQUES VINTAGE MARKET

Summer is hot but the deals are even hotter! Join the fun for a sizzling summer arts, antiques and treasures festival.

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS ON THE TOWN GREEN

One of the best ways to enjoy a long summer night! Once it gets dark out, join us for a family movie night on the big lawn.

FARMERS MARKET

Orange you glad to be here?

07 JULY

08

09 AUGUST SEPTEMBER

WERA MOTORCYCLE RACING

The fastest form of competition on two wheels. Catch the excitement of racing during this month.

DOWNTOWN WINE WALK

If wine tasting is your sport, then the Downtown Wine Walk is for you. Sip, stroll, shop and enjoy the evening in Historic Downtown Braselton.

BRASELTON BREW BASH

4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL & PARADE

Held every year on the Fourth of July, come celebrate America on the Town Green in Downtown Braselton. You can expect music, food and fun.

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS ON THE TOWN GREEN

Movies start when it gets dark. Join us on the big lawn for a family movie night with neighbors and friends.

FARMERS MARKET

The farmers market is one in a melon!

SUMMER ART-TIQUES VINTAGE MARKET

Another sizzling summer shopping festival, held on the third weekend of the month. This multi-day market opens on Saturday and runs through Sunday.

FARMERS MARKET

We’ve bean hoping you’d stop by!

Come for the beer, stay for the fun as the Town Green, in the beautiful historic district of Braselton, is transformed into a beer garden overflowing with local craft brews. Ticket holders will delight in a tasting feast along with great food and live music.

FARMERS MARKET

There’s nothing cheesy about the farmers market!

10 OCTOBER

MEDIEVAL FAIRE

Fare thee well! Don’t miss this two-day, one-of-a-kind entertaining, educational and engaging event on the Braselton Town Green.

BRASELTON ANTIQUE & ARTISAN FESTIVAL

Join hundreds of vendors and 25,000 attendees for two days of shopping during the semi-annual Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival in Downtown Braselton, hosted by Countryside Antiques. Dealers from all over the metro area and surrounding states bring their best to Braselton for this popular festival every year during the fourth weekend of April and October.

MOTUL PETIT LE MANS

Experience life in the fast lane! The world comes together for this ultimate sports car endurance race. The 10hour race at famed Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta provides a unique fan experience right in Braselton’s backyard.

HALLOWEEN PATHPARADE AND CARNIVAL

Join us for a spooktacular, festive Halloween PathParade AND a carnival party on the Braselton LifePath! If you’ve got it, haunt it: Decorated golf carts and costumes are encouraged!

11

NOVEMBER

BONBON TRAIL

A fun twist on holiday shopping, leading you to Braselton’s sweetest holiday gifts and treats. The Bonbon Trail is your holiday shopping guide. Each business on the trail has delightful gifts to surprise your loved ones. Shop the trail, complete the form and be entered to win a prize! By shopping at small businesses, you’ll discover unique items, avoid crowds and support the local community.

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN BRASELTON

Santa, we know him! He’ll be making a special appearance at the annual parade, always held on the third Saturday of November. After the parade, enjoy the holiday marketplace shopping experience, food trucks and entertainment.

Conclude your day with the traditional Lighting of the Tree Ceremony followed by a festive drone show on the Town Green.

VINEYARD FEST

A celebration of exquisite wines, gourmet food and lively entertainment set against the picturesque backdrop of the stunning Chateau Elan Winery & Resort.

12

DECEMBER

CRAVIN’ BACON WALK

Love bacon? Our downtown has the cure! This is a fun shopping, walking and exploring event where you’ll get your fill of bacon-inspired treats. Upgrade tickets to the VIP (very important pigs) and receive access to secret bourbon tasting rooms.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS TROLLEY TOURS

Take a jolly ride on the Braselton Trolley to see the best Christmas lights in town. The town offers ticketed tours and group rentals throughout December. Brush up on your holiday tunes so you can sing along!

DOWNTOWN

HOLIDAY CONCERT & COOKIE CRAWL

FARMERS MARKET

Be a peach and shop local!

FARMERS MARKET

A berry large selection of items!

Kick off the holiday season with an enchanting afternoon of music and merriment. Join the fun of a heartwarming holiday concert featuring the North Georgia Wind playing at the Civic Center, followed by a delightful Cookie Crawl through downtown. Stroll along Braselton’s charming streets for festive tunes, sweet treats and holiday cheer!

BUSINESS LISTINGS BRASELTON

As much a part of our town as the people who call Braselton “home,” our business community is rich, robust and diverse. From antiques and boutiques to beauty and bottle shops and everything in between, there’s a reason we encourage our residents and guests to buy local, be local, because it’s Better in Braselton!

Antiques, Boutiques & Shopping

1904 Gallery

9924 Davis St, Ste 1 (601) 917-5397

Big Peach Running Co. 7419 Spout Springs Rd (770) 967-9755

Cheese Boards and Thangs

9924 Davis Street, Ste 5 (706) 521-9579

Countryside Antiques

115 Harrison Street (706) 824-7204

Eclectics Consign and Design

7433 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 106 (770) 965-2400

Ferngully’s Garden at Braselton

84 Brassie Lane (678) 528-2977

Georgia Frame Shop

3730 Village Way, Ste 140 (470) 429-3141

House of Boykin Consignments

64 Brassie Lane (770) 568-2298

Image Boutique

7330 Spout Springs Rd, Ste A3 (770) 967-1300

Joy Company Market

56 Henry Street (706) 499-8094

Lovin Florist

2095 Hwy 211, Ste 7A (678) 975-7584

Luxe Living Interiors

2437 Hancock Dr, Ste 140 (770) 776-9795

Meeple Madness Game Shoppe 7400 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 103 (770) 965-1333

Miniature Designs

372 Broadway Ave (770) 923-8500

My Gift Store

2353 Thompson Mill Rd, Ste 100-101 (770) 967-2055

Outdoor Environments

68 Zion Church Rd (706) 658-2783

Pawn & Antique Exchange 6750 Hwy 53, Ste 106 (706) 684-0528

Real Time Audio and Accessories

7429 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 104 (678) 960-4540

Simply Thompson Boutique

9924 Davis St, Ste 3 (770) 713-8834

Solus Mei Custom Jewelry 6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 200C (470) 435-1002

The Mill

16 Frances St (706) 921-4022

The Frame

7433 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 101 (678) 828-7288

The Station

7421 Spout Springs Rd, C101 (470) 778-9220

Your CDB Store

2095 Hwy 211, Ste 2C (470) 209-7052

Specialty Foods

Cheese Boards and Thangs

9924 Davis Street, Ste 5 (706) 521-9579

Graze Craze 2371 Thompson Mill Rd, Ste 103 (770) 491-7642

Great American Cookie/Marble Slab Creamery

6323 Grand Hickory Dr E, Ste 100 (470) 238-3845

Joy Company Market

56 Henry Street (706) 499-8094

Juke n Jive Creamery 6342 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 101 (470) 655-7986

Nutrition Depot

2095 Hwy 211 NW, Ste 6F (770) 868-1401

Old Mill Nutrition

7435 Spout Springs Rd (770) 880-0623

Sugar n Proof Bakery

9924 Davis Street, Ste 1 (678) 787-1282

Wilkes Meat Market

7433 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 103 (770) 965-9600

Bottle Shops

Braselton Beverage

1929 Hwy 211 NW, Ste 104 (770) 307-1818

Cork & Keg

6750 Hwy 53, Ste 101 (706) 658-2491

Duncan Corners Bottle Shop

7437 Spout Springs Rd (770) 967-3341

Jax Super Store

2437 Hancock Dr (678) 828-7432

Liberty World Beverage

3700 Village Way (770) 307-0321

Crafts/Hobbies/ Recreation

Axe Master Throwing

2345 Thompson Mill Rd, Ste 103 (770) 453-2900

The Back Nine Golf

6323 Grand Hickory Dr Ste. 300C (706) 350-4653

Beadjoux Bead Store

6750 Hwy 53, Ste 103 (706) 658-0007

Big Peach Running Co.

7419 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 103 (770) 967-9755

Choe’s HapKiDo Martial Arts and Kickboxing

7380 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 230 (470) 202-8854

Devine Baseball

2315 Hunting Creek Ct (678) 714-2700

House of Clay

65 Frances Street (770) 519-8900

J&K Play Studio

3730 Village Way, Ste 150 (470) 361-8282

Karate RX

935 Hwy 124, Ste 213 (470) 350-7704

Master Jo’s World Class Tae Kwon Do 2095 Highway 211 NW, Ste 6B (678) 230-0043

Miniature Designs

372 Broadway Ave (770) 923-8500

Meeple Madness Game Shoppe

7400 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 103 (770) 965-1333

Pinspiration

7380 Spouts Springs R, Ste 150 (678) 630-3135

Revolution Athletics

7400 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 101 (678) 960-4064

The Dojo

7421 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 106 (770) 965-0808

The Legends Golf Course 5473 Legends Dr (770) 932-8653

Trigger Time

7429 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 101 (770) 967-4444

Turning Pointe School of Dance

935 Hwy 124, Ste 204 (678) 648-7348

Pets/Vets

Animal Emergency Care of Braselton

2095 Hwy 211, Ste 2A (470) 209-7222

Annabelle’s Pet Grooming Salon & Boutique

1929 Hwy 211 NW (470) 429-3008

Best Friend Veterinary Hospital 1210 Tuscany Drive (770) 307-0903

Chateau Animal Hospital

2635 Old Winder Hwy (678) 960-4535

Friendship Springs Veterinary Care

7380 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 160 (770) 967-8387

In the Ruff Pet Stuff

7380 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 190 (678) 828-7648

Paisley’s Grooming

74 Lagree Duck Rd (678) 858-3954

Pawsatively Purrfect Pet Salon

7419 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 105 (770) 965-0192

Petsuites Braselton 2311 Sparta Way (678) 722-5124

The Puppy Pantry 1070 Braselton Village Pkwy, Ste 120 (678) 963-5582

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

6323 Grand Hickory Dr., Suite 100G (404) 400-3688

Salons/Spas

Artistic Expression Hair Salon 9924 Davis Street, Ste 6 (706) 824-0224

Bella Mia Salon & Bar

7338 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 16 (770) 965-5090

BRIO Med Spa

7419 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 102 (678) 717-9142

Braselton Family Salon

50 Brassie Lane (404) 314-9002

Cache’ Salon

6323 Grand Hickory Drive, Ste 200 (770) 965-6560

Citi Nails

6072 Hwy 53, Ste F (706) 658-2890

Diva’s Nail-Spa

7380 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 240 (770) 967-6639

Duncan Corners Nails

7421 Spout Springs Rd, Ste C102 (770) 965-5110

Eden Massage House and Day Spa

5765 Old Winder Hwy (470) 606-8188

Elan Nail Bar

1080 Braselton Village Pkwy, Ste 120 (706) 362-1144

Family Foot and Body Massage

7380 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 250 (678) 960-4089

Fashion Nails

7330 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 11C (770) 965-2258

Frenchies Modern Nail Care

6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 200E (770) 965-7562

GA Nails & Spa

6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 200 (770) 965-7562

Golden Hair Salon

7421 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 103 (770) 965-7907

Great Clips

1070 Braselton Village, Ste 110 (678) 425-9899

Great Clips

7380 Spout Springs Rd (770) 965-6966

Herbs & Massage

6750 Hwy 53, Ste 108 (706) 684-0695

Highway 53 Hair Salon

6072 Hwy 53 (706) 654-5759

Jade Massage

6072 Hwy 53, Ste C (678) 899-6514

K T Nails

7363 Spout Springs Rd (770) 965-1606

Lavish Nail Bar

2095 Hwy 211 NW, Ste 6B (770) 868-0222

Massage Envy

7338 Spout Springs Rd, Ste C12 (770) 965-8853

Matthews & Co Salon

7375 Spout Springs Rd (770) 967-9333

Noire Nail Bar

5748 Old Winder Hwy (678) 960-4636

Platinum Salon

6342 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 100 (770) 965-4552

Q Nails & Spa

2437 Hancock Dr, Ste 120 (678) 828-7189

Renegade Barber Shop

1929 Hwy 211, Ste 103 (470) 209-7490

Royale Nails Spa

7378 Friendship Springs Blvd, Ste F (678) 828-7236

Salon Anne Rose 2095 Hwy 211, Ste 1B (470) 429-3957

T&T Nails Spa

6750 Hwy 53, Ste 109 (470)978-7969

The Spa at Chateau Elan 100 Haven Harbor Drive (678) 425-6064

USA Nails

5771 Old Winder Hwy (770) 965-8271

Yi Xin Massage

5745 Old Winder Hwy, Ste D (470) 778-2171

Personal Care & Aesthetics

B-Tan

2095 Hwy 211 NW, Ste 6E (770) 867-9996

Gameday Men’s Health

1239 Friendship Rd, Ste 300A (706) 349-1500

Georgia Aesthetics and Wellness

2363 Thompson Mill Rd, Ste 101 (706) 340-7914

Haus of Arte

3740 Village Way, Ste C (404) 620-6761

LUM Aesthetics and Skincare 1239 Friendship Rd, Ste 400 (706) 621-7133

Mimi’s Aesthetics

2095 Hwy 211, Ste 1C (470) 429-3611

Nyah Med Spa

1235 Friendship Rd, Ste 200 (470) 417-3334

Regen-U-Sphere 7367 Spout Springs Rd (678) 828-1780

Sabreal

2345 Thompson, Ste 105 (404) 297-9911

Stretch Zone

6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 100F (678) 804-9067

Timeless Aesthetics of Atlanta

6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 300B (470) 238-3967

TLC Skin

9924 Davis Street, Ste 3 (239) 243-6003

Reborn Lyfe

3740 Village Way, Ste 210 (706) 696-9727

Underground Strength and Wellness

5767 Old Winder Hwy (678) 865-8399

Wellness Worx

7316 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 202 (404) 566-9679

Chiropractic

Braselton Chiropractic & Wellness

5391 Hwy 53, Ste 110 (706) 654-2400

Integrated Health & Chiropractic 2345 Thompson Mill Rd, Ste 106 (770) 307-0968

PURE Chiropractic

2095 GA Hwy 211 NW, Ste 3A (678) 710-3011

ReAlign Chiropractic Rehab

6342 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 103 (770) 900-7334

Spine Chiropractic and Wellness Center

7380 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 140 (770) 954-7244

The Movement Lab

5670 Old Winder Hwy, Ste 102 (470) 219-8825

Workout/Fitness

4D Lifestyle Health and Wellness

4380 Spouts Springs Rd, Ste 410 (404) 987-4041

5 Rings Barbell 847 Hwy 124, Ste F (281) 382-5331

Anytime Fitness

5757 Old Winder Hwy (770) 967-7000

Braselton Fit Body Boot Camp 6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 300E (706) 540-0692

Burn Boot Camp

7310 Spout Springs Rd, Ste B (678) 828-7048

Club Pilates

2095 Hwy 211 NW, 07B (762) 425-1270

Crossfit Faded Glory

2363 Thompson Mill Rd (404) 268-4721

Hotworx 1239 Friendship Rd (470) 606-2123

Iron Wolf Academy 1247 Tuscany Dr, Ste D (770) 940-4680

Workout Anytime

7338 Spout Springs Rd (678) 960-4130

Yoga Culture 7435 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 106 (770) 405-9102

Event Centers

Braselton Civic Center 27 E Lake Dr (706) 654-1944

Chateau Elan Conference Center

100 Rue Charlemagne (678) 425-6017

SPEC Event Center

7421 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 111 (706) 572-5385

The Venue at Friendship Springs 7340 Friendship Springs Blvd (678) 960-9637

Hotels in Braselton

Best Western

303 Zion Church Rd (706) 654-3081

Baymont by Wyndham 2069 Hwy 211 NW (770) 988-6224

Country Inn and Suites

925 Hwy 124 (470) 403-2756

Hampton Inn at Chateau Elan 5159 Golf Club Drive (770) 307-0700

Holiday Inn Express

2958 Braselton Crossing Lane (770) 791-0007

Inn at Chateau Elan

100 Rue Charlemagne (678) 425-0900

LaQuinta 200 Kaival Lane (706) 684-3266

Stay Local Braselton (Vacation Home Rental)

88 Lakeshore Drive (706) 870-1693

Restaurants

Braselton West

Biba’s Italian Restaurant

7338 Spout Springs Rd (770) 965-0012

Cabo’s Mex-Grill

7367 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 150 (770) 965-0608

D’Villa’s Italian Pizzeria 7378 Friendship Springs Blvd, Ste H (678) 828-7800

El Centinela

Mexican Restaurant

7380 Spout Springs R, Ste 170 (770) 967-0030

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza 7363 Spout Springs Rd (770) 965-0429

Marco’s Pizza

7380 Spout Springs Rd (678) 960-4315

Maynard’s At The Corner

7435 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 101 (770) 965-0313

Papa Jack’s Country Kitchen 2200 Sparta Way (770) 965-7007

Peking Garden

7338 Spout Springs Rd (770) 967-9926

Rachetti’s Café & Pizzeria 7437 Spout Springs Rd (470) 655-1515

Sushi Heeya

7380 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 430 (678) 902-1800

Taco’s Tacos

2437 Hancock Drive, Ste 130 (470) 350-2702

WNB Factory

7380 Spout Springs Rd, Ste 200 (706) 308-3486

Downtown

Cork It Braselton 36 Frances Street (229) 630-6311

Cotton Calf Kitchen

9924 Davis St, Ste 9 (706) 684-0410

The Galloping Galette

9924 Davis St, Ste 7 (706) 684-3080

Jack’s Local Station

108 Brassie Ln (706) 921-4192

La Hacienda

5391 Hwy 53, Ste 106 (706) 654-0070

Re/bar

9924 Davis St, Ste 1 (470) 512-6261

2-1-1 Chateau Elan Parkway

Cantina Madre

6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 200A 678-828-8081

Chicken Salad Chick

3701 Village Way, Ste A (706) 605-2445

China Garden 2095 Hwy 211, Ste 2D (770) 868-5597

Chipotle Mexican Grill 3705 Village Way 706-921-3015

Fleur-de-Lis at Chateau Elan Spa

100 Rue Charlemagne (678) 425-6064 x41

IHOP

5783 Old Winder Hwy 678-528-1324

Jack’s

1929 Hwy 211, Ste 105 (770) 867-5225

Jack’s Public House

6332 Grand Hickory Dr (770) 967-8377

Juke N Jive Creamery

6342 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 101 (470) 655-7986

LongHorn Steakhouse

2700 Old Winder Hwy (770)-965-8802

Mahana Fresh

6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 100A Suite 100A (770) 706-0480

Marc at Chateau Elan Winery

100 Tour de France (678) 425-6916

Moe’s Southwest Grill

2620 Old Winder Hwy, Ste 500 (678) 804-6661

Monterrey Mexican Grill

5745 Old Winder Hwy, Ste A (770) 965-2541

Ninja Steak & Sushi

5753 Old Winder Hwy (770) 965-2292

Paddy’s Irish Pub

100 Tour De France (678) 425-6074

Sarazen’s Bar & Grille at Chateau Elan Golf Club

6060 Golf Club Dr (678) 425-6050

Sneaky Sancho’s Wings & Tacos 1975 Hwy 211 (770) 867-7710

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

3701 Village Way, Ste B 770-821-1900

Umami Tavern 6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 300

Versailles at Chateau Elan

100 Rue Charlemagne Dr (678) 425-0900 ext. 6181

Wayback Burgers

6323 Grand Hickory Dr, Ste 100B (470) 326-3589

WNB Factory

2095 Hwy 211, Ste 5B 678-975-7981

53 North

Cracker Barrel

301 Exchange Way (706) 658-0009

El Centinela Mexican Restaurant

6072 Hwy 53 (706) 654-3772

Moonshiners Bar & Grill

6750 Hwy 53 (706) 684-0295

Stonewall’s BBQ

6072 Hwy 53 (706) 824-9990

Tea Garden

6072 Hwy 53, Ste D (706) 658-2428

The Roman Oven

6750 Hwy 53 (706) 921-4918

DOWNTOWN BRASELTON