In 2015, we made it our mission to blog about the amazing Hall County community; whether that be local shopping, family activities and entertainment or restaurants.
Our readers made it clear which blogs were their favorites.
So, we pulled together our three most popular blogs of 2015 to share with you again! We can’t wait to see what 2016 brings to the Hall County community.
- Lemonade Makers Celebrates Grand Opening
Gainesville native Kelsey Bishop decided after her second bout with cancer that she wanted to make a difference in the Gainesville community and follow her dreams to own her own business.
Lemonade Makers will be selling all Georgia made crafts, arts and goods; and a portion of the sales will go to Kelsey’s Cure, her foundation that was created after she was diagnosed with cancer. Kelsey’s Cure is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving individuals and caregivers affected by blood cancers and support organizations with the same goals.
She came up with the name Lemonade Makers because of her belief that you can always turn any obstacle into something special.
“I’ve always been a dreamer,” Kelsey said. “…a portion of all of our profits will go straight to Kelsey’s Cure, we’re going to have people come in and volunteer and people will be able to give back here.”
Shopping locally of course is a big trend but shopping for a cause has a little more meaning especially to those who are suffering with cancer or have in the past.
The lineup of locally sourced brands isn’t too shabby either! Some of the most popular local brands will be featured in the store like the popular Riley Clay Designs, Simply Adored and Seriously Happy, among other brands.
Riley Clay Designs is a wildly popular T-shirt company that is based in Gainesville that focuses on positive messaging on their shirts. The T-shirt that really took off for the company and into an internet hit was their “Jesus Saves Bro,” T-shirt that is made in infant to adult sizes.
Simply Adored is a custom handmade jewelry line that is made in Flowery Branch. The jewelry is customizable and in addition to handmade jewelry, the company can fix any beaded broken jewelry you may have. For contact information on that service, talk to Kelsey in the store anytime.
“We have locally roasted coffee and everything in the store is handmade,” she said. “We’ll have Jaemor products and products, pottery…most of the products are from Hall County.
Throughout the year Lemonade Makers is going to be stocked with produce from Jaemor Farms, the first place that Kelsey worked in her life, like pumpkins and other fall goodies.
“We have a T-shirt line that is actually going to launch in the store. It’s called This Is Home, a Georgia based brand, and they is going to expand to do some 30501 items.”
The Grand Opening of Lemonade Makers is 10 to 5 p.m. Saturday Aug. 22 and there will be swag bags for those who attend, lemonade from Chick-fil-A and of course, shopping!
Lemonade Makers is located on 1175 Thompson Bridge Road, Suite B in Gainesville. For more information on hours call 678-943-6176 or head over to the Lemonade Makers Facebook page.
- We Love 2 Dog
In Hall County, we have the luxury of having some of the best and most unique restaurants and small businesses in North Georgia. These small businesses and restaurants not only provide needed entertainment and other services but also strengthens the sense of community in the area.
A perfect example of a restaurant that creates community and also serves amazing food is one of our favorites: 2 Dog Cafe!
For 15 years, 2 Dog owners and Gainesville natives, Tim and Tina Roberts have made it their mission to source fresh, locally grown seasonal produce, bake fresh breads, create house made smoked meats and sausages, scrumptious main dishes, pizzas and desserts; among other menu items.
The rustic, homey eatery serves a seasonally changing menu, hard to find craft beers and great wines. Not only will you leave 2 Dog happy and full, you will feel that sense of community by sharing great food and drinks with friends.
This is a restaurant where Dean behind the bar will remember your favorite wine and the staff will learn your name and favorites on the menu, after just a few visits.
Some of our favorite items on the menu are the shrimp and grits, Mojo pulled pork sandwiches, the Rosa with chicken salad, chicken tacos and the peanut butter pie is to die for!
2 Dog Cafe, 317 Spring St., Gainesville, Ga. 770-287-8384. www.2dogrestaurant.com. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch along with offering catering services.
- Gainesville Eats: The Collegiate
Photo: Yelp.com
Those of us who live in Gainesville know that The Collegiate has always had some of the best burgers, fries and milkshakes in the area. But did you know that USA Today picked The Collegiate the best burger joint in the state of Georgia?
Yep, you heard that right! In 2013, USA Today released the 51 top burger joints in the country and The Collegiate represented the state of Georgia! What a great representation of the food served on our downtown Gainesville square.
The Collegiate has been a mainstay on the square since 1947 and that’s reflected in the décor. From the black and white checkered floor to the old, diner-style stools at the counter. The old photos on the walls serve as a photo history of Gainesville, which just adds to the ambiance. This burger joint is the kind of place when you walk in that the owners, Jeff and Donna Worley know you by name and your favorite items on the menu.
Jeff actually worked as The Collegiate as a child and purchased the restaurant in 2008 after it had been closed down. Since then he has carried on the traditional of original owners George and Margene Brown and their historic diner.
A recent Yelp review from R.K., who hails from Macon, said “Hardest working, most efficient wait staff you’ll ever see. Excellent service and food…This is a real throwback; restaurants like this are fading quickly. Menu is quite limited: burgers, fries, slaw, real hand-made milkshakes, BLTs…Memorable, different and excellent.”
We would have to agree The Collegiate is a special diner that we are lucky enough to enjoy in Gainesville. Make sure to stop in soon and support this great restaurant and local business owners!
The Collegiate is located on 220 Main St. in Gainesville. For more information of hours call 678-989-2280.
Please let Abernathy Cochran know of new and interesting businesses that are opening in the area; we love promote and support local businesses.
