The Arena at Gwinnett Center

6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth

770-813-7670

Brand new and glamorous, the arena is the home of the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League and, beginning in fall of 2003, the Gwinnett Gladiators professional ice hockey team. It also hosts top-line entertainers including Bruce Springsteen, Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Avril Lavigne.

Rhodes Jordan Park Aquatic Center

100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville

770-822-5150

This wet-and-wild playground boasts some of the most imaginative pool toys this side of Disney. Kids and adults alike can splash and slide on things like water spouts, log rafts, tire swings and a 21-foot waterslide.

Kurpianka Polish Specialty Foods

3463 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee

678-714-5551

For all the transplanted Northerners who miss their favorite ethnic foods, Kurpianka offers 12 kinds of sausage, plus holishkas (stuffed cabbage leaves) and pirogis (stuffed pastries). Also, authentic Polish hams and books and music from Poland are available.

The Forum

Peachtree Parkway at Peachtree Corners Circle, Norcross

A recently opened collection of upscale shops and restaurants in an European-style unenclosed mall. Some of the approximately 50 shops include Ann Taylor Loft, Liz Claiborne Shoes and Williams-Sonoma. Among the restaurant offerings are Ted's Montana Grill and Jason's Deli, with Brooklyn Cafe coming soon. At the Forum's Barnes & Noble bookstore, there is a weekly gathering of writers, plus trivia games on some Friday nights.

Children's Art Museum

Hudgens Center for the Arts

6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth

770-623-6002

Within Gwinnett's premiere arts complex, the museum offers ongoing child-friendly exhibits, plus summer programs in painting, drawing, pottery, textiles and theater.

Historic Buford

Main Street, Buford

The preservation of the city's downtown district has been accompanied by an influx of first-rate art galleries. For a great gallery-hop, visit J. Reid Galleries, Main Street Galleries, the Gallery of Fine Wood, and Gallery 150.

Hi Life Restaurant

3380 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross

770-409-0101

An oasis of surprisingly sophisticated dining amidst typical suburban commerce. Fine service, refined atmosphere. The lobster ravioli is memorable, and the banana split is for two people to die for.