Going downtown … Norcross: AGELESS APPEAL

Tucked, almost secretly, behind the Hispanic businesses along Buford Highway, downtown Norcross looks like a small Georgia town center from another age. Ferns burst from Victorian wrought iron planters, and plaques outside old storefronts tell the stories of former tenants, the businesses and municipal groups that helped bring Norcross to life more than a century ago.

Then there are the trains. Freight and passenger liners rumble regularly down the track that runs parallel to Peachtree, the city’s main drag. “If you’re out on the street, all conversations cease when the train goes by,” says Anne Labaire, owner of Labaire Pottery, 27 South Peachtree Street.

The Southern Railroad local line, the Air Line Belle, once carried two steam locomotives per day of hot, weary city folk from Atlanta to Norcross’ Brunswick Hotel, billed as “Atlanta’s Favorite Summer Resort,” which was built in 1870 and torn down after World War II.

The city is hoping to lure a new generation of Atlantans to play in downtown Norcross. An ad campaign, launched in June, calls Norcross a “Place to Imagine,” and promises that new development will also bring diversity and hipness, which is outlined in curlicue script in a document called “The Imagination Proclamation” (read it at www.aplacetoimagine.com).

But with a distinct mix of restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops, as well as the upcoming Art Fest Oct. 4-5, the city already offers plenty to see and do to fill an afternoon, or even a few hours while I-85 traffic thins.

Wines and dining

A good place to start (or end) a tour of Norcross is at the Northern Star Coffeehouse (45 South Peachtree St.). Pop in to gather strength found in a cup of one of the many organic, fair-trade coffees from around the world and you may end up lingering longer than planned. Owner, City Council member and candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives Keith Shewbert, has created a welcoming and cozy salon for artists, musicians and even for impromptu meetings among community leaders and businesses in the original-art-adorned, warm brick and wood space.

Catch live music at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and wine tastings every Thursday from the shop’s niche-vineyard collection or huddle over a game of Yahtzee or Scrabble. Northern Star serves healthy, hearty breakfasts, brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and boxed lunches, all prepared onsite by Norcross’ beloved Bleu House Cafe.

For more than a light nibble or hearty mug of joe, the family-run Mojitos Cuban-American Bistro, 35 South Peachtree St., is turning into the place to feast, and to be seen, downtown. Done up in stylish cream and ebony colors and vintage Cuba travel posters hung on the exposed brick walls from the space’s original occupant —- Will Kent’s Grocery store, built around 1890 —- Mojitos’ menu combines hearty Cuban dishes with a smattering of American crowd-pleasers. Aside from the Cuban sandwich, owner Luis Fernandez’s guava barbecue baby back ribs marinated in a citrusy mojo are hugely popular for good reason.

Luis owns the restaurant with his wife, Yanin, whose Cuban-born mother, Elsida Cortes, does all the cooking while Luis’ father, Jose L. Fernandez, helps run the front of the house.

Visit on Fridays or Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. for live jazz, rock, salsa or Sinatra performed by Luis and Yanin, a singer and former EMI recording artist. A smart accompaniment is the sampler appetizer made up of ham croquettes, emapanadas and stuffed plantains, complemented by the restaurant’s eponymous beverage, made with fresh sugar cane, muddled mint, light rum and lime juice.

Other popular spots include the Norcross Station Cafe (40 South Peachtree St.), where trains routinely charge by, just feet away from this renovated 1909 depot. The patio that overlooks the shops on Peachtree is usually bustling during pleasant weather. Two other downtown favorites are the Italian-centered menus at Paizanos (7 Jones St.) and Dominick’s (95 S. Peachtree St.).

Shopping

The tote bag screen-printed with an image of London Bridge, the British flag license plate or the China mugs, plates and teapots all make fine gifts, but Taste of Britain, 73 South Peachtree St., is more utilitarian than it is fanciful. This is where Atlanta’s Anglophiles and Brits have been coming for 19 years to stock up on real English groceries that are hard to find elsewhere in the city. If you’re constructing a ploughman’s lunch at home, you’ll need to visit Norcross for the Branston Pickle. Other treats include Walker’s crisps, in prawn cocktail and roast chicken flavors; McVitie’s chocolate Digestives and chocolate Hob Nobs; and a refrigerator case full of British cheeses and sausages.

To plate up the English feast, visit Labaire Pottery, 27 South Peachtree St. This gallery of art and fine crafts culls its stock of colorful, handmade bowls, cups, plates, platters and vases from American potters that owners Anne and Ron Labaire have selected carefully using inside knowledge as experienced potters themselves. All the objects here look like works of art but are durably usable and can be placed in the microwave and dishwasher.

New items arrive daily, and prices range from pocket angels that sell for $1.25 to sculptures for $1,000. The Bill Campbell Collector’s Corner line shows off unusual crystalline pieces. “There are only 50 potters in the world who do it,” Labaire says. “They add specific salts and minerals to the glaze. If the chemistry and temperature are right, and God smiles, crystals will form in the glaze like ice crystals on a windowsill.”

The whimsical metal animal sculptures (about $150 each) by Bandana/Yardbirds —- made from recycled nuts, bolts and hubcaps —- are among the shop’s biggest sellers.

REASONS TO VISIT

Here are three upcoming events in downtown Norcross:

Art Fest. Streets close to cars and open to more than 100 artist tents. “I am kind of obsessed with cool and unusual art,” says Art Fest manager Frances Schube. “And when visitors walk down the streets, they are pleasantly surprised at the selection of creative works.” Visitors can also expect plenty to eat, including fried candy bars, Greek food, barbecue, hamburgers and corn dogs; live jazz and blues; and a Kidz Zone in Thrasher Park (Buchanan Street and Park Drive) for sand art, train rides, face painting, inflatables and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 4 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 5. www.norcrossartfest.com.

First Thursday. There’s still time to catch the last of this seasonal event that draws visitors to downtown with live music by Tom Gaston and the Wild Heard; face painting, theater games and vignettes performed around town by roving members of Norcross’ community theater company, Lionheart Theatre (www.lionhearttheatre.org); and wine, which you’re welcome to carry on the streets as you peruse downtown. Stay for the popular trivia night at Iron Horse Tavern, 29 Jones St. N.W., that starts at 8 p.m. First Thursday events begin at 5 p.m. Oct. 2.

Tour of homes. See five homes in historic downtown, each hosting live music, or take a horse and carriage ride through the area. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. followed by a candlelight tour from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 6. $17 for advance tickets, $20 after Nov. 26. www.norcrosshometour.com.

Part of a monthly series of things to do in the heart of metro Atlanta cities and towns

 SHANNON PEAVY / Staff
Map locates Norcross in Gwinnett County. Inset map outlines area of detail relative to metro Atlanta.