Home > Duluth.Talk > Archives > 2007 > April > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMy search for a new Duluth hangout: Part I
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I decided to try something different last week.
My watering hole had closed for good, taxes were due, and my birthday is in April - which means car tags and an emissions inspection - and this year my driver’s license has to be renewed.
So I decided to go to Barnes & Noble on pleasant Hill Road near Satellite Boulevard in Duluth. A friend of mine had work to do for classes and I thought it would be neat to browse over some books, drink some coffee, and help her edit some answers. I am a writer, after all (though some of you may question that.)
I found out only recently that Barnes & Noble has a place to serve coffee, kind of like Starbucks. I knew, of course, that they sold books.
I am embarrassed to say that I haven’t had much of a chance to read lately. I have been so busy getting back into the swing of things after my stroke — going back to work, getting settled in back home — that I haven’t really ventured out into the world.
It was a nice change of pace. My friend brought her laptop computer and with wireless service she was able to access the Internet.
I don’t know much about the technology. I got a cell phone for Christmas — my first one, as I wrote in a previous blog — but I only know how to answer it and hang up. There is a work table in the coffee shop where you can set up your laptop, spread out your books or your notes, and look at the people.
The coffee was good. I was a little surprised at how expensive it was. I don’t usually go out to get coffee. I either make it at home or drink it at work. I can imagine that all of you must be rolling your eyes now, but I was, after all, looking for a new experience, and it was for me.
There were some books in the coffee area, but I was afraid that I might spill coffee on them and end up having to buy some book written by a Food Network chef or a pop psychologist. They did have some magazines spread out there, but none were really to my liking, so I was glad to have work to do.
I talked to a friend of mine the next day about the experience. She said that she likes to go there often, drink tea, read books and sit on the sofas there. I told her that I didn’t know you could do that. She just rolled her eyes at me and said, “Geez, Bill, you need to get out more.” I told her that I would try it again.
Armed with this new information, perhaps I will be able to fully enjoy the experience the next time I go.
You can see that I need some assistance. What are some fun things that you do around town to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening?
Permalink | Comments (11) | Categories: Bill Allen
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By JJ
April 24, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
Get out and walk around the local parks. I don’t know about parks in Duluth, but up in Suwanee we have George Pierce Park, and there is a lovely nature trail that goes at least 3 or 4 miles, over swampland, under L’ville-Suwanee Road. Very nice walking trails. I take my dogs there just about every weekend.
Lake Lanier is a wondeful place to knock around at. Tons of parks, and again walking trails. I was just up there, around the Dam, on Sunday.
My kids and I love to take the dogs up to Lake Lanier, grab some Deli sandwiches from Publix, and have dinner up on the lake. The kids and the dogs just love it up there, and it’s so much fun to have a dinner picnic up there.
Get a dog, and just get out and walk. We recently purchased a puppy, and have an 7 year old dog too. We walk just about 2 miles every night. They are so good for you to get out and exercise.
Good Luck.
By jester
April 24, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
What in the world happened to interesting subject matter like what was published last week?? This fluff is boring!
By Chris Cornell
April 25, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
You should try Utopia on Mondays. 840 Marietta St. Downtown. Live Band, Poetry, and $5 Martinis
Chris
By jais
April 25, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
hey fellas. I personally hang out in my friends barn, since they seem to have closed anything in this city that doesn’t require your paycheck up front. Discover mills has overpriced EVERYTHING. Dave and busters? The only butt-heads with enough gall to ask 7 dollars to play one round of a video game. Gillians? why would I go there, no women hanging out, nothing but expensive and in all honesty lame video games. We can go see a movie, but hollywood hasn’t put anything good out in quite awhile.
Hangouts are a thing I’ve done without since the days of doobie-passing high school parties. For being such a large place, this city has always been severely lacking in entertainment. It likely will never change.
I see guys hanging out in duluth at the local veteran’s leigon. The place with the tanks, you know. Most people aren’t aware, but they have cheap drinks, friendly faces and free pool and arcade games. I think they even have food-not too certain. It’s mostly older folks who were in the war, but I could sit and listen to those bullet-riddled war stories for hours.
New hangout? Not too sure, Bill. Downtown is where all the action is, although it is yet again PRICEY. If anyone knows a good joint hand off a shout.
By Mark
April 29, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Bill, Come to Snellville one night for some awesome entertainment. Blacks trying to walk with their pant crotches dangling at their ankles, drug deals at most street corners, mexicans stealing at the local Walmart, free musical entertainment blaring from the passing SUV’s with the spinners,trash blowing all around, etc. Pure wholesome entertainment!!!
By Candace
April 29, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
Hey Mark, you’re such an a$$!
By Mark
April 30, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Truth hurts , huh Candace?
By Candace
April 30, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Not really. It’s not MY truth Mark, so I’m good. But truth be told, Mexicans and blacks are not the only ones who do those things. That’s why I called you an a$$. I saw a girl of the caucasion persuasion being ARRESTED by the GCPD in a retail store for shoplifting. And she had her small child with her! Ignorance has no color Mark. You’re living proof of that! I will agree with you that Snellville has gone down hill. I have a friend that lives there and it’s horrible! Good thing I live in Johns Creek, huh Mark?
By Mark
April 30, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Man, aren’t we testy today! Answer this: Why do YOU think Snellville has gone down hill? What has caused it to be the filthy city it is today?
By Candace
April 30, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
Lack of parental guidance and greed. Reason being homeowners bail out on their properties and neighborhoods for profit and do not properly screen tenants upon letting them move in. And as long as they receive their rent they don’t even check on their properties. It’s a known fact that people tend to take care of things better when they own it. And as far as the juvenile delinquency, where are the after school programs and/or clubs that give youth other choices instead of turning to a life of crime? There are only two Boys and Girls Clubs in Gwinnett County. That is not enough. We must take pride in our communities no matter where we live because if we don’t, who will?
By Mark
May 1, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
Candace, Can’t come up with an answer to my question? No problem. Your lack of an answer answered it.