Within in the halls of Crews Middle School, Mrs. Tharpe teaches math to a class of eager 6th graders. Although this year marks the 24th year she has been teaching, this career path was not what she first envisioned herself doing. She majored in fashion merchandising, but she soon discovered that she disliked working in retail. Growing up, she...

Arts & Activities Aurora Theatre 678-226-6222 auroratheatre.com Gwinnett Ballet Theatre 770-237-0046 gwinnettballet.org Hudgens Center for the Arts 770-623-6002 thehudgens.org Infinite Energy Center 770-813-7500 infiniteenergycenter.com Stone Mountain Park 770-498-5690 stonemountainpark.com Business & Careers The University of Georgia Small BusinessDevelopment Center 678-985-6820 georgiasbdc.org Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce 770-232-3000 gwinnettchamber.org Partnership Gwinnett 770-232-3000 partnershipgwinnett.com Communtiy Assistance Battered Women's Shelter - Gwinnett (Partnership Against Domestic Violence) 770-963-9799 padv.org Department of Family & Children Services 678-518-5500 dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/gwinnett-county-dfcs-office Family Promise Gwinnett County 678-376-8950 familypromisegwinnett.org Georgia's Clean Air Force 800-449-2471 cleanairforce.com Gwinnett Children's Shelter 678-546-8770 homeofhopegcs.org Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful 770-822-5187 gwinnettcb.org Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services 770-995-3339 gwinnettcoalition.org Gwinnett Habitat for...

It's time to vote! Who do you love, Gwinnett? It's time to pick your favorites and vote them the Best of Gwinnett in our reader-based poll of top-notch restaurants, businesses, shops, events and more. After months of research and voting, our readers, staff and editors select the best of the best. Voting is open now and the race is on!...

In 1492, when Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue, he couldn't have imagined how easily we can now get from points A to Z. Whether you're craving adventure or something more relaxing, Gwinnett has your travel needs covered for business and for pleasure. With over 100 hotels in the county, there are 11,200 hotel rooms from which you can choose,...

"Animals are such agreeable friends. they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." -George Eliot There's nothing quite like the companionship of a pet. Our "best friends" earn the honor with their loyalty and devotion to their us - their humans. Shouldn't we return the favor with quality medical care and lots of TLC? sponsored by Hamilton Mill Animal Hospital 770-932-1616 hamiltonmillvet.com Everything you need to...

"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." -Immanuel Kant They may be called pets, but we all know they are really family. Best friends. Companions. Loyal sidekicks. And the (only) ones who are always glad to see us. So, providing them the best care is our priority. sponsored by The University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital 706-542-3221 vet.uga.edu/hospital The Best...

Sports and recreation_ there's no better way to spend our leisure time. Our great climate and strong parks system is perfect for outdoor sports - whether you're a solo road warrior with running shoes, a member of a local cycling club or an angler with a favorite fishing hole. For kids and families, the options are limitless. There's an organized...

"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes-including you." -Anne Lamott Sometimes you just need to spoil yourself. Take a deep breath. Take a step back. Take a moment. In our hyper-busy, multi-tasking world, the very thought of slowing down is shocking. But here's another truth to ponder - calm is a super power. Find yours. sponsored...

"Shopping is my cardio." -Carrie Bradshaw Admit it. We all love shopping on some level. Whether you're a true shopaholic or just love the satisfaction of finding a great value, retail activity is a part of everyone's life. (Thank goodness!) sponsored by Universe+Soul Couture 678-541-5881 universesoulcouture.com I need that! From innovative local boutiques to our favorite national stores, Gwinnett is a shopper's dream. What drives your fashion choice?...

All event planning starts with picking out a venue. Whether it's a 50th anniversary celebration or a key corporate event, everything has to run smoothly and according to plan. Gwinnett has no shortage of different venues and vendors to help make your event special! In the photo: Ashton Gardens, Sugar Hill; photo by Sophia Charles Bridal & Formal Wear Shops David's Bridal 770-418-1030 Formally Yours 770-923-5800 RSVP Prom...