Norcross, GA

Anyone who was unable to make it missed a great time. With the recent flooding in the metro area, we were happy to get a sunny weekend.

In Downtown Norcross were over 100 artists from all over the east coast and sponsors from all over Gwinnett County. Thank you to all that came by and a special Thank You goes out to those who contributed to Servpro and their collection for TOYS FOR TOTS.

Hey AR! I'm looking for some pointers. I'm hosting my first CE Class in October. It'll actually be two classes, Ethical Studies (3 hrs) and Restorative Drying (2 hrs). Any thoughts on what has and has not worked for your previous classes? Thanks!

Everyone loves a high school band. Right? It promotes musical excellence and appreciation, teamwork, and high moral standards while representing our families, school and community. Norcross High School Band is no different.

WSBTV News noted that "the The Norcross High School Band is One Of The Best In The Business." The honors and awards the program has garnered is impressive. The high school program includes the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Basketball Band, Winterguard and Percussion Ensemble.

Atlanta Bread Company (at the FORUM) is showing their community effort on MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2009 (from 4 pm - closing) with Band Night Out!

Tell the cashier you are with the Norcross High School Band - and the band will receive 20 percent of the proceeds.Twenty Percent!

You can eat in or take it out - just be sure to tell them you are with the Norcross High School Band.

Spread the word - friends, co-workers, everyone in your email address book etc. Ask them to support the band on Monday night by eating at Atlanta Bread Company. (Please remind them to say they are with the band!)

What a great way to support the program.

Historic Norcross Farmer's Market is the new hidden jewel just a few minutes from my house! Who knew?

When you live in a major metro area like Atlanta, many of our "burbs" are actually small, rural type towns that have just gotten swallowed up by all the growth. Some, like Doraville, where my house is located, has nothing left of it's past....really sad. But then you find the hidden gems.

I discovered Historic Norcross Farmer's Market after reading numerous blogs about Farmer's Markets around the country. Now, sad to say, never been a big attendee of them...but boy oh boy has that just changed. This is not a huge market by any means, but you know what they say, its' the quality, not the quanity that counts.

AND...this one is on a Tuesday afternoon, 4-8pm, June through October. A strange day for a market you might think, but no shortage of people or good things to choose from.

One of the booths I stopped at was Mumbo Jumbo No Nonsense Seasonings. Jeremy was so helpful in explaining the 4 seasons he offers, including my favorite, Mumbo Jumbo Java! He had them in tasting dishes with olive oil and bread pieces...ok, there's the first serving suggestion. It's a coffee-based seasoning, good on beef, chicken, lamb and seafood. Be sure to check out their website...you can mail order them as well!

A regular at the Historic Norcross Farmer's Market is Dunwoody, Georgia based Emily G's Jam of Love. I didn't know that jams came in Spring and Summer and Fall and Winter Menus...but I do now! Tastings of all the Summer favorites were available....just not enough cash in my pocket! I debated and finally settled on a different choice, a Pino Grigio Jelly. Yep. That's right. And it tastes just like it! I had it on my morning toast, but I recall the suggestion is to use as a base for a fruit or vegetable salad, or serve it with a cheese platter. It's delicious!

Next stop was Serenity Gardens. One look at that display, and you wanted to buy one of everything, whether you would eat it or not! And I mean, they've got it all. Sweet condiments, pickled condiments, spicy condiments. I was so tempted by the bread and butter pickles, but the peaches I saw a few booths before were calling my name....I'll be returning here!

And there is nothing better than visiting with a business owner who just plain proud of their products! Homemade, fresh, delicious...just how it should taste.

Anyway, I made it to the peach booth for my bag of fresh picked peaches (it's lasted 5 days!) and I've loved everyone I've eaten!

The Historic Norcross Farmers Market can make for a hot afternoon in July, but the lemonade stand knew exactly what they were doing...and it was all donated to a local cause (sorry...I forget what!)

Most Farmer's Markets are a "go get my things and head home" kind of market. But what makes this one unique, is it's location. Norcross, Georgia was founded in 1870, the year the railroad connected Atlanta and Norcross. The town saw it's heyday till after WWII when other major roads bypassed the area. Thankfully, in 1987 the city government saw the potential and began restoring and revitalizing the area.

Now, not only can you visit the Historic Norcross Farmer's Market, but there are numerous quaint shops and some really good restaurants as well. (So, I've been told...I'll be back to sample them in a few...) This is a great afternoon trip for my condo dwellers in Midtown Atlanta that are looking for something to do. Head out here (only 20 minutes from Midtown) grab a great lunch at Paizano's, or Mojito's Bistro, browse through the shops and check out the historic homes, and then pick up your goodies at the Farmer's Market.

Here is a few more pictures of my afternoon in Historic Norcross.

Of course, there are some great real estate opportunities in Norcross, both historic homes and new construction. Give us a call if you want to call Norcross home!