And you can sleep in your own bed!
Did you know the largest Hindu Mandir (temple) in the U.S. is right here in Gwinnett and open for tours? The magnificent BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir opened on Rockbridge Road in Lilburn in 2007 after only 17 months of construction. More than 34,000 pieces of limestone, marble, and sandstone were hand-carved in India and assembled in Lilburn like a giant jigsaw puzzle. There are some restrictions on photography (outside only) and a modest dress code. Visiting hours are 9:00am to 6:00pm daily, no reservations required, and admission is free.
Experience minor-league baseball and watch tomorrow’s Atlanta Braves when the Gwinnett Stripers play at Coolray Field near the Mall of Georgia. Other professional sports teams include the Atlanta Gladiators hockey team and the Georgia Swarm lacrosse team. Both play at the Gas South Arena near Duluth.
The Arena is part of the 118-acre Gas South District, which is now undergoing a $100 million expansion and renovation. The expanded Gas South Convention Center facility opened last year, and updated ballrooms, breakout spaces, and larger exhibit hall space will re-open this winter. In addition, a new, 350-room, four-star Westin hotel going up on the site and a new Gateway Park under construction at the corner of Satellite Boulevard and Sugarloaf Parkway will provide a pleasant walk from nearby other hotels, offices, and restaurants. If that’s not all, new residential, entertainment, office, and dining venues are also in store for the Gas South District’s future.
The 708-seat Gas South Theater is also being renovated with sophisticated lighting, sound, and scenery systems. Watch for upcoming events there, ranging from dramatic stage productions and dance programs to musical performances and corporate presentations. Gwinnett also boasts a wide range of community theater groups and music venues to enjoy, including the Aurora Theatre at Lawrenceville Arts Center that offers professional stage productions, children’s classes, adult workshops, and more.
The lovely art galleries at the Hudgens Center for the Arts are also on the Gas South campus along with the award-winning Al Weeks Sculpture Garden with a lily pond, waterfalls, koi, and garden seating. Together, they make a perfect spot for contemplation or celebrations.
If a simple walk in the park is more your style, visit one of the dozens of parks, trails, and recreation centers that the County provides throughout our 437 square miles.
In 1970, our population was 72,349. Today it’s almost a million. We speak hundreds of different languages and some of us like food and music that are totally unfamiliar to the rest of us. No matter your background, you can find plenty to love and enjoy here in our vibrantly connected community, one of the most diverse counties in America.
Check out ExploreGwinnett.org to learn about other cultural, entertainment, dining, and arts attractions, Gas South District at GasSouthDistrict.com to find out what’s happening there, and GwinnettCounty.com to plan your next visit to a park.
