In fact, Bits of Treasure is part of a nice cluster of consignment, vintage, antiques and thrift stores in Flowery Branch. Park at Bits and Treasures and you can easily walk from shop to shop. If you get hungry, try Tropical Breeze – an authentic family owned Cuban restaurant – it’s right next door.

Check out the photos below to see some of the cool things we saw at Bits and Treasures this week:

baseball cards, tin toys and brass cracker jack prizes

vintage masonic parade ribbon

groovy 8 tracks and tons of LPs

souvenirs from vacations long ago

solid brass smoking stand with electric lighter

Visit Bits of Treasure Antique Mall

5533 Atlanta Highway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542

770-967-0603

The Nature Store features books, educational toys, gardening tools and lots of goodies for bird watchers including:

Droll Yankee Birdfeeders
Hummingbird and Finch feeders
Birdhouse Kits
Bluebird Houses
Seed Snowmen, Balls and Pinecones
Bird Field Guides
Suet Dispensers

Visit the shop online here.

Founded by Hall County native Krista Dowling, Masterpiece Mixers Paint & Party Studios founder brings the fun to all who pick up a brush in her presence. No experience necessary.

Check out their website HERE.

The vibrant colors of pastel paintings will cover the walls of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center today at the opening reception for the Southeastern Pastel Society 2011 Juried Members’ Exhibition.

Ronald Pircio of Lawrenceville, the SPS Exhibition Chairman, helped hang the works for the show, which will be on display through Oct. 8.

“Our purpose is to promote pastel painting as a medium in the Southeast,” said Pircio, who is a pastel artist himself.

One hundred paintings are on display for the exhibit, selected from 257 works submitted by 97 artists in nine states.

“This year it’s our member show, so all the members (are invited) to submit three paintings, and then next year, we’ll have our international show,” he said.

The SPS, established in 1988, has more than 250 members from across the country and several international members.

Pircio said he prefers pastels because they are a versatile medium.

“You look at some pastel paintings and you think it’s a photograph, and some are really loose,” he said.

“It depends on how the artist wants to use the medium.”

Another advantage of using pastels is “you don’t have to worry about it drying,” he said.

“They’ve got paintings in the Louvre that are pastels,” he said, adding that the Old Masters sometimes used the medium.

“It’ll last and last and last. The colors aren’t going to fade. They’re not going to change.”

Because pastel works never completely dry, each painting in the exhibition will be covered with glass or Plexiglas.

“You can take your finger and destroy a painting,” he said, adding that, unlike oils, pastel pieces aren’t susceptible to cracking over time.

Pircio said the SPS presents a $500 scholarship at each member exhibition.

Amanda McClure, the Quinlan’s executive director, chose to split the scholarship between five students for the center’s summer camp, “Pop Art” Art Camp 2011.

About $4,000 in awards also will be presented to SPS members at the reception.

For more information on this and other events, visit the Quinlan Visual Arts Center online.

Lake Lanier Islands Resort

February 12-13, 2011

For a celebration of love that is beyond compare and will leave you both dancing on air, Lake Lanier Islands’ “Just in Time for Valentines” Accommodation Package includes:

One night accommodation at Legacy Lodge.
Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries delivered to your room upon arrival.
Introductory dance lesson on Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. to get your hearts pounding and your feet pointed in the right direction. Additional classes are available throughout the evening.
Inspirational discussion at 4 p.m. titled “Love is in the Air – What Gets Your Heart Beating”.
A sumptuous four-course dinner, full cash bar, dancing, and live entertainment by Atlanta’s own Capitol City Xpress, a 17-piece jazz band, will be hosted in the Grand Ballroom starting at 7 p.m. A full service cash bar will be available throughout the evening.
Breakfast for two on Sunday morning in our scenic Windows Restaurant, followed by a Latin Dance Bootcamp from 10 a.m. to Noon.
All-inclusive package includes gate fee, resort fee, gratuity and taxes.
Reservations required and seating is limited.
Rates start at just $289.00/couple.

Book Now!

With permanent and rotating exhibits highlighting the people, places and folklore of the Northeast Georgia region, the History Center displays a unique perspective on life in the Appalachia.

The center is open from 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday. The History Center is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Admission to the History Center is $5 for adults, $4 for Seniors (65 and over), $3 for students (18 and under), and free for children under six years of age.

Special rates are given to schools and societies which bring large groups of students or individuals. Many field trips are hosted at the History Center every year, and preparation for special attention is made when field trips are scheduled in advance.

Northeast Georgia History Center Members always have free admission to the Center and surrounding facilities. Contact us today about becoming a member of the History Center.

Admission Fees
Members – Free
Adults – $5
Seniors (65 and over) – $4
Students (6-18) – $3
Children (5 and under) – Free

To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

322 Academy Street
Gainesville, GA 30501

Call today for more info: 770-297-5900

 Bass fishing may be fun and enjoyable while you’re your sitting beside the lake as you spend your spare time with your family and friends but if you want you may plan a charter for all of them and experience the thrill and excitement of watching a school of bass fish run after your baits.

Below is a list of the things that you should be reminded of when you plan to have a charter. See for yourself.

1. You must have a fishing license so that you will be authorized to take or possess either saltwater or freshwater fish and have a chance to participate fishing games but you should be mindful that we are consistent with the state and federal regulations. Securing a fishing license also contribute in ensuring the future of fishing in the state where we have the activity. •

2. It is also advisable that we wear a soft soled shoe for our comfort. Boots, especially those that are intended for work, are big NO-NOs. • Bring with you seasickness pills if you that it is needed. It is important that you pack up enough of it for the whole trip. You should make it sure that you are physically fit before going into a charter for you to enjoy every minute.

3. Being on a charter means being exposed to the sun so you should not forget to have your sunglasses with you for protection. • Coolers should also go with the trip. This is intended for the fishes that are going to get caught. It is one of the vital things that we should not fail to remember for the reason that it would help retain the freshness of the fish. You do not want to have a spoiled-looking fish right?

4. Check the weather forecast of the day. You would surely want to go out if the sun is up right? But you should always bring with you rain gear for special purposes. You should always expect for a sudden change of condition. Well, what else should you bring? Food, of course. You will be out there in the middle of the sea or lake so you better bring enough food and beverage for all of you because, for sure, you do not want to eat raw fish or gulp the salty water when you get hungry and thirsty, right?

To add up, have your camera, video cam or the like so you will have something that would remind you of your trip anytime you want. Be sure that you have all of these things to have a really pleasurable trip while you are in the fly fishing charter.

There are a lot of bass fishing guides that could offer you great charters. You may check their websites for information or you may also ask some friends of where’s best, if they are also into bass fishing. Find a charter now and go with bass fishing, it is one way of comforting yourself and have precious time with your loved ones.

Visit our page on Fishing Guides for a list of suggestions when visiting Lake Lanier.