Lawrenceville, GA

Sweetbrier Cottage is fortunate to be located in an area close to shopping, the arts, sports, medical facilities, and most importantly, antique stores! We have the convenience of being fairly close to Atlanta (about 40 miles or an hour's drive) and about the same travel time to numerous small historic towns in North Georgia.

Today we took a trip to Lawrenceville, GA, the Gwinnett County seat. It's barely above freezing so I didn't make as many stops as I would have preferred, but I did take some photos for you to view this charming historic town. Join me now as we travel through downtown Lawrenceville.

The historic county courthouse graces the center of this vibrant city.
Shops abound in all directions...

And if you wish to rest your feet, there are numerous benches around town. Notice the brick-paved sidewalks placed in a welcoming herringbone pattern plus the pansies attempting to survive the winter.
A fountain graces a small park sandwiched between old historic buildings which have been converted to shops and restaurants.

Coins captured in the fountains's frozen water...
And yes, Lawrenceville has gone green!
A street full of shops... our destination for today was the Scotland Yard, a wonderful antique shop, for which I will do a post next week!
We can't wait to try this new restaurant!
This old antebellum house used to be an antique store and during our visit many years ago, one of the visitors (we won't mention names, the Victorian Parlor) felt a ghostly presence. The building now houses a group of attorneys and I am sure all has been reconciled.

This historic beauty is now Lawrenceville's Welcome Center.
A new tea shop, which we will have to check out. What better way to warm up than a cup of hot tea!
The Aurora Theatre, a performing arts center, has opened in Lawrenceville.
The building is truly beautiful with plenty of parking in the new deck behind it.
Note the detail below.

I was only able to capture a few of the exciting shops and architecture of this historic town. Once it warms up I will endeavor to photograph more of Lawrenceville's beauty and style. For more information, go to http://www.lawrencevillega.org/

Lakewood 400 - February 2010

Most every month we take a trip to Cumming, GA for the Lakewood 400 Antique's Market which falls on the third weekend of each month. For a small admission fee you are treated to a wide variety of antiques, collectibles and vintage items.

One of our favorite dealers is Ms Carlotta Stapleton who has one of the most elegant and unique booths at the fair. She is located on Hall H which is in the middle of the building, booths 512/523.

Join me now for a tour of her shop. I call it a shop because it feels like one. Carlotta carries a beautiful assortment of Victorian and vintage items and welcomes everyone who enters. (Click on each picture to enlarge)

Hats and clothing from time periods since the 1800's can be found throughout.
The hats are so much fun to look at and buy:) The Victorian Parlor has done very well in this booth as has my Queen Mum.
Clothing too graces the many racks and displays throughout the shop.
Red Hat Society - check out the red hat lamp (middle right)...
Purses galore
China, teacups and saucers, dessert plates, pitchers of elegant designs
Perfume bottles and toiletry items that can dress up a bedroom or bath
Compacts, trinket boxes and jewelry
More jewelry and dressing table items
Have you been counting the number of mirrors she displays?
More hats, shawls and scarves, and don't forget to check out the sweet lace dress in the corner...
Carlotta uses every inch of space in her booth. In the center of the room is a wonderful display of vintage and antique treasures.
A jewelry case full of broaches, earrings and other fine jewelry.
And finally, a tribute to feral kitties. This is a portrait of Chris, a beloved friend.
Make sure you visit Carlotta every chance you get. She always has that perfect gift for that special someone.

Snow 2010

Snow - a rare occasion, therefore we take glory in it!

Georgia was graced with one of the most beautiful snows yesterday that I have seen in years. Since we are north of Atlanta we were only supposed to get a light dusting, maybe an inch, but somehow the storm moved slightly northeast giving us much more. With my new camera in hand, I made several trips outside to take advantage of this rare awe-inspiring event. (And yes, for my friends in the north, I realize that after 70+ inches, a snowfall may not seem as welcome right now.)

Sweetbrier in the early hours of the snow...

Artwork in the snow...
A few shots in the evening... by now we had received a couple of inches. The branches of trees were beginning to bow.

The steel gray blue of evening snow is still a wondrous sight!
Saturday morning and all is quiet. The sun is out and time for more photography.

The backyard treeline...

The contrast against the dark blue sky is amazing...
The snow is beginning to fall from the tree branches and as I stand under the wax myrtles taking the next few shots, I am suddenly blasted from above with a shower of snow. I couldn't help but giggle.

Boy that's cold hitting the back of your neck and finding its way down under your coat!
My beautiful dogwood with its thousands of buds waiting for spring.
Another beauty against the sky...
What's that? Five inches? I know this is not the way meteorologists measure snow - they have probably calculated we only had about two inches.
And what would a snowfall be without a snow angel?