Around Towne

by Susan Kyle

Susan is the Editor of The TowneLaker magazine. She lives in the Towne Lake area with her husband William and their one year-old daughter Molly.

What to Do for the Big Day?

Well it's that time of year again . . . Valentine's Day. A day that means so much to so many (women that is) and the day that every man panics because he usually forgets! Fear not! You don't have to travel far! There are so many wonderful shops right here in our community where you can find beautiful, unique and even delicious gifts for that special someone.

For example, you can get off the hook by calling Brenda's House of Flowers, who has several "Valentine's Special" arrangements, as well as offering the always perfect dozen red roses. Owner Skip Shipman, says if you order for delivery on Wednesday you can get a "baker's dozen". Flowers by Joanne is also ready for the "The Big Red Day", with one or two dozen roses available for delivery. Or, she will help you customize a gift basket which of course must include her gourmet chocolate.

Perhaps flowers and candy are not exactly what you had in mind. Healing Hands Massage Therapy is offering Valentine's Gift Certificates for both men and women. Tan Lake, which recently underwent renovations and added two new German tanning beds, has Valentine's Gift Certificates including lotion for half price. What would the "love of your life" say to a pampering at Salon Allure & Spa, Salon Venessa or Beverly's Day Spa? Like to hold hands with "Your Significant Other?" Share a paraffin wax hand treatment at Nails Formation. Your Valentine's sweetheart will be red and pink all over when they receive a gift certificate from Christine's Creations where you can find wonderful home decor and home accents.

If it's something sparkly you have in mind, you can find a beautiful selection at Towne Lake Diamonds. Also, make sure you stop by The Silver Lining and check out their fine selection of unique silver gifts.

A romantic dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse might be the beginning to a long relationship. On Valentine's Day, Barzini's Grill is offering dinner specials with a free glass of champagne. Is your "Joe Cool" a Hot Tamale — take him to Tecali Grille.

Treat you "Darling" to a unique dinner at Kani House. If you order the "Valentine's Day Dinner Special" you will receive a free gift. For memorable food, beautiful surroundings and reasonable prices, head to Chin Chin (on Highway 92).

If your sweetheart is of the four legged variety, we have ideas for you too. The Snooty Pooch (next to Goodyear) can pamper your baby with an oatmeal bath. Haynes Pet Center has purrfect toys for your feline friend. And don't forget our winged friends, stop by Wildbirds Unlimited and check out their unique items.

What's New?

Beef "O" Brady's, a new family-oriented sports bar and grill, is moving into the recently vacated Boohoodles store in the Publix Center. Owner Mike Mullins hopes to have the restaurant opened sometime in March. Like barbeque? Another new restaurant has opened in the Towne Place Center (Towne Lake Parkway, east of I-575) , Beetle's BBQ, is offering dine-in, take-out or catering barbeque.

All About Bodies have expanded their facility to include the space next to them that was formerly the AJ Barnes Bicycle Express shop, (AJ Barnes was sold recently). Eve's Closet is a new women's clothing store opening next to Portraits by Faith on Rose Creek Drive. The shop will specialize in women's apparel and accessories (including plus sizes). The grand opening is February 14 - 16.

Joe Muggs Newstand located in Towne Lake Square Shopping Center, next to Kroger on Towne Lake Parkway opened it's doors on September 20, and celebrated it's grand opening recently. Joe Muggs is an affiliate of Books-A-Millian and has a wide variety of magazines and many out of state and foreign newspapers. If you are looking for a Chocolate Carmel Late´, fresh baked pastries, or simply a great cup of coffee, stop by Joe Muggs.

Changes

Major Mattress, which was next to Starbuck's Coffee, has closed its Towne Lake store. You can contact their Blue Ridge location for more information at (706) 632-6344.

Are you wondering about the Phillips 66 gas station on the corner of I-575 and Towne Lake Parkway? Ronda Whitt, President of Eagle Property Management says the bank had foreclosed on the property. However, she is working with a potential buyer or possibly a tenant who would like to open the property within the next 2 - 3 months.

Have you noticed the grading and clearing at the intersection of Eagle Drive and Rose Creek Drive? How about the grading and clearing at Bells Ferry Road and Eagle Drive? Our sources tell us that as of right now that is all that is going on. Grading and clearing permits have been issued for both properties. We will keep you posted!