Here’s the Buzz: What Happens at Douglasville’s Sweetwater Creek Honey Farm?

If you’ve ever driven down to Post Road from Douglasville on Veterans Memorial Highway, you’ve probably seen a yellow-and-brick warehouse with a sign for Sweetwater Creek Honey Farm. Have you ever wondered what happens inside? How does honey get from the beehives through the warehouse and into your pantry?

Well, there aren’t any bees inside the warehouse, but unlike other bottling companies, Sweetwater does produce its own honey from four different bee yards in the Southeast, and their Local Wildflower honey comes from a bee yard right here in Douglas County. (Got allergies? Try eating local honey throughout the year to build up a tolerance for local pollen!)

Honey arrives at the warehouse still in its comb from the bee yard. For its first stop, it passes through a spinning machine that removes the honey using centrifugal force.

Then, the liquid honey gets ready for bottling. Sweetwater’s bees produce enough honey during the year for the warehouse to process and ship all winter, so it may also wait in storage for a while. All these drums are full of honey!

When they’re ready to bottle, the barrel goes into the warming room until the honey inside is warm enough to pump.

From there, the honey is pumped through a simple filter and into a bottling tank. The honey is never micro-filtered, so you get all the benefits of raw honey, but this straining process removes any debris remaining from the honeycombs.

After this, the honey waits in big bottling tanks. (All through the process, each type of honey is kept separate and labeled so the different types don’t get mixed together.) The back rooms at the warehouse aren’t open to the public, but if you come in the front to buy honey, you can see these bottling tanks through the inside window!

Finally, the bottling tank gets hooked up to this little spout, and each bottle of honey is hand-weighed and measured to make sure it’s exactly right.

From there, Sweetwater‘s honey gets sent out to the Douglasville Welcome Center and dozens of other local shops in the West Georgia area, so you can taste real local honey on your toast, in your tea, and anywhere else you want a touch of sweetness!

Bee kind and stop by the Welcome Center today to pick up a bear! We are located at 12385 Veterans Memorial Highway.

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For more information about the Douglasville Welcome Center and our local businesses, go to VisitDouglasville.com.

Spend the Day Antiquing in Douglasville!

Catch You on the Flip Side at Flipped Antiques

Looking for unique holiday gifts, last-minute decor for those unexpected guests, or just something one-of-a-kind for yourself? If the thrill of the hunt is your favorite part of antiquing, Flipped Antiques in Downtown Douglasville is the perfect way to pass a morning. This converted building is full of nooks and crannies, and just when you think you’ve seen everything, you’ll turn another corner and realize you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Get a Gift for Your Boo at Chaos & Boo-Boo’s

Just a minute or two from downtown on Veteran’s Memorial Highway, Chaos & Boo-Boo’s specializes in estate sales and carries a wide selection of collectibles. For that collector in your life, you can find everything from beer steins to Breyer horses, fashion dolls to Universal Pictures memorabilia, and furniture to fish tanks, plus a wide selection of miniature silver and ceramic animals to stuff those stockings!

Pass the Time at Champ’s Clock Shop

One of Douglasville’s local attractions since 1967, Champ’s Clock Shop and Museum deals in clocks of all shapes and sizes, from statement grandfather clocks designed to last generations to affordable curios and giftable cuckoo clocks. Plus, admission is free if you just want to look — or listen. Champ’s is a stop on the Douglas County Film Trail, with its clocks and ticking sounds featured in The House with a Clock in its Walls!

‘Ben’ Looking for Something Special? Try Ben’s Antiques

With more than 200 vendor booths, Ben’s Antiques and Market near Arbor Place Mall is the place to find anything and everything, including decor, vintage clothing, handcrafted gifts, collectibles, and products from local entrepreneurs. It’s the perfect place to finish off your antiquing trip, because no matter how long you want to stay, there’s always more to see!

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Leaving the shop with a big appetite as well as all your treasures? Visit our website for a full list of fantastic local restaurants, and stop by the Welcome Center for more info on how you can explore more of what Douglasville has to offer.

Fall In Love with Douglasville: Top Things to Do in and Around Douglasville This Fall!

September 22nd marked the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. In honor of the cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice mornings and toasty marshmallow evenings, check out some of these insider tips and tricks on celebrating the arrival of the fall season in Douglasville.

It’s Par-Tee Time! Book a tee time at West Pines Golf Club

Enjoy the changing leaves while you perfect your shots at West Pines Golf Club — book a tee time or a private lesson online, and then let their impeccable staff guide you through the experience.

Believe in your #selfie! Take your best photos at Selfie Paradise

Douglasville’s Arbor Place Mall offers a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity at Selfie Paradise, where you can take your best photos for Instagram and TikTok, family photos and cards, or just for fun! Regularly available environments include a pastel rainbow hallway, donut wall, vintage diner, vintage payphone walls, tons of LED signs, supermarket, and for the month of October, the OUTBREAK haunted zombie experience — with or without live actors and a guide to take your photos!

Have a staycation at Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club

Add Foxhall to your itinerary and escape for the day, a weekend, or even a short or long-term vacation. Let Foxhall be the next destination for your wedding, corporate retreat, or family and friend’s getaway. With one of the world’s top shooting grounds and sporting clay courses, guided UTV adventures, trails, pools, fishing, canoeing, lawn games, and more, your restorative autumnal outdoor weekend awaits.

Dine in Historic Downtown Douglasville

Douglasville’s downtown is home to some of the oldest buildings in the area, and many of those buildings now host world-class eateries like Blu Rose Art Bistro, Gritz Brunch Bar, and Gumbeaux’s Cajun Cafe. Download the Douglasville app or stop by the Welcome Center to pick up a Douglasville audio tour brochure to hear more about the history of these and other beautiful restaurant buildings downtown.

Rock N’ Bowl at Thunderzone Family Entertainment Center

Keep the summer going a little longer at Thunderzone! For the back-to-school season, this arcade and bowling alley is open seven evenings a week, plus weekends for extended play. Bring your kids after school or make it an old-school date night and win a prize for your sweetheart.

Watch the Sunset at Sweetwater Creek State Park

Hike a gentle trail, view the rapids, rent a canoe or a fishing boat for the afternoon, visit an award-winning visitor center, and see the ruins of a textile mill destroyed during the Civil War at Sweetwater Creek State Park. As the evening wears on, remember the park closes at dark… But if you stay in one of the campgrounds or yurt-style cabins, the riverside sunset and crisp fall night are all yours.

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“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”

Lauren DeStefano, “Wither”

There’s so much to do in Douglasville this fall. For places to stay or information on what to do in Douglasville, visit our website or visit us at the Welcome Center at 12385 Veterans Memorial Highway. For more tips and tricks on how to explore Douglasville, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!

Destination Self-Care

Do you enjoy eating a nutrient-rich meal of local cuisine before hitting nearby nature trails? How about renting bikes at a local park then going to catch a class at a yoga studio downtown? Or perhaps you’d prefer enjoying a relaxing session at an oxygen bar and salt cave conveniently located right in downtown? If you found yourself answering yes to any of these questions, you are not alone – welcome to Wellness Tourism. And while we’re welcoming you, welcome to Douglasville.

What is Wellness Tourism?

Wellness tourism is defined by the US-based non-profit Global Wellness Institute (GWI) as “travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing ones personal well-being”. The world of wellness, “a global economy of care and workout offerings, nutrients, alternative medicine and more that reached $4.5 trillion in 2018 – has witnessed a triumphant ascension over the past decade” (BBC, How the Wellness Industry is Taking Over Travel).

If you are seeking to enhance your well-being on the go, come relax and recharge with us in Douglasville. It’s the perfect combination of relaxation and revelry. Welcome to Douglasville – start exploring.

We’re So Not Main-Stream!

Douglasville is home to the most visited State Park in Georgia, Sweetwater Creek State Park. Sweetwater Creek State Park has wooded trails that wind through fields and forests and a 215-acre lake to be explored by fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, and more. The park is 2500+ acres and has picnic and group shelters, campsites, yurts, playgrounds, a museum, and more. If hiking and rolling rapids are a form of self-care for you, then be sure to add Sweetwater Creek State Park to your upcoming itinerary.

Adventure You Say? Alpaca My Bags!

“With sweet demeanors and soothing hums, visiting a herd of peaceful, gentle and affectionate alpacas provides no better get away from life’s work-day chaos” (L&R Alpaca Haven Farm Website). Located in Douglas County, L&R Alpaca Haven Farm is a 25-acre farm with 38 alpacas, 12 chickens, 4 dogs and a cat. The farms hosts events such as arts and crafts festivals, glass blowing classes, and yoga classes that are offered at the farm along the alpacas. “The benefits are therapeutic. Alpacas have a calming effect and people enjoy being around them”. If spending time in nature with animals are a form of self-care for you, then be sure to add L&R Alpaca Haven Farm to your upcoming itinerary.

Knead a Massage? When In Doubt, Zen It Out!

Conveniently located in downtown Douglasville, Place of Kai Spa is the ultimate place to go for relaxation and meditation. Place of Kai offers oxygen bar sessions, salt caves, and yoni steaming. “If you’ve been on the search for a wellness spa that provides a holistic approach to mend and nourish your mind, body, and soul, you’re in luck” (Place of Kai website). If meditation and spa trips are a form of self-care for you, then be sure to add Place of Kai to your upcoming itinerary.

Two-Tired? Just Enjoy the Ride!

Looking for safe and fun recreational activities you can enjoy with the whole family? The Pedal Pushers bike program at Hunter Park in Douglasville allows park visitors the opportunity to rent bikes and ride throughout the park. Douglasville has a great parks system with 7 community parks and each comes with its own set of amenities. If riding bikes and paved walking trails are a form of self-care for you, then be sure to become a “Pedal Pusher” at Hunter Park and add the City’s park system to your upcoming itinerary.

Trying To Eat Healthier? Nothing Beets Local Food!

The Church St Farmers Market is a rain of shine event every Tuesday from 3 PM – 7 PM in downtown Douglasville. The Farmers Market runs all the way from May 3rd – October 25th, so be sure to stop by the market and shop local. If it’s not Tuesday and you’re looking to support local and are looking for fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads, then look no further. Farmer’s Table started out where a little gas station in Douglasville used to be, turned to a little produce mart, and has now grown into a fully expanded indoor farmer’s market/grocery store, gift shop, café, and The Sweet Shop. If supporting local and eating nutrient-rich food is a form of self-care for you, then Douglasville has plenty of fresh, local options to add to your upcoming itinerary.

Tuesday Trainings

Every Tuesday evening through July 26th from 6 PM – 7PM, come join Main St. Douglasville and Peach Drop Nutrition for Zumba, Yoga, and other workouts on O’Neal Plaza in the heart of downtown Douglasville. If free, group fitness is a form of self-care for you, then be sure to add Training Tuesdays to your upcoming itinerary.

Yoga? I’m Down Dog!

Hanging out in downtown Douglasville and want to take a break by keeping it moving? Head over to Keep It Moving Yoga and Barre Studio with a variety of classes for all-levels. The studio offers barre classes, circuit training, dance classes, interval training, meditation, and yoga classes. If yoga and mediation are forms of self-care for you, then stop downtown and add a class to your upcoming itinerary.

Go With The Float

Looking for a place to cool down from the Georgia sunshine? You’re in luck. Make plans to go take a dive at the newly renovated outdoor pool at Jessie G. Davis Memorial Park in Douglasville. The pool is open from May 29th through September 6th. If swimming and/or sunbathing is a form of self-care for you, then take a dip at the Jessie Davis Memorial Park pool. The park also features basketball courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds, football fields, pavilions, paved walking trails, and horseshoe courts-there truly is something for everyone.

Your Place to Discover Wellness | Your Time to Discover Douglasville.

Building a stronger, healthier and happier community. Because it matters.

For help planning your next trip full of relaxation and restoration, reach out to us at (770)-947-5920 or stop by the Welcome Center at 12385 Veterans Memorial Highway.

Spring Break in Douglasville! ☀️

Spring Break is almost here! Still trying to find something for you and the kids to do? Check out these local attractions to have the best Spring Break Ever!

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful rapids below. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods. Park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year.

The 215 acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular for fishing and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and picnicking. However, there is no beach and swimming in the Reservoir is not allowed. Fishing supplies are available in the adjacent bait shop. During warmer months, the park rents fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. Visitors can join the Park Paddlers Club, which challenges them to explore waterways in six state parks. An award-winning Visitor Center—one of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the country—features exhibits on the area’s history, wildlife displays, trail maps, snacks and a renovated gift shop. A window-lined meeting room that seats 40 can be rented for gatherings.

Thunderzone

Is the sun getting too hot for you? Cool off at Thunderzone!

Thunderzone is a family entertainment facility located in Douglasville, Ga. They offer activities such as bowling, arcade, laser tag and virtual reality. Their in-house restaurant and bar, JR’s, features indoor and outdoor seating with billiard tables and corn hole.

Hunter Park

There are so many outdoor activities to do at Hunter Park!

The newly renovated athletic complex includes seven ALTA certified tennis courts, ten multi-purpose ball fields, and twelve major league batting cages. Renovations also included over 650 parking spaces and over 1 ½ miles of sidewalks for walking and jogging. In addition, Hunter Park features 16,000 square foot Ike Owings Community Center and covered playground; a five-acre lake surrounded by a walking track and several picnic areas.

They also have an 18 hole disc golf course and 4 horseshoe pits! The disc golf course measures 5010 feet in length and is a Par 55. The course is a mix of open and lightly wooded holes. Moderate elevation comes into play on many holes. Course is on the shorter side with several holes over 300 feet and also including a long 485 foot par 4 tunnel shot. For horseshoes, you can bring your own shoes or rent a set at the park for $7!

L & R Alpaca Farm

L & R Alpaca Farm is an alpaca farm in Georgia raising natural, chemical and hormone free alpacas. They have been farming alpacas since July 2016, delivering crias (baby alpacas) every year. They also raise the alpacas for their fiber. They offer farm tours, events and birthday parties!

They currently have 19 alpacas on their farm and growing!

Six Flags Over Georgia

Schools out! Come have some fun at Six Flags Over Georgia!

One of their favorite seasons is spring: the sun is bright, school’s out, and their gates are open! From April 1 through April 10, Six Flags Over Georgia will be open daily with extended hours, so you can get out from behind those desks and onto the most thrilling rides in the Southeast.

Bring your friends or family and conquer all of the thrill rides and coasters Six Flags Over Georgia is known for! Grab a funnel cake to erase that cafeteria taste in your mouth, kick back and enjoy some live music and entertainment and hitch a ride on Pandemonium so you can raise your hands for something other than math class!

Save over 50% off your Six Flags Over Georgia tickets by simply going to WorkingAdvantage.com, click Become a Member, and enter the company code DCVBPERKS to create an account!

Fall festivities in Douglasville! 🍂🎃

Fall is here! Which means pumpkins, trick-or-treating, and so much more! Check out all these local events happening in Douglasville!

Fall Festival & Safety Expo

The 2021 Fall Festival and Safety Expo, sponsored by the Douglasville Police Department is happening on Saturday, October 09, 2021. This event will take place from 10 AM – 4 PM at the Douglasville Police Department, 2083 Fairburn Road, Douglasville, GA. 30135.
This is a FREE Event with vendors, touch-a-truck, K-9 demonstration, costume contest with prizes, kids activities, and more! This is a rain or shine event.

Hunters Harvest Fall Festival

The 5th annual Hunters Harvest Fall Festival and Arts & Craft show at Hunter Park will be held on October 16, 2021 from 11am-3pm at Hunter Park.
This event will feature over 40 vendors from all over West Georgia and Metro Atlanta with varying arts & crafts and food and beverage items. The festival will also include a children’s play zone featuring inflatables and other amenities for $5. Children 3 and under are free inside the play zone.
This events is free and open to the public. All festival attendees are encouraged to wear costumes.

2021 Chili Cookoff

The Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County is delighted to announce the 25th Annual Chili Cook Off competition in downtown Douglasville on Saturday, October 23rd from 6-9 p.m. This fun-filled fundraising event will be held in conjunction with the Rogue Runners Moonlight Run. All proceeds will benefit the CAC and its programs throughout the year.

OctoberFest

Join us for OctoberFest at the Hawthorne Center gymnasium (at Jessie Davis Park) on October 30 from 11 AM – 4 PM. Activities will include festival games, face painting, cotton candy, inflatables, and much more!

Stay up to date with these, and more exciting events with the Douglasville Calendar!

Something 𝕊𝕋ℝ𝔸ℕ𝔾𝔼 is coming to Douglasville

Calling all Stranger Things fans – Hawkins is making an appearance to downtown Douglasville on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 6 PM – 11 PM!

Prepare yourself for a journey through a delightful gathering of iconic locations and fan-favorite moments, enjoying one-of-a-kind photo ops and uncovering plenty of thrills along the way. There may also be the occasional trip to the Upside Down. 

But don’t worry – it’s safe…perfectly safe…

Summer fun in Douglasville

Summer is still going strong, and there are still numerous activities in Douglasville that you can take part in!

Church Street Farmers Market

The Farmers Market is here! The Market will run through September 28 in the parking lot of 6730 Church St., Douglasville, GA 30134.

The market will operate Tuesday evenings 3:00 – 7:00 PM rain or shine (unless noted 24 hours prior). For more information, visit the Church Street Farmers Market page on Facebook.

Capture Outside the Lines Public Art Display

The Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville | Douglas County (CAC) was proud to partner with the Douglasville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in public art once again. Artists were invited to submit artwork of their explorations throughout Douglasville and Douglas County.

The 2021 “Capture Outside the Lines” Fence Gallery features over 50 works of fine art and photography from 14 local artists. Visit the Fence Gallery at O’Neal Plaza and Hunter Memorial Park!

Douglas County Museum of History & Art

The story of Douglas County, Georgia is deep and rich. From pioneer days to our innovative present, there is a fascinating story to tell.

The museum has multiple exhibit rooms, both special and permanent, that will genuinely surprise and inform. Admission is always free, however donations are appreciated!

For more information, visit their website!

Georgia County Film Trail

Did you know that over 700 movie and television productions have been filmed in Douglas County, GA?

By taking the SELF-GUIDED TOUR arranged by the Douglas County Film Trail, you can visit previously used filming sites that you may recognize from your favorite television and movie productions, like “The Hunger Games”, “Stranger Things”, “The Walking Dead”, “The Founder” and more!

Each marked film site is designated on the Self-Guided Tour Map and is also designated at each physical location with a Film Trail Tour stop sign!

Special Attraction Tickets

We still have many special offers going on for local Atlanta area attractions!

Zoo Atlanta – Whether you’re looking for behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters, a leisurely stroll though The Ford African Rain Forest, or a Scaly Slimy Spectacular experience, Zoo Atlanta offers something for everyone! The Douglasville Welcome Center has discounted Adult, Child and Senior Citizen tickets to Zoo Atlanta available for purchase online!

Use the following link to purchase your Zoo Atlanta tickets: zooatlanta.org/corporatetickets with Promo Code: CDVCVB. Enter the code on the shopping cart page and click “+Apply” button to receive the discounted rate.

Six Flags Over Georgia & White Water – Get your discounted tickets to Six Flags Over Georgia, a 100-acre park with thrilling rides, great shows, and incredible attractions! The Douglasville Welcome Center, which is located at 12385 Veterans Memorial Highway, in downtown Douglasville, now has discounted one-day admission Six Flags tickets, as well as 2 park season passes to Six Flags and White Water*, parking included available for purchase. *White Water tickets cannot be purchased separately, only available in combo passes.

Tickets can only be purchased Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., with cash, check or card.

Georgia Aquarium – View the special savings available on admission, memberships and Swim & Dives! This offer is good for all ages. To receive the discount, all tickets must be purchased from the weblink provided and the discount will be applied at the time of checkout.

Visit Douglasville’s own celebrated with prestigious award.

Samantha Rosado has worked in the hospitality industry since she was 18. She started as a server and worked her way into management. Each of the she’s had taught her aspects critical to growth in the industry.

Rosado currently serves as the Tourism Program Manager for the Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB).

She said she’s always heard the saying that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.

“I can say that I truly do have a career that I love to do,” she said. “I know that when many enter the tourism industry that they do not leave it. I am confident to say that I find this true for me as well. While I would like to continue to grow in my current position, I am satisfied with my current role as well.”

Rosado said serving on the CVB Advisory Board for several years helped prepare her for her current role with the city.

“I was able to serve under several that were before me, and I think I’ve been able to leverage that experience to my advantage,” she said.

In addition to working full-time, Rosado also has two side businesses. She has owned Imprint to Impress for five years, creating custom items in both large and small quantities. She is also a Color Street Stylist where she leads a team of 13 ladies “as we share 100% real nail polish strips.”

Her favorite technology tool is her Silhouette desktop cutting machine.

“I think it’s fascinating all of the endless possibilities that it can be used for,” she said.

Another tech tool she likes is Procreate, noting that she has seen “many masterpieces drawn out on that iPad with an Apple Pencil.” Her business Imprint to Impress has benefited “immensely” from both tools, she said.

Rosado is also very active in her community. She is currently the president of the Douglas County Rotary Club. She is also the meetings co-chair for the Atlanta Metro Travel Association, which recently gave her the 2020 Board of Directors Award.

She volunteers with Shop with a Cop at Christmas, which she calls “one of my favorite activities that I am involved in.”

She serves HighView Church by working in the nursery. And she has with Keep Douglasville Beautiful.

Rosado has been married for 13 years, and she and her husband have three children.

Douglasville featured in the 2021 Explore Georgia Official State Travel Guide

The Douglasville Convention and Visitors Bureau announced on Monday it is featured in the 2021 Explore Georgia Official State Travel Guide. Explore Georgia, the state tourism office within the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), recently released the new guide to increase visitation and support tourism recovery in the state.  Douglasville, GA is included on page 71.

In time for summer travel planning, the 2021 Explore Georgia Official Travel Guide includes trip ideas for exploration throughout Georgia. Designed by Blue Sky Agency in Atlanta, the guide’s cover features a call to action: EXPLORE. Within each letter, a photo – taken by actual Georgia travelers – provides a glimpse of the state’s most beloved, inspiring, and unexpected destinations. The 2021 Explore Georgia Official Travel Guide is produced in partnership with Atlanta Magazine Custom Media. The guide’s modern, clean design uses the colors within the imagery to offer an engaging visual experience and highlight the wide range of travel experiences across Georgia.

“Georgia’s ‘open for business’ approach and success with vaccinations has given the travel industry the license to operate, meeting a steady increase in demand as travelers convert a year’s worth of pent-up demand into solid travel plans,” said Mark Jaronski, deputy commissioner of tourism at GDEcD. “The 2021 Explore Georgia Official State Travel Guide will help us capture this demand and ensure that we provide inspiration and travel planning tools to begin welcoming visitors back to Georgia.”

Explore Georgia promotes the guide via ExploreGeorgia.org, as well as its monthly consumer e- newsletter, social media channels, at each of the nine state-run Visitor Information Centers, and various paid and earned media opportunities. The guide’s editorial content was informed by listening to visitors, input from state tourism partners, leveraging data from the state’s travel website ExploreGeorgia.org, social media performance, as well as traveler sentiment research.

2021 Explore Georgia Official State Travel Guide is available for free and can be found at the Douglasville Welcome Center, 12385 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Douglasville, GA 30134.