JapanFest -- A Nostalgic Visit It really brought back…read morememories of those days in Norcross High School, when my friends and I used to come to JapanFest together. It's been three or four years since I last went. There were classic cultural highlights like Sumo and Kendo, and even hands-on experiences such as archery and sword-cutting demonstrations. Up on the second floor, the Hands-on Experience area featured bonsai, ikebana (flower arrangement), and shodo (Japanese calligraphy) -- all worth visiting and exploring. The biggest highlight this year was definitely the "LINQ" idol group performance -- their sweet voices, energetic choreography, and youthful vibe filled the entire stage. I couldn't help but feel, deep down, "Ah, youth is truly wonderful." Picked up a "To You" CD, grabbed some Japanese street food, and just soaked in the atmosphere.

So overcrowded. I've never bumped into more sweaty basement dwelling discord mods than I have here…read more They obviously oversold the event with no consideration about the experience, only worried about profit. Don't get me started on the CONCERT INSIDE OF AN ECHOING ARENA BUILDING. Ear splitting and miserable. Extremely overstimulating for my young kids.

One of the best beer fests I've been too. I've been to suwanee beer fest 5 years in a row and this…read moreone tops them all due to the fact that it was organized , plenty of bathrooms, breweries that were new, more food trucks, Steve Perry cover band,, different games, optional seltzer and lemonade , cbd tents and my favorite local breweries. I'm not bragging but I am the inventor of the homemade pretzel dip necklace. You will see that idea blow up,next year. Yours truly Roy Montelin

We bought the VIP 3-pack at last years Wine Fest; this is our first time attending the Beer Fest…read moreand we had a great time! The VIP tent makes it so much better. Catering by Marlowes and access to some really fantastic reserve beer makes it worth the extra money. Not much of a crowd inside the tent, but after they opened the gates, lines started piling up quick. Still, no waits more than a couple minutes, unless you wanted to use the VIP bathrooms. They really needed more... BTW, if you had a problem with traffic or parking, it's because you didn't take Uber. It's a BEER FEST; don't drive!!! We won't make the mistake of missing this event again...

FIRST ANNUAL DULUTH ARTS FESTIVAL!…read more This past weekend, I attended the Inaugural debut of the Duluth Arts Festival featuring live music performances, and art vendors. The artists displayed a variety of art forms such as photography, painting, glass, jewelry, leather goods and others. It was a very small turn out of vendors which surprised me because I am just accustomed to the massive throng of vendors that are all over the place during the Duluth Fall Festival. The greatest aspect of the festivals is that they are held on the beautiful Town Center lawn. It is the primary gathering place for community events and the perfect setting thanks to his expansive space and beautifully landscaped areas. I was simply looking forward to relaxing in my favorite chair, enjoying a cool breeze and listening to some great music. LET'S TALK ABOUT THE GOOD: The venue and weather was perfect on this day The professional guitarist was great. They had a GREAT play area for kids. They had great picnic tables with umbrellas placed right near the stage for diners. It was really a nice touch. LET'S TALK ABOUT WHAT NEEDS WORK: I would love to see a larger variety of vendors because we tend to travel to fairs and festivals quite often and are growing tired of seeing the same vendors over and over again. I love creativity and I just know that there are artists out there who work with different and unusual materials. This problem will probably resolve itself over time as more vendors sign up for the event. The first musical act happened to be students and not professionals. At an Inaugural event, you really need to put your best foot forward and make a great first impression. If the students cannot perform at a professional level, they simply should not be featured. For us, the first act sets the tone because if the music is bad, we can't stay. There were only three food trucks, hotdogs, burgers and quesadillas. They simply needed more variety and healthier options. Although they considered their bean and cheese quesadilla the healthier alternative, I did not. They needed at least one food venue with a lighter menu but, this was not a major issue for us because we tend to pack our own food. Hopefully, they will tweak things and next year's festival will be bigger and better. ***This is a two-day weekend festival. ***Feel free to bring your favorite chairs and snacks. ***Arrive early for great parking and choice seats. Normally, you have the entire lawn available but this time much of the available space was taken over by the large kid's area and the food trucks.

The tasting room is beautiful, the wine is really good, the staff is amazing. A very welcoming…read moreplace.

We visited Yonah Mountain Vineyards on Father's Day to celebrate with my daughter--neither of us…read morehad been before. It was easy to find with plenty of parking, and although it looked like they were preparing for an event later that evening, everything was still open and running smoothly. The property was clean and well-kept, with live music set up and playing outside, which added to the atmosphere. We ordered at a counter. I chose the sweet selection and my daughter chose the white wine flight. Each flight included four 2 oz pours and cost $60 total. We were informed there was also a food truck on-site. We tried the pimento cheese dip and hummus platter--both were enjoyable, though a bit pricey (I don't recall the exact amounts). The vineyard has a large covered patio as well as another seating area with sun shades. Most tables were occupied, and several guests had brought their dogs, which added a relaxed, welcoming feel. While I enjoyed the overall experience, I did find the wines and food a bit on the expensive side, especially given the bottle prices listed on the tasting menu (ranging roughly from $36 to $75). I didn't end up purchasing any bottles for that reason. Overall, it was a pleasant visit and a nice way to spend Father's Day. I'd consider coming back again--possibly in the fall, and bringing my dog next time.

A perfectly perfect day for a Wine Fest!…read more $55 per general administration ticket is not bad for a few hours of walking, sipping, music & food trucks. I wanted more booths to purchase fun crafts, or wine accessories but maybe that would take away from the purpose of the festival?? Parking was easy, but we know the area. If you are not familiar I suggest arriving early to park in the main lot. Side streets & back parking available, but you have to be patient. Once in you get a band & a PLASTIC wine cup. Off ya go.... booths set up & friendly folks pour their wines for tasting. My FAVORITE was Sweet Bitch Moscato Rose. I also tried a great blueberry wine, but can't remember what lable. Had some gross wines too! A fun way to try before ya buy! I didn't see wines to buy, but they all directed us to purchase from a certain liquor store. I guess they sponsored the festival. Eeks, can't remember the name, but off Peachtree Industrial in Suwanee. At each booth they had a big water jug & bucket to rince your cup. Love that!!! We'll go back next year & get the VIP tickets for wine samples & food included!!! They sold out quickly, $125 pp!! No pics, but you can imagine a bunch of folks having a good time!! Have a great rest of your day!!!

I finally made it to the infamous Suwanee Festival! The cost of a single ticket $55 not to bad…read morefor 4 hours of taste testing wine , beer, bourbon did I say bourbon . Well I truly had a blast ,decent crowd , and great folks to hang out with.I didn't really care where the grapes came from I just wanted to DRINK . They had a nice band can't recall the name but they played some good music . They had food vendors from pizza to lobster rolls, cheese ,chocolate dipped strawberries etc Taco MAC provided free wings (2) though no limit on the number of times you appear in line they had some great IPA Beer whew almost knocked me on my ass. I was out there for all 4 hours got pretty wasted . I 'll be back next year and get the VIP pass they sell out early so get your ticket when they go on sale.

A nice night at the field!…read more Parking was super easy & FREE! Paid parktis available, but the lot is not THAT BIG YOU. Easy access! Nice lot staff to guide & help before the game. As you can imagine food & beverage are not allowed from outside the park. Staff check bags upon entry. Food & beverage are NOT cheap (why I gave 4 stars), but they have a lot to offer for a smaller park. We ate before we went so stuck with beverages & Dippin' Dots only. Oh, my son got fried pickles & they were REALLY good!! They have a few activities for children; bounce house & the back lawn to run around. PLEASE be careful on the lawn- one child was hit in the face with a ball hit hot off of a bat when we were there. There is no net to stop them from getting out there. My husband saw him in a wheelchair going to medical. Yikes, I hope he's going to be OK!!! A fun night, good music & a win for the Stipers. Tickets are reasonable, depending on where you sit & the park is pretty much open to do as you please while there. Be respectful, always! Come check'em out with the family. Hope to see you there!

We came here for the Big Green Egg's "Eggtoberfest" event. This was our first time going to the…read moreevent and this stadium. We had to park a little far away but overall had a good experience. Some of the food tents on the upper level were a little cramped with people waiting in lines, so we preferred strolling around amongst the vendors on the field itself. Cool venue for an event like this. Lots of places to sit, clean bathrooms, parts covered in shade. Would definitely come back.

They have an amazing cafe and a great selection of plans, as well as trees here! Just be ready to…read morepay a bit of a higher price compared to other corporate nurseries. You will find very unique fines and perhaps exactly what you're looking for except that it is going to cost you a pretty penny. Their food is amazing. Their café is absolutely delicious and extremely unique.!

This might be the best breakfast bowl I've ever had and the miso caramel latte is perfect.read more