Things to Do in Buford

When searching for a business venture that would let him spend time with his kids, former commodities trader Mike Nasatir looked to his daughters for inspiration—a decision that paid off when he founded The Painted Penguin. The family business showcases the art of ceramics, inviting participants with any level of experience to unhurriedly paint their bisque and plaster pieces in the company of friends, family members, or particularly chatty coffee mugs. When designing their own pieces or attending any of The Painted Penguin's parties, customers can enlist the help of staff members, who are always on hand to provide tips or inspiration.

Psychedelic lighting, clouds of fog, and thumping beats fill Laser Tag of Buford’s 7,000-square-foot, two-level arena. From behind rectangular obstacles and stacks of barrels, up to 28 players dodge incoming laser blasts while firing at foes during battles that commence every 20 minutes. Throughout each bout, computerized weapons and sound system¬–equipped vests help participants stay abreast of their score, while a large scoreboard updates sideline observers and astronauts watching from space. After their game, guests can explore the facility’s remaining 4,000 square feet, which house an arcade with more than 20 games and a concession stand stocked with snacks and drinks.

Throughout the week, Knockout CrossFit’s 12,000-square-foot facility is abuzz with the clatter of weights and kettlebells and the raspy chorus of patrons striving intensely toward fitness goals. A crew of instructors certified by CrossFit leads adults of all levels of fitness through CrossFit classes and boot-camp sessions. After helping groups loosen up with stretching exercise, CrossFit instructors lead students through the system's signature workout of the day, an ever-changing exercise that is scaled to each participant's fitness level. Their hardcore cardio classes boost heart rates and core strength with a regimen dedicated to increasing both power and agility, and their kickboxing classes blend moves from MMA, karate, boxing, and muay thai that help exercisers hone speed while simultaneously bolstering confidence. The trainers also help youth bolster speed, conditioning, and techniques in an athletic program. In lieu of monotonous cardio machines, each course works with the facility’s abundance of ropes, rings, free weights, and kettlebells, and the open floor leaves ample space for running, jumping, and gesturing how big you want your muscles to be.