Things to Do in Sugar Hill

Five generations of potters meticulously maintain AW Pottery Atlanta's colossal cache of pottery and garden ornaments, flaunting local artisans’ handmade wares alongside hundreds of elegant ceramics imported from China, Malaysia, and Vietnam. They curate an extensive roster of urns, pots, and vases in styles that range from rustic and antique-like to contemporary and colorful. Many pieces are high-heat-fired, imbuing them with enough strength to withstand the elements in outdoor gardens or indoor wind tunnels, and a smattering of ornaments forged from bamboo and metal complement these ceramic, granite, and porcelain accouterments. A partner of the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, AW Pottery Atlanta donates part of its monthly profits in order to support awareness and research efforts.

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.

Owned by the same people who created Jeronimo!, Putt 'N Play awakens the competitive spirit in guests of all ages with an indoor mini golf course. Lined with wooden rails, the 18 putting corridors present tricky slopes and transit-themed obstacles such as stop lights, train cars, and wormholes. On weekends, Putt 'N Play dims the lights and transforms the course into a visually enchanting neon, glow-in-the-dark circuit. With all the play areas laid out in one large, open room, Putt 'N Play makes it easy for adults to oversee groups of free-roaming tots or casual Freemason meetings.

AirSoft Depot lets gun toters loose on an expansive, tree-lined field to challenge their reflexes and ignite their adrenaline glands in free-form shooting games. Plywood forts, rusty barrels, and bright orange traffic cones act as safe cover during shootouts as players duck and roll through each blockade to achieve their missions. AirSoft Depot's home base stocks an assortment of imitation firearms ready to be rented, loaded with ammo, and cocked with a punny catch phrase, or airsoft gun owners can bestow their armaments on the center's seasoned techs, who repair and upgrade most brands.

Competitive angler Rob Jordan pilots year-round adventures on Lake Lanier, a 38,000-acre haven for blueblack herring, shad, bluegill, and trophy-winning magnum spotted bass. He and groups of passengers embark on guided trips aboard his Triton 21 HP bass boat equipped with Lowrance HDS sonar that spots schools of fish in the depths and shipwrecks' bounties of free plywood. The captain explains the craft's technology and helps his charges reel in squirmy swimmers the old-fashioned way as well. He also provides all rods and gear as well as drinks, snacks, and a digital camera to document catches levitating from the pier.