Things to Do in Suwanee

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.

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.

The first Bonkerz Comedy Club was founded in Wisconsin in 1984, when nightclub-owning brothers Joe and John Sanfelippo and best friend George Maltezos decided that it was more fun and less of a hassle to book comedians than musicians. Nearly 30 years later, Bonkerz has grown into a major comedy institution, with branches reaching as far as Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Nevada. Winner of several awards for Best Comedy Club and Venue, Bonkerz Comedy Club has kept the laughter rolling throughout the years with whoopee cushions installed in every seat and sets by greats such as Jerry Seinfeld, Larry the Cable Guy, and Saturday Night Live's Daryl Hammond. As the official audition site for NBC’s America’s Got Talent, the chain continues to feed tomorrow’s brightest comics to the national spotlight.

Two towers jut out of facing beaches, joined by cables that span an unusually placid portion of Lake Lanier. When New Wave Cable Park's small groups of customers suit up, however, the cable comes alive, towing boarders to and fro at blistering speeds. Nestled in a secure inlet surrounded by white beaches, the Park is sheltered from boat wakes so that beginners can acclimate themselves and can safely try out new tricks. A brand-new kicker box makes it even easier for boarders to grab some air and, for advanced riders, fistfuls of cloud.

Ron Carroll's fascination with helicopters began in Vietnam, when the aircraft transported him and his fellow infantry through the jungles to the front lines. Two Purple Hearts, nearly 20 years, and a stint in the publishing industry later, Carroll happened upon a copy of Flying magazine and his interest quickly rekindled. He continued with flying lessons, deepening his desire to become a helicopter pilot.

Today, Carroll possesses a Gold Seal CFI certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and helms a team of three pilots with more than 25,000 combined hours of flight experience. With a fleet comprising Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters—as well as a TruFlite H flight simulator that lets aspiring pilots practice operating a helicopter while singing and without leaving the ground—the team has trained throngs of airmen, including governor Sonny Perdue.