Summer Fun in Forsyth CountyJenny Reed Travel

Christmas Light Shows in Forsyth County

Christmas light shows in forsyth county and cumming ga

Christmas Light Shows in Forsyth County & Cumming GA

There are lots of great light displays around Atlanta this year – just check out this round-up of Atlanta area light shows from our friends at Atlanta with Kid and you’ll know what I mean!  But you can also stay close to home and make some great memories with some Residential Christmas Light Shows in Forsyth County also!  Plus these local, residential shows won’t break the bank AND they’re for great causes as well!

Blink Midwinter:

Location: 7020 Cole Court, Cumming GA 30028
Date: Thanksgiving Night at 5:30pm (scheduled) through January 1st
Time: 5:30pm – 10pm (Sunday through Thursday), 5:30pm – 11pm (Friday & Saturday)
Details: Synchronized light show set to music. FREE event; however, donations are requested which will benefit Canine Assistants.
Click here for more information.

Ashebrooke Night of Lights:

Location: Ashebrooke Subdivisions – Bethelview Road (between Kelly Mill and Hwy 20)
Date: Sunday, December 9th  (Rain Date – Sunday, December 16)
Time: 7pm
Details: Each year, the residents of Ashebrooke light up their streets and their homes with luminary bags & candles to put on a great display of lights in an effort to help raise money for a worthy cause.   This year, the “Ashebrooke Night of Lights” will benefit a local 3yo boy in Forsyth County, Cameron, living with Stage 4 Neurblastoma Cancer.  The community is invited to drive through the streets of Ashebrooke & enjoy the lights. There is no charge. However a bucket is set up for donations.

Christmas in Cumming:

Note: Sadly, the “Christmas in Cumming” website, the 2012 show has been cancelled.  Click here to read the full announcement.  This was a wonderful show that my family loved.  Click here to read about a 2011 “Trip to Christmas in Cumming“.

In 2011 alone, the “Christmas in Cumming” families were able to present Family Haven with a cash donation of $15,958.33 and supplies totaling over $4,000.00 for a grand total of just over $20,000.00!!  Donations to the Family Haven may still be made through their direct website, click here for more information.

Very Important: 

As with all events listed on our website, these are subject to change especially due to weather.  We encourage you to follow the event on Facebook or the website provided, if applicable, for most recent & accurate information.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Feel free to leave a comment below to share with all of us!

Christmas in Central Park in Forsyth County

Christmas in Central Park

Christmas in Central Park – Sponsored by Sawnee Artists Association

Enjoy a variety of handmade products, jewelry, glass, pottery, wood work and decorative items. There is also specialty food items, clothing, holiday decorations and even a visit from Santa & Ms. Claus.

Christmas in Central Park is held at Forsyth County Park and Recreation Central Park center. It is located less than one mile from Highway 400 at the Keith Bridge Exit.

Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Central Park Center
2300 Keith Bridge Road
Cumming, GA 30028

Dates and Times for 2012:

Saturday November 17, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday November 18, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Photos with Santa:

Get your pictures with Santa without the long lines at the mall.
Great shopping, fun, food, and entertainment!
Photo Schedule -
Saturday:  10:00am to 1pm & 1:30pm to 5pm
Sunday:  12:00pm to 4pm

What will you be giving this year?

The following is a guest post, by Cumming Local Mom, Shelley.  I love these ideas that she’s sharing – gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money.  A little thought and some time can go a long way!

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The holiday season is upon us!  What will you be giving this year?  Do you have a top 10 list of unique gifts that can’t be bought at the local big box store?

Keep reading for some personal and out of the box ideas that are sure to make someone’s holiday wish come true!

1. Give of your time. Our daily lives are so busy, especially this time of year as we try to cram in a hundred of “to-do’s”.  How about finding an hour in your day to visit the local assisted living center, volunteer at the local food bank. or coordinate an even with your friends and neighbors such as collecting toys and then delivering them to your local toys for tots.

2. Create a themed basket. You can pick up a basket almost anywhere, why not fill it with a couple of dvd’s, candy and popcorn for a fun movie night at home. How about a family game night? Fill a basket with a variety of card games such as uno, scramble, etc. There’s lots of fun, unique and inexpensive ideas you could do, the possibilities are endless!

3. Surprise a friend or family and cook them a meal one night! Who wouldn’t love to know they don’t have scan their pantry wondering what to make for dinner when dinner will be cooked and delivered by you!

4. Give a Date Night. Arrange for your friends to go out on a date by offering to watch their children so they can have some time to connect in this busy time of year.

5. Give the gift of an experience: pay for a friend or family member or a child to go to Glazed & Fired for some painting time. They have lots of options to paint a canvas or pottery piece which is instructed by a professional artist plus it’s tons of fun!

6. Donate a Christmas Tree. Out Christmas tree shopping? Why not pick up an extra one to be donated to a military family? Check out Bottoms Tree Farms for a fun filled holiday experience plus with their partnership with FedEx, you can donate a tree to a military family and FedEx will ship for you! www.bottomstreefarm.com.

7. Give someone a new Look: A gift certificate to a local salon, like Level Spa Salon for a fabulous haircut or another service, would make any woman’s day!  Who wouldn’t love a new look for the holidays?!

8. Give Memories that will Last. Are you someone who carries a camera around with you? By always taking pictures of your friends and family, get the picture developed and then put in a fun holiday frame to give as a gift.

9. Sponsor a Family. Coordinate with your friends and neighbors to collect and donate time or sponsor a family in need. Check out the local United Way Forsyth or The Place of Forsyth County.

10. Give someone Your Time. Rake the leaves for a friend or neighbor, who wouldn’t love some yard work done for them?!

For other fun and creative ideas, you can also check out our local home page on www.cumminglocal.com for a plethora of sponsors and resources we are so proud to support and be partnered with!

Happy Holidays!

Post linked to Top Ten Tuesday at ohAmanda.com

Holiday Fun for Kids

Holiday Fun for Kids in Cumming GA

During the month of December, several local businesses are offering some fun events catered just to the kids.  And Mom & Dad too!  Schedule some holiday fun for the kids while they’re out of school or prior to the Winter Break to finish up some of your last minute shopping.

Check out some of these holiday fun for kids events we’ve rounded up:

An Evening with Santa -

Sponsored by Forsyth Central High School Color Guard & the Flash of Crimson Band Boosters.
For all Elementary Age Children
Date:  Thursday, December 15th 2011
Time:  5:30pm to 8:00pm
Where:  Forsyth Central HS Main (East) Cafeteria
$5 / child – includes Picture with Santa, Holiday Craft Choice & Refreshments
Additional Concessions also available.

Recess by Charley | Holiday Fun for Kids in Cumming GA

Recess by Charley -

  • Elves Work-”Shop”:
    Children will do holiday crafts, have a sing-a-long and play fun games.  Special pricing available for the day – only $5/ hour.  An additional $5 for lunch, snacks provided.  This event is open to the public, but RSVP is recommended through the Recess by Charley Website.  A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Emily Thomas Foundation.
    Date / Time:  December 17th, 9:30am to 4pm
  • Holiday Hours:
    Recess by Charley will be open most of the holiday for your last minute shopping or just to entertain the kids after Christmas.  Each day, the children will be doing one of the following (or more) – a special craft, holiday games, face painting, and sing-a-long competition.  The “late weekend hours” are perfect to help you attend all the holiday parties & open houses on your calendar!  Please note, the former hourly restrictions no longer apply, so children may attend anytime within the business hours.  Plus, attendance is billed by the minute!  So you only use what you need!
    Closed – Saturday, December 24th – 26th and December 31st.

Recess by Charley OnlineRecess by Charley on Facebook |  Phone:  678.876.3456

Catch Air with Santa | Holiday Fun for Kids in Cumming GA

Catch Air -

  • Santa is Coming to Catch Air:
    Let the kids visit with Santa & also enjoy some fun treats, crafts & the movie Polar Express!  Early visitors that same day are welcome to return to meet with Santa.
    Date / Time:  Tuesday, December 13th, 4pm to 6pm
  • Holiday Hours:
    Catch Air will be offering some extended hours during the Winter Break to help you keep the kids entertained (and you sane!).
    Open:  Saturday, December 24th – 10am to 2pm
    Closed:  Sunday, December 25th
    Open: Monday – Thursday, December 26th – December 29th – 10am to 7pm
    Open:  Saturday, December 31st – 10am to 2pm
    Closed:  Sunday, January 1st

Catch Air OnlineCatch Air on Facebook |  Phone:  678.965.6868

Glazed and Fired | Holiday Fun for Kids in Cumming GA

Glazed & Fired  -

Note: All require advanced registration and space is limited.  Contact Glazed and Fired to reserve your child’s spot.

  • Storytime for Kids:
    Storytime & Painting of Ornaments
    Friday, 12/16 – 10am to 11am – Ages 2 & Up
    Reading “Night Before Christmas”
    $10/ child
  • Holiday Painting:
    Canvas Painting with Art Instructor
    Sunday, 12/11 – 3pm to 4:30pm – Ages 5 & Up
    “Happy Snowman”
    $18/ child
  • Mini Camps:
    Canvas Painting, Pottery Painting & Clay
    Saturday, 12/10 – 11am to 2pm – Ages 5 & Up – $35 / child
    Wednesday, 12/21 – 11am to 2pm – Ages 5 & Up – (CLASS FULL)
    Tuesday, 12/27 – 11am to 2pm – Ages 5 & Up – $30 / child (CLASS FULL)
    Thursday, 12/29 – Ages 5 & Up – $35 / child – Celebrate the 70′s – paint an owl, make a peace sign coaster & a pet rock.

Glazed & Fired OnlineGlazed & Fired on Facebook |  Phone:  678.208.6096

Sweet and Sassy | Holiday Fun for Kids in Cumming GA

Sweet & Sassy -

  • Winter Holiday Hoopla:
    Girls Night Out
    Saturday, December 17th, 5pm to 7pm
    Pizza, Craft, Dancing, Limo Ride & More.
    $25 / girl
    Space is limited and reservations are required.

Sweet & Sassy OnlineSweet & Sassy on Facebook |  Phone:  770.781.0300

Activities listed may change at any time.  Call each business for the latest information.  If your business is offering holiday fun for kids this month, be sure to let us know so we can add the information.

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Christmas Fun in Cumming

Christmas Fun in Cumming

Christmas Fun in Cumming & Forsyth County:

We’ll do our best to keep you up with all the Christmas Fun in Cumming & Forsyth County this 2011 Season. It’s going to be tough though! SO much to see, do & enjoy.

NOTE:  Want to see your listing included?  If your church, business or organization has a Christmas event, submit your event here.

These recent posts might be helpful to you:

Locations to Purchase a Christmas Tree
Locations to see Santa
Christmas Light Shows

Winter Break Survival Guide
Celebrate Christmas (Christmas Eve Services)

Things To Do this 2011 Christmas Season:

Listed in date order. Listing will be updated as new Events are Added. Click Event Title for more Information.

Now through January 1st: Christmas in Cumming Light Show

Now through January 1st:  Blink Midwinter Lights Show

Now through December 22nd: Christmas at Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm

Now through December 20th: Christmas at Kinsey Family Farm

November 26th:  Christmas on the Farm at Warbington Farms

December 3rd, 9am: Marketplace Christmas Jingle Jog

December 3rd, 10am: Christmas Brunch – Santa, Shopping & More

December 3rd, 3:30pm: Marketplace Christmas – Cumming Christmas Parade

December 3rd, 4:30pm: Marketplace Christmas – Celebration of Lights

December 4th, 4pm to 6pm:  Adventure Kids Christmas Fun

December 9th, 4pm: Christmas in Cumming – Arts, Crafts Festival & More

December 9th, 7pm: Gingerbread Night at Cumming First United Methodist Church

December 10th, 10am: Christmas in Cumming – Arts, Crafts Festival & More

December 11th, 11:30am: Old Fashioned Christmas benefiting Save the Horses Organization

December 11th, 7pm – 9pm:  Ashebrooke Night of Lights

December 15th – 18th, times vary: Nutcracker – Performance by Sawnee Ballet Theatre

Special Purchase this Season:

Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands

Shopping Events:

December 3rd, 10am: Christmas Brunch – Santa, Shopping & More

December 6th, 6:30pm:  Holiday Expo & Gold Buying Event (a WOAMTEC – Cumming Chapter Event)

December 9th, 4pm: Christmas in Cumming – Arts, Crafts Festival & More

December 9th, 8pm:  Christmas Open House & Ugly Sweater Party (a Trinkets & Treasures event)

December 10th, 10am: Christmas in Cumming – Arts, Crafts Festival & More

December 16th – 18th, Times Vary:  Lakewood 400 Antiques Market:  Antiques & Gift Show Weekend

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Where will Santa be this year?

Where will you see Santa this year?

Have your kiddos made their Christmas list yet? If your kids are like mine and have seen the flyers in the mail or commercials on TV, their list is already a mile long! Will you be mailing that list off to the North Pole? Will you be looking for Santa & his Elves to whisper in his ear their dreams of new toys or want to get that holiday picture with your sweet ones and that long bearded Santa? Below are lists of places in and around Forsyth County to visit the jolly man who comes once a year, Santa!

Multiple Visits

1. The Avenues of Forsyth: Complimentary Photos with Santa and Horse Drawn Carriage Rides. Bring your camera and enjoy complimentary pictures with Santa in the park near Coldwater Creek. Pictures with Santa and Horse Drawn Carriage rides are every Saturday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm November 26th to December 17th.

2.  Bottoms Tree Farms:  Santa Claus is coming to Bottoms Tree Farm on Saturday November 26th and Saturday, December 3rd from 10 am to Noon.  Also come for a cup of hot cider and hayride while checking out Jolly Saint Nick!

3.  Tents Tents Tents (Tree Lot):  The Tree Lot will be located at the Corner of Windermere Pkwy & Hwy 20, operated Tents! Tents! Tents!  Visit with Santa, Saturday November 26th, Friday December 2nd & Friday December 9th all from 2pm until 7pm.  Cookies, Hot Chocolate, Cider & Kid’s Moonwalk.  Photos with Santa by Amy Jo Photography must be pre-booked.  Best to click link & call for more information.

4.  Warbington Farms:  Updated – Santa will be at the farm from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday and 2pm to 4pm on Sunday all month long.  Additional Christmas fun throughout the day too.  Check out their website or call ahead for more information.  

One Day Only

1. Warbington Farms: Christmas on the Farm – November 26th, 2011: Warbington Farms is proud to present our first annual “Christmas on the Farm. Come be a part of the lighting of our huge Christmas tree! Sing along with local church choirs, make s’mores, drink hot chocolate, and take a hayride through the farm. The lighting will start at 6:30pm. Santa and his wife will be at the farm from 2pm-4pm. Also, perfect time to get your Christmas tree! Free admission and free Santa visit (donations accepted to be given to a needy family Christmas fund). Cost of activities; hayride $4 adult, $3 kids (12 & under), unlimited slide $3, pony rides $5, or get the kid combo pack for $8, ornament decorating $2.

2. Brunch with Santa: Check out North Forsyth High School on December 3rd and have brunch with and pictures with Santa from 10 am to 1 pm. All proceeds benefit the Raider Basketball Program. For more information please call: 770-844-0213.

3.  Victoria’s Children’s Boutique:  Santa is Coming, Saturday December 3rd from 1pm to 5pm.  Call for an appointment.  770.888.7828

3. Adventure Kids:  Santa Clause is coming to Adventure Kids on December 4th from 4-6 pm.  Free cookie decorating, reindeer food making and a special reading of The Night Before Christmas.  Bring your camera or photos with Santa and a toy to donate to Toys For Tots!   Hope to see you here on the 4th!

4. Dinner with Santa:  All proceeds go a local Therapuetic Riding Program for kids with Special Needs.  No charge, but a $5 donation per child is suggested.  Saturday, December 10th at 5-7pm.  Bring your own camera.  Click the link for more details and location.

5. Catch AirTuesday, December 13, 4pm-6pm.  Santa is coming to town! Please join us for tons of holiday fun!  Santa is coming to Catch Air!  We will have treats and crafts and will be showing Polar Express on our big screen!

6.  An Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm!   Come and have an old fashioned Christmas at this amazing horse farm.   On Saturday, December 11th, Sleigh rides, pony rides, plate lunches, face painting, games, homemade baked goods, photos with our Santa horse, crafts from vendors, cake walk, bonfire, “Angel Tree,” great raffle prizes, and a visit from jolly old St. Nick himself.

7.  Dollar Shoppette: Santa Clause will visit on Wednesday, December 21st from 10am to 12Noon.  Come with your family for a free 4×6 photo with any purchase at the Dollar Shoppette.

8.  Lakewood 400 Antiques Market:  The December Market will have Santa Clause on site, Saturday December  17th from Noon to 3pm.  For more information, visit Lakewood Online or contact them by phone – 770.889.3400.

9.  Lance’s Jewelry:  Visit Lance’s Jewelry at Market Place Blvd on Friday, December 9th from 2pm to 6pm and see Santa & Mrs. Clause.  Holiday treats will also be available.  Bring your cameras.

Pet Photos with Santa

1.  Ruckers: Looking to take your favorite pet to see Santa, check out Ruckers! Santa will be at Rucker Horse & Pet, 3540 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming 30041 on Saturday, December 3 — and at Rucker Pet & Wild Bird, 5456 Bethelview Road, Cumming 30040 on Saturday, December 10. Photo hours are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $7.00 for two photos. Please bring cash or check! All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter.

Hope Santa brings you and your family everything you’re wishing for!  Happy Holidays!

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Truth in the Tinsel

An Advent Experience for Little Hands

Every time this Season rolls around, I struggle with balancing the fun and excitement of the Christmas season and also making sure my kids understand the real meaning of the celebration.  Personally, I think we can have both.  I think we can definitely take in the fun, the parties, the food, the activities, even the presents, but for our family, it wouldn’t be Christmas without celebrating the real reason we celebrate – the birth of Jesus.

If you’re looking for a new, unique, way to help teach those truths with your children, I may have just the thing.  I’m really excited about a new eBook being released this {Black} Friday, entitled truth in the Tinsel.  It’s written by my very best friend, Amanda.  We’ve been friends since “diaper days” in the church nursery.  We grew up going on Mission Trips and Proms together.  She is an incredibly talented person, blogger, and former Children’s Pastor.  She’s actually the one that peaked my interest in “blogging” and why I started my first site several years ago … leading me now, to here at Cumming Local.

Truth in Tinsel came out of a tradition that she started with her children several years ago & now she’s wrapped it up in a great little package to share with all of us.

I got a sneak peak earlier last week and really wanted to share it with you today.  I know this is a little more off-topic than what we usually cover here at Cumming Local, but I know many of you are Moms, just like me, and might enjoy this creative way of celebration the Season with your kids this year.

It’s definitely more than a “book” or an Advent Calendar – it’s actually written to give you & your children an “Advent Experience”.

This ebook will lead you and your children on your own experience through the Christmas Story. You’ll take a few minutes each day in reading the Christmas Story directly from the Bible, making a fun ornament craft and talking about it together.

Each day, you & your children will spend a few minutes reading a Scripture from the Christmas Story, making a fun ornament craft that goes along with it & talking about it together.

Here’s a few reasons why I love this eBook:

  • The work is already done!  There is so much to do this time of year that it’s easy to make an excuse & skip the things that take just a little more time.  But Amanda has taken all the pieces and packaged them together so that all we busy Moms have to do is follow directions!
  • Supply List – A complete supply list is provided – every pipe cleaner, glue & construction piece needed.
  • One Day = One Page – The activities for one day are nicely packaged onto one page.  So the activities are totally manageable but you can also expand on it if you want.
  • Practical Crafts - I am no Martha Stewart & neither is Amanda.  It’s written for young children, so the crafts are appropriate just for that!
  • The Message – what better thing to impress upon our kids this Season!

Truth in Tinsel will be available for purchase this Friday at a special of $2.99.  That’s a steal, I promise!

Disclosure:  I did receive a copy of this eBook at no charge to facilitate this review and affiliate links are included in the above.  And yes, the author is my very best friend, but I promise I’m not lying about any of my thoughts on the book.  If I were, I simply wouldn’t have shared it with you at all.  This is something that I will be doing with my own children this Season so I wanted to share it in case any of you were looking for something too!

If you do start the Experience, let me know.  I’d love to know how your family is using it!

Purchase Truth in the Tinsel Now! (Available Friday, 11/25/11)

Christmas Tree Farms in Forsyth County

Christmas Tree Farms in Forsyth County

Finding a Christmas Tree in Forsyth County:

The Holiday season is upon us! Wow, where has the time gone? Have you started decorating yet? Where will you buy your tree? We’ve got some great local ideas listed below for where to go to cut down your own tree, take in a fun holiday experience or just need to know where to go to finding a Christmas tree in Forsyth County:

Family Christmas Tree Farms in Forsyth County:

  1. Kinsey Family Farm: I love this place! If you want to have the full experience and a great farm holiday atmosphere, you need to go here! Kinsey Family Farm is family owned and operated. It’s about 20 minutes North East of Cumming. You can sip on hot chocolate while roaming around their outdoor barn looking at Christmas trees, homemade wreaths and garland that are made from their tree trimmings. You can also roast marshmallows over the fire pit, take a hayride, feed the catfish, feed the goats and shoot an apple gun. You have the option of cutting down your own tree on the farm or picking one out that’s already been cut. This is a great place to go no matter your age and what you’re looking for, they have it all! One more tip about going here, if you’re like my family, make this a yearly tradition, when you make a purchase of a Christmas tree, you get a Kinsey Family Farm ornament, every year they make a new one, collect them over the years like my family has done!
  2. Warbington Farms: Warbington Farms is proud to present their first annual “Christmas on the Farm.” Come be a part of the lighting of their huge Christmas tree! Sing along with local church choirs, make s’mores, drink hot chocolate, and take a hayride through the farm. The lighting of the Christmas Tree will start at 6:30pm on November 26th. Santa and his wife will be at the farm from 2pm-4pm. Also, perfect time to get your Christmas tree! Free admission and free Santa visit (donations accepted to be given to a needy family Christmas fund). Cost of activities; hayride $4 adult, $3 kids (12 & under), unlimited slide $3, pony rides $5, or get the kid combo pack for $8, ornament decorating $2.
  3. Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm: Check out this great Christmas Tree Farm located in Cumming, GA. Santa will be visiting the farm on November 26th and December 3rd. Take in the full experience of the farm by going on hayride, roasting marshmallows over the bonfire while drinking some warm hot apple cider or hot cocoa and seeing the farm animals. This tree farm has also partnered with FedEx to enable you to donate a tree to say thank you to our troops and their families.

Updated:  Check out this guest post about a reader’s visit to Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm.

Other Options:

  1. Big John’s: Big John’s is a 62 year old Atlanta tradition, family owned and operated. They serve the Atlanta metropolitan area with the highest quality, hand-picked, FRESH Christmas trees, wreaths and roping, along with stands, ornaments and more!
  2. Tents! Tents! Tents!: Shop the Christmas Tree Lot from Tents, Tents, Tents at the corner of Windermere & Hwy 20.  Lot hours are 10am to 8pm, everyday November 26th – December 18th.
  3. Pike Family Nursery: Our local Pike Family Nursery is located at: 6050 Bethelview Road. They’re busy bringing in all of their beautiful Christmas décor to help you decorate inside or outside of your home. You can also get beautiful poinsettias and rosemary trees.
  4. Lowes: Located off of Marketplace Blvd.
  5. Home Depot: Located off of Marketplace Blvd.

Now it’s just time to light & decorate!  Enjoy this Season!

Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate, useful information about events, activities and small business within Cumming & Forsyth County. Information (including times and locations) is gathered from various sources including press releases, Facebook postings, signs around town, event submissions and word of mouth. We always attempt to confirm details before published. It is possible that details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our articles to the source or information provided and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go. Cumming Local is in no way responsible for any problems that occur while participating in activities recommended on this site or for any errors & omissions. The goal of this site is to highlight businesses in Cumming, GA – the availability of them and praise ones that I personally love. It is not to provide personal reviews of each, that will be left up to you.