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This Week
Clear, local reporting from Cumming and communities across Forsyth County.

Weekly edition
Cumming Utilities Launches Student Poster Contest, The Bagel Hole Expanding to Coal Mountain, and McGinnis Ferry Road Closing for Drainage Work. Local Forsyth County News.
Good morning, Forsyth County.
Last Thursday, I asked you to tell me your favorite restaurant in Forsyth County, and the responses have been rolling in ever since.
Some of you named longtime local staples. Others pointed me toward places I had never heard of. A few restaurants came up again and again, and several people went beyond naming a place and gave very specific instructions about what to order. I am putting all of it together now, and I will share the results in Thursday’s Forsyth Flyer and some of the dishes readers say are worth making a trip for.
There is still time to add your favorite!
Reply to this email and tell me your favorite restaurant in Forsyth County, along with the one thing someone should order when they go. Just make sure it is somewhere you would confidently send a friend.
- Chad
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The Bagel Hole is preparing to open its fifth location, bringing the locally founded bagel shop to the Coal Mountain area of north Forsyth County. The new restaurant will be located at 3560 Browns Bridge Road, Suite 300, and is expected to open in mid-August. An official opening date will be announced on the location’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The business began in 2020 when Gary and Cathy Trentacosta opened the original Bagel Hole on Peachtree Parkway in south Forsyth. After introducing a franchise model last year, the company expanded into Alpharetta, Dawsonville, and Braselton.
A section of McGinnis Ferry Road will close around the clock from Monday, July 20, through Sunday, July 26, while crews install a new 72-inch storm drainage line. The schedule may change if weather delays the work. The closure will stretch from the Brookwood Road and Jones Bridge Road intersection to Sargent Road. Drivers will still be able to reach businesses and neighborhoods along McGinnis Ferry Road as far as Seven Oaks Boulevard and Brassfield Drive. Detour signs will direct traffic through Brookwood Road, Peachtree Parkway, Sargent Road, and Jones Bridge Road. Drivers heading to Emory Johns Creek Hospital should use Jones Bridge Road and Sargent Road. The Fawn Lake Drive and McGinnis Ferry Road entrances to Deer Lake will also be unavailable, so residents should enter from Peachtree Parkway. Travelers should allow extra time throughout the week.
Young artists across Cumming have a chance to put their creativity on display through Cumming Utilities’ first Every Drop Counts Poster Contest. Elementary, middle, and high school students are invited to create an original poster centered on water conservation and submit it by 5 p.m. Friday, July 31. Posters must be between 8.5 by 11 inches and 11 by 17 inches, use a portrait layout, and be created entirely by the student. Copyrighted images, clip art, and AI-generated artwork are not permitted. First-, second-, and third-place winners will receive prizes and be recognized during a Cumming City Council meeting. The winning designs will also be displayed at the Cumming Utilities Department inside City Hall and featured on the department’s website. Entries should be emailed to hmckeldin@cummingutilities.com with the required submission form.
LifeSouth Community Blood Drive
When: Monday, July 20, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will hold a two-day blood drive at The Collection at Forsyth. The bloodmobile will be stationed near the AMC theater, giving residents an opportunity to donate locally and help replenish the area’s blood supply. Donors can reserve an appointment online for either day.
Where: The Collection at Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041
Dig It: Volcanology!
When: Monday, July 20, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
What: Young scientists can explore volcanoes through hands-on experiments at Denmark Library. The program will introduce children to volcanology while giving them a chance to learn through interactive activities rather than a traditional classroom lesson. Designed for children entering grades 1 through 5.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Animals Around the World
When: Monday, July 20, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM and 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
What: Wildlife Wonders is bringing animals from around the world to Post Road Library for two family-friendly presentations. Children will have an opportunity to see the animals up close while learning about their habitats and unique characteristics. Free event passes will be distributed beginning 30 minutes before each session.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Monday Mood: Yoga on the Green
When: Monday, July 20, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Start the week with a free outdoor yoga class on the green at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. The class is open to all experience levels and concludes with a guided meditation session. Participants should bring a yoga mat and water. Friends and family members are welcome to join.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Singles Social Tuesdays
When: Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: Local singles are invited to meet new people during a casual weekly social gathering at Cumming City Center. This week’s meetup will be hosted by Washington’s Wharf, offering an informal setting for conversation, food and drinks. There is no structured dating program, making it easy to stop by and mingle at your own pace.
Where: Washington’s Wharf at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Zumba Sunset Sweat
When: Tuesday, July 21, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Onelife Fitness is hosting a free, Latin-inspired outdoor Zumba class at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. The high-energy dance workout is designed for all fitness levels and will be held rain or shine. Participants should bring water, a small towel and comfortable clothes and shoes.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Glow the Distance: Dash & 1K
When: Tuesday, July 21, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: The Cumming Aquatic Center is hosting a nighttime water-walking festival for adults inside its illuminated lazy river. Participants can take on the Glow & Go Dash, a one-lap sprint, or complete the 22-lap Glow the Distance 1K at their own pace. Guests may register for either challenge or participate in both. Music and glow accessories will add to the evening atmosphere. Registration is required.
Where: Cumming Aquatic Center, 201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming, GA 30040
Hooray for Jump Day
When: Wednesday, July 22, 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Cumming City Center is turning its green space into a summer play area filled with bounce houses, water slides and games. Families can visit anytime during the seven-hour event, making it an easy afternoon or evening activity while school is out. Admission is $10 per child.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Floating in Sound
When: Wednesday, July 22, 7:00 PM
What: Hanalei SUP Yoga is hosting a relaxing sound experience on Lake Lanier, where participants will lie on paddleboards while calming vibrations travel across the water. The session is designed to encourage mindfulness, release tension and provide a break from everyday distractions. Admission is $55 with a paddleboard rental or $35 for participants bringing their own board. Guests should dress for an outdoor water event and bring a few towels and an eye covering if desired. Registration is required.
Where: Lake Lanier, 3525 Chicory Creek Drive, Cumming, GA 30041
Tellus on the GO!
When: Thursday, July 23, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
What: Tellus Science Museum is visiting the Cumming Library for an interactive dinosaur program. Families will learn what makes an animal a dinosaur while examining fossils, participating in a dig activity and exploring the prehistoric world through hands-on demonstrations. Free event passes will be distributed beginning 30 minutes before the program.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
BPRC Cumming Run Group
When: Thursday, July 23, 7:00 PM
What: Big Peach Running Co. is hosting its weekly community run at Crooked Culture Brewing in Cumming City Center. Runners and walkers of all experience levels are welcome, with participants able to choose their own pace and distance. The group offers a casual way to get some exercise, meet other local runners and finish the evening at the brewery.
Where: Crooked Culture Brewing, 421 Vision Drive, Cumming, GA 30040
91° 🌡️ 73° | ⛈️ | 58% | 💨 6 mph WSW
92° 🌡️ 74° | ☁️ | 25% | 💨 7 mph SSW
90° 🌡️ 71° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 7 mph SSW
86° 🌡️ 71° | ⛈️ | 90% | 💨 5 mph SW
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 79ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication
Thanks for reading today’s Forsyth Flyer.
I hope this issue made it a little easier to start the week knowing what is happening around Forsyth County. There is always more going on here than any one person can keep track of, which is why your replies, recommendations, and story tips are such an important part of this publication.
And keep those restaurant suggestions coming. I have already received some excellent responses, and I will share the results in Thursday’s issue.
If you know someone who would enjoy the Flyer, forward this email their way. That is still the best way to help more people find it. You can also reply anytime with an event, local story, or something around town that deserves more attention. I personally read every message. Local businesses interested in reaching Forsyth County readers can reply here or email forsythflyer@welldiem.com.
Have a great week!
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