Sims Lake Park: A Peaceful Escape in Duluth

 or years, I’ve told friends: “Don’t rush to travel the world until you’ve explored the treasures in your own backyard.”After moving from Seattle to Atlanta, I let work take over—Amazon consumed nearly every hour of my day, leaving little time for balance or exploration. Now that I finally have some time, I’m making good on that promise to myself by exploring Georgia’s local gems. My first stop? Sims Lake Park in Johns Creek/Duluth.

The moment I arrived, I could feel the calm settle in. The park is beautifully laid out—greenery in every direction, the sound of water in the distance, and wide paved trails inviting me to wander. It felt like a space where families, photographers, joggers, and nature lovers could all find their happy place.

Highlights 

• Trails & Activities: Paved walking and biking paths perfect for a casual stroll or light exercise.

• Family Features: A playground for kids, open lawns, and picnic areas with plenty of benches.

• Nature & Views: A shimmering lake surrounded by trees, a deck with benches to relax on, and birdsong drifting from the canopy.

• Photography Spots: Endless opportunities to capture turtles, birds, reflections on the water, or the golden light filtering through bamboo.

Hidden Gems 

• A Japanese garden tucked above the lake, offering a touch of zen.

• A bamboo grove that feels like a secret escape within the park.

• The lake deck, a perfect spot to sit, think, and soak up the peaceful rhythm of nature.

  Best time to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons when the light is perfect for photos and the trails are quieter.

• Bring: A camera, a picnic blanket, comfy walking shoes, and maybe a book to enjoy lakeside.

• Parking: Convenient parking right near the entrance, with easy access to trails and the pavilion.

  
  
  
  Sims Lake Park reminded me of the joy in slowing down and savoring what’s nearby. It’s easy to overlook local gems when life is busy, but this park is a reminder that beauty and balance often sit right outside our own front door. 
  
  

  
  

Honoring History on the Veterans Memorial Walk – Newtown Park, Johns Creek, GA

 I’ve been working my way through a list of parks to explore before the year ends, and this weekend I discovered one that stood apart from the rest. Hidden within Newtown Park in Johns Creek, Georgia, is a place that is not just about recreation, but remembrance: the Veterans Memorial Walk.

From the moment my boys and I stepped into the memorial plaza, I knew this was different. Instead of playground noise or jogging trails, we were greeted by rows of flags representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, standing tall beside the American flag and the City of Johns Creek flag. Immediately, the space felt sacred—quiet, reflective, and intentional.

The walkway is fully accessible, winding smoothly through a series of stone monuments. Each one tells the story of a major conflict—from World War I to Afghanistan—etched with dates, campaign service medals, and images that capture the essence of each era. These aren’t just markers of battles; they are reminders of sacrifice and resilience. If you take your time to really look, the details draw you into the weight of history.

What makes the experience even more meaningful are the personal touches scattered throughout: engraved pavers honoring loved ones, benches for quiet reflection, and a large gazebo that offers a place to pause in privacy. It’s as if the space was designed not just to educate, but to comfort and to inspire gratitude.

As a family, we found ourselves especially drawn to the newer memorials for the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Perhaps because these are conflicts within our lifetime, they felt raw and immediate—reminders that the story of service is not just history, but also part of today.

Walking here isn’t about exercise or checking off another park—it’s about connection. Connection to the men and women who served, to the families who supported them, and to the community that chose to honor them with such dignity.

If you find yourself in the Johns Creek area, take an hour to wander through this memorial. Go with your family. Sit on a bench. Read the names. Look closely at the details. Allow yourself a moment to feel what words often fail to express.

Because in the end, this isn’t just a walk through a park. It’s a walk through our shared history—and a quiet reminder to be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy each day.