It's the Little Things That Matter in Tucker

We all know that Tucker is a great community for families and a lot of our businesses are geared toward children and parents.  However, I wanted to take a brief moment to commend some of the other businesses in our area that have taken extra steps to welcome families into their establishments.

Even businesses that may not be centered solely upon selling to families can still make their stores "family-friendly" in small, inexpensive ways.  Here are some of my personal favorites:  

(Feel free to add more to the list in the comments section if you can think of others worth mentioning.)    

1.)  Firestone Tires; 2066 Northlake Pkwy, Tucker, GA; (770) 325-9701; firestonecompleteautocare.com -  Firestone has a special corner in their waiting area that is just for kids.  A simple, kid-sized table and small toy box (shaped like a tire, of course) with a few toys and some books is a great way to keep the children out of the way and happily entertained while you wait for an oil change or a tire rotation.  It's something simple, but it is one of the reasons we have gone back to them again and again.  It makes waiting simple instead of stressful.

2.)  The Garden Enthusiast - Backyard Nature Station; Address: 2316 Main St, Tucker, GA 30084; (404) 474-7072; www.backyardnaturestation.com - One of the best garden stores I have ever been inside, this locally owned shop on Main Street Tucker has really done a lot of things right, including their in-store kids' area that actually brings us back to shop even when we don't need anything!

A little nook was created with a kid-size table and chairs in the middle, a lot of crayons and nature-themed coloring pages.  All around the table are products that appeal to the budding child gardener from beautiful puzzles, to miniature rakes and hoes, to garden gnomes.  But, by far the biggest attraction is the fairy garden and pond the owners have created in the back of the store.  It draws attention from children and adults alike. 

3.)  Sherri's Produce - 3863 Lawrenceville Hwy  Tucker, GA 30084; (770) 934-6090 - Sherri's has been a part of the Tucker community for years.  Situated on the corner of Brockett Road and Lawrenceville Highway, it is a local favorite for fresh fruits and vegetables, but there is something special that they do for kids that gives our family an extra reason for stopping - they are friendly to families and always say hello to the kids as well as the adults.  And, we can never get out of there without someone from the family offering my daughter her pick of whichever ripe fruit she would like to take home with her.  A delicious peach, shiny green apple or handful of grapes is all it takes to turn my child into a delightful shopper as she searches for her selection while I make mine!

4.)  I-HOP, 4276 Lavista Rd  Tucker, GA 30084; (770) 939-5751; www.ihop.com - There are lots of restaurants that remember to include children in their marketing or by giving out placemats or menus that can be colored on, but the I-Hop in Tucker has really taken the kid-friendly dining concept to a whole new level - so much so that my child will ask me at least once a week if we can go back there again.  Not only do kids eat for free on Thursdays from 4 - 10 p.m., but they also have a clown (minus the scary makeup) who is there from 6 - 8 p.m.   He or she will create a balloon animal (a really, really good one) for your child or provide a craft of some kind that will keep your table happy and entertained throughout your meal.

Of course these are not the only local businesses in Tucker who are stepping up to help make our community family-friendly, but they are among our personal favorites.  I also wanted to mention that Bank of America still hands out lollipops to kids in their drive-thru and inside the bank; The Gentle Uniform Sales Shop on Lawrenceville Highway at Main Street intersection has a little corner with a dollhouse and other toys, and Firehouse Subs, also on Lawrenceville Highway, gives away free plastic firemen hats to every child who comes into their store.  

Thanks to these business owners, and the many others around town, for taking the time to show your customers (both big and small) that you understand them and appreciate them!  We'll be back soon because you are making it easy for us!