Outside Coweta - The King's Donuts - Fairburn

PLEASE NOTE COWETA LIFE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF THE PLACES, PEOPLE, OR THINGS WE COVER. PLEASE CONTACT EACH BUSINESS OR PERSON DIRECTLY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. SENDING AN EMAIL THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE WILL NOT GET YOU IN CONTACT WITH THE BUSINESS BUT WITH COWETA LIFE. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO REPLY OR FORWARD EMAILS MEANT FOR THE BUSINESSES WE COVER. THANK YOU!

We are not really big fans of the month of February. It’s generally unbearably cold (to our native Georgian sensibilities) and aside from Valentine’s Day it is relatively uneventful.

Finding anything that adds joy to this dreary month is a big plus, and what could be more joyful than a dose of comfort food?

Donuts may be the ultimate comfort food for us. Growing up, sugar was a treat that was almost never allowed, but every once in a while our dad would show up with a box of powdered sugar donuts for us to split.

With such positive feelings regarding this sugary pastry, we were excited to discover a local donut shop not too far away.

The King’s Donuts is a locally owned, faith-based business off of Highway 74 in Fairburn. They have been open almost a year now.

They offer a daily selection of freshly made gourmet donuts, croissants, cronuts and fritters. They also have a full coffee bar and breakfast sandwiches.

The décor, which we dubbed suburban gothic, is spacious and inviting. There are two gas fireplaces with large, leather armchairs cozied up nearby.

An imposing tiered iron chandelier draws the eye to the ceiling and the walls are lined with dark paneled wood accentuated with iron studs.

Despite the imposing décor, our eyes were immediately drawn to the two large cases on the counter, which were stocked with the freshly baked goods.

There were your classic glazed, Bavarian cream and old fashioned as well as creative flavors like almond joy, caramel apple and butterfinger.

They all looked delicious, but we weren’t sure if the taste would match the looks.

We don’t think we exaggerate when we say these donuts are exquisite.

You can taste the fresh, real ingredients. Each type of donut has a rich, true to kind flavor.

We tried several of the flavors and liked them all equally.

We also tried one of the non-donut pastries.

The King’s log is a decadent maple and bacon confection. It was the perfect combination of salty sweetness.

Of course we had to get coffee to go with our donuts. The King’s Donuts brews Safehouse Coffee Roasters blends. There is also a selection of Rituals tea for those who prefer tea.

We think this is the perfect place to go to catch up with an old friend. There are two large televisions if you need a place to go hang out and get away from life for a few minutes.

Beginning February 14th, The King’s Donuts is open seven days a week. They have regular hours, but sometimes close early if they sell out of donuts.

Follow the King's Donuts Facebook page for updates about what’s baking and upcoming events. If you try these donuts, please let us know what you think and what flavor you can’t live without.

Outside Coweta - Providence Canyon State Park

PLEASE NOTE COWETA LIFE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF THE PLACES, PEOPLE, OR THINGS WE COVER. PLEASE CONTACT EACH BUSINESS OR PERSON DIRECTLY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. SENDING AN EMAIL THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE WILL NOT GET YOU IN CONTACT WITH THE BUSINESS BUT WITH COWETA LIFE. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO REPLY OR FORWARD EMAILS MEANT FOR THE BUSINESSES WE COVER. THANK YOU!

As Cowetans, we have a love hate relationship with the rich, red Georgia clay. We have cursed it for clinging to our cars, shoes and pets. We also love the beauty that it lends to our Southern landscape.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in Providence Canyon State Park.

This series of canyons, nicknamed Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, offers a spectacular display of the colors of the Georgia soil.

The most prominent of these is the deep reddish brown of the familiar clay.

The beauty of Providence Canyon has an unfortunate beginning.

Prior to the 1800s, the Cherokee people who had lived there since before recorded history tended the land where the canyon now lies.

The Cherokees were familiar with the sandy nature of the local soil and worked the land using techniques that preserved the integrity of the landscape.

In the early 1800s, soon after the Cherokee people were forced to cede their land, settlers moved in to farm the area.

They were unaware of the need to practice a different type of farming from that they knew. They worked the land using a plow.

Wind, water and time quickly began to turn the furrows in the land into deep gulches.

In less than 150 years, the deep gashes turned into canyons that are as deep as 160 feet.

Despite the canyon’s disastrous beginnings, they are absolutely stunning.

We made the hour and a half journey on one of the first days of summer that has not been oppressively hot.

The state park lies slightly south of Columbus near the small town of Lumpkin.

The canyon takes its name from the church established by the first people to settle the land after the Cherokee cession.

We enjoyed the light breeze as we took the steep trail that descends to the canyon floor.

The bottom of the canyon is below the water table, so it is always wet and muddy.

We suggest if you go that you wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. By the time we were done, we were up to our calves in mud.

The bottom of the canyon is stunning.

The trail is a path composed of muddy clay and sand.

We spotted several gorgeous plants, and the area was alive with beautiful butterflies.

Because it is so wet, there are a lot of pesky bugs.

We actually got the chance to try out the Bliss Creek Farm Buzz Off bug spray we purchased at the Newnan farmer’s market and were pretty amazed at how well it worked.

A short hike from the floor takes you into the canyons. There are nine of these.

When the canyon walls began to close in around you, it feels as if you have left Georgia and stepped into the American southwest.

The red Georgia clay is streaked with rose pink, light purple and stark white sands that make the canyon walls look like a sunset.

The erosion pattern causes some of the wall to rise into the sky like a giant chimney formation that would be more at home in a desert.

We were completely awe struck as we craned our necks to look up at the hundreds of feet of geological wonder.

The constant trickle of water has left some of the walls smooth and curvy, while others are jagged and rutted.

We took our time exploring and enjoying the beauty.

We only took the canyon trails because of the heat, but in the fall we would definitely consider doing the longer hike that leads out of the canyon and through the pines.

Along the canyon rim trail, you can view the rusted out remains of old cars that belonged to a long abandoned homestead.

The local wildlife has made a home of these automobile shells, and for this reason they are left to decay on the side of the trails.

At the top of the canyon, there are overlooks that offer a spectacular view of the entire area.

Standing there, we could not believe that this beautiful vista was created by a few donkey driven plows just a few decades ago.

Just as we were admiring the view, we heard a rushing noise from the canyon and realized a wall of water was headed our way.

We made it to the car just as a pounding summer rain drenched the landscape.

We think this beautiful hike is definitely worthy of a day trip.

Bring old, comfortable shoes, bug spray and a picnic.

The visitor’s center is closed during the week, but maps and restrooms are always available. Please let us know if you have visited Providence Canyon. We would love to hear your thoughts!

Outside Coweta - Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop - Chattahoochee Hills

PLEASE NOTE COWETA LIFE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF THE PLACES, PEOPLE, OR THINGS WE COVER. PLEASE CONTACT EACH BUSINESS OR PERSON DIRECTLY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. SENDING AN EMAIL THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE WILL NOT GET YOU IN CONTACT WITH THE BUSINESS BUT WITH COWETA LIFE. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO REPLY OR FORWARD EMAILS MEANT FOR THE BUSINESSES WE COVER. THANK YOU!

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

The heart of the Chattahoochee Hills community is Serenbe, a relatively new planned village that has a unique charm. One of the strong desires of the Serenbe community is to create a sustainable living space.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

On the Serenbe main street, Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop is working to hold true to these environmental goals. Located in one of the country’s smallest Silver LEED certified buildings, Blue Eyed daisy offers a small menu of breakfast and lunch items, as well as a range of tempting pastries.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

The café’s menu is prepared using as many locally produced and sustainable ingredients as possible. Many of the dishes incorporate fresh produce from the Serenbe Farm.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

We headed over to Serenbe on a gorgeous, sunshiny day. We love the drive to Serenbe from Newnan. The road curves through farm country, giving you a glimpse of grazing cows and waving fields of green new crops.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

Once you arrive at Serenbe, you get the additional treat of driving through the farm to get to the town. The farm is a small and well kept. The narrow drive winds through scenes so idyllic you feel like you have stepped into a painting.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

We decided that since the day was so beautiful, we would enjoy our breakfast on Daisy sidewalk. It’s the perfect place to relax over a long breakfast at one of the bright blue wooden tables.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

As dog owners, we love that the outdoor seating is a dog friendly area. They have bowls of fresh water for furry companions and hitching posts to tie a leash.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

Inside, Blue Eyed Daisy emphasizes their commitment to environmental responsibility with upcycled décor. Most of the furniture are beautiful second hand pieces and the ceiling is festooned with large branches secured with twine.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

We were both in the mood for eggs, so we decided to try their egg white omelet and scrambled eggs with bacon and toast.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

The scrambled eggs were light and fluffy. They were given an extra shot of flavor with a pinch of fresh herbs. Paired with toast and bacon, they made the perfect breakfast for a late spring morning.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

The egg white omelet came buried under a mound of mixed greens and sunflower seeds. The mild flavor of the egg whites contrasted nicely with the flavor that was bursting inside. It was a delicious combination of buttery sautéed mushrooms and fresh pesto.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

Blue Eyed Daisy also has very good coffee.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

The blend Rebekah tried was smooth with light citrus notes. No cream and sugar necessary.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

We couldn’t leave without grabbing a few pastries on our way out. The peanut butter cookies were huge!

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

We also had to try the cupcakes that won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars competition. They were every bit as delicious as we anticipated.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

Those who want to take home a bit of the Blue Eyed Daisy can browse their merchandise wall for preserves, t shirts and recipe books. The wall also contains a stack of board games to entertain kids while their parents catch up over coffee.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

Serenbe is just a few miles outside of Coweta and has many great restaurants and adorable shops. Blue Eyed Daisy does special dinner nights, so be sure to follow them on Facebook to stay updated on dinner menus and limited offerings.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop Serenbe Photo © Susan Crutchfield Photography

Outside Coweta - Mimi's Good Food - Peachtree City

PLEASE NOTE COWETA LIFE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF THE PLACES, PEOPLE, OR THINGS WE COVER. PLEASE CONTACT EACH BUSINESS OR PERSON DIRECTLY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. SENDING AN EMAIL THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE WILL NOT GET YOU IN CONTACT WITH THE BUSINESS BUT WITH COWETA LIFE. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO REPLY OR FORWARD EMAILS MEANT FOR THE BUSINESSES WE COVER. THANK YOU!

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

If you are like us, you love breakfast for any meal of the day. Growing up it was always a huge treat to have breakfast for dinner. Finding previously undiscovered breakfast restaurants feels like stumbling on treasure for us, so we were really excited to see that there is a restaurant just outside the borders of Coweta County that serves up breakfast all day.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

Mimi’s Good Food is in an unexpected corner of Peachtree City right off of Highway 74. The name is not false boasting or an exaggeration. It’s just a statement of fact. Walking into Mimi’s Good Food, you are engulfed in a wave of warmth and the smell of good food. The large windows that make up the front wall of Mimi’s flood the tables with bright, natural light. 

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

As we entered, we were greeted multiple times by the friendly staff and invited to have a seat at whichever of the cafe tables suited our fancy.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

We loved the adorable coffee cup print tablecloths that cover each table.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

Our attention was immediately arrested by the cute painted wood signs that cover the walls with hand lettered script containing funny sayings, sage words of wisdom and general good advice. This old style diner is immaculately clean inside with fresh mint colored walls. The snowflakes on the ceiling reflected the icy weather beyond the doors of Mimi’s. 

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

The cooks stand behind a bar where they prepare your food in an open style kitchen. We loved the shelf above the fry station with a giant collection of antique coke bottles. A bookcase by the door has a range of books of various genres for customers to read while they eat. You are free to take any of the books home or leave a book that you are finished with. As avid readers, this was one of the special touches of Mimi’s that we really liked.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

There is something about this diner that embodies the intimate charm of a southern home. From the minute you step in, you feel as if you just stopped by your grandmother’s house to have a home cooked breakfast. The diners were an eclectic mix ranging from families to businessmen. Many of them seemed to be regulars. They greeted other diners and were enthusiastically welcomed by the staff.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

We began our meal with fresh orange juice and coffee.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

The coffee was really delicious. Rebekah is somewhat of a coffee snob and this blend got her firm stamp of approval.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

We came hungry and were ready to eat half the menu. It all looked delicious, but we settled on a veggie omelette, a waffle and Mimi’s big breakfast, a large breakfast platter that contains all our favorite breakfast foods.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

The grilled veggie omelette was unbelievable. The fluffy, buttery eggs were filled with flavorful grilled onions, pepper and tomatoes and melted American cheese.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

Mimi’s big breakfast came with toast, hash browns, bacon and scrambled eggs. We also ordered a side of grits just to have a good representation of all breakfasty foods. The hash browns were made the classic way with lots of salt and pepper for seasoning. They were hearty and delicious and went perfectly with the smooth, creamy grits. The bacon was rich and smoky with a sweet honey like flavor. Mimi’s has a way with eggs because the scrambled eggs were some of the best we have tasted. They were fluffy and buttery with a flavor that we couldn’t identify but it made them uniquely delicious.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

We were a little shocked when the strawberry waffle arrived at our table. The waffle took up the entire plate and was loaded with whipped creams and strawberries. The waffle was more of a dessert than a breakfast item. It had a heavy vanilla flavor. The whipped cream was not too sweet, but tasted more tart and tangy. The fresh strawberries were smothered in a light, sweet syrup that complemented the vanilla flavors of the waffle and the tartness of the cream.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

As we devoured our sweet, buttery dishes, a group of Crossfit runners from the adjacent gym ran by at a brisk pace. We didn’t even feel a twinge of guilt. We were in a happy place. We cannot recommend this local restaurant enough. Not only do they have delicious food, but they are staunch supporters of charitable causes. It’s only a short drive from Coweta and open every day from eight to three. The hours are extended for dinners from six to eight the first and third week of every month.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

They also accept after hours reservations for parties of fifteen or greater. Be sure to visit Mimi’s Good Food website and follow them on Facebook to get menu specials and updates.

© 2015 Susan Crutchfield Photography

We can’t wait to go back and try more Mimi’s menu items!