About The times. (Gainesville, Ga.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (June 19, 2020)
She (Times gainesvilletimes.com Friday, June 19, 2020 Shannon Casas Editor in Chief | life@gainesvilletimes.com Photos by SCOTT ROGERS I The Times The Braselton Antique Mall, a beloved landmark of the town, is closing down after the death of its owner, Robbie Bettis. Jennifer Scott, the city manager, said her business was the first to take a chance on revitalizing downtown Braselton. Braselton Antique Mall closing down Bettis, who died April 13, remembered for putting city on map for antique shoppers BY KELSEY PODO kpodo@gainesvilletimes.com After nearly two decades of operation, the Braselton Antique Mall is closing shop inside the historic Braselton Brothers Department Store. The store was owned by Robbie Bettis who died April 13. Jennifer Scott, Braselton town manager, said Bettis’ store was the catalyst for growing the downtown in the early 2000s. “It was one of the first businesses that moved in when we started our revital ization,” she said. “I’m sad because she was the first one to take a chance on our downtown knowing that it would get better.” Amy Pinnell, Braselton Main Street manager and downtown director, said Bettis was also instrumental in starting the antique fes tivals in town. Between her store and the events, she said the business owner helped put Braselton on the map for antique shoppers and dealers. “If you look at a lot of dif ferent downtowns, it just takes that one person to have a vision and have the guts and faith to step out and say, ‘I’m going to do this,’ ” Pinnell said. “Robbie was that for us.” Pinnell said many people in Braselton describe the antique mall as the anchor for downtown. The store will remain open the next couple of weeks for people to purchase its inven tory. Pinnell said Bettis’ husband, Fred, found it too difficult to carry on the shop by himself. He runs a lamp repair business, which is con nected to the antique store, and plans to move it to his residence in Hoschton. Since Bettis died, Pinnell said many people have come to visit the shop and remi nisce before it closes. For her, she said the change has been “very dramatic.” “Now seeing the store empty out, you kind of feel her spirit in there,” she said. “I’m not sure I’m ready to let that go.” The building that houses the antique store is the fourth location of the Braselton Brothers Department Stores and opened in 1904, Pinnell said. As a piece of Braselton history leaves the town, the -1 cycle will begin anew. Like when Bettis set up shop in 2003, Pinnell said another owner will one day liven the downtown with new business. “Robbie’s legacy — we won’t forget that,” she said. “Somebody else will come along, and I think that will make Robbie happy. I think that will be the next step.” The Braselton Antique Mall is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is located at 9924 Davis St. in downtown Braselton. For closing updates and hour changes, visit the Down town Braselton Facebook page. ‘Robbie s legacy —we wont forget that. Somebody else will come along, and I think that will make Robbie happy I think that will be the next step.’ Amy Pinnell Main Street manager, downtown director Margaritaville at Lanier Islands has reopened its waterslides and other attractions for summer 2020. Courtesy Lanier Islands Margaritaville, Legacy Lodge reopen at Lanier Islands BY KELSEY PODO kpodo@gainesvilletimes.com The water park and other attractions are now back for the summer at Lanier Islands. Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and the Legacy Lodge reopened to the public June 12, according to a news release. Water park visitors will see social distanc ing markings in the lines leading up to rides. Cruise and restaurant capacities will be kept at 50% to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Margaritaville staff, guests entering the park and others who enter the park will have their temperature checked at the gate. Staff will frequently sanitize lounge chairs and restrooms. Only the first and third floors of the Legacy Lodge are open, which removes the need for using the elevator. “Providing our visitors with an unsur passed guest experience is at the heart and soul of everything we do at Lanier Islands,” Virgil Williams, chairman of the Board for Islands Management Co. LLC, said in the press release. “Our team members genuinely enjoy seeing corporate guests, wedding par ties, couples, friends and families having a good time while they’re with us — whether for the day or overnight.” Williams stated that the resort and lodge implemented the health and safety guide lines based on those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local governments. While the water park and lodge were closed during the pandemic, the Legacy Golf Course, Margaritaville RV Resort and accommodations at the resort’s villas and lake houses remained open. In mid-May the beach, concessions, courtesy docks, marina and boat rentals, brunch cruises and Land- Shark Bar & Grill opened, followed by the resort’s lakeside bars on June 1. For more information about Margari taville at Lanier Islands and the Legacy Lodge’s reopening, call 770-945-8787 or visit lanierislands.com.
