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Metro Atlanta

Southern Living names Gwinnett city one of Georgia’s ‘most beautiful’

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn is a draw for many immigrants. A new study shows the share of Gwinnett County adults who are immigrants more than quadrupled over the last 25 years.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn is a draw for many immigrants. A new study shows the share of Gwinnett County adults who are immigrants more than quadrupled over the last 25 years.
By Amanda C. Coyne
Oct 27, 2017

Southern Living has named Lilburn one of Georgia's most beautiful small towns.

Lilburn, with a population of 12,675 within city limits, is technically a city, but fits the criteria of having 20,000 or fewer residents.

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Lilburn is cited for being home to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the second-largest Hindu temple in the United States.

The temple is made of Turkish limestone, Italian marble and Indian pink sandstone and sits in front of a large reflecting pool. The intricately carved building was constructed piece-by-piece in India, and the pieces were shipped to the U.S. so the temple could be assembled.

The list also includes Helen, the northeast Georgia town rich with German heritage and architecture, and Dahlonega, a rural north Georgia town known for wine production and outdoor activities.

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About the Author

Amanda Coyne is a hyperlocal reporter for the AJC, covering Gwinnett County.

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