5 cool downtowns near Atlanta worth exploring

Downtown Atlanta has tons of options for food, shopping and entertainment, but a trip outside of the perimeter can be just as exciting.

Expand your circular bypass horizons with a tour through the quaint downtowns that dot the metro area. Some boast nearby walking trails and mountainous views, others offer unique festivals and one-of-a-kind diners. And you don’t even need a full tank of gas to experience it all.

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Ready to take a mini-road trip to escape from the hustle and bustle of big-city living? Here are a few destinations to get you going.

Woodstock

A 30-minute drive northwest of Atlanta will take you to a charming town with plenty of dining spots and attractions that will appeal to everyone. Take a free ride on the trolley to the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta for a shopping spree at designer stores; the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater for concerts from May to September; or Reformation Brewery for a taste of some good craft beers.

You can also partake in Friday Night Live, an event series that happens the first Friday of every month. Participating merchants offer creative activities and discounts on products, as live music plays throughout the area.

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Want to enjoy nature? There are a few neighboring walking and biking trails, such as the Noonday Creek Trail, with numerous river access points perfect for the outdoor enthusiast.

Location: Downtown Woodstock - 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock, GA 30188; Website: downtownwoodstock.org

Marietta

Marietta Square is at the heart of this Cobb County city. It’s just north of I-285 and boasts a variety of restaurants including Taqueria Tsunami and Marietta Square Market — a curated selection of 18 restaurants. It’s speckled with a slew of specialty shops like Eddie’s Trick Shop, Marietta Wine Market and Bark Street Petopia.

For a dose of culture, you can make your way to the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, which hosts live theatrical and musical productions and films, and the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art, where you can take in cool exhibits.

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You can always count on the weekly farmers market, open on Saturdays April through December, for locally sourced fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other goods. And don’t miss out on popular events like the Taste of Marietta in April, HarvestFest and Scarecrows In The Square in October, and the Veterans Day parade in November.

Location: Marietta Square - 99 S Park Square NE, Marietta, GA 30060; Website: mariettasquare.com

Suwanee

Travel about 30 miles north of Atlanta to spend a day in Suwanee. The Town Center includes a 10-acre park, centered around the largest interactive fountain in Gwinnett County; a glass-fronted City Hall; and a terraced amphitheater for concerts and plays.

The grassy area is also surrounded by connecting walkways with shops and restaurants, such as Tequila Mama Taqueria, and Ippolito’s, which serves classic and specialty Italian dishes.

Location: Suwanee Town Center Park - 330 Town Center Ave, Suwanee, GA 30024; Website: suwanee.com

Duluth

Duluth, about 30 miles northeast of the city, is filled with locally-owned businesses, like Eye Candy Art Studio and The Chocolaterie Luxury Chocolates. Also known as “The Block,” the downtown area is home to an outdoor amphitheater and a beautiful fountain that’s usually open seven days a week.

During the spring and summer months, locals gather for live entertainment and to nosh on good eats on Food Truck Fridays, when a slew of mobile vendors set up shop to serve up yummy dishes. It runs alongside Flicks on the Bricks, where you can catch a free movie on the first Friday of every month from June to September.

Location: Downtown Duluth - 3167 Main St, Duluth, GA 30096; Website: duluthga.net

Alpharetta

There’s plenty to see in historic Alpharetta. During a Saturday visit, you’ll find the Alpharetta Farmers Market, which offers fresh fruits, vegetable and home goods. The town also organizes Alpharetta Art in the Park, which spotlights handcrafted work by local artists.

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