Approximately 30 minutes northwest of downtown Atlanta lies the suburb of Acworth. A blend of old meets new, this city has mastered the art of holding onto simple pleasures without sacrificing the modern world. Sit back and take in a brief introduction that will leave you wanting to get to know this member of our metro community more.
1. Stroll around the historic downtown with a drink in hand. Historic downtown Acworth is the anchor of the community, encouraging you to park for the day and leisurely peruse shops and restaurants. While you cannot bring your own, a nod to your waiter of your desire to imbibe while you walk gives them the opportunity to make sure you are properly equipped with a city-approved, 16-ounce clear plastic container to use within the boundaries of the approved historic district. Please be observant and respectful as individual businesses may have signage prohibiting alcohol on their premises.
Shuttles are available on Friday and Saturday nights to get you from the public parking lots to the downtown area, should you not win the lottery and snatch one of the limited parking spots on Main Street.
2. Ride the "world's largest inflatable water slide." Located on the beach at Dallas Landing Park, the Acworth Slide is 36 feet high and 175 feet long. Options include a single ride, by the hour or unlimited for the day.
3. Eat fresh crawfish with Chef Henry! He owns Henry's Louisiana Grill in the historic downtown area. Degreed in the French Culinary Arts, raised in Louisiana and homegrown on soul food, Chef Henry's personality is as big and eclectic as his background. You'll find him adorned in colorfully patterned pants with prints ranging from chili peppers to voo-doo heads. The Acworth community and supporters helped him launch his restaurant at a time when downtown Acworth didn't bustle and shine as it does now. Supporters were often paid in food as they helped him bring to fruition the "town's economic engine and meeting place."
During Georgia's crawfish season, roughly March through the end of May, Chef Henry hosts weekly crawfish boils. The main attraction arrives fresh and live the morning of the event. Updates to the season and availability of Crawfish Boil Wednesdays can be found on the restaurant's Facebook page
4. Paddle boarde on Lake Acworth. The 260-acre lake does not allow any motorized craft, helping to provide ideal, glass-like conditions for the less experienced kayakers and paddle boarders. Maneuver the open water, as well as the coves and feeder creeks, while you look for wildlife. Blue heron, deer, beaver, turtles and other residents can be seen by the observant eye.
If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent them onsite during the summer months. If you are looking to own your own, Acworth is now home to retail outdoor outfitter, Cabela's.
Lake Allatoona and Red Top Mountain State Park round out the nature-lovers choices that can be found in this Northwest Georgia city of Cobb County.
5. Participate in a 90-mile long yard sale. Once part of the original Dixie Highway route, Acworth is now part of the Dixie Highway Yard Sale that usually takes place each June. Originating in 2006, this event has eclectic finds from Marietta to just south of Chattanooga. Hard core yard-salers can hunt along the route for 3 solid days.
6. Party at the barbecue, bluegrass and boarding events and festivals.
If you need a formal, organized excuse to explore this little haven of relaxed uniqueness, here are options from May to October for you to choose from:
- Smoke on the Lake BBQ- May 8 and 9 Find out more at accessatlanta.com/smokeonthelakebbq
- Iron Pour and Bluegrass Show at Red Top Mountain State Park- May 16
- Pro Wakeboard Tour and Wakeboard Block Party on June 5 and 6
- Dixie Highway Yard Sale- June 5-7
- Bluegrass Concert Series at Red Top Mountain- Saturdays May 16- July 25
- Haunted Halloween Hayrides in October
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