21 Things You Didn’t Know About the Highway

16 Mar 21 Things You Didn’t Know About the Highway

Rooted in history, steeped in adventure and suitable for the everyday explorer, the seven cities along Georgia’s 57-mile-long Hospitality Highway combine to create the ultimate destination for those seeking further knowledge about each of these lively cities. Hospitality Highway runs along Georgia 400 from just north of downtown Atlanta all the way to the breath-taking hills of the North Georgia Mountains, making the highway a must stop destination for those seeking insight into the Peach State’s past.

The Shops – Buckhead Atlanta – Photo Credit: Curbed Atlanta

Buckhead

The first stop on the Hospitality Highway as you leave the city, Buckhead is Atlanta’s suburban downtown in the north part of the City. It’s the epicenter for shopping, dining, and entertainment with over 300 restaurants and the largest malls in the Southeast [Lenox & Phipps]. It also boasts boutique style shopping at The Shops – Buckhead Atlanta. In 1838, Henry Irby purchased 203 acres of land in the surrounding areas and it became known as “Irbyville.” With changes over the years, it’s now the 28 square mile area known as Buckhead. Visitors to this destination will remember it for its beautiful estate homes, its lush tree canopy, and its historic neighborhoods. For all its attributes, Buckhead has rightly been called “The Beverley Hills of the East.”

Chattahoochee River – Photo Credit: Sandy Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Sandy Springs

Georgia’s sixth-largest city is located north of Buckhead and Atlanta, providing guests with easy access to both big-city entertainment and the small town southern charm Georgia is known for. The city of Sandy Springs’ history dates back to the 1800s when the area was used as a watering stop for Native Americans who visited the multiple flowing rivers and springs located here. The city was recently incorporated in 2005 after residents fought behind Eva Galambos for more than 40 years to obtain its own government. Sandy Springs stretches on for 39 miles, 20 of which are shoreline to the Chattahoochee River and are enjoyed by thousands of Georgians during the warm summer months.

Vickery Creek Waterfall, Old Mill Park – Photo Credit: Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau

Roswell

A hot spot for craft breweries, hiking and nature trails, shopping and unique culinary experiences, Roswell has claimed its place on Georgia’s list of most interesting cities. This eclectic spot officially became a city on February 18, 1854 and has expanded into a lively destination for those wanting to traverse the cities 22 beautiful parks and soak in Georgia’s landscape. Now Georgia’s eighth largest city, Roswell has experienced the majority of its rapid growth in the last twenty years but continues to grow at an exceedingly fast pace.

Avalon – Photo Credit: Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Alpharetta

Alpharetta’s history dates back to the resettlement of the Cherokee Indian Nation in the 1830s. This multifaceted community is home to one of three Motorcycle Safety Foundations in the country, remains home to the only American Girl® in the state and the first fiberhood in the state of Georgia, Avalon. Frequented by people from all over for the endless shopping options, restaurants and seasonal events hosted in this bustling city, Alpharetta is a true Hospitality Highway gem.

Cumming Country Fair & Festival – Photo Credit: Cumming Fairgrounds

Cumming/Forsyth

Did you know the Cumming Playhouse located in the 1923 Cumming Public School is named to the National Register of Historic Places? This historic playhouse remains a place for those who visit to take part in musicals, concerts and seasonal performances offered at this quaint performing arts center. Cumming/Forsyth one-of-a-kind reservoir, Lake Sidney Lanier is home to 46 park areas, over 690 miles of shoreline and more than 100 small islands that become packed with those looking to kick back and relax for a recreational adventure during the summer months. To top it off, The Cumming Fairground, established in 1995 is a state staple that beckons families from all over to enjoy the venues daily attractions, free concerts and free-living history exhibits in the Heritage and Indian Villages.

Amicalola Falls State Park – Photo Credit: Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Dawsonville

History is embedded into the very being of this adventure packed city, some of which you probably didn’t know. At the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, you can learn all about the history of stock car racing and Georgia’s deep-rooted racing heritage. Head to the mountains and take in the unbelievable sights and sounds at the 729-foot waterfall located at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. Located a mere 45-minutes north from Atlanta, the North Georgia Premium Outlets are home to over 140 outlet designer and name-brand stores most of which have deals as high as 65% off every day.

Montaluce Winery & Estates – Photo Credit: Dahlonega Convention & Visitors Bureau

Dahlonega

This historic 19th-century town is nationally registered and packed with gold – literally! The city is home to the Dahlonega Gold Museum which tells the story of the first major U.S. gold rush in 1828, the Crisson Gold Mine, a hard-rock mine with a working century old-stamp mill where you can pan for gold and gemstones and Consolidated Gold Mines, where you can go underground and tour the largest gold mine east of the Mississippi. Dahlonega is also the Official Wine Tasting Capital of Georgia featuring 10 tasting rooms, local and North Georgia wines, a meadery (wine made from honey) and a growler store with beer flights.