12 Oct A Guide to Exploring Hospitality Highway: 7 Insider Tips
Welcome to Hospitality Highway, where adventure awaits with these insider tips. Art, adventure, and culinary merge to create the ultimate destination on Georgia’s 400 highway. Even if this isn’t your first time visiting one of the seven delightfully hospitable cities on the highway, there are bound to be places that you missed and things you didn’t do and places you didn’t see in one of these fruitful cities. Below, find seven helpful tips from the experts to help take your exploration of the Highway to the next level. What are you waiting for? Jump in the car and go!
BrickTop’s in Buckhead – Photo Credit: BrickTop’s
Buckhead
Buckhead, also known as a shopper’s paradise next to New York city’s 5th Avenue, puts its own personalized twist on southern flavor and style. Here, you are sure to find that perfect outfit for any occasion as well as mouthwatering culinary cuisines and craft cocktailsthat are out of this world. With over 50 designer stores, 15 unique restaurants, numerous events happening daily, art galleries like Anne O Art and Buckhead Art and Company, salons for men and woman as well as fitness options including local favorites, Flywheel and Highland yoga, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city.
Insider tip: Enjoy complimentary 3-hour self-parking when you park in any of the parking garages conveniently located on the property.
Yoga on the Chattahoochee River – Photo Credit: Sandy Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau
Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs is the perfect combination of city vibe and neighborhood charm, offering a variety of shopping, dining, outdoor and nightlife options. In the mood for some live music? Café 290 is one of Metro Atlanta’s most iconic jazz spots, with national and international musicians performing every night. Enjoy a little jazz and unwind amongst locals and café 290 regulars. Also worth a visit is John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve. This 30-acre retreat, equipped with a wildlife sanctuary and home to 1.5 miles of trails, offers the perfect city escape. Nature lovers rejoice, Sandy Springs is also home to the popular Chattahoochee River, which becomes filled with locals on weekends and sunny holidays. Many people enjoy picnicking, fishing or kayaking at any of the three National Parks Sites in Sandy Springs including Island Ford, Powers Island and East Palisades. With High Country Outfitters and Nantahala Outdoor Center offering seasonal rentals of tubes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and more, it’s easier than ever to get out of the river and “shoot the hooch” as the locals do!
Insider Tip: Cheesy treats and wine, what more could you need? CalyRoad Creamery is the go-to spot for some delicious cheese and wine offerings. Stop in on specific nights for her tasty wine and cheese tastings!
Alive Roswell – Photo Credit: Roswell Covention and Visitors Bureau
Roswell
Experience a lot of history for a little price! For only $8 per person and $6 per child, per house, enjoy the historic architecture decorations in the three beautiful historic houses: Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation. For a convienent option, purchase a trilogy pass which includes admission to all three homes. Passes can be purchased at any of the three homes or at the Roswell Visitors center. This historic city is accessible to the Chattahoochee River with several launching points. The Old Mill Park is worth a visit with rustic mill ruins and a man-made waterfall from the creek’s dam. For some lively entertainment, dancing and drinks make sure to pop up on Canton Street for Roswell’s Alive After Five event which occurs the third Thursday of every month.
Insider tip: Prefer self-guided tours and explorations? Self-guided tours are offered through the Roswell visitors center, free of charge.
Avalon – Photo Credit: Alpharetta Covention and Visitors Bureau
Alpharetta
Music, golf, shopping and bistros await the lucky visitors who venture to this hip city. The Avalon, a gem in Alpharetta and a hub for activities for all age groups includes popular shopping and dining locations such as Kendra Scott and Johnny Was along with delectable dinning and drink options including local favorite, CRU food and Wines – equipped with a rooftop bar and a plethora of delicious wines to choose from. Enjoy a brisk walk on the boulevard and find yourself perusing the plaza lawn for local entertainment and games! Tee time is anytime at Roswell’s Top Golf, where you can enjoy friendly-competition. Visit Verizon Wireless Amphitheater to see top performers from around the country live. For a family-friendly excursion, head to the American Girl Boutique and Bistro where kids can dine with their favorite American Girl dolls.
Insider tip: Preview the Avalon events calendar online prior to your visit to plan the perfect trip. Events occur daily and are perfect for the entire family.
Lake Lanier – Photo Credit: Lake Lanier
Cumming/Forsyth
Splash around at Lake Lanier Island in Cumming, take in the outdoors, catch a performance or take a spin on the Ferris wheel in this eventful city! With over 46 park areas, 690 miles of shoreline, 100+ small islands and more than 37,000 acres at Lake Lanier, the options are endless. The Big Creek Greenway and Sewanee Mountain Preserve are the perfect places to get out and get active. Rediscover the great outdoors with a scenic walk, jog or bike on the Greenway or journey to Sewanee Mountain for hiking trails. A fan of theater and the arts? The Cumming Playhouse is the place to be. Located in the 1923 Cumming Public School, this theater and its members put on performances that are unforgettable.
Insider tip: You’ve never seen lights like this before! Take your holiday season to the next level at Lake Lanier’s Magical Nights of Lights. This winter adventure includes seven miles of lights, snow play zones, bubble skating and carnival rides.
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame – Photo Credit: City of Dawsonville
Dawsonville
This cool neighborhood is full of nature, shopping and dining. Shop like the price dropped at North Georgia Premium Outlets and enjoy 25% to 65% off items seven days. The outdoor outlet mall has over 140 stores and retail shops! Venture through Dawsonville and soak in the view of one of the most popular state parks in Georgia, Amicalola Falls State Parks & Lodge. This glorious state park is home to a 729-foot waterfall where you can enjoy beautiful mountain views, hiking and ziplining. Thrill seekers can learn about Georgia’s racing history while viewing various vintage cars along with the first NASCAR race car. Delicious food isn’t hard to come by at local eatery, Blue Bicycle, known for their delicious crab cakes and quiche.
Insider tip: Because of its popularity and great deals, parking at the North Georgia Premium Outlets can be scarce. During the holiday season, arrive early to beat the crowds and to snag a good parking spot.
Historic Public Square Dahlonega – Photo Credit: Georgia Department of Economic Development
Dahlonega
Strike gold in this historic city! Most known for the popular Dahlonega Wine Trail, historic downtown district, gold museum and gold mines, this Hospitality Highway city is packed with activities for the whole family. Come and stay for a while, with five vineyards and four downtown tasting rooms to explore. The fun doesn’t stop there, strolling the sidewalks in Dahlonega’s historic downtown district is a favorite activity for locals. Splurge on great shopping, fine dining, local arts and even catch some live music on many week nights. Get lucky at Dahlonega’s Crisson Gold mine where you can pan for gold and gemstones. Top the day off with a dinner at the always delicious, Bourbon Street Grill— you won’t leave disappointed.
Insider tip: There are no Ubers in Dahlonega, so to safely and adequately enjoy the Dahlonega Wine Trail along with everything else that Dahlonega has to offer be sure to hitch a ride with Mama’s Taxi or Paddy’s Taxi & Courier Service.
For ideas on planning your next trip with us, check out these awesome itineraries.
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