Some Georgia cities, like Atlanta and Savannah, have gained international popularity as travel destinations and are well-known worldwide. But this is a big state, and many other places worth visiting fly more under the radar. If you want to experience Georgia like a local, check out these underrated towns on your next trip down south.
Alpharetta
Alpharetta is considered a suburb of Atlanta, but we think it deserves to be considered a city of all its own. This is a premier place to watch a live performance because the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre at Encore Park is here. Some of the biggest names in music perform here and draw in crowds from all over the Southeast. To get outside and active, make a point to spend time at Willis Park or Webb Bridge Park. For shopping enthusiasts, make a point to check out the unique boutique shops in historic downtown Alpharetta, such as Sis & Moon’s. The Avalon is another shopping destination with many other top brands, and the North Point Mall has many stores to browse. Windward Parkway is an ideal place to visit if you want a spa vacation, delicious international cuisine, and other great boutique stores. After all that shopping, stop by the chill taproom at Jekyll Brewing to sample local brews, play games, and take a tour of this iconic local institution.
Peachtree City
A resort-style Georgia town that many travelers don’t think of visiting in Peachtree City. But this place embraces golf cart culture and an easy-going lifestyle that makes you feel like you’re on vacation every day. There are around 90 miles of paths in this area that are perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and driving golf carts to get around. Peachtree City is located about 26 miles south of Atlanta and prides itself on having a slower pace of life. There are three golf courses, a 2,500-seat arena, and three lakes for pleasure and relaxation. The Avenue is the best place for gift and specialty shops, and the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing is a specialty museum that offers tours to teach you a little about airplanes and World War II history. Top restaurants to check out here include Pascal’s Bistro for French cuisine, The Beirut for Lebanese cuisine, and Partners II Pizza Incorporated for Italian cuisine.
Canton
Canton is a family-friendly getaway and charming town that has a lovely and historic downtown area. What many people don’t realize is that it hosts many great events throughout the year, such as the farmers market and the art festival in May. The Cherokee County Historical Society and the Cherokee Arts Center are local points of interest, and there are lots of hiking trails to draw in outdoor enthusiasts. Compared to many other parts of the state that get very hot and steamy in the summer, Canton residents and visitors enjoy a milder and cooler climate. That’s because Canton is nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Recommended things to do when you visit Canton include visiting the Georgia National Cemetery, hiking the Blankets Creek Trail System, relaxing at Etowah River Park, and catching a performance at the Canton Theatre. Cagle’s Dairy and Tanglewood Farm Miniatures are fun farm places to visit for families.
Kennesaw
There’s lots to see and do in Kennesaw, including the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. It’s also worth visiting the Museum of History and Holocaust Education on the Kennesaw State campus. This town also has unique community festivals, such as the Big Shanty Festival with all of its craft booths and food vendors. Swift-Cantrell Park and the Smith-Gilbert Gardens are wonderfully peaceful for a stroll, and the Noonday Creek Trail is ideal for hiking and biking. There’s also a great climbing gym called Stone Summit in Kennesaw if you want to give rock climbing a try or build your strength and skills. After a long day of activity or sightseeing, stop by Lazy Guy Distillery or Burnt Hickory Brewery for a little refreshment and to sample local craft spirits or beers.
Duluth
Duluth is another suburb of Atlanta, but it has more of a small-town feel than a generic suburban vibe. You can attend a variety of concerts and local festivals throughout the year in Duluth, and the town is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. There are also bikeways to explore the town on two wheels and the Southeastern Railway Museum is here, which is definitely worth a visit.
Augusta
Augusta is known around the world for being home to the Master’s golf tournament, but this riverside town offers much more to do than just golfing. It’s a quaint, charming, and easy-to-navigate town that has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Imperial Theater is a great place to catch a local performance, and outdoor adventure awaits you at the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park and the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. The top restaurants to try on your trip are the Frog Hollow Tavern, Abel Brown, Calverts, and the Sunrise Grill.
Roswell
Roswell is a fascinating Georgia town with over 640 acres of historic space that includes antebellum homes, ghost tours, and lots of shops and restaurants. Popular historic attractions are the Archibald Smith Plantation Home, Barrington Hall, and Bulloch Hall. The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a great place to learn about the ecological issues that threaten this area and what you can do to protect the natural environment. Bring your bike to Roswell or rent one because there are some great trails to explore the area.
Gainesville
Something interesting about the underrated town of Gainesville is that it’s locally known as the poultry capital of the world. There are quite a few poultry processing plants here, but you’ll find much more than just chickens when you visit. The town is on the shores of Lake Sidney Lanier and near the Blue Ridge Mountains, so it’s easy to spend your days on the lake, the nearby parks and greenways, and playing golf when you’re in town. Other fun things to do in Gainesville include attending a holiday parade, visiting the Kinsey Family Farm, checking out the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, and hiking in Wilshire Trails Park.
Norcross
Travel just about 25 minutes north of downtown Atlanta and you’ll reach Norcross, which has a historic downtown and an eclectic vibe. There are free outdoor concerts at Thrasher Park in the summer, an art festival in October, and a holiday tour of homes in December. Norcross has many unusual and quirky attractions to keep you entertained, such as the Rush Escape Room and the Netherworld Haunted House. Tiny Towne is a local theme park that kids will enjoy, and the Malibu Grand Prix is a game and entertainment center worth checking out as well.
Decatur
Decatur is near Atlanta. One of the most memorable things to do in Decatur is visiting the Dekalb Farmers Market, which is a huge market with the very best variety of fresh produce, meats, and international specialty foods. It’s also fun to walk around Decatur’s square to browse local shops, grab a beer or ice cream cone, and enjoy the small-town vibe. While in the area, stop by local art galleries and shops like HomeGrown Decatur and Kudzu Antiques. Then finish your day off or take an afternoon sightseeing break at Three Taverns Brewery and Tasting Room. Wild Heaven Craft Beers and Blue Tarp Brewing are other great brew spots in Decatur.
