The next stop on the tour of Georgia is the lovely city of Gainesville, GA. Gainesville is found in Hall County just 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. Gainesville has a walkable downtown area, access to Lake Lanier, and several events keeping the community active. What more could you ask for?
While you are in town don’t miss out on the chance to spend some time in Gainesville’s historic downtown. With award-winning restaurants and boutique shops, there is plenty to see and do. The excitement does not end when the sun goes down, so don’t spend all your energy at once.
INK stands for “Interactive Neighborhood for Kids”, and that is precisely what this museum is. The museum is specifically designed for children ages 2-12. Upon entering, the kids have access to all the toys and exhibits to let their creativity soar. The exhibits can spark excitement in the children as they imagine themselves as dentists, pilots, hairdressers, and more. Whether you are taking your family for a day of fun or to celebrate a birthday, long-lasting memories are sure to be made.
The Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, GA are a wonderland of beautiful flowers, making it a great destination for a family day, a romantic date, or a solo adventure. There is a children’s garden specifically designed for kids to learn and play freely. The gardens also offer a variety of events and classes that keep visitors coming back for more. However, I do not think anyone could ever get bored of those vibrant views.
Lake Lanier is an attraction in itself. Fortunately, Hall County is one of the five counties that touches the shoreline. Residents and visitors alike are welcome to enjoy the benefits of lake access. Five parks in Gainesville provide public access to the lake, where you will find people fishing, boating, or swimming.
The Chattahoochee Golf Club is a premier public golf course and the proud home of the 1973 Masters champion, Tommy Aaron. Players of all skill levels can enjoy a round of golf on the rolling hills while taking in views of Lake Lanier. Once you have worked up your appetite, you can dine at the Chattahoochee Golf Club Grille, either indoors or outdoors,
Frances Meadows is a state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness facility with a 10-lane indoor competition pool, a 4-lane instructional warm pool, an outdoor seasonal water park, and an underground FitZone. The outdoor water park attracts families on hot summer days. The water slides provide a splash that will cool you down in the infamous Georgia humidity. Additionally, fitness enthusiasts can break a sweat with a variety of cardio classes or a yoga class.
“Friyay” is taken seriously around here. First Friday Concerts is a series of concerts from May through September. They are first come first serve in the square of downtown Gainesville, and it does not cost a dime to attend. But wait, there’s more! All summer, every third Friday of the month is Food Truck Friday at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. There is live music, alcohol tents, food trucks, and vendors to satisfy all your tastes.
Gainesville has started a new tradition with an annual Art Walk in Historic Gainesville. The Art Walk is a time for local artists and community members to come together and share their love for art. Attendance is free, and you are welcome to purchase any art that resonates with you.
Elachee Nature Science Center is an outdoor classroom located in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. The center features hiking trails and a live animal exhibit showcasing 25 native Georgia reptile and amphibian species. Many schools visit each year, but visitation is not limited to children. Camp Elachee for Adults offers a nostalgic experience, allowing participants to enjoy activities such as ax throwing, archery, and other classic camp activities.
As we know, all good things come in threes. And may I add pizza, ice cream, and mini golf to that theory? Oaks Miniature Golf has 18 holes that are open to play all year round. Challenge your friends and family to some friendly competition or host a birthday party at this fun location.
Don Carter State Park holds the distinction of being the only state park on Lake Lanier. Popular activities here include picnicking, kayaking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and more. There is also ample space for camping, allowing you to wake up to the beauty of the water.
Farm-to-table becomes a reality at Cool Springs Blueberry Farm. Everyone is invited to come hand-pick their own blueberries starting around the middle of June. A pint costs $4.00, and for that price, you get to take home fresh, locally-grown fruit. Sounds like a steal to me.
If you are looking for live entertainment, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance is where UNG and Brenau University have joined forces on the stage. Talented young actors and actresses will end this season with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and start back up with “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs”. There is something special about watching the raw emotion of stories unfold right in front of you.
Time to wake up with a cup of joe, so you can keep the good times going. Boarding Pass Coffee has a unique theme that transports you all over the world. The inside quite literally looks like the inside of a plane (with more comfort and style), and you can get stamps for the coffee you drink. They even offer coffee tastings, so you can become a true coffee connoisseur, and the Brazilian coffee comes straight from their family farm.
One of the great things about this The Solar Walk tour is that it is self-guided, so you can take your time and explore at your own pace. Astronomers put their heads together and created this trail to scale, so although you are walking 1.8 miles, you have traveled 4 billion miles if you go round trip. You can start the tour at any planet and work your way through the solar system monuments. Plus, it is completely free and educational.
After seeing Gainesville, GA in all its glory, it is hard to say goodbye. Gainesville is full of friendly people and plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Next time you are in the area, stop and stay a while!
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