City Editor Kyle here. While a weekend inside the perimeter of Atlanta, GA has its allure, I invite you to venture outside the perimeter to Marietta, GA — a town steeped in history, charm, and the one where I grew up.
The Marietta Square | Photo by GVLtoday
Why go?
- Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a sucker for vintage shopping — Marietta, its town square, and its past offers something for everyone.
- Visit Marietta in October for its annual Chalktoberfest , featuring dozens of chalk artists + their work on the streets surrounding the Marietta Square or catch live music every Friday night in the summer for its Glover Park Concert Series .
- Check out this guide on what to do, see, eat + drink in Marietta and this guide on Marietta’s museums.
Cheers from Glover Park Brewery | Photo via @gloverparkbrewery
Act like a local:
- Food: Duck into Mac’s Chophouse in the cooler months for a hearty steak and take to the patio on the Marietta Square during warmer weather for a cool cocktail and Chopped Salad.
- Drinks: Sip on a “Can I Get a Witness” Belgian wit beer at Glover Park Brewery , which topped Eater Atlanta’s list of 35 Atlanta Breweries and Brewpubs to Grab a Pint Today. If you see owners Hank or Sam, tell them I say hello.
- Coffee: Tuck into Cool Beans Coffee Roasters for a flavored latte and a bag of in-house roasted beans to take home.
- Outdoors: Learn about Civil War history + hike to the top of Kennesaw Mountain for views of the Atlanta skyline at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield .
- Watch: Catch a play, musical, or concert at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre , which got its start as a major motion picture house in 1935.
- Shop: Give yourself at least an hour to peruse every nook and cranny of Park West Vintage .
- Explore: Go beyond the square to see some other iconic landmarks in Marietta, like the Marietta National Cemetery and the Big Chicken .
Much of Marietta’s charm can be found in its bungalows. | Photo via VRBO
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: Cheery Cottage with Farm , just four blocks away from the Marietta Square. (~$80/night)*
- Airbnb: LeisureLEE 2-Bed Townhouse , located within 10 minutes of the Atlanta Braves + Atlanta United Futbol Club’s HQ. (~$125/night)
- Splurge hotel: Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel + Conference Center , with pet-friendly rooms + an 18-hole golf course. (~$300/night)
- Save hotel: The Stanley House , a historic home-turned-bed and breakfast. (~$150/night)
All of these recommendations are just scratching the surface of what my cozy hometown of Marietta has to offer. Make sure to follow @visitmariettageorgia + @mariettasquare on Instagram for ideas for your next trip.
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