The 16 Best Things To Do In Gainesville, Georgia

Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Gainesville, Georgia, is known for lush green spaces, an expansive lake, and quaint university-town culture. It's only an hour north of Atlanta, but it's well worth a day trip or even an overnight visit. Once internationally recognized for being a major host to several 1996 Summer Olympics events, more than two decades later, Gainesville has channeled that popularity into becoming known as a top city for visitors in Georgia, and residents love it too. Interior designer Maggie Griffin makes her home in Gainesville and says, "Gainesville is what we call our big small town."

Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy Gainesville like a local.

What To Do Outdoors

Jump in the Lake

Lake Lanier spans 38,000 acres and surrounds three sides of the city. Known by locals as simply, "the lake," Lanier boasts 16 varieties of fish and often hosts professional fishing tournaments. Thanks to its long stretches of uninterrupted water, Olympic hopefuls still train along its shores. If pulling up a plot of sand is more your speed, there are 700 miles of shoreline and several beaches. Gainesville's Lake Lanier Olympic Venue also hosts the annual Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, one of a series of races across the U.S. that celebrates the colorful tradition turned international event.

Get Lost in Nature

There are miles upon miles of walking trails in Gainesville. Elachee Nature Science Center has hands-on attractions where visitors can interact with reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Get up close and personal with Chewy, the center's Great Horned Owl rescue and resident at the aviary. Other highlights include the storybook trail and the Ed Dodd Self-Guided Trail which clocks in at just over half of a mile.

elachee.org, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA 30504

Connect with Nature

Nearby Linwood Nature Preserve has two miles of trails, a native plant garden, rain gardens, a community forest preserve, and an Audubon wildlife sanctuary where over 40 species of birds have been noted. The old-growth forest preserve is one of seven in the United States.

See What's Blooming at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Gainesville is also home to an extension of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Grab a glass of wine and meander the grounds during Sip and Stroll, which takes place Tuesday through Friday. No matter the time of year, there's always something to appreciate in the outdoor gardens. Stroll through woodland walking trails, the overlook garden, and the forest pond with water lilies and lotus flowers.

atlantabg.org/gainesville-garden, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainsville, GA 30501

Walk a Self-Guided Trail

Another must-do activity is the Solar System Trail, a 1.8-mile, to-scale self-guided trail complete with interesting facts about our infinity and beyond that winds through the heart of downtown to the shores of Lake Lanier. The concrete path winds through area parks while you learn.

Pick a Pumpkin or Peach

What was once a humble roadside farmstand has blossomed into a destination of its own. Jaemor Farms in nearby Alto has an estimated one million visitors pass through its gates annually. Having been in the family for over 100 years, Jaemor has gone from being primarily a peach and apple producer to growing produce such as blackberries, strawberries, various grapes, watermelons, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, and pumpkins. While the farm's fresh produce is good, the handmade peach ice cream from the onsite market is something to behold. Grab a fried hand pie while you're at it, but save room for a full slice too.

jaemorfarms.com, 5340 Cornelia Highway, Alto, GA 30510

What To Do If You Love The Arts

See Live Performances

For a small town, Gainesville has a bustling arts and culture scene. This is thanks in large part to the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, a collaboration between two area colleges, the University of North Georgia and Brenau University. The alliance produces several performances each year on the schools' campuses that are open to the general public.

Explore the Arts

For visual art enthusiasts, there's the Quinlan Visual Arts Center which has permanent and rotating exhibits including the annual Members' Exhibition. View seasonal exhibits, then enjoy pop-up classes and workshops that provide experiences for visitors of all ages to create their own masterpieces.

quinlanartscenter.org, 514 Greene Street NE, Gainesville, GA 30501

Learn From History

For those looking to sink their teeth into history, make an appointment to visit the Beulah Rucker Museum and Education Center. A lifelong educator, Beulah Rucker established an industrial school for African American children in the early 1900s. Later, in 1951, Rucker founded Georgia's first veterans' night school for African Americans. Today, the museum is housed in Rucker's former home and school and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

beulahrucker.org, 2101 Athens Highway, Gainesville, GA 30507

Where To Eat And Drink

Fill Up at Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern

Whether you want a hearty breakfast, weekend brunch, or a lively night out, Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern can provide. Choose from mouth-watering smoked meats like Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Sliced Brisket, Mustard Glazed Pulled Pork, and Smoked Pulled Chicken paired with Horseradish Spiked Slaw on the side. Patrons can enjoy live music on weekends.

bourbonbrothersga.com, 312 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501

Satisfy Your Cravings at Standard Service

Newcomer Standard Service, opened by Atlanta restaurateurs Billy Streck, Ramon Ballester, and Jon Kim, offers pub-style dishes in their gas station turned full-service eatery. They serve up salads, burgers, hot dogs, and more with a twist. Danny's Donut Burger has, you guessed it, a glazed donut bun. Order Grilled Broccoli and Government Cheese, Pimiento Mac and Cheese, and other comfort foods on the side.

standardservicega.com, 400 Jesse Jewell Parkway SW, Gainesville, GA 30501

Grab Lunch on the Go at Grubs Market

Grubs Market is a chic specialty farm-to-table market that carries local goods. Stop by for meat, cheeses, wine, and prepared foods like macaroni and cheese and chicken rigatoni. Head to the deli counter for salads and sandwiches to go.

grubsmarket.com, 511 Main Street SW, Gainesville, GA 30501

Get Dinner and Dessert at Southern Baked Pie Company

In Gainesville proper, you'll want to stop by Southern Baked Pie Company's flagship store. Owned and operated by Gainesville resident Amanda Wilbanks "Southern Baked," as it's often referred to, has become a local institution thanks to its crispy butter crust and decadent flavors. Pick up something savory and sweet from their selection of pot pies, fruit pies, and quiche.

southernbakedpie.com, 302 Broad Street SE, Gainsville, GA 30501

Taste Local Wines at Sweet Acre Farms

You don't have to travel far for scenic views and a glass of wine. A former U-pick farm, Sweet Acre Farms Winery sits just 10 minutes outside of Gainesville in the foothills of the beautiful Northeast Georgia mountains. Enjoy a bottle or a flight paired with charcuterie in one of the winery's cozy nooks or on the wraparound porch.

sweetacrefarms.com, 7584 Bill Wilson Road, Alto, GA 30510

Where To Stay

Stay Near the Action at Lanier Islands

When it's time to call it a night, check into a lakeside room at Lanier Islands, a 1,200-acre resort where lodging ranges from luxury rooms and private lake houses to lodge-style accommodations and family-friendly campsites. Set up a spa appointment, relax in the heated saltwater pool, hit the waterpark in summer, play a round at the golf course, or hike the trails. Finish the day at one of the resort's on-site restaurants.

lanierislands.com, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518

Recharge at The Courtyard by Marriott

The new Courtyard by Marriott hotel is in the heart of downtown Gainesville, just steps from shopping, restaurants, and nearby Brenau University. Guests can enjoy the on-site fitness center and breakfast at the hotel's bistro, where you can also enjoy a nightcap, before setting out to explore the area.

marriott.com, 124 EE Butler Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501