[Excerpt from Thrillist’s “Most Exciting Suburbs Outside Atlanta”]
By Lia Picard Published on 3/24/2021 at 5:36 PM
You might be reluctant to admit it, but the suburbs of Atlanta have a lot to offer. If you need to escape town for a few hours for a change of scenery, you don’t have to go very far. From exciting dining to nature experiences, here are eight suburbs to check out (don’t forget your mask!). We won’t judge you if you want to stay.
Marietta
Distance from Atlanta: 30 minutes
Located northwest of Atlanta, Marietta is pretty easy to get to by shooting up 75. The heart of the city is Marietta Square, built in the 19th-century around a park donated by Mayor John Glover (hence the park’s name, Glover Park). The park itself is beautiful with shady trees, benches, a fountain, and a performance area. It may also seem vaguely familiar because it gets used in films from time to time.
The real draw is the food. There’s something for everyone from the minimalist-fancy Spring, the current takeout only Butcher and The Baker, and Australian Bakery Cafe with delicious hand pies. If you’re looking to imbibe, check out the 32 drafts at Two Birds Taphouse, The Third Door for a more speakeasy-like experience, or Glover Park Brewery for some local craft beer. For a plethora of options, drop into Marietta Square Market with food stalls like D’Cuban Cafe, Creme de la Crepe, and Four Fat Cows. There’s plenty of places to sit outside or take your food to Glover Park. Located about a half-mile away in a historic neighborhood is Sessions Stand. The couple behind The Butcher and The Baker, Katie and Micah Pfister, opened it as a coffee shop that also doubles as a baking space. Expect delicious pastries, locally roasted coffee by Rev, and flower arrangements by Dianthus and Co.