Just 30 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta on I-85, Gwinnett County offers visitors the attractions and amenities of a metropolis within hip and happening downtowns that are walkable, bikeable and drive-able. Here are affordable and upscale places to visit, stay for a few nights and explore.
Gwinnett’s towns have one eye on the youthful, edgy, the artistic; the other on preserving the best of an historic, architecturally-rich past. Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Suwanee and Buford have retained, restored and re-purposed the architectural treasures of their original town centers, creating delightful spaces that draw locals and visitors alike. All host arts, food and music festivals, concerts and other events year-round.
Here is an overview of just five of Gwinnett County’s appealing towns:
Norcross
Closest to Atlanta yet off the beaten path near I-85 is Norcross, whose 112-acre downtown district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A short drive-around reveals exquisitely-restored Craftsman cottages and Victorian homes lining shady sidewalks. Flanking the original downtown are two lush parks designed for strolling, concerts and festivals. Norcross is an art, antiques and food-lovers’ oasis where locals mingle and welcome visitors. Don’t miss The Shops of Antique Traditions, VSOP, an infused olive oil and vinegar taproom and Taste of Britain, offering traditional British goods and novelties, from favorite foods to fine china. Just around the corner, the Kudzu Art Zone and the Lionheart Theatre call Norcross home.
Indoor and outdoor dining choices, as well as live music options, are extensive for such a compact area. Summer and fall concerts and “Jazz in the Alley” are joined by live music at several restaurants. Housed in the historic Norcross train depot, The Crossing offers fine dining in a casual setting. Mojitos Cuban-American Bistro offers warm ambience, as well as authentic cuisine and libations.
Duluth
Just off I-85 in Duluth is one of Gwinnett County’s most-recognized destinations, Infinite Energy Center and Arena, where national-act concerts alternate with Gwinnett Gladiators hockey and Georgia Swarm lacrosse. Dinner in one of many top-rated restaurants, a night in a luxurious, yet affordable hotel, and a leisurely next-day brunch are great ways to build a getaway around an event here.
Extend the vacation by exploring historic Duluth less than five miles away, where old-town architecture mixes compatibly with re-purposed industrial spaces holding shops, boutiques and dining. With its blend of retro charm and contemporary vibe, the Downtown District draws visitors and locals to highly-rated restaurants, a brew pub and not just one sweet shop, but three: Crave Pie Studio; the Chocolaterie and Simply Done Donuts. Contributing to the progressive vibe is Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry, where notable artists and singer-songwriters perform in a 260-seat listening room–at affordable ticket prices.
Flanked by architecturally-rich live/work/play areas, the Duluth Town Green hosts festivals and concerts, while Parson’s Alley extends the ambience as an art and entertainment area where art walks occur on Fridays and the aromas of daily breakfast and barbecue waft from the Maple Street Biscuit Company and Dreamland BBQ.
Lawrenceville
In centrally-located Lawrenceville, take a self-guided walking tour of the exquisite Romanesque-style Gwinnett Historic Courthouse with its turrets, lavish balconies and clock tower. Spend the day exploring galleries, boutiques and antique stores. Many of the independent, chef-driven and trending restaurants are in converted historic buildings, including Dominick’s, Strange Taco, Local Republic and the Blue Rooster Bake Shop and Eatery. Located in a converted warehouse near the railroad, Slow Pour Brewing Company is now a hip haven for craft beer, games and good company.
The nearby Aurora Theatre adds to downtown Lawrenceville’s appeal with world-class theater, including Broadway plays and musicals and Atlanta’s only professional Spanish language theatre, Teatro Del Sol. Aurora Comedy Nights, sponsored by Explore Gwinnett, showcases national touring and top local comedians. Children’s programs and the ever-popular Lawrenceville Ghost Tours are also produced here. Free attached covered parking and a full bar add to the accessible, welcoming small-town feel.
Buford
There’s something so quintessentially Southern about a small town built around the railroad, with beautiful old mercantile and commercial buildings on one side; well-preserved and landscaped homes on the other. That only begins to describe Buford’s hidden surprises. Festivals and free concerts are held throughout the year on Main Street and at the elegant Buford Community Center. The Buford Museum, Sylvia Beard Theatre and Town Park are also located here, providing history, arts, music and an outdoor splashpad fountain.
Rising from the bones of what was once a thriving leather tannery is Tannery Row Artist Colony. Here, in a striking red brick landmark, potters, printmakers, mixed-media and fiber artists create while welcoming visitors. In its heyday, the Bona Allen Company (1873-1981) made everything from footwear to custom horse saddles. Customers included Roy Rogers and his horse, Trigger. Check out the bronze statue of Rogers and his trusty steed in the park across the street, visit the shops and then head to any of several notable nearby restaurants including Rico’s World Kitchen. Less than five minutes away and worth the drive, Baking Grounds, an old-fashioned cake boutique, presents a full-service breakfast and lunch menu along with gourmet pastries and chocolate-dipped delights. Just minutes down the road, don’t miss the Southeast’s largest shopping destination, the Mall of Georgia, home to more than 200 stores and dozens of restaurants.
Suwanee
Just a few blocks from its National Register historic district, Suwanee has artfully developed dining, unique shopping and other amenities around an expansive landscaped town green filled with places to sit and relax, colorful outdoor sculpture and an interactive fountain. Suwanee Town Park makes a visual statement, provides community and a venue for concerts and events including Suwanee Beer Fest, voted “Best Festival in Gwinnett;” and, the Suwanee Wine Festival, featuring more than 100 premium wines from around the world.
Stop for lunch, dinner or a drink, walk leashed pets or explore the galleries and shops. Take in SculpTour, a walkable one-mile outdoor exhibit of 17 original contemporary sculptures, including permanent pieces owned by the city and artworks purchased privately through a voluntary developers’ program. An app includes insights from the artists. Take advantage of a bike-share program (free for up to three hours) to explore the Suwanee Creek Greenway and see why Money magazine named it a “Top 10 City” and Family Circle Magazine named it one of the “10 Best Towns for Families.”
Gwinnett County’s historic and happening towns are ideal for an artsy, urban, yet small-town, getaway. For information on where to stay, go to www.Exploregwinnett.org/directory/hotels.
For a listing of dining, brewpubs and international markets, go to www.exploregwinnett.org/directory/food-drink and, to keep up with the latest on the blog, visit www.exploregwinnett.org/the-latest.
Upcoming Events:
Sticky Fingers
Any event that pairs live bands and barbecue is a winner, but Lawrenceville’s Rock’n Ribville boasts an added level of finger-lickin’ legitimacy: It’s sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the largest competitive ‘cue organization in the world. Alas, only judges can taste the official rib entrants, but there’s plenty more succulent smoked meat vying for the People’s Choice Award–plus beer, arts and crafts and a Kids’ Riblet Zone with face painting and inflatables.
September 22, 2018, Lawrenceville Lawn, www.RocknRibville.com
Artistic Immersion
Norcross ArtSplash, October 6-7, 2018, showcases a colorful collection of folk art, ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry and much more. Chairs for Charity features furniture repainted by local schools to raise money for their arts programs. Thrasher Park’s stage features oldies, blues, jazz and musical surprises. A Food Row and Kidz Zone make for an all-day stay, with shops, galleries and restaurants participating in the event.
County-Wide
October is another perfect month to see timeless art and architecture all over the county. Artober Gwinnett is a month-long celebration through October 2018. Explore events in visual and performing arts, music, craft, film and more, including ghost stories and cocktails at the Aurora Theatre and Suwanee Jazz Fest.
Ongoing
Free to the public and open Tuesday-Sunday, the gallery at The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning at Infinite Energy Center hosts visual works from Andy Warhol to contemporary local and regional artists, as well as a vast range of pottery, textile, wood and other mediums. Adults and children can even take classes and workshops, including affordable and interactive Toddler Fridays.