There’s a reason why so many people make their way to metro Atlanta during their summer vacations. With so much to see and do, there’s something for everyone. Of course, if you’re a local resident, it can be easy to take all of those fantastic recreational opportunities for granted. So, this season, why not enjoy a weekend away close to home and explore the areas around you that make great destinations? Here, KNOWAtlanta offers info about the best places to stay, eat and play in a few of our favorite local cities.

Braselton

Located 43 miles northeast of Atlanta at the convergence of Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties, the North Georgia town welcomes thousands of visitors each year and has become one of the metro area’s most coveted residential locations.

STAY:

• Château Élan Winery & Resort

Escape to the rolling vineyards and wooded forests of Château Élan, North Georgia’s premier destination resort. Château Élan Resort offers an array of accommodations, including inn rooms and suites, spa suites and villas. The beloved property also offers countless activities and adventures to fill any itinerary, from golf and wine tasting to an array of workshops, classes and demonstrations. Customizable packages are available to create the perfect getaway focused on wellness, exploration, fitness and rejuvenation.

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham

La Quinta is conveniently located off I-85 and GA-53 close to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Surrounded by several restaurants and shops, it is located near the historical district with activities for the whole family. The hotel also is pet friendly and features a host of comfortable accommodations, convenient amenities and more.

EAT:

• Cotton Calf Kitchen

A contemporary American steakhouse, Cotton Calf Kitchen is a true date night destination. The menu boasts tapas-style appetizers, heirloom vegetables and an impressive selection of seafood and steaks. This highly rated favorite is a go-to spot for birthdays and special occasions among locals, and the intimate dining experience definitely puts the icing on the cake. It is highly recommended that you make reservations early for this popular downtown restaurant.

• The Galloping Galette

The Galloping Galette, run by a husband-and-wife team from Bretagne, this authentic French crêperie offers buckwheat galettes and crêpes. Dine on sweet crepes and savory galettes in a French-inspired atmosphere with daily specials, vegan and gluten-free options and artisan coffee. The vibe is relaxed as families kick back and chat, while heavenly aromas drift out of the kitchen. Indoor seating is available, or choose the patio overlooking historic downtown Braselton. This is a local brunch/lunch spot, open Wednesday through Sunday, so check its hours and arrive early because seating is limited.

PLAY:

• The 1904

Located in the heart of downtown Braselton, The 1904 is a multi-tenant modern mercantile in the newly restored historic Braselton Brothers Store building. Tenants include Flourish Taproom, Rebar, Inner Nerd Collectibles, Sugar ‘N Proof Bakery, Carden Records and Doe A Deer Interiors. An active live entertainment and events calendar make The 1904 a hotspot in historic downtown and Braselton’s new favorite local hangout.

• The Braselton Trolley

The vintage-inspired Braselton Trolley offers a fun free ride to fixed locations around town on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 4 p.m. Hop aboard, sit back and enjoy the sites. Riders can track the trolley in real time with the Ride Systems website or app, making it easier to plan your evening. In addition to regular free trolley routes, tickets may be purchased for one of several trolley tours throughout the year.

Peachtree Corners

Gwinnett County’s largest city, Peachtree Corners is conveniently located with easy access to Interstate 85, Interstate 285 and GA 400 and sits just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta. It is an innovative and progressive community known for its economic development and excellent quality of life.

STAY:

• Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners

Situated in The Curiosity Lab, the City’s advanced technology and smart city living laboratory, and less than two miles from downtown Peachtree Corners, the Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners hotel has free parking, free WiFi, prime access to I-85 and I-285 and much more. Enjoy beautiful accommodations and access to Restaurant 475, an onsite dining experience. The property also boasts an indoor pool and an outdoor fire pit.

• Hilton Atlanta Northeast

Less than four miles from downtown Peachtree Corners and just a 30-minute drive to downtown Atlanta, the Hilton Atlanta Northeast hotel lists meeting rooms, a business center, an onsite restaurant and indoor and outdoor pools among its many amenities. Standard guest rooms and suites are available.

EAT:

• Mojitos Bistro

The Cuban American bistro, Mojitos Bistro, located at The Forum, is family owned and operated and features the finest mojito cocktails around. The popular spot also boasts authentic family recipes from Miami and Havana, Cuba, that have been passed down from generation to generation. Enjoy live music and dancing on the weekends along with your delicious Cuban fare.

• Fire & Stone Italian Pizza Kitchen

Serving Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas that are made with the freshest premium ingredients, the Fire & Stone Italian Pizza Kitchen is recognized for its incredible fare, which is prepared at 800 debrees in wood fired ovens. You can savor artisan pizzas and a full menu with calzones, paninis, pasta and more, including gluten free options.

PLAY:

• Jones Bridge Park

At Jones Bridge 30-acre tranquil riverside park, guests can get out on the Chattahoochee River, hike the trails or spend the day fishing from a river overlook. Other amenities include a pavilion, grills, three soccer fields and a playground.

• Town Green

Be sure to catch a concert or other lively event at the Peachtree Corners Town Green. The two-plus-acre park is a central gathering place for the community. Designed as space for outdoor activities, it includes an interactive water feature, an open air pavilion, café tables, a fire pit, a projection screen, an open lawn, playable art and a 2,500-square-foot veterans’ monument that features seven sculptures. Kids can enjoy the state-of-the-art playground, and every guest can get in a workout on the Path to Fitness outdoor fitness park.

Decatur

Decatur is Atlanta’s east side gem, offering small-town charm and a big city vibe. It is known for its bustling downtown square, thriving arts scene, destination dining, beautiful green spaces and can’t-miss festivals held throughout the year.

STAY:

• Courtyard by Marriott

Recently renovated with a modern flair, the Courtyard by Marriott hotel offers rooms and suites equipped with ergonomic workspaces and plush bedding. Amenities include an indoor pool, free WiFi, a fitness center, dry cleaning service, a restaurant and laundry. The adjacent conference center has 15,000 square feet of event space with 11 event rooms and eight breakout rooms.

• Hampton Inn

At the Hampton Inn & Suites, you get rooms and suites decorated in a sleek, modern style, amenities include connecting rooms, an indoor pool, a business center, a fitness center, meeting rooms, free WiFi, free hot breakfast and pet-friendly rooms. Enjoy a cocktail in the lobby lounge after a long day of meetings or before heading out to dinner.

EAT:

• The Deer and The Dove

With its prime position on the square in downtown Decatur, The Deer and The Dove—led by James Beard Award winner Chef Terry Koval—features an array of delectable dishes, from in-season vegetables and local beef and pork to game meat entrees of rabbit, duck sausage and venison. Dine inside or people watch from the patio on the Church Street side of the restaurant while enjoying a handful of classic cocktails, beer and cider, as well as French and Italian wines from the bar. In the mornings, B-Side Café, located next door, is a popular stop for Montreal-style bagels, sandwiches, and coffee.

• Chai Pani

Chai Pani serves up authentic Indian street food—crunchy, spicy, sweet and tangy—with notes inspired by Chef Siddiqui’s Pakistani heritage and fresh South Asian ingredients locally sourced in season. This restaurant is all about vibrant colors and bright flavors, and guests are encouraged to order a few dishes to share at dinner, from kale pakoras and butter chicken to matchstick okra fries and the beloved SDPD (sev potato dahi puri). Ever since the doors first opened, Chai Pani has been a beloved landmark dining spot that attracts an enthusiastic cross-section of Atlanta’s many communities.

PLAY:

• Eddie’s Attic

Always a top choice for live performances, the Eddie’s Attic intimate listening room offers a one-of-a-kind live music experience with impeccable acoustics. Local, regional and national acts appear nearly every night, and it’s been a springboard for artists like John Mayer, Sugarland, Shawn Mullins and the Civil Wars. Check out the breezy rooftop pub for great food and beverages before the show, an enjoyable date night dining experience or a gathering with friends. Look for the neon sign to point you to the side entrance to head upstairs to the “attic.”

• Decatur Glassblowing

The hottest place in Decatur (literally) is Decatur Glassblowing. Artist Nate Nardi and his creative crew keep the furnaces fired up producing one-of-a-kind glass pieces for sale, as well as for custom projects, lighting, corporate awards, memorials and repairs. Stop by the studio to shop for handmade vases, holiday ornaments, paper weights, bowls, seasonal decor, goblets, tumblers and more, all created onsite. You can also watch a glass-blowing demonstration or learn how to blow glass in a group or during a private class.