Atlanta, the capital of the Peach State, is an energetic and fun city with countless attractions — from vintage shopping in the trendy Little Five Points neighborhood and eating your way along the Beltline to visiting iconic institutions like World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. If you want something off the beaten track, head to Westview Cemetery, Atlanta’s historic haven with tranquil views and a rich legacy. However, if you want to be somewhere a little more chill and not have to worry about finding parking, you need to escape the hustle and bustle and get out of town.
Luckily, Alpharetta is only 27 miles north of Atlanta — or about a 35-minute drive away. It’s technically a suburb of the Atlanta metro area, but it’s much more than just that. It’s a convenient and vibrant hub with small, Southern-town charm, jam-packed with upscale shopping, world-class restaurants, and thriving nightlife. It’s also home to 750 acres of park land, offering outdoor activities for those who would rather be outside.
You can visit Alpharetta all year round. January is the coldest month, March is usually the wettest, and July is the hottest. The best thing to do is to plan your vacation to Alpharetta around its many festivals, like Alpharetta Food Truck Alley, featuring diverse culinary experiences and live music that takes place every fourth Thursday of the month from April to October, and Alpharetta Paint the Town in early May, where you can observe artists creating their masterpieces in action and purchase their work. During the October Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival, you can enjoy a variety of music genres, from Southern rock and country to Americana and indie, on six stages throughout Downtown Alpharetta.
Shopping and eating your way through Alpharetta
Avalon, a sustainability-focused, 86-acre community is Alpharetta’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. You can find a variety of stores, like Arhaus for eclectic and luxurious home decor and furnishings, Makers Market for American-made goods, and Bonobos for impeccable men’s wear and accessories. Alternatively, if shopping isn’t your jam, you can pamper yourself at the Woodhouse Day Spa or Lux Nail Lounge. If you’re peckish or thirsty, duck into one of Avalon’s fantastic dining options, like Crú Food & Wine Bar, a Napa-style wine bar serving pizzas and cheese platters; Barleygarden Kitchen & Craft Bar, a gastropub with local brews, meats, and a rooftop bar; or The Cape Restaurant & Beach Bar, a chic South African dining and wining spot…