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.”