Photograph by Savanna Sturkie
The original 1835 layout of Marietta Square was modeled after squares in Savannah, with grid-like streets converging at a tree-shaded, bench-lined oasis. Officially called Glover Park, “the square,” as locals know it, is still the heart of this 56,000-person city, home to fine restaurants and quirky shops, historic buildings, monthly concerts on the lawn, and al fresco yoga classes. “You really see all aspects of daily life here,” says Donna Krueger, owner of DK Gallery on the Square. “It’s not just for tourists.”
Photograph by Savanna Sturkie
Walking History
From the square, start walking in any direction to create your own historic tour. Stop by the visitors center for a map, and stroll through the National Cemetery (it contains the graves of soldiers from six wars), Old Zion Baptist Church (constructed to serve freed slaves after the Civil War) and its museum, and streets full of residential gems such as the Victorian-style Brumby-Wallace house.
Holiday Happenings
Winter holidays are such a big deal in Marietta that there’s a website dedicated to the festivities. Expect ice-skating on the square, Santa visits (book your appointment online), and New Year’s Eve festivities (like glow-in-the-dark mini golf).
Photograph by Savanna Sturkie
Mountain Town
Just a couple miles northwest of the square is Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, nearly 3,000 acres and the most visited battlefield in the National Park Service. Twenty-two miles of trails wind through the Civil War combat zone, with interpretive signs along the way. “It’s one of Atlanta’s greatest treasures,” says Krueger, who lives along a trail and recommends the Hardage Mill trek. But most first-time visitors will want to hit the main trail from the visitors center and walk the mile or so up the mountain for one of the metro’s best views of Atlanta’s skyline.
Photograph by Savanna Sturkie
Restaurant Row
Marietta’s dining options are diverse. You can find steak and onion pie at Australian Bakery Cafe, ratatouille at Douceur de France, and bangers and mash at Johnnie MacCracken’s Celtic Firehouse Pub. Haute establishments like Spring and the Butcher the Baker have caught the attention of foodies across the metro area. And you can pick up fresh produce from around 65 vendors at the popular weekly, year-round farmers market on the square.
Art All-Around
Almost every week you’ll find some sort of arts celebration, whether it’s a Friday evening Art Walk, martini nights at the Marietta Art Museum, or weekly bluegrass jam sessions (bring your own fiddle and join in).
This article originally appeared in our December 2016 issue.
