Discover FOCO Visitors Guide 2024

Reach New

HEIGHTS An Explorer’s Guide to Forsyth County, Georgia

With 11 miles of wooded trails for walkers, runners & hikers to explore, visitors can wander past abandoned gold mines and enjoy long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve visitor center enhances any visit with interactive exhibits suited for all ages! Just steps away, visitors are able to enjoy quality time at one of the picnic pavilions or playground, while also soaring to new heights on the climbing tower.

parkweb@forsythco.com

770-781-2215

parks.forsythco.com

Adventure seekers are welcome here! Forsyth County (FoCo) is your gateway to the North Georgia mountains or a stop along your way into Atlanta’s busy streets; it all depends on how you look at it! Spend your visit faceto-face with the Etowah River rapids, perched above pastures and towns on the rocks of Sawnee Mountain or amidst the clouds on a Balloons Over Georgia ride.

No matter where you’ve been or where you’re headed, thrills await when you Discover FoCo.

Official Forsyth County Visitors Guide 212 Webb St. Ste. 200 Cumming, GA 30040 • 770.887.6461 @discoverfoco | #discoverfoco Published by Accent Creative Group

Tableof Contents Big Creek Greenway p. 9

Sawnee Mountain p. 10

Balloons Over Georgia p. 11

Lake Lanier p. 12

Halcyon p. 24

Local Cuisine p. 30

Find a county map on pages 36 & 37!

Adventures

Explore acres of natural beauty in FoCo.

28 5

state-of-the-art parks

lakeside beaches

170+

trail miles

2 1

historic rivers mountain peak

... awaits you.

Whether your time here takes you floating through the clouds, wandering across forest floors or jumping into waves, there’s no shortage of excitement in FoCo’s great outdoors.

OGround N THE With over 28 local parks and 50 miles of nature trails, earthy exploration is at your fingertips. Every FoCo park has unique features and amenities, making each ideal for different uses. Decide on the adventure you want to have, then choose the park that best fits your needs.

Best For..

Camping: Shady Grove Campground Stay here or just play here! With a boat ramp and dock, this park is your only stop before hitting the open waters. It’s conveniently packed with picturesque tent and RV campsites for a rustic stay on the banks of Lake Lanier.

Kick your stay up a notch with a night in one of Timberline Glamping’s luxurious tents, domes or RVs.

Mountain Biking: Haw Creek Park The three-mile trail that snakes through the backwoods of Haw Creek Park is perfect for a bike ride. Mountain bikers will enjoy a variety of terrains surrounded by lush forests.

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Nature Trails

Swimming

Dog Park

Playground

Accessible

Boat Ramp

Scan here for a complete list of our parks and amenities.

Sightseeing: Caney Creek Preserve Caney Creek’s short and scenic 1.2mile loop is perfect for a quick escape into nature’s bliss. You’re sure to have a few wildlife sightings before reaching the hilltop overlook on the trail's south end.

Running: Big Creek Greenway This 26-mile trail promotes conservation and recreation, stretching from Sawnee Mountain, winding through Fowler Park and eventually continuing into Alpharetta and Roswell.

There are plenty of places to hop on/hop off and explore more of FoCo. Look for the Big Creek Greenway Trailhead icon throughout the guide!

Dogs: Coal Mountain Park Made up of synthetic dog turf and shady wooded areas, you’ll find agility structures and doggy water fountains galore for a perfect pup outing.

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IN AirTHE Sawnee Mountain

Take a Seat on top of the World!

Named for the Indian Chief who helped new settlers adjust to the nearby land, Sawnee Mountain is one of FoCo’s most prominent landmarks. Sit in the stone-carved Indian Seats atop the mountain and enjoy the view from high above the ground.

Can’t-Miss: Don’t skip these adventures on your visit to Sawnee Mountain Preserve!

1. The Hike: With two paths up the mountain, choose between 4-mile and 1.5-mile treks. Look out for native species like turtles, squirrels, deer, rabbits and more on your way up!

2. The Nature Center: Hear stories and view artifacts from the Native Americans that first inhabited Sawnee Mountain, then learn about the flora and fauna that live there today.

3. The View: Whichever route you choose, budget time to hang out on the mountain and soak in FoCo from its best vantage point.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve is the first trailhead along the Big Creek Greenway. Whether you start or end your stroll here, plan to stay a while and explore!

Share your adventure with us! Use the hashtag #atsawnee and tag @discoverfoco on Instagram or Facebook to share your visit!

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Balloons Over Georgia Board a balloon basket and take flight with Balloons Over Georgia on an unmatched sightseeing adventure. As the takeoff point for many rides through Georgia’s largest hot air balloon service, FoCo offers a unique opportunity to catch a bird’s eye view of some of the state’s most impressive landmarks.

F light Checklist se major See if you can spot the loon: bal the m fro s ark landm

Kennesaw Mountain Lake Lanier Stone Mountain Atlanta Skyline Blue Ridge & Appalachian Mountain Ranges 11

ONWater THE Two remarkable bodies of water flow right through our backyard. With over 200 miles of shoreline on Georgia’s largest lake and 15 miles of river flowing through our county’s respective corners, nothing stands between you and a midday float.

Lake Lanier Hit the Waves

Mary Alice Park: Sit on the sandy lakeside, dip your toes in the water and close your eyes to be instantly transported to somewhere coastal. It’s true! The beachy shores of Mary Alice Park genuinely feel like a little slice of paradise.

Charleston Park: Cast off from prime fishing spots, cool off with a dip in the water or get lost in the beauty of the 5-mile Charleston Park Trail.

Little Ridge Park: Plenty of quintessential picnic spots overlooking the lake dot the shores of Little Ridge Park.

Nature Trails Playground

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Swimming Picnic Areas

Dock Boat Ramp

Etowah River

Paddle Downstream

Eagle's Beak Park: Put in for an adventure down the Etowah Water Trail via canoe or kayak. Then explore 1.3 miles of paved nature trails and the brand-new ADA playground.

Poole's Mill Park: Settingdown Creek, a tributary of the Etowah River, passes under a historic covered bridge and picks up speed over rocky shoals locals often slide down like natural waterslides!

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ONField THE Whether you’re in town for a ball game or just looking for a way to pass the time while the kids play, our worldclass parks offer an assemblage of athletic facilities to keep them busy for hours.

Baseball & Softball: Sharon Springs Park

Best For..

Tennis: Central Park Choose from two state-of-theart playgrounds, soccer, baseball, softball and turf football fields to get in the game. Then work on your serve at one of the park’s many highclass tennis courts.

Skateboarding: Fowler Park Home to FoCo’s only skatepark, Fowler has plenty of ramps and pipe to shred, but it also has an array of sports fields, a greenway connection point and an exceptional rec center.

Playground

With eight baseball/softball fields and tons of other ways to play, there’s sure to be a diamond available for a game of backyard baseball at all times.

Pickleball: Midway Park Dink, lob and bounce your way through a game on one of Midway Park’s Pickleball courts. Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, check out the nearby shops and eateries in Vickery Village.

Baseball/Softball Fields

Tennis/Pickleball Courts

Basketball Courts

Reserve Park Facilities Here!

Turf Fields

Batting Cages

Rec Center

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Premium Hand-Cut Steaks • Local Produce Large Selection of Bison Dishes TED’S MONTANA GRILL CUMMING 410 Peachtree Parkway | Suite 100 Cumming, GA 30041 678-947-3530

Reserve your table at TE DSMONTANAG RIL L .COM ©2023 Ted’s Montana Grill Inc.

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Handcrafted do-nuts and kolaches made fresh daily!

3225 Keith Bridge Rd Ste. A, Cumming, GA 30041

Rent a Ride

Whether via booze cruise, fishing charter, boat or bike, there are plenty of ways to navigate FoCo’s tides and trails.

Tiki Time Lanier:

Geaux Bikes:

Tiki boat rental

Pay-per-use bike share between Fowler Park and Halcyon

What’s Included: Bar seating, cooler with ice, bluetooth stereo, captain if needed

What’s Included: 3-speed adjustable bike, mounted carrier

Contact: tikitimelanier.com

Bent Rods Charter Company: Full and half-day fishing charters on Lake Lanier What’s Included: Bait, equipment, ice, license where applicable Contact: (770)307-8636 info@bentroadscharter.com bentrodscharter.com

Lake Lanier Jet Ski Rental: Jet Ski rentals by hour What’s Included: Drop off at Tidwell Park, Personal Flotation Device Contact: (678)228-8476 admin@lanierjetski.com Lanierjetski.com

Contact: (770)913-6887 info@geauxbikeshare.com geauxbikeshare.com

Fletcher’s Paddle Shack: Paddleboard, kayak and boat rentals on Lake Lanier Contact: (762)436-2274 Fletcherspaddleshack.com

Festive Water LLC: Kayak, paddleboard and float pad rentals on Lake Lanier What’s Included: Rental drop offs at seven parks (or at your lakeside Airbnb or VRBO rental!)

Contact: (404)422-9569 contact@festivewater.com festivewater.com

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Seasons

Discover FOCO through the

No matter when you plan your visit, FoCo hosts a lineup of seasonal events you won’t find elsewhere. Complete the checklist whenever you find yourself in town!

SPRING ☐ Indulge in the flavors of FoCo at The Taste. ☐ Pick fresh strawberries at Warbington Farms.

SUMMER ☐ Frolic through a field of sunflowers at Henderson’s Lakeside Farm. ☐ Watch the steam engines roll through downtown at the Fourth of July Steam Engine Parade and Celebration.

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FALL ☐ Ride the Ferris wheel at the Cumming Country Fair and Festival. ☐ Get lost in the corn maze at Bottoms Tree Farm. ☐ Go shopping at the Cumming City Center Fall Market.

WINTER ☐ Start your Christmas festivities at the Christmas Parade and Festival. ☐ Drive through Ashbrooke’s Night of Lights for enchanting Christmas light displays. ☐ Check out local artisans at the Christmas in Cumming Arts & Crafts Show.

MAdventures ETRO

Forsyth County is home to four metropolitan complexes and a collection of shopping and dining options that give it a warm and welcoming hometown feel. Indulge in delectable dishes handpicked by locals, uniquely crafted spirits, free-spirited shopping sprees and creative endeavors, all in chic, wellconnected city centers.

DINING, BREWHOUSE BAR (21+) & BEER GARDEN LUNCH. DINNER. BRUNCH. TOGO. PRIVATE EVENTS. GATHER. FAMILY FRIENDLY. /CHERRYSTREETHALCYON 6640 Town Square Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 696-4929

AWARD WINNING BREWERY. LOCALLY CRAFTED. TWO LOCATIONS IN FORSYTH. CHERRYSTREETBREWING.COM

TA P R O O M

R E STAU R A N T

Lunch. Dinner. Br unch.

TOGO. Catering.

We ekly Events. Fa mily Fr iendly.

&

28 BEERS ON DRAFT. 21+ Mingl e. Light Munchies.

Private Events.

/CherryStreetVickery (770) 205-5512

Vickery Village 5810 Bond St Cumming, GA 30040

Weekl y Events. /CherryStreetVickery (678) 456-8189

Find Your

CROWD There’s a place for every personality here in FoCo. Which are you?

The Instagram Guru:

Your thoughtfully curated social media feed is one of the first things people notice about you, and you’re never unprepared for a photo-op.

The photos in your never-ending camera roll tell your entire life story.

The Shopaholic: Money can buy happiness. You know this to be true. With the keen ability to spot a dupe from a mile away, your friends would describe you as ‘always on-brand.’

The Local Lover: You’ll buy anything if it’s ‘made with love.’

You stay where the locals are and wouldn’t be caught dead in a tourist trap. Speakeasies and hole-in-the-walls frequently top your recommendation list of hidden gems.

The Social Butterfly: To say you’re well-networked is to say the sky is blue. Thanks to your worldwide connections, you never meet strangers and always stay for free when you travel. You’re the last to leave and the first to arrive at any get-together.

A PLACE FOR...

The Instagram Guru HALCYON: The aesthetic is a part of the appeal at this local hangout. With gorgeous outdoor dining environments, cocktails too pretty to drink and artsy murals on every wall, a visit to Halcyon will nourish your Instagram feed for days.

Find it here!

Make some space in your wardrobe! Find Georgia fashion favorites like Lizard Thicket and Society Boutique at Halcyon.

The Halcyon trailhead is another stop along the Big Creek Greenway!

A PLACE FOR...

The Shopaholic THE COLLECTION: Get your shop on! With a mix of national retailers and popular local favorites, The Collection is a one-stopshop for all the merchandise, decor and collectibles you could dream up. If you need a break from all the swiping, grab a bite, relax by the fountain or catch a movie.

Find it here!

Browse locally-made goods from all over the county in one place! Shops like The Gibson Co and Pine & Pigment offer extensive collections created by local artisans.

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A PLACE FOR...

The Local Lover VICKERY VILLAGE: Stroll past boutiques tucked between local eateries, enjoy the best pizza in town on the green, grab a latte from the cafe on the corner or arrange a bouquet of fresh florals at the flower shop. Vickery Village offers a taste of small-town charm amidst its urban surroundings.

Find it here!

Vickery Village is a great spot to grab a sweet treat.

Swirl a cup of froyo at Chill Hill, or enjoy a freshly baked pastry at Nido Cafe.

A PLACE FOR...

The Social Butterfly CUMMING CITY CENTER: The Cumming City Center houses many brand-new local shops, restaurants and parks. Its place in the heart of Forsyth County makes it a perfect gathering place to foster community among locals and visitors alike.

Find it here!

Take advantage of picturesque outdoor spaces like pocket playgrounds, the outdoor amphitheater, which hosts local performers, and the trail system, which will soon be a new connection point to the Big Creek Greenway.

Coming Soon: Big Creek Greenway is getting a new trailhead at the Cumming City Center.

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Hto the ERNEights 'S These places around town are known to turn up the music and turn down the lights as the sun sets. Whether your nightcap involves a glass of red and a scenic view or classic jams and a firepit, we have just the place to fuel your night out.

Cherry Street Brewing As the first official craft brewery in FoCo and now a national award-winning beer franchise, Cherry Street has made a name for itself among locals. With locations in Vickery Village (pictured) and Halcyon, a massive lineup of brews and over 60 hoppy creations, no one leaves empty-handed.

NoFo Brew Co With green space, fire pits, games, two beer menus, craft cocktails and weekend food trucks, NoFo Brew Co is a place for family, friends (even the furry ones) and beer lovers alike.

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Freedom Mill Freedom Mill offers Axe Throwing, shopping and arcade games galore for those looking for more than a traditional taproom.

Legends Distillery At Georgia’s award-winning distillery, choose from a selection of vodka or bourbon cocktails, or take the nofrills approach with a flight of straight Georgia-made spirits to taste what sets Legends apart.

Stoney J's Winery Sip wines fresh off the vine at Stoney J’s.

Surround yourself with picturesque views and indulge in gourmet Italian bites.

Talk of the Table With dozens of artisanal cheeses, an assortment of wines and gourmet meats, jellies and oils, Talk of the Table is a onestop-shop for your next charcuterie board.

Hall and Hound Brewery Craft brews and cocktails perfectly complement this chef-driven menu offering classic American fare with a twist.

Cork and Glass Check out this curated wine shop for a vast selection of wines from reputable vineyards and the knowledge only a sommelier could offer.

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Mornings That Follow... and the

Community Cup Along with many caffeinated creations, this family-oriented coffee shop offers delicious bites and kid-friendly beverages topped with whipped cream and edible glitter!

Nido Cafe It’s hard to say whether the specialty coffee bar or tapas-style menu takes the cake at this local joint, so you may just have to grab a table and try them both.

Reveille Cafe If you consider breakfast the best meal of the day, you already have something in common with Reveille. This eatery popping up all over the south offers healthy and hearty breakfast options.

Rendezvous Cafe Be warned; most goodies at this bakery/cafe are too pretty to eat! Their freshly-baked pastries are over-the-top, so grabbing a macaron, cream puff or dacquoise is a must.

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PLocals LATELoveS Tam’s Backstage Head to Backstage at Tam’s School Street Playhouse before the show for fine dining, including steaks, seafood and desserts.

FIVE-STAR DISH: Brian's Chicken for a light, refreshing, yet sophisticated take on grilled chicken.

Rick Tanner’s/Cherry Street Operating on a fresh, from-scratch philosophy and home to world-famous (well, FoCo-famous) chicken tenders, this Vickery Village hotspot is a must-try.

FIVE-STAR DISH: Cheesy Chicken Lips for cheese on cheese on cheese (on chicken)!

Socks' Love BBQ Locals love Socks' Love. That’s for many reasons.

But mostly, it’s premium customer service, perfectly smoked meats and classic, complementary sides.

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FIVE-STAR DISH: The "OMG" Mac & Cheese for creamy, dreamy, cheesy deliciousness!

Tin Cup Grill New to the Cumming City Center, this bar and grill is known for juicy cuts of steaks and seafood. Oh, and the mini golf course right out back!

FIVE-STAR DISH: A steak or seafood made “On a Stone” right at the table for perfect preparation every time!

CT Cantina & Taqueria The newest and greatest addition to restauranteur Rafael Jaime’s legacy offers zesty Tex-Mex and an extensive beverage selection.

FIVE-STAR DISH: Any Margarita for a balanced concoction of refreshing, fruity flavors and authentic spirits.

Casa Nuova This holistic eatery serves up delicious lunches packed with superfoods and natural ingredients.

FIVE-STAR DISH: Zuppi di Pesca & Linguini, a dish traditionally prepared to celebrate the return home of sailors, is available with a modern-day, gluten-free take.

Hobnob Pull up a chair at this friendly, neighborhood tavern that places hospitality and a chef-driven menu at the heart of its mission.

FIVE-STAR DISH: The 1551 Hobnob Old Fashioned for a taste of what this bar and grill does best, smooth, smoky bourbon.

Shipley Do-nuts With over 60 varieties of delicious donuts, Shipley’s is a must-stop to curb your sweet tooth.

FIVE-STAR DISH: A Maple Iced Donut for sweet, sugary satisfaction.

For more bites around FoCo, scan here!

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See a

SeforeHOouWo See a Show Before you Go!

B

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Tam’s School Street Playhouse Operating out of a historic 1923 public school, the School Street Playhouse provides quality entertainment throughout the seasons, such as plays, musicals and concerts. Don’t forget to head backstage (Tam’s Backstage) for fine dining before the show!

FoCAL Center As a project of the Forsyth County School System, schools and community organizations use this local performing arts center, so there’s almost always something exciting happening.

City Center Amphitheater The crown jewel of the Cumming City Center is FoCo’s newest amphitheater and outdoor venue hosting performers, concerts and city-wide events.

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A Place to Your Head

Rest Comfort Suites

Home 2 Suites

(770) 889-4141 $$ | 10 minutes from Downtown Cumming & Cumming City Center Free breakfast, outdoor pool, pet friendly

(678) 845-0800 $$ | At The Collection Free breakfast, indoor pool, pet friendly

Country Inn and Suites (770) 847-8655 $$ | 10 minutes from Mary Alice Park and Lake Lanier Free breakfast, indoor pool

Fairfield Inn & Suites (678) 208-2626 $$$ | At The Collection Free breakfast, indoor pool

Hampton Inn (770) 889-0877 $$ | 10 Minutes from The Collection Free breakfast, outdoor pool, pet friendly

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta-Johns Creek (678) 638-9800 $$ | 15 Minutes from Halcyon Free breakfast

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cumming (678) 845-7100 $$ | 10 Minutes from Downtown Cumming & Cumming City Center Free breakfast, indoor pool

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Springhill Suites (678) 405-7623 $$ | 15 Minutes from Halcyon or The Collection Free breakfast, indoor pool

Extended Stay America Select Suites (678) 951-8700 $$ | 5 Minutes from Halcyon Pet friendly

Embassy Suites Halcyon (770) 274-5907 $$$$ | At Halcyon Free breakfast, indoor pool, pet friendly

AAPlace Placeto to an anEvent Event

BBook ook

Whether it’s a central gathering place to host your next industry conference or the perfect backdrop to the big day that you’re looking for, we’ve got it in FoCo. Meeting spaces like the Forsyth County Conference Center, the FoCAL Center and Brava.Social are equipped with sleek, yet inviting professional atmospheres while whimsical spots like Shiloh Gardens, 3 Oaks Farm and West Milford Farms boast secret gardens, lush farmland and rustic barns that make perfect spots to say “I Do”.

Let’s plan together!

Learn more about our complimentary planning services, welcome bag packages and more right here!

Our menu features a collection of seasonal, chef-driven dishes, including premium steak cuts, small plates, and charcuterie boards, along with an extensive selection of curated wine and cocktails.

CATTLE SHED WINE & STEAK BAR EST. 2020

770-559-8749 • CATTLESHEDWINEBAR.COM 6290 HALCYON WAY, ALPHARETTA, GA 30030

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Cumming City Center Northside Hospital Forsyth

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