GAINESVILLE HALL COUNTY GEORGIA | USA from both counties. Founded in 1872 as a railroad depot, it sits at the southern tip of Lake Lanier at Buford Dam and along the key arteries of Interstates 985 and 85 between Gainesville and Atlanta. Buford also operates an independent school system, with the Buford High Wolves claiming numerous state sports championships. 2300 Buford Highway 770-945-6761, cityofbuford.com
Clermont
Harvest Balloon Festival, Flowery Branch the Historic Piedmont Hotel, founded by Confederate Gen. James Longstreet, and the Elachee Nature Science Center offer a touch of the past and a view of nature. 300 Henry Ward Way, Suite 303 770-535-6860, gainesville.org
Braselton Population: 8,400 Government: Four-member city council and elected mayor Braselton spans four counties, Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson. This quirky characteristic is observed by a monument in the Mulberry Riverwalk park where the four counties converge. The park also offers a walking path, picnic area and gardens. Visitors can enjoy a road race at Road Atlanta, tour the Mayfield Dairy Visitors
Flowery Branch
Center or hike the Jackson County geocaching heritage trail. Château Élan resort attracts more than half a million visitors per year to its award-winning winery, inn, spa, golf courses and fine dining. Downtown Braselton hosts an art camp throughout the summer, a farmer’s market and other special events. There is also a park nearby that has a playground, a pavilion and tennis courts. 4982 Ga. Highway 53 706-654-3915, braselton.net
BUFORD Population: 12,000 Government: Three-member Board of Commissioners and city manager Buford sits on the Hall-Gwinnett line with residents, employees and students GREATER HALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Population: 7,100 Government: Five-member City Council and elected mayor Founded in 1874, Flowery Branch is located less than an hour northeast of Atlanta, the small town still delivers the perks of small town life with the conveniences of a large city. Privately owned restaurants, a few antique shops and several parks and major retailers are nearby. The small town is one of only 32 in the nation that can claim it is home to a National Football League team’s headquarters. The Atlanta Falcons’ training facility is located in Flowery Branch and open to visitors during preseason training camp, which begins in July. Downtown Flowery Branch offers a museum tour of a historic train caboose, late 1800s style architecture, shopping and a few eateries. Antebellum Restaurant
770-522-6206
WWW.GREATERHALLCHAMBER.COM
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COMMUNITIES
Population: 950 Government: Four-member town council and elected mayor Clermont was originally known as “Dip” and dates back to 1820. It was founded as a town in 1913. It celebrates its history in its annual Clermont Days festival each fall. For more than a century, it served as an educational hub. In 1901, the Chattahoochee School was established offering boarding in the nearby dormitory. The cornerstone was from the original dormitory built in 1905, according to the Clermont Historical Society. A school bell from the early 1900s now occupies a brick tower overlooking the town plaza. 109 King St. 770-983-7568, clermontga.com