City Editor Kyle here. While a weekend inside the perimeter of Atlanta, GA has its allure, I invite you to venture outside the perimeter to Marietta, GA — a town steeped in history, charm, and the one where I grew up.

Why go?

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a sucker for vintage shopping — Marietta, its town square, and its past offers something for everyone.
Visit Marietta in October for its annual Chalktoberfest, featuring dozens of chalk artists + their work on the streets surrounding the Marietta Square or catch live music every Friday night in the summer for its Glover Park Concert Series.
Check out this guide on what to do, see, eat + drink in Marietta and this guide on Marietta’s museums.

Cheers from Glover Park Brewery | Photo via @gloverparkbrewery

Act like a local:

Food: Duck into Mac’s Chophouse in the cooler months for a hearty steak and take to the patio on the Marietta Square during warmer weather for a cool cocktail and Chopped Salad.
Drinks: Sip on a “Can I Get a Witness” Belgian wit beer at Glover Park Brewery, which topped Eater Atlanta’s list of 35 Atlanta Breweries and Brewpubs to Grab a Pint Today. If you see owners Hank or Sam, tell them I say hello.
Coffee: Tuck into Cool Beans Coffee Roasters for a flavored latte and a bag of in-house roasted beans to take home.
Outdoors: Learn about Civil War history + hike to the top of Kennesaw Mountain for views of the Atlanta skyline at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield.
Watch: Catch a play, musical, or concert at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, which got its start as a major motion picture house in 1935.
Shop: Give yourself at least an hour to peruse every nook and cranny of Park West Vintage.
Explore: Go beyond the square to see some other iconic landmarks in Marietta, like the Marietta National Cemetery and the Big Chicken.

*Much of Marietta’s charm can be found in its bungalows. | Photo via VRBO*

Where to stay:

Vrbo: Cheery Cottage with Farm, just four blocks away from the Marietta Square. (~$80/night)*
Airbnb: LeisureLEE 2-Bed Townhouse, located within 10 minutes of the Atlanta Braves + Atlanta United Futbol Club’s HQ. (~$125/night)
Splurge hotel: Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel + Conference Center, with pet-friendly rooms + an 18-hole golf course. (~$300/night)
Save hotel: The Stanley House, a historic home-turned-bed and breakfast. (~$150/night)

All of these recommendations are just scratching the surface of what my cozy hometown of Marietta has to offer. Make sure to follow @visitmariettageorgia + @mariettasquare on Instagram for ideas for your next trip.

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Scott’s Cheap Flights offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*