Discover the inside scoop on 11 local hotspots in Cobb County, Ga. These places may be off the beaten path, but don’t judge the book by the cover. Hidden around every corner is a sweet spot locals love.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens – Explore Smith-Gilbert Gardens, the City of Kennesaw’s botanical garden. With more than 3,000 plant species in a serene, 16-acre garden setting, surrounding the historic Hiram Butler House (c. 1880), there is something for everyone. The garden also boasts the only public Bonsai exhibit in Georgia.
2382 Pine Mountain Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30152
The Read Shop – If you’re a fan of both coffee and books, then you should add Read Shop by the Merchant in Vinings, GA to your itinerary. This one-of-a-kind bookstore offers bestseller books that make it to the New York Times list, numerous fiction, non-fiction, garden books, cookbooks, children’s literature, and coffee-inspired books as well as numerous coffee and pastry options. It’s a favorite among locals for great coffee, pastries, books and its eclectic atmosphere.
4300 Paces Ferry Rd SE Suite 125, Atlanta, GA 30339
Swift-Cantrell Skate Park – This state-of-the-art skatepark is a 40,000 square foot, completely authentic Street League Pro-Style facility with the very same ramps, obstacles and rails that the pros ride in major competitions. The all-concrete skatepark at Swift-Cantrell Park consists of a Street League Skateboarding (SLS) Foundation Certified Skate Plaza, flow course and bowl. There is no charge to use the facility. Helmets are required for skaters ages 15 and under.
3140 Old 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
The Red Eyed Mule – Known for no-holds-barred biscuit sandwiches and messy burgers like Jake’s Sloppy Slaw burger (one of which is Food Network star Alton Brown’s favorite), this diner-style eatery has won over residents with decadent breakfast and lunch items for more than ten years.
430 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060
Lazy Guy Distillery – Opened in 2013, this small craft whiskey distillery in Kennesaw has captured the hearts of locals with its award-winning spirits and eclectic atmosphere. The front building which houses the office, gift shop and tasting room looks like a residential home, while the barn (production facility) is in the back. Visitors can purchase and consume hand-crafted cocktails onsite or buy bottled spirits to take home!
2950 Moon Station Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art – Housed in a renovated historic Classical Revival building that originally opened as a post office just one block from the Marietta Square, the museum presents changing exhibitions of exciting American art in all media. The museum features a permanent collection of American art as well as special exhibitions and events throughout the year. This is one of six museums surrounding the Marietta Square.
30 Atlanta St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
Rev Coffee – REV is above all else a neighborhood coffee shop with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Locals rave about their chicken salad sandwich and savory bacon cheddar muffins. Be careful, you may find yourself on the brink of addiction.
1680 Spring Rd SE B, Smyrna, GA 30080
Tacos Del Chavo – This hole-in-the-wall joint has some of the best authentic Hispanic food in town. They were recently featured on “The 50 best taco joints in America, ranked” list, compiled by Yelp and Business Insider. Make sure you bring cash. No cards are accepted, but you won’t regret stopping at this little place!
2176 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152
Red Hare Brewery – This Marietta beer is distributed across Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and the Florida panhandle and can be found in major grocery chains, large package stores and supporting bars and restaurants. The brewery and tasting room are off the beaten path, but totally worth a visit for the atmosphere and punch of flavor!
1998 Delk Industrial Blvd SE, Marietta, GA 30067
Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History – Take a trip back in time to the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. It has three impressive permanent collections. Get a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers in its Civil War collection; See a reproduction of a turn-of-the-century locomotive assembly line from the Glover Machine Works; and experience the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase, featuring the General locomotive.
2829 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Sessions Stand – Hidden among charming historic homes and only a half-mile north of bustling Marietta Square, is a walk-up coffee shop, Sessions Stand. Neighbors gush over the seasonal fruit danishes and whole wheat croissants made from scratch each morning by the owner. Although it’s small, this shop is overflowing with small-town charm.
380 Sessions St NW, Marietta, GA 30060
Check out the gallery below for more fun shots of our 11 sweet spots locals love. Don’t forget to share photos of your favorite Cobb sweet spots with us by using #AtlantasSweetSpot on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Your photo could be featured next!
