A Chic Atlanta Suburb's Trendsetting Downtown Scene Has Been Dubbed Georgia's 'City Unexpected'

Once thought of as a simple rural area about 45 minutes north of Atlanta, the town of Woodstock, Georgia, has transformed into a destination now nicknamed "A City Unexpected." In 2002, a grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission contributed to the development of new downtown storefronts and walkable streets that encourage people to explore the community. Today, this former railway hub is reopening its train station as a dining hotspot with everything from pub crawls and shopping trips to wellness retreats and live music.

Like other Georgia destinations (such as vibrant, historic downtown Dublin and the award-winning Callaway Resort & Gardens), Woodstock experiences hot, humid summers that may exhaust people used to more mild climates. Summer also ushers in between eight and 11 rainy days a month, so travelers who prefer clear, sunny days may want to schedule their trip during the drier, cooler days of autumn. What you give up in terms of fewer daylight hours is made up for with pleasant weather and fun events like the Halloween Trail of Tricks & Treats and Oktoberfest celebrations. Woodstock's fall season is also when local hotel prices are usually at their most affordable. Expect costs to rise come December.

Visitors flying in from out of state will want to arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as this is the closest major airport to Woodstock. While Hartsfield-Jackson is the busiest airport in the entire world, these tips for staying calm in crowded airports will help you navigate the area with, if not ease, then at least some measure of composure. Once you arrive in Atlanta, driving is the most common way to reach Woodstock, though there are some public transportation options available. Consult the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) website for up-to-date service alerts that may impact routes out of Atlanta.

Whether you like artsy excursions or outdoorsy adventures, Woodstock has something for you. Travelers can start exploring the local art scene at Reeves House Visual Arts Center, where rotating exhibits and artist talks deepen visitors' connection to the creative world. For more gallery gazing, head to Tranquility Fine Arts in downtown Woodstock, where sightseers with cash to spend can take home paintings, pottery, and sculptures. Those who prefer the performing arts will want to check out Woodstock Arts Theatre's calendar and snag tickets for a show. And while Athens may be Georgia's best college town for music, Woodstock offers plenty of opportunities to see live acts at Madlife Stage & Studios. Complete with a restaurant and patio, this venue welcomes bands playing everything from funk and soul to rock and country.

On the outdoorsy side, Woodstock has some excellent recreation options thanks to its parks, rivers, trails, and nearby landmarks like Lake Allatoona and Red Top Mountain State Park. Get a lay of the land at Olde Rope Mill Park, a natural area where you can hike, bike, paddle on the Little River, fish on the riverbanks, and look for the ruins of the park's eponymous 1800s-era mill. If you need to rent a kayak or paddleboard, visit Murph's Surf, less than 8 miles from the park. Situated right next to Lake Allatoona, this shop offers easy access to the water. For a different kind of outdoor experience, check out Woodstock's Berry Patch Farms for seasonal pick-your-own produce and hay rides.

There are also some unique shopping hubs in town. Peruse new creations by local artisans at shops like Made Mercantile, or sample quality olive oils at Leaning Ladder's tasting boutique. Woodstock is also home to The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, which hosts over 100 stores.

In between stops at art galleries, parks, and shopping centers, make time for meals at some of Woodstock's best restaurants. Grab a coffee and pastry while browsing titles at The Sweet Read (a combination bookstore and café), or hit up Bizarre Coffee for specialty lattes, tea, and a menu that includes smoothie bowls and breakfast sandwiches. If you're interested in sipping on a cup of Brazilian coffee and sampling treats like brigadeiros, don't miss out on Cafe Bom Dia. People who prefer fresh fruit over roasted beans will appreciate the juices, smoothies, and healthy bites at Eden Smoothies. Meanwhile, tea enthusiasts can check out Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar for boba drinks and loose-leaf blends (like the brand's fruity Georgia Peach Tea). For an extra-special Southern afternoon tea experience, check out Jessa's Tea Parlor.

Of course, coffee shops and tea parlors aren't Woodstock's only culinary offerings. This town also serves up Venezuelan food at spots like Cylantro's, delicious pho at Saigon Café, tasty tacos at El Serranito Taqueria, Latin-Asian fusion meals at Taqueria Tsunami, Italian dishes at Ipp's Pastaria & Bar, and elevated casual experiences at Century House. Rootstock Restaurant & Bar receives praise for its wine and bourbon selections, which can be enjoyed during live music performances or during an indulgent chef's table experience. If you're more interested in beer than wine and spirits, consider visiting The Stout Brothers or Truck & Tap.

Save room for dessert, too! On hot summer days, there are few places in Woodstock better for a sweet, cool treat than Dulce Artisan Gelato. In addition to several small-batch gelato flavors, Dulce also has a bar that serves drinks like tiramisu espresso martinis and Bailey's gelato floats. Not feeling a cold dessert? Try Pie Bar. Named one of the best pie shops in Atlanta by Thrillist, Pie Bar sells everything from classic apple pies and chicken pot pies to intriguing brown sugar chess pies and roasted veggie pot pies.