The beautiful city of Acworth, winner of the 2010 All-America City Award, displays the kind of life most Americans dream about. Located close enough to experience Atlanta’s best cultural and sporting events, the city itself still gives off a small-town atmosphere. Families in Acworth are provided with fun opportunities, as well as tranquility.

For instance, Acworth is surrounded by two gorgeous lakes, Lake Allatoona and Lake Acworth, which both offer fun for the family year around. Nice beaches, swimming, fishing, boating and camping all take place at the two lakes. There are 12 parks that make for excellent picnic areas, and Golf Digest has rated Acworth’s Cobblestone Golf Course one of the top public courses in the state of Georgia.

Whether you like to go to the park or take a day to shop, Acworth has it all. It is conveniently located near both I-75 and Highway 41 for easy shopping access.

If you enjoy visiting historical sites, you will certainly want to take a tour to see the many old homes of Acworth dating back to the 1800s. The Dixie Highway, “granddaddy of Interstate 75,” was first to reach the south and is Acworth’s Main Street, which used to be part of the first Dixie route. The City of Acworth is committed to preserving the historical significance of its downtown district buildings.

Today, the city celebrates its 162nd anniversary since it first received its charter on December 1, 1860. The city’s rich history reveals itself by the strength of character that made it one of achievement and many traditions still celebrated today.

Since 1860, Acworth has grown steadily. In 1970, the U.S. Census showed the population at 3,939. Now, Acworth has over 22,000 residents. Trulia, an online residential real estate site, lists 320 homes ranging from $150,000 to $5.2 million that are currently for sale in this spectacular area. The median sold home price in Acworth is currently $390,000. As for renting, there are currently over 100 rental homes available ranging in price from $1,700 to $6,500 per month.

For even more fun, here is a must-do list when in Acworth:

Shopping and Dining

• Serendipity House. A unique Victorian house that has been serving patrons for the past 25 years in historic Acworth, this store is filled with a large variety of decorating accessories, unique gifts, gourmet foods and home furnishings. The décor dating back to 1881 is a treat, and guests are sure to love it as they go from room to room. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you’re bound to find a gift for any occasion.
• Fish Thyme Restaurant & Bar. A restaurant that was opened for the local residents so they wouldn’t have to drive to the big city for a nice meal, this eatery has a delicious menu that the whole family can enjoy. There is a variety to choose from such as fried shrimp, oyster shooters, crab stuffed mushrooms and four cheese crab dip. They offer seafood, as well as land lover specials like steak and chicken.
• Wild Blossoms. A high-quality crafts and assorted gift store that is beautiful, and the staff is inviting and can help customers with a variety of gift ideas. Wild Blossoms inhabits the site of an old mercantile store that was built in 1879. Customers will find unusual and surprisingly affordable antiques and reproductions.
• Red Top Brewhouse. Taking the name as Acworth’s first craft brewery, Red Top offers beer and good food. With a beer wall that allows an innovative self-serve feature, this brewery caters to all. This allows you to fill your glass however full you want it. Come enjoy live music, cornhole, and the company of your friends at Red Top!
• 1885 Grill. One of Acworth’s newest restaurants, 1885 Grill has been an instant hit. Its southern coastal cuisine in the heart of downtown Acworth includes dining next the open kitchen, warm wood accents and a fun bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Open daily, the restaurant offers brunch, lunch and dinner menus, with favorites including wings, hushpuppies with honey butter, shrimp and grits, trout, low country boil and more.
• Henry’s Louisiana Grill. Perhaps Acworth’s most well-known restaurant, Henry’s is an institution serving award-winning Cajun, Creole and Southern food. Patrons are invited to “Come Taste the Good Times” with famous dishes including gator bites, Louisiana Ooh La La, Atchafalaya Catfish, jambalaya and more.
• Amaryllis + Main. This Main Street boutique is the perfect spot for women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry and gifts. With the goal of empowering women to see the best in themselves, the store owner aims to carry items that will always make the wearer feel confident and happy.
• Appalachian Outfitters. Acworth is an outdoor-focused city thanks to its location between two lakes and proximity to the mountains, which makes an outfitters store a perfect fit! This local spot is the ideal place to purchase your outdoor gear, from lake accessories to kayaks and camping gear to clothing. Rentals of items like kayaks and standup paddleboards are also available for those not ready to make the plunge to equipment ownership.
• The Fountain. An adorable cafe and bar, The Fountain offers breakfast pastries and coffees during the day and small bites and craft cocktails in the afternoons and evening. The cozy venue also features regular entertainment, including stand-up comedy and live music.
• Acworth Shad Shack. Acworth fishermen know the best spot to get their fishing gear is at this rustic spot located on S. Main Street! From rods and reels to coolers and live bait, this one-stop shop will ensure you have everything you need for a day on the water reeling in the big one!
• Hippie Kids. The newest shopping addition in downtown Acworth, Hippie Kids is actually focused on ’70s fashion for women and kids. Don’t miss the new onsite coffee shop, Cafe Coco, for your caffeine needs while you’re shopping.

Entertainment and Recreation

• Cauble Park is located on South Main Street just south of the downtown business district. On the shores of Lake Acworth, Cauble Park is home to Acworth Beach. In addition to the beach, the park is home to picnic areas, playgrounds, a gazebo, walking areas and Community Beach House, which is avaiable for rent.
• Lake Acworth is a beautiful lake that is 260 acres and located just southwest of the city. It’s home to 18 species of fish, including Bluegill, largemouth bass and spotted bass just to name a few. The lake is surrounded by parks, including Cauble Park, East Lakeshore Park and South Shore Park. Boaters are allowed on the lake, but gas-powered motors and personal watercraft are prohibited.
• Holiday Harbor Marina & Resort, located at Groovers Landing in Bartow County, is a great place to store and rent boats, as well as a place to rent cabins and go camping. They also have a full service restaurant, swimming area, playground and planned events/concerts.
• Cobblestone Golf Course. This award-winning golf course has been open since 1993. This course is loved by not only Cobb County residents but also by all Atlanta golfers. With eight holes along Lake Acworth, the views are one of a kind.
• Logan Farm Park is a 120-acre park located in the heart of downtown Acworth. The park is home to multi-use pathways, open green space, a destination playground and group pavilion. The park is also home to many of the city’s top events, including Pizza, Pints, and Pigskins, and Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival.
• Folklore Haunted House is located on N. Main Street just west of downtown Acworth. One of metro Atlanta’s top haunted houses, Folklore is home to two distinct attractions in one convenient location.

Historical Attractions

• Historic Acworth. The Cherokee Nation lived in this area until the early 1830s, and present day Main Street is located on what began as a trading route used by the Cherokee Indians. By the 1920s, it had evolved into a major North-South thoroughfare known as the Dixie Highway. The Western and Atlantic railroad began operation in 1845 in Atlanta, bringing progress northward to Northcutt station. When exploring the historic district, be sure to visit the Acworth Depot Park to learn more about the area’s history.
• Historic Acworth Walking Tour. This is a self-guided walking tour of all the historic buildings located in Acworth. It has you beginning at the Liberty Hill Cemetery, with the oldest grave dating back to 1821. The walk ends at the Historic Acworth Antiques and Awtrey Corner, which was built in 1894 and was once a hardware store.
• Lacey Drug Company, located on South Main Street, has been around since 1895 and was formerly known as Durham Brothers Drug Company. It is considered the oldest operating pharmacy in Cobb County and possibly the oldest in Georgia. They offer orthopedic supports, compression stockings, therapeutic diabetic shoes and so much more.
• Doyal Hill Park. This new park, located adjacent to the Acworth Rosenwald School, serves as an outdoor interpretive history area honoring Acworth’s rich African American history. Be sure to view the sculpture by artist Ron Huffman.

Acworth, Georgia has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping, dining, recreation and history. For more information about the city of Acworth, click here.