Located in Hall County, Gainesville is considered to be the business hub of northeast Georgia and is home to upwards of 100,000 residents. Dating back to the 1800’s, the City of Gainesville was originally established as “Mule Camp Springs” by settlers following Indian trails. To this day, Gainesville maintains its historical legacy as a transportation and trade center. The name of the city was given in honor of General Edmund P. Gaines who was a war hero, military surveyor and road-builder.
Surveying Gainesville’s real estate market, one will find a wide range of available options. Trulia lists 1,156 home results, ranging all the way from $26,000 to $4,000,000. The medium home price rests at a comfortable $144,170.
This city has an outdoorsy charm, nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded on three sides by Lake Lanier. Although it is the 19th largest city in the state, Gainesville is a place quaint enough to know your neighbors, while still offering all the services and experiences of a big city.
Shopping and Dining
- 2 Dog. Located in a century old home, 2 Dog has been serving rustic Euro soul food for the past 15 years. Everything is made in-house from the bread to sauces to salad dressings. Menu items change with each season, as do the wine and beer selections. Currently, a few items on the menu are buffalo shrimp, grilled portabella and pimento cheese burgers and BBQ shrimp and grits. With the motto of “fresh products make good food,” 2 Dog is a must whenever in Gainesville.
- Downtown Gainesville. With over 50 shops in and around the downtown Gainesville square, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Throughout the year, different events and community celebrations are always going on, ensuring there is always something new and interesting to do in town. Home to everything from boutiques to a vibrant night life, downtown Gainesville offers the town “so much, so close!”
- Luna’s. If you are looking for a fine dining experience in a casual atmosphere, Luna’s is the place for you. Offering a diversity of facilities, you may choose to enjoy your meal in various areas with different looks and feels. The menu lists southern classics such as fried green tomatoes to delicacies such as filet and lobster tail.
Entertainment and Recreation
- Frances Meadows Aquatic Center. This state-of-the-art aquatic facility is conveniently located with much to offer. If your children are new to the water, or simply wanting to sharpen their skills, the center offers year-round swimming lessons to all ages. From a 10-lane competition pool to an outdoor water park and fitness classes, Frances Meadows has much fun to share with you and your family.
- River Forks Park. This park is a camper’s dream, perfect for getting sun on the beach and grilling up a picnic. Located on the beautiful Lake Lanier, this park is home to a 40,000 square foot beach, campsites, 24-hour security, volleyball courts and much more. River Forks Park is a must-visit for the outdoorsy.
- Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, Inc. “INK” is a one of a kind, entertaining destination for the whole family. INK is a hands-on children’s museum where children learn through interactive role-playing about being a banker, grocery store clerk, doctor, dentist and many more. This non-profit organization aims to help children develop their full potential and explore their dreams.
Attractions
- Quinlan Visual Arts Center. The mission statement of this local arts center is, “bringing visual arts to life, and to the life of the community.” In such an effort, the Quinlan Visual Arts Center offers a wide range of exhibits, classes, workshops and summer camps to the community. Currently, exhibits on display are “The Tapestry Weavers South,” “For the Love of Art,” “The Car Show” and “Food For Thought.”
- Northeast Georgia History Center. Dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Northeast Georgia, the Northeast Georgia History Center collects, catalogues and preserves historical items unique to the region. The Center has teamed up with Brenau University and offers a wide variety of exhibits promoting a greater understanding of the region’s cultural, social, economic and political history.
- Elachee Nature Science Center. With 1,500 acres of forest and 13 miles of hiking trails and an interactive museum, the Elachee Nature Science Center will appeal to visitors of all ages. With a mission to “promote environmental understanding through education and conservation,” the Nature Center offers workshops and special events, pre K-12 field trips, birthday parties and summer camps, all to ensure the environmental education of the community.
Head out to Gainesville today to experience the outdoorsy charm of Blue-Ridge and Lake Lanier.