A convenient location for business travelers paves the way to live music, creative arts, hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding and more
WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA–FEBRUARY 2024–Where do business and leisure travelers stay near Atlanta when they want sophisticated and entertaining amenities and a welcoming, small-town feel? Woodstock, Georgia, just 30 minutes northwest of the Atlanta perimeter on I-75/575, offers convenient access to Atlanta’s business mecca while providing a lively night scene complete with live music, creative arts and great dining. The affordable entertainment and accommodations will make travelers want to stay the weekend to explore.
The historic downtown Woodstock shopping and dining district includes a mix of new and carefully preserved architecture and a fun energy. Convenient to hotels and parking, this walkable city center is a recipient of Georgia Municipal Association’s Live, Work Play City award, which means it’s as nice to visit as it is to live here. Every day of the week and weekend, there’s always something going on: a great performance, exhibit and more at Woodstock Arts Theatre, with its visual arts center, café and event green; Reformation Brewery, with its deck, taproom and a relaxing backyard; and at MadLife Stage & Studios where dining, national touring bands, comedy and daily performances are on the menu at indoor and outdoor stages in an intimate venue. Downtown Woodstock is an open container entertainment district where patrons can sip, stroll around and savor the kitchen aromas and music in the air.
Dining and Sipping
A James Beard award-winning chef, a Venezuelan restaurant. Jazz brunch. A wine and bourbon bar. A tequila bar. Downtown Woodstock surprises visitors with 20 chef-driven restaurants spanning global flavors spiced with craft breweries. Ambience options range from fine dining to farm-to-table to fast casual. Among the favorites are TEN Sushi Lounge, Prime 120 Steakhouse and Sizzling Spices Indian cuisine. Check out the food and drinks menus at two gastropubs, Century House Tavern and Salt Factory Pub. Don’t miss dinner and rooftop views at Rootstock, known for gourmet cuisine, impressive wines, whiskey tastings and live music. Grab a local brew at Jekyll Brewing and Reformation Brewery or take in the local bar scene at Truck & Tap, Woodstock Beer Market, MadLife Stage & Studios and Pure Taqueria’s rooftop bar.
Shopping and Spas
Shoppers and browsers will be happy to find 30 unique locally owned stores in downtown Woodstock. Discover antiques, browse two independent bookstores, peruse local art and jewelry, shop home décor, clothing and more. For art and artisan products, don’t miss Made Mercantile, an incubator for local creatives who display and sell their art and products and offer fun demo classes.
Less than a five-minute drive is Atlanta’s closest and newest premium outlet shopping. The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta is a walkable, landscaped outdoor environment with more than 90 luxury and high-end stores. In addition to a food court and two full-service restaurants, The Outlet Shoppes is also an open container entertainment district for sipping and shopping. Monthly car shows and other events make it more than a rewarding retail experience. (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Looking for tranquil relaxation? Ember Hot Yoga studio is a welcoming space for a gentle workout or re-set, followed by a tasty healthy treat from Eden smoothies. Enjoy a well-deserved massage, facial or body treatment at Salon & Spa Venessa or Ingrid’s Spa and Wellness.
Outdoor Pursuits
Those who live for the outdoors and want an active workout will find three hiking trails including Noonday Creek Trail, only a four-minute walk from downtown, where The Reeves House Visual Arts Center provides a welcome respite in its gallery and café. Olde Rope Mill Park, on the site of the last mill on the Little River, and Toonigh Creek Falls trails are just a little farther away and offer the extra attraction of walking by the water. Cyclists will love Olde Rope Mill Park or Blankets Creek trails. Water adventurers will find paddle boarding/kayaking/canoeing at Olde Rope Mill Park and nearby Lake Allatoona. Outfitters and marinas can provide water gear—even a boat rental on Lake Allatoona, where you can dine right on the water at Sunset Grille. The extra-adventurous can take a hot air balloon ride from Balloon Atlanta for a view of the lake, downtown Woodstock and more. For details and more ideas, go to Woodstock, Georgia: Unexpected Outdoor Recreation – Travel Media Press Room
Woodstock offers a choice of seven lodging options, including flagship brands without the big-city rates. For information on annual events and year round happenings such as walking tours, seasonal markets and more, please go to VisitWoodstockGA.com/events or make a stop at the Woodstock Visitors Center at Dean’s Store located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Woodstock. www.VisitWoodstockGA.com