The friendly small-town atmosphere of Austell, Georgia might make you forget you’re just a short drive from downtown Atlanta’s busy streets and high rises. Though it’s the fastest growing town in Cobb County, Austell has preserved much of its rich history. This makes it an enriching place to explore, perfect for history lovers seeking 19th-century charm.

But it’s not all museums and landmarks. Families, couples, and solo adventurers can find plenty of outdoor recreation in breathtaking natural settings, music and live events, and even spend an afternoon riding roller coasters.

And after you’ve worked up an appetite — or before…this is vacation, right? — there are mouth-watering dining options to choose from.

From Healing Destination to Peaceful Town

Long before Austell was chosen to be the site of a new train station, it was mainly visited by hunters and trappers. They discovered the “wonderful medicinal properties” of the waters and spread the word, attracting people in search of healing for all types of ailments.

Seekers and immigrants soon founded the town of Salt Springs.

In the early 1880s, Georgia Pacific Railway built a station depot in Salt Springs, an important junction between the Birmingham and Chattanooga railway lines. Salt Springs gave way to the town of Austell, incorporated in 1885, though the water is still bottled today by Lithia Spring Water.

Today, eighteen trains come and go from the depot every day, and Austell has a small but growing business district surrounded by elegant homes, bucolic farmland, and endless hiking and biking trails.

7 Unique Things to Do in and Around Austell

Now that we’ve given you the historic backdrop, here are seven ways you can explore the Austell area firsthand.

If you live here, these activities could make a great staycation itinerary, or you could make it your goal to try each one in 2019. Of course, you can also use this list as a jumping off point for your own unique adventure.

After all, we couldn’t possibly fit all the great things about Austell on one list.

1. Sweetwater Creek State Park

Only five miles south of Austell, Sweetwater Creek State Park has it all. Fish, boat, kayak, picnic, and more on the 215-acre lake, or hike a wooded trail that leads to the Instagram-worthy ruins of an old textile mill. You can spend the night in a yurt for the full experience, or just get a couple hours of nature therapy on the field and forest trails. 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA

2. Six Flags Over Georgia

There may be other Six Flags, but only one has the Dahlonega Mine Train. Built in 1967, this family favorite is Georgia’s oldest existing roller coaster. Named for the gold rush village of Dahlonega, Georgia, visitors ride in mining cars through hills and tunnels. But that’s just one of twelve coasters in the 290-acre theme park. Get your thrills on Goliath and Superman, or take in a concert or live show inside the park. 275 Riverside Parkway Southwest, Austell, GA

3. UKE Republic

Here’s something you don’t come across often: A ukulele shop inside a historic industrial textile mill revitalized by the City of Austell. UKE Republic sells quality ukuleles and all the accessories, and also works with the best American guitar and ukulele makers for custom orders. But the most amazing part is the community they’ve fostered through classes, performances, and impromptu in-store jams. You don’t need to play an instrument to appreciate this Austell gem. 5000 Austell Powder Springs Rd., Suite 290, Austell, GA

4. Heritage Park

If you enjoyed visiting the ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park, Heritage Park is also known for its views of the former Concord Woolen Mill. At one time, Cobb County was the epicenter of the southern textile industry; the ruins at Heritage Park are yet another memorial to the 19th and early 20th-century mill boom. If history’s not your thing, you’ll have plenty else to do at this 105-acre nature preserve. 60 Fontaine Rd SW, Mableton, GA

5. Cobb County Rodeo at Jim Miller Park

The Cobb County Classic Rodeo has put on unforgettable shows for the whole family for 21 years. Described as the “most adrenaline rushing, action packed [rodeo] this side of the Mississippi,” the event keeps growing. Come for two hours of bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, trick riders, and much more, stay for the car shows, truck meet, and Cowboy Con. Just don’t forget your Cowboy hat and boots! Jim Miller Park — 2245 Callaway Rd SW, Marietta, GA

6. Silver Comet Trail

Silver Comet Trail follows the former railway corridor of the Silver Comet luxury passenger train that ran for 20 years in the mid-1900s. Ten years ago the former rail line was turned into a paved, scenic trail that passes through shady forest and over creek valleys. Hop on at one of several trailheads in nearby Mableton or Powder Springs. Walk, hike, bike, or rollerblade as far as you like along the 61.5 mile trail that traverses Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties up to the Alabama state line. Mavell Road Trailhead (mile marker 0) — 4573 Mavell Rd SE, Smyrna, GA

7. Wallace Barbecue

Austell’s renowned southern-style BBQ spot was opened by Gerald Wallace in 1966, and the town hasn’t stopped chowing down on pit cooked beef, pork barbecue, and stew

Ribs ever since. The frequently packed parking lot tells you all you need to know. Locals swear by the blue cheese dressing, smoked chicken wings, and house-made onion rings, but you really can’t go wrong. And as if good BBQ isn’t enough, Wallace Barbecue’s eclectic decor gives you lots to look at. 3035 Veterans Memorial Highway, Austell, GA

Return to a Clean, Relaxing Home

We all know what it’s like to feel the guilt and dread of neglected chores hanging over you when you’re trying to escape and have fun. But who has time for work, family, fun, and a spotless home?

Outsource the home cleaning so you can gain more time to live life to the fullest, and enjoy your home as the relaxing sanctuary it should be. If you think you might like to give home cleaning services a try, we’re happy to chat with you, no pressure. Contact us today for a quote.