Escape the big city and travel to the countryside, where “French Country meets the Georgia Mountains.”
The quaint and gorgeous town of Braselton, Georgia, is located in the counties of Jackson, Hall, Gwinnett, and Barrow, less than an hour from Atlanta, the state’s central hub.
Founded in 1884, the town gets its name from Harrison Braselton, a poor farmer who married Susan Hosch, the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner.
He built a home on a purchased 786-acre property called Braselton.
Things move at different paces in this town.
Sometimes, it’s slow like a luxury spa or the historic ambiance of downtown, or fast like a racetrack.
Whatever you want it to be, Braselton has plenty to offer.
Discover the many treasures of this town at your own leisure.
Here are the best things to do in Braselton, GA:
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Welcome to the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, recognized as one of the best road courses in the world.
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, also known as Road Atlanta, is a 2.540-mile road track located north of Braselton.
The concept of building a world-class racing circuit began in 1969 on a 750-acre property in Hall County.
The first Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta race took place in 1970.
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Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta hosts significant events such as Drift Atlanta presented by Bud Light Next, Petit Le Mans, and The Mitty.
The venue is also for smaller events, including professional and amateur sports car and motorcycle races, testing for motorsports groups, and driving school training sessions.
This track is one of Georgia’s premier entertainment destinations and one of the world’s finest.
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta provides a fun, thrilling, and family-friendly setting for individuals, families, and corporate organizations.
You’ll also get the opportunity to witness motorsports history in the making.
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Vineyard Fest has become the trademark event at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort.
For more than 20 years, the Vineyard Fest has held a daylong festival packed with entertainment, food, and drinks.
This sold-out event provides complete access to around 100 local and international wines from the favorite Muscadines to award-winning California whites and Italian reds.
Visitors can sample more than 50 unique brews and blends, bourbons, whiskeys, vodkas, and other spirits by local craft brewers and distilleries.
Likewise, indulge in a variety of international-inspired cuisine and travel the world through an all-inclusive gastronomic experience.
Join the seminars and demonstrations conducted by the expert winemaking and culinary teams.
Don’t miss the fun event at the Vineyard Fest and begin tasting your way around the globe.
Explore diverse plant life at the Thompson Mills Forest and State Arboretum, featuring granite outcrops, the John C. Buchanan Native Tree Collection Trail, the Pinetum Interpretive Loop, and the seven-acre Evan Thompson Thornton Memorial Garden.
In 1980, Lenox Thornton of Braselton, deeded the 330-acre land to the University of Georgia.
The university had to offer teaching and research opportunities, and construct an arboretum of exotic and native trees.
They also had to allow residents and visitors to learn and admire the region’s abundant plant life.
Dr. Claud Brown established the Thompson Mills Forest.
In 1991, the Georgia State Legislature declared Thompson Mills as the official arboretum of the State.
See the eight-acre granite outcrop inhabiting one of the ridge tops of the forest and supporting a multitude of attractive, rare, and unique plants.
Walk through the Pinetum Interpretive Loop, which will bring you into the world of conifers, including over 100 species of gymnosperms from across 27 countries.
Take a stroll at the John C. Buchanan Native Tree Collection Trail, which leads to a biologically-diverse area.
Otherwise, take a 30-minute self-guided walk through the Eva Thompson Thornton Memorial Garden, which features over 100 species of native and exotic trees from all over the world.
If you are passionate about plants and nature, visiting the Thompson Mills Forest and State Arboretum is a must.
Lanier Raceplex is a paved oval racetrack with a total track length of 0.375 miles, located right next to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
Previously known as Lanier National Speedway, the track held local races weekly and various race series.
Champion racer Bud Lunsford built the dirt track in 1982; it got paved over in 1987.
It was sold in 1995 and subsequently closed in 2011.
In 2014, Jim Downing, a road-racing champion, purchased and renovated the Lanier National Speedway facility and rebranded it as Lanier Raceplex.
The Lanier Raceplex features over 30 Dino Karts.
These karts are fast and responsive with well-balanced handling, used for their arrive-and-drive kart racing series.
They provide a one-of-a-kind karting experience with a paved infield and banked oval in a street-course track format.
They also have a track layout that changes frequently and varies in length and tracks lighting fixtures for night driving.
Whether you’re a driver or a spectator, you’ll enjoy the Lanier Raceplex.
Likewise, it’s an event venue for art festivals, car shows, concerts, drift competitions, and other racing events.
The Braselton Trolley is an experience, not just a ride.
Hop aboard and ride the retro-inspired red trolley for free, which the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority owns and runs.
The Braselton Trolley operates on a fixed-stop system every Friday and Saturday.
It takes around 45 minutes to complete the entire circuit.
The route winds through the historic downtown.
It stops by the Braselton Brothers Department Store, the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, and other places in between, all the way through SR 211 corridor.
You may track the trolley and itinerary details using their live shuttle tracker app, as the schedule and stops may change from time to time.
Additionally, the trolley is available for group rentals and ticketed tours.
The Braselton Heritage and Visitor’s Center houses a diverse collection of artifacts related to Braselton’s past and the heritage and history of nearby areas.
See pieces that aren’t too old but contribute to what makes Braselton unique.
The Braselton Heritage and Visitor’s Center is located in 1904, a multi-tenant mercantile store built in 1904 as the Braselton Brothers Department Store.
However, this is not your typical museum.
The front area features a friendly lounge atmosphere where friends can get together, grab a bite to eat or drink, or enjoy a quiet spot to work.
One wall has vintage dress cases that were once for sale and are still owned by the Braselton family.
The cabinets are full of Braselton’s rich history, and old photos are displayed across the building.
Other businesses located inside the 1904 building include a bakery, a restaurant, a taproom and some retail stores, making it a popular neighborhood hangout spot.
Enjoy southern, small-town charm in the historic district of Downtown Braselton.
Step back in time as you explore authentic shops, pubs, restaurants, and historic buildings, renovated to keep Braselton’s old-town feel.
See, hear, and taste downtown with various shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities among the historic sites.
Explore art, culture, and history with Braselton’s regular tours and self-guided walks.
Visit around 14 historical landmarks dating from the late 1800s.
Braselton is also buzzing with events all year round, so don’t miss some of the town’s fun activities.
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What started as only a sampler from the native Muscadine wines of Georgia evolved into Chateau Elan.
It’s a magnificent, award-winning vineyard and resort in the foothills of north Georgia.
The founders, Donald and Nancy Panoz, modeled the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort after the Loire Valley, a 16th-century chateau in France.
This destination resort spreads over 3,500 acres, including a 50,000-square foot event space, various restaurants, and professionally managed Golf and Racquet Clubs.
You’ll also find the Viking Culinary Studio, a world-class luxury spa, and elegantly furnished accommodations.
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Chateau Elan Winery & Resort has endless activities for everyone to enrich the body, mind, and soul.
Join painting classes, charcuterie workshops, wine education, nature trails, golf, and tennis.
Take wellness classes and fitness center to sunset stargazing, afternoon tea, pools and hot tubs, retail therapy, and much more.
This winery and resort is a favorite for business retreats, family trips, weekend getaways with friends, and all in between.
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort dominates as the top destination resort in North Georgia.
The Braselton Antique and Artisan Festival is an award-winning festival in Downtown Braselton!
The Braselton Antique and Artisan Festival is Northeast Georgia’s biggest antique and artisan festival.
The event brings over 300 vendors to Downtown Braselton twice a year, during April and October.
These vendors display their handcrafted and upcycled crafts, home decor, soaps, jewelry, pottery collection, and more.
The April event features plants, outdoor furniture, and yard art.
Grab everything you need for spring and summer, including vintage and handmade items.
Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival has everything from food trucks and beverages on-site to live music.
Try a fantastic shopping experience that you’ll find enjoyable!
Local craft beer enthusiasts have surely heard of the Braselton Brewing Company.
This brewpub is more than just a local watering hole as it’s also a lovely restaurant housed in the old cotton gin on Davis Street.
It features a delectable selection of comfort food, including burgers, chicken tenders, house mac & cheese, and more.
Braselton Brewing Company also plays with its menu and rotates the specials every day of the week.
For example, you can join Taco Tuesdays, Burger Thursdays, and Brunch Sundays.
But as the name implies, the restaurant’s highlights are the beers on tap and their great selection of wines.
Braselton Brewing Company occasionally offers beers from other small breweries, wines from nearby wineries, and beverages.
The pub owners, being pet-owners themselves, welcome pets in the Braselton Brewing Company.
They can hang out on the outdoor patio, with space for up to 40 people.
With freshly crafted beers matched with comfort food, this brewpub experience is a terrific way to unwind and mingle with friends, old and new.
Growers, bakers, and artisans come together on Davis Street in historic downtown to market their locally grown products, canned goods, homemade baked treats, and more.
The Braselton Farmers Market aims to give customers a secure and welcoming environment where they can buy directly from Georgia farmers and local food makers.
Their mission is to promote local businesses, events, and programs, foster a sense of community and help economic development.
This market regularly draws tourists who want to shop, unwind, and conduct business in the area.
Visit the Braselton Farmers Market to stock up on local produce and delicacies and support the Georgia agricultural community.
Braselton Park is located on Harrison Street.
It features a pavilion, a playground, a splash pad, and tennis courts.
Kids will most likely enjoy the splash pad, which is open daily during the summer season.
The pavilion is not for rent, but the park allows people to use it on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Braselton Park hosts festivals and events all year long.
Keep an eye out for upcoming events by checking Braselton’s Facebook account or official website.
Another park to check out for events is the Braselton Town Green, located on Davis Street, right next to the Braselton Farmers Market.
If you’re looking for a unique and fancy place for dinner in Braselton, Cotton Half Kitchen got you covered.
Cotton Half Kitchen is a white tablecloth contemporary American steakhouse featuring their dry-aged steaks.
You can also enjoy a variety of tapas-style starters and heirloom vegetables on the menu.
This 120-seat restaurant has a spacious lounge and bar area that serves a curated drinks menu highlighting bourbons, cocktails, craft beers, whiskeys, and wines.
The patio is strategically positioned so visitors can enjoy their meal with a view of Braselton Town Green Park.
You can enjoy the outdoor area no matter the season, with cozy heaters for the cold months.
Cotton Half Kitchen is sure to satisfy your mood and palate, making it a romantic date night destination.
Visit YearOne, a must-see facility for fans of vintage American muscle cars.
Since 1981, YearOne has restored cars and supplied unique accessories and car parts.
Upon entering the facility, you’ll see the showroom presenting a close-up view of muscle cars on the big screen.
You can see terrific cars like the 1970 Dodge Challenger from the Fast & Furious movies.
YearOne also hosts the YearOne Braselton Bash, an annual spring event that draws different kinds of muscle cars to Braselton for a car display.
This family-friendly event features unique vehicles, vendors, and entertainment, where it raises money for civic projects and local charities.
The Braselton LifePath creates urban connections in a suburban location by interconnecting homes, shops, businesses, and offices through various forms of transport.
The Braselton LifePath was built as a 1.7-mile, 10-foot-wide concrete path that provides ease and convenience for cyclists, runners, golf carts, and pedestrians.
The LifePath links the Northeast Georgia Medical Center and The Village at Deaton Creek to Chateau Elan, Mulberry Walk, and the Town of Braselton Mulberry River Walk.
Long-term plans include building more than 11 miles of multi-use, 10-foot wide paths connecting Spout Springs to Downtown.
Whether you want to go for a light exercise or grab a quick bite, passing along Braselton Lifepath is a pleasant way to explore the town.
If you’re looking for a no-frills spot to dine and have your hearty lunch or dinner, look no further than the Local Station on Brassie Lane.
The restaurant serves American comfort food, which will remind you of your nan cooking something special for you!
Try its delicious and popular lobster rolls, shrimp & grits, stuffed pork chop, artichoke chicken, Caprese salad, and bread with pimento cheese.
Also, don’t miss out on the Local Station’s hearty plate of charcuterie, which is made with lots of fruits, cheese, and fruits.
There’s also outdoor seating to settle down when the days are warmer.
Traveling bookworms can take refuge in the comfortable corners of Braselton Library, which provides ample reading nooks for everyone who wants to stay for a few hours.
Its selection of books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, e-books, audiobooks, and many other helpful resources is amazing.
The library also hosts different programs and events for all ages, including Storytimes, Summer Reading, and many more.
There’s also a play for the little ones to learn and interact with each other at the same time.
Braselton Library is part of the Piedmont Regional Library System.
You can find it at Brassie Lane.
Traveling around and experiencing the great outdoors can be tiresome, but it doesn’t have to be that difficult to relieve stress while in Braselton.
Thanks to Infinity Floating & Healing Center, which offers a holistic approach to healing core pain, inflammation, toxins, stress, and a lot more.
You can try its Float Therapy, which uses a float pod to let you float in a salt and water mixture with body temperature for physical and mental relaxation.
Other services are Cryotherapy, Massage, Detox, and Chiropractic.
It would be total relaxation and healing at Infinity Floating & Healing Center.
It’s located off Johnson Drive.
On a hot summer day, a delicious specialty ice cream would be a great treat to cool off and refresh while getting around town.
That being said, Juke N Jive Creamery is the best place in Braselton to wind off and enjoy some sweet treats—with an amazing 1950s vibe!
Try its delicious ice cream, handmade fudge, cakes, cobblers, pies, bread puddings, and many more.
Vegans and vegetarians can also enjoy the creamery’s dozens of dairy-free ice cream flavors.
Also, don’t miss out on playing and dancing on the jukebox!
Kickstart your day in town and grab a delicious cup of coffee at Le Petit Cafe + Boutique.
The coffee shop serves excellent flavors in a warm and friendly environment with outdoor seating if you want to catch natural sunlight, especially on warmer days.
Try its Kyoto-style coffee, caramel latte, iced latte, espresso, and many other coffee-based drinks that are sourced locally.
There’s also a boutique on-site, where you can shop for signature souvenirs and gifts.
Le Petit Cafe + Boutique is located in Chateau Elan Winery & Resort on Rue Charlemagne Drive.
The town’s motto, “It’s Better In Braselton,” is true for a reason.
Braselton provides something for everyone with its abundance of natural beauty, rich history, and economic growth.
The town has managed to preserve its past while advancing for generations.
Feel the fun as the town develops, and discover why Braselton is a beautiful place to live, work, and play.
Book your trip today!
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