Marietta is a municipal city in Georgia that is known for its modern life and culture.
It is located near Atlanta and provides a lot of fun activities to do.
Marietta is one of the most historically and economically important cities in Georgia.
Home to various museums, cemeteries, theaters, and other important buildings, the city was adjudged as one of the best communities in the nation in the year 2006.
Known for its friendly locals, the people of Marietta will make you feel right at home.
These are the best things to do in Marietta, Georgia:
Taking a guided tour of the streets of Marietta is probably the best way to start your trip.
This will definitely help you in getting a basic idea of the city and connecting with it.
The tour is organized daily after sunset.
It is led by travel guides who also share various tales and myths about the city while walking through the streets.
They are generally organized on foot and trolley buses.
The entire tour is filled with stories from civil wars, the city’s ghosts, historical sites, and many more.
Even though some of the stories told during the tour seem to be supernatural, they fit into the atmosphere and the vibe around you.
The tour also gives you a glance at the city’s major attractions, which will help you plan the coming days of your visit.
The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art is one of the most famous museums in Georgia.
It started back in the 1990s and has been one of the city’s major attractions since then.
The museum was designed in the form of a stylish building using Greek architecture.
The building stands on tall columns that give it a royal look from the Roman era.
It was once used as the city’s main post office but later turned into a museum.
The museum is famous for dedicating special attention to American-style artwork.
Its collection is quite vast and has items belonging to the 18th century and present times.
The museum is also famous among people across the borders as a famous movie scene was shot in its gallery in the year 2014.
Visitors also love the museum because of its beautiful design and the way it gives off a very homely feeling.
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The Marietta Confederate Cemetery is the largest cemetery not only in the city but in the surrounding areas as well.
More than 3,000 Confederate soldiers who lost their lives during the American Civil War rest in peace on these grounds.
Along with the graves, the cemetery also has a field gun on display that weighs as much as six pounds.
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It is also quite important to note that the cemetery is considered to be a sacred place in the city and hence has a holy vibe around it.
Even though you might have visited this place as a part of a guided tour of Marietta, the cemetery definitely deserves more of your time and another visit.
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Oakton House has been standing in Marietta since 1838, when the city was only in the stages of forming.
This historic estate is the oldest surviving residence in the city.
The building also played an important role during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
During the battle in 1864, this house was used as Confederate headquarters, which ultimately saved Atlanta from Union forces.
The house has a pretty and gracious garden that is well-maintained in a formal manner.
A box hedging, a barn, a well, a milk house, and a smokehouse increase the value and beauty of this property.
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Originally built as a cotton Warehouse, the Kennesaw House houses the Marietta Museum of History.
The museum gives off historical and vintage vibes as it was constructed entirely using red-colored bricks in the year 1845.
It showcases a vast collection of various themes from the first two centuries of the city’s foundation.
The museum’s top two floors display that collection.
The Civil War exhibition is also quite expansive and draws a lot of tourists’ attention.
In addition, the museum also showcases a major collection representing the ancestral life of the American people and the Gold Rush of Georgia.
It also has a bible on display that is written in the Cherokee language.
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A famous landmark in Marietta, the Big Chicken was built in 1963.
This unique attraction was designed in the shape of a 56-foot-tall chicken.
It is one of the most famous KFC stops in the city.
The building was supposed to be torn down, but a group of local people protected it against the demolition.
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As a result, The Big Chicken has become quite an important landmark in the city, attracting a lot of diners and tourists.
Apart from housing the famous fast food joint, The Big Chicken also has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs like T-shirts and various types of games.
If you are traveling with kids, you should definitely visit this place.
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Built in 1851, the Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum is located in Brumby Hall.
The museum was built after getting inspiration from the famous book, Gone with the Wind, written by Margaret Mitchell who was born in Atlanta.
It showcases various outfits worn by actors in the film and the original copies of the book.
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The museum also provides exhaustive details about the cast members and other important events that took place while shooting the film.
This place is definitely a win-win location for people who are interested in the cinema and entertainment industries.
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The Marietta Square Farmers Market is one of the most prominently located markets in the city.
It is set in a parking lot on Mill Street, which is free from any sort of traffic.
The market is open only on Saturday mornings.
Every Saturday, a large number of local producers and artists set up their stalls to provide freshly produced items to shoppers.
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More than 50 stalls offer items such as homegrown fruits and vegetables, freshly baked bread, and lemonade made with locally grown ingredients.
The market also has a gift shop where buyers can purchase things like honey, preserves, soaps, perfumes, and other general-use items.
You can also enjoy breakfast on the tables that are set up at the market.
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Pay a Visit to the Historical William Root House Museum and Garden
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Built in 1845, The William Root House is the oldest standing home in downtown Marietta.
As the house eventually lost its grandeur, it was later restored to its former glory.
The Root House Museum depicts a detailed history of the lives of the members of the Root family.
Along with family members, the museum has also provided details about all the slaves who worked in their home.
The museum is decorated with local furniture designed by regional artists.
It also has a very old stove that is believed to date back to its original construction.
The Root House also has its own kitchen garden, which has medicinal herbs and other healing plants.
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The Strand Theatre is another marvelous work of architecture located in downtown Marietta.
The theater was originally built as a cinema complex back in the year 1935.
At present, the theater building is used for various events.
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It also showcases classic movies and regularly organizes events such as comedy nights, concerts, live music performances, and theater performances with the best artists.
The theater also has a bar facility on the fourth floor, where all the beer and wine enthusiasts can grab their drinks.
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The Marietta Square Food Tour is another unique concept devised by people in Marietta.
This tour will take you around different eateries that serve the best food and drinks in the city.
It’s a different experience in itself because it is far from the limelight and rush one sees in busy spots like the Big Chicken.
The tour, which covers seven different restaurants, primarily focuses on lesser-known places that can be considered Marietta’s hidden gems.
The tour goes on for around three hours, during which the tour guides also share interesting facts about the city.
The dishes offered during this tour are not only limited to local dishes but also include worldwide specialties.
Six Flags White Water is a perfect location for spending some chill time with your friends and family.
It is a water park with rides and pools appropriate for visitors of all ages.
Spanning almost 280,000 square meters, it is one of the most famous amusement parks in the entire state.
The amusement park has outdone its competitor parks by adding different pools and rides with unique and catchy names, such as the Atlanta Ocean Wave Pool.
Six Flags White Water is a must for every adventure seeker’s Marietta itinerary.
Brumby Hall & Gardens, which is tucked away a few miles from the Historic Marietta Square, is the ideal setting for your upcoming outdoor event.
Each garden features a distinctive pattern that is ideal for both small private parties and events for sizable groups.
The Knot Garden, which features a lovely fountain and courtyard, is ideal for a small wedding or reception.
Due to its abundance of trees and flowers, the Perennial Garden is a favored location for wedding celebrations.
The Topiary, which is their largest garden, has a sizable green area, a covered pavilion, and a gazebo that is ideal for use as a dance floor.
Up to 200 people may attend wedding ceremonies and celebrations here.
Brumby Hall & Gardens is the location you’re looking for if you want a spectacular setting for an event!
The Marietta Fire Museum, which is two blocks from the historic Marietta Square, has a collection of vintage fire equipment dating back to 1854.
It showcases items that were utilized by the Marietta Fire Department throughout the 1800s.
The collection consists of a variety of items, such as cars, tools, old artifacts, pictures, and outfits.
For a more memorable experience, take a self-guided tour to learn about the evolution of the fire service.
Additionally, there is a tiny gift store section where you can buy mugs, t-shirts, and other mementos.
Come find out about the Marietta Fire Department’s past!
Thaicoon & Sushi Bar has been serving the Marietta Square since 2002.
They provide a wide variety of authentically tasty Thai cuisine crafted with only the finest ingredients.
Their chefs created a menu with savory and exquisite meals that can’t be found anywhere else by drawing inspiration from both traditional and contemporary Thai and Japanese cuisine.
Customers have the opportunity to experience an ideal mix of the two cultures thanks to the inventive sushi rolls and small appetizers.
Discover your new favorite meal at Thaicoon & Sushi Bar in Marietta Square!
Cobb Antique Mall has been providing a vast collection of products at affordable rates for above 15 years.
About 47,000 square feet of treasures, collectibles, and vintage things can be found here.
Every style is represented by the furniture we have, including American, Historical, Primitive, European, Vintage, and Mid Century Modernism.
Cobb Life Magazine named this mall the “Best Antique Mall.”
Explore a variety of art deco, conventional, and mid-century modern antiques, and keep your findings safe with their custom frame choices.
Shop for coins, sports memorabilia, comic books, vinyl records, and fine jewelry, and add more to your collection.
Michelle Kong, the founder of Hong Kong Star Chinese Cuisine, began working when she was 16 in order to support her family, and she found work in a five-star restaurant in Hong Kong in the 1980s.
She observed, sampled, and experienced some of the best cuisines in the world and gained the knowledge necessary to never skimp on excellent foods.
The mission of Hong Kong Star is to provide everyone with access to these exquisite tastes and culinary experiences.
Enjoy a fantastic Cantonese lunch at Hong Kong Star Chinese Cuisine, which is situated in East Cobb Marietta.
This restaurant has the finest pricing in the city, pleasant service, and mouth-watering food!
Follow the M2R TrailFest and get fascinated by the creative works of local artists while enjoying downtown events.
This yearly festival has been running for more than five years, inviting visitors to get immersed in Marietta’s public arts and celebrate with the locals, too.
The May event highlights numerous art installations and additions to the city’s existing murals.
You can catch fantastic art performances and entertaining live music, and see visual art pieces along the trail starting from Lewis Park and winding down near Brown Park.
Aside from the sculpture installations and brightly colored murals, you can also admire original artwork and photography pieces posted along the trail.
Watch as new murals are created by featured local artists and join scavenger hunts and other fun-filled activities.
M2R TrailFest is truly a fun art event for everyone.
If you’re an aviation enthusiast, you’ll enjoy a tour around the Aviation History & Technology Center.
From the beginning of local aviation in the area 75 years ago, the center continually aims to educate the public and preserve and celebrate its significance and developments.
Located on Perrin Road, the center is open from Friday to Sunday with guided tours available upon request.
During your tour, you’ll learn aviation facts from knowledgeable staff that includes military veterans, aviation buffs, and retired professionals in the industry.
Check out and go inside the C141B Air Force transport & the Lockheed L-1329 JetStar I which was owned by renowned singer Kenny Rogers.
Then see other military and civilian aircraft on display like the Lockheed AC-130A Spectre “Ghost Rider”, Lockheed YC-141B StarLifter, Lockheed S-3B Viking, and Douglas A-4A Skyhawk.
Likewise, get to see other powerful flying machines like the Grumman A-6E Intruder, the Grumman F-14A Tomcat, the Grumman OV1C-Mohawk, the LET L-13 Blanik, and LTV A-7E Corsair II.
You can also have a glimpse of the F-84F Thunderstreak, the Thorp T-18 Tiger, and the Ryan BQM-34A Firebee at the Aviation History & Technology Center.
Got a green thumb? Then, you’ll have a great learning experience at McFarlane Nature Park.
This 11.5-acre area was the first project established by The Cobb Land Trust which maintained the property since 1992.
The large nature park on Farm Road South East was given by Florence McFarlane who willed that the land be used as a green space and kept to its natural state.
Make a reservation for your visit and see the various display gardens developed by the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County.
Wander around Walnut Grove where you’ll find the native shrub garden planted with Piedmont native plants, then take time to relax at the picnic bench.
Likewise, visit the Shade Garden with lines of shady plant varieties and vast woodlands, the colorful blooms of the perennial border, and the nectar garden which was built by the Sope Creek Garden Club.
McFarlane Nature Park also features an increasing number of trees of which many are native to the area.
Your family will enjoy a nice nature trip at Green Meadows Preserve just off Dallas Highway.
The preserve spans more than a hundred acres and was acquired by Cobb County in 2008.
Visitors can come by for free from daybreak to sundown and enjoy the tranquil woodlands and meadows.
Wander around or have a picnic with the family, then explore the various plants and flowers around the area.
You can spot the Bluebird nesting boxes dotted along the 2.3-mile trail; likewise, you can go for Guided Walks and Talk Tours during the spring and fall seasons led by founder and trail keeper Jim Bearden.
Drop by the Cherokee Garden to discover herbs and plants used by Native Indians and learn about Cherokee history, too.
Otherwise, you can join public service projects and horticulture classes, learn about vegetable gardening, and enjoy the garden tours.
Visit the 1830 “Bullard” farmhouse and admire its architectural features; you’ll also find the Historical Garden surrounding the farmhouse with shrubs and plants common during the late 1900s.
You can explore more scenic nature sites at the Green Meadows Preserve along the Three Mile Trail.
Have a day of fun family entertainment at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.
This amusement venue has several locations with one on Marietta’s Roswell Road.
Get your game mode on and enjoy classic favorites to the latest video game craze, then play and win prizes at the redemption games.
Try the Hologate, a full-sensory virtual reality game that transports you to a whole new dimension.
Play a heart-pounding game of Laser Tag at the two-story 4,000 square foot arena featuring over 10 different games you can enjoy with family and friends.
Likewise, you can take the 7D Experience with superb special effects that you can see, feel and hear during the game.
You can also play Boutique Bowling built with 12 custom-designed lanes and black lights; sit and relax on the cozy leather seats and cool decor.
While enjoying all these attractions, you can have your fill of delicious food on the menu from Andretti Shareables, Burgers, and Handhelds to fresh salads, chef-crafted entrees, Napoletana Pizza, calzones, and desserts.
Likewise, you can also order Signature Cocktails, beer in bottles, draft or flight, and pick from their Red, White, and Rose wine selections.
Have loads of fun at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games!
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Located in the neighboring city of Kennesaw, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is housed in a beautiful building.
The museum has a rich collection of items dating back to the Civil War, along with other historical artifacts.
It also has a display of locomotives dating back to the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862.
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Among the collection, the steam engine is the most famous.
The museum also houses a French Merci Train boxcar exhibition.
As per the record, the boxcar was sent from France filled entirely with gifts in the year 1949.
It was sent as an acknowledgment of the efforts and help of the Americans during the Second World War.
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The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is one of the most famous recreational sites near Marietta.
Located in the city of Sandy Springs, the place is known for its lush green spaces and undisturbed wildlife.
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You can also rent a boat and experience boating on the lake or just sit around and enjoy a picnic with your family.
If you are not the type of person who can stay put for a long time, the site also has trails where you can go jogging or walk in the lap of nature.
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Just 15 minutes away from Marietta, Kennesaw Mountain is not situated at a great height but is only about 500 meters tall.
However, the mountain is the highest peak in Atlanta’s urban area, which makes it one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city.
Due to its low height and elevation, the mountain is a perfect fit for all hikers, including those who would like to try hiking for the first time.
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The slopes of the mountains are also comforting as they are covered with forests.
Kennesaw Mountain played a crucial role during the Civil War and currently falls under the property of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
These mountains are an excellent option for people looking for a refreshing break from the city.
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Georgia’s Marietta boasts several museums with local history-focused exhibitions.
In addition to historical sites, this charming tourist destination offers residents and tourists a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities.
Marietta has so much for everyone to enjoy, whether you want to go on a historical tour, spend some alone time, take a walk and admire the scenery, or savor a delicious meal.
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