CITIES & NEIGHBORHOODS

Lilburn

Named after a railroad superintendent, Lilburn has evolved beyond the rail line that first put the city on the map in 1910. A new city hall, residential development, and library bring vibrancy to downtown, and abundant greenspace offers an escape from city life.

Eat: Short ribs and pork tenderloin pair perfectly with the wines blind-tasted by the owners of Three Blind Mice. Dine on quesadillas, burritos, and tacos, and sip on margaritas at Agavero Cantina. 1910 Public House adds a gourmet flare to Southern staples like cornmeal-fried catfish and shrimp and grits.

Lawrenceville

Gwinnett’s oldest city features Romanesque architecture on its town square, underscoring its historic charm, but its connection to the rail line and main highways has kept it current. Now, it’s an arts and dining hotspot. Don’t miss the latest show at the Lawrenceville Arts Center, home of the Aurora Theatre, where you can enjoy Broadway favorites, concerts, and original productions.

Eat: Make the DTL’s newest restaurant, Scrum-did-dly-ump-tious, your next brunch spot. Maggazino Delle Pizza fires up mozzarella-packed pies and calzones in an authentic wood-fired oven. Sip away on bubble tea and refreshing fruit slushies at Pearl’s Tea. Since 2001, Cosmo’s Pizza + Social spins New York-style slices. Village Burger flips patties and hot dogs to order—make sure to save room for soft serve.

Shop: Drink and buy loose-leaf tea blends like chocolate chai and raspberry green at tearoom and gift shop Becca’s Well after you snag your next read at Liberty Books. Collect comics, figurines, and cards at nerd haven Galactic Quest. Add some pizzazz to your palate with original spice mixes and sweet treats at Nancy’s Candy & Spice.

Do: Make a gift for someone—or yourself—at paint-and-sip favorites Painting with a Twist and Masterpiece Mixers, or decorate a wood sign at AR Workshop

Fill a growler with the best drafts at Exhibit A(le), a suds shop owned by a local lawyer. Stop in at the Play Parlor for a fun night out filled with tabletop games.

Shop: Antiques In Old Town fills 6,000 square feet with vintage treasures. Model train hobbyists can add to their collection at Legacy Station. Browse racks upon racks of kids and women’s throwback fashion and special occasion gowns at Back by Popular Demand. Pokémon fans can “catch ’em all” at Smash Anime + Trading Cards.

Do: Discover nearly 80 local artists— from potters to wood carvers— at Citizen Exchange art collective. Stroll from sunrise to sunset on Camp Creek Greenway’s 4.2-mile trail. Restock the home bar with juniper-forward gin, triple-distilled vodka, and the state’s only local absinthe at Hope Springs Distillery See the wonder of the BAPS Mandir, made of 34,000 pieces of handcarved Indian stone.