CITIES & NEIGHBORHOODS

Norcross

Known as Atlanta’s “summer resort” in the 1800s, Gwinnett’s second oldest city has grown beyond its commuter community. Now Norcross is known for its quaint downtown and pretty parks as well as being a hub for television and movie filming.

Eat: Pre-war Italy comes to Dominick’s, where family recipes like veal marsala and chicken parmigiana make up the menu. Paizanos’ pizzas will bring you back to New York with names like Astoria, Park Avenue, and Penn Station. Tacos and tequila are the specialties at Mexican restaurant Zapata Pappadeaux is a Cajun seafood heaven. Get caffeinated with espresso and specialty lattes at 45 South Cafe & Coffee House, which also has a lovely patio area and tasty breakfast menu.

Peachtree Corners

Both families and Fortune 500 companies call Gwinnett’s newest city home. Scope out the latest technological innovations at the Curiosity Lab or relax by the Chattahoochee River, 17 miles of which run through the city.

Eat: Carnivores love Uncle Jack’s Meat House for juicy steak burgers, prime chops, and decadent sides. Leave your passport at home to try Cuban food like media noche and stuffed plantains at Mojitos—plus the signature cocktail. Indulge in raw oysters, Maine lobsters, and king crab at modern seafood restaurant Pêche

Shop: Upgrade your wardrobe and home at outdoor mall the Forum and peruse the outdoorsy High Country Outfitters. Scrub up with plant-based, cruelty-free bath bombs, cloud-like soap whips, and shower oils at Buff City Soap

Do: Art aficionados build their home collections at family-owned R Alexander Fine Art. Craft beer flows at family-run breweries Kettlerock and Anderby Simpsonwood Park’s two-mile loop is a favorite for birders, hikers, and bikers. A hoisted bridge over the majestic woods gives Jones Bridge Park its name and offers a scenic walk on the banks of the Chattahoochee.

Shop: Go glam with the metallic and boldly patterned garments at Glitter G. From seasonal decor to casual looks, Carolee’s has women’s fashion covered. Entertain at home in style thanks to the Red Hound Gifts’ wares and workshops. Antique Traditions has been a source of midcentury modern and contemporary furniture for 25 years.

Do: Pick from several signature pours, including IPAs and sours, at beer club turned brewery Social Fox Brewing. Expect live comedy and music along with lagers, hard seltzers, and kombucha at Cultivation Brewing Co Sample vinegars and olive oils and shop other gourmet goodies at VSOP Taproom.