A mere 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Smyrna is the perfect mix of suburban and big city – but you already knew that! As a new resident, you’re probably still caught in the middle of unpacking, with barely enough time left at the end of the day to explore your new city. That’s where we here at Vinings Lifestyle come in!
One of the most popular cities in North Atlanta, Smyrna is known for its upscale shopping, unique dining, and beautiful public parks. You’re extremely convenient to both I-285 and I-75 as well as the other fair cities of Marietta, Mableton, Sandy Springs, and of course Atlanta’s tony Buckhead neighborhood.
The Smyrna area is so popular, in fact, that several books have been written about the area. Anne Wainscott-Sargent included Smyrna in her recently released travel guide, “Moving to Atlanta: The Un-Tourist Guide”, providing an insider’s guide to this great city.
“The area offers residents many diversions, including outdoor festivals, parades, concerts and farmer’s markets,” Wainscott-Sargent said.
A favorite past time of many Smyrna residents is shopping, and there are plenty of options if you share this proclivity! Market Village, opened in 2002, is Smyrna’s unofficial city center. Pedestrian focused, Market Village features more than 40,000 square feet of retail space and plenty of unique boutique stores including a wine store and beer market. Head over to Vinings (which is often called ‘Smynings” because of how closely the two areas relate to each other) to wander through the myriad of shops in Vinings Jubilee off Paces Ferry Rd.
Want a traditional shopping mall? You’re in luck! Cumberland Mall is nearby and has been growing by leaps and bounds with new stores and restaurants opening each month. It offers big box stores such as Macy’s and Costco along with hipster retail options including H&M, Apple, and Forever 21.
If trying new restaurants is your thing, then Smyrna is definitely going to be a great place to call home for you! Porch Light Latin Kitchen, Atkins Park Tavern, The Corner Taqueria, and Public House at the new Hotel Indigo are only a sampling of the eclectic restaurants that call the Smyrna-area home. Locals would also encourage you to try McCray’s Tavern, Hook Line & Schooner, Muss & Turners, and Zama Mexican Cuisine, all incredible restaurants with a loyal following.
Tracy Gaudiano, from The Smyrna Team, your Smyrna real estate source, agrees. “There is so much to do in Smyrna with all the new restaurants and shopping in the area. The new bike share program and wide sidewalks throughout make it a very active community too. We also have easy access to the airport and downtown. Best of all the new Braves stadium will be right here!”
Smyrna saw its first influx of pioneers in 1832, which means there are plenty of historic sites for new residents to see and learn about. Begin at the Smyrna Museum, located in a replica of the 1910 Smyrna Train Depot, and view the thousands of photographs, publications, artifacts, and other materials. Then make your way to the Smyrna Memorial Cemetery, established in the years between 1838 and 1848. Don’t forget the Cox/Armstrong Civil War Collection and Display, a small group of papers and artifacts displayed at three separate areas around Smyrna.
Lastly, let’s get outside. The Smyrna area is ripe with parks, greenways, and national recreation areas. Make sure to visit the Aline Wolfe Adult Recreation Center, Brinkley Park, Taylor-Brawner Park, and Jonquil Park for playgrounds, walking trails, and sports fields.
Gaudiano believes the secret spot many locals don’t know about is the River Line Historic area. She explains “it is a great park with soccer fields, walking trails, playgrounds and civil war era remnants.”
Moving to a new city can be difficult, but Smyrna’s array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options makes it easy to feel at home.