Southern Charm: 5 Reasons to Visit Marietta Square

 

1. A Slice of History

Located near Kennesaw Mountain, is a small little community known as the Marietta Square. Built long before the rest of the state was developed, Marietta Square dates back to the early 19th-century.

This humble little square has collected a respected amount of history in the last two centuries. It was in the line of fire during the Civil War (literally set on fire) and was the starting point of the Great Locomotive Chase.

A lot of the square that exists today was rebuilt due to fire and bombing damage, the aftermath of the Civil War. The repaired infrastructure is intended to blend into the original decor.

Tourists will have to look closely to see the differences between the old and the new architecture.

The city has transformed over the years in some ways and has remained true to its roots in others. The park as the centerpiece of the square acts as a reminder of a simpler time.

Generations gather around the dark red brick fountain that stands at the heart of the town surrounded park benches and trees spaced carefully apart.

2. Everyone Loves a Ghost Story

A city that has survived over two centuries is bound to collect a few hauntings along the way. The residents love to indulge tourists with stories and speculations about curious events that have occurred over the years.

The talk of Civil War soldier sightings is a popular and somewhat expected one. A more fascinating and unexpected ghost story is a haunted pizza place.

In 1963, the building that is now Marietta Pizza Company was once a pharmacy. A tragic gas explosion killed six people and left fifty others injured.

The community gains thousands of tourists a year who are eager to take back stories of their own. An easy way to make sure they don’t miss out is to schedule a Tour with Ghost of Marietta.

 3. Local Businesses

Another feature that attracts tourists is the privately owned businesses that line the community. The streets surrounding the park is a wide range of shops and restaurants. The shops vary from antiques to new-aged beauty boutiques.

There are unique businesses around every corner. While a few of the shops have been purchased and operated in the past four years, others like Eddie’s Trick Shop has been a part of the community for 40 years.

Eddie’s Trick Shop stands out on the strip because of its youthful exterior and its playful merchandise. Their selections of colorful wigs, costumes, and magic tricks are enough to capture anyone’s attention.

Other longtime businesses include Antiques on the Square. The shop, on the corner of Atlanta and Roswell, offers the full experience from the moment customers walk through their doors.

The squeaks and crack as the aged wooden floors give beneath one’s feet enhances the senses. The shop, filled with vintage treasures, smells like books and a faint stale odor best described as “character.”

4. A Mixture of Cultures

In addition to the countless of shops and restaurants, they also have an active events calendar. Every weekend (with a few exceptions) the Square also hosts a farmer’s market.

Two-thirds of the streets are closed to give space for the local market. Local farmers and artists to set up tents on the weekends to sell produce, homemade soaps, baked goods, and some much more.

The streets are filled with smiles and exchanging pleasantries as people taste, touch, and invest in their community.

Once a year, the market shares its space with the local winery and restaurants for the Taste of Marietta. The annual event includes 75 restaurants and catering companies as they show off their best work.

The events also attract live music. Bands and musicians setup live concerts around the park to elevate the festivities.

The warm and welcoming community of the square holds traditions and attracts new ones. Spring 2018 is the first year that the Square will host Mountain to River Trail Fest. The festival showcases sculptures, artwork, and recreated murals on the side of the buildings.

5. Something for Everyone

There is literally something for everyone; the square is booming with life and diversity. Every day is a new adventure and there is always something to do.

The clothing shops have racks of dresses, blouses, and costume jewelry to ogle over. The dance and yoga studio are sure to bend anyone into shape.

For those who want to engage their artistic side, stop by the art gallery to discover the latest artists in the field.

For those who have a flair for history can appreciate the Marietta Museum of History and the Gone With The Wind Museum.

The park is always hosting impromptu concerts by a local artist. After basking in the music in the air and the visual entertainment, it’s easy to find refreshments. Swing into the Tiny Bubbles for tea, Cool Beans for a cup of coffee, or Sweet Treats for ice cream.

The little town rarely sleeps. Long after the activities of the day end, the nightlife begins. There also a popular Irish bar called MacCracken’s Celtic pub.