The Gainesville, Georgia community is welcoming to all. From scenic views to family fun, there is always something to enjoy!
I moved here when completing a graduate assistantship at the University of North Georgia and fell in love with the community so much so that I never left. Check out some of my favorite perks of living in Gainesville, Georgia...
 |
1. Lake Lanier Access
Gainesville does a great job of presenting Lake Lanier, the largest man made lake in Georgia. Lake Lanier holds its claim to fame from the 1996 Olympic rowing, canoe and kayak events here in Gainesville. To this day the Lake Lanier Olympic Park continues to hold great events and activities for everyone to enjoy. There are also many other recreational parks with lake access available throughout Gainesville and the surrounding area; Check out Holly Park, Lanier Point Park, Linwood Nature Park and Longwood Park.
Family Fun: Take a walk along the paths at Laurel Park to enjoy a nice view of Lake Lanier with your furry friends. Laurel Park even offers a dog park!
2. Life on the Square
The Historic Downtown Square is home to many family owned businesses, boutiques, restaurants and more! There are many renovations happening right now (fall 2021) but access to all of the best activities remain open. The main Hall County Library branch headquarters is also within walking distance of the square. Before you leave don’t forget to stroll along the Rock Creek Green way weaving through four different parks while taking you from the square to Lake Lanier. We love stopping at the amphitheater nestled in the Rock Creek Veteran Park located on the corner of Northside Drive and West Academy Street.
Family fun: Historic Downtown Gainesville Square regularly hosts many events from the farmers market to Friday night festivities with local fun.
3. Hiking & Nature Trails
Gainesville is also at the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains so we have some beautiful views that can be easily accessed by the whole family. There are sidewalk trails to be found near downtown or in most parks and many wooded trails scattered throughout our beautiful town as well.
Family Fun: Some great places to begin exploring would be the Linwood Nature Preserve or the Chicopee Woods Trails brought to us by Elachee Nature Science Center
4. Family Friendly Parks
Gainesville has 21 beautiful parks that are available thanks to our wonderful Hall County Parks & Recreation. Don't worry, I will soon share much more about the many perks available at some of these parks. My family typically visits Wilshire Trails Park or Laurel Park most frequently. We are also grateful to have Don Carter State Park available with many different activities and events available.
Family Fun: Start at Wilshire Trails Park to play on the playground then find the covered bridge along the sidewalk trail.
5. Recreational Venues
From community centers to all encompassing wellness centers, Gainesville has the perfect recreational venue for every family. Whether you hope to swim, workout or play sports there is a rec center for you! Places to check out include:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lanier
- East Hall Community Center
- Francis Meadows Aquatic Center
- Georgia Mountains YMCA
- North Hall Community Center
- UNG Gainesville Hugh Mills Physical Education Center
Family Fun: Try the Y with a day pass for free if it's your first visit or just $10 as a guest. Your day pass includes access to the wellness floor, pool, basketball courts and group exercise class.
Want a review about a specific place in Gainesville? Let your publisher know as we begin to create more articles catered to the Macaroni Kid Gainesvile Ga territory.
