Go There: Atlanta Suburb of Johns Creek Has Green Space, Great Food & Way More
… with none of the constant congestion. In John’s Creek, enjoy getting outside, nibbling your way through unique eateries and exploring local businesses.
Johns Creek, Georgia, a suburb north of Atlanta, received some of the best scores across the board in our research for the 2023 Top 100 Best Places to Live in America. So we decided to go check it out and bring you this guide to escaping The Big Peach or day-tripping from close-by Southern cities. In Johns Creek, you can enjoy getting outside, nibbling your way through a plethora of unique eateries and exploring local businesses.
In This Article
Where To Stay
You’ve got three options in Johns Creek proper: the Hampton Inn & Suites Johns Creek, Hilton Garden Inn Johns Creek or the Hyatt Place Johns Creek. The first two are neighbors and walkable to the city’s art tunnel.
While all of these are part of big hotel brands, the Hampton Inn, in particular, is up to date with pretty forest views from many rooms.
What To Do
Johns Creek has more parks than you can cover in a short visit: from the Chattahoochee River Recreation Area, where you can see the namesake creek (local road signage also lets you know when you’re driving over the creek) to Autrey Mill Preserve, offering trails, local history and a few resident animal friends – you can even take the goats for a walk. If you fancy a local legend, find the Monkey Massacre Memorial on Autrey Mill’s Forest Trail.
Newtown Park has something for just about everyone. See the local Everyone Has a Seat at the Creek mural by Kelsey Montague, grab a blanket or chair for the park’s Summer Concert Series and definitely don’t miss the Veterans Memorial Walk. This five-acre memorial includes a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Get your local shopping fix at cute spots like All Inspired Boutique, Piper Lillies and Johns Creek Books. At upscale local consignment shop Monica’s, leisurely browse classic and trendy styles – many new with tags but still a steal.
The one thing John’s Creek might be missing? Its own downtown community gathering place. And they’re building it!
Where to Eat & Drink
This town is punching above its weight when it comes to food. Johns Creek cuisine represents more than 125 countries, a big accomplishment in a town of 80,000. Empanadas from Belen De La Cruz will make your day – and come out so hot you’ll have to wait what feels like forever to take a bite! Don’t forget to indulge in a treat from the Johns Creek location of Atlanta’s Piece of Cake bakery.
Seven Sisters Scones (yes, there really are seven sisters) whips up every flavor of sweet or savory scone you could want. They even ship nationwide, including scone subscriptions, have appeared on QVC and been featured in national media. For dinner, local restaurant Sugo blends Italian and Greek cuisine into an innovative menu including delicious rotating cocktails. Another local Italian favorite – Altobeli’s – offers nightly live music and a piano bar. And if you need to get some work done over coffee and a snack, Alchemist Trading Co. gets you caffeinated amidst a mystical aesthetic.
Looking for some nightlife? Check out Dancing Skulls, a local entertainment venue and lounge with live music, comedy shows and more.
Local Obsession: Arts & Events
For a community of this size, the Johns Creek arts scene is impressive, with its own dance academy and company, symphony and even a classical Indian dance academy.
The Johns Creek Arts Center maintains a small gallery of rotating works and offers events, workshops and kids camps as well as classes for all ages in a variety of mediums like painting, drawing, ceramics, photography and even sewing.
You’ll also have plenty of local events to choose from throughout the year. For example, one weekend in May featured a free Earth, Wind & Fire cover band concert in the park, a secret garden tour of private home gardens, an artist popup market at the Arts Center, a car show and a symphony performance.