What small Southern town makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Atlanta, thanks to its charming historic downtown, vibrant restaurant and bar scene, leisurely laid-back pace, and scenic waterfront? If you guessed Savannah or Charleston, we have good news! This one’s much closer to home. Acworth may be metro Atlanta’s best-kept travel secret, because this little town has a lot going on. Here’s why you should put it on your list this year:

1. Exciting new eats

Acworth is jam-packed with great dining destinations, serving everything from seafood to soul. And downtown’s status as an open container district makes it the perfect place to spend an evening sipping and strolling. On top of that, this year brings some exciting new restaurants and bars into the city’s dynamic food and drink scene. Get excited for chef-driven restaurants serving seasonal cuisine, an array of cultural delicacies, and a diverse selection of foodie experiences for meals you and your friends and family will want to come back and enjoy again and again.

2. A fascinating new history destination

History buffs will love Depot Park, a replica of Acworth’s historic train depot. Inside, you’ll find dozens of oral history videos from long-time Acworth residents and thousands of archival photos that show how much this historic city has changed (and in some ways, stayed the same) in its long, rich history.

3. Your selfie backdrop

Of course, we love the fact that the new Lemon Street pedestrian bridge (which connects the 140 gorgeous green acres of Logan Farm Park with historic downtown), and it makes it even easier to explore Acworth on foot. But there’s something else you should know about this bridge: the scenic view from the top is highly Instagrammable. Perched above the railroad tracks that have defined this city’s landscape for decades, the view from the bridge is ridiculously photogenic, especially come sunset. (PS: kids of all ages will love watching the trains zoom past from above.) Love the views? Check out the classic Coca-cola mural at Cherokee Plaza (you may spot it from the bridge. . . look for the checkered tiles!).

4. Easier parking

The vibe in Acworth is all about taking your time and enjoying life — around here, things just seem easy. Hundreds of (and free!) public parking spaces make it even easier to get out from behind the wheel and explore the charms of Acworth on foot.

And… the lake!

Don’t forget to enjoy all of the winding trails and beautiful lake views from Cauble Park and its connecting trails!