7 underrated town squares in metro Atlanta to spend more time in

Around metro Atlanta, there are several charming town squares to visit and explore that you may have yet to discover. Town Squares are hidden gems in the heart of cities that bring the community together through dining, shopping, the arts and more.

There’s one thing all town squares have in common: they provide an escape from the busy city life and give you that quaint, small-town feel, whether they are more well-known ones like Marietta Square or Decatur Square or less well-known ones. Below are seven underrated town squares near and around the Atlanta area that are definitely worth exploring for a fun afternoon.

Smyrna Market Village

Smyrna Market Village, nestled in downtown Smyrna, serves as the city’s town center with ample green space, restaurants, bars, shopping and more. Throughout the year, there are many great events held here, like the annual Smyrna Christmas Tree Lighting and the weekly Smyrna Handmade Market that runs from May through October. The Handmade Market features a variety of vendors selling hand-crafted items and produce.

Location: Smyrna - 1265 W Spring St.; Website: smyrnavinings.com; Contact: 404-240-6240

Roswell Town Square

Built in 1839, Roswell Town Square is a historical town center that hosts weddings, outdoor concerts, as well as food and art festivals year-round. There’s a fountain in the middle with benches surrounding it and a grand white gazebo. Whether you’re there for a fun event or just want to take a stroll and wander around, this historic space is a must to visit.

Location: Roswell - 610 Atlanta St.; Website: roswellgov.com

Duluth Town Green

Over in Duluth, you’ll find their sprawling Town Green that is home to several family-friendly events throughout the year, like “Flicks on the Bricks” outdoor movie screenings and their free “Summer Stage Concert Series.” The Duluth Town Green also hosts holiday events and many other festivals, and can even accommodate up to 10,000 people! As a great place to spend a beautiful day with family and friends, be sure to check out all of their upcoming events.

Location: Duluth - 3142 Hill St. NW; Website: duluthga.net; Contact: 770-497-5312

Covington Square

Any fans of The Vampire Diaries? The show was filmed in Covington for nine seasons, and if you haven’t been, you’ll quickly discover the charm of this small town. Restaurants, shops and more line Covington Square, making for plenty to see and explore while you’re there. There are many events hosted on the Square, like concerts, “Easter on the Trail,” “Trick or Treat on the Trail,” and “Lighting of the Square.” When you walk around, you can have fun checking out the “stars” on the sidewalk with the names of actors and movies/television shows that were filmed there.

Location: Covington - 2101 Washington St. SW; Website: cityofcovington.org; Contact: 770-786-3227

Lawrenceville Square

The historic Lawrenceville Square is located right in the center of downtown Lawrenceville and has so much to offer. Around the Square with a beautiful historic courthouse, you will find a great selection of restaurants, a florist, an awesome comic bookstore, a candy shop, the Lawrenceville Arts Center and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab your friends and check out the 90-minute Lawrenceville Ghost Tours for some paranormal stories.

Location: Lawrenceville - 185 W Crogan St.; Website: lawrencevillega.org

Newnan Square

The home of country legend Alan Jackson, Newnan is a charming, small Georgia town with a historic downtown square. Many of the buildings that house the surrounding shops have been around for over a century (some date back as early as 1868). On the first Saturday of every month, you can visit “Market Day” at the Square which features over 50 vendor booths with locally grown produce, art, clothing, handmade artisan products, baked goods and more. While you’re there for Market Day, you can also enjoy live music from local musicians with “Pickin’ on the Square.”

Location: Newnan - 36 S Court Square; Website: explorenewnancoweta.com; Contact: 770-254-2627

Snellville Towne Green

Snellville’s Towne Green is a perfect community gathering spot for residents and non-resident visitors to explore. With the Snellville Farmers’ Market, Food Truck Fridays, concerts, and festivals, there are a wide range of events hosted on the green for everyone. For special holiday events, there’s the Star-Spangled Snellville celebration on the 4th of July, the Snellville Lighted Christmas Parade and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

Location: Snellville - 2437 Main St. E; Website: snellville.org