Denim, dining and dancing: Your city guide to Canton

In a distant northern suburb of Atlanta, sitting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies Canton, Georgia. This booming city once part of the Cherokee Nation has grown in recent decades as the metro Atlanta area has sprawled ever further. But it’s not just in recent years that Canton has attracted attention.

It all began after gold was discovered in the city’s lands in the 1820s. Incorporated a few years later, the town soon landed on the name Canton to speak to its aspirations as a silk producer — an American mirror of the Chinese city of the same name. Despite their efforts, the climate was not kind to the trees and silkworms brought to manifest this dream. Instead, the town became a quality producer of cotton and its renowned “Canton Denim.” Once the railroads reached this far in the 1870s, Canton became an important hub for industry, especially poultry and dairy.

Today, Canton is a growing suburb and artistic destination, offering homes for families and creatives alike. The downtown Canton area has several great dining and shopping options, and the city is home to lots of natural wonders. Its many festivals are perfect for all ages, and there’s plenty to see no matter when you visit.

What can I do for fun in Canton?

Enjoy the great outdoors at one of the Etowah River’s many parks. Canton’s place along the Etowah River means it has multiple parks to enjoy nature. Etowah River Park has a mile-long walking trail, a boat launch and playgrounds for the kids. Heritage Park’s trails curve around the Etowah River and connect with its sister park across the water. Nearby Boling Park has more natural trails along the river as well as several sport fields.

See a show at the Historic Canton Theatre. This historic theatre has been around for more than a century and is worth seeing a show or a movie in. Step inside its Art Deco façade and settle in your seat for a variety of programming — everything from film screenings to original plays to dance and much more!

Celebrate year-round with one of Canton’s many festivals. Canton hosts plenty of fun for the whole family no matter the season. The city has a monthly farmer’s market. Springtime has outdoor arts fests and a film festival inside the Canton Theatre. Summer brings the River Rock Concert and Festival, a free music festival featuring great acts in rock and country. Fall brings the Denim Festival (named for the city’s historic export) with music, food, kid’s activities and a denim overall contest. And of course, there are plenty of holiday markets come December.

Score a strike and a bite at B&B Social. Bring your friends for dinner and game night, without having to host! This pub has a two-lane bowling alley, darts, arcade games and a ton of TVs if your idea of “game night” is the latest sporting match. In between games, food includes wings, shareable flatbread pizzas and more. Rent lanes by the hour, and chow down any time.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Canton?

Bizarre Coffee

Starbucks, this is not. Start your day in downtown Canton within the colorful décor of this funky coffee and smoothie shop. They have your standard coffee and tea options, but opt for one of their specialty drinks like the spicy Lava Java mocha latte, the soothing Wanderlust latte with honey and almond, or the Candy Bliss, which tastes like a Snickers bar in a cup. In need of something filling? Bizarre Coffee also has smoothie bowls, breakfast sandwiches, and bagels to go with that drink.

Location: 121 East Marietta Street; Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: bizarrecoffee.com

Goin’ Coastal

There’s nothing fishy about this family-owned seafood joint, just fresh flavor and classic Southern seafood. Classic dishes like shrimp and grits, lobster mac and cheese, and lobster bisque anchor the menu, with pecan smoked grouper and shrimp with andouille sausage rounding out highlights. If you’re casting a wider net, try the coastal bowl with shrimp, mussels, and scallops simmered in tomato sauce with veggies. Pair with a variety of cocktails, bourbons, or wine.

Location: 125 West Main Street; Hours: Monday through Friday, Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dinner: 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 4-10 p.m.; Website: goincoastalseafood.com

C’est La Vie

Enjoy a taste of France in this cozy, converted house in downtown Canton run by owners from Provence. Start with foie gras or caviar bites before your beautifully plated entrees arrive. Choose from tender beef, scallops, and lobster with a mix of potatoes, veggies and a paired wine. Need something less robust but no less tasty? Lunch specials feature sandwiches and pastas along with classic appetizers like croque madame and quiches, while Tuesdays feature crepe specials.

Location: 361 East Marietta Street; Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Dinner: 5-9 p.m.; Website: cestlaviegeorgia.com

A Cone to Pick

Everyone deserves a sweet treat to e. Come down to this retro-inspired ice cream shop, with its record players, old-time décor, and a genuine soda fountain. Their vibe may be retro, but the flavors are made for modern tastes. Options run from vanilla and chocolate to brown butter bourbon truffle, blueberry cheesecake, and dairy-free sundaes. Sit down at the bar and enjoy your ice cream in a waffle cone, or plop it in a float poured from the old-timey fountain up front.

Location: 175 West Main Street; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 1-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30-8 p.m.; Website: conetopick.com