Shop, splash and savor: Your city guide to Buford

Lying at the northern tip of Gwinnett County, northeast of Atlanta, and encompassing part of the iconic Lake Lanier lies the city of Buford. Like many old outposts along the railroads of the 1800s, Buford grew from a rural outpost to a manufacturing town to a booming suburb in recent decades.

Initially Cherokee territory and then a sparsely settled outpost, Buford came into being after the Civil War as the interstate railroads were built between Atlanta and Charlotte. Named for rail president Algernon Sidney Buford, the town was officially incorporated in 1872 and became a hub for leather production. These goods had national acclaim and even found their way into many popular Hollywood Westerns.

After World War II, the Army Corp of Engineers built the Buford Dam as the first step in creating nearby Lake Lanier. The lake and its surrounding area serve not only as a natural resource for the state but also as a premier recreational destination for North Georgia. With leather production in decline during the latter half of the 20th century, Lake Lanier’s popularity and the growing number of families and major companies settling in the suburbs has allowed Buford to remain attractive both as a place to live and play to this day.

What can I do for fun in Buford?

Find a store and so much more at the Mall of Georgia. The Southeast’s largest mall has called Buford home for more than two decades. This sprawling, three-story shopping campus is home to several major retail stores, a food court, and a 20-screen Regal Cinemas theater with IMAX. They also have an indoor play park and an escape room for kids and teens to explore while their parents get their shopping on.

Soak up the fun at the Margaritaville Water Park. Lake Lanier may be a popular summer destination but nearby lies great food and fun, no matter the season. Whether you’re tubing down snow drifts in winter or diving into the pool during warmer weather, this park has something for everyone, no matter the season. Chill out on the shore with their relaxing beach dining area afterward.

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

Tchin Tchin Coffee

Community and coffee are the two most important things to this locally-owned cafe. Step through the open garage door and up to the counter as you ponder their tasty seasonal creations and rich, classic roasts. All the coffee is roasted on-site and flavor options are free. Take your drink (and a light snack) into their industrial chic lounge and catch up with friends or colleagues. In a rush? Grab an extra bag of coffee to go.

Location: 179 E Moreno Street, Suite C; Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: tchintchincoffee.com

Rico’s World Kitchen

If you’re looking for a taste of the world in metro Atlanta and you’ve already been down Buford Highway, you might as well keep going all the way up to Buford itself and check out this globally inspired diner. Rico’s World Kitchen’s popular comfort food spans Latin America, Asia, and more, with rotating daily specials regularly offering new flavors. Staples include their Filipino lumpia, crab cakes, and fried green tomatoes.

Location: 306 West Main Street; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: ricosworldkitchen.com

Off The Rails Mexican Restaurant

Have you ever had tacos in a train depot? Across the tracks on Main Street, lies this new taqueria that blends zesty flavor with 19th-century décor. Take in the beautiful stained-glass windows as you sit down and enjoy crispy chips or fresh street corn to start. Choose from a selection of tacos and burritos, or try one of the chef’s specials for dinner, like the stuffed chile rellenos or a plate of slow roasted barbacoa. No Mexican meal is complete without a margarita, and their bar has an option to build your own flavor.

Location: 107 East Main Street; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: offtherailsmexicancantina.com

Bare Bones Steakhouse

Located in the heart of downtown Buford in a 19th-century bank building, this steakhouse has flavor as rich as its history. Their robust selection of juicy prime steaks is complemented by shareable sides such as bacon mac and cheese or okra, salads, and fried veggie starters. If you’re not full after that, their bananas foster and crème brulee will tickle your sweet tooth. When the weather is nice, relax and dine on their rooftop patio with its own bar and views of the historic downtown strip.

Location: 101 East Main Street; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m.; Sunday, 4-9 p.m.; Website: barebonessteakhouse.com