DOWNTOWN GAINESVILLE

Gainesville, Georgia, is the county seat of Hall County in northeastern Georgia.  As of 2019, it had a population of about 43,000 people.  It earned the nickname “Poultry Capital of the World” due to its many industrial farms (Fieldale Farms is one) and poultry processing factories.

Originally named Mule Camp Springs in the early 1800s by settlers.  It retained that name until 1821, three years after the organization of Hall County in 1818.  Its namesake is Edmund Gaines, a hero of the War of 1812 as well as a road builder and military surveyor.

Gainesville, like many towns in the US, has a Main Street, which in this case occupies a square section of the downtown area with shops and restaurants surrounding a small park.

Inman Perk Coffee is a great local business, with delicious blends of coffee, served hot or cold.  They also have a good selection of breakfast pastries including cinnamon rolls.  Lunch or dinner can come from Sliced, a New York-style pizzeria, with mouthwatering garlic knots and a tasty Greek salad.  Trying to eat healthy?  Check out Barkin' Brews, an organic smoothie and coffee shop that’s dog-friendly.

Gainesville is about an hour north of metro Atlanta, and an hour south of Unicoi State Park, Anna Ruby Falls, and the town of Alpine Helen.  Accessibility to Lake Lanier is provided through many small parks (some of which are no more than boat ramps) such as Van Pugh North Park.