Why We Love Smyrna and Vinings, Georgia

Close to intown Atlanta, the Smyrna-Vinings area (sometimes known as “Sminings”) is a hot spot for outdoor and indoor fun, family festivals, and unique restaurants. Here’s why we love to visit:

Family Entertainment

Bored here? Not likely! The Tower Stage at Vinings Jubilee hosts live performances throughout the year, including a summer concert series. Teach the kids to roller skate to family-friendly music at Sparkles Family Fun Center where kids can also take lessons. For some artistic fun, try a drop-in painting workshop taught by an art instructor at the Vinings School of Art. Or, catch a family show at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Fun Festivals

Smyrna-Vinings offers family fun on holidays like New Year’s Eve when the Smyrna Community Center hosts a celebration for kids! On St. Patrick’s Day, festivities take place in the town center and the fountain runs green! Don’t miss the spring and fall Jonquil Festivals, named for the flower found around the area, with hundreds of arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, and kids’ activities. Taste of Smyrna is a snacker’s dream, with restaurants dishes, live musical performances, and Kid Zone. And, each year pet-friendly Smyrna plays host to the Woofstock pet party!

The Braves in the Backyard

Truist Park is so close! Catch an Atlanta Braves game and visit the kids interactive zone with attractions, including a zip line, rock climbing wall and carnival games. Or,  tour the ballpark any time of year. Right next door you can spend some time and spending money at The Battery, the adjacent mixed-use development for shopping, dining and play. This is also home to the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre where national touring acts perform.

Parks and Trails

Find gorgeous spots for strolling or hiking around these cities! The Rottenwood Creek Trail, part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, is an easy walk for all ages with beautiful river views. Heritage Park is a great place for a forest walk near wetlands and historic Concord Covered Bridge. The Silver Comet Trail is an ideal path for a scenic family bike ride. Popular Taylor Brawner Park offers two playgrounds, walking trails and plenty of open space for running.

Great Eateries

Orient Express in Vinings is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. The restaurant is a renovated train car situated on train tracks! Family-friendly Rev Coffee is a casual spot for coffee drinks, smoothies and sandwiches. For authentic slices and calzones, visit St. Angelo’s Pizza in Market Village. Sweet treats can be found at family-owned and operated McEntyre’s Bakery, including cakes, pies, donuts, and pastries like gingerbread men, a top kid pick!  For loads of choices, go on a foodie adventure at Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays, May 2-September 26 at Taylor-Brawner Park.

– Dalia Faupel