Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to soak up the sunshine and make a few more memories before the season gives way to fall and school starts up again! Whether you’re squeezing in one last weekend adventure or looking for an excuse to enjoy the longer evenings, Marietta offers plenty of ways to celebrate the final days of summer. Before you trade your flip-flops for football Saturdays and pumpkin spice, add these experiences to your end-of-summer bucket list:
Catch a Concert Under the Stars
There’s nothing quite like live music on a warm summer evening. Pack a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy one of Marietta’s outdoor Glover Park concerts. Most folks don’t realize these concerts dip into August and even September, and it’s a great way to gather with friends and family or just treat yourself to an evening out.
Local Hack: Many of our neighboring Marietta Square restaurants offer picnic-style meals or to-go combos that are perfect for concert weekends in the Square! Check restaurant social media pages during the week leading up to the concert for meal deals and offers.
Dine on a Patio
Warm summer evenings are made for patio dining. Whether you’re looking for brunch in the sunshine, dinner with friends, or cocktails under string lights, Marietta has plenty of inviting outdoor spaces.
NEW Patio Alert: Antika just opened up in the Marietta Square on Powder Springs Street: from Mediterranean-inspired tapas to handcrafted cocktails, it’s a must-visit this season.
Spend Your Saturday at the Farmers Market
The Marietta Square Farmers Market is a Saturday morning tradition where locals and visitors can shop fresh, locally grown produce, artisan goods, baked treats, and specialty foods from vendors around the region. It is the perfect place to grab some seasonal produce (hello Georgia peaches!), discover a new vendor, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of a lively downtown on a Saturday.
Saturday AM Tip: The Marietta Square Artisan Market adds even more creativity to the Square with handcrafted jewelry, artwork, home goods, and unique gifts made by local makers. Best of all, they are just across the street from the Farmers Market so you can visit two-in-one!
Treat Yourself to Something Sweet
Nothing says summer like squeezing in a trip to a sweet shop, whether it’s ice-cream, pops, or pie. There is no shortage of sweet treats here in Marietta, whether that means a scoop of locally crafted ice-cream or an iced coffee while exploring the town.
Insider Scoop (pun-intended): Don’t be afraid to do dessert before dinner and beat the post-dinner crowds.
Watch a Marietta Sunset
One of the best parts of summer is lingering outside a little longer to catch a beautiful sunset. Whether you’re relaxing in a park, enjoying dinner on a patio, or wrapping an afternoon hike, golden hour is one of the best times to experience Marietta.
Scenic Spots: East Cobb Park is great for an evening picnic and creek views. If you’re an adventurer, you may also enjoy Sope Creek Trail: great for an afternoon hike and a view of golden hour to end the day.
Shop Around the Marietta Square
Spend an afternoon browsing locally owned boutiques, bookstores, and specialty shops just in time for back-to-school. Knock out any last-minute summer reading at The Reading Attic or perfect your first-day-of-school fit at Doodlebugz.
Local Tip: Don’t just stick to the main grid around Glover Park – be sure to explore all of our side streets so that you don’t miss a hidden gem!
Try Somewhere New
We all have a running list of places we’ve been meaning to try. Go ahead and get one of those items crossed off your list before the fall season kicks in! Maybe it’s a new restaurant, brewery, café, or attraction – or maybe even an old one that you just never got around to visiting. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover in Marietta.
Life Hack: Marietta’s best discoveries aren’t always on the main streets. Venture beyond the Square to uncover neighborhood favorites, new restaurants, and local gems waiting to be explored like Schoolhouse Brewing or Bolivar Coffee.
Make It a Weekend Staycation
Staycations are underrated. You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re on vacation. Sometimes it’s as simple as separating yourself from your household chores and errands. Book a night at one of Marietta’s hotels or simply spend a full day exploring Marietta’s restaurants, attractions, shops, and entertainment.
Staycation Spots: Book a room at the Hilton, putting you just about a mile from the Marietta Square and within walking distance from the Gone With the Wind Museum.
Snap One Last Summer Photo
Before the season changes, capture your favorite Marietta memories. Whether it’s the colorful murals, the Historic Marietta Square, the summer hikes, or your favorite patio dinner. Share your adventures and inspire others to experience the best of summer Marietta has to offer.
Perfect Picture Tip: Can you snap a photo with every mural featured by the Marietta Arts Council? Share your favorites and tag @VisitMariettaGA so we can see your adventures.
Cool Off With Indoor Attractions
Looking to beat the heat? Marietta has plenty of indoor attractions to explore from the Marietta History Museum and the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art to the Aviation History & Technology Center, there are plenty of ways to cool off indoors on a hot, summer day.
Pro-Tip: Check attraction websites before your visit for current admission prices, discounts, and special offers.
Summer may be coming to a close, but there’s still plenty of time to squeeze in one more adventure. Whether you’re enjoying live music on the Square, discovering a new favorite restaurant, hiking a scenic trail, or simply treating yourself to ice cream, Marietta is the perfect place to make the most of the season’s final days.
How many items can you check off your Marietta summer bucket list before fall arrives?