A charming day trip from Atlanta: Your city guide to Braselton

Located about 45 minutes to the northeast of Atlanta’s downtown, Braselton offers a charming, small-town feel with plenty of recreational and shopping opportunities. The city’s namesake, the Braselton family, was key in developing the area beginning in the late 1800s. The three Braselton brothers began a series of local stores, which eventually culminated in a large brick building. In its heyday, the Braselton Bros Store offered dry goods, clothing, furniture, toys, groceries and more. The building is still visible as a centerpiece of the downtown.

Braselton developed alongside its sister city, Hoschton, and the towns border each other, making for one developed area.

Today, Braselton offers great eats, golf galore and plenty of antique shopping. And a walk around downtown reveals tidily kept public spaces and lots of picturesque, historic homes and buildings.

What can I do for fun in Braselton?

Chateau Elan: Located just a few miles from downtown Braselton, Chateau Elan is known for its manicured grounds and offerings. Guests can play a round of golf on one of three courses and enjoy a meal on site afterward at Sarazen’s Bar & Grille. Villas with kitchens and washers and dryers even allow for a stay-and-play golf experience. Interested in prioritizing wellness? Book a visit to the spa for a massage or nail treatment and a visit to the sauna, steam room or indoor pool. Or try a tour and tasting at the chateau’s winery and followed by a meal at one of the facility’s five chef-driven restaurant concepts.

Public art: Due to the ongoing efforts of dedicated locals, the city offers a plethora of brightly colored public art. You’ll find decorative crosswalks running across Davis Street near the public library and the Braselton Bros. Department Store building. There are also murals in the downtown parking deck. After you stroll the city to take in its art, settle on the town green for a picnic.

Antiquing: If you love looking for treasures, Braselton is a great place to do it. Numerous antique stores flush with booths full of fabulous finds dot the downtown area. Spend the afternoon searching for that unique piece of furniture, that vintage toy or that vintage clothing item you’ve been dreaming of.

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

Braselton Brewing Company

Craft beer and simple but delicious fare — what could be more satisfying? This brewing company, located on Davis Street, delivers both with flare. Find a beer and wine list with extensive tap, growler and red and white offerings. Accompany your drink choice with a pretzel bite or deep-fried Brussels sprout appetizer followed by a entree like the Dirty Bird BLT or fish and chips.

Location: Braselton Brewing Company; Hours: Sunday - noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday - 4-9 p.m., Thursday - noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday - noon to 10 p.m.; Website: braseltonbrewing.com

Umami Tavern

Japanese cuisine, with all its color and variation, comes to life here. Choose from the sizzle of hibachi to the freshness of sushi and the comfort factor of ramen for an evening out you’ll want to repeat!

Location: Umami Tavern; Hours: Sunday - noon to 9 p.m., Monday-Thursday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: umamitavern.com

Local Station

This laid-back eatery is great for a weeknight dinner or even a low-key celebration. Try a Local Station Bowl — chicken, shrimp or steak with quinoa, risotto, grits or couscous topped with a grilled baguette or fresh berries on the side. Also popular are the burger stacks — single, double or triple with optional bacon, American cheese or pimento cheese.

Location: Local Station; Hours: Monday-Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: facebook.com

Cotton Calf Kitchen

This contemporary steakhouse offers great dinners that will have you gathering your friends and family for a fun evening out. Start off with bourbon glazed thick-cut bacon or the calamari — served with sweet chili sauce. Move on to a crisp wedge salad or the Gumbo 24 and an entrée of filet mignon, lamb rib chops or Wagyu flank steak. Rich sides like creamed spinach and prosciutto green beans round out the meal. And don’t forget dessert with offerings like vanilla bean crème brûlée and vanilla ice cream with seasonal berries.

Location: Cotton Calf Kitchen; Hours: Monday-Thursday - 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 5-10 p.m. (bar opens at 4 p.m. all days of operation); Website: cottoncalf.com

The Galloping Galette

This lovely little French restaurant serves up authentic galettes and crêpes in the Bretagne, France, tradition. A galette is a crusted cake - usually flat or round. And this eatery uses it as the basis for dishes like its smash burger, topped with a sweet, spicy sauce. Crêpes buried under cherry whipped cream or cheesecake mousse also abound.

Location: The Galloping Galette; Hours: Wednesday-Saturday - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Website: facebook.com