A Southern gem: Your city guide to Peachtree City
Situated just down I-85 South, past Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Peachtree City may not win any awards for naming originality. However, this posh, planned community is certainly unique and packs plenty to do within its boundaries.
In the early 1800s, Fayette County was formed from lands sold by the Creeks and became home to rural plantations and other small settlements. Other than a few Civil War skirmishes, it wasn’t until the mid-1950s that the area began developing in earnest.
A group of real estate developers purchased 12,000 acres to build a planned community, and Peachtree City was born in 1959. This community was designed as a series of smaller villages — each with its own schools, shops, and facilities — around a central lake. Residential areas were clustered away from the main commercial thoroughfare. Today, the city has added an additional lake, two universities, three golf courses, an outdoor amphitheater, numerous parks and sporting facilities, and is home to multiple major company headquarters.
Despite all this growth, the city retains its own unique charm. Peachtree City has a series of pathways stretching over 100 miles that residents use to get around on foot or via golf carts. These infamous golf carts can be heard humming along to parks, to school, and to run daily errands. Its proximity to the Atlanta airport and the smaller local Falcon Field also make Peachtree City a popular destination with the aviation set. But no matter if you take in their scenic vistas from land or air, you’ll enjoy your time in this community.
What can I do for fun in Peachtree City?
Soak up the sun and a show at the Fred Amphitheater. Spring and summer are the perfect seasons in metro Atlanta to catch a concert at an outdoor amphitheater, and the Fred Amphitheater in Peachtree City is a great option. See the full calendar and get tickets on their website.
Tour the sights and sounds of Hollywood. Peachtree City isn’t just for the locals. Major movies and TV shows have been filmed in the area since Georgia became the Hollywood of the South. Southern Hollywood Film Tours starts your journey in Peachtree City and allows guests to see filming locales from Fried Green Tomatoes, Sweet Home Alabama, The Walking Dead and more.
The sky’s the limit with the Commemorative Air Force. Founded to restore vintage combat aircraft, this organization showcases its collection of World War II and Korean War planes, among others, on its grounds. The group regularly flies planes at events and festivals, but that’s only part of the fun. Aviation buffs and thrill seekers can hitch a ride in a vintage WW2-era aircraft with one of several warbird rides.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Peachtree City?
The Curious Pig
Start (or end) your culinary exploration of Peachtree City at this curiously fun pub run by native chef Scott Smith. Have fun with your friends and share appetizers like smoked elote corn dip or lobster empanadas. If you’re hungry, dig into the Curious Smashburger, a burger topped with goat cheese, onions, and blackberry bacon jam, or try pollo asada in taco form or as a Philly sandwich. There are also several usual pub side standards and a selection of meaty entrees to choose from. And with a robust drink menu that spans bourbons, whiskeys, wines and more, there’s a drink for everyone no matter when you visit.
Location: 114 Huddleston Road; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: thecuriouspigptc.com
Due South Seafood Kitchen
A local favorite, this seafood eatery’s fishy feasts are worth diving into. Standouts include its shrimp and grits with an andouille pepper gravy, trout with lemon butter sauce and a panko crust, and the house tenderloin filet with horseradish potatoes for those who prefer a beefier dish. Or if you need lighter fare, try the buffalo fried gator tail bites or she crab soup. Due South will hook you either way.
Location: 302 Clover Reach; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: duesouthptc.com
The BeiRut
You wouldn’t expect to find an excellent Lebanese restaurant in the middle of this golf cart utopia, but The BeiRut has been around for years for a reason. Everything is prepared fresh in this cozy, classy dining room. Dig into a simple gyro or savory chicken shawarma sandwich for lunch. Share hummus, falafel and other small plates of meat and veggies with the team after work. Or go big for dinner with the Le Grande menu, which includes an array of kebobs and platters, as well as the Lebanese-style sample plate: a full meal for the whole table of six mezza, salads, three meats and a dessert.
Location: 1025 N. Peachtree Parkway; Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Website: beirutptc.com
Pascal’s Bistro
This family-owned French-American bistro has been a staple of Peachtree City dining since before the new millennium. Lunchtime diners enjoy a wide selection of fresh soups, salads, pastas, and artisan sandwiches. But Pascal’s Bristro steps it up for its dinner guests. Enjoy lobster devilled eggs, steak au poivre with a cognac crème sauce, beef bourguignon, chicken cordon bleu, or rainbow trout. Cap the night off with a glass of wine and a crème brulee for dessert.
Location: 217 Commerce Drive; Hours: Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner: Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: pascalsbistro.com
Just around the riverbend: Your city guide to Vinings