History, fitness and luscious eats: Your city guide to Griffin

Located less than an hour south of Atlanta, Griffin offers a wealth of activities. Its rich history yields lots of interesting historical figures, and it’s a great place to spend time exploring and having fun.

Griffin began in the 1840s. Lewis Lawrence Griffin, who envisioned the area as a significant railroad hub, founded the town, and the area began growing after people started purchasing land from him. Griffin lost his fortune trying to make his dreams come to fruition in Georgia, and he eventually moved to Mississippi and continued his business ventures there.

The town lived on, though, and today it’s known for its prominent 19th century architecture, and historic cemeteries. Among its more famous residents is Janet Harmon Bragg, the first Black woman to attain a commercial pilot’s license. It also boasts as a native John Henry “Doc” Holliday, the associate of Whatt Earp unforgettably depicted in the movie “Tombstone.”

Whether you’re looking to entertain young family members or grown-up friends, this Georgia gem is a great place to be. Explore its shopping and eating opportunities, and learn about its unique history.

What can I do for fun in Griffin?

Camelot Theatre: Housed in the Griffin Spalding Enrichment Center, this community theater offers regular productions from plays to musicals. Recent shows have included “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Beetlejuice Jr.” It’s a great introduction to live theater for families looking to experience something new.

Quarry’s Edge Park: Whether it’s biking or bouldering you’re after, this 130-acre park in the heart of Griffin can accommodate! Three loops provide varying distances and challenges for novice to experienced bike riders. Take the family on a one-mile jaunt, or if you’re an experienced rider, there’s a longer loop covering more than two miles. And the quarry’s bottom and top edges have been cleared to allow access for those who enjoy bouldering.

The Griffin Museum: The Griffin Museum is on the second floor of the area welcome center. It’s home to memorabilia and historical collections dating as far back as the 1850s. You’ll find displays representing area medical colleges — dental, medical and pharmaceutical relics — and items representing the history of area industry and public service. You’ll also find the Doc Holliday Museum here, which represents one of Griffin’s most famous sons.

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

Griffith’s Drive-in

This family-owned establishment offers the best in American fare: chicken tenders, hamburgers, hotdogs, slaw, fries and onion rings. Try the chili cheese fries and the bacon double cheeseburger.

Location: Griffith’s Drive-in; Hours: Monday to Saturday - 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: griffithsdriveinga.com

Bank Street Cafe

Come for the ambience, and stay for the delicious food. Sunlight streams in floor-to-ceiling windows, beaming across the length of the dining room. Greek-style loaded fries, hot honey chicken Alfredo and lush banana pudding topped with whipped cream and threatening to overflow its serving jar arrive at your table on request. It’s an experience not to be missed.

Location: Bank Street Cafe; Hours: Monday to Thursday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Website: facebook.com/BankStreetCafeGriffin

Angelo’s Mediterranean Restaurant

When you’re looking for a fresh bite, Mediterranean is always a great choice. Angelo’s brings forth that freshness with locally sourced food. Between the lentil soup, the Greek chicken and vegetables and the fresh salads, you’ll come away satiated.

Location: Angelo’s Mediterranean Restaurant; Hours: Monday-Friday - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: angelos.top

McGhin’s Southern Pit Bar-b-que

Are you ready for some real barbecue? This is the place. From its log-cabin-rustic exterior to its relic-lined walls, this place is down-home welcoming. And so is the food. Try a classic pulled pork, rib or bone-in chicken plate with classic sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw or baked beans.

Location: McGhin’s Southern Pit Bar-b-que; Hours: Wednesday and Thursday - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: southernpitbbq.com

J. Henry’s Restaurant

This classic steakhouse will hit the spot for dinner after a long day of exploring Griffin. Start things off with a smoked salmon appetizer or beer-battered mushrooms. Move on to the filet mignon, smothered chicken or Danish BBQ ribs, and end your meal with key lime pie or apple pecan cobbler. Any way you go, you’ll have more than taken the edge off by the end of your meal!

Location: J. Henry’s Restaurant; Hours: Monday to Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: jhenrys.com