Peak entertainment: your guide to Stone Mountain

Named after one of Georgia’s iconic landmarks, the city of Stone Mountain is located near the mountain of the same name, just east of Atlanta and the I-285 Perimeter. Formed millennia ago, Stone Mountain itself is the world’s largest exposed granite geologic feature and has attracted residents since long before Europeans settled the area.

After DeKalb County was founded in the 1820’s, the mountain was used as both a recreational zone and a quarry in the following decades. The Venable Brothers purchased the land in 1887 and remained private land until 1958, when it was sold to the state of Georgia. Since then, a large park and outdoor recreational space have grown up around the mountain, attracting visitors throughout the year. (The park has also attracted controversy for the enormous Confederate relief carving on the mountain’s face.)

The city below first sprung up in the 19th-century, first as a vacation spot, then as an industry town for railroad workers mining the nearby granite. Burned during the Civil War, Stone Mountain Village re-emerged as a worker’s village and later a modern planned town and a settlement for veterans and their families. The city’s historic core forms a charming downtown area, with many buildings having been repurposed for tourism as Stone Mountain Park boomed.

What can I do for fun in Stone Mountain?

Enjoy Stone Mountain at any elevation

The city’s namesake attraction, Stone Mountain Park is located on 3,200 acres of park space, trails, and family fun. Hike the one-mile trail to the mountain’s peak and enjoy views of the Atlanta skyline and nearby cities. (Get there early for gorgeous sunrises.) Explore the trails around the mountain and take in its natural beauty or take the easy way up in the Summit Skyride cable car to the top. There’s plenty of attractions for kids like mini golf, a scenic railroad ride, a 4D dinosaur show, and more. Be sure to stay late for the lights and laser show during the summer and holiday seasons.

See a show at Arts Station

This theater and gallery space in Stone Mountain Village is a one-stop shop for fans of the arts. Located in an old rail trolley barn, Arts Station has an art gallery with local and regional works on display, as well as classes for both kids and adults. Their main theater hosts a year-long season of comedy, musicals, cabaret, and even ghost tours. Check out the latest season’s performances online.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Stone Mountain?

Cherokee Rose

Located on historic Main Street in the Village, Cherokee Rose’s rustic interior compliments its classic smoked entrees. Slow-cooked pork and chicken pair with fresh local veggies and Southern staples like cheese grits and crispy okra. Even their wings are slowly smoked, with a balsamic BBQ sauce or buttermilk bleu cheese on the side. Live music and weekend brunches round out the offerings — be sure to come back on Sunday for some chicken and waffles or bourbon shrimp and grits.

Location: 975 Main Street; Hours: Lunch weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Brunch weekends 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: https://www.cherokeerosebbqbar.com

Sweet Potato Cafe

Venture off the main road to this historic home and its Southern café bites. Healthy, farm-to-table cuisine can be found across the menu, with their eponymous sweet potatoes a major ingredient. Start with a sweet potato hummus, load up a baked sweet potato with sweet or savory toppings, and even get an entrée like a sweet potato, corn, and bean hash. The café also serves hot paninis and dessert cobblers, as well as breakfast most days.

Location: 5377 Manor Drive; Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; Breakfast Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.; Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: https://thesweetpotatocafe.net

Pi-bytes

If it’s edible and circular, you can find it at Pi-bytes. Start off with a pizza by the slice or a specialty combo like the vegetarian Secret Garden or meaty Beast, and wash them down with a glass of honey cilantro lemonade. For dessert, keep the circles coming with their bite-sized pies, a single serving of changing flavors that are guaranteed to activate your sweet tooth.

Location: 937 Main Street; Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. until sold out; Website: https://www.pi-bytes.com

Outrun Brewing Company

Flash back to the ’80’s at this totally rad old-school brewery. Grab a pint of their in-house beers on tap, from lagers to sours to IPAs, then sit in the Miami-inspired taproom or kick back on the expansive patio. Feeling fun? There are trivia nights, cornhole leagues, and retro arcade cabinets for your gaming pleasure. A rotating selection of food trucks outside offer small bites.

Location: 5368 E. Mountain Street; Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m., Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. ; Website: https://outrunbrewingco.com

The Vibery Wine and Bookbar

Bring together your book club and your wine-loving weekend outings in one place at this minority and women-owned lounge. They offer wine by the glass, select bottles, and lots of cozy places to relax as you read through their impressive library. There are a variety of wines, spritzes, non-alcoholic beverages, and a few food options available to pass the time. Chill with friends or meet someone new during regular hours or one of their many events!

Location: 970 Main Street, Suite A; Hours: Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Website: https://www.thevibrary.co