5 reasons to love Kennesaw

Photography courtesy of Chris Nowak

The street name “Big Shanty Drive,” which runs through the heart of Kennesaw, recalls the town’s beginnings as a bustling shantytown for the Western and Atlantic Railroad, built by workers who flocked in the region for its abundance of water and ideal environment. camp site.

Since its founding, Kennesaw has bounced back after being destroyed during the Civil War, after a boll weevil infestation that decimated the cotton industry beginning in the 1920s, and even after an infamous train robbery, which inspired Walt Disney’s 1956 action film. The Great Locomotive Chase. Today, this college town about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta pushes back against assumptions that it’s just a cookie-cutter suburb. In fact, it still lives up to its legendary past as a revival city.

Kennesaw offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities suitable for all ages. And with nearby Atlanta, venturing into the perimeter for a night on the town is a breeze. One of the major attractions is Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, a Civil War battlefield, where tourists wander its vast fields or climb the mountain’s peak.

Kennesaw is changing, but its charm remains intact in the historic downtown district, where residents sample fresh produce from the seasonal farmers’ market and dine at the many charming restaurants.

What is it to love?

Photography courtesy of Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University has nearly 45,000 students, making it the second largest university in Georgia. Its expansion over the past decade has resulted in a wave of new student housing, small business and restaurant developments to satisfy the increasingly diverse appetites of local students, including the first Whataburger restaurant to honor the State.

Swift-Cantrell Park
With 42 acres of open grass, Swift-Cantrell Park is the city’s largest community park. It has a long list of amenities, including two playgrounds, a wellness station with a weight room, a seasonal splash pad, a dog park and a skate park.

Photography courtesy of Cylantros Venezuelan Cuisine

Venezuelan cuisine Cylantros
This family-owned restaurant was founded in 2015 and serves flavorful Venezuelan dishes that keep locals coming back for seconds. At first, it might seem strange to eat at a place next to a Shell gas station, says owner Danny Alvarez. But what keeps people coming back is the great price, great customer service and the signature cilantro sauce: “Customers love it,” Alvarez says.

Photography courtesy of Frozen Cow Creamery

Frozen Cow Creamery
Locals looking to cool off on a summer day seek out this charming bungalow, which serves ice cream with a unique twist. At Frozen Cow Creamery, located in downtown Kennesaw, customers come and customize their frozen treats with a healthy dose of toppings and flavors. But they stay to watch these scoop artisans whip up smoked dry ice to make fresh ice cream on site.

Smith-Gilbert Gardens
Home to more than 3,000 species of plants, this botanical garden combines art, education and the outdoors, offering year-round programs such as garden yoga, guided nature walks and planting workshops.

This article appears in our May 2024 issue.

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