Ultimate Guide to Marietta GA
At Mac's, we have a deep love for the place we call home. One of the most beautiful cities in the Northwest Metro-Atlanta area, it’s a truly special area, and it’s filled with some of the best people around. So buckle up, because today, we’re sharing everything we love about this great city and answering some frequently asked questions about Marietta, GA.
What is Marietta famous for?
Marietta is known for its historic town square, along with five National Register Historic Districts that are perfectly set against the dramatic backdrop of Kennesaw Mountain. But what really sets this town apart is the Big Chicken. This famous Marietta local landmark can't be missed. Because it's huge!
Towering 56 feet above the road, the Big Chicken is a KFC restaurant topped by, well, a really big chicken! The steel structure features a giant moving beak and big rolling eyes, both visible from the street below. It was almost lost completely after years of deterioration and storm damage in the 1990s. When locals found out there were plans to tear it down, the outcry was so big KFC agreed to restore it in 1993 and again in 2017.
Residents will often give directions using the Big Chicken ("Go to the Big Chicken and turn left!"), but where is the Big Chicken in Marietta? This well-known landmark can be found at the corner of the city's biggest intersection of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road.
What is the meaning of the name Marietta?
Before Atlanta, there was Marietta, Georgia. The site of a small cluster of homes, settlement in the area was reported as early as 1824. By 1832, Georgia officially sectioned and established Cobb County from Cherokee land, and named it for Thomas Willis Cobb, a US Senator and Supreme Court Judge. Just a few years later, that small settlement near Kennesaw Mountain was officially formed and named after Cobb's wife, Marietta, a name that means Star of the Sea.
It didn’t take long for more entrepreneurial types to notice the appeal of this area. The Western and Atlantic railroad selected Marietta as home base in 1836, and local businesses, taverns, and churches quickly sprang up around the center of town to serve the railroad, it's employees, and the visitors it brought along.
Like most towns from the era, there was a square in the center along with a small courthouse. Today, Historic Grover’s Square still remains a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
What is there to do in Marietta?
When you’re in town, it’s easy to find a plethora of activities and things to do in Marietta. With a vibrant art culture, exciting entertainment venues, and a rich local history, this small city offers big fun for everyone.
The Marietta Welcome Center is located in the old Western and Atlantic Railroad Passenger Depot, and it comes highly recommended as the first stop for all local information. Nearby, you'll find the Marietta Museum of History, the Root House Museum, and the Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum, all within reasonable walking distance. Keep an eye out for larger-than-life murals and tucked away art galleries along the way and you’ll find one-of-a-kind surprises around every corner.
Sport and baseball fans will enjoy visiting Truist Park, home of the 2021 World Series Champions, the Atlanta Braves. Just outside the park, you’ll find The Battery Atlanta, an energetic development featuring a vibrant, eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as live music and events throughout the year. Popular with kids, families, and sports fans alike, it’s well worth an afternoon or evening.
Is Marietta a good place to live?
If you're thinking about moving to Georgia, Marietta is one of the best places to live. With small-town vibes, top-quality schools, and easy access to the city of Atlanta, it's a great place to kick off a career or start a family. It certainly helps that home prices in the area are relatively affordable, especially when compared to more expensive neighboring suburbs. And one of the best perks of living in Marietta can be found right outside your front door: nature!
Old-growth trees, nature preserves, and historic recreation areas keep Marietta green and thriving. Close by, Kennesaw Mountain and the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park include miles of unspoiled scenic hiking and beautiful wildlife. Other trails wind throughout Cobb County, connecting Marietta with the Chattahoochee River National recreation area. One thing’s for sure: you’ll find a lot of picturesque outdoor opportunities here.
How far is Marietta from Atlanta?
Tucked away from the hustle of the big city, there is just enough mileage between Marietta and Atlanta to give the area a small-town feel while offering super convenient access to the busy hub of Atlanta and the 285 Perimeter. Just 21 miles, or 20 to 40 minutes away, depending on traffic, it's a quick jaunt into downtown for work, shopping, and entertainment.
There are a lot of options for paid and public parking in downtown Marietta, including free street parking and low-cost parking decks that are close to all the action. If you prefer to use public transportation, MARTA's rapid transit line and CobbLinc buses offer a reliable, affordable way to travel between Marietta and Atlanta.
It's also easy to find rideshares in Marietta with Uber or Lyft. Close proximity to the Braves stadium at truest Park means you'll never have to wait long.
What is the best Marietta restaurant?
The downtown area offers a wide selection of unique bars, restaurants, and eateries, but when it comes to the best steak restaurants in Marietta, Mac's Chophouse has developed a reputation as one of the top. And it’s no surprise why!
Steakhouse fare and sustainable seafood are the hallmarks of this fine dining menu, with seasonal ingredients and from-scratch recipes prepared fresh daily. In-house pastry selections and a decadent bar program make this a local Marietta fixture that’s worth exploring.
When you're looking for a place to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions, Mac's Chophouse is where the locals go. Make reservations today and experience it for yourself!
