Suwanee, Georgia, is located about 30 minutes north of Atlanta. It is a straight shot up Interstate 85 North to get to this small town of approximately 16,000 residents. Suwanee has won numerous awards, including one of the best places to live according to Money Magazine in 2007. With lots of activities, family-friendly venues, parks, and a strong sense of community, Suwanee has an outstanding quality of life that can fit any type of family.
Suwanee began as a small Indian village. The village grew on both sides of the Chattahoochee River. The Shawnee Indians were the first to settle the area, with Cherokee and Creek Indians arriving later. Some say that Suwanee means "echo" in Indian while others say that is the Creek word for Shawnee. The federal government recognized Suwanee is 1838 with the opening of the post office. In 1869, the Southern Railroad bought a right of way into Suwanee and built a depot. Suwanee rapidly began to grow with the arrival of the train depot. In 1949, Suwanee incorporated. In 1970, the population of Suwanee was 615 and has now ballooned to more than 16,000.
WIth the start of its Open Space Initiative in 2002, the city of Suwanee has acquired more than 300 acres of open space, opened four parks and extended it's Greenway, a biking and walking trail that winds through green area. Some favorite parks include Playtown Suwanee, Sims Lake Park and Suwanee Creek Park. The town center has also been redone to feature a fountain that kids can jump and run in during the warm summer months, and family-friendly shows throughout the year in the outside amphitheater. Within a few minutes drive, there are many more attractions, including the Mall of Georgia, the Southeastern Railway Museum, Lake Lanier, and the Hudgens Center for the Arts.
Suwanee is located 30 minutes north of Atlanta. Suwanee is a part of Gwinnett County, one of the biggest counties in the state. It is located less than a mile from the North Georgia Mountains and 15 minutes from Lake Lanier, a recreational lake. It is bordered by the cities of Lawrenceville, Buford, Duluth and Sugar Hill.
Suwanee has many restaurants ranging from franchises to small family-owned venues. Applebees, Outback, Chili's, and IHOP are a few of the nationally run chains that have Suwanee locations. Ippolitos, Finis, Kirin House are just a sampling of the smaller, privately-owned choices available.
Events in Suwanee are scheduled all around the city, but the most popular place to attend an event in Suwanee is at the Town Center Park. With its grassy area for seating and a covered amphitheater, the park is good for concerts, plays and other shows. Every year, Suwanee hosts Suwanee Day with vendors, inflatables for kids and various activities.
