Marietta Square, Marietta Georgia
Whether you come to shop, eat, or be entertained, there is something for everyone at the Marietta Square in downtown Marietta, GA. Stop in at the Welcome Center in the old train depot to pick up maps, information and restaurant advice. You might even start your Marietta Square souvenir shopping here.
At the center of the square is historic Glover Park, a great place for picnics, photos and playtime. During the 19th century, the land was donated by Mayor John Glover with the stipulation that the site must always remain a park or it will revert to his heirs. A fountain sits at the heart of the park, but children will make a bee-line for the train engine playground area featuring a replica of the famous locomotive known as The General. The gazebo on site is a wonderful destination for photos and for weddings. Opposite it, the “bandstand” (or stage) is a focal point for concerts and events.
Surrounding the park, and a wide array of shops awaits you. Unique gift shops, boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, bars, ice cream and candy stores, and a Brumby Rocker store dot the square.
With over thirty Marietta Square restaurants in the area — ranging from traditional American and Southern fare to BBQ, Australian, Thai, Vietnamese, Greek, French, Italian, Mediterranean, and more – an eclectic mix tempts your taste buds. Desserts, bakery items, pizza, breweries, and “spirits” also are within easy reach. Many establishments have outdoor seating, so you can people-watch while you enjoy your meal.
The Marietta Square is filled with history. The Great Locomotive Chase of the American Civil War started here. Also during the Civil War, militia trained in the park, the area was used as a military hospital, and later some of the buildings were burned during General Sherman’s March to the Sea.
If you are interested in the area’s history, visit the Marietta Museum of History in the historic Kennesaw House near the train tracks (next to the Welcome Center). The museum holds collections of photographs, artifacts and information about Marietta and North Georgia. Word is this building, which once served as a hospital and morgue during the Civil War, may be haunted by as many as 700 ghosts. Additional Marietta Square destinations include the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, Marietta Fire Museum, and the Root House Museum.
Walking tours can guide you through the Square’s history, too. You can find a walking tour itinerary at the Welcome Center. If food is what you are after, check out the tasting tour to try the best of Marietta Square restaurants. If your tastes run to the “spooky” side, you could sign up for a Ghosts of Marietta tour. There is also a history tour for those that want to learn more about the historic Marietta Square.
To learn more about restaurants on the square, visit our Marietta Square Restaurant Guide. If you can’t decide on just one type of food for the family, you might like the Marietta Square Market, a short walk from Marietta Square featuring a 20 vendor food hall. Restaurants and food stalls include Korean, crepes, Cuban, Italian, pizza, ice cream, sandwiches, burgers, ramen, Mediterranean, Thai, bubble tea, and more.
For those interested in tasting the local craft beers and cocktails, there is Red Hare Brewing & Distilling on the square and Glover Park Brewery just a minute or two walk from the square. The square is also home to Johnnie MacCracken’s Celtic Firehouse Pub, located in Marietta Fire Station No. 1, which was the first professional Fire Department in the State of Georgia. Also just off the square is Two Birds Taphouse, featuring 32 taps of craft beer, rotating cocktails, wood-fired pizza, boutique wine, and seasonally inspired shared plates.
For Theater lovers, venues like The Strand Theatre and the Theatre in the Square offer performances throughout the year. Glover Park also is the venue for a variety of outdoor events. For example, in April through September, The Glover Park Concert Series runs the last Friday evening of each month. See the Marietta calendar of events for more information about events offered on the Square.
Parking:
Parking can be found in numerous locations around the Square. There are free two hour parking spots around the square and down many of the side streets, as well as paid and free parking lots. There are also several parking decks that surround the Square. For more parking information, including location maps, please visit Marietta.com/Marietta-Square-Parking
Directions:
How to find the Square?
If you’re coming from Atlanta, take I-75 north to exit 263, which is South Marietta Parkway 120. At the exit, turn left and go west about five miles. Turn right onto Atlanta Street, and the Square is two blocks ahead.
If you’re coming from North Georgia, take I-75 South to exit 265, which is North Marietta Parkway 120. At the exit, turn right and go west about two miles. Turn left onto Church Street, and the Square is two blocks ahead.
Address:
Glover Park and Historic Marietta Square
50 Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060
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