Looking for your next adventure or searching for the best artistic backdrop? Look no further than Cherokee County, Georgia. Extensive outdoor venues, beautiful flowers and trees, outstanding vineyards, wineries, and breweries, along with urban novelties are just around the corner in one of the fastest growing communities north of Atlanta. All five cities, Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, and Woodstock, provide a multitude of options for photography. Post to Instagram or Facebook tagging #destinationcherokeega so we can enjoy your experience as well!
You are sure to capture gorgeous images when you visit the world-class gardens at Gibbs. This pristine parkland setting covers over 356 acres with mature trees and rolling hills, and has 24 ponds, 32 bridge crossings, 19 waterfalls, natural springs, and five unique feature gardens. Experience something new every visit, beginning in March & April with “The World’s 10 Best Places to see Daffodils” according to Flower Magazine, and finishing in October & November with the nation’s largest Japanese Garden. Check their website for the current bloom update and images. In the summer months, you can experience live music at the Twilight Concerts each Saturday in May, June, September, and the first two Saturdays in October.
Be sure to wear your walking shoes and plan to spend a couple of hours or more as you enjoy meandering along the pathways. This ever-evolving destination is just right for selfies, group images, or photography.
Enjoy expansive outdoor spaces beside the waterfall and among the beautiful vineyard at this farm winery. Big Door offers wine tastings, vineyard tours, live music, and many more events. The wine tasting room and the wrap around porch allow you to take in the vistas from a unique vantage point. Make new friends with the ducks that live on the pond, watch as the sun sets across the vineyard, and sit back while the patio lights bring an ambient glow to the outdoor seating space. On a nice crisp weekend afternoon, relax to live music, experience a pairing you won’t find anywhere else, and participate in other special events year-round. Be sure to take a photo for your social media page by the Big Door Vineyard farm truck or near the waterfall!
#3 The Park at City Center / Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater
Located right in the center of Downtown Woodstock, the Park at City Center and Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater create a beautiful green space in the heart of the city. The upper park of this amazing area features a gazebo, fountain, Fallen Soldier and 9/11 Memorial, along with ample benches. The lower park features graduated seating for thousands in a well-maintained amphitheater where the Woodstock Summer Concert Series is held. It’s a great place to enjoy a concert or hang out with friends in a relaxed environment. There are so many great photo spots in this area for individuals, portraits, and groups – plan your outing today!
#4 Burger Bus
Take time out of your day to eat at this unique venue in Downtown Ball Ground. This setting has a quirky vibe that fits nicely with the laid-back hometown feeling surrounding this growing city. Instagram photos are easy to come by with food options ranging from The Fried Green Jacket Burger to the Black Cat Blaster! Seating is available inside the restaurant and the bus, or at the outdoor seating area. Take some time to do a little people watching as you soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era.
#5 Canton Georgia mural and Cannon Park gazebo
The beautiful Canton, Georgia mural allows an interesting and attractive way to “tag” your location in your photos. Cherokee County local artist Madison Beaulieu created a gorgeous white background with bright flowers which makes this a popular spot for Homecoming and Prom groups to gather for pictures. The mural is located at the corner of North and Lee streets near the Downtown Canton gazebo at Cannon Park. Additionally, the gazebo is a splendid backdrop for all of life’s special events: weddings, anniversaries, or school events.
Elevate your feed with great views from the rooftop at Rootstock in Downtown Woodstock. Regardless of the time of day, you can experience the magic of looking out over the entire area. Capture train images at select times of the day or evening with the city lights. Take the high road and choose to people watch as the commuters travel below. Great ambiance, music, food, and drink await your selection.
#7 Cagle’s Farm
Everywhere you look is an instant photo op at Cagle’s Farm. Fun for all ages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can choose from pig races, feeding the animals, taking a hayride, escaping the corn maze, and selecting a pumpkin for tremendous fall images. Next, pet the friendly pups that work as sheep herders, sample the amazing food, play corn hole, and blow giant bubbles. Take a friend with you on your adventure to share the fun!
#8 Lake Mullenix and Reinhardt University Arch
This spring-fed lake offers stunning views of the Falany Performing Arts Center on Reinhardt University’s campus. Images in this natural setting can provide peace and calm reflective surfaces to capture stunning portraits. If looking for more structure, the gorgeous architecture around Reinhardt creates a strong framework for outstanding photo opportunities.
#9 Atomic Biscuit’s Peace Sign @ The Mill on Etowah
Savor one of the many options for breakfast, brunch, or lunch at Atomic Biscuit located at The Mill on Etowah. While there, let an extraordinary peace sign set the scene for your next memorable posted image. You can post a selfie, a photo of a friend, or even the iconic southern food, but be sure to include the peace sign!
#10 JD’s On the Lake (known in the TV Series Ozark’s as The Blue Cat Lodge)
If you are an Ozark fan, this lakeside restaurant will top your list of stops. JD’s On the Lake and Lake Allatoona are part of our active filming industry in Cherokee County. Check out the food and live music seasonally at JD’s On the Lake (previously known as The Blue Cat Lodge). In addition, the stunning sunset views from the back deck will take your breath away. Capture plenty of photos as you walk down to the floating dock. Lots of memories to be made as you enjoy the nice breeze and friendly wildlife.
