Discover Alpharetta: History, Art and Nature

Alpharetta offers several points of interest to help you plan your trip: memorial sites and local history, sculptures, trails through natural areas, and seasonal music and food events. Historical exhibits and interviews tell different stories about the city, while the arboretum focuses on tree species and vegetation. The time of year may also shape your choices, as several events are tied to particular months.

Memorials and Local History

At the Walk of Memories, a memorial path and historical exhibits come together. Nearly 8,000 bricks bear the names of Georgians who served their country. Exhibits include an M60 tank from World War II, a UH-1 Huey helicopter from the Vietnam War, and a Mark 1 40 mm twin gun mount removed from the USS Polk County. The names on the bricks and the military exhibits offer different ways to remember.

The Alpharetta and Old Milton County History Museum focuses on the city’s history, from its earliest days as Cherokee territory to its development into a high-tech city. A Stories Project kiosk features interviews with 70 Alpharetta residents. Alongside the city’s long historical arc, visitors can hear personal voices from the community.

Trails, Trees and Nature

Alpharetta has more than 15 miles of shady, mostly flat trails through scenic landscapes and nature preserves. The Big Creek Greenway is nine miles long, 12 feet wide and paved. It is intended for cycling, walking, roller skating and inline skating. These listed activities offer practical guidance when planning time outdoors.

At the Alpharetta Arboretum in Webb Bridge Park, native tree species line paved walking paths. The arboretum includes an upland hardwood forest, a conifer forest, and trees typically found in moist ravines and floodplains. Visitors can see a variety of vegetation types. Those interested in trees and landscapes will find a different focus here than on trails, where movement and nature preserves take center stage.

Art and Self-Guided Tours

The Alpharetta Arts Walk features nearly 20 sculptures and a curated mix of permanent works and temporary installations. Art enthusiasts can combine a walk with sculpture viewing. For more walking tours, the City Tours app offers several self-guided tours in Alpharetta. The Arts Walk focuses on artworks, while the app offers several options for a walk.

Events and Seasonal Offerings

The Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival takes place every October. Performances span country, rock, blues, Americana and bluegrass. In early May, Taste of Alpharetta brings together more than 50 local restaurants for culinary competitions, cooking demonstrations, exhibitions and tastings. Details for both annual events may vary, so check the dates for your travel period.

Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is an entertainment destination for music lovers in the region, with 12,000 seats. Alpharetta Farm at Old Rucker Park includes a working organic vegetable farm, educational workshops and seasonal programs for all ages. Wills Park Equestrian Center operates year-round. If you plan to visit, check the specific visitor and booking details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Palmetto, East Point, Union City, Fairburn, Johns Creek, College Park, Roswell, Duluth.

For the broader travel overview: Fulton.