Once a major railway center for Georgia-grown cotton, peaches, and other staples, Locust Grove, Georgia has transformed over the decades to become a popular hub for shopping, train-watching, outdoor recreation, and more.
The city’s close proximity to Downtown Atlanta makes it a convenient destination for girls’ trips, family vacations, and fun weekend getaways.
Make the most of your Locust Grove visit with the following suggested itinerary.
Breakfast at Southern Fusion Dining
Before setting out to explore Locust Grove hot spots, fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at Southern Fusion Dining (formerly Heaven Cafe), where you’ll find an array of specialty coffees and a delectable menu featuring freshly made Southern dishes that are prepared to order.
Take your pick of classic Southern staples—like sausage gravy & biscuits and chicken & Belgian waffles—or try the Southern Fusion Breakfast or the eatery’s delicious crepes and frittatas.
You can also create your own custom spread with your favorites off the à la carte menu, which includes eggs, hash browns, grits, country potatoes, pancakes, French toast, waffles, and more.
Morning Shopping Fun: Antiques, Outlets, and More
With a filling breakfast under your belt, it’s time to hit the city’s shops!
You could easily make a day—or weekend—of it shopping Locust Grove. The city has it all—antique shops, brand-name stores at Tanger Outlets, and more.
If you love to explore antique and vintage shops for one-of-a-kind finds, be sure to stop by Deja Vu on Forty-Two, The Grove Depot, and Planters Walk Antique Mall.
To find deals on your favorite brands, head over to Tanger Outlets, home to more than 70 stores offering savings on leading clothing brands, goods, and housewares. While you’re there, stop in the mall’s selfie museum, Express Your Selfie, for some memorable snapshots to reminisce on for years to come.
Have a leather-lover or cowboy/girl in your crew? Don’t miss out on Cavender’s Horsetown South, featuring Western-themed products, from boots and saddles to home goods and more.
Lunch Time: Local Spots in Locust Grove
All the shopping is sure to work up an appetite! And Locust Grove has just the places to enjoy a refreshing lunch so you can keep the fun going.
Two great places to enjoy a leisurely (and delicious!) lunch are Lovin’ Oven Pizzeria and Peach Pit Bar & Grill, both located on Highway 42.
Lovin’ Oven Pizzeria, located in historic Downtown Locust Grove, is a go-to for homemade pizzas and craft beer, complete with views of passing trains across the street.
Peach Pit Bar & Grill is perfect for the lover of American classics—burgers, wings, sandwiches, and more, along with 28+ beers on tap, a full bar, and more than 40 milkshake options. The eatery also houses a game room with fun choices for both adults and kids.
Afternoon Snack Spots in Locust Grove
Need a post-lunch snack before heading out for more Locust Grove fun? Grab a treat from one of the following sweet shops to enjoy while watching the trains passing at the Locust Grove Train Watching Platform.
Crumbles by Nicole—owned by Nicole Silva, who appeared on the 2015 edition of ABC’s The Great Holiday Baking Show and won Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge in 2017—is known for its delicious array of hand-decorated cookies, cupcakes, and other desserts. Fan favorites include cake by the slice, scrumptious cake pops, and whoopie pies.
Craving a frosty milkshake? Cake ‘n Shake puts a creative spin on the classic treat with their signature extreme milkshakes, all hand-scooped and made with locally sourced ingredients.
For the cookie monster lover in your group, Great American Cookies at Tanger Outlets is just the ticket. In addition to mouth-watering cookies, cookie cakes, and brownies, their menu also features smoothies, pretzels, pretzel dogs, freshly squeezed lemonade, and ICEEs.
Wanting a healthier option? Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies at Tanger Outlets has just what you’re looking for! Choose from authentic Hawaiian coffee creations—sourced from the big kahunas of coffee plantations in Kona, Kauai and Molokai—or vitamin-packed, low-fat, fresh fruit smoothies.
A Wild Afternoon at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary
After indulging in a filling lunch and yummy dessert, head over to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary for an adventure-filled afternoon!
The popular sanctuary is nestled on 250 acres that houses more than 1,000 abused, neglected, and surrendered animals, from bears, birds, and exotic cats, to foxes, wolves, primates, reptiles, and more.
The nature center is open from 9am-4pm, and the habitat area is open from 12pm-3pm. Visitors can enjoy the free self-guided tour, walking the one-mile trail throughout the habitat area, or opt for one of the paid experiences that must be booked in advance:
- Walk on the Wild Side (WOW) Tour, a 1.5-hour, behind-the-scenes experience getting up close and personal with Baloo the Bear of the famous BLT trio, a couple of the sanctuary’s wild cats, and Capuchin monkeys
- Big Cat Feeding Tour, also a 1.5-hour experience, where you get to watch the feeding of the big cats and learn more about them
- Painting with Doc, a unique opportunity to watch Doc the tiger paint you a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that you can treasure for years to come
Dinner at French Market & Tavern
For a dining experience you’ll never forget, look no further than French Market & Tavern, located in historic Downtown Locust Grove. The much-loved eatery is known for its charming atmosphere, creative dishes with a New Orleans flair, and handcrafted cocktails.
You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but fan favorites to consider include the creamy mac and cheese bites, fried green tomatoes, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and country-fried chicken.
Don’t let your experience end without indulging in one of their decadent desserts. Take your pick of their chocolate ganache bundt cake, key lime islander, lemon Italian cream, salted caramel crunch cake, or raspberry white chocolate cheesecake.
Before or after dining, be sure to stop in their on-site boutique, brimming with a variety of cute gifts, home decor, jewelry, candles and spa products, and more.
—
A well-planned trip is the best trip. There’s always something fun happening in Locust Grove. Be sure to follow Locust Grove Main Street’s Facebook page for upcoming concerts and events.
When your fun-filled day exploring Locust Grove has come to an end, you’ll need a cozy place to rest your head. Explore the city’s lodging options here.