Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Gainesville GA is an important regional center. The city is known for its poultry industry, which is the largest agricultural crop in the state. The poultry industry also generates about $1 billion a year in revenue. The city’s poultry industry was founded in the late 1930s by Jesse Jewell, a local entrepreneur. He developed the poultry industry into a major business in the northern part of the state after the Second World War.

In addition to the poultry industry, Gainesville has an agricultural economy. It is home to Brenau University, a private university with undergraduate and graduate programs. The University of North Georgia and Lanier Technical College also call Gainesville home. Learn more about Gainesville

Gainesville is located just 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. Gainesville is situated at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is surrounded by Lake Sidney Lanier on three sides. This lake offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including water sports and boating. The lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1956. The lake was named after Confederate veteran Sidney Lanier.

Gainesville was first settled by Cherokee Indians. In the late 1800s, the town was a popular resort. Gainesville was chosen as the county seat of Hall County, Georgia. The town was first known as Mule Camp Springs, but the name was later changed to Gainesville. In 1879, Confederate general James Longstreet was appointed as the postmaster of Gainesville. The town was also opposed to secession in the late 1850s. In the early 20th century, Gainesville became an important textile center. However, by the end of the 20th century, textiles had all but disappeared.

Gainesville is home to the largest conservation nursery in the Southeast, the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This garden is a nationally recognized plant sanctuary with easy hiking trails and whimsical plant sculptures. The garden also features a model train garden. There is also an easy walking tour that showcases the solar system. The garden also hosts concerts and a jazz season each year.

Gainesville also has a number of theatres. The Gainesville Theater Alliance produces performances throughout the year. The Smithgall Arts Center is a multidisciplinary space located in a former railway depot. The center features a small permanent collection of art inside and sculpture by nationally important artists in the garden. There are also rotating exhibits and a beer menu. The Smithgall Arts Center is operated by a not-for-profit organization. More information

Gainesville is also home to Brenau University, which was founded in 1878 as Georgia Baptist Female Seminary. Brenau University is now a coeducational university with undergraduate and graduate programs. It is also home to Riverside Military School, one of the largest military training schools in the country.

Gainesville is also home to Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport. The airport serves both air taxi and military operations. Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport also has three heliports. In addition to air taxi operations, the airport supports local and itinerant operations.

Point of Interest #1 ChopBLOCK Chophouse & Club, 110 Main St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501

Point of Interest #2 Main Street Market, 112 Main St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501

Point of Interest #3 Sweet Magnolia’s Cafe & Bakery, 118 Main St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501