Park Square NE, Mariett, GA 30060

Historic Marietta Square 

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 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 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, even a Brumby Rocker store dot the square.

With over thirty Marietta Square restaurants in the area — ranging from traditional American and Southwestern fare to Australian, Thai, Vietnamese, Colombian, Greek, French, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine – an eclectic mix tempts your taste buds. Desserts, bakery items, pizza, a brewery, 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 brimming with history. The Great Locomotive Chase of the American Civil War started here. Also during the Civil War, militia trained on the park, the area was used as a military hospital, and later the buildings were burned during 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.

You also might hop on board a trolley for a tour of historic Marietta. Walking tours can guide you through the Square’s history, too. If food is what you are after, check out the tasting tour.  If your tastes run to the “spooky” side, you could sign up for a Ghosts of Marietta tour.

Additional Marietta Square destinations include the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, Marietta Fire Museum, Root House Museum and Marlow House.

For Theater lovers, venues like The Strand Theatre 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.

The Marietta Square Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning—rain or shine—from 9 am to noon year round, and on Sundays from 12-3 pm from April through November.