A mix of urban liveliness and green spaces, Sandy Springs has something for every type of visitor, including the beautiful East Palisades overlooking the Chattahoochee River pictured above. Shawn Taylor

Just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, perched above the northern rim of the I-285 Perimeter, there resides a big little city that oozes urban liveliness mixed with neighborhood charm. It’s a place that’s defined by green spaces and outdoor places, where visitors can get away from it all and create their own tailor-made adventures. It’s also a place becoming increasingly well-known for its melting pot blend of Greater Atlanta energy yet easy-going vibe. And arguably best of all, it’s a place that’s home to an astonishingly impressive array of things to do for every type of visitor—whether you are a foodie interested in eclectic eats and craft drinks or a parent searching for kid-friendly adventures.

This place, of course, is Sandy Springs.

If you are a Georgia native looking for a great day trip escape from the city, or an out-of-towner hoping to spruce up your Atlanta visit with some outdoor exploration topped off with an award-winning brew, you really can’t get much better than Sandy Springs. Here are just seven of the many reasons to strongly consider a visit.

1. The Relaxed Vibe & Easy Way of Life

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Kick back and relax in this big, little city with an easy-going, fun vibe. Ry Glover

In short, Sandy Springs is a place that feels different because it is different. It has a sprinkling of Atlanta Metro excitement, a dash of entrepreneurial spirit, and budding arts and culture. There is more than a pinch of outdoor recreation and a heaping portion of neighborhood charm that makes local residents and visitors feel relaxed and right at home. When you visit, you have the palpable feeling that this place is special, a cut above the rest. You are able to carve out whatever experience you’d like to have for yourself and it’s all because Sandy Springs has just the right mix of ingredients for you to do so.

2. The Great Outdoors Scene

Surrounded by 950 acres of lung-expanding parks and green spaces, Sandy Springs is a veritable outdoor gem. With no less than 16 city parks—running the gamut from playgrounds and tennis courts, to densely-wooded forest preserves and riverside parks with unbeatable access to all sorts of paddle sports—there’s something for every type of outdoor enthusiast in Sandy Springs.

But the real pride and joy of Sandy Springs’ extensive outdoors scene? The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area—a multi-unit series of preserved spaces and the lifeblood of Greater Atlanta outdoor recreation. Hands down one of the favorite activities in the area is a lazy float down the Chattahoochee River itself. But there are plenty of great on-land adventures as well—like getting lost among the swooping trails, wooded hills, and riverside paths that define the East Palisades - Indian Trail. Really, you can’t go wrong no matter what outdoor experience you choose in Sandy Springs.

3. Premier Food & Drink

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Neighborhoods throughout Sandy Springs offer a variety of options for tasty treats from donuts to seafood. Andrew Guyton

Sandy Springs, in its entirety, is a menu of great places for premier food and drink, which can make it hard to decide where to go. How can you rightfully be expected to choose between authentic tastes of Italy at il Giallo Osteria & Bar versus the juicy steaks inspired by award-winning chef Peter Kaiser? What about donuts at DaVinci versus cookies at Susansnaps or even the famous sweet bread at Breadwinner Café and Bakery?  What about a cocktail on the rooftop patio at Tre Vele versus a Ray's on the River's outdoor deck on the banks of the Chattahoochee with seafood and an extensive wine list?

The answer: Make multiple visits and go to all of them!

4. Thriving Arts & Culture

Okay, it’s true: most suburban areas across America probably aren’t very renowned for their eclectic, colorful cultures, but Sandy Springs is no ordinary suburban area. Even though it exists on the fringes of one of the country’s biggest cities, it’s not actually a suburb; it’s a city. Sure, Sandy Springs is a young city that was incorporated in 2005, but it’s perhaps this youthful energy that gives it so much pizazz.

Take a trip to the new pulsating heart of the city at City Springs, and you’ll see firsthand a 14-acre civic and cultural center that’s home to City Hall, the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, the Conference Center at City Springs, retail and residential spaces, and an exterior with bubbling fountains and a sprawling grassy lawn. In 2020, popular Broadway shows like A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Sister Act will take the stage at the Byers Theater in the performing arts center. Other can’t miss City Springs events include the 2020 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and City Green Live.

In addition to this centralized hub—where jazz music, contemporary dance shows, movies by moonlight, and more are commonplace—Sandy Springs also boasts a one-of-a-kind collection of events that would rival any city. From the must-see-to-believe Lantern Parade, in which hundreds of lanterns are lit up and walked from Steel Canyon Golf Club to Morgan Falls Overlook Park, to the Food That Rocks festival, which celebrates local cuisine and music, and plenty of other seasonal events between, Sandy Springs is a place where something is always happening.

5. Your Dog Will Love It Just As Much As You

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Sandy Springs makes it easy to get your dog out on the trails, on the water, and even in town! Ry Glover

So, you’ve gone to work all week leaving your dog pent up at home all day, each day? Chances are they are itching to get out on the weekend just as much as you are. Good thing Sandy Springs is perfectly suited for a trip with your four-legged friend.

First, there are tons of dog-friendly trails in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (if your dog has good balance, you can even take them on a standup paddleboard at Morgan Falls Overlook Park).

Second, there are all sorts of restaurants and establishments in Sandy Springs where dogs are not only allowed but also encouraged. Take Perk-N-Pooch, for example, a coffee shop that doubles as a dog grooming business—perfect for when your dog has muddied herself along the banks of the Chattahoochee earlier that morning.

To treat yourself after having gone on a hike and having wrestled your dog with soap and water at Perk-N-Pooch, there’s no better thing to do than grab a beer at Pontoon Brewing. This local favorite brewery has indoor and outdoor seating, a family-friendly vibe, some of the most inventive beer creations you’ll find in Greater Atlanta. Here, you can usually find a kennel’s worth of friendly dogs mingling not only among themselves but also with all the other smiling patrons.

6. There is a variety of transportation options

No car? No problem! From the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can hop on a MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) train and ride it all the way through Atlanta to one of the four stations in Sandy Springs without ever having to change trains. From there, you can easily access restaurants and activities with a ride share service like Lyft or the MARTA bus. Some Sandy Springs hotels also offer complimentary shuttles that can take you to popular local destinations like Truist Park. Sandy Springs’ city center is also very walkable, with the Performing Arts Center and City Green just blocks from many restaurants, bars and shopping centers.

If you are traveling by car, you can access Sandy Springs by two major highways that intersect within the city, Georgia 400 and Interstate 285. From Sandy Springs, you can use these roads to head into Atlanta, drive straight up the Hospitality Highway towards the mountains, or even go down south to Savannah.

7. There’s Something for Everyone

Perhaps best of all, Sandy Springs is a place where everyone can have an unforgettable experience. Are you a mother interested in family-friendly entertainment during the day and maybe a little nightlife cocktail entertainment at night? Maybe you’re the outdoor type hoping to stand-up paddle a long section of the Chattahoochee or even hike and run along its swooping riverside trails. Maybe you’re someone who’s always enjoyed doing things a little outside the box, like playing foot golf or going to a restaurant and bar that doubles as the ultimate gamer’s paradise. No matter what you choose, we’re confident whatever you pick will make you want to return to Sandy Springs again and again.

Written by Ry Glover for RootsRated Media in partnership with Sandy Springs.