18 Best Things To Do In Ball Ground, Georgia

1. Take a leisurely stroll at Gibbs Gardens

Enjoy beautiful views everywhere you look at Gibbs Gardens. One of the biggest residential gardens in the world, the property sits on 376 acres (152.16 hectares) of land and features three feature gardens. You have the Manor House Gardens, the Japanese Garden, and the Waterlily Garden. However, there are 16 gardens in the whole property. Truly, the place is a paradise with other attractions such as beautiful ponds, as many as 19 waterfalls, and stunning bridge crossings to help you explore the area.

Gibbs Gardens

Address: 1987 GIBBS DRIVE, BALL GROUND, GA 30107

Website: Gibbs Gardens

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Adult: 25 USD; Children: 10 USD; Seniors: 18 USD

2. Take a day trip to Amicalola Falls State Park

Sitting on the cusp of the North Georgia Mountains, this place is perfect for those who’d like a retreat in nature and want to see stunning views. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge even offers lodging for those who want to marvel at this beauty and stay for some time. Make sure you don’t miss seeing the majestic 729-foot (222.20-meter) waterfall, Amicalola Falls, which is the attraction the whole park is named after. There are also plenty of activities offered in the park. There are ziplines, archery classes, waterfall hikes, and many others.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Address: 418 Amicalola Falls Road Dawsonville, GA 30534

Website: Amicalola Falls State Park

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

3. Enjoy controlled game hunting and kayaking at McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area

Get your gear ready and come on along for a hunting expedition at McGraw Ford WMA in Cherokee County. This dense and large wildlife management area is situated on the Etowah River, a 164-mile (264 km) long river that rises to the north of Atlanta. The popular deer hunting area also provides kayaking expeditions along the Etowah River. It features horse and bike trails and thus is a prime destination for hikers apart from being dedicated to promoting a healthy game population.

McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area

Address: 1554 Ball Ground Rd #1552, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Admire nature at Ball Ground Botanical Garden

Ball Ground Botanical Garden is a great site for outdoor fun with family and kids. Grab your camera and join the rest in admiring several of nature’s finest plant and animal species. Embrace the richness of nature at the home of several endangered species of both flora and fauna. You cannot afford to miss out on bonding with the family, as the garden has both the bounty and serenity for outdoor activities–perfect for an afternoon of fun and learning at the same time.

Ball Ground Botanical Garden

Address: Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: Ball Ground Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Spend a day at Dwight Terry Fields

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Dwight Terry Fields is a large park situated northeast of Cherokee County. It is known to be the home to the Jr. Grizzlies youth baseball program and includes several playing fields, a playground, and a paved walking track as well as several other recreational facilities for the ultimate outing with your friends or family. The kids will especially enjoy the large space where they can play all kinds of fun games. Its highlights include beautiful flower-surrounded alleys with a clean and refreshing breeze that ensures the adults get a place to relax and unwind.

Dwight Terry Fields

Address: 13395 East Cherokee Drive Ball Ground GA 30107

Website: Dwight Terry Fields

Opening hours: Sunrise - 11pm (daily)

6. Have a picninc on a sunny day at Calvin Farmer Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Cherokee County is known to have several parks and recreation centers and Calvin Farmer Park is one of its bests. The park has several recreation facilities including two picnic pavilions, a children’s playground, ponds, and vast open fields. You can take your pets for some fun outdoors, too! Also, the area has several hiking trails with different difficulty levels.

Calvin Farmer Park

Address: 200 Old Dawsonville Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: Calvin Farmer Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

7. Slide across the waterfalls at Poole's Mill Bridge Park

Get the chance to have a one-on-one session with nature at Poole’s Mill Bridge Park. Walk along Poole’s Mill Bridge and cross over Settendown Creek and head for a swim under the cool and refreshing waterfall cascades. The park also features playgrounds so you can take the kids out to play, as well as hiking trails that will lead you to other parts of the park, revealing some mesmerizing hidden gems of nature.

Poole's Mill Bridge Park

Address: 7725 Pooles Mill Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107

Website: Poole’s Mill Bridge Park

Opening hours: 6am – 9:30pm (daily)

8. Sip the finest wine at Feather's Edge Vineyards

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Some rustic charm coupled with the wine offered at Feather’s Edge Vineyards is all you need on a weekend to brush away the tough week at the office. This lovely winery situated north of Atlanta is elegant, the garden setting is refreshing, and the subtle sound of soft, pleasant music will make you wish for the day to last longer. You will occasionally find bands playing, too! Enjoy tasting some of the best quality wines at Feather’s Edge Vineyards.

Feather's Edge Vineyards

Address: 10061 Ball Ground Hwy, Ball Ground, GA 30107-6208

Website: Feather’s Edge Vineyards

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

9. Relish delicious meals at Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen is a well-known diner for locals in the area. This restaurant in Ball Ground, Georgia, is something of a family business and is the best place to be for a Sunday lunch. It has an array of delectable Louisiana cuisine options including seafood choices like shrimp and crawfish among others. The restaurant has something for everyone and is dedicated to providing you with the best quality food in the area. Its friendly owners and staff will make you feel at home in a relaxing and comfortable setting. Check it out!

Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen

Address: 248 Gilmer Ferry Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: Les Bon Temps Louisiana Kitchen

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

10. Get a bird's eye view with Vintage Flights

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Vintage Flights is all about planes and more planes. The large hangar consists of several vintage World War II planes that can fly you around. The unique experience is unmissable, as Vintage Flights gives you unmatched first-hand sights of the remaining historic dual flight-control equipped planes that were used in combat decades ago, which you get to control when you decide to go airborne. The collection of aircraft is authentic and brings you to experience a piece of history in an exciting way.

Vintage Flights

Address: Ball Ground, GA, USA

Website: Vintage Flights

Price: From 195 USD

11. Play a round of golf at Hawks Ridge Golf Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Hawks Ridge Golf Club offers you present-day golfing luxury. The 18-hole championship golf course was designed and then established in 1999 by a well-known American golf course designer known as Bob Cupp. Hawks Ridge Golf Club has a daring mix of modernity and classical style that is famous for attracting some of the region’s most famous personalities including athletes–some of whom you are likely to bump into. Showcase your skills while you enjoy the beautiful but challenging course at this high-end golf club.

Hawks Ridge Golf Club

Address: 1100 Hawks Ridge Golf Club, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: Hawks Ridge Golf Club

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 7am – 8pm (closed on Mon)

12. Get competitive at Nitro Paintball

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Team up, get your gear ready, and take your positions! Nitro Paintball is the place to be on weekends. The keen referees will explain the rules of the game and tell you about the guns and safety equipment–best be attentive or fail your team and be defeated. Strategize and find solutions to be the victors. Nitro Paintball is famous for its great staging area, wonderful staff, and fair prices to get you psyched. This weekend destination is a great place for the family and kids to enjoy family moments that create lasting memories.

Nitro Paintball

Address: 204A Lower Bethany Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107-7357

Website: Nitro Paintball

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

13. Wander along the trails at Eagles Beak Park

Eagles Beak Park is the newest recreation park in Ball Ground. The beautiful park offers plenty of recreation choices for its visitors. These include a picnic space, several walking trails, and a boat and kayak river launch among other open fields for picnics and events. You will get to learn the history of the park, too, including the intriguing Trail of Tears. It begins at the park and it is near the place where Chief Vann, an influential Cherokee leader, was assassinated more than two centuries ago. Eagle’s Beak Park will bring you closer to some peace of mind as you interact with nature for a truly enjoyable outing experience. Whether its hiking, kayaking, or just taking the long walking trails together with your loved ones, you are guaranteed to have fun.

Eagles Beak Park

Address: 8400-8782 Old Federal Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: Eagles Beak Park

Opening hours: 6am - 9:30pm (daily)

14. Savor delectable Sunday barbecue at Two Brothers Bar-B-Que

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Help yourself to a delicious Sunday barbecue! Located on a side road, the restaurant is a top eatery and a local favorite. The menu at Two Brothers Bar-B-Que includes excellent cakes and desert after you dig into their tasty dishes. The good barbecue offered plus the wonderful service are just what you need especially for a weekend brunch with family and friends while you share and catch up with each other. The setup is relaxing and comfortable so your dining experience is sure to be great.

Two Brothers Bar-B-Que

Address: 1695 Old Canton Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: Two Brothers Bar-B-Que

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10:30am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 9pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

15. Try Ball Ground's best coffee at Barrel House Coffee Co.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Barrel House Coffee Co. is a great coffee shop and is one of Ball Ground’s top gems. The spot is one of the most recommended for coffee lovers with its outdoor seating area, cool vibe, and of course, great coffee concoctions. If you crave the best coffee and a plate of delicious cinnamon rolls in town and also want a nice peaceful place you can enjoy your favourite book, or catch up with friends, then this amazing shop is for you. Check it out!

Barrel House Coffee Co.

Address: 275 Gilmer Ferry Rd Suite #5, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: Barrel House Coffee Co.

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Tue - Thu: 7am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

16. Discover interesting artworks at Wildcat on a Wing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Wildcat on a Wing is an interesting site that you can’t miss visiting especially is you are a lover of art. Wildcat on a Wing houses unique collections of artworks–some made out of mosaics to produce the finest-crafted artworks. There are several creatures and artifacts including birdhouses, pottery, jewelry, and garden art that have been either been carved out or made from recycled materials like broken glass.

Wildcat On A Wing

Address: 10061 Ball Ground Hwy, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: Wildcat On A Wing

Opening hours: Sun: 12:30pm - 5pm; Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

17. Sample some delicious homemade guacamole at Pueblo Grill Mexican Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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If you enjoy having guacamole in your meals then a trip to Pueblo Grill Mexican Restaurant will leave you licking your fingers. This Mexican restaurant is a local favorite and is the best place for you to enjoy some delicious homemade recipes. Dig into their special guacamole with some crunchy chips. You will definitely come back for more!

Pueblo Grill Mexican Restaurant

Address: 10150 Ball Ground Hwy, Ball Ground, GA 30107, United States

Website: Pueblo Grill Mexican Restaurant

Opening hours: Sun: 11:30am - 9pm; Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm

18. Buy rare antique items at The Green Hen Antiques

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Hunt for treasures at this antique shop located off Gilmer Ferry Road. Discover some of the rarest antiques and more amazing collections at The Green Hen Antiques. Get unique-looking oddities and furniture among other interesting finds to decorate your home’s interiors and show off to friends. Enjoy a unique shopping experience and get knowledgeable in the art of identifying valuable items and even discovering their history.

The Green Hen Antiques

Address: 301 Gilmer Ferry Rd. 30107 Ball Ground, Georgia

Website: The Green Hen Antiques

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

Explore and discover Ball Ground

Ball Ground has something for everyone. Get outside the comfort of your hotel room or house and head out to find its hidden gems, some of which have been listed in this article. Take your loved ones with you and make great memories.

Make sure to explore more of Georgia. Try some of the best things to do in Dawsonville and have the trip of a lifetime!