Two Days of Summer Fun: Hikes, Eats & Lakeside Vibes
Summer weekends in Forsyth County, Georgia, are hard to beat. From scenic hikes and local flavors to sweet treats and live music under the stars, this area’s relaxed, festive vibe is the perfect backdrop for your next season in the sun. With one-of-a-kind coffee shops, lakefront activities, great food at every turn, and a stop along the FoCo Pour Tour, here’s how to spend two unforgettable summer days in Cumming.
Saturday
Morning — Hike + Coffee
Start your morning with a breathtaking view of the North Georgia mountains, courtesy of the Indian Seats Trail at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Follow this 3.5-mile trail through peaceful woodlands to hilltop granite formations, where you’ll have a spectacular view of the surrounding country.
After your hike, refresh with some coffee. Community Cup offers Insta-worthy drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. Rendezvous Cafe is a charming spot with unique drinks and scrumptious eats. Myth & Legend has perfect vibes and craft coffee that locals swear by.
Afternoon — Sweet Treat
In the afternoon, treat yourself to something sweet. Shipley’s Do-Nuts serves glazed donuts made fresh every day. With 60 varieties of donuts, plus savory kolaches filled with sausage and cheese, there’s something for everyone.
Head to Marie’s Italian Deli & Bakery for mouthwatering eats like cake, cannoli, and gelato. Inspired by the founder’s memories of delicious family meals with her Italian grandparents, Marie’s is a local favorite. With a connected deli and market, it’s the perfect spot for a snack, a full meal, or a scrumptious dessert.
Evening — Live Music + Dinner
Every summer, Cumming City Center sponsors a free series of concerts, movie nights, and music festivals at the open-air Lou Sobh Amphitheatre. On Saturday nights from 8:00 to 10:00 pm, you can rock out with a tribute band, enjoy drinks at the bar, and stroll around the reflecting pool.
If acoustic music by local artists is more your vibe, you’ll love Halcyon’s Groovin’ on the Green. Gather at the Village Green on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Grab a bite, drink, or dessert from one of Halcyon’s 22 restaurants and enjoy a picnic while you listen.
Night — Glamping
Ready for some magic? Timberline Glamping offers luxury safari tents at Shady Grove Campground, where you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Lanier without sacrificing creature comforts.
Available in different sizes to accommodate solo stays or friend groups, the tents feature amenities like beds, phone chargers, coffee makers, and string lights. Whether you’re roasting S’mores over a fire pit, relaxing in your onsite hammock, or stargazing on the shore, it’s sure to be an enchanting evening.
Sunday
Morning — Lake Time
If you find a better way to pass a lazy summer Sunday than relaxing at Lake Lanier, let us know. At Mary Alice Park, you can take a kayak or paddleboard out on the deep blue waters of Lake Lanier, cool off with a refreshing swim, or just bask in the serenity of Georgia’s natural beauty.
Afternoon — Lunch
When you’re ready for lunch, there are plenty of options not too far from the park. Tam’s Backstage serves award-winning seafood and American fare in a historic, 100-year-old schoolhouse. Jim ’n Nick’s is your go-to spot for tasty barbecue with a side of cheese biscuits. For tacos and Mexican street food, hit up CT Cantina Taqueria: a laid-back eatery with colorful vibes and craft margaritas.
Then there’s Pelican Pete’s Bar and Grill: a floating tiki bar and restaurant on Lake Lanier. Enjoy Mahi fish tacos or Nashville-style fried chicken as you groove to live music and lakeside views. If you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, try Playa Bowls at Halcyon for acai, pitaya, coconut bowls, and smoothies.
Late Afternoon — Game Night
Time for a little friendly competition! Stars and Strikes is a bowling alley and arcade with tons of fun activities. Go bowling, challenge your friends to a game of laser tag, or immerse yourself in a thrilling fantasy world through virtual reality. From arcade games to axe throwing, Stars and Strikes has everything you need for a memorable afternoon.
Evening — Patio Dinner + FoCo Pour Tour
When you’re ready to unwind at the end of your summer weekend, we know the perfect place. Two, in fact. Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon serves up tasty smash burgers, sandwiches,
salmon, and more, plus 20 craft beers on tap. NoFo Brew Co. partners with local food trucks to offer some of the yummiest, trendiest eats in town–from gourmet egg rolls to Mexican fusion and classic wings—plus a premium selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Whether it’s Cherry Street Brewpub or NoFo Brew Co., don’t forget to collect a stamp on the FoCo Pour Tour. After dinner on the patio, order a craft beer or cocktail and relax in the Georgia sun with a cold drink in your hand, peak summer vibes.
A Slice of Summer in Every Stop
Warm mornings in the woods, peaceful afternoons by the lake, and spirited sunsets filled with music: there’s just something special about this corner of Georgia. Here, you can take your time, change your plans as needed, and chase new discoveries while you forge fun summer memories in Cumming.
