Cumming City Center: Is It Worth All the Hype?
When we first visited the Cumming City Center on a sunny spring afternoon, we planned to grab lunch and head out. Instead, we spent almost 5 hours exploring!
As a local Georgia couple who now travels full-time in our RV, we found this place offers much more than just a few restaurants and shops.
It’s a central spot with something for everyone, from pet-friendly walking paths to live music and great people-watching.
If you’re wondering what to do at Cumming City Center, whether you’re planning a short stop or an full-day outing, this post breaks it all down to help you make the most of your visit.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
Quick overview for locals and visitors alike:
- Personal favorites for food, drinks, shopping, and more
- Tips for visiting with pets, friends, or kids
- What’s worth your time (and what’s not)
- Unique features like the restored steam engine and outdoor amphitheater
- What to expect before you go, including walking tips, parking, and event highlights
Cumming City Center Restaurants and Bars We Actually Love
This is usually our first stop when we visit. Whether we’re grabbing lunch with friends or looking for a casual date night, the restaurants and bars at the Cumming City Center are an easy win.
Los Rios is one of our go-to spots. The vibe is relaxed, the food is solid, and the drinks are even better. They have an entire wall of frozen margaritas in rotating flavors. The strawberry one is Morgan’s favorite, especially on a hot day.
SliceAbility is another favorite if we have extra time. We do not recommend this location if you are in a hurry. Their pizza and cheesy bread hits the spot and we love that the business supports adults with special needs through job training and inclusion. It’s one of those places you feel good supporting.
The Well is another option if you want to grab a bite to eat while listening to live music inside. The typically have a free live band on Friday and Saturday nights and have some ticketed events as well.
There are several other restaurants and bars scattered throughout the City Center.
Keep in mind that things do change often. We’ve seen a few places open and close since the area launched, so while we try to keep this post updated, the exact list may vary.
Insider note: You can walk around the entire City Center with your drink as long as it was purchased on-site. We’ve grabbed to-go margaritas and eaten outside near the amphitheater more than once.
Boutiques & Shops: Easy Local Gifting and Southern Finds
The shops at Cumming City Center aren’t massive, but they’re a fun way to kill some time or grab a quick gift. Morgan has popped into these more than once when she needed a last-minute present or something local-themed for a friend.
Many of the boutiques carry Southern-inspired items like lake gear, zip code apparel, and handmade gifts. You’ll also find jewelry, candles, and small-batch goods that feel a little more personal than what you’d grab at a big box store.
We wouldn’t plan an entire visit around shopping alone, but it’s an easy way to round out your trip. The storefronts are clustered together, so it’s easy to walk between them without much effort.
Insider tip: Some of the shops rotate inventory seasonally, so you might find different items around the holidays or during event weekends. It’s worth popping in even if you’ve visited before.
Concerts, Events, and the Amphitheater
The amphitheater is one of the highlights of Cumming City Center, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend. We’ve been to several concerts here, and it’s always a laid-back experience. Bring a lawn chair or a picnic blanket and settle in with a drink from one of the nearby bars or restaurants.
Live music is common on weekends, and sometimes they’ll show college football games on the big screen. We’ve caught a few Georgia games this way, and it’s a fun way to spend a Saturday evening.
Just know the sun sets directly behind the amphitheater. Depending on the time of day, it can be pretty blinding but sunglasses help a little.
One of the best parts? You’re allowed to carry your food and drinks around the City Center as long as they were purchased on-site. We’ve often grabbed something from Los Rios or a local bar and taken it straight out to the lawn.
Local tip: Events can pop up quickly, especially during spring and fall. Check the City Center’s social pages or website before you go to see if there’s anything fun happening that day.
Walking Paths, Mini Golf, and Other Things to Do
Cumming City Center is more than food and shopping.
Accessibility note: There are ramps and an elevator available, but the layout requires quite a bit of walking. For visitors with mobility concerns, it’s helpful to plan ahead and take breaks along the way.
Local tip: This is the kind of place where wandering works best. Don’t over-plan. Just grab a drink, walk a bit, and enjoy what you find.
Pet-Friendly Walking Paths
It’s a great spot for a casual stroll or to unwind outdoors. We’ve brought Coco here many times and walked the boardwalks and green spaces together.
It’s pet-friendly and relaxed, which makes it a nice change of pace if you just want to stretch your legs.
Mini Golf
This was not as much fun as we had hoped. Well, it wasn’t really fun for Morgan at least.
Going into this date night, we were expecting to play Putt Putt. You know… with the windmills and having your ball drop into one hole and come out somewhere else. The version that makes you laugh and is fun for the whole family.
Well, the course at the Cumming City Center is truly mini golf, not a fun putt putt course.
Each hole is designed after an actual hole on a famous or local golf course.
There are holes from the Augusta National, Polo Fields, and more. There are no rails or bumpers so Morgan, who is definitely NOT a golfer (or even good at putt putt if we’re being honest), had a hard time keeping her ball in the right area.
If you go in with the right mindset, you’ll have a great time. If you are expecting the family-friendly version of putt putt we are used to, you will likely be disappointed.
Small Playground
The same goes for the playground.
For a space this size, we expected something more interactive or expansive. It’s really just a small area with limited features. If you’re visiting with children, know this is more of a quick stop than a major attraction.
Steam Engine Display
One unique stop worth pointing out is the restored steam engine on display. Cumming has a long history with steam engines, and the city still hosts a steam engine parade every Fourth of July.
You’ll also see them celebrated at the local fair and community events throughout the year. The display at the City Center is a nice tribute to that heritage and gives a little historical context to the area.
Grab Dessert at Vampire Penguin
You should give this place a try. It is not your typical snow cone or shaved ice. It is hard to describe… well, actually…. no, it isn’t! It is delicious!
But in all seriousness, the best way we can think to explain it is light but still creamy. Try it for yourself and let us know what you think!
Ride the Vision Drive Express
The train runs on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is a fee per person (adults and children are welcome). The ride lasts for approximately 5-7 minutes and typically picks up and drops off at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater.
Check Out the Veterans Memorial
This special section of the Cumming City Center is dedicated to our service members. It details each of the branches of the military and each of the major wars. With multiple family members who served, this truly touched us.
When to Go and Tips for Your Visit
If you want the best experience, plan to arrive in the late afternoon. That gives you time to eat, walk around, shop a little, and catch a sunset or evening event.
Parking can be hit or miss depending on the day and time. There’s a decent amount of space, but weekends can fill up quickly. If you don’t find a spot right away, check nearby overflow lots and be prepared for a short walk.
This is a walk-heavy place, so wear comfortable shoes.
If you’re coming for a concert or event, consider bringing a chair or picnic blanket. You’ll see plenty of people spread out on the lawn near the amphitheater enjoying the atmosphere.
Events happen often but aren’t always heavily promoted. Checking the City Center’s website or social media before you go can help you catch a live performance, market, or food truck night.
Quick tips:
- Dress for the weather, especially if you’re staying for sunset
- You can bring food and drinks outside as long as they were bought on-site
- Sunglasses come in handy during golden hour if you’re near the amphitheater
- The vibe is casual, so don’t overthink it
Frequently Asked Questions
How is parking at the Cumming City Center?
There are some parallel parking spaces along the main entrance and some of the store fronts. There is also a parking deck at the rear of the property.
Depending on when you visit, parking may be more difficult to find. If there is a major event happening, plan to arrive early if you can.
Is the City Center pet-friendly?
Yes. Pets are welcome throughout the outdoor areas, including the boardwalks and amphitheater lawn. Just keep them leashed and clean up after them.
The stores and restaurants accept service animals.
I’m attending an event. Can I bring my own cooler? Chairs? Tent?
According to their rules, you are allowed to bring your own chairs and/or blankets. However, tents, coolers, and any glass containers/bottles are prohibited.
Where is the Cumming City Center?
Well, it’s name can be confusing because it is not in the city center – ha! It is located off Hwy 20 just outside of downtown Cumming at 423 Canton Rd.
Can you bring outside food or drinks?
No. Only food and drinks purchased from on-site vendors are allowed. But you can take them with you throughout the City Center, including into the amphitheater and along the walkways.
Check it Out & Decide for Yourself
Whether you’re a Georgia local looking for a quick outing or a visitor planning a weekend trip, the Cumming City Center has a wide range of things to do.
From live music and dog-friendly trails to boutique shopping and casual bites, it’s an easy place to enjoy a full afternoon or just stop in for one highlight. Save this guide, choose a few favorites, and leave yourself time to explore what you didn’t expect.
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