City Series: Duluth

Duluth is a city on the rise. It seems like everyday there's something new going on. The city is home to one of Gwinnett's first breweries, fabulous events and excellent eateries. We spoke to Duluth Mayor, Nancy Harris, to get you the inside scoop.

Community.

Site work has begun on the municipal parking deck and Marriott Courtyard downtown. The hotel will sit on top of the deck and is expected to be open for service Spring 2021. The new 20,000 sq. ft. Duluth Library Branch is also expected to break ground in downtown in late fall of this year.  Our restaurant district saw the opening of four new eating options and three more are currently in tenant build out.

Duluth has a very active event season. We have live music on Thursdays and on Fridays, our Fridays-N-Duluth event features food trucks and entertainment. Always exciting is our July 3rd event, Duluth Celebrates America, which showcases rocking bands, food trucks, entertainment and a unbelievable fireworks display for all to enjoy. The award-winning Duluth Fall Festival is a community favorite which takes place the last weekend in September.

It has to be Duluth Fall Festival. It is how our community invites new people in and sustains long-time residents. There are over 400 volunteers that put on this event every year. The Festival is more than just a two-day event; funds from the event impact the city year around. 

That is a hard one. We have so many unique restaurants throughout the city.  I would say start with O4W Pizza and the Grandma Pie. The pizza has a regional reputation throughout metro Atlanta. Then hit the brew pubs and dessert shops. We also have international offerings, especially Asian cuisines, with regional reputations.

Duluth is fortunate to be located on the Chattahoochee River. Rogers Bridge Park has a National Park Service authorized canoe and raft launch on the river and businesses which support that recreational opportunity. We have a series of city supported parks with passive and active recreation. Most recently, Melody Lane, an interactive musical art exhibit, was added to W.P. Jones Park.

Now that one I cannot answer. We have unique retail options, but retail is so hard right now we are making it a priority to determine what retail mix can survive in the mail order world. The brick and mortar stores need your support to survive.

I don’t think most people know that the Eastern Continental Divide runs through the middle of historic Downtown Duluth. This geographical phenomenon occurred over hundreds of years due to the flow of water and of course man’s disturbances. 

Also, Duluth is home to the farm which developed the genetic variety of supermarket chicken we all eat today. Charles Vantress developed the meat chicken. We created a mascot called DeeDee, the double-breasted chicken, to pay homage to the development. Prior to Vantress Chicken, America did not eat much chicken.

If you're looking for something fun to do or somewhere fabulous to eat, Duluth is the spot for you. Be sure to keep and eye on our calendar of events so you don't miss a thing!

Want to learn about some of Gwinnett's other cities? Check out our story about Lawrenceville.

Post by Jessica Whittingslow

Self-proclaimed foodie and adventurer, Jessica loves to explore Gwinnett and all the great dining, shopping, activities and events the area has to offer. When she's not telling you guys what dishes to try or where to be, she's reading, spending time outdoors or catching up on the latest Netflix original series (who else loved Stranger Things??).