Lawrenceville is the Gwinnett county seat, and its best days run between the historic courthouse square and the county park system that surrounds it. Everything here is a real place with a fixed address, from the professional theater to the Triple-A ballpark.
1. The Historic Square and the courthouse
The 1885 Gwinnett Historic Courthouse with its clock tower anchors the walkable square, now ringed with shops, galleries, and restaurants. It is the closest thing Gwinnett has to a courthouse town.
2. Aurora Theatre
Gwinnett's professional theater at the Lawrenceville Arts Center, producing Broadway musicals, plays, and comedy across the year. It is the county's main stage.
3. Gwinnett Field
The Triple-A ballpark on Buford Drive home of the Gwinnett Stripers, long known as Coolray Field. A summer night in the seats is the county's best cheap date.
4. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds on Sugarloaf Parkway host the annual Gwinnett County Fair each September plus a year-round expo calendar of shows and events.
5. The Lawrenceville Lawn
The civic green a step off the square that carries the city's festival calendar, from the summer concert and movie series to the holiday events.
6. Lawrenceville Farmers Market
Saturday mornings on the historic square through the summer, with produce, meats, honey, and crafts from area vendors. It is the square's easiest stop.
7. Rhodes Jordan Park
The 162-acre county park five minutes from the square with a fishing lake, a recreation center, a summer pool, and ball fields.
8. Tribble Mill Park
The 713-acre park on the northeast side with two lakes, a paved loop trail, unpaved hiking and equestrian trails, and the big Ozora Meadows event lawn.
9. Alexander Park
The county park on the Snellville side with trails, sports fields, and a playground, a dependable weeknight loop.
10. The downtown table
Dominick's, Strange Taco Bar, Adriatic Grill, and Hacienda Taqueria and Cantina keep the square fed, from the long Italian dinner to the quick taco stop.
Next in the series: 10 Best Things to Do in Dacula
The best parks on Gwinnett's northeast spine
The Lawrenceville city guide