Buford Travel Guide

Explore the culturally significant attractions, natural beauty, food, and transport options in Buford, Georgia.


A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Buford

Welcome to Buford, a charming city located in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. Buford is known for its picturesque scenery, natural beauty, cultural attractions, shopping options and delicious local cuisine. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore some of the top things to see and do in Buford, places to visit, transport options, food scene, cultural traditions, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Buford

Buford is a lively city with a variety of cultural, natural and leisure attractions to visit. Here are some of the must-visit top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Buford has a rich heritage reflected in its many historical and cultural attractions. Some of the must-visit places are:

  • Buford Museum: This museum showcases the local history of Buford, including the area’s past when it was known as the town of Buford but was not incorporated. It is an excellent place to learn about the area’s history.
  • Bona Allen Mansion: Built in the 1890s, this beautiful mansion offers a glimpse into the life and times of wealthy leather-goods manufacturer Bona Allen and his family. Guided tours are available.
  • Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center: It is an interactive museum that focuses on ecology, natural history, land use management, and STEM education. It has over 700 acres of preserved land with trails, gardens, and outdoor exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Buford: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Buford also offers plenty of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Here are some of the most popular natural attractions worth visiting:

  • Lake Lanier: A vast lake that provides an opportunity for Boating, swimming, fishing, and skiing.
  • Buford Dam Park: This tranquil park overlooks Lake Lanier and contains a playground, a beach, picnic areas, and boat launches.
  • Tribble Mill Park: A country park with a lake suitable for fishing, kayaking, and nature trails for hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Buford

Love hiking and biking? Buford has many trails for you to explore. Here are some of the must-try trails:

  • Buford Dam Trail: A picturesque trail that spans approximately 5 miles, offering scenic views of Lake Lanier.
  • Little Mulberry Park: This park covers 890 acres and has several hiking trails and rental facilities for bikes.
  • Ivy Creek Greenway: A paved route that is perfect for walking, cycling, or jogging, and it features beautiful views and a small waterfall.

Best Things to Do in Buford: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do and see in Buford, and many tours and activities can fill up your day. Here are some of the top things to consider doing:

  • Visit the Mall of Georgia: It’s the largest mall in Georgia with a variety of shopping and dining options.
  • Catch a movie at the AMC Theater in Mall of Georgia: The theater provides the latest blockbusters, recliner seating, and IMAX movies.
  • See the Buford Community Center Theatre: The community center frequently hosts live performances and musical shows.
  • Play laser tag at Laser Quest: A thrilling activity for all ages with arcade games and other entertainment.

Week-Long Itinerary for Buford

Are you planning on spending a week in Buford? Here’s a fun-filled itinerary for you:

Day Agenda
Day 1 Visit Bona Allen Mansion, followed by Picnic at Buford Dam Park.
Day 2 Explore the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center and enjoy the Botanical Gardens nearby.
Day 3 Hike Buford Dam Trail, and spend some time on Lake Lanier beach.
Day 4 Visit local landmarks including Buford Museum and Elisha Winn House Museum or go shopping at the Mall of Georgia.
Day 5 Play Laser tag, enjoy arcade games and other entertainment at Laser Quest.
Day 6 Visit Ivy Creek Greenway and catch a movie at AMC Theater in Mall of Georgia.
Day 7 Go fishing or kayaking in the lake, relax and enjoy the sunset view of Lake Lanier from Dockside Grill or Fish Tales Bar.

Food and Drink Scene of Buford

Buford has plenty of local restaurants and bars that offer a delicious selection of food and drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Chicken: It’s a local specialty, and many restaurants serve it Southern-style with different sauces and spices.
  • Barbecue: Buford has plenty of barbecue restaurants serving slow-cooked, flavorful meat, briskets, ribs, chicken, and pork.
  • Pimento Cheese: It’s a traditional Southern spread with shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimento peppers, often served as an appetizer.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: A refreshing southern favorite, perfect as a thirst-quencher.
  • Local Craft Beer: Buford has several local breweries and micro-breweries that have a selection of brews worth trying out.
  • Southern Cocktails: Margaritas, Mint Julep, and Old Fashioned are a few of the traditional Southern Cocktails.

Where to Stay in Buford: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Buford has several accommodation options to choose from depending on your budget. Here are some of the top options:

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites: A budget-friendly hotel with modern amenities and air conditioning.
  • Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge: A luxurious hotel with stylish rooms and scenic views of the lake.
  • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: A hotel conveniently located near Lake Lanier and shopping malls.

What to Buy in Buford: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for souvenirs to take back home? Buford has several stores selling local handcrafted products and souvenirs. Here are some things to consider buying:

  • Local honey: Buford is famous for its honey, often sold at local markets and farmers’ markets.
  • Pottery: Artisan pottery and other craft products are worth looking into for souvenirs.
  • Georgia Peach products: Jams, sauces, and other products made with locally grown peaches are popular souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Buford

While Buford has a diverse population, the southern hospitality and traditions are greatly revered. The city is friendly and welcoming to visitors. It’s common to hear a lot of “Yes Ma’am,” “No Ma’am,” “Yes Sir,” and “No Sir” as a sign of respect and politeness. It’s also a common southern tradition to take pride in the appearance of your home and garden. So, when you’re there, be respectful and courteous.

Best Time to Visit Buford

The best time to visit Buford is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September and November) when the weather is pleasant, and the foliage is at its best. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winters (December to February) can be cold but not extreme.

Do’s and Don’ts of Buford

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you enjoy your stay in Buford:

Do:

  • Try the Local Food: The Southern food scene is often missed but it’s a must-try when you are in Buford.
  • Be Respectful: Show respect towards the Southern culture and traditions.
  • Learn Local Lingo: Enjoy getting to know the locals and their southern expressions.

Don’t:

  • Be Late: In Southern Culture, punctuality is considered important.
  • Wear Expensive Outfits: Being too fashionable can be a sign of disrespect for Southern culture. Dress casually.

Safety and Health

Safety in Buford

Buford, like any other city, has its share of crime. However, violent crime rates are low, and it’s generally a safe place to visit. Take the same safety precautions you would take in any other US city.

Health in Buford

Bufford has several hospitals and medical facilities, so it’s relatively safe from a public health perspective. Hydration in the hot summer months is important, and having sunscreen is always useful.

Getting to Buford: Transportation Options and Logistics

Buford is well-connected with several transport options, including air, road, and rail.

Airports Near Buford

The nearest airports to Buford are:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Located approx. 41 miles from Buford, it’s the busiest airport in the US.
  • Gwinnett County Airport: Located in Lawrenceville, GA, and about 10 miles from Buford.

Bus Stations Near Buford

Greyhound bus services are available from Gainesville, a town approximately 8 miles from Buford.

Other Options

  • Metro Trains: The closest Amtrak Train station is located in Gainesville, GA, and Gwinnett Transit provides bus and commuter rail services.
  • Self-Drive: Buford has several car rental options for visitors to explore at their leisure.

How to Get Around in Buford

Buford has several options for transportation: car rentals, Uber, taxis, and public transport. It’s easy to get around by car or bike if you’re comfortable with the traffic and roads. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Where to Go Next from Buford: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Buford’s location in Metro Atlanta makes it an ideal base camp from which to explore surrounding areas. Here are some nearby destinations where you can go next:

  • Atlanta: The capital city of Georgia, with attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park.
  • Stone Mountain Park: The park boasts a massive carved quartz rock structure of Confederate heroes and has several hiking and walking trails.
  • Athens: It is an hour’s drive to Athens and features the university of Georgia, museums, shopping, and dining options.

Conclusion

Buford, Georgia, is a city that offers a delightful combination of Southern hospitality, cultural and natural attractions, outdoor activities, local food, and much more. The charm and warmth of this city have been attracting visitors for years. With this comprehensive tour guide, you can easily plan your trip to Buford, explore its many attractions, enjoy the local cuisine, and make lovely memories.