Vinings

History of Vinings, NC

One of Atlanta’s most famous roads, Paces Ferry, runs into Vinings, and its name tells the tale of the community’s history. The area was first known as Crossroads, but eventually, one of Atlanta’s most famous Settlers, Hardy Pace, moved to the area and began operating a ferry that took people across the Chattahoochee. He also ran a tavern, a gristmill and a farm. After that, the area became known as “Paces.” By the 1840s, Vinings became a part of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, and the man who laid the tracks and built a station, Wlliam H. Vining, became the new namesake. Sadly, much of the community was destroyed during the Civil War, along with the rest of the Atlanta area, including Hardy Pace’s original home. But Vinings recovered, and Atlanta residents often vacationed and socialized here along the river and nearby springs while the city rebuilt itself. By 1904, residents had a bridge that allowed them to cross the Chattahoochee without the use of a ferry.

Quick Facts

• Population: 10,000
• The headquarters for Home Depot is located in the Vinings area.
• The Vinings Historic Preservation Society has served the area since 1993, and it helps maintain several historic buildings in the community and even holds events throughout the year.
• Vinings is a very small community and only takes up a little over 3 square miles of land and river.
• While students living in Vinings will attend Cobb County Schools, several of Atlanta’s most prestigious private institutions are located just a across the river from Vinings, including Westminster, Lovett, and Pace Academy.

Demographics

Vinings is a great place for singles and busy professionals. As a matter of fact, the average household size in the community is 1.84, and only about 12 percent of the homes have children under the age of 18 in them. Over half of residents are ages 25 to 44. The median household income is around $90,000.

Local Attractions

Many people describe Vinings as having a village-like atmosphere, because, despite its growth, the community remains intimate, and residents can walk to some of their favorite shops and restaurants. Because of its unique location between Atlanta and most of Cobb County, Vinings residents can always find something to do in the surrounding areas. Of course, the Chattahoochee River also provides locals with outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery.

Dining

• Canoe – When it comes to restaurants, Canoe is probably the best of the best in Vinings. The award-winning fine dining establishment sits along the Chattahoochee for a scenic experience while you eat. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called it one of the most romantic spots in Atlanta, and OpenTable called it one of the “Top 100 Best Restaurants in America.”
• Orient Express of Vinings – When Vinings wants sushi and Asian cuisine, it heads straight to Orient Express. The restaurant is located on the old railroad tracks in a historic train car, and it has three different sections for Chinese, sushi, and Hibachi.
• Old Vinings Inn – Picture modern versions of classic Southern food served up in an old house with live music, and you have Old Vinings Inn. The restaurant has earned multiple awards and high ratings for its dishes like Springer Mountain Buttermilk Fried Chicken with white cheddar grits, Pecan Mountain Trout, and Double Cut Marbled Pork Chop with Coca-Cola bourbon glaze.
• SOHO – SOHO opened in 1997, and it has been a Vinings favorite ever since. Located in Vinings Jubilee, the restaurant combines classic American dishes with current trends and a modern interior. Don’t forget to check out the extensive wine list when you visit.
• FIGO Pasta – FIGO is one of the most popular places to get inexpensive yet tasty Italian food in all of Vinings, and it has locations in other parts of Atlanta, as well. Many people stop in for lunch because of the fast and friendly service, others for the casual, rustic atmosphere. Either way, you can choose from an assortment of traditional pasta dishes, salads, soups, and much more.

Transportation

• Interstate 285 – Over 2 million people use Interstate 285 each day, making it Atlanta’s busiest road. Luckily for Vinings residents, a stretch of it forms the western border of the community, meaning you can hop on Atlanta’s perimeter and be practically anywhere in the city in no time.
• Cobb County Transit – The public bus system in Cobb County, Cobb County Transit, serves the area. Several routes take locals in and out of Atlanta and even connect with MARTA, Atlanta’s public transportation system.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – For those who travel often, Vinings is approximately 20 miles north of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The busiest airport in the world, it serves as Delta’s major hub and handles over 2,500 flights each day.

Shopping

• Cumberland Mall – Just along the northern border of Vinings sits Cumberland Mall, which is undergoing a big renovation. It has stores like Macy’s, Costco, Sears, H&M, and Sephora, as well as restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Ted’s Montana Grill.
• Vinings Jubilee – In the heart of Vinings, on Paces Ferry Road, you’ll find Vining’s Jubilee. It is a Victorian village-style outdoor shopping center that is home to stores and restaurants like LOFT, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Mori Luggage and Gifts, Mellow Mushroom, and Cold Stone Creamery.
• Akers Mill Square – Another great place to shop and dine in Vinings is Akers Mill Square. Located near Cumberland Mall, it his home to Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Petco, Toys R Us, Office Max, Sports Authority, Golfsmith, and more. There is also a Barnes & Noble across the street.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• AMC Parkway Pointe 15 – See the latest movies from your reclining seats and enjoy the extensive concessions menu at the Marketplace when you visit AMC Parkway Pointe 15. Military discounts are offered, and Sensory Friendly Films are available for families affected by autism. There is even a bar for guests over 21.
• Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre – Broadway shows, concerts, the ballet, and standup comedy — you can catch it all at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The popular venue opened in 2007 and with a capacity of 2,750, it has become a great way to spend a night out on the town for Vinings residents who don’t want to drive into Atlanta.
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park – Hikers and history buffs will love to spend a day at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The park plays a major role in Civil War history, and today, many monuments mark important locations throughout the grounds. There are 18 miles of trails, and you can bring your picnic basket and binoculars for an outdoor meal and birdwatching.
• North Fulton Golf Course – Vinings is just minutes from North Fulton Golf Couse which dates back to 1937 and was designed by Bobby Jones. Several major tournaments have been held at the 6,570-yard course which features rolling green hills set against the lovely Atlanta skyline.
• Johnny’s Hideaway – Just east of Vinings is Atlanta’s Buckhead district which is known for its exciting nightlife. Here you will find an assortment of bars and nightclubs, as well as places to hear live music, dance, and just have a good time. Johnny’s Hideaway is one that is close to Vinings. It calls itself “Atlanta’s only nightclub for big kids” and plays oldies ranging from Madonna to Elvis.

Real Estate Information

Like most Atlanta suburbs, you will find a mix of traditional and contemporary styles when it comes to homes in Vinings. Must of the newer construction is upscale, and the homes sit on larger, beautifully landscaped lots. Some even overlook the Chattahoochee. You will find gated communities with large European-style homes, swim and tennis communities, townhomes, condos, and much more.

Average Price of Homes

Homes in Vinings tend to cost a little more than they do in nearby Smyrna, but they remain less expensive than homes in Atlanta. Homes tend to start around $400,000s and range up to around $2 million, though you can find a few places outside of that range in both directions. The average sales price usually hovers somewhere between $750,000 and $850,000.