Today’s feature is about a small community at the outskirts of Metro-Atlanta. Serenbe is a neighborhood in Chattahoochee Hills, in Fulton county. This community is an example of “New Urbanism.” This term means that “it is an urban design movement which promotes environmentally friendly habits by creating walkable neighborhoods containing a wide range of housing and job types.” It is also a model for well-being and sustainable development.
This gem is hidden off the map, and a little difficult to find. However, it is something that is a fun day trip. On a typical weekend, you can find a large farmers market, multiple restaurants, and lots of shops in either of the “town” areas of the community. This community is full of friendly people who all wave at you when you are walking down the street. The southern hospitality is one of a kind and can be found here. The houses and townhomes that are part of the community are extremely unique and they are very different from other houses in the Chattahoochee Hills area. The houses alone are enough of a reason to tour Serenbe for a day!
The outdoor features are my favorite! Near the Serenbe Inn, there are a variety of fields where horses roam with beautiful yellow flowers in bloom. There is also a small lake with several ducks and geese. With just a small hike through the woods, there is an old school bus that is painted a wide variety of colors. This bus has been there for years, and the painting on the outside changes year after year as a tribute to different places. Along this trail, there is a footpath rock maze that children and adults alike can enjoy. This maze is outlined with rocks, and there are three possible paths to take with only one right answer. Here is a hint: the most difficult path will be the most rewarding. During the summer, there is a small animal farm that people can walk through near the Serenbe Inn. This time there were not any animals out, so that probably depends on the time of year. There are also a variety of different paths around the community. Some have gravel, some are on a boardwalk, and some are just dirt – there are a variety of options to suit the needs of anyone looking for a walking or running trail.
The area around the lake is often used for weddings and other large events. There is a beautiful pavilion with restrooms just below the I found out about Serenbe because I worked as a lifeguard for the community one summer. Serenbe is around 20 minutes from my hometown, Newnan, and less than 40 minutes from Atlanta. I worked as the lifeguard near the lake, helping children get into and out of canoes. I also took them to the pool and supervised them there as well. This was an extremely fun summer job when I was in high school, and now I take friends to Serenbe to see what it is like.
Overall, I would recommend people take a day trip to Serenbe to see what a sustainable community is like!
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