Stone Mountain, GA

Before 1800, Stone Mountain was a ceremonial and meeting place for Native Americans, who discovered the mountain 9,000 years ago. In 1821, the Treaty of Indian Springs opened the area for settlement, and some farmers arrived to the area. Aaron Cloud purchased the mountain and built a restaurant and observation tower at the summit to attract visitors. In 1839, a village was established at the base of the mountain and named New Gibraltar. The Georgia Legislature changed the name in 1847 to Stone Mountain. Soon, the railroad was built, connecting Stone Mountain with nearby Atlanta.

In 1887, the Venable brothers purchased Stone Mountain for $48,000. When they were approached by the Daughters of the Confederacy to create a Civil War memorial for Stonewall Jackson, Jefferson Davis, and Robert E. Lee, they deeded the north face of the mountain to them, giving them 12 years to complete the 1.57-acre sculpture. Construction was delayed due to WWI, and later by the Great Depression, and a third time by WWII. Although the mural was started in 1916, it wasn't completed until 1972. Gutzon Borglum, the same artist who later did Mount Rushmore, began the carving and abandoned the project in 1925.

In addition to the sculpture, Stone Mountain Park features a quarry exhibit, the Confederate Hall Historical & Environmental Education Center, and a 732-bell carillon. The Discovering Stone Mountain Museum includes Civil War exhibits as well as historical exhibits that explore nearly 12,000 years of the area's history. The ART Station, located in the Old Trolley Station in downtown includes art galleries, a theater, classes, crafts, and special events.

The Stone Mountain Village Visitor Center is a definite must-visit. Located in the historic village, this is a Seaboard Railroad Wood Center-Cupola Caboose dating back to 1914. The caboose was used during the filming of the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes. You can purchase tickets to Stone Mountain Park there, or just enjoy the unique red caboose.

Stone Mountain offers some terrific restaurants, especially Downtown. Sweet Potato Cafe is a local favorite, featuring farm-to-table Southern cuisine like Sweet Potato, Corn & Black Bean Hash. The Sweet A'Roma Bakery & Cafe is located along Main Street and includes sidewalk seating. For lunch, the quirky Weeyums Philly Style is a great location for cheesesteaks and other Philadelphia-inspired sandwiches.

With Downtown Atlanta just minutes away, take MARTA, Atlanta's high-speed train, walk or bicycle via the Stone Mountain Trail (if you have a few hours), or drive the 19 miles to visit some of Atlanta's hottest night clubs, theaters, and sports venues.

You have plenty of options when trying to get around in Stone Mountain. Starting at a loop around Stone Mountain, the Stone Mountain Trail leads to Piedmont Avenue in Downtown Atlanta. Stretching 19 miles, this path (which does require some on-street travel) includes Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain Village, the Fernbank History Center, the Carter Center, and the MLK Historic Site.

If you don't want to walk or bike, MARTA provides a terrific car-free option for commuting to and from the Atlanta area. Bus stops are available throughout Stone Mountain, which will connect you with MARTA's Blue line. For those who prefer to travel by car, I-20 is the best way to reach downtown. Other area roads to know include Panola Road, Memorial Drive, Mountain Industrial Boulevard, and the Stone Mountain Freeway.

When you rent a Stone Mountain apartment, you get the entire park as your backyard. Some of the park's attractions include a mini golf course, a historic square featuring homes dating back to 1793, the YOGI BEAR 4-D Adventure, the scenic railroad, Camp Highland Outpost, Ride the Ducks (a land-to-water adventure in a 1940-era Army boat), and more. In winter, the fun only heats up with Snow Mountain's tubing and fun-filled Snow Zone.

Hike the Stone Mountain Trail, explore the hiking trails and enjoy the swimming pool at Wade-Walker Park, or explore Stone Mountain's city parks.

Stone Mountain is a popular Atlanta suburb with a healthy tourism industry. Renting an apartment in Stone Mountain will average around $780, while wages are in line with Atlanta's average -- $41,000 in Stone Mountain, compared to $48,000 in Atlanta. If you decide to buy a house in Stone Mountain, it will be roughly $99,000. That's slightly less than the state average of $142,000. Stone Mountain has plenty of apartment communities to choose from. About 45 percent of Stone Mountain residents rent, which is higher than the state average of 37 percent.

Downtown Stone Mountain is a beautiful shopping district. Known as "Stone Mountain Village," tourists as well as residents enjoy strolling along the brick-paved sidewalks and shopping in the historic buildings. You'll discover unique clothing boutiques, antique stores, specialty shops, and other locally-owned businesses in this shopping district.

Stone Mountain Park contains a shopping area with a candy store, a glass shop, a souvenir shop, and a Marketplace Gift Shop. The Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard in the park contains an old-fashioned general store complete with candy, fudge, pottery, crafts, and more.

The Northlake Mall is located just outside of Stone Mountain. This indoor shopping mall is anchored by Macy's, Kohl's, and Sears. The Stonecrest Mall is located in neighboring Lithonia and contains Dillard's, Sears, and Macy's.