Tucked in at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Gainesville community has often been recognized for the excellent quality of life it offers to residents. Originally established as Mule Camp Springs, Gainesville has known several nicknames in its history, including Queen City of the Mountains and the Poultry Capital of the World. The city began to receive a lot of attention after hosting the 1996 Olympic rowing and kayaking events. In 2000, the Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia Trend Magazine named Gainesville a “City of Excellence.” The following year, the city was named one of America’s 100 best retirement towns by Where to Retire magazine.

Lake Sidney Lanier is one of the better known sites in Gainesville. The lake spreads far beyond this community; however, its waters touch five separate counties. It is estimated that seven million people visit the lake each year and take pleasure in its natural wildlife and extensive recreation facilities. Many species of animals, plants and fish live in the region, including the endangered Southern Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. Visitors will also enjoy 49 separate parks, 10 marinas and the Lake Lanier Islands. The islands are considered a premier vacation destination, offering cottages, resort hotels, a water park, day spa, and championship golf courses. Nature enthusiasts will also want to visit the Elachee Nature Science Center. Elachee’s educational programs serve tens of thousands of students and visitors each year. Children also love the interactive museum and families enjoy the miles of trails through the woodland nature preserve.

Sports fans appreciate Gainesville’s proximity to NASCAR racing and professional football. One can attend weekly NASCAR events and a variety of other types of racing at the Lanier National Speedway. Football fans can watch NFL’s Atlanta Falcons practice in their Hall County facility in Flowery Branch, 12 miles south of Gainesville.