City of Buford Living

Exploring the History and Surprises of Buford, Georgia.

Exploring the History and Surprises of Buford, Georgia.

by | Apr 26, 2023

Make sure to visit Buford, Georgia! This remarkable city is filled with sights and surprises, such as its historic district and acclaimed Mall of Georgia. Bona Allen Tannery’s high-quality leather goods have made the city a favorite amongst Western movie stars, while its renowned mall offers three stories of luxurious options for all kinds of shoppers. With this and more, come experience why Buford remains the most populous city in the area.

Nestled 25 miles northeast of Atlanta and 8 miles from Sterling on the Lake, this charming town is filled with surprises and rich history. It all began in 1872 when a railroad was built connecting Charlotte, North Carolina to Atlanta, making Buford the hub of their interlacing networks. For over 60 years, it was the most populous city in the area and continues to be a beloved destination today.

Buford is known for its historical district, which remains relatively untouched and is rich with memorabilia, beautiful brick buildings, and notable landmarks. As you meander down Main Street, you will be entertained by the local boutiques and delicious eateries. There is also a unique aspect to this city, earning it the nickname “The Leather City”. The Bona Allen Company opened in 1873, producing high-quality leather products which earned a worldwide reputation by the 1950s. From shoes to horse harnesses and hand-tooled saddles, these items attracted the attention of many cowboy stars including Roy Rogers. During the height of Western movies, Bona Allen Tannery crafted custom saddles for some of Hollywood’s finest. Buford has so much to offer, come explore and celebrate a piece of history!

Buford is home to the illustrious Mall of Georgia, the largest shopping center in the Southeast. With three stories and a plethora of exciting attractions, this mall offers a luxurious vacation experience that will tempt visitors to spend the entire day exploring. Offering over 225 stores, a vast dining pavilion, a modern children’s play area, an IMAX movie theatre, and free valet parking, the Mall of Georgia stands as a testament to Buford’s pride and success.

Buford City School District is renowned for its exceptional selection of public and private schools, with Buford High School being a premier destination for students from all over Gwinnett County who are looking to receive an outstanding education. Sterling on the Lake is proud to be situated in a location that provides quality educational opportunities for families to prioritize their children’s futures. Furthermore, the city of Buford has been praised by Time magazine for becoming the “Southern campus of Hollywood” due to its production-friendly tax incentive program and adaptable layout.

This charming city has been the backdrop of iconic films such as Six Pack with Kenny Rogers, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp, and Blended with Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. Additionally, Buford was also the stomping ground for AMC’s “The Walking Dead” series. With its rich culture and plethora of entertainment options, there is something for everyone in Buford, Georgia.

Buford, Georgia is a historical and bright spot in the Southeast. With its incredible landmarks, providing photos of Western movie stars, Leather City, and quaint Main Street, there are never-ending attractions to experience. Fun is plentiful between the Mall of Georgia and the pull of the iconic downtown areas. Buford provides warm hospitality for visitors and is rapidly developing and exploring the wonders that made this town come to be. From 1872 to now, it is definitely one city South which can never be passed up to explore.

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