Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta: What Locals and Visitors Should Know
If you search for “Cherokee Country Club Atlanta,” you’re almost always looking for Cherokee Town & Country Club, one of the most prominent private clubs in Atlanta, Georgia. This article breaks down what it is, where it is, who it’s for, and how it fits into Atlanta life—especially if you’re considering membership, attending an event, or visiting from out of town.
Cherokee Town & Country Club at a Glance
Cherokee Town & Country Club is a private, member‑owned club with two main locations in the Atlanta area:
- Cherokee Town Club (Buckhead) – Intown, social and dining focused
- Cherokee Country Club (Sandy Springs / North Atlanta) – Golf, tennis, and broader recreational facilities
While people often say “Cherokee Country Club Atlanta,” they’re usually referring to the country club campus in north Atlanta/Sandy Springs, which is where the main golf course and many athletic amenities are located.
Key points:
- Type: Private club (membership required; not open to the general public for daily use)
- Primary appeal: Golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, dining, and social events
- Typical users: Atlanta families, business professionals, and multi‑generation local members
Locations and Basic Layout
Here’s a simple overview of how the club is structured across metro Atlanta:
| Area | Facility Name | General Location | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intown Atlanta (Buckhead) | Cherokee Town Club | Near Peachtree Road corridor | Dining, social events, some fitness and recreation |
| North Atlanta / Sandy Springs | Cherokee Country Club | Outside I‑285, north of the city | Golf, tennis, aquatics, fitness, family activities |
While the addresses and access details can change over time, both campuses serve the same overall membership, and many Atlanta residents use both depending on where they live and work.
What the “Country Club” Side Typically Offers
When Atlantans refer to Cherokee Country Club, they’re usually talking about the northern campus with more expansive outdoor and athletic amenities. Though the exact facilities can evolve, members generally expect:
Golf Facilities
- Championship‑level courses designed with Atlanta’s rolling terrain and tree canopy in mind
- Practice facilities such as driving ranges and short‑game areas
- Instruction and junior programs for youth and beginners
- Organized member tournaments and leagues
Golf at Cherokee fits into Atlanta’s broader golf culture: many local business relationships and social networks are built around tee times, charity events, and long‑running weekend groups.
Tennis and Racquet Sports
The country club campus tends to feature:
- Multiple outdoor courts (often a mix of hard and soft surfaces)
- Seasonal team play and ladders popular with Atlanta’s active tennis community
- Junior clinics and adult drills
- Some clubs in the area also offer pickleball, and Cherokee has been part of that general trend as racquet sports continue to grow around metro Atlanta.
Aquatics and Swimming
For many Atlanta families, the pool scene is a big reason to join a country club:
- Large family pool areas for recreational swimming
- Swim teams or summer leagues for kids, which can be a major part of suburban life around Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and nearby neighborhoods
- Seasonal poolside dining and social events
Fitness and Recreation
Members usually have access to:
- Fitness centers with cardio and strength equipment
- Group fitness or training options
- Walking areas and green space that can be a nice contrast to intown life
Social, Dining, and Event Life at Cherokee
Even though “country club” brings golf to mind, many Atlanta members value Cherokee just as much for the community and social calendar.
Dining
Across both the Town and Country locations, members typically find:
- Formal dining rooms suitable for business lunches or special occasions
- Casual family‑friendly spaces for weeknight dinners after practice, matches, or school
- Seasonal menus and special event meals around holidays
For people who live in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Chastain Park, Brookhaven, or North Atlanta neighborhoods, Cherokee can function as a regular go‑to dining option, especially for multi‑generation families.
Events and Member Activities
Typical offerings include:
- Holiday events (for example, brunches, fireworks viewing, or seasonal celebrations)
- Themed dinners, wine events, and social mixers
- Youth activities and camps, especially in the summer
- Private event hosting for weddings, milestone birthdays, or corporate gatherings (subject to member sponsorship and club policies)
For out‑of‑town visitors, you might attend Cherokee for a wedding, reception, or corporate event. In those cases, all logistics (guest access, parking, dress code) are usually handled through the hosting member and event planner.
Membership: How It Typically Works in Atlanta
Cherokee Town & Country Club is known locally as a highly private and selective club. While specifics may change and should be confirmed directly with the club, Atlanta residents generally encounter the following structure:
1. Invitation and Sponsorship
- Membership is usually by invitation only.
- Prospective members are often sponsored by existing members who vouch for them.
- The process can involve formal applications, interviews, and a review period.
If you’re new to Atlanta and interested in Cherokee, a common path is:
- Move into a neighborhood where current members live (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, etc.).
- Get involved in local schools, youth sports, or business communities.
- Build relationships; if it’s a mutual fit, a current member may later approach you about sponsorship.
2. Types of Membership
Most Atlanta private clubs, including Cherokee, organize membership types such as:
- Full / Golf membership – Access to the full range of facilities including golf
- Social membership – Emphasis on dining, events, and limited recreation
- Junior or young professional membership – Reduced initiation and dues for younger adults
The exact names and eligibility criteria vary and are set by the club itself.
3. Costs and Financial Commitments
While up‑to‑date numbers must come directly from the club, you can generally expect:
- A one‑time initiation fee
- Monthly dues that vary based on membership type
- Potential minimum spending requirements on food and beverage
For planning purposes, many Atlanta families treat club dues like another major recurring household expense, similar to private school tuition or a sizable car payment.
Dress Codes, Etiquette, and Expectations
Like many long‑established Atlanta clubs, Cherokee maintains standards for attire and behavior, especially in dining areas and on the golf course.
Typical expectations (details can vary by space):
- Golf: Collared shirts, appropriate shorts or pants, golf shoes; no denim on the course
- Dining: Business casual or better in many rooms; sometimes sport coats in specific areas or during certain hours
- Pool and fitness: Standard swimwear and athletic attire; cover‑ups required when moving through indoor spaces
Guests are normally expected to follow the same rules as members. If you’re attending an event and you’re unsure, it’s common in Atlanta to:
- Ask the hosting member, or
- Contact the event coordinator for dress code guidance.
Getting to Cherokee from Around Atlanta
Because Cherokee has two main locations, your route will depend on where you’re coming from.
From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
To the Town Club (Buckhead):
- Drive north on I‑85/I‑75, then into Buckhead’s Peachtree corridor.
- Travel time can range widely depending on traffic—plan extra time during weekday rush hours.
To the Country Club (North Atlanta / Sandy Springs):
- Typically via I‑285 or GA‑400, heading north of the city.
- Traffic around the Perimeter (I‑285) can be heavy at peak times; leaving extra time is wise, especially for weddings or tee times.
From Intown Neighborhoods
If you live in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Virginia‑Highland:
- Town Club: Usually a straightforward drive up Peachtree or via surface streets through Buckhead.
- Country Club: Expect to head north on GA‑400 or Roswell Road toward Sandy Springs and beyond I‑285.
Most events at Cherokee provide on‑site parking, and some functions may offer valet. It’s common for Atlanta guests to use rideshare services when attending evening events where alcohol is served.
How Cherokee Compares Within Atlanta’s Club Scene
Without ranking or endorsing, it helps to understand Cherokee in the context of other Atlanta private clubs like:
- Golf‑oriented clubs in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Roswell
- Intown social or athletic clubs closer to Midtown and downtown
Locals often consider:
- Commute time from home and work
- Whether they want intown dining and social spaces, extensive golf facilities, or both
- Long‑term community fit, especially if they plan to raise a family in the Atlanta area
Cherokee is generally regarded as one of the more established and traditional clubs, drawing multi‑generation Atlanta families, corporate leaders, and professionals who plan to stay in the metro area long term.
Tips If You’re Attending as a Guest
If you’re not a member but have been invited to Cherokee for an event in Atlanta, a few simple steps can make the visit smoother:
- Confirm which campus you’re going to: Town (Buckhead) vs. Country (North Atlanta/Sandy Springs).
- Ask about dress code when you RSVP. Different spaces at the club may have different expectations.
- Build in extra travel time, especially if your event is near rush hour or you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta traffic patterns.
- Bring a photo ID if the event indicates you’ll need to check in at a gatehouse or front desk.
- Follow your host’s lead on tipping for valet or other services and on any club‑specific etiquette.
How to Get the Most Current Information
Because details about membership, costs, hours, and amenities can change, anyone seriously considering Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta should:
- Contact the club office directly by phone for the most current membership and facility information.
- Ask if they can send membership literature or an information packet.
- If you know a current member, request a tour or introduction so you can see how the club fits into your daily Atlanta routine (commute, kids’ schools, work, etc.).
For Atlanta residents, Cherokee can be a long‑term hub for recreation, dining, and social life. For visitors, it’s often the setting for weddings, charity tournaments, and special events that showcase a particular slice of Atlanta’s club culture.