Tanger Outlets Locust Grove: Atlanta’s Popular Outlet Mall Getaway
If you live in Atlanta or you are visiting and want a full day of outlet shopping, Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is one of the closest and most convenient options. Just south of the city off I‑75, it offers national brands at discounted prices, plenty of parking, and an easy in‑and‑out experience for shoppers coming from metro Atlanta.
Where Tanger Outlets Locust Grove Is and How to Get There
Address:
Tanger Outlets Locust Grove
1000 Tanger Drive
Locust Grove, GA 30248
General phone: Often listed as a main mall information line on official signage or directories.
Driving from Atlanta
Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is about 35–45 minutes south of downtown Atlanta, depending on traffic.
From Downtown Atlanta:
- Take I‑75 South
- Exit at Exit 212 – Bill Gardner Parkway
- Turn left (east) onto Bill Gardner Parkway
- Follow the signs into the Tanger Outlets complex
From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
- Take I‑85 South briefly
- Merge onto I‑285 East
- Then take I‑75 South
- Continue to Exit 212 as above
There is typically ample free parking, including large surface lots around the center. On peak weekends and holiday shopping periods, parking closer to the middle of the property fills up first, so be prepared to walk a bit or park near one of the outer sections.
What to Expect: Layout and Atmosphere
Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is an open‑air outlet center with:
- One‑story buildings arranged in several wings
- Sidewalks and covered walkways connecting stores
- Benches and seating areas for breaks
- Common‑area restrooms and a central information area
The overall feel is casual and family‑friendly. Many Atlanta shoppers come down for:
- Back‑to‑school shopping
- Holiday gift runs
- Seasonal wardrobe updates at discount prices
- Quick day trips combining shopping with a meal
Because it is just off the interstate, the crowd is usually a mix of Atlanta locals, Henry County residents, and travelers driving along I‑75.
Popular Types of Stores and Brands
Specific store lineups can change, but Tanger Outlets Locust Grove typically includes:
Apparel and Footwear
You’ll often find a mix of:
- Athletic and sportswear outlets (sneakers, workout gear, athleisure)
- Casual clothing brands for men, women, and kids
- Jeans and denim outlets
- Outerwear and specialty apparel depending on the season
For many Atlanta shoppers, this center is a go‑to for:
- School clothes and uniforms
- Weekend and casual outfits
- Workout gear at lower prices than in-town full-price stores
Designer and Lifestyle Brands
The outlet often includes:
- Designer or premium labels at discounted prices compared to traditional malls
- Accessory stores for bags, luggage, wallets, and belts
- Jewelry and watch outlets with selections that change seasonally
If you typically shop at Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, or Perimeter Mall but want to save, Tanger Locust Grove can be a lower-cost alternative for some of the same or similar brands.
Athletic, Outdoor, and Streetwear
Atlanta residents who are into sports, walking the BeltLine, or outdoor activities will find:
- Athletic shoe outlets with clearance and last‑season styles
- Outdoor clothing stores at outlet pricing
- Streetwear‑style brands popular with teens and young adults
This can be especially useful when gearing up for:
- Local hikes in North Georgia
- Weekend sports leagues in metro Atlanta
- School sports and PE gear
Home Goods, Accessories, and More
Beyond clothing, you may find:
- Home décor and kitchen outlets
- Luggage and travel gear
- Cosmetics and beauty outlets
- Sunglass and accessory shops
These stores are often used by Atlanta shoppers to:
- Furnish new apartments or homes
- Stock up on gifts before holidays
- Grab travel items before flights out of Hartsfield–Jackson
Food, Snacks, and Breaks
Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is oriented toward shopping first, with a limited but practical selection of food options.
Common options include:
- Quick‑service chain restaurants or counters
- Snack kiosks (pretzels, cookies, ice cream)
- Vending machines in some areas
If you want more variety, there are several restaurants and fast‑food spots right off Bill Gardner Parkway near the outlet entrance. Many Atlanta families plan to:
- Eat a full meal nearby before or after shopping
- Use the outlet’s snack stands and food counters for mid‑trip breaks
Typical Hours and When to Go
Hours may vary by season, but Tanger Outlets Locust Grove commonly follows a late‑morning to evening schedule, with extended hours on major shopping days (such as Black Friday and holiday weekends).
Atlanta shoppers often notice:
- Weekdays (especially mornings/early afternoons) tend to be quieter
- Weekends and holidays can be busy, especially midday and late afternoon
- Sales events around long weekends and back‑to‑school can mean both bigger crowds and better deals
🕒 Tip: If you’re driving down from Atlanta and want to avoid traffic on I‑75 South, aim to:
- Leave before the morning rush or
- Go after the worst of evening commuter traffic
Sample Visit Planner for Atlantans
Below is a simple planning guide for someone starting in Atlanta:
| Starting Point in Atlanta | Approx. Drive Time (No Heavy Traffic) | Suggested Visit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown / Midtown | 35–45 minutes | 3–5 hours | Good for a half‑day trip. Combine shopping with lunch nearby. |
| Buckhead | 45–60 minutes | 4–6 hours | Allow extra time for I‑75 traffic and parking. |
| Decatur / East Atlanta | 35–50 minutes | 3–5 hours | Multiple route options; I‑285 to I‑75 is common. |
| South Atlanta / Forest Park | 25–35 minutes | 2–4 hours | Easy quick outlet run; suits targeted shopping trips. |
Travel times vary with construction and congestion, especially through the Downtown Connector and Henry County stretches of I‑75.
Outlet Shopping Strategy: Getting the Most Value
1. Plan Before You Leave Atlanta
To avoid wandering and overspending:
- Make a store list based on brands you know you’ll use
- Check your closet for what you actually need (school clothes, workwear, shoes)
- Set a budget before you go; outlet prices can make impulse buys tempting
2. Watch for Sales and Seasonal Events
Outlet centers frequently layer store‑specific sales on top of outlet pricing. Common patterns:
- Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.) often bring extra discounts
- Back‑to‑school and early fall can be ideal for kids’ and teens’ clothing
- Post‑holiday sales can be useful for winter wear and clearance gift items
Shoppers coming from Atlanta often coordinate their trip around these events, especially if buying for multiple family members.
3. Compare to In‑Town Options
Before you head down I‑75, it can help to know:
- Some brands have full‑price stores at Atlanta malls and outlet versions at Tanger
- Outlet items may be:
- Last season’s styles
- Overstocks or special “outlet-only” lines
- Prices can be significantly lower than in-town shops, but not every item is a bargain
For big-ticket clothing or shoes, many people in Atlanta:
- Try on sizes at a local store near home first
- Then look for similar items on sale at the outlet
Family‑Friendly Considerations
Many Atlanta families use Tanger Outlets Locust Grove as an all‑ages shopping day.
What Helps Families
- Stroller‑friendly walkways and single‑level layout
- Common outdoor seating for breaks
- Multiple restroom areas for kids and adults
- Quick‑service food options to keep everyone going
What to Pack from Atlanta
Especially if you’re driving down with kids:
- Stroller for toddlers
- Snacks and water in the car or a small bag
- Light jackets or umbrellas if the forecast is uncertain (it’s an open‑air center)
- A small toy or book for breaks
Accessibility and Practical Details
Accessibility features typically include:
- Handicap parking spaces near main entrances
- Curb cuts and ramps along walkways
- Wheelchair‑friendly paths
If you have specific needs, calling the main center information line ahead of time can clarify:
- Wheelchair availability
- Best parking locations
- Restroom accessibility
How Tanger Outlets Locust Grove Fits into Atlanta Shopping Options
From an Atlanta perspective, Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is often compared with:
- Traditional malls like Lenox Square, Cumberland Mall, and Southlake Mall
- Other outlet centers located farther from the city
Reasons Atlanta residents choose Tanger Locust Grove:
- Shorter drive than some other outlet destinations
- Wide selection of national brands in one stop
- Straight shot down I‑75, which many people already use for commuting or trips
It works well if you:
- Want to refresh an entire wardrobe at lower prices
- Are shopping for multiple family members at once
- Prefer an open‑air, spread‑out layout instead of an enclosed mall
If you only need one or two items and live in the core of Atlanta, a nearby in‑town store might be faster. But for planned shopping days, especially with a list, Tanger Outlets Locust Grove can be worth the drive.
Tips Before You Go from Atlanta
- ✅ Check current hours before leaving; seasonal changes and holidays can affect opening and closing times
- ✅ Watch traffic on I‑75 using a navigation app, especially through Henry County
- ✅ Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll likely walk more than at a smaller strip center
- ✅ Bring a reusable shopping bag or two for smaller items
- ✅ Keep receipts organized in case you need to make returns or exchanges
For Atlanta residents and visitors alike, Tanger Outlets Locust Grove offers a straightforward way to combine a short road trip with brand‑name outlet shopping, all within easy reach of the city.